Yay! Twenty reviews again! You guys are awesome! (huggles)

I'm updating early. Parent-teacher conferences at my highschool, so we have two days off. If you guys review quickly I might post another chappie near the end of the weekend. (wink)

xKokurox: -.-; way to make me feel stupid. (reviewing under other identities. yeesh) So mean. Of course, I was wondering why you hadn't reviewed the last chappie. Sorry to hear about your computer. I know what a pain these damn machines can be. (glares at monitor) You have a twin? Cool! My dad's a twin...whoa, I'm ranting. My apologies. Don't get caught at school on here!

TheGodFish: (smirk) Awesome name, dear. Yay! I've hooked the fish! (Godfish: -.o;) hehe. Sorry, I'm easily amused. Not a big Yami/Kura fan? Hmm, I've actually got another person who doesn't even like yaoi but still is reading it. Knowing people are doing so is very flattering. Mmm. Cookies! I'll give you some of our delish homemade pretzels if you review again! (yummy!)

DreamingChild: (sigh) Marik's a very...complex character. I had a hard time with him in this fic. It's like he had a mind of his own and wouldn't do what I told him too. (disagreeable anime teens. -.-;)

Freedom of Darkness: Feel more pity for Marik than for Yami, Kura, or Ryou? (sighs) Yes he...has a lot of issues. Poor kid. You'll be feeling sorry for a lot more characters really soon. (cackles) I'm soooo evil! (and sexy too, wow!)...okay, that was my brother putting words in my...fingers? o.-...ya...anyhoo, yes Kaiba's mysterious...and hot. Yay!...Gimme that damn stick! (lunges)

Kit-Cat Caitlin: (growls) Me hates this stupid site. Honey, you're gonna have to e-mail me the website thingie for your pics. When you guys review it cuts out any websites you have in it. Yeesh. Stupid site. >.

KilaInverse: Er...is it a good thing that the yaoi scene played out in your head? o.-...What'd Yami and the others see? (smirk) you'll find out this chappie, dear.

Under Finger And Thumb: Better than you expected? I'll take that as a compliment! (beams) Well wait no longer, here is the next chappie! Yay! As for your questions: um...two of them are answered in this chappie. Which ones? (smirk) You'll seeee...Review again!

Spryte: Is this update soon enough? (smirk) Feel sorry for Yami, Kura, and Marik? (frown) I'm afraid it gets worse for them. Much worse...(can't believe I write this kind of violence and angst. must be my depression. . )

MoonWold2000: (smirk) I love to draw, myself. However, as I've stated: I don't own a scanner. Damn it! I wanna share too! (pouts) ah well, anyhoo, I appreciate all you're doing for my friend. He's still doing well, recovering from surgery. Keep it up! (huggles) Like the violence? good. There's a LOT ahead...

Satra: You're so cute, dear. (huggles) Yes, Yami and the others are confused; Kura's being...mauled by Marik; Malik...(smirks secretly) What's my new ficcie about? (smiles) I'll answer a bit after the end of the chappie.

Bluegrass Elf: (cackles) Yes our Marik is naughty. I'm glad you liked the chappie, love. (huggles) Guess what guess what! In one of my english classes we're reading Fellowship of the Ring. AND we're watching Two Towers and Return of the King! (swoons) I'm getting my LOTR's hype all over again! Weeeeeeeeeeee!

jessara40k: Have you reviewedbefore? (confused) Sooo many of you peoples! I'm getting overwhelmed!...Don't stop reviewing though! I love the imput! Nah, Ryou never really did anything to make Kura believe he'd destroy him. Yes, a lot of the blame does lie with our spiky-headed pharaoh. (smiles) Oh but there's soooo much more!

StormySkys: (laughs) Yes, Marik is no longer a lap dog. Let us rejoice! (laughs) It's true! I have made Kura cry a lot! It fits though. I mean, he's really messed up now...more than usual for a psychopathic-ancient egyptian tomb robber...o.-...and it only gets worse...(cackles) I'm soooo mean! I'm glad you like Seto. I've been pretty nervous about him. he's...complicated. And he only gets more so later on. Don't worry, Yami will get his share of angst. Yes! Yay for Gerald! I love Gerald!

dragonlady222: Yes, we all feel bad for the poor tomb robber. Will Yami discover the truth in time? (smirk) It's a secret! Mwehehe! Think Yami will save everyone? ...perhaps...perhaps...

Broken Mirror and Tainted...: We changed our names now, have we? (smiles) Ummm. it wasn't quite rape...almost...kinda...I dunno. "sexual high"? (o.-...doesn't want to know)

wofljessica5: (sighs) There's all you people who are confusing me! Have you reviewed before? I'm positive you have. (sorry, all these reviewers get me confused) Don't stop reviewing though! Me likes it! (huggles) You had no clue what would happen? (smiles) That's what I love to hear, dearie!

blackalbino: Marik's scary, eh? (smirk) Wait until Malik shows up again. HE even scares me. I just wrote this one scene in chapter 30...(shudders) yeah...he's got issues. (-.o that's an understatement) You like how I portray the darkness in the characters? Yay! Creeps you out at times? Double yay! (blalbino: O.o) Heh. A WOW chappie? I wuv you! (huggles) Yes, I'll tell you guys more about Son of Apophis at the end of the chappie. Yay!

moonlit-leaf: (sighs) Yes the story must end at some point, dear. Give me a little break here: it's gonna be frikin' 32 or so chapters long! Thanks for all the compliments, love! (snuggles)

Wish-full Thinker: I hope you got my reply thingie but just in case: Do NOT nit comb my stories. I will hunt you down and end your life. (wish: O.o) As I stated in the reply I sent: I've got "friends", relatives, and teachers nit-picking every aspect of my life right now. Like hell I need it from you guys. Now that I've stated that: think Kura's too emotional? (shrugs) He's...breaking. I mean, he doesn't really care about anyone in the anime so we never really get to see how he'd react in such a situation. This is my own interpretation. (smiles) I'm gonna tell a bit about Son of Apophis at the end of the chappie. Don't stop criticising the story, dear! Just don't nit-pick, please. I write these for enjoyment and some critiquing. Don't butcher my work, pwease. Love ya!

SilverMirror: Loved the chappie? (always glad to hear it!) You've got ideas for a fic? (interested) Yay! I shall be awaiting your almighty presence once again in fanfiction! Weeeeeeeee!

I'm dedicating this chappie to TheGodFish and Under Finger And Thumb. Yay! I've got some announcements at the end of the chappie! continue!

Climb the Ashes

Alone on a cliff

Above a cavern of fire

Molten liquid won't respire

No time for maybes or ifs.

Each cautious movement

Makes more rock crumble

Wide eyes watch it tumble

No chance of improvement

So long is this trek

Across this fiery chasm

Feel the heartbeat spasm

Sweat trickling down the neck.

Below, magma bubbles

Demon eyes blow bright

Climb, continue, fight

For they are the troubles

How much more must it take

To make it out alive?

Be strong and survive

There is too much at stake.

Chapter 21: Demon's Intentions

(Bakura's POV)

I sigh heavily, my head against Marik's tanned, glistening chest. This is one place I never thought I'd be: in a bed, naked, with Marik. I close my eyes as one of his hands runs through my hair.

"I'd venture to say you're comfy?" he murmurs.

I don't reply, allowing him to pull me tighter against him. It doesn't matter that it's Marik. It could damn-well be anyone and I wouldn't care. I need someone. Need to feel like I'm not the worthless piece of shit that I am.

I come out of my daze as he starts kissing my forehead, grasping my chin as he trails his way down my neck. I put up a hand, sitting up. He sits too, giving me a questioning look.

"What's wrong?" he whispers, running a hand down my back.

I sigh, closing my eyes. "Marik, I can't let you go on like this. It has to stop."

He quirks a slender eyebrow, hand trailing over my spine. I shiver involuntarily.

"What has to stop?" he purrs, attempting to wrap his arm around my torso.

I prevent him. "This. Marik," I sigh, running my hand through my disheveled, sweaty hair. "I'm not in love with you."

He pulls away, eyes still locked with mine. "I know. But I want to change that."

I shake my head. "It's not going to…"

"Maybe it would. You just never gave us a chance," he whispers icily.

I look at him, the pain in his eyes. He stares back indignantly, violet eyes intense.

"You always pushed me away. I tried to please you, tried to earn your affection…but you always shied away. Why is that?"

I open my mouth, unable to find any words. He chuckles humorlessly.

"You still love him, don't you?" he whispers.

I can't reply, mouth having gone dry. He stares back at me with a sad smile on his face. Do I still love Yami?

"Why would you say that?" I ask, looking away.

"Your eyes," he answers simply. "I saw the way you used to look at him, the way the two of you linked fingers, cuddled…and I can see that look in your eyes still. Admit it, you still love him."

"That's not possible," I snarl. "He's the whole reason all of this happened."

"But you still love him."

"Stop saying that!" I shriek, pulling away from him.

"I will if you stop denying it," Marik scowls. He sighs when I don't say anything. "Bakura, I know you're feeling guilty about what happened…"

"How could I do that to Ryou?" I hiss. "I jumped to conclusions and he paid for it when he was the one who'd done nothing wrong. Then what do I do? I go and fall in love with the one person who was persistently trying to convince my light to destroy me!" I scream, entire body shaking in rage.

Marik doesn't answer. I realize I'm crying when he reaches over and gently wipes my tearstained face with his fingers. He pulls me against him, and I lean in, weeping bitterly against his chest for everything I've lost…and can never get back.

"Shh…I'm here now," he murmurs consolingly in my ear, rocking me back and forth soothingly.

"Why…did I do it?" I choke.

"You were scared. What were you supposed to think?"

"Anything but that," I sob helplessly.

He holds me tightly against him for a long time, every so often murmuring comfortingly to me. I close my eyes, relaxing against him. It's hard to believe only yesterday Yami was holding me like this…I shake that thought from my head. I can't think like that. Our relationship was over from the moment we both discovered the truth. From the moment I discovered what he really was…

"You can't stay hooked to someone who doesn't give a damn about you," Marik says softly.

I look up. "What about you? How long have you been trailing me?"

He laughs, his entire body vibrating. I like the feeling of it against me.

"Guilty as charged," he chuckles.

We sit in silence for a while. Everything is still. It must be early in the morning. There are no sounds outside. There's a faint glow from the streetlamps peeping through the shades. Suddenly, a thought comes to my mind.

I give him a curious look. "What are you doing, teaming up with Malik?"

He stares at me questioningly. "What?"

I frown. "Malik could care less what happens to you. He's a complete bastard. Why would you team up with him?" He smiles wretchedly.

"You just don't understand our relationship. After Battle City Yami and the others were willing to forgive me, or so they said. I took their offer, only to be shunned not only by them but by my sister and step-brother as well. They only paid attention to me when I was a threat," Marik's voice is trembling with rage now. I gently squeeze his arm that's wrapped around me. "So I used the Millennium rod to search the Shadow Realm for my yami, to bring him back. That sure got Isis and Odeon's attention," he chuckles darkly.

I scowl. "Marik, there's a difference between caring about you and using you. Can't you see what he's doing? He's manipulating you!"

Marik shakes his head. "You're wrong. He needs me, just like I need him."

I sigh, leaning back against him. "I hope you're right about him, for your sake."

He grins. "Aww, you care!" He squeezes me tightly in a constricting embrace.

"Mar…ik!" I choke, laughing uncontrollably as he attacks my neck with his lips.

(Kaiba's POV)

I scowl as I drive to my mansion in Domino. Mokuba had better be asleep. All hell will break loose if he isn't. I pull up in the long, looming driveway, some butlers and guards rushing out to greet me. I put the limo in park, getting out of the car.

"Sir, we've been trying to contact you for the past few hours!" one man exclaims, out of breath.

I quirk an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

"The mountains must have blocked our communications," another nods, eyeing me nervously like I'll suddenly place all the blame on him…which I'm considering at the moment if someone doesn't tell me what's going on.

"It's the young man you wanted to bring here," the first man continues.

I feel a sense of dread. Ryou.

"What happened? Is he all right?" I snap.

(Marik's POV)

I smile contentedly as I make the bed, listening to the sound of the shower in the next room. Bakura is warming up to me rather quickly. Not that I'm complaining. I sigh happily, jumping on top of the bed, not caring if I mess it up again. I've waited for this for so long—him falling in love with me, not jumping on the bed. I jump on the bed whenever I damn feel like it.

I put on a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt, pulling my hair back from my face. I'm heinously angry at Yami for what he's done. Bakura didn't deserve any of this—nor did Ryou. The poor kid never had a chance. Still, I can't blame Bakura for that. I grin, reaching down to pick up the scattered pieces of clothing on the floor; most of it's Bakura's that were thrown there carelessly during our…activities.

"Well, it looks like you had quite a party while I was away." I tense, looking up to see Malik leaning on the doorframe to the bedroom, smirking down at me.

"Yami!" I smile, standing up. "You're back!"

He rolls his eyes. "Of course. I told you I would be."

"I know. It's just that…"

"We don't have much time, light."

I stop, looking at him questioningly. "What?"

"Is Bakura here?" He presses, ignoring my inquiry.

"Yeah. He's in the shower."

He smirks. "Bedded him, did you?"

I feel myself unintentionally bristle. "…perhaps."

He laughs his cold, scornful laugh. I scowl.

"What's the matter, light?" he whispers coming forward.

I feel myself back up. Something's changed. It must've been my talk with Bakura. Yes that's it. I'm just suspicious of Malik because of what the thief said about him.

"Nothing."

"Right," he leers.

I watch him, my stomach quivering slightly as he crosses the room, eyes fixated on the bathroom door. I fight the urge to jump in front of him and block it.

"He'll be out soon, yami," I say quickly, trying to avert his attention from the thief.

"Hmm…I must say you had me worried for a while. I wasn't sure if you'd pull it off," Malik's voice trails off as he walks over to the bed, stretching out across it like some dangerous, predatory cat.

"Is this about the rod?" I ask, fidgeting.

He chuckles. "Marik Marik Marik…dear light, you don't believe I'm still that angry about that? Such a small incident…especially now that we have the thief."

I feel my body quiver slightly, trying to fight down any doubt I might be having in my yami at the moment. This is how he always acts, there's no need for me to be distrustful now.

"I think he might be willing to join up with us," I grin. "You know, with Yami trying to get Ryou to destroy him and all…"

Malik sits up. I stop talking. His head is bowed now, so I can't see his expression. I'm startled when his shoulders and then his entire body start shaking. I suddenly realize he's laughing. I can barely make out the hissing sound as he chuckles to himself about some inside joke.

"That's not why I requested you bring him here, light."

I feel my brow furrow in confusion. Not the reason?

"What do you…?"

"Let me put it this way," Malik grins sinisterly, "In order to crush the pharaoh, I'm going to the source of his heartache."

I feel my stomach drop. Oh Ra. He isn't interested in Bakura joining us at all! This is an abduction!

"So…we're just holding Bakura as some kind of ransom?" I ask weakly.

Malik stares at me expressionlessly for a moment before throwing back his head and laughing at the top of his lungs, sharp canines flashing in the dim light as my visions of our future crumble down in a smoking heap about me.

(Bakura's POV)

I let out a long sigh of satisfaction as the hot water pours down on my body. I'm achy all over, yet I'm more at ease than I was earlier. I run my shampoo-covered fingers through my hair, eager to get cleaned up.

I must admit there's more to Marik than I originally thought…wait, that came out wrong. O.o…just forget I said that.

Everything's gotten extremely complicated over the past twenty-four hours. I needed to vent and Marik helped me with that. He's not really the person I thought he was. He's still a psycho, don't get me wrong there; but then again, I am as well. Has he really been trying to earn my affections all this time? Now that I look back on it, I'm starting to believe it. I'm not sure how I feel about him yet, but there's plenty of time to figure that out.

I turn off the water, stepping out of the shower and soaking up the excess liquid on my body with a towel. I glance around, scowling when I realize I didn't bring a change of clothes in here. Oh well. I open the door, striding out with the towel around my waist. I stop instantly.

Marik's lying on the floor, blood streaming from his mouth and nose. His arm is twisted at a gut-wrenching angle. He looks up at me, eyes wide with fear and pain.

"Marik!" I exclaim, starting over to him only to feel my entire body freeze.

There's a faint glow around me, preventing me from moving. There's only one thing that could cause this: a Millennium item.

"Well look what we have here," a voice chuckles. I tense.

Malik strolls out from behind a corner, Millennium Ring resting against his chest. Oh Ra, this can't be happening! How did he get the ring?

"You look surprised, thief. What, you didn't think I was coming? How could I miss such a…festive atmosphere as this?"

"What do you want?" I hiss, nervously watching the hikari who's looking terrified.

Malik smirks. "I have some plans that need to be fulfilled; however, Marik's assistance is no longer required. He's been such help though." The hikari yelps as Malik gives him a swift kick to the side.

"Don't touch him!" I growl, trying desperately to figure out how to take down the barrier.

Malik grins wickedly. "I suppose you're right." He turns to Marik and lifts the boy up by the throat. The hikari sputters, eyes watering as his face begins to turn blue with lack of oxygen. The yami drags the boy out of the room. Then there's the sound of the door slamming.

I'm suddenly freed from the spell, staggering a bit. I shake my head, racing forward into the living room. The door re-opens before I can get to it, Malik re-entering. Alone.

"Where's Marik?" I ask, backing up slightly as the other strides forward.

Malik grins. "Oh don't worry about him. He's alive, if that's what you're asking."

I bristle as the magical barrier goes up around me again. I tense as he steps right up to me, reaching out and running his hand over my bare chest. I grit my teeth, wishing I could rip his limbs from his body. He smirks victoriously at my helplessness.

"So, you and my light had fun, I take it?" he whispers in my ear as he circles around me, hands roaming over my torso.

"Let me go," I hiss angrily, infuriated at my defenselessness.

He chuckles. "In time. I need you though. You're part of my plan, you see. In order for my scheme to move forward I'm afraid I'm going to have to break you."

I feel a wave of dread wash over me. I really can't stop him. I jolt as the barrier goes down and he backs up a bit, eyes never leaving me.

"Confused?" he laughs.

I start away from him, eyeing the door behind him. There must be some way…He seems to notice this, moving away from the door and smirking.

"Go ahead. I'm not going to stop you."

I stare at him in shock. Something's wrong with this picture. I narrow my eyes, his face remaining impassive. Does he think I won't walk out into the streets with nothing but a towel on? Because he's sorely mistaken. I start forward, hand reaching the doorknob.

"One thing before you go." I should have known.

I turn and glare at him, hand still clutching the doorknob. He leaves the room, walking back into Marik's room. I wait, unsure of whether I should bolt or not. I decide to make a break for it, opening the door as I hear his footsteps returning.

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

I tense, turning and gasping at the sight of figure clasped in his arms. The brown eyes are soulless, staring up at nothing.

"Ryou!" I whisper.

(Kaiba's POV)

"The men who were supposed to bring the boy never came. We waited an hour with nothing. When we went to the house to investigate some people—the…Mutous?—were already there. In the boy's bedroom the remains of the guards were strewn about…"

"And Ryou?" I hiss.

"Gone, sir," the man bows his head slightly.

I growl, wrenching the car door open and turning on the limo.

"Mister Kaiba, where are you going?" One man calls as I begin to close the door.

"Call the mansion up in Corshan!" I shout, slamming the door and accelerating away.

I snarl as I speed off down the road. This has got to be Malik and Marik's doing. They no doubt have the Millennium ring now…I slam on the breaks, doing a U-turn in the middle of the street and racing back to my mansion. The guards all rush out again in confusion.

I open the window.

"You there, go get the opened package in my closet!" I demand.

The man stares at me in mystification. "Your…closet, sir?"

"Yes! My fucking closet!" I scream impatiently. Gods, they're so incompetent!

He and a few others race off into the house. I sit tensely, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel.

"Sir!" another guard yells as he comes racing for the house.

"What?" I snap, overwrought enough already.

"Gerald from Corshan just contacted us. He says the boy he was guarding is gone!"

I curse under my breath, leaning on the horn, getting angry now. They all wince, cowering back slightly should I decide to run them over with the vehicle. I've threatened to do so before.

"Here sir! Here!" a man yells, racing out with the package in hand.

I rip it from his grasp, taking off down the driveway and out onto the street. I grit my teeth, badgering myself for letting this happen. I've failed Ryou again!

A thought coming to my mind, I hit a button on the collar of my coat.

"Yes, Mister Kaiba?" a voice crackles.

"Get me the coordinates of that tracking device I put in that necklace!" I growl, accelerating around numerous vehicles that honk angrily in response. If I weren't in such a hurry I'd give them more than a rude gesture. Much more.

"We have the coordinates, sir. He's in the town of Corshan right next to the mountain," the person states.

"Wait for my word. When I get closer I want the exact coordinates."

"Understood sir."

I turn off the device, internally badgering myself for letting this happen. I glance over at the package on the passenger seat. A slight gleam flashes where a corner of its contents isn't covered. I'll make sure those bastards pay for this.

Da da DA! (readers: OoO) Hehe! I'm soooo evil! Oh it gets violent and bloody next chappie! Mwehehe!

A lot of you are asking about Son of Apophis. It's gonna be focused around quite a few characters. I've never seen a plot like it, so it should prove interesting. Actually, it was my first ever fic I planned out. I just never wrote it. It was forgotten when I started SOS but now I'm going back to it, and I think I'm gonna LOVE it! It'll no doubt make some people unhappy, but I'm a risk taker so Booya! Marik especially is gonna be...different. In a bad way for him...he's adorable in it though. (huggles blonde hikari) I'm not going to say any more now until I've finished typing this fic. (I have a four-day weekend, so I'm hoping I'll get it done this weekend.) Wish me luck on that!

I've written a one-shot and posted it on the site. It's titled: A Passion of Sorts. It's cute and hilarious! I needed to take a break from all the darkness in my other ficcies. So yeah, look into that if you want something that's just fun and happy. Oh the madness!

Review!