Holy $!#ing shnikies!28 freakin' reviews! (faints) Oh...my...goodness...I love you guys! (throws candies into air) Woot!
This is getting so exciting! I'd like to say that Beyond Tomorrow, Before Today progress is back on! Booya! Writer's block is GONE! Woot woot! Secondly, I'm currently working on chapter 8 of Son of Apophis! Another woot woot! Thirdly (is that a word?), I've posted a new one-shot. It's not anything totally spectacular. It's Honda's POV. Just wanted to try something new. So, check it out if you want! Fourthly (okay, that can't be a word...), I'm working on another one-shot that's already amusing. I have a feeling it's gonna be a rather long one-shot. It's focused around Marik/Malik whatever you damn call him(the yami), Yami, and Bakura. Woot!
TenshiBabe: (laughs) Well I'm glad you're enjoying my stories so much! I'm also very flattered at being added to your fav author list! (huggles tightly) I have a feeling you'll enjoy the one-shot I'm currently working on. (I need to do one story at a time...yeesh) I'm currently working on three frikin' stories! o.O...(voice in head: I told you not to. You did this to yourself, you know) Ferris: >.
Red Phoniex: I'm updating! I'm updating! (squeeze!)
Spryte: (smirk) I'm glad I've helped you semi-enjoy Saturdays again! Hope your job gets better for you! What's Yami gonna do now? He's gonna contemplate, that's what! (cackles)
Under Finger and Thumb: Hmm...it's all Yami's fault, is it? (shrugs) Ack! What the hell! Don't give them booze! Oh now look what you've done! (characters: WeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEeeee...hic...hic...) Ferris: -.-;
Kit-Cat-Caitlin: Went to the site. Lovely pics, darling. You're quite an artist. Keep it up! (laughs) You don't like Yami, do you?
wolfjessica5: Yes our dear pharaoh has FINALLY figured out the truth. Welll...almost...(smirk) He's gonna finish figuring it all out in this chappie. It's rather cute acutally. (huggles Yami)
Mitsuko: I'd like to start out by saying I love your name. (rather off topic but that's okay!) Oh dear. I'm being worshipped. (smirk) I'm a freakin' goddess! (readers: -.o) hehehe! I must also say I love your e-mail address. Very catchy. (huggles) pleasepleaseplease review again! You amuse me! (throws candy into air just for the heck of it) Yay!
Lily: (sighs) Yes, early updates are fun...but that means I have to work faster on my other stories! Argh! What's Yami gonna do now? Read on, darling!
StormySkys: Favorite chappie yet? (smiles) I'm always glad when someone tells me that. It's a very intense chappie, isn't it. (can anyone say "understatement"?) Anyhoo, yes Kaiba loves making dramatic entrances, whether on purpose or not. Yes Yugi's Kawiii. Kawiiiiiii! (oogles over Japanese words) teehee. "ferris-sama"? (squeals) Yay! I'm in sama-land now! (ego bloats)
Moonie: Didn't feel like signing in, eh? (smiles) You're so cute, honey. Fine fine, I'll let Kura keep the orios. Someone else already gave the characters booze so it's not like a little sugar could do much worse. -.-;
Tabby: (laughs) Yes I updated soon. I always update soon. But that was soon for me, which is...really soon. (needs a theasaurus) Yes, our poor Yami was a bit insane and...crazy. (giggles) It was fun to write, to be honest. (giant glomp) It was believable like something they'd actually do? (huggles) You have no idea how much I LOVE to hear that! (smirk) Son of Apophis will come after this one's completely posted on the site. Patience, love, patience. (I'm such a hypocrite. I have no patience. None. Zip. Nada.)
Skittles the Sugar Fairy: Yes our Yugi was soooo awesome in that chappie! It was his time to shine! I'm afraid he doesn't have a big part in the rest of the fic. (sobs) It can't be helped though. I mean, unless you Want him to get beaten to a pulp like the rest of them...(covers mouth) did I just say that?...(smirk) Just ignore that comment. (cackles insanely)
Bluegrass Elf: (polishes sticker) Of course I liked the sticker! Who wouldn't? Yes our Yami finally gets it now...ditz. (smiles)
TheGodFish: You got over your depression? Huh. I've had mine for seven years or so. (smiles weakly) Sooo much fun. (can you feel the sarcasm dripping from that sentence?) Anyhoo, yes Malik's coming back. (unlocks closet) sorry honey. (Malik emerges. Godfish tackles) Honey! No! I need him alive! WAIT!
Satra: (laughs) It's not JUST Yami that feels guilty. Other people feel guilty too...he just happens to be one of them...(smirks) Yes, Malik does have a hell of a timing...as always...(rolls eyes)
dragonlady222: Think Kaiba and Yami will kill off Malik? (smiles secretly) Oh it's so juicy! You could all never comprehend what I'm gonna do! (cackles insanely) It's sooo bloody brilliant! (hugs self)
Freedom of Darkness: Ack! Give Mladen back! (snatches crab) Poor baby! Are you all righ...(crab pinches) Aieee! Stupid evil crab-sama bin mladen! (his nickname) Gimme that stick! (lunges) Not again!
Sugar Wings: (smiles) You're very charming and your review amused me greatly. (munches on nachos) y'know, I'm not usually fond of nachos, but there's something about the way you make them that pleases me. (laughs) I actually AM writing a story that I'm considering publishing...someday...in the FAR off future. I've considered putting together a book of my poems and publishing them though...(shrugs) We'll see what happens...PLEASE review again! I enjoyed your last review so much and I simply MUST have another!
KilaInverse: (laughs) Yes, Yami should get some points taken off. He was rather slow in that argument with Kaiba, wasn't he? Ah well. he knows now...(not sure if that redeems him at all though...-.-;)
Silver Mirror: Yessss our precious Malik will return! Erm...you're not gonna like the end of this chappie. hehee! (runs away before anyone tackles)
Wish-full Thinker: (grin) I actually DID feel for this chappie...as well as all the ones left. It's all an interesting experience when one's tied that into a story while writing it. (sighs) Yes I know I used "i feel" once or twice last chappie. It wasn't for spite. I just felt it fit. Believe me, I went through an reviseda LOT after you pointed it out to me a few chappies back! (huggles)
Roku: (stuffs candies into mouth) I love a person who knows how to bribe properly. (huggles) Yes poor Kura and Yami. They're in waaay over their heads right now. And it's only gonna get harder. mwahahaha! Please review again! (and bring more of that lovely candy of yours!)
Kakkumachu: Okay that has gotta be one of the awesomenest names I've seen yet! (tries to steal name) Give it to me! (cheers for eternity until you review again!)
moonlit-leaf: (pats on head) Awww. You're cute, honey. Can't be right all the time. Look on the bright side: it surprised you and kept you guessing which is much funner than knowing exactly what's to come! (-.-; ...i think...) (smirk) No, i don't think you get credit for knowing Yami was gonna find out, seeing as how I informed you all of that before the chapter. (hands bag of orange tic-tacs) I'm addicted to these things!
Chi-chan Lurks: (smirks) I've been guilty of peeking ahead in fics as well. It happens. (winks) I don't blame you for waiting until I updated after the fucking hell chapter. (smiles) Oh yes. It was a horrible one, that it was. Of course...this one is too! Mwahahaha! Please review again! I wanna hear from you again,understand? (passes bag of gummy worms "stealthily")
Blackangeltwin1: Ack! (wrestles Yami away from you) Don't Kill him! He has to live...for the time being...(smirk) Yes I update often. too often...oh well. I'm weak and excited. What can I say? (eats Kookie)
DreamingChild: I know! It was so kawii when Yugi cradled injured Kura! I cooed over the monitor after I wrote it. (weird, I know -.-;) Yami kill Malik? Yami make up with Kura ALREADY? Are you insane, honey? There are still four chappies to go! We've gotta kill some peoples and cause lots of pain, ooooh yessss!
blackalbino: ohmyraonlyfourchaptersleftgah! (Laughs) Your opinion of Kaiba and Yami changes often? (smirk) I think from here on out you'll be liking both of them. Trust me on this. (winks)
Angels
No more angels
With pure, white robes
Singing sweetly
In fluffy, cloud coves.
No more shining shadows
Staying so near
That guard and protect
But never appear.
No more soothing whispers
Of comfort and hope.
No gentle, firm grasp
To help the heart cope.
Reflections in dreams
Is where they remain,
Still trying their best
To keep all from pain.
Chapter 27: Echoing Voices
(Yugi's POV)
Kaiba and his doctors left several hours ago. Before parting, the CEO made sure to threaten us that he'd take Bakura back to Kaiba Corp. should anything like this occur again. All he cares about is Bakura's safety, not how the yami lives out the remainder of his days. I know Kaiba means well…but only for Ryou's sake.
Yami and I are sitting on the couch, both of us still in shock. Jou is in the kitchen, having offered to call Honda and Anzu and inform them of the situation. Grandpa's upstairs keeping an eye on Bakura. Marik…he's positively fuming. It took Jou, Grandpa, and I to keep him from tackling Yami after the madness had ceased. Grandpa then insisted the blonde rest because of his injuries. The Marik finally agreed, as long as he was allowed to stay near Bakura.
Yami sighs heavily, his eyes staring out in front of us at nothing.
"I…still can't believe it," I hear him whisper.
I smile sadly, nodding my head. "We've been with Bakura the whole time."
He frowns. "But what does this mean? Was he just trying to hurt us in the end or…?" His voice catches in his throat and he closes his mouth.
I reach over and place a hand on his arm. "What do you think?"
He sighs, running a hand through his slightly disheveled hair. "What I think or want to think?"
I scoot closer. "What do you want to think?"
He looks down at his hands that are resting in his lap. "I…don't know."
"Do you love him?" I whisper.
His eyes widen, turning his head to stare at me. "What?"
I roll my eyes. "It's not that complicated of a question, Yami."
He smiles grimly. "But it's not that simple to answer."
I nod, standing up. "And it's one you have to find on your own. It shouldn't be that difficult. Just think of your life the past few months with him. Then imagine it without him." He stares up at me in astonishment.
"But…"
"Go for a walk. Get out and clear your head," I say kindly, giving him an encouraging smile before leaving the room.
(Mr. Mutou's POV)
I stare silently at the sleeping figure on the bed before me. I still am having a hard time processing all the information we received during Kaiba's…visit. I must say, I don't think I've ever been so glad to see the CEO (if I've ever been glad to see him at all). I've never seen Yami so angry and out of control. Kaiba was the only one who could deter him. The monarch even ignored Yugi. That was alarming in itself to me. The two of them have always been so close. The fact that my grandson couldn't penetrate the wall of fury his darker half had erected…
"Nnn…" the thief moans stirring, cringing as he starts to regain consciousness.
"Bakura," I say softly, coming over and gently dabbing his forehead with a damp cloth.
His brown eyes open wearily, staring up into mine with an expressionless look. I breathe a sigh of relief.
"Good. You're awake. We've been worried sick," I smile, dipping the cloth into the bowl of water and squeezing out the excess liquid, placing the damp material back on his forehead.
He closes his eyes. "How long have I been out?" he croaks wearily.
"A couple of hours. Kaiba came," I say simply, deciding details don't matter right now.
He opens his eyes, staring into mine with an anxious look. "Is Yugi…?"
"He's fine," I smile reassuringly. "He's downstairs with Yami and Jou."
There's an emotion I cannot place in his eyes now. I sigh, sitting on the edge of the bed. He stares up at the ceiling, mind no doubt swimming with questions.
"Marik…?"
"Is sleeping on the floor over there," I chuckle, pointing.
He shifts slightly so he can see, wincing a bit from the pain the movements bring. The young Egyptian had adamantly refused to leave the thief's side. To keep the peace I set up a makeshift bed on the floor for him. He's now on his back, snoring softly, mouth hanging open slightly. After seeing the snoozing blonde on the floor for himself, Bakura sinks back onto the pillow, shaking from pain and exhaustion. I close my eyes for a moment, trying to put into words what I'm thinking.
"Bakura," I say, opening my eyes to see him glance over at me. "I…what has this been?"
He looks away, jaw tense. I hold my breath, waiting for an answer. I have to know. Have to.
"It started out…just to hurt him…" he whispers hoarsely, voice trembling. I nod. "But then…" He doesn't say any more, shrugging helplessly, eyes pain-filled.
I smile compassionately, placing a hand on his quivering shoulder. "Perhaps…you've had a slight change in perspectives?"
He nods, staring at the wall across the room. I feel my heart swell at this, at all the hurt and turmoil we've gone through these past few months. It's amazing really. I had suspected something was amiss from the start, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine something of this magnitude. I glance back over at Bakura again to find him asleep, body worn and beaten. I feel a small smile form on my face as I remove the cloth from his forehead, gently pushing his bangs back with my fingers. He's not the only one who's had changes in perspective.
(Yami's POV)
I sigh heavily, my hands in the pockets of the leather jacket that Ryou and…no…Bakura and I bought all those months ago. I shiver at that very realization. After finding out the truth I was in a daze, unable to fully comprehend exactly what I'd been told. After it sunk in I went through the past six months in my mind, replacing 'Ryou' with 'Bakura'. Some incidents made more sense than others. The understanding is coming slowly. I still have yet to know of what his intentions were; however, if he had been planning on destroying me why did he wait so long? He's never been the patient type. Of course, it appears there's a lot I didn't know about him.
Then there's the whole ordeal with Ryou. He's dead. The fact that I was dating Bakura doesn't change that one cold fact. The boy's really gone, because of both the thief and I's rash actions. It's a weight I'll no doubt carry with me for the rest of my life…however long that may be. I only hope I can make a penance of it somehow in the boy's memory.
I come out of my thoughts, staring at the path before me. It's the park. I tentatively take a step forward, then another. One pace after another I make my way down the curving path, twisted, bare branches reaching out to grab at my clothing. The sky is gray, visible above, unlike that day that seems so long ago now. I feel my stride quicken, my breath rising and falling as I round curve after curve, the path barely visible under the snow. Before I know it I'm running, heartbeat thumping rapidly in my chest as I dash through the skeletal trees. I don't know where I'm going, letting the unconscious part of my mind lead me. I stumble, nearly falling onto the icy ground. Gritting my teeth as the cold air prickles against my skin, I increase my speed, almost frantic now. My eyes widen when I suddenly go crashing down on my back.
Moaning, I sit up slowly, cringing. That'll no doubt leave a bruise. Ye gods…I feel my breath catch in my throat when I look down. Gently taking my bare hand, I push away the snow to discover solid ice underneath. Looking about I realize where I am. The pond. The pond that saved us from the savage bees. I feel a smile form on my face at that memory, recalling how we fell out of the tree only then to take off screaming down a Ra-forsaken path without any idea where we were going while the hornets closed in around us. I chuckle, stopping quickly when I realize I have.
"Yami, you have to let it go."
I stiffen with a start, glancing around as if looking for someone. I know what it really was though. I close my eyes, hoping it'll make the thief's voice stop.
"You've never had any faith in me, have you?"
I bite down on my lip, reaching up and covering my ears with my cold fingers. Why can't I just block it out? Why can't I forget about him, let him go?
"Ryou," I say boldly before I can stop myself. "There's something I need to tell you."
"Stop it!" I scream, clenching my body as our voices don't cease. They get louder, whirling around me in a cloud of conversations until it's like a hundred chants going on all at once in a room full of echoes.
"You shouldn't have to suffer in order to be in control of your life."
"Please stop. Please stop," I hiss, curling up on the icy pond.
"Hurry and give me the ring!"
"You actually believe it, don't you?"
I shake my head back and forth but it won't stop.
"I thought we'd gone beyond this. You don't know him. You never even tried."
"He didn't deserve a chance."
"And you did? The truth is you just assumed he's completely evil…that he's incapable of changing. Well you're wrong!"
"STOP IT!" I scream at the top of my lungs.
I stare wide-eyed at the ground, tentatively pulling my hands from my ears. Nothing. I can feel perspiration lining my brow as I kneel there in the cold, panting. All Bakura and mine's previous conversations are whizzing through my head. Suddenly I can see his cheerful face, eyes wide with excitement and anticipation.
"Hot chocolate!"
I can't hold back a chuckle now, remembering his struggle with the elderly man at the supermarket on Christmas Eve. I can almost feel his arms around me, his hand holding mine. I stare down almost in surprise to see my frozen hands resting in my lap, his nowhere in sight. What did this relationship really mean? Did he care about me like I loved him? I suddenly gasp when one particular incident comes back to me…
"Yami, you have to let me go," he murmurs, tears streaming down his face.
"What?" I ask in surprise.
"Just walk away…just…hate me…" he whispers hoarsely, staring down at the pavement.
"Look me straight in the eyes and tell me you want me to leave you."
"I…" I wait but he doesn't speak, cannot speak, just staring at me helplessly, face tearstained.
He couldn't say it. He was trying to leave me. Trying to bury his emotions. I feel my entire body tremble.
"You fell in love too, didn't you?" I whisper, remembering how upset and out of control he'd been. Ra, it makes sense now!
"I wouldn't ever leave you. Never. You've got to trust me," I whisper as he cries into my shirt. "I'm going to take care of you. Whatever it is that's causing you so much pain…we'll get through it…together."
I suddenly feel an unsuspecting smile form on my face, all doubts having vanished from my mind. He loves me, whether or not it was his original intention. And I love him. That's all there is to it. I've found my answer.
Laughing, I jump up, only to fall back down on the brutal ice. Ow. Fuck ow. Groaning, but more cautious, I get up slower this time, making sure I'm off the pond before dashing off onto the trail, following my footprints from before back to where I belong…and the person I belong with.
(Bakura's POV)
I slowly wake up, pain erupting all over my body. Ye gods he thrashed me good. I feel myself frown, struggling to sit up against the headboard. Once I've propped myself up slightly, I glance over to find Marik still sleeping on the floor, snoring softly. I grin, shaking my head. Leaning back, I sigh heavily, wincing when my sides throb. Ra did he have to go and kick me? He should go into sports with a kick like that.
Yami and I both made mistakes…and it cost Ryou everything. I feel myself frown. This won't work. It could never work. We're two different people. He was willing to go through my light to get to me. I cannot forgive that. Ever. The world has lost an angel, a selfless person who'd never harmed anyone or anything his entire life. It is a great loss, one that will never lessen the torment in my heart for what I've done. Yes, what I've done. I admit my part in this tragedy, mine being perhaps the most vicious of all. I close my eyes, knowing what's to come for me when I sense the item drawing near.
(Yugi's POV)
Grandpa, Jou, and I sit quietly around the kitchen table drinking peppermint tea. We're all in a bit of shock.
"So you informed Anzu and Honda?" I ask as I take a sip of tea.
Jou nods. "Yeah. And Otogi too."
Grandpa sighs heavily. "It's all so sad. So many people have suffered needlessly. It's almost as if Ryou foresaw this, begging Kaiba to take care of Bakura should anything happen to himself. Bless the CEO for doing so."
Jou snorts. "Sure. I disagree that he deserves much praise…"
Grandpa frowns. "He's the only reason Marik and Bakura are still alive. He's also the only reason we've found out any truth in this madness."
We sit in silence for a long moment, soaking it all in. If Jou disagrees, he doesn't say so. I'm relieved at that. I'm also extremely grateful for all he's done lately. I don't know what we would have done without his support.
"So what happens now?" Jou suddenly speaks.
Grandpa looks up. "Well, it's going to take a long time for Bakura to heal from his wounds."
Jou winced. "Yeah. Yami man kinda banged him up."
I roll my eyes. "That's a bit of an understatement."
"I'm not talking about the injuries Yami gave him. They're minimal compared to the wounds Malik inflicted upon Bakura."
"What exactly did Malik do to 'im? I mean, besides carving freaky messages into his chest? Did he zap him with a Millennium item like Yami did?" Jou asks curiously.
Grandpa's looks up, eyes dark. "He was tortured, Jou. I saw the doctors' reports at Kaiba Corp. The types of things he was subjected to…" Grandpa stops, shuddering as he recalls.
"That bad, eh?" Jou grimaces.
"Much worse than you're probably imagining. The emotional trauma is going to far outlast the physical."
"I dunno 'bout that. Bakura seems like a pretty tough guy," Jou points out.
We both jump as Grandpa stands up stiffly, walking over to the kitchen window and staring out into the snow. I can see his fists trembling. He's angry, I can sense it. When he speaks his voice is quiet yet seething.
"He was raped, Jou."
My mouth goes dry, my mind picturing the thief's limp, battered form on the bed…the way he'd cowered away from Grandpa and I when he first woke up here. A tight knot lodges in my throat.
"Holy shit…" Jou whispers, eyes wide.
Grandpa nods, turning back to us. His eyes are worn, making him look years older. I stay where I am, unsure of what to do. We all look toward the living room at the sound of the door.
"That'd be Yami," I sigh, standing up to go greet my darker half only to freeze in dread as I spot the figure coming towards us.
(Yami's POV)
I feel as light as a feather as I race home…well, I'm walking quickly now. Cold air and running do not mix. My throat's raw, yet I don't care. I've figured out the truth and am going to do my best to set things right. Thank Ra.
I skid to a halt as I reach the corner of our block, spotting the ambulance parked outside the game shop. Noticing medics rushing someone on a stretcher out, I race forward, my heartbeat pounding in my ears. As I get closer I can see it's Marik on the stretcher, the emergency team focusing on the gaping wound in his stomach, blood gushing from it onto their gloved hands. The blonde's eyes are rolled back in his head.
"Marik!" I call rushing forward to find Jou in the doorway.
He's holding a hand to his lip where a steady stream of blood is flowing. When he spots me there's a look of panic-stricken relief (if there is such a thing) in his eyes.
"Yami man! Thank goodness!" he cries as I come up to him.
"What's happened?" I ask frantically.
"Malik," he says darkly.
I feel my stomach drop, taking off into the house. Upon entering the living room I spot Yugi who's next to Grandpa who seems to be unconscious, blood lining his forehead where it looks like he's been struck by some sharp object. There's a doctor tending to the wound as they wait for another stretcher.
"Yami!" Yugi cries, rushing over and clinging to me. "Malik! He took him!"
"What? Who?" I ask, clutching him to me protectively.
"Bakura! Marik and Grandpa tried to stop him! He had the Millennium Ring! We couldn't…"
"Where'd he go?" I ask tensely, looking about wildly.
"I don't know! I can't read it!" he cries hysterically.
"Read what?"
He reaches up and grasps my chin, turning my head to the wall across the room. There's ancient hieroglyphs painted in blood on it. I fee my stomach churn, approaching it.
Plaything taken back
Once again by rightful master.
If you wish, come and reclaim it,
Or let it meet disaster.
Situation getting bloody,
Confrontations getting rougher.
Come and claim the little toy
Or let it stay and suffer.
(cackles) Yes, Malik has taken a liking to poetry. He's a psycho, like myself. Why poems? (shrugs) Why not?
Four chapters left! (collapses) So intense! Craziness, I tell you! WARNING: you are all going to see blood and torture. A LOT OF IT. If you are squeamish to that sort of thing you are going have problems very soon. Thou hast been forwarned. (but how the heck can you abandon the fic THIS far along? mwaahaha!)
Malik: I've got the kura! I've got the Kura!
Yami: Meh! Damn you! Damn YOU! I was gonna go home and passionately make out...er...make up with him!
Kura: ow. ow. ow.
Kaiba: I saw this coming. (turns on Yami) Why'd you fucking leave you fucking idiot?
Kura: Yeah!
Yami: -.-;
Ferris: REVIEW!