Night Eleven ::
Bloody Hands.
For the past week, the vampire community has been secretly on alert, carefully watching out for any signs of a tan look-a-like of their prince. They were given no actual reason to beware of this 'man', only that he was very dangerous and was wanted by Prince Yami for treason. Blindly loyal, the vampires of the world took heed of Yami's command and warning, though a few were left with questions. Such as Anzu Mazaki, the young daughter of a one of Prince Yami's generals in the Vampire Imperial Army. Although her family wasn't of pure vampire blood, they were still consider of nobility by Yami's order. However, Anzu wasn't one to abuse or even entertain the idea of what her social ranking might gain her. She enjoyed working hard to gain things in life by the normal way, a life lesson her mother and father made sure to teach her from a young age. At the ripe age of seventeen, she was almost ready to take on the world at full force. She was beautiful; eyes blue as the Pacific Ocean, hair the color of smooth milk chocolate, and skin that was identical to a soft pink pearl. Along with her looks, she possessed a heart of gold, intelligence, grace, and even some sass. She, in every aspect, was a mature and independent woman. And just like anyone else her age, she was ready to go and explore the world by herself.
"Ah man, I wish you could be here, Baby. This is the first year the entire gang can actually attend that giant Gathering party Yami throws every New Years' eve."
"Yeah it would be, but you know my mom, she doesn't really like large formal parties like the Gathering and with her mother sick, it's impossible for her and me to come, even if she wanted to, we have to watch Grandmother. Maybe all of us can go to the spring dance coming up in April," Anzu spoke into her phone with a gentle and hopeful tone, to her boyfriend of two years, Hiroto Honda.
This evening was just like any other evening, despite Anzu being in her mother's hometown, Heartland City, which was four hours away from Domino City. Anzu and Honda continued their evening ritual of calling each other as the sun was setting for the day, talking about nothing in particular and simply enjoying each other's voices and stories. When she was away from her home in Domino, this was the one thing during the day that Anzu looked forward to. Although Honda could be a babbling idiot sometimes, Anzu loved him and his idiotic self.
"I forgot about that. I guess we could make up missing the Gathering by going to the school dance, I'll let the guys know. I'm just disappointed I don't get to see my girlfriend rocking a sexy dress," Honda added shamelessly, with a sigh of disappointment.
Laughing, Anzu shook her head at Honda's comment. "What if I had just shown up in a suit or my pajamas? Would you still think I would be sexy then?"
"Are you kidding? Hell yeah I would! Baby, you look good in anything," Honda quickly responded with an enthusiastic tone, "Your body can pull of anything."
Blushing lightly, Anzu became flustered slightly. Although she was flattered by Honda's compliment, she personally didn't think of herself as such. She didn't find herself ugly, but she didn't think she looked good in everything. "You say that, but Mai Kujaki is much prettier than I am."
"Anzu, you are gorgeous! Your body is smoking hot just like an actual fire. Mai Kujaki is some model that the Vampire Hunters turned from a nobody into a somebody, with the sole purpose of recruiting closest perverts like Yugi. You aren't even in the same league as her. You have class and qualities that go far beyond lust, Baby."
The female vampire cracked a smile at her human lover's sweet words. "Are you trying say Yugi has been seduced into joining the Association due to a girl with big breasts, while I've been away?"
" Are you crazy? Even if the dark side had the hottest chick on the planet, Yugi wouldn't join them! Heck, I don't even think he could stand up for himself in that place, not when it's filled with a bunch of murders. "
"You don't seriously believe that, right?" Anzu asked her lover skeptically, "The International Vampire Hunter Association isn't completely filled with murders. Sure they have a few rotten apples in their mix, but does that mean all of them is bad?"
Honda was quiet, most likely sulking over what she brought to light to him. "...I guess they're not all bad."
"Of course not, they're just like us vampires. We have our share of bad apples in our mix too. Take the rogues and Yami when he's in one of his moods," Anzu spoke with a smile, "You can't blame them for their hostilities, even if some of it is excessive. You just have to learn to accept it and not treat them differently for it, that's all."
"I get what you're saying, but what about the hunter that murdered your grandfather when you were little?"
Anzu went silent, trying to gather her bearings as she remembered the horrific experience she witnessed when she was just five. "If he hadn't been killed by that hunter back then, Yami would have ordered my Father to execute him. Grandfather was on the verge of becoming a rogue, anyway."
" I swear you are one of the most unique creatures in this world. You can offer forgiveness to a murderer, but you're willing to kill another girl if she even looks at me or talks to me," Honda informed his girlfriend, laughing at the weirdness of Anzu's caring nature.
"You're making me sound as if I'm some kind of animal, Hiroto Honda!" Anzu complained loudly, not finding her boyfriend's comment humorous or as a compliment.
"You're not an animal, but you are something world has never experienced before!"
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Are too, and you know it! I doubt anyone in the world has fallen fall in love with a girl with a sexy body and a great personality. But here you are with me!"
Anzu blushed darkly, secretly happy that this conversation was taking place through a phone call and not in person. It wasn't abnormal though, this conversation was just one other ones that ended up with Honda calling her something weird as form of a compliment. Their conversation continued and switched its focus back to what Honda and the others were going to be doing to tomorrow. The two spoke back and forth, each adding on to the conversation until Honda had to leave and help is mother prepare dinner. Once their conversation came to a close and they said their goodbyes, Anzu was left to walk back to her grandmother's home without the comfort of a conversation.
Night would be upon the small town her grandmother inhabited, soon. The sunset of warm oranges and reds was already fading into dark pinks, purples, and navy blues. As Anzu continued her walk back to her grandmother's home, her mind couldn't help but drift off to think about the Gathering on New Year's eve. Maybe she could go, if she asked her mother nice enough and do most of the cores around her grandmother's house. After all, she had a nice dress already prepared and all of her closest friends were going to be a massive party. She couldn't pass up the chance, who knew what could happen to them in just a year's time. With her mind set on asking her mother if she could attend the Gathering, and surprise not only her boyfriend but her friends too, she picked up her walking pace so she could ask her mother in person, quicker.
As she turned at a right corner, Anzu stopped dead in her tracks as ocean blue eyes spotted a cloaked figure standing only a meter away from her. Sniffing the air discreetly, Anzu caught on to the slightly spicy scent of the other, indicating that they were a vampire. Relaxing slightly, Anzu grabbed on to her purse's strap tight and offered a kind smile to the other vampire before her.
"Hello, is there anything I can help you with?" She asked the cloaked vampire with nothing but kindness in her voice.
The other didn't speak, but they did move. The other vampire circled around her, much like a lion did with their prey before pouncing on them. Blue eyes followed the other, not letting the other vampire out of her sight or even revealing her back to them. Anzu's instincts were flaring up, suggesting that this person might be dangerous and they shouldn't allow be trusted.
"Do you need something from me?" She finally asked after the person had circled around her for a fourth time, her free hand reaching out and grabbing the tail of the black cloak the mysterious being wore.
"Yes," A monotone voice spoke in a hushed whisper, barely loud enough for a human's ears to pick up. A tan hand reached out and snatched Anzu's hand that held on to the black cloak of the other vampire.
Anzu's warm and welcoming personal vanished the moment her hand was grabbed. Yanking from the unwelcome person's grip, she glared at them with a look of caution. "What is it you need then? I have to get going, I have somewhere to be."
"My apologies, Lady Masaki."
Anzu froze in place, eyes wide with both fear and shock. "H-How do you know my name?"
The man, at least she thought the vampire was a man, laughed softly. "That is not important. Just answer my question and you will be fine. Do you know of a human by the name of Yugi Mutou?"
The female felt her unbeating heart skip a beat. Yugi? Why did this man want to know is she knew Yugi? Was he in trouble? Did something happened to him? Instead of answering the question, Anzu was silent. She was unsure if she could trust this man hidden behind a cloak, the shadow of his hood masking his face. Everything about this man screamed danger, and Anzu didn't believe she would be able to get home safely after this encounter.
"I'll take your silence as a 'yes'. Since you didn't answer my question directly and were quiet, I want you help with a few things." A tan hand reached out and started to play with a strain of Anzu's brown hair.
The female tried to lift her hand to pull the mysterious man's hand away from her hair, however, Anzu found her body impossible to move. She couldn't even wiggle her toes. It only took her a moment to realize the male vampire playing with her hair, had used compulsion on her body, rendering it paralyzed. Anzu began to panic, just what was this man?
"To be honest, I've never enjoyed the scent of mixed bloods, but you, my dear, do smell rather appealing." The hand playing with her hair slowly started to trail her jawline before taking a hold of her chin and tilting Anzu's head upwards, exposing her neck."It is such a lovely scent, mouthwatering even."
With a hand holding her head in place and keeping her neck exposed, Anzu could only imagine what was going to happen to her. As the other vampire lean in closer to her, she remembered the warning issued out to the vampire community. Beware of a powerful vampire with tan skin and features of the prince. Do not encounter him and alert the authorities should he be spotted. Blue eyes began to fill with fearful tears as she felt the warm breath of the other vampire, at her ear.
"Lady Mazaki, welcome to the world of rogues."
There was no warning after those nightmare-ish words, only the pain as her neck was torn into by the other's fangs and poisoned by his own venom. Anzu screamed, hoping to attract attention, but her mouth was covered just after a second. This was it. This was the end of her life, she just knew it. The sunset was fading away quickly and along with it, was Anzu's consciousness. As her consciousness finally gave way, her last thoughts were filled with regret.
'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.'
Atem had serious done it now. If biting him and making it to where he was now the damn blood source of not one, but two vampires, hadn't been bad enough; the Original vampire had also vanished that very same night without a single trace, leaving Yugi clueless and liable for all the lives in danger due to Atem's very presence. Well, Atem had been nice enough to leave a note explaining that he would be back soon, but that didn't matter. What the main issue for Yugi with Atem leaving him and his grandpa, was the feeling of being used. That was what pissed him off the most. Just three hours, three hous Atem stayed with them after he drank Yugi's blood. He hadn't hinted at leaving at all and just simply left in the middle of the night. Atem had waited until his powers were full restored, and his body back to his original perfect health from his prime. He had used Yugi and his grandpa as a means of food and protection only, before leaving them. Now four days later, who knew where or what, the Original was doing. Yugi only hoped he hadn't unleashed a monster on to the world.
With his mind preoccupied by angered thoughts towards Atem, Yugi chewed on the straw for his cup, not paying attention to Ryou venting his own anger towards his boyfriend of two years. Yugi had only knew the basics of why his friend was angry, only because Ryou had started about it when they first sat down at the round booth in their favorite fast food joint, Burger World. Apparently Bakura, Ryou's boyfriend, had ruined their matching suits for the Gathering being held tomorrow evening. Knowing Ryou though, Yugi was sure he had fixed it, but his mind was too focused on his own wrath towards Atem, to even listen to the aftermath of the accident.
"-Gi. …Yugi…Yugi!"
"Huh?" Blinking, the scowl on Yugi's face disappeared and he looked up from the table to pay attention to his friends.
"Geez, you were dug in like a tick in your thoughts. What's bothering you?" Malik asked the smallest teen in their group of five. It was only when Malik has asked him what was bothering him, did Yugi realized that he had actually been spacing out more than he thought.
"Oh…Uh, well, it's a long story and complicated," Yugi replied to his sandy blonde haired friend. A very light blush appeared on the teen's face when his three friends turned to stare at him with unbelieving eyes.
"Well, un-complicate it and shorten your story. We want to know what's buggin' ya. Does it have something' to do with that cousin of yours? I swear, I'll lay 'em out flat if he's causing problems for you and Grandpa!" Jou spoke up with a protective tone and fire in his eyes.
Yugi looked at his friends as he thought of how he could work what actually happened with Atem into the cover story he and his grandpa had created for Atem. Yugi sighed heavily and looked away from his friends, he hated lying to those close to him, but this was a necessary evil to keep his friends safe from the burden of carrying Atem's secret with them. "My cousin, Heba, left us. He ran off sometime after midnight about four days ago, but left a note claiming that he would be back soon. I guess…I guess that I'm a little bit upset about him leaving us, after all that we've done for him."
"So he did cause trouble for ya! Tch, that ass. I'll keep an eye out for your Cousin, Yug'. I can't promise that he'll be 'unharmed' if I find him and send his happy ass home to ya'," Jonouchi spoke up again, his voice quickly going from anger to confident and friendly in a mere second.
"Maybe he needed to go somewhere alone? I wouldn't worry about it too much, Bakura disappears on me all the time and only leaves me a note to let me know where he wondered off to."
"Oh yeah, Ry? Last time he did that, Yami was down a man because you were abusing him," Malik teased Ryou, earning a smack on his forearm and a playful scowl from the white haired teen. "Don't worry Yugi, he'll show up. I would ask Marik to search for your cousin, but I've never meet him so I don't know what to tell my troublemaker to look for."
"Oh, I have some pictures of him, hold on," Pulling out his cell phone, Yugi unlocked the device before scrolling through his pictures to find a suitable picture of Atem. Over the past few days, Yugi had secretly taken several pictures of Atem. It was weird that he had took so many photos of the vampire without his knowledge, but something in his mind told him that he should do it for Yami. The logic behind this thought was something Yugi figured would be hopeless in the long run; that these picture would one day bring Yami happiness.
"Here," Yugi laid his iPhone down on the table so his friends could see a picture of Atem happily talking to his grandfather while wearing a simple white t-shirt and black form fitting skinny jeans. He had taken the photo just two days prior to today. It was also one of Yugi's favorite ones, it captured the more casual and childlike side of the regal vampire.
"Hmm," Malik leaned forward with a thoughtful look as his lavender eyes were trained on the photo of Atem, "Are you sure this is your cousin?"
"Yes, Malik, this is my cousin," Yugi confirmed for his friend, laughing a bit and offering him a smile. "Why did you asked that? Do you know him?"
"No, I don't, but Marik told me to stay away from someone who he fits a description of a tan Yami, but a little taller and well…has the eyes of a rogue. Apparently, he's on the top of the wanted list in the Vampire Kingdom."
"So the guy that Bakura and Marik is hunting, looks like this?" Ryou asked Malik, pointing to Atem. This caused Yugi to tense up, did this mean Yami knew that Atem was in their area? Yugi frowned at his friend's conversation, he hoped his friends hadn't started to think that he was related some massive criminal who took shelter in his house.
"Do you know anything Jou? You're a vampire, has Yami told you anything?" Ryou asked hopefully, tilting his head in a curious fashion.
Jou closed his eyes and hummed as he rubbed his temples with both of his index fingers, attempting to remember something that he may be of some use. "Well, nothin' has been asked of me personally. Though Money bags has been a little bit more of a tight ass, and…oh yeah! Yami did issue a secret warnin' out to the vampire community through his messengers verbally. Apparently we are to be cautious and on the lookout for a tan Yami impersonator. He's wanted for some kind of act of treason and Yami thinks that he's a threat to all of vampire kind, but eh. I think he's just over paranoid since the increased rogue activity. Bet he's worried this guy will try to replace him because he just 'looks' like him," Jou finished his ramble with a shrug of his shoulders, "It's nothin' out of the normal. He's always warnin' us about somethin'. Heck last year, he warned the entire race about my hunger, because he was afraid I would clean out all the blood banks!"
The three humans in the group of four laughed loudly at Jou's comment, earning a proud grin from the dirty golden blonde haired vampire. Leave it to Jou to be able to lift the mood and break tension easily by either coming up with some terrible joke or by making fun of himself. Ryou was the first to stop laughing and recover from his laughing fit, flashing an innocent grin at his vampire friend. "Too bad that actually happen though. Are you still banned from having a feeder and the blood banks, or is it pro-choice now?"
"Pro-choice, and no," Jou quickly responded with a hint of red starting to dust his lightly tan face, "I've been off the hook for six months now. If they didn't want people with a large appetites to drink more than two pints of blood a day, then the vampire officials should have set guidelines about how much blood a person could drink at a time!"
"They did," Ryou told Jonouchi with a smile. "Right after you sucked Domino City's blood bank dry!"
The rowdy male huffed at the British teen's comment and turned his head away to look out the window he was sitting next to. "Still not my damn fault, each bag of blood taste different and just fuckin' amazing! It's like having an endless arrangement of burgers!"
"I bet it makes you miss eating normal foo, huh?" Yugi asked, elbowing his best friend lightly with a teasing smile.
"Well nah duh. But at least there's solid vampire food, I'd die if I had to only drink my 'food' and not get to eat normally." Jonouchi said sounding exacerbated and slung an arm around his tri-colored haired friend. "Tell what though, you and your Gramps make the best food for me. I don't know how you guys do it, but it makes me feel so loved. You know the way to my stomach."
Yugi snickered and gave his friend a guanine smile, "Don't you mean 'the way to your heart'?"
"Eh, same thing. Heart, stomach; potato, po-ta-toe, " Jou shrugged before picking up his cup to take a sip of the cow's blood in his cup.
"Pfft, I think that two very different things, Jou," Malik spoke up and tossed a fry in his mouth. "Your heart pumps blood through your body, while your stomach digests food."
"Yeah, I know that," Jou huffed and scowled at Malik's tone of voice. "I'm not an idiot, contrary to all of you guys' belief. My heart isn't exactly 'functional' at the moment. Care to check my pulse and see?" The vampire stretched out his arm over the table towards Malik, wiggling his fingers in the tan male's face tauntingly.
Malik rolled his eyes and shoved Jonouchi's arm away. Ryou and Yugi laughed at the silly display, finding the way Jou and Malik reacted to each other's taunts amusing. The group finishing eating the food they had ordered earlier, with light conversation about what they could do in order to spice things up at the formal event tomorrow evening. All four teenagers weren't sure if they could survive the boring gala like event. If it was anything like Yami's birthday parties, Yugi was sure his brain might rot from the sheer boredom of the social gathering. Once all the hamburgers, fries, and drinks and been either devoured or slurped up, the group of teens left the fast food establishment and headed in the direction of the Mutou house hold.
The walk to the Mutou family household reminded Yugi of simpler times, back before he and any of his friends were entangled with this vampire mess. That had been a long time ago, when all four of them plus Honda and Anzu, had been in their finally year of junior high. Back then, they would walk from school to Burger world, get food, then to Yugi's home or the arcade to hang out. Yugi missed those days where he and his friends had been blissfully ignorant and innocent from all evil, but he wouldn't give anything up to have that life again. He was strong now, had went through hell, saved a life, became wiser, and had found some sort of place in this world. He loved this life, he just…he just need to get adjusted and deal with a few things first before he could become comfortable with it.
It took Yugi and his friends half an hour to reach Kame game shop, Yugi's home, after they had swung by Honda's house to pick up their brown pointy haired friend. Their peaceful walk had been filled with simple conversations and lighthearted taunts towards each other. When the group of males rounded the corner and the game shop came into view, Yugi heard a sigh escape from Ryou and looked at his friend slightly baffled.
"It feels like forever since I've visited your home with friends, Yugi. It's like I'm finally coming home to my mum and sister, " The British teen informed his shortest friend with a fond smile.
Yugi gave soft laugh and matched Ryou's smile with one of his own. "Yeah, it has been a while since use guys had last came here to hang out. Back before Jou went and crossed over to the dark side for their cookies," Yugi replied with a joyful tone, avoiding the subject of his friend's late parent and late sister.
"Hey!" Jou yelled out scowling at Yugi's comment. "It wasn't my choice! Kaiba changed me before I could even utter my refusal!"
"He's right, Yugi. Besides aren't you the one flirting with dark side? Last time I came here, I found some very interesting choices of literature hiding under your bed," Malik spoke up, slinging an arm around Yugi's shoulders as he watched the second youngest teen of the group of five blush a bright red.
"I-I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Uh huh, sure you don't know about the Magazines featuring the Dark magician girl and several other human-like duel monster cosplayers in 'suggestive' poses. I bet if I look under your bed, they'll still be there with a few new additions of course."
"How do you know they're under my bed still?"
"So you do admit that you have porno mags," Honda joined in with the teasing.
"No, I don't!" Yugi protested loudly.
"There's only one way to find out if you're lying or not, Jou, Ryou, Honda, make a run for it!" Malik shouted to the other two boys, before sprinting off towards the game shop to beat Yugi to his room and search for the pornography magazines the all knew the short human possessed.
"H-Hey, guys!" Yugi called out to his friends before taking off in a sprint after his friends. Somehow, despite all of his training in the International Vampire Hunter Association, Yugi was still slower than his four best friends. He struggled to keep with his friends, following them close behind as the darted into his grandfather's shop and attempted to run upstairs to his room. It was moments like this one, which had Yugi questioning what the hell he had done in his past life to be cursed with his short legs.
As the young boy can in to his grandfather's shop, he caught a glimpse of Ryou's long white hair going into the back room where the stairs to their home was located. "Hey Grandpa, bye Grandpa-ah-ah!" Yugi had attempted to rush past his guardian without a second thought, but was caught by the collar of the sleeveless black shirt he wore, and pulled to his grandfather's side.
"Just one minute boy, I need to have a word with you," The elder told his grandson firmly, releasing his shirt as Yugi turned to look at him, clearly disappointed.
"But Grandpa," Yugi started, his voice sounding slightly like he was winning, much like a complaining child, "Malik, Jonouchi, Honda, and Ryou are going to mess up my room if I don't get there first!"
"This is more important that your room," Solomon told Yugi seriously. "I have a message from 'Max'."
Yugi blinked in brief confusion as he tried to recall who Max was, if it wasn't for the seriousness of his grandfather's voice, Yugi wouldn't have thought of his commander-and-chief, Maximilian Pegasus. He was the only that could get his grandfather to act so sternly, not even Yami Sennen had achieved that level, yet. Yugi narrowed his eyes to match the seriousness of the conversation. "What did he have to say?"
"On January ninth, you are to meet him at Starbucks Coffee, for a cup of coffee. He would also like you to bring the papers of your latest mission assignment, he would like to make some adjustments to your mission," Yugi's grandfather informed Yugi in a hushed tone before offering his grandson a smile and returning his focus back to filling the store's cash register with change. "Be sure to play nice with him that day and tell him 'hello' for me. Now go clean up the disaster awaiting you in your room. I believe Mahad will be here around six o'clock and it's already half-past four."
Yugi frowned, but nodded his head before retreating upstairs to go to his room, his mind was clouded by thoughts of what possibly awaited him with his first meeting with Pegasus. Why would the superior hunter want to change his mission? He never adjusted a mission for any of the hunters under him, so why him? Shaking his head to clear his mind from such thoughts, Yugi decided it would be best to save them for another time to sort out. Right now, he had to save his room annihilation!
After taking the stairs two at a time and practically sprinting the through halls leading towards his room, Yugi arrived at his door way to find his door wide open and his friends scattered around his room with his private collection of magazines. Yugi's face became inflamed with a red blush and he quickly stormed into his room to confiscate the magazines, starting with the one Ryou had just opened.
"H-Hey! I was -" The white hair male looked at Yugi prepared to protest and when he caught the sight of his best friend's glare, all of his resistance died on his tongue.
"Guys, stop snooping!" Yugi huffed, taking a magazine from Malik and several from Jonouchi. Despite having a deep blush on his face from embarrassment, Yugi still manage to look firm and retain some dignity as he placed the dirty magazines in a box and proceeded to shove the box under his bed.
"Oh come on, Yug'. It's not like you're committing any crime by having magazines, besides, I gave you most of those!" Jonouchi proudly claimed, as he lounged on his friend's bed, like it was his own. In fact, all of his friends were acting like his room was theirs, but Yugi didn't mind. The game shop and his home, was the one place his friends could go to and escape their troubles of reality. Jonouchi came here before he moved out of his father's house, to escape his drunken stupor. Malik came here to avoid his sister's mood swings during her time of the month. Ryou occasionally came over for food when he ran out of money. And Honda always retreated to Yugi's home when he and Anzu had a fight. The Mutou household was a sanctuary, offering a place of shelter and comfort when someone was in need of a temporary home. Though to Yugi, sometimes his home felt like a cage more than a place of freedom. It held constant reminders of the choices he had made and the failures of his family's past.
Yugi gently, smacked Jonouchi on the back of the head as he took a seat next to his friend and gazed at the others with his normal smile. Honda was leaning against the wall to his right, Malik was sitting in his swivel chair to his desk, and Ryou was sitting on his desk. It was their typical positions in his room, as normal. At least, with everything that had changed in his life, it was nice to know his friends hadn't changed. It was a reassuring anchor in Yugi's currently chaotic life.
"Guys, we need to do something tonight, since we're all going to be staying together at the Muran Estate," Ryou suggest with enthusiasm as he kicked his feet lightly in the air. " Yami, Marik, and Bakura won't be home till late, as told by Bakura, so we'll be alone until at least two in the morning, I believe."
"Don't forget, " Jou sat up and slung his arm around Yugi's shoulders in a playful way, " We gotta' celebrate this guy for finally joining the dark side with us! How does it feel to finally be with us leeches, Yug'?"
Honda, Malik, and Yugi were all trying to keep their snickering to themselves while Ryou shook his head with a sigh.
"You've practically been a leech ever since I met you, Jonouchi," Yugi informed his dirty blonde haired friend with a bright smile. "But since you asked, nothing's change much, other than I have more responsibilities and I have to deal with a grouch. But I'm hopeful things will just settle into a peaceful groove, like normal."
"Haha! Well, you're out of luck with that hope, Yugi! Things are never peaceful with a vampire. Just look at Jonouchi now, he's a lot more moody and whinny, than his human self. Vampires are like girls on their periods, bloody and moody; but every single week!" Malik informed Yugi, making a face at his own analogy. While both Yugi and Ryou made a face of disgust, Jou and Honda were howling with laughter.
"I have to disagree, Anzu is never moody. The only time she becomes upset is when she hasn't had her bagged blood," Honda spoke once he calmed himself, "Maybe it's just the males that are moody."
"What if the vampire race is reversed from the humans? Maybe the guys experience their own type of PMS?" Yugi suggested with a few laughs escaping from him as he joked.
"It all makes sense now! I bet they do have PMS!" Malik added with fake shock as he eyed Jonouchi, only to earn a scowl from said male vampire.
"I don't have PMS! It's just hunger-swings!" he practically yelled out in defense.
"Hunger-swings?" all the humans in Yugi's room asked aloud together in an imperfect sync.
"Y-Yeah!" Jonouchi stuttered from his slight embarrassment, but his voice was confident. "It's like…mood swings, but you only get them when you're hungry."
It was silent in the same bedroom, before a chorus of different laughs filled the space, with Jonouchi's only joining in with his friends soon after the laughing had started. It took a full minute for the group of friends to calm down their laughs. Only Jonouchi would be the person to let their hunger affect their mood in extreme ways. Only Jonouchi, and his bottomless-pit of a stomach.
Yugi stood up from his bed with his laughter almost calmed and walked towards his closet. "Okay, I need to get packed for my stay tonight." He announced as he pulled out a medium sized black duffel bag and threw it on to his bed, begin mindful not to hit Jonouchi.
"Don't forget for the two nights following the Gathering," Ryou chimed in as Yugi started to search through his closet for an appropriate outfit to wear before the large party.
"Ah, right. Thanks, Ry'," Yugi said, sounding focused, as he tried to pick out something decent to wear. He debated on taking the suit he typically wore to formal occasions, but Yami had already ordered him a suit. However, he had no idea if it would even fit right on him. Yami had been pretty pissed that he had to ask Ryou for his clothing information.
"Ryou, did Yami get the information he needed about my suit, from you?" Yugi asked as he took a white graphic t-shirt off a hanger and draped it over his shoulder. "Do you think I should bring the suit I have?"
"He did, and you can, but you won't be wearing it to the Gathering, feeders have a specific dress code, along with attending vampires," Ryou answered Yugi as he and Malik started to look at the items and papers laying on Yugi's desk. "Human feeders wear a grey suit with a vest with a color their vampire dawns. A vampire where a pure white suit with a vest that is color of their choice, any color but red. The color red is reserved for royal family members."
"I'm assuming I'll be wearing red and gray, then," Yugi spoke more to himself than to his friends as he took three more shirts off of hangers and began to hunt for matching pairs of pants.
"Not exactly, pal," Jonouchi spoke up and scratched the back of his head. "Money bags was explaining it to me last year, and the only ones that gets to wear red are those of the royal family, aka, the Originals. He went on a spew how only red, and any variation of it can only be worn by an Original vampire. And since the Originals are either dead or MIA, no one wears red."
"Then what color does Yami wear?" Yugi asked, looking back Jou in confusion.
"Erm, he's actually wearin' an off version of magenta and white….maybe it's a red-violet? It's one of those colors."
"But those are still versions of red," Yugi argued.
"Actually, if a color has red in it, it can still be worn just not colors like firebrick, crimson, and well red. So it's fine." Malik spoke up. "Otherwise, oranges, pinks, and purples, wouldn't be allowed. Even brown too."
"Oh," Yugi felt stupid for his confusion, but didn't dwell on the feeling as he finished getting his main outfits from his closet and returned to his bed to lay them down. He remained quiet as he went to his dresser to pick out pajamas, socks, and underwear; but his friends continued to talk about different things.
"So, Yami dragged our vampires out to Heartland city; do you know why Ryou?" Malik asked the white haired British teen.
"Not really, I know it involved with helping search for a possible rogue in the area, but there something else Bakura mentioned but I can't remember it," Ryou replied.
"Heartland? That's where Masaki went to visit her Grandma, right Honda?" Jou asked as he laid completely back on Yugi's bed to relax and stretch his legs out.
"I think so, I didn't really pay much attention to where she was going, just the dates," Honda replied as he scratched the back of his head, "I can call and ask, but I haven't heard from her at all today, so she might be busy."
"Nah, don't do that. I'm sure it's nowhere near her, so we shouldn't worry about it, " Jou said as he waved his hand lazily in the air, "Hey Yug', you about done? I'm startin' to turn gray over here-umph!" Jou was silenced by a pair of Yugi's underwear hitting him in the face as Yugi missed his aim of his bag, and hit Jonouchi instead. Muffled laughed erupted sporadically in the room as Jou removed the pair of boxers from his face. "Real smooth Mutou, real smooth."
"S-Sorry Jou, I didn't, haha, I didn't mean to hit you!" Yugi attempted to apologize as he tried to calm his laugh, his hand braced on his knees as he laughed at his mistake.
"Yeah, well just hurry it up," Jonouchi said, not sounding too pleased nor accepting of Yugi's apology, "I want to leave before I get hit with another pair of your underwear."
More laughter echoed in the room from Jou's comment, but Yugi managed to reply without letting his get in the way, "I can't make any promises, Jou."
"Hey, look at that, do you see it?" A tan hand pointed up at the sky, picking out the brightest star in sky. "Do you know the significance of this star, Yami?"
"It's just a star, what about it?" Yami replied, turning his head to look at the man lying next to him in the warm sand.
The older male chuckled and smiled, not taking his eyes off the star, but lowered his hand. "It's not just a star, it is Sopdet*. The brightest star in the sky. It's even more important than Polaris. Sopdet is our star of guidance, it signals the flooding of the Nile through its helical rising, it marks the day Ra will take his longest journey through the sky. Sopdet is the physical manifestation of hope for the humans, and for us Vampires as well. Sopdet is said to be the star which witnessed our birth, the birth of the first vampire."
Yami blinked in awe and looked up at the sky again, "Why is it a symbol of hope for us? It marks the passage of time for humans, but for vampires, time isn't very relevant."
"You're still have some growing to do, I see." The other vampire teased and his smile grew as he took a hold of the younger vampire's hand. "As long as Sopdet shines brightly, then we are at our strongest. However, there are four days out of the year where which we are at our weakest; the four days before Sopdet's helical rising. During those four days, vampires are weaker, and an original vampire's magic will be weakened greatly. There for, it is our hope. Without our hope, we have no strength, no will. Besides that, it was also on the day of Sopdet's helical rising that I was blessed by the gods to meet you." Rolling over, the tan vampire hovered over Yami and pressed their foreheads together, his eyes were closed but his signature smile was on his face.
"It's our star, Yami. It shines the brightest and the strongest. Even when it falls from the sky, it comes back again, just as strong or even stronger. Like my love for you, it is always there, even when masked by the darkness."
Yami's cheeks were painted with a dim red, barely noticeably in the light of the moonless night sky. "Sometimes it's hard to believe you're a ruler of a country when you say such things." Yami mumbled, averting his eyes, "It makes me wonder if you would even connect pissing to something completely unrelated to it…like art, or something."
The older vampire pulled away from Yami to gaze at him with blazing red eyes. "Way to ruin the moment, Yami. If I'm not mistaken, it was you who first connected pissing to art. You used to draw face in the sand with your pee!"
Yami huffed and turned his head away from the other, saying nothing. He closed his eyes, but when they opened again, his surroundings had changed…
He was older and in their shared room. His head was resting on the shoulder of the one he loved, his arms were wrapped around the other's waist as his lover gazed up at night sky. "It'll be okay, it'll be back, remember? Ra will rise from the dark with Sopdet right beside him. Just relax, Atem." He nuzzled the king's neck and placed a kiss against his neck.
"I know Yami, it's just… harder now. The court wants me to feed from Heba, but it won't do much good." The royal replied with a sigh, his hand laying on Yami's head.
"Maybe it's time for you to feed directly from him? Or you could feed from me-"
"No. Neither of those options would do any good. Heba would die and you would be bedridden for days. There's no good with that, but why not go draw us a bath? Heba will be here shortly with a goblet for me to drink from, and afterwards, the three of us can bathe together." The royal told Yami and rand his hand through Yami's hand. "Go do that for me, I'll be in the bathing chamber soon."
Giving Yami a kiss on the forehead, the vampire king sent his lover on his way. Little did Yami know, that would be the last time he would hold a conversation with Atem. When he returned, Atem would be on the floor, covered in his and Heba's blood. A dagger would be through his heart and-
"What?!" Yami snapped sitting up in the front passenger seat of the jet black 2016 Range Rover Sport Shada had been driving, to glare at Shada.
"We're here, my prince," The formal vampire priest informed Yami and retracted the hand that has shaken the current leader of the vampire race, awake. "We can begin searching for our target whenever you wish to do so."
'Oh, right,' Yami gave a nod to Shada. He unfastened his seat belt and exited the luxury SUV silently, already dismissing the dream he had to focus on the task at hand.
Heartland City. A city just a few hours away from Domino city, it was home to a mass amount of noble and pure blood vampire families. Normally, the luxurious city was very quiet and peaceful, but for a week things have been amiss. Vampires of nobility have been vanishing without a trace and left the city paranoid and fearful. Not wanting the events to go public, Yami decided to do a person investigation. He was worried, not that he would every admit it, but he had the suspension that the former king could be behind this.
There was only one thing wrong with his suspension, he had no hard proof the Original was alive. He only had little things, like Yugi's ramblings after their second feeding session, when the shadows attacked him and the noble court, and the Pharaoh's missing body. While he believed the other was now a rogue vampire out for blood, Yami also still had the belief that maybe Atem's body had just given out and it was his spirit haunting him for his sins. The current vampire ruler's eyes were a blazing crimson as he looked around the bright streets of Heartland. It was noticeably less active from his previous visits to the area.
Crimson eyes flicker to both Bakura and Marik as they exited Bakura's silver 2015 Ford Mustang. Both of them were dressed in their 'official' execution outfit: white button up shirts, black slack, long black trench coats, and their choice of foot attire. Bakura wore worn-out black Chuck Taylors with unrecognizable stains that was made up of blood, and Marik's choice of foot wear was dark brown combat boots that look almost brand new. Yami gave nod of acknowledgement to them as straighten out his own black trench coat. Yami's own choice of attire was causal compared the three accompanying him. He dawned his favored black leather pants, black studded boots, and a deep crimson v-neck long sleeved t-shirt under his own black trench coat. However, Shada stuck out the most, with the traditional priest robes he wore.
"Search for any abnormalities, question civilians, and search for any scents of a rogue vampire," Yami told the small group he had gathered to search Heartland city. "If you find something, let the others know immediately. The quicker we do so, the quicker we can go home. "
"Heh, are you sure it's a good Idea for us to split up and leave you alone? If you're so sure your dead lover is alive, then wouldn't it be best to surround yourself with as many people possible? You know, in case he attacks you?" Marik asked Yami casually leaning against a street light pole with his signature, wicked smile. "Are you that confident you'll be able to tame him by just letting him 'tap' you again?"
Yami glared at the sandy blonde haired vampire with a look that displayed his anger about the comment completely. Marik bit his tongue to hold back his laughter, knowing Yami would punish him severally if over stepped his boundaries again. He turned his head to Bakura, hoping his partner in crime would help him out of the hole he dug, but the former thief was on the phone speaking to what had to be his partner/feeder. Bakura was only that respectful and calm towards Ryou.
Yami dismissed his executioners, knowing Marik would relay his message to his white hair counter-part. Looking to Shada, Yami motioned with his hand for the priest to follow him. He wasn't a fool, Yami knew he was no match for the former king, even if he had the true power of an original backing him up. He wouldn't have the experience or knowledge to wield it in the way Atem did. Shada obediently followed behind his superior, silent as a whispering breeze. Out of all of the priest from Atem's reign, Shada was the only one who could tell if a vampire was truly who they claimed to be. The millennium item he controlled, the millennium key, was the only one able detect the true powers locked away in a vampire, other than the shattered millennium puzzle.
Nothing was said as Yami headed towards his first destination with Shada trailing behind him. They walked, walking the same path that their victim of priority must have walked last night on her way back to her grandmother's home. Anzu Mazaki, General Toshiro Mazaki's daughter; one of the best commanding officers of the Vampire Imperial Army's daughter. Normally, cases like her wouldn't be touched until the day after, and especially not investigated by Yami personally. However, the 'Prince' was fearful for the female and he owed it to her family to search for clues surrounding why she hasn't came home from her grocery store trip she took yesterday evening. That, and she was the newest disappearance in Heartland City. Yami was certain they would be able to dig something up by investigating her disappearance first, while her scent still lingered in the streets.
Minutes passed by, but Yami and Shada were still following the Mazaki's daughter's fading scent without a single clue turning up in their search. Red and brown eyes were scanning their surroundings continuously, looking for even the slightest amount of evidence. As they passed a shaded ally, Yami attempted to continue down the sidewalk, but Shada grabbed the back of his coat to halt him. " Here. Something dark happened here," The priest spoke up and pointed into the ally.
Yami nodded and turned to face the darkened path, his crimson eyes blazing as they scanned the darker area for something new. It didn't take him long to spot the sight of pink bag laying on the ground from inside the ally and the ruler made an inquiring hum. "Shada, follow me and keep on alert," Was Yami's only words to the man as he took cautious strides into the shade and towards the bag that laid abandoned on the ground.
Yami didn't hesitate to bend down and grab to pink purse on the ground. He picked up the bag by its sole strap and held it up to his nose, inhaling the scent that clung to it. It was the girl's, her scent was strong on the item, but so was another one. One that was familiar to Yami, but so faint he couldn't remember who it belonged to. "Shada," Yami stood to his full height, still holding the purse. Turning, he handed the purse to the priest. "Other than my own, whose scent do you smell on this bag?" It was a test, one to make sure he wasn't hallucinating in his desire to lay a possible killer to rest.
Taking the Bag from Yami, the pries sniffed the bag's strap and body, picking up any possible leads the accessory offered. "Lady Mazaki's scent is very strong, but so is another. It smells almost identical to our King, but it's different. Not as predominant or warming. It is rotting, much like one of the beasts plaguing our world."
Yami's eyes darkened as Shada confirmed his conclusion. "So it is his, then? Atem's scent on this girl's purse?"
"That is a possibility, but it could also not be his. We don't know how his change has affected his scent. However, it is still a very high possibility it could be his," The priest answered, his brown eyes locked on the purse he was holding in his hands. "I would still like to think he, our Pharaoh, has found peace with in the shadows, and hasn't fallen to such a degenerated state."
"Mmmm," Yami had no words to say to the priest. He could not offer comfort when he was both pleased and upset, himself. He found poof, at long last, he had proof that Atem was revived, but it was proof that his and the Sacred Guardian's original theory had been correct. The Late Pharaoh Atem, previous ruler of the Vampire race, had fallen to his blood lust and had lost himself to his inner beast. It was hard to think someone like Atem had fallen so easily, but Yami...he only thought about the safety of his people. He felt nothing towards the previous leader and he would gladly kill the other to bring peace to his people again.
Pulling out his cellphone, Yami dialed the number for Bakura's phone and called the other vampire to inform him of his and Shada's findings.
"Yeah?"
"We have a lead. Come to –" Yami was cut off by the sound of loud cackling of someone's sinister laughter. Looking around his surroundings, the pure blood quickly to noticed of the two intelligent rogue vampires peering down from the building to his right.
"Look at this, look at this. Do you see them too, brother?"
"I see them sister! Just as he said, the Prince came to our baby sister's birthplace in search for him!"
Yami's eyes narrowed and he signaled for Shada to take care of the two pest while he quickly wrapped up his phone call with Bakura.
"Are you just going to ignore me, you spoiled prince? What's going on over there?" Bakura's annoyed tone echo over phone, clearly not happy with being ignored.
"Some minor complications, follow my scent from the cars and come to our location. Quickly," Yami ended the call, and pocketed his phone, just in time to see the rogue vampires jumped down from the perch on the building as Shada began uttering ancient enchantments from their forgotten language.
Level B rogues, intelligent fallen vampires who can withstand being out in the sun, but still are under control of a higher and more powerful rogue. As the duo landed on their feet, Yami took up a fighting stance, crouched low in defense. He wouldn't be able to fight them head on, not with the dark magic he used not responding to him willingly. He wasn't like Marik or Bakura, he was strong but lacked the experience in physical combat. It was a short coming of his, a great one.
"Should we bring them in?" The male rogue asked his red and black eyes focused on Yami's crouched form as he licked his lips.
"No, no. Our orders were to 'entertain' the Prince. We could bring in the guy in the funny get up, but the starfish hair guy stays," The female replied to her 'brother', smirking as she brushed her brown bangs out of her face. "Let's show him our new abilities. What do you say brother? Wouldn't that make father proud?"
"Let's do it! But first, test the waters, see what or little starfish can do before he reward him."
Yami felt his eyes twitch as he listened to the two rogues speak to each other. His eyes shifter from him as he waited for Shada to finish with his spell. For now, the other pure blood vampire was defenseless, which left Yami the responsibility to protect Shada and himself.
The rogues crouched low in offensive positions and snarling like wild rabid beasts. The female lept into an attack first, hands aimed for Yami's throat. He expecting that and with a natural grace, Yami countered the attack by aiming a powerful side kick into the rogue's stomach. His attack however, left him vulnerable and the second rogue Vampire managed to land a powerful left hook to the prince's face. Growling, Yami bared his fangs and cut his eyes at the snickering male rogue, who paused to celebrate his victory. Yami took advantage of the male's brief pause, landing his own powerful punch on the other's face. This time when he attacked, he was prepared for the other rogue to attack him and was able to quickly counter the kick aimed for his lower back. Yami grabbed the female's leg and used her as a shield, letting her brother's double jab combo hit her body as he pushed the vampire into the other vile beast.
"Hey! Watch where you're aiming your punches moron! Hit him, not me!" The female snarled at her partner, and rubbed her tender stomach.
"Well next time don't become a living meat shield, you idiot! If you can't handle a little hit, maybe you should transform already."
Transform? That caught Yami's attention and heightened his guard. His crimson eyes narrowed and he kept his breathing even. The only vampire he knew that could transform was an Original and the only original was currently walking around half dead. Did these two fools somehow gain that ability from tasting the fallen king's blood? Or were the rogues evolving to better adapt to this world? Yami's head was buzzing with a thousand questions, but they would soon be answered.
"-Fine then! We'll both do it at the same time."
"Fine!"
"Good."
"Great."
The female huffed, getting the last word of the minor argument she had with her brother before she closed her eye, her brother doing the same.
The pair start chanting in sync, speaking in ancient tongues that Yami recognized faintly. He refused to let old memories distract him now as he prepared for the worse. Despite that, his memories refused to be suppressed as the voice of the person he used to love, filled his ears along with the rogue vampires and the sudden screeching of the wind.
'What you are about to see is the form in which all originals are born in. It is the curse which we all share…. And to suppress it or release it…. We use the king's prayer and oath-"
The wind subsided and Yami tensed as his red eyes witnessed the sickening morphing as bones broke and reformed and new appendages grew from the rogues' bodies. When the transformation final halted it was clear what the two were, they were failed recreations of the deadliest creature to have lived on the planet.
Each rogue's fangs had grown large and sharper, their nail had turn into claws, they had become taller and misshaped. The female hand incomplete set of wings and hunched back, her hair had grown longer and was pooling at her feet. The male rogue had grew a devil like tail from his lower back and had three uneven horns protruding from the top of his head. His skin was discolored and looked grey. Yami hissed and bared his fangs at the rogues as if they had insulted everything he lived for. These two had to die.
"Do we scare you now? Oh, mighty Prince Yami. Kehehehee!"
Yami cracked his knuckles and didn't say a word. He just hope Shada hurried up with his enchantment before time ran out for them.
"Ouch."
Yugi hissed as he felt the familiar sting of the needle of his insulin pen stabbing into the flesh of his upper thigh. Once the medication had been injected into his system, he pulled the medical pen away and rubbed the inflicted area gently with his thumb, smearing some of the blood that started to pool on his skin. Once the pain was soothed away by his light massage, Yugi put away the pen properly, before he used an alcohol swab to wipe the blood from his leg and covered his small wound with a simple bandage.
"You okay in there pal?" Jou asked through the door with a light knock.
"Yeah! I'm good, thanks for asking," The human replied in his normal up-beat tone of voice as he finished cleaning up his small mess and washed his hands. Once he was finished, Yugi left the bathroom and returned his insulin kit to his bag before he reclaimed his seat on Ryou's bed. "Sorry again guys, I didn't mean to interrupt our movie," Yugi apologized as he straightened out his light grey basketball shorts.
"Oh, you don't have to apologize Yugi. I would much rather pause a movie for you to take care of yourself rather than spend the next day at the hospital," Ryou reassured his friend and offered Yugi a bright smile.
Yugi smiled back and turned his attention back to the widescreen television in Bakura's room as the white haired teen resumed their movie; Avatar.
Malik was already asleep on the floor and the group of friends were barely even an hour into the film created by James Cameron. Yugi settled back against the pillows as he let his mind wonders as he watched the movie about a beautiful planet inhabited by gigantic blue aliens, not paying attention that much to the movie.
Tomorrow was the Gathering and New Years Eve. Tomorrow, he will become a symbol for many reasons. He would be a symbol of hope for the other feeders in the world, and example for them to follow. However, he will also be a target of hatred, he would be hated by his brothers and sisters in the Hunter Association, a disgrace and an enemy. Mai and Rebecca were surely going to hate him now, if the hadn't already for not contacting them since Halloween. Yugi wondered if he could claim to be sick, maybe even skip taken his insulin after breakfast to avoid going to the event. But the human knew he wouldn't do that, he wouldn't abuse his minor disorder. That just wouldn't be right.
Yugi sighed softly through his nose as he watch the movie, the Gathering was the least of his worries. He still had his mission and then there was Atem too. Yugi looked around the room at his friends, before returning his gaze back on the movie screen. He couldn't let his friends get involved in this mess he was in. Things were bound to get messy soon, especially when Atem decide to reveal himself to Yami. It was only a matter of time before the Original showed himself to the world and Yugi's lie became a death sentence. If Yami didn't kill him first, then the public would. Yugi can already see the headlines. 'NEW ROYAL VAMPIRE FEEDER, HABORS MISSING KING. TRAITOR OR SAVIOR?'
Yugi placed both his hands on his bare stomach and drummed them against his bare flesh to ease some of his anxiety without worrying his friends, particularly Ryou, who was next to him. He would say a prayer tonight, asking every god in existence to watch over his family and keep them safe from his stupidity. Closing his eyes, Yugi listened to the beautiful soundtrack of the movie that played and less exciting words the characters shared with each other. He focused on those sounds, hoping hat they would help ease the stress he created by thinking about his troubles. Before Yugi even knew it, he had drifted asleep and slumped over, laying on his British friend.
…
…
'…Hey, kid.'
Yugi groaned feeling someone poking his cheek, opening a round violet eye to glare at the culprit, Yugi was greeted by a blinding bright light. Groaning, the teen sat up as he shielded his eyes from the light. Where was he? This wasn't Ryou's room in the Muran Estate. As his eyes adjusted to the bright light, Yugi found himself sitting on warm golden sand with bright blue skies above him. In front of him, was a lush oasis. Palm trees provided shade, along with a few other desert plants that thrived around the life giving pool. However, what caught his attention wasn't to oasis itself, but the young male sitting on the surface of the water and gazing at him. … The person looked him, it was like looking into a mirror despite a few differences.
'You're wake, finally. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever be able to hear me.'
He spoke. His voice was just a little deeper than his, but had roughness to it that reminded him of Jonouchi.
"Who are you? Where are we?" Yugi asked, unable to take his eyes away from his doppelganger. By now, he could recognize the differences between him and the person sitting on the water. The male in front of him was older, had tan skin much like Atem's, his spiked hair was a deep brown like Yugi's grandfather's in his younger days, and the other male's eyes was more angular than his.
'My name isn't important at the moment, and I'm not quite sure about the location either.'
Yugi made a disappointing frown. Well, that had explained a lot. This person didn't seem willing to give him an information.
' I think you're still asleep, if that's what you meant by 'Where we are'. I can only talk to others when they aren't conscious. It's just the way things have been. '
"Why are you talking to me? I don't even know you," Yugi told the other male finally looking away from his older looking doppelganger, and focusing on a palm tree swaying in the light breeze.
'You're a Mutou aren't you? That's why. Yo're one of my children, a piece of my family.'
Yugi snapped his head forward, looking at the male in front of him. He gazed at the other with wide and displaying his astonishment. A boy that look like him and was a part of his family, but yet he never had seen him before? He must be – "Heba."
The boy in front of Yugi smirked, the first real expression he showed other than his stoic emotionless one. 'Wow that was quick. Even Solomon hadn't guessed my name correctly that quickly. I guess I'm getting popular in the .'
Yugi felt his heart skip a beat. This person in front of him was a killer. The person that had inflicted so much pain on Atem, and stole away the Yami that had been happy. Yugi narrowed his eyes at Heba, or at least, the person who claimed to be him. Yugi said nothing to the male, refusing to speak to the person that was part of the reason why he was going through hell in life.
'Judging by that look, you know what I did. I guess more than just two people hate me for what I did. Not that I care, you can be judgement if you like. Doesn't bother me one bit. I'll just wait for the next one to come to explain myself. I just hope you don't do anything stupid, like get involve with the two idiot rulers.'
"What if I do?" Yugi asked, daring the other to tell him what would happen.
'Then just don't disturb the seal. No one can remove it, no one but myself-'
"I removed it," Yugi stated firmly, causing the male in front of him to go silent and stiff, "I unsealed Atem, cared for his wound, fed him blood and now I'm even his feeder, along with Yami's." Yugi glare was firm, locked on the male that was in shock. "My question for you is why you sealed him. Why would do something to Atem like that? When you loved him and Yami?"
'…get out.'
Yugi seen the other's lips move, but heard no words and leaned forward to try and hear Heba better. "What did you say?"
'Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out !Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! Get out! GET. OUT.'
Yugi's eyes widened in fear when the ground shook and Heba stood up. Heba's eyes were no longer the violet hues they shared, but a black void of anger surrounded by crimson…eyes of a rogue vampire.
'Leave this place! You heathen! YOU RUINED IT! THE BLOOD WILL BE ON YOUR HANDS NOW! NOT MINE. NEVER MINE!'
"What are you talking about –" Before Yugi could finish his question, a violent sand storm overtook the oasis without warning. The human screamed, but his voice was silent. Sand engulfed him, filling his air ways. Yugi gasped for air, but his lungs on filled with air. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't see… He was dying. Oh God, he was dying!
'Their blood is on your hands, Yugi Mutou.'
"AH!"
"Damn kid!" Bakura snapped and retracted his hand from Yugi's body as the human quickly bolted up from the bed with his hand around his throat. Scarlet eyes looked at Yugi annoyed, as if Yugi had done something, other than wake up from a horrifying nightmare.
The human gasped to catch his breath, his hand's slowly lowering away from his neck, until they brushed against the smooth surface of the concealing stone that had been passed down in his family. Yugi tried to ease his mind and relax his body by telling himself it was just a dream. 'But if felt real, it just too vivid to be a dream.'
"Hey brat, beat it," Bakura's gruff voice interrupted Yugi's inter turmoil, causing Yugi's bright violet eyes to look at the white hair vampire that belonged to Ryou. "You're not welcomed in my bed, go get in your own."
Oh. Oh! Yugi scrambled out of Ryou's bed with a bright blush on his face, he hadn't meant to fall asleep in his friend's room, it just…happened. "Sorry Bakura, I hope you have a good night rest…Night," Yugi spoke to the other as he grabbed his bag of clothing and left the room in a rush, barely hearing the vampire grumble as he said, "Whatever."
Yugi groggily stumbled through the halls of the Muran Estate, trying to find his way to his room without guidance. That was easier said than done. He knew his room was on the top level, the same level of Yami's room, but Yugi was having trouble finding the stairs from Ryou's room. He passed by a few servants, some giggling at him as they walked by and others silent as the night. Finally, Yugi found a flight of stairs and forced himself to climb up them. He was about midway up, when he spotted the last person he wanted to see, Yami.
Instead of showing his dismay, Yugi hid it and offer Yami a lazy, but goofy smile. "Hey."
He received no verbal replied, other than a soft sigh. Before Yugi could even take his next step, Yami was in front of the human picking him up, throwing Yugi over his shoulder like he was a sack of potatoes. Yugi struggled against the pure blood's hold, hoping that he could get free. "I can walk you know, " Yugi pointed out as he pushed against Yami's shoulder.
To his surprise, Yugi heard Yami chuckled lightly before he answered, "I know, but I want you to come with me for a moment before you go to bed."
Baffled, Yugi stopped his struggling and turned his head to look over his right shoulder. "You want to spend time with me?"
"Yes. Is that a problem?"
"N-No! I'm just surprised, that's all," Yugi replied as he felt Yami walk up the stairs at a fast human pace.
Yami hummed in acknowledgement, something that was new. Briefly, Yugi wondered if the man was okay. This was a first time Yami had been this nice to Yugi. It was strangely good, but Yugi was concerned that the vampire ruler was beginning to lose himself. He knew Yami was under a lot of stress, but maybe he had finally lost it.
When they arrived at Yami's room, Yugi wasn't sat down until Yami had closed and locked his door. Then, and only then, did the vampire placed him down on the ground. "Are you aware of what tomorrow is?" Yami asked coolly, leaning against his door, as if he was afraid Yugi would try to leave his room.
"I know what it is. It's the Gathering, the night where vampires and hunter meet to reinstate the hiatus on the war. A night of peace to welcome the New Year," Yugi answered, roaming around the spacious room and taking in Yami's room.
Yami's room was not what Yugi had expected it be. He was thinking it would be very old fashion, but instead, it was modern and the color scheme suited the vampire very well. The walls were a dark grey, almost black with a elegant white trim along both the bottom and tops of the wall. The floor was a stunning white carpet that was so soft, it was like walking on a cloud. All of the furniture in the room was white. From the super king sized bed, to the bedside tables; every piece of furniture was a pristine white. There was a large section in the farthest corner from the door to Yami's room. It was decorated with black and red accented pillows. Just a few feet in front of the sectional was a white wooden glass table, holding an accented piece that was filled with different flowers that matched Yami's room colors. On the far left wall, was an old white desk with a laptop laid on it and a plush black office chair. There was also three doors, each spaced out differently from each other. Yugi would have investigated the door had Yami not been in the room with him. It was rude to snoop in front of others.
"Correct, it is also when I will publicly announce our partnership as Feeder and Vampire. Tomorrow, will be the end of your normal life. For as long as you are my feeder, your life will always be in danger," Yami made clear for the human wandering around his room curiously.
Yugi wasn't bother by Yami's words, he was already aware what his new title would come with, at least the dangers. He choose not to speak, letting himself become preoccupied with exploring the vampire's room. There were picture that went along with the room's grey, white, and red theme, but they didn't interest Yugi. The human ran his hand over Yami dark red comforter, it almost softer than the carpet. Yugi bet the dozen of pillows that matched the room were just as soft too. Finally the human answered the Prince, knowing his delayed response had most likely annoyed the vampire.
"I'm aware of that, but it's the same for all feeders. I just…have more to deal with. More people out for you that I need to be aware of," Yugi's violet eyes flickered to Yami and held the vampire's blood-crimes gaze. "I have my doubts about you, but I know you'll use all of your power to protect my well being. Or at the very least, try to protect my life when I'm about to die," Yugi looked away to look at the set of double French doors, the only source of light in the room other than the lamps that gave off a fluorescent glow from the bedside tables.
"We may not get along at times, but I will promise you this, your life will never be endanger while I am your provider," Yami responded as he watched Yugi travel towards the French doors in his room. "I will not promise a life filled with ease, but just know no matter what happens, you will not die. You may get roughed up, or your mental state could threaten to break, but you will not die."
Yugi felt some comfort in those words, however, he didn't believe them as much as wanted him too. "Do you mean that? Even if I cause you the greatest pain of all, or make your relive things you have tried to forget, will you keep that promise?"
There was some hesitation, but Yami gave a sighed and in the window's reflection, Yugi saw Yami nod his head. "Yes, I promise I will not kill you by my own hands," His voice was deep and firm, promising a greater pain if Yugi dared to betray him during their partnership.
It was those words the human found comfort in and with a smile he turned to face Yami with tired and regretful eyes. "Then I promise to do my best to keep you strong and healthy, so you may be at your peak performance every day."
Yami gave a nod before stepping aside and unlocking the door. "Your room is to the right ad three doors down. Go rest, I'll tell you more about the gathering in the morning."
Yugi gave Yami a nod, but said nothing more. His hand was tight on the bag he held, as he walked past the vampire ruler without sparing him a glance. "Good night Yami."
"Good night Yugi," The pure blood replied, before closing his door as Yugi walked out into the hall.
Once he was alone, Yugi felt his bravo wavering, his fear of tomorrow growing more predominant. Despite Yami's claim to not kill him, Yugi knew that there were fates much worse than death. Such as the cursed seal Atem had been placed under and the few blood slaves he had met on mission he carried out for the I.V.H.A. Using his free arm to hug himself, Yugi thought back on his nightmare with Heba and chuckled lowly as he stood outside the door to his room.
"He was right, I do have blood on my hands. My own blood."
He could already tell, tomorrow was going to be the longest and most difficult day of his life. Yugi just knew it.
Author's note :: Welcome back this lovely story.
It went through hell just to be updated.
I hope everyone enjoys this chapter, next one it quite the beast.
I also apologize for the massive delay. I will also re-read this later for mistakes.
Next chapter :: Night Twelve; The Beginning of Change. part one.
Sopdet* - The ancient Egyptian name for Sirius, the bright star in the Milky Way. Was used to plan the Egyptian calendars and could predict the flooding of the Nile.
Edited on: Nov. 10, 2016.
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