Tym-Oh my goodness…I'm surprised if anyone is still out there reading this bunch of-
SS-All right Tym, enough of that. A thousand sorries…I mean…how long has it been? 3 months?
Tym- 4 months and 14 days to be exact.
SS-Thanks a lot Tym. I think I broke the non-update record. I'm going to get this going before everyone leaves.
Last Time
~Truth be told, I kind of forgot what happened last time. But to the best of my knowledge, Yami and Yugi are on good grounds, Bakura's upset about one thing or another, and Ryou had this really weird dream.
Tym-Like that's going to help anyone. Oh…and she doesn't own YGO, if she did, none of us would ever see a new episode.
SS-…Shut up. I won't bore you all with my explanation, maybe after the chapter, if this even qualifies as a chapter.
~*~*~*~*~
Sent to Save Me
Chapter 6 (finally)
****Ryou's room****
After some time, Ryou finally woke from his weird dream. As he looked up, he saw a lamentable Bakura sitting in his chair, and a slightly angry Yami near him. Upon seeing the youth awaken, Yami took this as his cue to leave. "If you don't make your move soon, I'll see to it that your wings are clipped." Ryou blinked. What was Yami talking about? Bakura simply looked at him and responded in a quiet, solemn voice.
"I have a plan." Ryou already didn't like the sound of that, especially after remembering what his other plan was. "But you can not interfere, Yami. Give me one week, and I promise Ryou will be safe, his mother will be better, and I will be out of your multi-colored hair forever." While Yami was contemplating the sincerity and probability of what his 'friend' had just said, Ryou was in shock.
'Is he serious?! In one week I'll be fine, my mom will be fine and he'll be gone?! Is that possible?! And without Yami's help?!! It doesn't make any sense to me, maybe I'm still dreaming, or I misunderstood the entire thing.'
'Hm…could Bakura be thinking of doing what I thought of? It's risky, but I suppose it could work, but without help? None at all?! Or does he mean just no help from me. Well, at least he's finally taking this seriously. I guess I could let him try. He just better not mess up.'
"Well?"
"All right. One week, but that's all. And remember, no killing."
"I already told you that no matter how much I want to…I won't kill anyone." Yami nodded.
"Fine. I'll see you in one week. And you better not screw this up." With that, he vanished, leaving Bakura along with his charge.
"Um…" Before he could finish, the angel was up and over at the boy's side.
"Listen Ryou and listen very carefully because I don't have time to repeat myself." The young boy turned to face him, ready to hear what he had to say. "As much as I hate to admit it, Yami was right. I'm not really cut out for this guardian bit and quite frankly; I'm not enjoying it. However, I can't get up and leave because I took this responsibility and the least I could do for you is get your life back on track." Ryou was pulling up a blank. Bakura never talked to him like this before; actually, it was kind of scary that he was being serious about anything other than killing. "The next week is going to be a hard one, it'll be especially difficult on you my little charge and I'm apologizing in advance for it, but it's the only way that I can think of (other than death) to get you to safety."
"I don't under-"
"I said to listen!" He instantly shut his mouth and leaned against his bedpost. The older boy sighed and put his hand on the young one's bruised shoulder. "This is important Ryou, and you need to hear it so that you will understand. Now, I know that having me apart of your life hasn't been the best, and the beatings your mother gives you doesn't make it any better. So as my last…gift to you…I will get rid of both."
"What?!"
"Sh…you don't have to worry. I promise you that by the end of this week, you will be safe, your mother will not harm you anymore, and I will be gone. All you have to do is stay here, wait, and listen to what I tell you, ok?" How do you answer that? Ryou thought about it. Could he really be telling the truth? Can he make his mother stop abusing him? That would be great, but at what price? Being confined to his room for a week? That's easy. Listening to Bakura's instructions? That'll be cake. Losing him for good? That's…that is…terrible.
'What? Terrible? He's been terrible! What kind of guardian is he?! No…that's not true, he has kept you safe since he came here. The beatings? Well, almost all the cuts and bruises are gone, and the pain that once surged through my body has disappeared. Sure, he wanted to kill my mom, but now he's creating a plan to go around that because I didn't want that to happen. Hm…everything cancels out…right? He did some good, and some bad, so my feelings for him are…are…not neutral.
'I don't want him to go. So what if he's made mistakes, he just said that he doesn't really like this job anyway. And how can you do your best at something you don't like? When we were in Egypt we had a good time, ok, we got lost in a tomb and almost got locked in, but all in all, we had fun. It was fun, and we could spend more time like that once this whole problem is solved. He doesn't have to leave, I don't want him to…he can't.'
"Ryou!"
"Huh?" After realizing that he had been thinking for a long time, he looked into his angel's brown eyes intently. 'If he can really do this, he doesn't have to go, he shouldn't have to. If he can do this, he deserves to stay, after all, he would have taken great care of me by putting me out of harm's way…right?'
"Do you understand?"
"…Yes. I-I understand. Uh…" If he didn't tell him now, then he'll leave for sure. "Uh…Baku-"
"Good. Then I'll begin. I haven't got a moment to lose." Before Ryou could stop him and tell him what he wanted to say, the angel had said a few words that Ryou didn't understand then snapped his fingers. Feeling a wave a tiredness sweep over him, Ryou fell asleep again. Then Bakura waved his hand across his face, instantly his clothes changed to what his charge wore. He would have changed his appearance, but since he looked like Ryou feature for feature, he figured there was no need. Even the things about them that weren't the same weren't too easy to notice, and besides, if everything goes according to plan, his mother won't notice the difference anyway.
He walked out into the hallway, closing the door firmly behind him. He couldn't have his mother see the real Ryou; otherwise he'll be in more trouble than he bargained for. As he approached the room that held his 'mother', he looked around the hall for a good place to set his trap. The shelf that held pictures of the family seemed like his best bet, so with a snap, a camcorder appeared just behind the frame of the picture on the edge of the ledge. The red light blinked, and then began to glow steadily, signaling Bakura to begin. He took a deep breath, and knocked rather loudly against the door.
"Mother…mother, are you awake?" It sickened him to act so courteous to the she-devil that his charge called mom, but for the first phase of his plan to go well, he had to. He knocked again. "Mother! Are you all right?" With the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching, the angel put on his most innocent face and braced himself. The door swung back, and the very irritated woman on the other side made no hesitation in showing her emotion. Her fist barely contacted with Bakura's left cheek, but he made the effort to fall back for the camera.
"What do you think you're doing?! How many times have I told you to stay in your room you little-"
"How dare you speak to me like-" He shut his mouth before he had a chance to finish his sentence. 'D***, I forgot.'
"What…did you say?" Racking his brains for something his hikari would say, he spoke what came to mind.
"I-I-I was just going to say…how dare you…how-"
"Spit it out brat!"
"Argh…how dare you speak to me in such a loud tone…mother…" Another slap, this one was harder. Bakura figured that she had regained her senses…but not completely, otherwise she might have noticed the camera on the shelf.
"A piece of filth like you doesn't have any right to raise his voice to his own mother!" A kick to his side, barely missing Bakura's stomach, and a foot stomp that would have flattened his face had he not have rolled out of the way in time ended the little encounter. "If I want to speak in that tone I will! Especially if it'll get into your thick head that you are nothing but a s*** of a son who should mind his manners!" Using all the self-control he had, Bakura kept his mouth shut and closed his eyes.
'No killing, no killing, no killing…' Faking a look of fright, the angel laid there, shaking, though Ryou's mother didn't know it was from anger not fear. So she returned to her room, shutting the door with a bang. When the coast was clear, he snapped his fingers, turning off the recorder. Then he slammed his fists onto the floor and shot up, a look of pure rage locked on his face.
'That d*** wretch…she's just lucky Ryou loves her.' Shaking his head he grabbed his side and proceeded with the second part of phase one. He got up slowly and headed back for his charge's room, stopping when he passed the top of the staircase. Adjacent to it was a small table with a vase full of flowers, tapping it lightly; it fell and crashed on the first floor. 'If everything else hasn't caught his attention yet, that sure will.' He waited there for a few seconds until he heard footsteps coming.
(Just a minute or two earlier)
Ryou's father had fallen asleep (Despite the coffee) on the couch, with his book off to the side. Things were relatively peaceful too, until he heard a crash. Bolting up he looked around for the source of the commotion, which was soon followed by another bang.
"What is going on?" He got up and headed for the kitchen, the cold cup of coffee in hand. "Ryou?" When he didn't hear a response he shrugged his shoulders and walked back to the couch. When he was barely half way there the blue vase he had bought last month came crashing down in front of him, practically scaring him out of his skin.
"Gya!" After a few seconds he caught his breath and looked up. Not seeing anyone, he quickly climbed the stairs and glanced down the hallway. There was nothing on his left, but to the right, he noticed that the door closing. "Ryou?" He walked up to the door and knocked lightly. "Ryou? Are you ok?"
Inside, Bakura was dusting himself off, but smiled when he heard the man calling. Sounding as innocent as possible he replied. "I'm just fine father."
"Are you sure? I saw the broken vase, what happened?" Making sure that his charge was still asleep he continued the conversation.
"I'm sure. I accidentally knocked it over. I'm sorry."
"It's all right. I'll clean it up." He was about to ask about the other crashes he had heard, but dismissed them for now. "Just be careful next time."
"I will. Sorry." Hearing the footsteps disappear, Bakura smirked and sat on the bed. "Well that was much easier than I originally thought. I bet I can finish this in less then a week if I plot my moves more carefully." Ryou shifted a little in his sleep, which caught the angel's attention. Grabbing the blanket on the edge of the bed he draped it over him. "Soon it'll all be over, and everything will be as it was." He starred out the window, sighing. "Yes, it's all for the best."
~*~
When Yami left, Yugi had retreated to his room. He sighed, Yami had been gone for a long time, and now he was worried. How long did it take to check up on someone? A light gust of wind brushed around his face and the young boy quickly turned to see his angel standing by the window.
"Yami!" He got up and went over to him. "So how is he? Is he ok? Nothing's wrong with him right?"
"Calm down Yugi, and don't worry, Ryou's fine. For now."
"Oh that's good-wait…what do you mean for now? What's going on?"
"Don't worry Yugi."
"How can I when you come in and tell me that Ryou's only safe for now?" Hushing the boy with his finger he motioned him to sit while he explained.
"Listen, everything's going to be…all right. Bakura has a plan, which doesn't involve killing, and is trying to carry it out. If it goes well, Ryou's mother will be fine, and he'll leave."
"Who? Bakura?" Yami nodded. "But I thought he was Ryou's guardian like you're mine."
"He is, but he just figured out that he's not cut out for it. So after he helps him out, he'll go back."
"Can he do that? Just get up and leave I mean?" Yami sat on a chair across from him, nodding his head slightly.
"Well, under certain circumstances,
yes he can."
"But how?"
"Just like any other job, if can't cooperate with your co-workers or don't like the work, you are allowed to leave."
"Yami this isn't any job…this is taking care of someone. A mother can't just abandon her child because she doesn't like him." After thinking about what he just said he wished he hadn't said it. It wasn't true; sometimes…parents dislike their child for one reason or another and give up on them. Or have to give them up for other reasons.
"I know it doesn't seem right, but Bakura can leave if he can't get along with Ryou. It's not something we can help."
"I wish we could."
"I feel the same way; however, Bakura asked me not to interfere this time."
"You can't help him at all?" The angel nodded. "Then how in the world is he going to pull this off? I don't mean to be rude, but I think he's going to need someone to help him out."
"Don't underestimate him Yugi, when we were young he was actually quite resourceful. I don't think Kelina could pull this off."
"Really? Sorry, I'm just worried about Ryou."
"He'll be fine. If things get out of hand I promise to step in." The younger smiled.
"Ok."
~*~
After an hour or so, Ryou began to stir; taking a deep breath he blinked a few times and then got up. Holding his head he looked around, Bakura was nowhere to be found.
'Did he leave? Is he doing another part of his plan?' His suspicions were answered when the ring around his neck glowed and said angel came out, sitting next to him on the bed. "Bakura…"
"Finally decided to wake up did you?"
"Huh? Oh, how long was I out?" He glanced at the clock on the table it read 5:34.
"About an hour or so."
"Oh…" Ryou was dying to know how his little plan was going…and about what would happen when it was over. Was he really going to leave him? There was only one way to find out. "Um…"
"If you don't need me," Ryou turned to him. "I'm going to return to the ring."
"Well…"
"You aren't hurt are you? I doubt you could have injured yourself in your sleep."
"No, no I didn't. It's just…"
"What then?" Catching the younger boy's gaze, Bakura noticed something in his eyes. He couldn't tell what it was it was something different. Something he hadn't seen in a long while.
"I was just wondering, after you finish your…plan…then what?" He blinked.
"Then I will leave. If all goes well I will leave like I said earlier. Remember?"
"I remember, but do you have to?" The angel wasn't expecting that.
'What does he mean by that? Does he actually want me to stay? After everything that's happened? All that I put him through?'
"You're…you are my guardian right? So, does that mean that you have to leave?" Bakura turned away from him.
"Are you-" He was cut short when someone knocked on the door. He vanished back into the ring as Ryou sighed.
"Yes?"
"Ryou can you help me get dinner ready? Your mother isn't feeling too well so I need you help." The boy fingered the ring around his neck.
"All right father. I'll be there in a second." He got up and tucked the item under his shirt, which was unusually warm against his skin. 'Just when I was about to get some answers…I wonder what he was going to say? I'd ask him now, but then I'd be distracted, and the last thing I need is to mess up dinner.' He closed the door behind him and descended the staircase, trying to take his mind off of the angel.
Inside his room, Bakura was just as confused. He was sitting on his bed, contemplating what the boy was asking him earlier.
"I remember, but do you have to?" … "You're…you are my guardian right? So, does that mean that you have to leave?"
'Does he want me to stay? I could have sworn he hated me for what I was going to do. Maybe…no. Yami was right; I'm not cut out for this guardian shtick. It was a mistake, and the only reason I'm still here is to fix what I did. Once I get things back to the way they were before, the elders will get off my case and I can return to my cloud.'
He fell back onto the soft covers and closed his eyes. 'After all, when his mother is back to normal, what will he need me for? Ryou doesn't seem like one to get injured often so I'd have nothing to do. We're better off without each other; it's just better this way.' With that argument settled he drifted to sleep, welcoming the dreams to come.
(Since I took an extremely long leave of absence…here's a little more.)
Dinner was very quiet, especially since Ryou's mother didn't join them. He had asked his father about it, but he said that she was still tired and wasn't hungry. So they only cooked for two, which was just fine for him.
"Ryou."
"Uh…yes father?"
"I've been meaning to ask, are you all right?" Ryou put looked up from his dinner. "I noticed that you have been acting strangely ever since we came back from our little vacation. Is something the matter?"
"Well…" What was he supposed to say? He couldn't tell him about Bakura or his mother's meetings with him either would result in a tremendous explosion of questions and arguments. But then, he couldn't say anything. Those were the only complications currently plaguing him, and he really didn't like lying to his father.
"Is it because winter vacation is ending in a few days? You aren't looking forward to school are you?" What a break.
"Yes, that's it. I have a book report and an essay due Monday and I don't really want to work." His dad smiled and continued with his meal.
"That's part of school son. Like it or not, we all have things we have to do, even if we don't want to do them. I'm afraid it's life." He liked where this was going, maybe Ryou could ask his father for advice indirectly.
"But how am I supposed to enjoy life when I have so many rivers to cross and obstacles to overcome?"
"Well, that's where friends, family, and simple pleasures come in." The boy listened closely. "When things get really tough, you can always fall back on your friends and family. They're here to help you get through the tough times. And you mustn't forget those little surprises we get every now and then."
"Serendipities."
"Yes. You know Ryou, fate has an interesting way of showing you that you are important to the world, or at least to someone." He looked up at him. "Never forget that you maybe the reason someone gets up in the morning, or that your smile makes others happy. Everyone has a purpose son, including you."
"How does that relate to Ba-I mean…school?"
"You'll never find out who that person is or how you matter to someone unless you continue with life, and that includes school." Ryou gave a weak smile.
"Just like how you have to wait until Christmas to open your gifts even though they're sitting right there under the tree, right?"
"Precisely." He took a sip of water before finishing his sentence. "I hope that's helped you."
"Yes, yes I think it has." He got up and carried his plate to the sink. "Thank you dad."
"Anytime." When Ryou had cleared his dish and rinsed it off he went back to his room and straight to the computer. While it booted up he got out his binder and flipped through it, that's when Bakura came out.
"You know, I didn't think you were seriously asking him about homework." His charge grabbed the mouse and clicked on one of the folders, opening to his own assignments.
"I know, but it reminded me that I have stuff to do. And I really don't want to put it off." The angel just shook his head as he sat on the bed.
"You'll have plenty of time tomorrow; after all, you'll be in here most of the day."
"How do you know-oh." It was then that he remembered that while Bakura carried out his plan, he had to stay in his room.
"Just remembered, eh?"
"Hn."
"I hope that this is just a phase, I don't think I could stand you like this for much longer." Ryou laughed nervously, praying he would avoid what he had said earlier. He started typing, getting his mind off of it.
"Don't worry about it, I'm ok."
"Are you?" The clicking and clacking of the keys stopped momentarily.
"Y-Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be? You're really helping me out, there's no reason for me not to be."
"Um hm." The typing started up again with a low, almost inaudible sigh. Bakura heard it though and stayed out with him, making a few comments here and there. Ryou wasn't really paying attention; he was trying to concentrate on his essay, hoping to get it done quickly so that he could draw. However, the more he conversed with him, the longer it seem to take as he found himself deleting sentences and rewriting paragraphs when they went off topic. Soon an hour had passed, and he only had half of what he needed. Another hour and he still wasn't finished. The clacking stopped again and Bakura looked up.
"Ryou?" He hadn't said anything to the youth in half an hour, knowing that he needed a little silence. The boy clicked the save button and pushed the keyboard in, the computer turning off in a few seconds. "Done?"
"I…no. I don't think I can finish this tonight. I'll just do it tomorrow."
"That's what I told you earlier."
"I know, and no, I'm not forgetting." He stayed in his seat, his hand still on the mouse.
"It's only 9:30 are you going to draw?" He didn't shake his head, but he didn't say anything either, Bakura got up. "Ryou?" The boy turned to face him and smiled.
"I think…I think I'm going to go to sleep."
"Already?"
"Yea. I don't…feel too good." The angel touched his forehead, he felt fine to him. If he didn't have a fever or a cold he didn't need healing.
"You don't feel sick." No response. "Ryou?" He tried to move his hand only to find that his charge was leaning on it. "Ryou?!" He knelt down and held him by the shoulders. "Ryou!"
"Huh? B-Bakura?" He was surprised that the angel was concerned.
"Yes, what's wrong?!"
"I don't know…I just don't feel too well…" Not waiting another second he picked the boy up and carried him to the bed. He then quickly got a wet towel and laid it on the boy's head.
"Argh…what's wrong with you Ryou…" He whispered before placing his hands over his chest, trying to heal him. The white light came, but left. Bakura had gotten the knack of healing already, so he knew that it wasn't working because the boy wasn't sick. "If you aren't ill then what is wrong?"
"Mm…" He shifted, turning towards his guardian, the towel slipping off. "I'm not sick…"
"Then what is it?" The boy closed his eyes for a few seconds before answering. His chocolate colored orbs met the angel's tanned ones.
"I…I think…"
"Yes?"
"I think I've been starring at the computer for too long." Bakura slapped his forehead and sighed. "I shouldn't have been doing homework for two hours straight."
"…Well I think every bloody teenager would say that." He took the towel and put it on the dresser. "Are you sure that's all?"
"Um hm. I'm just tired…and a little dizzy…" He blinked twice before realizing something.
"What?"
"Were you really worried about me?" Bakura suddenly realized how close he was sitting to him and backed up.
"Uh…"
"You know, you aren't as bad at this angel stuff as you think. If you just work at it…maybe you'll get better. And…and then you won't have to…" He yawned. "You won't have to leave…" Before he could hear the older boy's response, Ryou fell asleep. Taking in what his charge had said Bakura stood up and turned to the window.
'He always has to fall asleep or leave when things are getting good. Now…just what did he mean by that?'
~*~*~*~*~
SS-There we go. The infamous chapter 6 is complete.
Tym-Finally! Please tell me you'll hurry this story along now?
SS-I'm doing my best! I promised this chapter before the end of September didn't I?! Well, as you all know, I broke my ankle…3 more weeks in a cast, then one week in a brace. *sigh* So that's why I can't update a lot. The computer that has internet is downstairs, and you have no idea how hard it is to hobble down and up and down and up…yea…stairs are my new enemy. But I'm doing my best.
Tym-Don't worry, I'll keep her going with the stories…she won't have another 'leave of absence' again…or at least…not one that long.
SS-And I don't know if anyone noticed, but my writing style has changed slightly. I wrote the first half of this two months ago (Sorry if the transition isn't smooth, I think you can tell where the change is), and just finished it today. Since then I've written a BeyBlade story and my grammar/structure is better…I think.
Tym-Of course it is…
SS-And if I have time, I'll revise AWOM.
Tym-One story at a time please. You have enough trouble keeping up with one fic.
SS-I know. Anyways, please review minna-san! It'll make me feel better. Sweet Dweams!
Tym-You're lucky if they're still reading! Anywayz, Ashes!