(smiles happily) Oh this is lovely! 18 reviews!...and this story is on the favs list of 23 people. Not bad. Not bad at all. Yay!
My friend I mentioned earlier who has cancer on his kidney had surgery a day or two ago. They took the kidney and all. They're pretty sure it was malignant and that they got all of it. Thank you all of you for your prayers and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Continue to keep your fingers crossed for him!
Wish-full Thinker: Thank you for your support for my friend. I really really really appreciate it...onto the story. Kaiba was a bit out of character? (sighs) Yes, I'm afraid he is. I think it's justified well in a few chappies though...hopefully...-.-; Nope, never played final fantasy 7. I'm sorry if the chappie was a bit confusing...of course, not everything is supposed to make sense yet. (smiles) Love ya!
moonlit-leaf: Hehe. I don't pray much, myself. Thank you for your prayers. (huggles) Yes, we all feel bad for poor Kura. His existence sucks right now. Liked the way I portrayed Seto? (sigh of relief) Good. I know he's a bit out of character...but I'm glad you liked it. Yay! Yes, Yami has issues too. Poor Yami. Poor Kura...oh heck with it: Poor everyone! Love ya!
StormySkys: Yes, we all feel bad for poor Ryou. (Huggles Ryou's soulless body. WAH!) Liked Kaiba? Good. Yes, Kura's weakened right now. Poor guy. (laughs) I'm glad you liked Marik all gidy-like riding off in the car. Varooooooom!
Silver Mirror: (smiles) No, Kaiba's not going to kill Kura (No matter how much he'd like to...-.o) Got an idea for a story? YAY! I love your stories! (bounces around excitedly) Um...sorry I couldn't help much with ideas...you have no idea how long it takes me to come up with a plot...(bows apologetically)
Bluegrass Elf: Favorite chapter so far? Excellent. Worst cliffie? (smirks) Once again, I shall try to top it.
blackalbino: Thank you for the huggles for my friend. I appreciate it. (laughs) Hope Kaiba dies slow and painfully, eh? (sighs dramatically) well I need him. He's an essential, irreplacable character in this story. (which is funny cause he hasn't really been in it all that much yet.) Fanfiction of your own, eh? I'll have to look into this...
KilaInverse: Confusing? Oh dear. That wasn't my intention...entirely...(smirk) I like the whole idea of Ryou and Kaiba being friends. yay! Marik and Malik are only just beginning to scare you? Hmm...well you should be afraid. (Pulls down Yami's hair) Peek-a-boo!
Freedom of Darkness: Shnikies! That's a looong review! (pouts) Waddaya mean Kaiba has something to gain? (rolls eyes) Well sure, Kaiba usually in general is like that I guess. Yes our poor Yami is sad. SAD! (sobs) Anyhoo, tornados are fun! (as long as we never have one actually touch down.) We had a bad one in my town...before I was born...(smiles) Gimme the frikin' stick! (grapples) Ow! Knock it off!...anway, thank you for your concerns and prayers for my friend. I greatly appreciate it.
Satra: Thank you for your concerns for my friend. I appreciate it. Onward, hehe. What are Marik and Malik up to? Wellll...you get to find out what Marik's up to in this chappie. (snickers) Can anyone say PLOT TWIST? (cackles) I'm soooo evil! (rolls eyes) You hold Yami too highly on a pedistal, my dear. (smiles) More answers will come...later. Mwahahaha!
Freak in the Shadows: "sticks up our most important finger...MY THUMB!" (cackles) That's just plain AWESOME! I love you dear. Hopefully Aki and Tozuku are feeling better by now. (huggles everyone) Yay!
Zevviac and Zevvy: Thank you for the concern for my friend. (Laughs) How do you like this? I'm updating on Friday! (gloats) I'm soooo awesome. (ZandZ: -.o) Hehe. Anyhoo, I'm so glad to get a review from you! You'll continue, won't you? (puppy dog eyes) I thought so!
Spryte: (blushes) Awwww! My fic is special! (head starts to bloat) Ack! you've fed my ego! Down ego! DOWN! (head deflates) Yeesh. Thank you for the compliments, dearie. (huggles)
dragonlady222: You can see Ryou and Seto being friends? (sigh of relief) Good. Don't worry though, I back it up with some flashbacks later on! (smiles happily) I wouldn't want Kaiba taking care of me either. (Kaiba: "Die you parasite.") O.o...ooooh yesss...Malik's planning to kill Kura and Yugi, eh? (smiles secretly) Perhaps...perhaps...
Red Phoniex: Anti-climative? (blinks) Hmm...okay, not what I was hoping to hear. You may be right though. (sighs dejectedly) I've failed...(sobs) Don't leave! It'll get bloody really soon! I promise!
Kit-Cat Caitlin: Awesome name, dear. After only the first chappie it was your favorite? (head starts bloating) Aieeeeee! My ego! It's been fed! Noooo! (deflates big head) Yeesh. That's the second time this night. (smiles) Canada, eh? (grin) If things get too weird here I'll be coming your way. Hehe! Good bye America! (cackles) ...um...anyhoo, I love to draw this stuff too! I'd love to see your own drawing of it too! (huggles)
DreamingChild: (sighs) No, Kaiba-love isn't lying, dear. (sobs) It's all so SAD! Yes, poor poor Kura! (huggles Kura) Poor baby!
666TheWitch666: I agree, there are many people who are a little too forgiving for their own good. I myself am definately not one of them. I hold serious grudges...really. (smiles happily)
MoonWolf2000: Hi dear! (huggles) I can't believe the frikin' computer ate my e-mail! The thing was like five pages long! (mumbles about stupid machines) yeesh. So yes, Americans love British. It's all strange. You want to be here, I want to be there.It'slike the curse of life. (sighs) A lot of our shows--the majority of them--suck big time. Our country is full of fat people who are obsessed with anorexic, egotistical stars. >. ...Welll...we're certainly more laid-back. Friendly? Couldn't answer that one. I've never been out of the country so I can't really compare. I saw the horse. Damn awesome, dear. I'd send you some of my drawings...but we don't have a scanner...-.-;...Me caring about my reviewers makes you look bad? (confused) Hmm...wellll...sorry? "hypello?" (even more confused) Messenger contacts? (shrugs) Sure. (smiles happily)
This chappie's dedicated to Kit-Cat Caitlin and Zevviac and Zevvy, our newest reviewers! (hugs) Yay! This is one of my personal favorite chappies...I have a lot of personal favs, mind you. (smiles) BIG plot twist at the end of the chappie!(cackles)Continue!
There is a quote I use later in this chapter by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Just so you know I didn't come up with it. (smiles) I'm not that elegant…
Unspoken
Are emotions truly expressible in words?
Can a person describe the way their
Whole body soars when they're in love?
Can they tell how their fingers
Sweep through white shadows of clouds?
Is it possible to describe how utterly painful,
How heart-wrenching losing a loved one is?
How does one describe it to someone who has not
Experienced such tragedy themselves?
While everyone goes about their daily lives
Someone feels broken inside,
The glass shards becoming molten liquid,
Burning the insides until it makes one
Want to throw back their head and scream.
And scream.
To scream so everyone will stop and notice.
So everyone else might feel some sorrow as well.
What I'd give to be able to do so.
How I long to have people perceive my pain, to feel it.
Many emotions cannot be put into words.
Instead we are taught to bear out burdens silently,
Putting on a smile while we smolder from the inside out.
Chapter 20: Remorseful Captive
(Gerald's POV)
I can't stand much more of this. I grit my teeth and grip the steering wheel tightly as we speed through the night. How can he be so heartless? The loud sobs and screams of anguish are almost more than I can take. How can Mister Kaiba just sit here and let it go on and on? I feel myself shudder as another heart-wrenching sob is let loose from the back.
"Something wrong, Gerald?" Mister Kaiba smirks, noticing my expression no doubt.
"No, sir."
"Hmm…is all that racket aggravating you? Because I can go shut him up."
I feel my stomach wrench slightly, not wanting to know how exactly he'd 'shut up' the boy. I'm unable to make a sound so I shake my head. He chuckles, leaning back slightly.
"Don't think I'm being cruel, Gerald. You have no idea what kind of individual we're transporting here."
I feel myself bristle, tightening my grip on the steering wheel. He makes it sound like the teen is some kind of monster. 'Transporting' doesn't even sound human. I feel myself scowl, accelerating slightly.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a soft individual. I've been in combat. I was trained in battle, to be able to be a body guard to one of the most powerful men in the world. Who knew the man would be a teen without a heart? There's just something uncanny about the way he 'deals' with people.
"How much further?"
I clear my throat. "Another hour or so, sir."
"Hmm."
I feel myself tense, waiting.
"Once we get there you will be responsible for him. I must go back to Domino to deal with some people. I'll be back in a few days. Don't let him leave the premises."
"Is there a reason he shouldn't leave?" I ask in a businesslike tone.
He growls. "Because I said so. That should be a good enough reason for you, Gerald."
I nod. "Of course, sir."
We continue on, Mister Kaiba and I in silence; the young man in the back sobbing his heart out.
(Bakura's POV)
I jolt back to my senses when the door opens, a blast of freezing air suddenly engulfing me. I shiver, looking up wearily at the man standing there. He stares back at me, expressionless.
"We're here," he states simply, reaching in and grabbing the suitcase. He stands at the door staring at me as if unsure of what to do.
I close my eyes, resting my head back on the seat. I don't care anymore. He can stand there and freeze for all I care. I let out a yelp as something grabs me roughly by the hair, dragging me out of the vehicle and into the snow. I moan in pain, looking up warily at Kaiba who's glaring down at me.
"Come on," he growls, grabbing my arm roughly and dragging me as I attempt to keep up along a long, snowy walkway to a large mansion.
We're in some forest, secluded from society. It's a huge house, obviously one of Kaiba's getaway places. I wince as the pressure on my arm increases when I stumble. I don't have shoes on. Or a coat. The cold is ripping cruelly into my skin. I suppose I deserve this. I deserve worse than this.
He drags me up the front steps, punching in a code on a security lock. Nodding to the other man, he opens the door for the CEO and me. Kaiba yanks me into the house and turns to the other man who's still carrying the suitcase.
"Keep a close eye on him. The last thing I need is him wandering about the mountain," Kaiba instructs to him as if I'm not in the room.
I sigh, turning and looking about the place. There's a large chandelier in this front hall. The place must be at least three stories. The marble floor has whirls and swirls of black on a pearly white background. The place is less than cheery. So this is my prison now.
The man nods. "Done, sir."
Kaiba scowls. "I'll be back later. I'm taking the limo."
The man nods. "Yes sir."
Kaiba doesn't spare me a glance, turning around and briskly storming out of the place, security door behind him slamming shut. The man turns and looks at me uneasily. I glance down at the floor.
He clears his throat. "Well…follow me." He strides across the floor and up the large, spiral staircase leading to the second level.
I slowly trudge behind, not really caring. As we ascend the stairs I glance out the large window to the left that's level with us now. I feel my heart sink further as the wall comes into view. It's a large brick thing with security cameras, barbed wire crisscrossing across the top of it. It's surrounding the large yard outside, no doubt encompassing the entire estate. This really is a prison.
The man turns to the left down a large hallway, stopping at the first door on the right.
"This is my room. Yours is right next door." He holds out the suitcase to me.
I reach out and take it, body still weakened. It seems heavier than it should. I feel his eyes on me as I walk over to the door he said was my room and open it. I look about uninterestedly. It's well-furnished, a large canopy bed in one corner. There's a door off to the left that no doubt is a private bathroom. I sigh, dropping the suitcase and slumping onto the bed. So this is how I'm going to live now. I feel my body trembling as Ryou's face appears in my head.
"You didn't deserve to have him for a hikari…"
I hold back a sob, burying my face in a pillow. I've given up.
(Gerald's POV)
I open up the packet that Mister Kaiba left me. Sighing, I walk over and knock on the door to the boy's room. When no one answers I open the door. It's dark in the room. I can't believe I'm doing this.
"Did you want something?" a voice murmurs hoarsely.
The young man's lying on the bed, staring up soullessly at the ceiling. When I see his face it's obvious he's been crying again. I clear my throat.
"Mister Kaiba told me to give you this…"
"Whatever it is, I don't want it."
I come closer. "It's from Ryou."
I feel my heart ache when he looks up with wide eyes mixed with hope and agony. I take another step closer, holding out the small chain. One of his shaky hands reaches out tentatively. He sits up, staring down wretchedly at it. On the end of the chain is a silver ring with tiny words engraved into it: Believe me, every man has his secret sorrows, which the world knows not; and oftentimes we call a man cold, when he is only sad.
I watch as his eyes blur and he fights back a sob. I excuse myself, leaving the room and shutting the door behind me. It felt so wrong doing that. Mister Kaiba said it was indeed from Ryou, but that's not the reason he gave it to the boy. Mister Kaiba had a tracking device put in it. I feel like I've cheated the young man in there somehow, yet my job is to obey Mister Kaiba, not this morose stranger. I can only hope God will forgive me for this.
(Yami's POV)
We stride down the dark street to Ryou's house. Mokuba called when he'd gotten back to the Kaiba mansion to inform us Seto and the thief weren't there. We'd next gone to Kaiba Corp. Not there either. Jou then suggested we check Ryou's.
I feel my heart ache as we climb the porch steps. I don't bother knocking, blasting the front door down. The others stand back, eyeing me nervously. I don't want to scare them, but I'm too angry to be concerned about that right now.
"What do you think Kaiba has to do with all of this?" Honda asks as we step over the remains of the door into the dark house.
"I have no idea," Yugi whispers from beside me.
"I still can't believe it. Why would Bakura kill Ryou now?" Mr. Mutou murmurs sadly as we search the rooms.
"So Yami and Ryou wouldn't be a couple," Juo growled. I feel myself stiffen, yet I know that must be it.
I become rigid when I detect something…I'm not even sure what it is.
"Yami?" Yugi asks from beside me.
I shake my head, walking softly over to the stairs and peering up them. There's something up there.
I lead the way, pounding up the stairs with everyone else at my heels. I decide to go straight for Ryou's room, blasting the door with the power of the puzzle. I stand in the doorway panting, eyes widening in disbelief at the sight before me.
The others are behind me in an instant, peering around me into the room.
"Holy shit!" Jou whispers hoarsely.
(Bakura's POV)
I look over at the limp body guard lying on the floor. I had to knock him out. He caught me trying to leave. I made sure not to do anything that would result in permanent damage though. He's been nothing but kind to me after all. I've taken his shoes which are about three sizes too big for me, stuffing some socks from my suitcase into them to make them fit more snugly on my feet. I've also put on an extra shirt from the suitcase he packed for me.
I sigh, opening the front door and managing to beat the security codes lining the wall that surrounds the premises. I shiver as I stalk off through the snow. A mountain, eh?
I don't know what I'll do when I get off the mountain…assuming I make it to the bottom. All I know is I don't deserve Ryou's generosity. I don't deserve any of it. I will not be a burden to anyone.
I struggle down the road that's getting covered with snow that's falling hard about me. I squint my eyes, wondering just how far up whatever mountain I am. My teeth are chattering, fingers going numb. I'm not sure how much longer I can last out here. I go on for what feels like hours, slipping and falling a good ways a number of times. Finally, bruised and freezing, I reach the bottom. I should thank Kaiba someday for not building the house on the top of the mountain. Lucky for me he chose the base instead.
My throat's raw, entire frame trembling uncontrollably as I see a town in the distance, lights shining like a beacon in the night. It takes probably another hour and a half to reach the edge of the little city there. The snow's fallen continuously this entire time. I fold my arms against my frame, determined to keep the remaining warmth in my body. People are bustling about, no doubt going home for the evening. It's probably Christmas Day by now. Christmas…
It already feels like forever since I was with Yami and the others; since I was held…cared for…it's all gone now. I've lost everything. Now that I look back at the relationship, did I ever really have anything or was it all based on lies?...
"Well, you finally decided to come down." I look over to a figurelounging on abench nearby.
"What are you doing here?" I hiss, in no mood for this.
Marik grins, standing and coming towards me like a cat. He's all bundled up warmly in what looks like two coats, boots, a thick scarf…
"Easy now, I came to help you should you choose not to accept Kaiba's offer."
I scoff. "Like hell, you're not exactly the charitable type, Marik."
He smirks. "And you're not the type to wander about aimlessly without a coat on."
I don't answer, pulling my arms tighter around myself and stomping off through the snow. To my annoyance, he follows.
"Out of curiosity, where are you going?" he questions as he strides beside me.
My legs are killing me. I haven't eaten anything since I got my own body. It's well undernourished and weakened by the immense amount of stress I've been putting on it. I'm not going to be able to go much further. I feel my legs give, collapsing only to find arms tightly around my waist, keeping me from falling onto the snowy ground.
"You can stop running now," the boy whispers in my ear, pulling me against him.
I want to shove him away, to keep walking; yet to where, exactly?
"Come to my place. It's not far from here. Two blocks. I'll get you something to eat," he continues, knowing I'm listening.
I tense as he releases me slightly, shifting. I look up to see him take off his outer coat, wrapping it around my trembling frame. He stares down at me with those intense violet eyes of his. Without my permission he pulls me against him again. I scowl, wanting to pull away, yet the embrace is too warm to pass up. I sigh shakily, too beaten to care what happens to me now.
"Fine. Lead the way."
(Marik's POV)
I gently tug Bakura into the small apartment I'm renting. It's on the third floor, giving a good view of the street below. I can't believe my luck. I've finally got him!
"This way," I say, leading him to the couch where he slumps down in exhaustion.
I've never seen him in such a horrible condition before. He looks utterly miserable. His usually jagged hair is messed up; his body is bony, muscles weak and feeble; brown eyes usually glowing with hatred and intensity are dull and lifeless. That's the worst part for me. Finding out the truth about Ryou must be putting an immense amount of guilt and regret on him. This will all be for the best though. After all this he no doubt despises the pharaoh for giving Ryou the spell in the first place. Now perhaps the thief will team up with Malik and me…
He coughs harshly, bringing me out of my thoughts. I quickly take off my jacket, striding into the kitchen where I swiftly begin making up some food for him. He won't last much longer in his new body without some type of nourishment. After putting together some sandwiches and some tea I hurry back in to find him dozing on the couch, curled up in a ball.
"Hey, Bakura," I say softly, shaking him. He looks up with tired eyes. "I've got some food for you here," I hold out the tray.
He sits up slowly, cringing slightly. I sit there and watch him eat. He doesn't look at me once, staring down at his plate impassively. After finishing a sandwich he seems to have noticed my eyeing him, looking up at me.
"What?" he asks, not seeming interested though.
I feel myself bristle. I'll make him interested. No more ignoring me.
"You're gorgeous," I whisper, letting my hand reach out and stroke the side of his face.
He swipes my hand away, glaring. "Don't touch me."
I feel myself growl aggressively. "Do you know how long I've waited to touch you?"
He narrows his eyes, pushing his plate to the side, eyeing me suspiciously. I've waited long enough. I reach out again only to earn a hard slap from him. I pull back, hand throbbing.
"I said keep your fucking paws off me," he hisses, standing up and backing away, ready to lash out should I come too close again.
"Do you know how long I've watched you? The way you tortured me every time you stood up to someone without a hint of fear even when you knew their power far surpassed your own?" I leer closer, him continuing to back up, eyeing me furiously.
"Stop trying to convince yourself of something that's not true," he whispers fiercely.
I scowl, lunging and pouncing on him. He growls, struggling against me as I press my lips against his, attacking his mouth. I'm straddling his chest, holding his arms down with my own. He being weakened is coming to my advantage.
I let out a yelp, releasing his mouth when he bites down hard on my lip, drawing a decent amount of blood. He's glaring at me, still trying to break free from my grasp.
"Get off me now, Marik," he snarls, eyes flashing dangerously.
I grin. "I love that look." He twists, landing a knee against my groin.
I let out a gasp, tumbling off him. He stands shakily to his feet. I hiss in pain, struggling to my own feet and dive at him, making us both tumble into my room. He lashes out, hand smacking my face hard.
I growl, cornering him. "What would Yami say?" I tisk, grinning when I see the enraged look in his brown eyes.
"Shut up!" He leaps at me, knocking me onto the bed and wrapping his fingers tightly around my throat. I try to pry his fingers off but his grip is iron. I feel my eyes water slightly with the lack of oxygen.
"He…hates you…" I choke, noticing the change in Bakura's eyes as I say these words.
He suddenly releases me, staring at the floor. I cough, catching my breath. I sit up slowly, watching the emotions play across his face in silent misery. I lean over, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Let me be, Marik," he hisses wearily, entire body tensed.
"Why contemplate over a relationship that never really was?" I whisper in his ear, feeling him shiver. "You can't deny it. You know it's true."
I tentatively run my hand through his hair. He closes his eyes, not replying. He's trembling all over. I pull him against me, him struggling.
"I said…!"
"I know damn well what you said," I growl, kissing him fiercely again. He shoves against me in a futile attempt to break free. After a few moments he stops struggling. He's not responding either, just giving up.
"You don't know how I feel about you; have always called me some perverted freak. It's more than just your body to me, Bakura," I whisper, eyes intense. He stares at me, not replying. "Let me show you how I feel about you," I say softly, pushing him back on the bed…And I do.
Readers: O.O
Hahaha! Didn't see that coming, didja? (cackles) Ooh the plot thickens! Cha cha cha!
No, don't worry. You're not going to see anything explicit. Sorry any pervs out there. (why the heck are you still reading this?)
Anyhoo, just finished chappie 28! That's right, my writer's block has passed! I'm thinking the story will end in two more chappies. Three at the most. Booya! Then I can focus on BTBT (beyond tomorrow, before today) and my newest story that's gonna be kick-butt awesome: Son of Apophis! Yessss!
Review!