Author's Note: Guys. This story has over 1000 views. Holy crap. Thank you so much. You guys are the real MVPs. And so as a reward…

Shit's about to get real.

Disclaimer: Don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! This is now rated M because we're adults.

Thank you for reading. I really appreciate it. If you like what you read, please favorite or follow or leave a review.

Bon appetite!

Bakura leaned back against the brick wall, twirling his favorite knife in his hand. He had a couple on him tonight, but he always kept his signature knife hidden in the sleeve of his jacket. Easy access would be important for tonight after all. Marik and Odion were standing near him, quietly talking as they waited for Bakura to make a move. Bakura just smiled, leaning his head back to stare at the cloudy sky above them. Bakura exhaled. This was it. Wednesday night. They were going to steal the Ring from Rex and Weevil. Marik and Odion would serve as back-up. Bakura would be the one making the moves tonight. He would take action.

Bakura narrowed his eyes as he smiled. He was excited about tonight. He would be in his element. He had thought carefully of how they would do this. He taught Odion how to use his computer software to keep track of both of them. Both their phones were being tracked so Odion would be able to keep an eye from afar. Marik would shadow Bakura and make sure he's not being followed. Bakura would be the one to confront Rex and Weevil.

At this point, it was a bit of gamble. One of those two men would have the Ring, but Bakura didn't know which. It really was a coin flip. His instinct told him that Weevil would hold on to the Ring while he forced Rex to serve as protection. But Bakura knew that Rex would be the most likely candidate to try and make the exchange, as he was the one acting as correspondent between them and the Orichalcos. So who would have it tonight? Bakura wasn't sure, but he imagined he had an idea on how to get the Ring.

Bakura pushed off the wall, walking over to Odion and Marik. He slipped his knife away as the brothers turned their attention to him. It was almost time – this would be their last briefing for they took action. "Alright, listen up. I'm not repeating myself. That means you, Marik." Marik glared angrily at Bakura, but since Odion was watching, Marik didn't dare do anything more than stick his tongue out at Bakura. The albino just rolled his eyes. The three looked like a matching set as they all work black. Bakura was shocked he had been able to convince Marik to wear a black hoodie. Apparently Marik wasn't nearly as averse to clothes that fit properly than he initially thought.

"Odion, you'll keep watch from the coffee shop across the road. Be inconspicuous." Bakura was surprised that Rex and Weevil were meeting relatively early, only 10 pm. He was used to later nights. He wasn't going to complain though. If anything, it makes Odion's job easier. "Keep an eye on the surroundings and track us via laptop." Odion just nodded, face void of emotion. Odion and Bakura rarely talk, but they seemed to be on the same page. They shared a mutual respect. This worked for Bakura.

"Marik, you'll track me. Stay out of the way and keep an eye on the surrounding. Make sure no one is trailing. I'm trusting you with my back, so don't let me down." Marik nodded, his face hinting at the apprehension he felt. Bakura had spent the last several days teaching him proper stalking techniques (useful for a future crush) as well as basic self-defense. A few days ago, Bakura would have blanched at the thought of Marik being his last resort for protection. Now, he felt mildly okay with the idea.

"I'm going to go in and do what I do best – steal the Ring. We'll be connected through our wireless walkie-talkie system. Make sure you're on channel four." The brothers nodded as they checked their radio unit clipped to their belt. Bakura knew his was already set, but nonetheless, touched the earpiece resting in his left ear. He had attached the wireless microphones to each of their watches that they wore, requiring that they pinch their thumb to their knuckle, clicking the knob within the glove, to speak. Bakura knew how wireless technology worked in principle, but this was the first time he had it implemented. It had taken Bakura several sleepless nights to figure out the mechanics for this, but he was satisfied with the results.

"Once I extract the Ring, I'll send the signal. Marik, you'll clear the path ahead. Odion, you'll go get the car. If things go well, we'll be out of here before Rex or Weevil can retaliate and the Orichalcos will be none the wiser about the heist. If not, I hope you played a lot of Mario Kart, Odion." Bakura's joked dryly, pulling his hair back into a low ponytail. Odion nodded, checking his backpack for his supplies. Bakura visually noted the keys and laptop located in his bag, mentally checking them off his list.

Marik nodded as well, but his eyes were focused on the ground. The younger brother chewed on the inside of his cheek, one leg bouncing as his eyes were misty, lost in thought. Bakura watched for a moment, debating whether to try calming Marik down. He shook his head, as he reached into his bag. "One last thing." Bakura reached into his bag and pulled out two wrapped bundles to Odion and Marik. "I don't think I need to explain, but I'll say it anyway. Don't use these unless there's no choice. I'd rather avoid a messy situation if possible."

Odion and Marik looked down at the wrapped up weapons. Bakura knew it was better to be prepared for the worse. He gave them each a holstered handgun, a round of bullets, and a knife. Bakura watched as the two geared up. Odion placed the emptied gun and bullet casings in his backpack, but kept the knife pocketed within his coat. Marik held the gun and knife in front of him, just staring at the weapons.

"Don't shoot unless you have to. Don't be seen. Don't get caught. Don't screw this up. Keep with the plan, and we all get out alive and with our prize. Understood?" Odion murmured his agreement while Marik nodded, still staring at the weapons in his hand. Bakura glanced up at the sky, watching the clouds move. No moon tonight. I guess that will give us better coverage at least. "Okay. Let's move out. Good luck." Bakura wasn't really good at encouraging – he rarely worked with others and when he did, he had always preferred to take a backseat than lead.

Odion turned to speak with Marik, placing a hand on the younger's shoulder. Bakura stepped away, giving the two brothers their privacy. Bakura shook out his hands as he bounced lightly on his feet, trying to get the blood back into his extremities. He closed his eyes as he cracked his neck, inhaling and exhaling. Focus. Fucking focus. This is it. This is your element. Observe, analyze, strike, and fade. You know what to do.

Bakura stretched his arms before swinging them around, loosening up. He was ready. He was pumped and prepared for action. He looked back, waiting for Marik. His partner finished up talking to Odion as he started to walk towards Bakura. He attached the gun holster to his waist. Bakura watched as Marik struggled to attach the sheathed knife to his belt as well. He narrowed his eyes as he realized Marik's hands were shaking. Bakura sighed as he looked up at Marik, whose eyes were unfocused as he walked towards him.

Bakura reached out and grabbed one of Marik's hands, stilling it for a moment. Marik flinched at the touch and looked up. Bakura met his eyes, his face masking any emotion. "Relax. You'll be fine." Bakura grunted rather gruffly to Marik. That was as soft and gentle as he could be given their scenario. Marik nodded as he took a breath. "Right. Okay." Bakura let go of Marik's hand, looking over Marik. He seemed calmer, so Bakura decided to move out.

Bakura dipped into the shadows, following the alleyway down towards the warehouse district. He could see Marik moving in his periphery, but only because he was paying careful attention. Marik was moving rather silently. The two thieves crept their way forward, carefully surveying their surroundings before moving on to their target. Mai's files told them they would be in this area, specifically three warehouses down, behind the American pub. Bakura didn't need to be there yet – he wanted to stand close by and be ready for action.

As Bakura saw the warehouse district coming into view, he decided to test their radios. "Odion, are you in position?" Bakura murmured into his mike.

"I'm at the shop. Server will be up and running in 3 minutes."

"Okay. Marik hold position. Wait for Odion to give the go ahead."

"Understood." Marik's nasally voice came through softly. Bakura was pleased with his work. Well it looks like our radios will get the job done. With the technology end taken care of, it came down to not letting human error screw things up from here on out. Hence why Bakura gave the most difficult job on the mission – he had the most experience and knew how this sort of operation would work. Marik and Odion, despite their hard work, were still very new to the field. That's why Bakura had them work in the background – there was less risk involved. Bakura crouched in the shadow, closing his eyes. He cleared his mind of any and all extraneous thoughts…

"Server's up."

With those words, Bakura snapped his eyes open. He felt a rush of adrenaline and his vision focusing in icy clarity. He lifted the mike up to his mouth one more time. "Alright. Let's go, Marik." He heard Marik give his confirmation in response as Bakura jogged towards the brick fence. He paused a moment, listening for any voices. At the silence, Bakura jumped to grab the edge of the wall. He crawled over and dropped down against the wall, quickly looking around as he observed the various empty buildings.

Bakura leaned back against the wall, debating whether to pause to let Marik catch up or keep moving forward. Bakura stood up from where he knelt and walked along the wall, keeping to the shadows. He felt his blood coursing through his body. The only sound he could hear was the pounding sound of his pulse in his ears. All he could focus on was finding the meeting place where Rex and Weevil would be waiting.

Finally, Bakura saw the warehouse in question. He looked around, eyes quickly scanning the surroundings. Once he was sure it was clear, he sprinted from the wall to the building next to his target location, ducking back into the darkness before anyone could spot him. He considered making sure Marik was trailing him, but he didn't want to risk making any noise nor lingering around unless absolutely needed. One could never be too cautious in this occupation. Bakura crept along the warehouse until he found a ladder, leading to a door a floor up.

That'll work. The ledge would give him a better view of the area and perhaps would allow him to find Rex and Weevil. He climbed up the stairs and knelt down, looking over the vicinity that looked over the warehouse next to him. After a few minutes of observing, he figured he should give Odion and Marik an update. "I have visual of the surrounding. Hold position." Lord forbid Marik try doing something reckless right now.

Bakura let himself get settled, feeling the night pass by slowly. At this point, it was a waiting game. Weevil and Rex should be here any minute. Once they arrived however, Bakura would have to wait and observe. He needed to figure out where the Ring was located. That was his true objective – if Rex, Weevil or any member of the Orichalcos got in his way, then it sucked to be them. Because nothing was going to keep Bakura from getting the Millennium Ring tonight. Like it's always been. Locate the Ring. Find a way to get it. Deception. Steal. Disappear. Marik can't fuck this up for you tonight. Just stay in the zone. Bakura knew that Marik couldn't really mess up his mission from his vantage point, but Bakura had been proven wrong before. It was best not to jinx it.

It was about fifteen minutes later when Bakura finally spotted Weevil. The bowl cut blue hair stood out in the dim light almost as much as Bakura's hair would. Bakura held his breath, his eyes burrowing into the small man who walked down the corridor between the two warehouses. At first glance, nothing stood out about the young man clad in all black. However, Bakura knew from Weevil's hunched shoulder, the shaky hand that would go to push up his glasses, there would be nervous glances around, that Weevil was under pressure tonight. Bakura watched, trying to spot some clue as to tell whether Weevil had the Ring or not.

That's when he noticed it. The satchel at Weevil's side. The scavenger kept his hand over the bag, the other gripping the strap across his chest. He saw him occasionally check inside the bag, almost as if to reassure himself that whatever content it held still remained there. Weevil's hand tightened on the strap as he snapped his head around, as if searching for a phantom sound. Bakura watched silently, a smirk growing on his face.

Jackpot.

It was only when Bakura prepared for his descent did he remember to inform Marik and Odion. He brought the mike up to his mouth, speaking softly. "I've located Weevil. He has the Ring. I'm going in for the extraction. Marik, cover me." A month ago, Bakura would have sooner drink arsenic than trust Marik with his back. Yet, here he was, doing the very thing he never thought he would do. How time changes things. "Ready for your mark, Fluffy." Bakura ignored Marik's jab, his mind far too invested in their mission to care what Marik called him.

Bakura grabbed the railing, testing it with his weight as he yanked a few times. Satisfied, Bakura slipped under the bar and let himself hang from the ledge, watching Weevil move to the end the corridor. Bakura fell down, landing lightly on his feet before pressing himself up against the wall. He followed the wall, trailing his target as he moved swiftly and silently. Bakura quickly gained on Weevil, as the young man stood, looking around as if waiting for someone. Bakura glanced behind, aware that Rex would be nearby. He didn't see him. Soon, Bakura was only a few feet away from Weevil, still covered in shadows. This was it. Bakura paused, watching Weevil as the young man scanned the area.

The moment Weevil turned his back to Bakura, the thief pounced. Bakura sprinted out from behind Weevil. He reached his left hand across and over Weevil's mouth to muffle any noise he made, locking him arm to hold the little man against him. He flicked out his knife, his favorite signature knife into his right hand and brought it up Weevil's throat. The blue-haired thief struggled even as he felt the knife against his neck, Bakura smirked and leaned down close to his squirming victim.

"If you keep this up, I can't promise my blade will stay still." Bakura pressed his blade harder in his captive's throat, a thin red line forming as Weevil hissed sharply. He felt the young man relaxing and his struggles ceased. "Good. Now, if you don't mind, I'll be taking that Ring from you. Would you be a dove and fetch it for me?" Bakura growled out the last question with as menace as he could manage. Weevil said nothing, gulping lightly as he tried to pull away as much as he could from Bakura's knife. Bakura watched carefully as Weevil reached a shaky hand into the satchel.

Bakura pressed the knife into Weevil's neck again, his victim flinching. "No funny business." Weevil flicked his eyes up to Bakura's glaring face. Bakura was no idiot – Weevil was about to try pulling a weapon on him. Well, one had to get up pretty early to pull a fast one on Bakura. He wasn't about to fall for that beginner's trick. As Bakura felt confident, watching Weevil return to fetch the Ring, he felt the first tremor. Bakura narrowed his eyes as he felt Weevil's body shake a second time before stopping until the Weevil's body continued to quiver. That's when Bakura realized that Weevil was laughing.

The hell is going on?

Bakura glared at the sniggering man, his guard going up instantly. "What the hell are you laughing about?" He took his hand off the scavenger's mouth and pulled back Weevil's arm. As tempting as it was to try snatching the Ring, knowing it was right there, Bakura decided to go with his instinct and stay on guard. He didn't trust Weevil any further than he could throw the little man. Bakura grabbed Weevil's arm and yanked it behind his back, the laughing scavenger suddenly wincing at the motion, but still cackling. Bakura found himself getting annoyed. What's he trying to pull?

Weevil finally ceased laughing, glancing back at Bakura. His face was pulled back into a cross between a grimace and grin. Weevil finally spoke. "Looks like our fluffy white kitten finally came to play. This worked better than we hoped." Bakura froze for a moment, thinking over Weevil's words. That's when it hit him. This was a set-up. Bakura yanked Weevil, turning sharply as he already prepared to use the little man as a human shield. He ignored the yelp of pain from his hostage as he quickly prepared to dive for cover. He stopped his motion as he heard a click. He flicked his eyes over to the left, not daring to move his head. He saw another person standing in his periphery as he felt the barrel of the gun pushed next to his temple.

Fuck.

Bakura tightened his grip on Weevil, knife pressing into Weevil's neck. He heard the little man's breath hitch. He heard a soft chuckle. "I wouldn't press your luck, Bakura. It would be a shame if my finger were to slip." Bakura internally swore at the relaxed and sleazy sound of Rex's voice, confidence dripping in his words. How did Bakura get himself into this position? He was sure he had kept a good enough look out. Rex was nowhere in the vicinity. Marik was backing him up. Unless… did Rex take out Marik?

No, they don't know about him yet. But they knew Bakura was after them. How though? Bakura had been careful to avoid suspicion. He had stayed in the background and let Marik take the reins. Marik wasn't known in the area, so there shouldn't have been anyway to track down Bakura through his Egyptian compatriot. Did Marik accidentally mention him or was seem with him? Unless Rex had seen them trailing him. But why set up a meeting knowing a skilled and experienced thief would hunt them down for their prize? Something wasn't making sense.

A nudge of the gun against Bakura's temple brought his thoughts back to the present. He resisted the urge to flinch, not wanting to show any weakness. His grip on Weevil tightened as the little man grunted a slight sound of pain. "Not going to cooperate?" Rex asked sounding carefree, but Bakura knew the bitter little snot was thrilled at having Bakura trapped. Bakura knew that calling his bluff really would result with a bullet in his head. Shit. This is all going to shit. Bakura turned his head slightly to glare at the smug gun-wielding scavenger, debating his options.

Finally, Bakura sighed, unable to hide the growl in his voice. He released his grip on Weevil and pulled his knife away, allowing the little man to step away. Weevil skipped out of reach as he rubbed a hand on his neck before turning to smirk at Bakura. Bakura glowered at the two. Rex stepped in front of Bakura, still holding the gun up to Bakura's head. Bakura stood still, aware that if things went south, Bakura would end up with a bullet in his head. I need to find an out. Fast. The Ring wouldn't matter if he was dead – he needed to live through this fiasco. An idea crossed his head, but he needed to keep the two scavengers distracted. He lowered his head, glaring at the two as he clenched his left fist…

"So how did you know I was after you?" Bakura barked as he decided to try buying time by asking them questions, at least until he found a way out of this scenario. "How? You walked right up to us. Didn't know you worked as a store clerk. I suppose it's a good cover to divert suspicion. It allows you to hide in plain sight. Clever." Weevil both complimented and insulted him. Bakura carefully left his face a frozen mask, but his mind was reeling. What? Store clerk? What is he talking about? Bakura made acquisition and retrieval his full-time job. He didn't work in a store. And on top of that, what store would he have been seen in? Bakura narrowed his eyes, confused by their accusation. Then it hit him.

Ryou.

Ryou worked at a store. He was a store clerk. He was also his twin brother. But Rex and Weevil didn't know that. They didn't know Bakura had an identical twin brother. Only those who knew the two brothers were aware of the differences. Bakura never had the (dis)pleasure of meeting Rex and Weevil until tonight. He had gone off research and descriptions. Rex and Weevil would have operated similarly. And since Ryou was a spitting image of him and they had no knowledge of a doppelganger, it only made sense that they deduced the albino in Domino they met at that store was Bakura.

Correcting them in this wouldn't help Bakura now. Despite the mistaken identity, pointing it out won't get him out of this mess sooner. If anything, it would endanger Ryou. He had to string them along. "You're talking about the Black Clown game shop? Didn't know you guys were gamers." Bakura joked weakly, still watching the two shorter men smirking at him. "We like to have fun every once in while. To be honest, it threw us off a bit that you would try to confront us." Rex snickered, rolling his eyes but his gun remained level at Bakura's face. Bakura remembered Otogi telling him how Ryou had to drag the two scavengers away from the store so they wouldn't scare away customers. The clues were right there. And I missed it.

"But we got a better idea. Word has it that you've been collecting some old desert trinkets. Give us what you have, and we'll let you go." Weevil asked, now gloating over the cornered thief. Before Bakura could think, he snorted out loud in disgust. "Like hell I'm doing that. I'm not bloody leaving until I get that bloody Ring so I can get my damn bloody prize." Bakura glowered, clenching his left fist tighter, his thumb almost bruising his knuckle. Perhaps his statement was brash and was asking for retaliation, but he didn't think to filter himself. He was getting angry. I need to focus. Don't lose my cool. An opportunity will arise. I need to be ready so I can bolt.

"Come on Bakura. Don't be difficult. I don't think you're really in the position to be negotiating at this point. Hand over the Items." Weevil demanded of the albino. Bakura laughed derisively. "Over my dead body." Perhaps his priorities were out of line that Bakura would rather die than hand over some gold trinkets. But these gold artifacts were priceless and the means to Bakura's new and glorious future. In some ways, death seemed like a more viable option than living with the embarrassment of being forced to give up the Millennium Items. That would put him on the same level as Schroeder. And Bakura was better than that.

"Hey, speaking of bodies, that reminds me, Weevil. Didn't the Orichalcos put out a hit order on a Bakura a few years ago?" Rex pretended to think over his words, a thoughtful look crossing his face. Bakura froze, blood draining from his face.

"You know, now that you mention it, I think your right. You don't suppose this is the same Bakura?" Weevil sniggered delightfully.

"I think it might be. Now, what do you think the ransom on him would be? It's got to be pretty hefty, wouldn't you say?"

"Most likely. I dare say they would finally grant us membership. We would be killing two birds with one stone."

Rex laughed out loud. "Quite literally, wouldn't you say?" Weevil cackled at the jibe as Bakura flicked his eyes between the two scavengers, adrenaline now racing. Shit. This is bad. He tensed as he saw Rex lazily turn his attention back to the gun in his hand. He leered at the albino thief. "On second thought, we retract our offer. We don't need the Items. Just your dead body will do." Bakura narrowed his eyes, tightening his grip on his knife. If he was about to go down, he would go down fighting.

All three men flinched as they heard another gunshot ring out. Weevil snapped his head around, his hands protectively clenching his satchel. Rex swore under his breath as he quickly turned to the source of the sound. Bakura didn't have time to think. He shot forward with his knife and sliced at Rex's wrist holding the gun. Rex yelped in pain as he stumbled back, gun dropping from his hand. Bakura shifted his weight to chase after Weevil when he caught a glance of a figure down at the end of the aisle. A flash of golden hair caused Bakura to swear under his breath.

Fuck. I didn't think he'd do something this reckless. Bakura raised the mike under to his hand as he bolted after Weevil, who sprinted away from the scene, clutching the Ring. "Marik! Get the hell out of here!" Bakura knew he shouldn't blame Marik for the situation. In fact, Marik very well saved his life back there. But when he had had a death grip on the microphone knob, he was anticipating Marik and Odion to pull back – not get involved. The last thing Bakura wanted was Marik getting caught up in this hell storm.

Hoping Marik would listen to his orders, Bakura turned the corner where he saw Weevil run, he caught a glimpse of blue hair before it disappeared around the end of the corridor. Bakura sprinted, reaching to his side to the gun holstered on his waist. He didn't want to use it. Situations always became a lot more difficult when there were casualties. The police would get involved, media would bring attention to the issue, people might discover motives for the murders. And then they would know what was going on that night. Bakura didn't want that. But it looked like Weevil and Rex weren't giving him much of a choice.

As Bakura turned the corner, he had only a moment before he realized that Weevil was waiting for him. Shit! Bakura stumbled back, trying to get back around the corner but it was too late. He heard the ring from the gunshot. Almost instantaneously, he felt a sharp pain piece his side as a bullet found its mark in Bakura. Bakura swore in pain, hissing as he hid around the corner and leaned against the wall for support. He gripped his right side by his waist, gasping for air. Fuck, fuck, fuck. This is bad. Bakura raised his hand, to see blood staining his glove and finger tips. He tried to push himself up but quickly collapsed, pain shooting through his body.

He heard Weevil sniggering around the corner, footsteps approaching. Bakura tried to stand but his body wouldn't cooperate. The bullet wound was slowing him down. I'm not going to fucking die to some damn scavengers. Bakura remained slumped against the wall, his right hand still gripping his side. He raised a shaky left hand to grab the gun at his holster. "Don't bother." Bakura flicked his eyes up to see Weevil standing in front of him, gun ready. Bakura snarled as he went to draw his gun. Weevil sneered before he raised a foot and kicking Bakura in his left side.

Bakura gasped sharply. The intense pain caused his vision to momentarily go black, drawing both his hands to cover his injury. He became more aware of the sweat dripping down on his forehead as his temple pounded. Damn this is bad. Bakura glanced down, worried to see the amount of blood soaking through his jacket. He began to worry that even if Weevil didn't kill him, he might die due to blood loss. Weevil snickered as he held up the Millennium Ring in one hand to mock the wounded thief. He raised his gun to Bakura's head, but Bakura found his body to weak to respond, too weak to move. Shit. No…

For a second time that night, Bakura heard a gunshot rang out, but it didn't come from his opponent's gun. Weevil swore as the Ring suddenly flew out of his hand, the bullet striking the Egyptian artifact. Weevil fell backwards and onto the ground in shock. Bakura's eyes widened in horror as he realized what had happened. Before he could yell for him to stop, Marik dashed out from around the corner. He dipped down to grab the Millennium Ring without pausing, racing down corridor. Bakura could see the determination and fear in the teen's face as Weevil swore and chased after him.

What the hell does he think he's doing? Bakura felt a panic grow as Rex and Weevil turned their attention to his Egyptian partner. He braced himself against the wall and pushed himself into a standing position, set on chasing after Marik. He panted heavily, his left hand trying to stanch the flow of blood as he leaned against the wall. He raised his left hand. "Marik! What the hell are you doing? Get the fuck out of here!" Bakura didn't understand what Marik was trying to do – he was only here as back-up. Why was he flinging himself into the fray? This was suicide. Everything was going to shit and Bakura didn't know what to do.

He heard no response from Marik. "Marik! Get out of here! I'll be fine! Drop the Ring and get the hell away!" Why wasn't he responding? "Odion! Get your brother out of here. Now!" Bakura pushed himself off the wall, stumbling forward to catch himself as he began his slow and painful walk. He had to get to Marik before Weevil and Rex caught up. The brat was going to get himself killed. Why couldn't he follow orders? Bakura's breath hitched as he heard Odion respond. "I'm trying. His end is down. I don't know why, but he's not receiving or transmitting. Oh God, Marik." Bakura tried to swallow down his own fear as he heard the panic in Odion's voice. How the hell were they going to get Marik out of this mess now?

Bakura took another step, forcing himself to move past the pain. His head spun with the motion, Bakura gripping his side as he doubled over in pain. Suddenly, several gunshots rang out, breaking the silence. Seven in total. Bakura froze, a hand reaching out to steady himself against the wall. His eyes widened and he felt a panic flood him. Shit. No. It can't- Fuck! "Marik!" Bakura didn't have time to think about what he was doing, as he desperately called out his partner's name. Bakura stepped forward, trying to run before he collapsed onto his knees, his wound getting better of him. Shit. Not now. God, no!

Bakura knew he was in a shitty situation. He was being targeted by Rex and Weevil. The Orichalcos were probably around here knowing his luck. He had been shot. His mission to retrieve the Ring was turning into a massive joke. But Bakura felt as if none of that matter. He just felt an intense fear and panic. Whatever happened, he had to find Marik. Marik couldn't be dead. He couldn't. He had to be okay. If he wasn't… It was his fault for dragging the kid into this mess. Rex and Weevil wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone who got in their way, including Marik.

Bakura groaned pain, kneeling as he caught in breath. He had to get up. He had to move and find Marik. He heard footsteps coming running towards him. Bakura gritted his teeth in anger. I'm going to fucking kill Rex and Weevil if they so much as hurt a hair on that idiotic brat. Bakura pulled his gun, using his other hand to support himself. He got a sudden sense of vertigo. Bakura glanced down to see his still bleeding wound. Fuck. I'm going to kill them. Bakura panted lightly, one hand clenching his side, the other reaching for his gun…

"Bakura!" The said thief nearly collapsed with relief as he saw Marik turn the corner. The youth's eyes widened as he took in Bakura's bloodied and wounded form. "Marik! You damn idiot! Why are you here? Get the fuck out of here and stay back!" Marik skidded down to the ground next to Bakura. "You're hurt! We have to get you out of here!" Marik carefully looked at Bakura's wound, pulled away Bakura's jacket to get a better look. Bakura hissed in pain as he smacked Marik away.

"Didn't you hear me? It's dangerous! Why the hell aren't you following orders? Get out of here before Weevil and Rex-" Marik zipped off his jacket and stopped Bakura from continuing. "I'm not leaving you behind, dumbass. I got the Ring so we need to go!" Bakura stopped trying to push Marik away as his words sank in. "You- You have the Ring?" Marik, despite the situation, rolled his eyes as he showed the Ring that now hung under his jacket. He removed the jacket to tie it around Bakura's wound.

"I lost Rex and Weevil, but we need to get out of here before they come back. Let's go. Can you stand?" Bakura was at a lost for words. He was sure Marik had been shot when he heard those guns go off. If it hadn't been Marik caught up with the dangerous duo, then who had been? What had that been? It didn't make sense. Bakura gritted his teeth, feeling a wave of nausea and dizziness as he tried to stand. "I don't understand. I heard the guns. If that wasn't you, then who was it? How did you-"

"Bakura! I really don't think this is the time to talk about this!" Marik snapped, frustration and worry evident in the young man's face. Bakura winced in pain, still struggling to stand. Marik took Bakura's left arm and slung it over his shoulder, helping Bakura to rise to his feet. Bakura wanted to continue his argument, but exhaustion and weakness were winning over him. He felt like his head was spinning. Damn it. I feel like shit.

Bakura was taken from his thoughts as he felt Marik fumble around for his left hand. Bakura glanced up, confusion filling his eyes. Marik took a tentative step forward with Bakura as he pulled off Bakura's glove. After a moment, Marik held the glove up to his mouth. "Odion! It's me! Bakura's injured! We'll meet you at the spot!" Marik turned his attention to moving Bakura as they slowly made their way from the warehouses, Marik almost dragging Bakura. "Sorry, my mike and ear piece broke." Marik mumbled apologetically, carefully shifting Bakura's weight to help him stand better.

Bakura grit his teeth but didn't complain, accepting Marik's aid. He blinked off the cold beads of sweat that were now falling into his eyes. He was vaguely aware of Odion responding back, asking in earnest if Marik was okay. Bakura wondered why Marik didn't respond. Oh wait. His ear piece isn't working. He felt his vision blurring as he struggled to stay awake. Bakura's frustration grew as his body refused to cooperate, having to place his life in Marik's hands. The nauseous feeling only grew. No. Not now. Not when I'm so damn weak. Fucking hell.

Bakura heard Marik calling his name but he felt as if everything grew heavy. He couldn't respond; his muscles would not obey. Bakura tried to move, tried to do anything to gain some semblance of strength, but it was too late. He had already lost too much blood. He was aware of another person now helping him, his body shifting as they put him in the car. Bakura was laying down on his back, his head resting on something, though what it he wasn't sure. The noise started to fade away, as Bakura heard the car starting up.

Bakura flicked his eyes open, bleary and unfocused. He tried to stay awake, staring up at the ceiling above him. He caught a glimpse of gold. The Ring. Marik did it. I failed. He didn't. How did this all happen? None of this makes sense? Shit, I feel like shit. His eyes lazily shifted from the gold figure to the pair of lilac circular orbs looking down at him. Marik? Bakura tried to speak, tried to ask the questions that Marik dismissed earlier. He shifted slightly when a sharp pain jolted through him again. He clenched his eyes shut, the pain aching through his body.

It was only moments later when Bakura finally blacked out.