(hangs head in shame) All right. I knew it would happen sooner or later. Anyhoo, it's happened. I accidentally skipped over someone in my responses. (bangs head on desk) Meh! So anyhoo, this chapter is dedicated to xxx.Jenn.xxx!My apologies honey! (kowtows) A note to the rest of you: if I ever leave you out please review again the next chappie and inform me! It wasn't intentional! Don't let my horrible forgettful clumsiness scare you away from reviewing!
Von fowst is no longer eating. We took him to the vet today. Got some meds for him. Won't know if we're already too late until later in the week. I'm on spring break so I'll most likely update again sometime this week! The faster you all review the faster I update!
MoonWolf2000: Bakura porn? (blink) Oh dear. I'm sure you can. Anyhoo, sorry I'm updating too fast. I COULD slow down, if you want! (readers: GLARE) eeehehehe!
Satra: Yes, Malik with mind-reading abilities is frightening beyond all belief. (shudders)...as you'll see...Hmm...you think Kaiba'll help? (smirks mysteriously) Perhaps. Perhaps...
xxxJennxxx: (collapses prostrate on ground) Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorrysorrysorry! (kowtows repeatedly) sorry! (breathes deeply) Yeesh. I feel like such a jerk...Don't know much about Yugioh? Well if you're confused about anything in the fic just tell me and I'll do my best to fill you in! (smiles) Just so you know, in case you didn't get it, Bakura stole the Millennium Eye from Pegasus (a weird dude that wears all pink) So yeah. I'm flattered that you wrote a review even after the fact that I left you out of the last review thing. (bows head in shame) You're wonderful! Me loves you! (glomps) Woot!
Wish-full Thinker: (huggles tightly) There you are! I was worried you were sick or died. Yeesh. (laughs) Yes I like poetry. I'm a psycho. I'll admit it. (hugs self) I'm improving greatly? Woot for me! Woot!
wolfjessica5: Each chappie is better and better? (smiles) Thanks. I was hoping it was so. Thank goodness. (is relieved.) Yes all poets are psychos. you're talking to one right now! Muwhahahaa!
KilaInverse: Of COURSE it's sexy. It's my kura and Malik! That's damn sexy! (drools more)
xKokurox: (cackles) More! More reviews! (cackles again just for the heck of it)
Broken Mirrors and Tainted Promises: Yay! Reviewed! Woot woot!
KeraJeir: (rolls eyes) Wa? Now it's required that Kura be tortured every chappie? Yeesh. So hard to please you peoples. (holds up drool-covered towel) Can I keep this?
blackalbino: Yes yes, you missed early reviewing. (shakes head sadly) It was in character with Malik and Kura? (sighs in relief) good. I was hoping so. Want something extremely vile to happen to Malik? (smirks secretly) heheh.
Under Finger and Thumb: Nude oil wrestling? (shudders) Erm...I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that and hope that someday those mental images you put in my head will go away...yeesh.
Scotty: (laughs) It's true. It's becoming more so, actually. All the chapters for the most part are the same length. There are just getting to be more and more reviewers. (which makes me happy) Glad you pointed that out though! Review again!
Silver Mirror: You're writing another story? (tackleglomps) Ooooh! Lemme see! (pries story away) Oooh! aaaah! Pretty!
Clingy: (laughs) At least you're reading it now, neh? I'm glad you like Mr. Mutou, Mokuba, and Kaiba. I try to include all the characters in the stories at some point. It's...I dunno...more interesting. (bangs head on desk) NO! Ryou's not coming back! Dang it's begun again! You're all begging for Ryou! Noooooo! (sobs) Make it stop!...(just ignore my madness) Review again, honey!
Spryte: Yes Kaiba is being semi-civil. Good Kaiba. (pets) Heheh. My little demon-like CEO. (bites) Aieeeee!...yes Kura's doing a little better...for the moment.
Kit-Cat Caitlin: They just don't understand complex peoples such as ourselves. We're above NORMAL Humans. (cackles insanely earning weird look from brother) meh.
moonlit-leaf: Noooooo! You'vefigured it out! How did you...Just kidding. (cackles) Oh I Love it! No. Ryou's NOT coming back. Stop getting your hopes up, honey.
Skittles the Sugar Fairy: Yup. Chaining through the eye sockets is extremely effective...okay honey, first you said you weren't twisted and then you went on about chopping characters' balls off and feeding them to 'em...O.o...(there's nothing more to say here.)
dragonlady222: (laughs) Kaiba and Malik? Wow. No. That's a bit far-fetched, honey. Nice guess though...Don't think Malik has the advantage? Hmm...
Tabby: (laughs) Yes, as you put it: "Malik put the eye in his eye!" (laughs) Yup. Yes, Kaiba will most likely help, don't you think? But will it be enough? (cackles) I'm so devious!
Joey-lover: (smirk) I love the vision of Marik walking out of the hospital with the IV still implanted in his arm. I had an IV once. I got Really loopy. WeeeeEEEEeeeeeEEEeeee! (readers: O.o...) hehe.
Bluegrass Elf: (laughs) You've got to be the only reader that doesn't want them to post like that again. That amuses me! (glomps) Like th use of the eye? I'll agree it's a bit nasty but hey it's Malik!
Freedom of Darkness: No. NO. Freakin' NO! Ryou's not coming back you crazy peoples, you! Meh! (Laughs) I couldn't stop laughing at your thingie of Anzu and Malik. It was just so...so...BRILLIANT. (cackles) I showed it to my sister who's still chuckling about it. Very nice. (grabs stick and runs away)
TheGodFish: (Smiles) Glad you liked your B-day gift. (even though I forgot to dedicate it to you on the page itself) Meh. I'm so forgetful. (laughs) Malik's hot whether he's killing or not. (I prefer the former but that's just me!)
We have seen the enemy...and he is us.
Chapter 30: Back Again
(Malik's POV)
"Well what now, thief?" I chuckle. "Afraid of me, are you?"
He backs away, eyes wide with fear. I can read his every thought. He's terrified. Beyond terrified. Poor bloody bastard.
"Stay the hell away from me!" he hisses, backing into a corner.
I chuckle, moving forward swiftly and attacking his mouth with mine. He growls, furiously struggling in a futile attempt to break free. It's so amusing yet incredibly pointless. I snarl, releasing him when his fist comes in contact with my gut. Oooh he's gonna pay for that one. He lets out a scream of agony as Shadow magic engulfs him, blood pouring out of his mouth. I grin as I watch in fascination as he spasms on the floor, shrieks of pain gurgling up from his mouth in crimson rapids. I freeze when I'm suddenly forced back, a bright light encompassing his trembling form. I shield my eyes, noticing the figure standing above him protectively. Angel wings, pure white hair, gentle brown eyes...
"Ryou," I whisper in amazement..
Just kidding. Mwhahahahahah! Happy April fool's day! heheh. You have NO idea howlong I've been waiting to do that. (readers: GLARE) Oh come on, did you honestly believe I was going to bring Ryou back? Hell no! He's gone! Freakin' DEAD! Just thought it was time to pay you all back for continuously begging for his return. (cackles again) (readers edge forward with knives and such) hehehe. Okay okay. Don't lose your pretty heads. Here's the REAL chapter: (seriously)
Cry of the Wicked
Of happier days
And brighter times,
Amidst the ruins
Of temples and shrines.
A cry of anguish
But no one cares.
A flood of tears,
But no one's there.
Scorning compassion
And given the blame.
In the deep depths of hell
Is where he remains.
The truth of the matter
Discovered too late.
Laments and remorse
Don't make a clean slate.
The cry of the wicked
Lost in murky haze
Wandering alone
Till the end of his days
Chapter 30: Dire
(Bakura's POV)
"Well isn't this a pleasant surprise," Malik chuckles standing a bit unsteadily to his feet.
Blood's streaming down the right side of his face, seeping out from around the Millennium eye that's securely embedded in his eye socket. I fight the urge to retch as he reaches up and runs his blood-spattered fingers over the item, smirking victoriously.
"Disgusted, thief? Or is it jealousy?" Malik whispers striding forward confidently, all signs of pain and fatigue having suddenly vanished.
I stand up, backing away. I'm terrified, I'll admit it. There's no way in hell this can be real! That Malik was the next in line for the eye…I feel my back press against the wall, a sense of dread looming over me. He chuckles darkly, coming closer until we're only inches apart.
"I can read your mind…see your fear. You're terrified….But it's not like I needed mind-reading abilities to see that," he adds with a harsh laugh.
"You think this secures your victory?" I hiss, not nearly as confident as I'm trying to make out to be.
He smirks, reaching out and grabbing my chin with his bloody hand. "Oh I know so, dear thief."
I smack his hand away, anger boiling in my veins. I'm not prepared when he lounges, pouncing on me. We both tumble to the floor, me struggling against him wildly. He lets out a malicious laugh, holding me still with the Shadow power of both the ring and the eyes.
"Well well, it looks like you're stuck," he grins, leaning down and running his tongue over my neck.
I grit my teeth, hands fisting. This can't be happening again! How can I be so helpless?
"Oh I'm afraid you are," Malik smirks, having read my mind.
He comes down, biting down hard on my neck. I let forth a scream of agony as he rips a chunk of skin from it, blood gushing from the deep wound. I shriek as his teeth shred the nerves and veins, pain erupting throughout my body. He sits up again, the crimson fluid thoroughly covering his mouth, dripping down his chin. Panting, eyes glazed with pain, I glare up at him.
"You…coward…" I hiss, wincing at the excruciating throbbing at the base of my neck.
He narrows his lavender eyes. "What?"
"You heard me!" I spit venomously. "Can't even fight me without using the damn items! You're nothing but a coward!"
He stares at me in silence for a moment, my blood thoroughly having soaked the front of his white satin-like shirt by this point. I feel my chest heaving in labored breaths as I wait. He's searching my mind, I know he is. I can feel him clawing away at it, probing for some deeper meaning to my outburst. The fact is, I don't have a plan at all. I'm just stating the facts here. He smirks suddenly, the glowing about me ceasing. Malik stands in one swift movement, pulling me to my feet by my arm. I rip myself from his grasp, taking a shaky step away from him.
"Very well, thief. I'll play along. So, how shall it begin? I suppose you want a weapon now, eh?" He produces two fairly long blades from the deep side pockets of his pants, tossing one to me. I catch it with one hand, eyes never leaving him.
"They've just been sharpened. Some of my best," he smirks, testing his own blade on his finger. A rivulet of blood glides down the flesh the moment the knife touches it.
I don't say anything, moving away from the wall towards the center of the room where he's waiting. My legs are shaky as I walk towards him. My body's already beaten up worse than it has ever been before—past or present. This is going to be difficult; I know that for a fact.
"Indeed it will be," he smirks, tossing the sheath of his blade away carelessly.
"What'd I say about using the items?" I growl angrily.
"You should be content enough that all I'm using is the mind-reading powers," he replies smoothly before lunging.
I dodge, turning to strike at him only to find him upon me already, slashing the side of my arm with his blade. I stumble back, snarling. He's reading my mind, knows everything I'm planning. It's not like I can move quickly anyway in my present condition. How am I to fight him like this?
"How indeed," he laughs manically, blood dripping from his blade. "It seems this battle isn't going to be as easy as you originally hoped."
"Just go already," I hiss, taking a defensive stance. I figure it's the best way to go. With any luck I'll be able to work him being the one attacking to my advantage.
He smiles knowingly, having no doubt read my intentions. I tighten my grip on my knife, palms sweaty. Malik charges, his own blade ready. I swerve in order to dodge his attack, hissing in pain as he slashes my thigh, having changed courses at the last moment. He rushes at me again, this time slicing across the bandages that cover my chest. I back against the wall, glancing down at the dressings that are now slit right through, my old wounds opening again.
"I'm hoping to add another verse to that rhyme on your chest," Malik states, eyes flashing dangerously.
I snarl in fury, charging. He grins evilly, and I realize too late my mistake, the blade gliding across the side of my face as his fist connects with my gut. I crash to the floor, coughing harshly, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth. I can see him standing before me, waiting.
"Get up, thief. Our duel can't end so quickly, indeed not," he states simply, tapping his foot on the ground as he waits.
I can feel the warm liquid traveling its way down my face, wheezing slightly as I struggle to my feet. Okay, this isn't working. Sure it's better than being held down by Shadow magic while he does whatever he wants to me…but still…
"I'm afraid there won't be any escape for you," Malik states, a meaningful smile on his face. "And don't expect this 'battle' to be too drawn out. Your dear pharaoh should be arriving shortly. Then we have to get down to business, I'm afraid."
I glare. "Perhaps I won't stop fighting when he comes."
The blonde chuckles darkly. "Hmm, you think so? Look at yourself for a moment, thief. You've yet to lay a single blow to me and have already received new wounds in addition to the ones you already had. I can read your mind, your every thought, plan, fear…Let's face the facts, my dear toy, you cannot and will not win this fight."
I tighten my grip on the knife, shaking. He's right. I know it as does he. There's no point in arguing about it. He's going to win this one way or another. Still, that doesn't mean I'm just going to give in. I know I'm going to die, whether by his hand or Yami's, I will die. It's just a matter of how hard I fight it.
"Determined, are we?" Malik smirks. "You're correct to say you will fail. Let me remind you—in case you've forgotten—I was known as the greatest swords master of our time, ranking higher in skills than even those of the pharaoh himself. Do you honestly believe a petty thief such as yourself has a chance in hell at defeating me in such a battle?"
I scowl. "Let's find out, shall we?"
(Yami's POV)
"We're approaching the airport that's about ten miles outside the town. I've already called ahead. They have a car waiting for us," Kaiba states, the jet slowly descending through the clouds.
"Where is this place exactly?" I ask.
"It's a run-down apartment complex. Malik's choice of adobes no doubt," Kaiba snorts, checking some gauges on the controls.
"We'll have to be careful. He's no doubt going to use Bakura as bait."
"He already is," Kaiba grimaces. "That's his edge. However, we have two Millennium items. He only has one."
"Don't underestimate Malik, Kaiba. He's no doubt premeditated this thoroughly," I warn. "Plus the way the items acted a moment ago…I've a suspicion that it was his doing."
He frowns. "You don't need to tell me that. The first time I went there he'd just vanished. He'd planned ahead, though I'm not sure he was expecting me."
I nod dismally. "It's true. Malik's been plotting revenge since Egypt."
The CEO rolls his intense blue eyes. "Don't even go there. I don't want to hear it."
"Mr. Kaiba." a voice crackles.
"What is it?" the brunette asks tersely.
"We're prepared to send teams over to break into this place you're going. If what you say is true about this individual then…"
"How many times do I have to say this? Stay in Domino and leave me be," Kaiba growls.
"But…!" The person does get a chance to finish, the CEO reaching over a switching off the communication device.
I smile, shaking my head. "Don't be too harsh with them. They just care about what happens to you."
He snorts. "No. They're just worried about their paychecks. Don't be fooled by their 'loyal employee' shit. There are only a few of them who actually are sincere."
"How can you tell?" I ask curiously.
He smirks. "I know."
I sigh, turning and staring out the window to the ground below. The airport is in sight now, lights of the runway flashing in the distance. Hang on, Bakura. We're almost there.
(Malik's POV)
"You? Defeat me?" I chuckle, shaking my head. "My dear thief, I think it's time you come back to reality."
He growls. "I thought I told you to stop calling me that."
He lunges, this time blocking my strike at his side. Well well well, it appears he's finally coming to his senses. The faster he moves the less time I have to read what he's going to do. Excellent. He's waking up. I dive toward him, blade positioned only to have him block it with the hilt of his own knife, the edge of my weapon barely grazing the skin of his forearm.
"Impressive," I smirk.
He glares, plunging at me with more speed than before. I'm quicker than him though, dodging and turning only to find him positioned in a defensive stance, ready.
"I say, you're finally doing something productive for yourself," I chuckle.
"Don't give yourself credit for a title you never deserved."
I narrow my eyes. "What?"
He smirks. "You heard me. You were named the greatest swords master of Egypt, yet the only people you'd faced off against were of the elite upper class. Those who used sword fighting as a way of life, not a technique, never met you in battle. As far as I'm concerned, you were just the best of a bunch of snobbish palace brats."
I scowl. "Are you suggesting you're a better swordsman than myself?"
He raises an eyebrow. "I cannot say. Nor was I implying such. All I was stating was I've seen better than you…back in Egypt."
I growl in rage, rushing forward only to find his blade puncturing my left arm. Hissing, I jerk my arm back, withdrawing the knife from my flesh. I chuckle, looking up to find him positioned in a defensive stance again.
"Are you ever going to outright attack me again or are you going to hide like this through the rest of the fight?" I ask in an amused tone earning a glare from him.
"You'll just read my mind so I really don't see the point," he shrugs, eyes never leaving mine.
"So when the pharaoh shows up, what will you do then, dear thief? Even if you could find some spectacular way to defeat me, when Yami appears will you fight him as well?"
He doesn't speak, eyes dark. That's right, thief. Get angry. The more infuriated I make him the less focused he'll become. The less focused he is, the more hasty moves he'll make. I continue, knowing what buttons to push to set him off.
"I don't really see the point of you fighting for your pathetic life at all. You hate the one you fell in love with; you destroyed the one who cared about you; and Marik's most likely dying in the hospital as we spea…"
"Shut up!"
I smirk as he lunges at me in fury, eyes blazing. I'm ready, his move far too hurried, deftly slashing him across the face. He shrieks, blade clanging uselessly to the floor. He falls to his knees, blood oozing between his trembling fingers as he holds his hands against his face. I smirk, lifting my knife to my lips and licking the metallic liquid upon it as I wait for him to rise. His breath is hissing, bloodied flanks heaving in labored gasps of pain. He slowly removes his hands from his face and a smirk forms on my lips when I spot the wounds. Oh could this getting any more amusing?
(Yami's POV)
Kaiba lands the jet without any problem, a group of people hurrying out to us. They quickly escort us to a black vehicle ready to go. Kaiba slides into the driver's seat without saying a word to them, motioning for me to get in. I don't argue, hurriedly ducking in and slamming the door on the passenger side. I barely have time to get my seatbelt on before the tires screech and we're off, exiting the airport's parking lot and taking off down a narrow two lane road.
"Get ready, Yami. We'll be there in a minute or two." I've no doubt, seeing as how we're going over 100mph.
I grit my teeth, my fingers clenched around the sides of my seat as we squeal around a curve and nearly colliding with a car in the other lane. Kaiba takes it all in a stride, swerving sharply and narrowing avoiding the other vehicle, honking his horn at the person as if it's their own bloody fault they were in his way. The CEO doesn't seem to be too concerned about traffic laws at the moment, zooming down whichever lane he feels like at whatever speed he sees fit. If the situation weren't so grave I'd make him slow down.
"Kaiba…" I begin but am cut off as we take another curve sharply, nearly skidding off the road.
"There's the town!" he growls.
I look up to see the little settlement coming into view. To my surprise the CEO doesn't slow in the least as we enter the town, if anything, he goes faster. We're heading to the far side by the looks of it, the mountains beyond it looming in the distance like some silent omen. Let's hope it's one for Malik and not us.
(Bakura's POV)
My eyes are burning, pain ripping through my head. It feels like acid is eating away at them. I hold my hands against them, detecting the feeling of blood flowing between my fingers. I take a shaky breath, pulling my hands away, blinking heavily and wincing at the pain this action brings. Oh shit.
"Well this is an interesting twist, isn't it?" I hear Malik chuckle from somewhere to my left.
I can't see him though. I can't see anything. There isn't even the hint of light or shadows that some get when they're blinded momentarily. Nothing. This cannot be happening!
"Shall we call that the end of the fight then seeing as you probably can't even locate your weapon?" the other laughs darkly. "I'll consider this a forfeit on your part."
I tense as I hear his footsteps approaching, my breath catching in my throat. I struggle to get to my feet only to have something sharp suddenly cutting into my neck, forcing me to stay still. I cringe as a hand roughly grabs my hair and yanks my head back to the point where it feels like my spine will snap, the knife still being held in place at the base of my neck.
"I'd say you're helpless now, wouldn't you?" a voice hisses in my ear.
I can't reply. There's nothing to say. This is it. It's really over.
We both jerk at the door being blasted open, the sound of someone panting as they rush into the room.
"STOP!" a familiar voice bellows commandingly.
Oh shit. Yami.
There. How was that. (readers: GLARE) Hmm...still angry about the joke, neh?
Ryou: They have a right to be! You got their hopes up!
Bakura: (snorts) Oh come off it. Why would they be happy to see YOU?
Malik: (laughing)
Ryou: Excuse me?
Yami: What the hell are you doing here? You're dead.
Kaiba: Yes andyou're ruining our angsty moment. Get out.
Ryou: So unappreciated. -.-;
Ferris: Review lovelies!