An update! Don't die of shock, now…

Chapter 12

The Puzzle With The Ring

"What have you done?" Tea skidded into the bathroom, face flushed and furious, with no fear as she wrenched Yugi off Bakura. She looked like she might kill.

Bakura's laugh was mostly a cough, and he peered up at his shocked audience with some amusement.

"Hey, this isn't funny," Joey went for him, grabbing the Spirit's collar with vicious strength; "what did you do to Yug?"

"Nothing," Bakura said quietly, "I don't expect you to believe me, so it's okay."

Joey loosened his hold on the Spirit, looking confused. He turned to Tea, who was holding Yugi in her arms.

"Is he okay?"

"I think so…he's just passed out, I think."

"What happened here?" Duke rubbed his eyes, looking rough and bemused by the bathroom. "did someone get too happy with the drinks in the night? I don't remember bleeding everywhere, so I'm sorry if I did…"

"Shut up, Duke," Tristan muttered. He was looking at Bakura, who coughed again. "someone should wake Marik up."

"I'm awake," Marik's voice sounded from the doorway, and he walked through the parting group, looking frightened. He knelt next to Bakura, who gave him a withering look.

"I'm okay," the Spirit said gruffly.

"You're bleeding."

"It washes right off," Bakura smirked, but Marik wasn't very amused. The red liquid that fell in sharp contrast with the Spirit's pale skin was shocking, even if it wasn't as bad as all that.

"What happened here?" Tea asked, her eyes trained on Yugi like she couldn't bear to look at anything else.

"I know," Marik said, before Bakura could start to speak. He pressed a hand on the Spirit's chest. "this is my dark half again, isn't it? I know it's him. It's always him…"

"Don't get upset," Bakura said, as though he was disgusted by the sight.

"I'm more terrified, actually," Duke said. "This thing can get to Yugi as well now?"

"Seems that way," Joey glanced at Bakura, his face unable to decide if it wanted to be suspicious or not. "is that what it is? Can this thing get Yug too?"

"Yes," Bakura said flatly.

Tea snapped her head up and started toward the Spirit, her hands trembling into vague fists.

"Don't," Marik moving to protect Bakura, but it was someone else who stopped Tea.

"Easy," said Tristan, pulling her back. "let's get Yugi to bed now, right? We want to make sure he's better before anything else, don't we?"

"I guess," Tea rubbed her eyes roughly. As Tristan and Serenity led her out the room, Joey helped Yugi up, with some help from Duke.

Marik watched them file out, then he put his arms round Bakura's back, pulling him upright and holding him a little too tight.

Ryou stood in the doorway, like it was his job to look uncomfortable and unsure of what to do.

"You could wash it off," he suggested, after a moment. His eyes darted between Marik and Bakura, and he smiled hopefully. Bakura grimaced, leaning back against Marik.

"You are hurt." Marik said. "I knew it."

"not very surprising," Ryou rolled his eyes, and seemed to have made up his mind. He side stepped into the bathroom, knelt by the bath and started turning the taps. He hummed to himself in an inappropriately cheery way.

Marik nodded; "yeah, that's the right idea." he looked back at Bakura, who seemed to have resigned himself to looking pissed off and wounded. "It was my dark half, wasn't it?" Marik pressed anyway, and held Bakura's wrist tighter. He'd hardly been aware he was holding it anyway.

Bakura snarled and wrenched away. He slouched back against the wall. "No questions now, Marik." there was a note of apology in his voice, just enough for Marik to let it slide.

Soon the room was starting to steam, and Ryou bent down to them unexpectedly. There was no fear in his face anymore, Marik noticed, as the boy put a hand on Bakura's shoulder.

"I know you didn't hurt Yugi," Ryou said. "I felt it, through the link, I mean."

He got up then and walked to the door. Both Marik and Bakura stared after him. Marik's stomach flipped with a sort of relief. Even if he believed Bakura wasn't a complete maniac, that didn't make it true. To hear Ryou say it…to confirm it was, suddenly made things much better. Marik cleared his throat;

"Ryou…tell the others that, then."

"Of course I will," Ryou hesitated in the doorway. "if you want anything, just shout."

The door clipped shut, and Marik was left to Bakura, who sat like he might be considering going to sleep. Marik gave him a gentle shake, and the Spirit blinked and scowled at him.

"A bath?" he muttered.

"Can you get up alright?" Marik squeezed his shoulder and started to stand.

"Yes of course," Bakura followed him up, but staggered forward.

"No you can't," Marik grabbed him with some alarm.

"I'm alright, I just need to be stronger next time."

"You're weaker right now," Marik pointed out, and helped Bakura to the bath. It was full with water, and tinted a greenish colour with the many bubble baths Ryou had thought to add to it. Marik moved back a bit, but kept a hand hovering close to Bakura. Suddenly he felt awkward, and turned away from the Spirit. "um, shall I just…"

Bakura answered the question for him. He stepped immediately into the bath, fully clothed, and then sat down with a scowl.

"Is it too hot?" Marik asked.

"No. I just hate it."

"Oh," Marik watched as the water around the Spirit began to ribbon with red, the blood seeping away from Bakura's clothes and skin. "You know, you might feel better taking some of those off." Marik suggested, wanting to sound casual about it.

Bakura tugged half-heartedly at his jacket, allowing it to come undone. Marik took it, but was mostly distracted by bare, bloody skin. Bakura's torso was pale with very prominent ribs.

"You really need to eat more."

"I ate lots yesterday," Bakura reminded.

"Toast won't fill you up. I would have thought Ryou's weedy physic is proof enough of that." Marik allowed himself a smirk, and hoped Bakura might see the humour in it. He wanted a sneer, at least. Marik liked how even the malicious flash of his eyes looked alive when he did that.

"Anyway. Why'd you hate baths so much? Don't you usually bath?" Marik tried again, as he swam a hand lightly through the water, testing the temperture.

"Why would I?" Bakura asked like it was the most stupid question ever asked. "You know I have never needed to."

"Alright, I get it." Marik backed off. "You didn't have a body and all that."

Bakura rubbed his arms, scratching away some dry blood. Marik couldn't help but follow the smooth line of his arm up to his shoulder, and then how it curved off onto his slightly hunched forwards back. His hair was matted over it, tapering off at his lower back. Marik could see blood dripping from beneath it. He reached out and swept Bakura's hair to the side.

There was a nasty red gash right across his shoulder blades, and it was still bleeding a fair bit. Marik swallowed a gasp but Bakura seemed to see the look on his face.

"What is it?"

"You're wounded…on your back." Marik explained. "does it hurt very much?"

"Not really," Bakura said like he was bored.

Marik shook his head; "what the hell did my other…what did that thing do to you?"

Bakura didn't answer. Instead he just bowed his head a little to take some sort of interest in the pinkish coloured water. Marik let his gaze wander over the nape of the Spirit's neck, and the purplish marks that covered most of it.

"What's this?" Marik touched it with the tip of his fingers.

"Don't worry, that was mostly just the Pharaoh." Bakura thought about it; "Or maybe the girl Tea. I don't recall," he looked at Marik, his mouth curving a grin. "Nobody can keep their hands off me."

Marik forced a laugh. "You crazy ex-tomb robbers, just irresistible, aren't you?"

"It's the only explanation."

Marik smiled through his concern, and gathered a wet cloth in his hand. He moved it very carefully over Bakura's back, but even so the Spirit cried out and arced away.

"I'm sorry," Marik stammered. "I thought…I thought you said it didn't hurt too much?"

"Yes, when you're not touching it."

"Sorry," Marik repeated. He lowered the cloth, feeling rather hopeless.

Bakura exhaled sharply, then he raised a fisted hand out of the water. For a moment Marik was frightened, and didn't really have time to back away. It didn't matter, Bakura just plunged the fist back into the bath, splashing water everywhere with an angry growl.

"Bakura-"

"It won't happen again, I promise it won't." Bakura snarled. His hair curtained his face so Marik could not know his expression. Even so, Marik could hardly bare it. He turned away and squeezed the cloth tight in his hands.

"I wish I could kill it," he said quietly.

Bakura raised his head, giving him a questioning look.

"I wish I could get it in my own hands," Marik carried on, "And strangle it to death."

"You don't need to," Bakura said. "I can do that for you." he caught the look on Marik's face. "you doubt me?"

Marik stared at him. He did doubt it; he couldn't help it. Bakura was all bloody and weak sitting in the bath like that, his eyes rung with purple and his body so brittle it looked like it might actually snap. It made Marik want to cry.

"You're still bleeding quite a bit," he said instead. "are you sure you'll be okay?"

"I told you-"

"I know, I know. Stop worrying so much. Damn my conscience. Fatal human flaw."

"You lot have so many," Bakura agreed, and sunk back into the bath a bit more. Marik watched him sigh and close his eyes, like he might be enjoying it at last. "I wonder why you worry so much."

"Because I'm human. There, another flaw."

"I should make a list of them all," Bakura said airily, "but it would take far too long. And I don't exactly have another three thousand years to kill."

"Very funny." Marik said, but was happy to see the smile tug at Bakura's mouth. It made him want to smile too, to remember Bakura could be halfway normal like that.

Bakura seemed to notice, and he leaned forwards, resting his arms on the edge of the bath.

"You're happy," he kept his eyes on Marik, like he was purely fascinated by the human. Marik supposed he should have felt uncomfortable, but he realised he wasn't, and he was used to Bakura and every strange thing he did and said.

"Mm, I am a bit." He put his hand on Bakura's, they felt wet and warm with the bathwater.

"Is it nice?" Bakura asked.

"Is what nice?"

"That I feel warm to you?"

Marik considered; "Yeah. It's kinda weird, though."

"If I stay here, I'll always be warm."

"No you won't, you lunatic. You'll dry up like a prune and freeze to death."

Bakura frowned; "prune?" he stared at the bloodied water. "I like to feel warm." he said, more like he was talking to himself.

"Yeah, well," Marik squeezed his hand a bit more. "there are other ways."

Bakura blinked at him, as though he was just remembering Marik was even there. He looked tired, almost like he was in a daze. Then he bowed his head very slowly.

His lips were faint and soft on Marik's hand, and Marik just stared, not knowing how else to react. The touch was colder than human.

Bakura tilted his head back up, his eyes suddenly wide, and his shoulders shivering.

"You…I think you should get out now," Marik stammered over his words. "you're getting cold."

"I'm always cold." Bakura murmured, echoing what Duke had said not so long ago. "it can't be helped."

Marik gripped the Spirit's hand tighter. "c'mon, let's get you out." He pulled Bakura upwards, and the Spirit leant into him; the naked and wet flesh of his torso pressed into Marik, and his arms hung gracelessly at his sides.

He staggered out of the bath and sunk to his knees, rubbing his head with one hand, the other still tight in Marik's.

"are you okay?" Marik asked, full of concern.

"I feel dizzy."

"that's my fault," Marik said at once. "you shouldn't get out of baths too quickly." he knew he was making excuses.

Bakura lifted his head. "The warmth goes away too fast." he said rather ruefully. "I wish there was a way I could keep some."

Marik could feel the sensations of life leaving his hand even as Bakura uttered his odd ramblings. It was like the heat was being drained away from the Spirit's palm in his own, until it was ice cool as it always was. Still he clutched the Spirit's hand tighter.

He searched Bakura's dark eyes, not knowing what he might regret; "I told you, there are other ways."

Bakura opened his mouth, he still looked dazed as he leaned forwards, closing the gap between their faces. Then his eyes drooped, and Marik realised he was collapsing. He caught the Spirit against his chest, knowing it had little to do with getting out of baths too quickly.

"Okay, you need to lie down now, stupid."

"Is everything alright?" Ryou peered in the doorway. "need some help?"

Marik told Ryou to be careful around Bakura's back, as they led him into the lounge and onto the couch. He didn't feel like he had to tell Ryou about the injury, he had a feeling Ryou already knew.

0000

In the lounge Joey and Tristan were fighting over donuts, whilst Duke was zoning out in front of the tv. Serentiy stood in the kitchen, and gave Marik a tight, unconvincing smile as she poured herself a drink.

"Is Yugi gonna be okay?" Marik asked her.

Serenity nodded; "I think so. Tea's just sitting with him. She's a bit confused about all this, you know."

"We all are," Duke said, eyes not leaving the tv. "Hey, Spirit dude. Can you fix the tv again? Signal's all screwed up."

Marik pulled a face; "Bakura is in no condition to be playing tv repairman."

"When am I ever in a condition to be doing that?" Bakura said sardonically.

He was feeling a little better, if nothing else. That moment in the bath had been strange. He had felt Marik's connection stronger than anything, and for a while it has been almost frightening, the need to touch, to feel another humans heat against his skin…

Now he sat on the couch and watched Duke complain about the tv, and Tristan and Joey's donut disagreement that had devolved into a messy food fight. These humans were so oblivious to everything. It was somehow funny.

"So, can you fix it?" Duke pushed the tv aerial in Bakura's hands. "come on, work your crazy demon magic."

"Duke!" Marik said, "can't you fix it yourself?"

"Hey, you didn't see it. This guy can do amazing things with that Ring."

Bakura raised an eyebrow. "you still trust me with it?"

Duke nodded. "Sure. Well Ryou told us you didn't hurt Yug."

Bakura looked round at Joey and Tristan. Mostly Tristan. The human looked neutral, he even seemed to smile a little. It was rather alarming.

"Donut?" Joey offered.

Bakura took one sceptically, but he was hungry and needed the energy after all that had happened.

"Serenity leaned over the couch, looking ponderous. "I wonder if this will put plans on going to Egypt on hold?"

"Since when were you going, sis?" Joey said.

"Since always. I'm not a kid anymore, you know."

She glanced at Duke then, a shy sort of smile crossing her mouth. Tristan coughed loudly and turned away. "Take the stupid donut. I don't want it." He shoved it in Joey's hands.

Joey grinned obliviously; "thanks, buddy!" he turned to Serenity; "And I know you're not a kid anymore. A brother has to look out for his little sister though, you know?"

Serenity rolled her eyes, "Big bro, we'd have been dead long ago if I left the 'looking out' all up to you," she patted his head affectionately, then bent to Duke, her hair curtaining most of her face as they kissed quickly.

Both Joey and Tristan recoiled a bit.

"Alright. You're not so little," Joey said. "no need to show it off."

Serenity blushed then went to Yugi's bedroom. "I'm going to keep Tea company."

As the door closed Tristan grumbled something about needing fresh air, and he left the apartment. Duke, still mostly concerned with the television and his latest soap opera addiction, pushed the aerial back into Bakura's hands.

"You're coming to Egypt too, aren't you?" he asked the Spirit.

Marik rolled his eyes. The tomb keeper had settled on the couch, close enough so that Bakura could feel his heat, and their links were open, just as Bakura wanted it.

"Why would I go to Egypt?" Bakura played along, giving the aerial a quick tap. The tv screen crackled and Duke alternated between cheers and groans as the picture came in and out of view.

Ryou sat down on the floor. "Yugi is set on going to Egypt to help the Pharaoh figure out his past. He's going to need you too, because you have to Ring."

"True." Bakura tapped the Ring against the tv aerial, watching as the picture became clear and bright. Duke cheered.

"See, how amazing is that?"

"Wonderful," Marik said sarcastically. He tipped his head, so that it rested more to the side, and almost on Bakura's shoulder. He sighed in a way that made Bakura want to move closer to him, and maybe curl his hand properly around Marik's. "Will you go to Egypt with us, Bakura?"

Bakura found himself nodding slightly.

He liked the soft flow of their link; and how soothing it was to find the tomb keeper's essence so relaxed and content around his own, the way it made him remember feelings and thoughts which seemed impossible when Marik wasn't there.

"Marik," he murmured, feeling strange with such realisations. "I'll go if you go."

Then he caught Marik's hand properly, and didn't want to let go. It was much too glorious a feeling, to grasp the human that he knew wanted him like this, and actually trusted him for what he was. He liked to be wanted.

Bakura wasn't even sure when he'd started caring about such things, only that he did.

"I know," Marik spoke through their link, almost an answer to his confused ponderings. "I'll be going to Egypt. I want to help the Pharaoh too." he said aloud. He smiled then; "I'm just happy my brother is all okay. He's coming out of hospital tomorrow. Isn't that great?"

Bakura knew it probably was, so he nodded along. He recalled Marik's sister, and her Item. He wondered absently how much she knew, what she could tell about him…

"Go to sleep. You're tired." Marik said through the link.

Bakura would have protested, but how pointless it was, when Marik's mind ran through him, knowing he was on the brink of exhaustion. Marik could know everything if he wanted, Bakura realised. He didn't need an Item.

Bakura sighed and wasn't much alarmed by the idea any longer. And it was nice to fall asleep with such familiar warmth there, familiar enough that he didn't have to worry for a little while.

0000

It was a strange experience being perfectly conscious within an unconscious host. Yami had experienced it only a couple of times before, but it was always something that stayed with him.

He could still find Yugi's link, but it was all quiet and blank. Even in sleep Yami could still sense Yugi's emotions as he dreamed, but unconsciousness brought none of that. It was like the connection was dead, and it made Yami remember Yugi was hurt.

At least the link was still there though. Not like before, in Bakura's accursed Soul Room. Yami knew he wouldn't forget that feeling; the emptying sensation, almost like he'd lost a part of himself, even if it was only for a few minutes.

He took control of Yugi's body with reluctance. Even though he was still quite conscious, it didn't make it any easier. Without Yugi's link knowingly letting him take control, and being injured as he was, it was like wading through water to find the edges of limbs, and learning how to make them move again.

Yami felt guilty for it as he sat up in bed, stretching out his body and knowing Yugi would do better to rest. He felt worse to see Tea sleeping on the bedside chair, and Serenity curled close by in a sleeping bag. But now was not the time.

Yami needed to find out what had happened in the Soul Room, and how he could stop it. He needed answers, and if Bakura was not willing to give them Yami would have to look for himself.

He crept out the bedroom into the lounge, not surprised to see Bakura sleeping on the couch. It seemed to be his bed now. Marik was sleeping there too, his shoulder soft against Bakura's.

Yami hesitated. Bakura wouldn't wake up yet; Yami could sense how tired he was. But Marik might be different, and Yami knew he'd probably be furious to know his intentions.

It couldn't wait, though. Yugi was in danger now.

Yami walked with determination and placed a hand on Bakura's wrist. He felt very cold, like he'd been outside too long, and didn't stir. There were traces of bruising around his neckline but Yami didn't think about that.

He closed his eyes and easily found the Spirit's link. It crackled and occasionally broke apart for a few seconds, like it was struggling to stay in existence. Yami smiled grimly. It was going to be much easier, now that Bakura had been weakened so much. It was just as Yami had anticipated.

He pushed back the force of the Spirit's mind, which felt more like a curtain than any sort of shield now, and entered Bakura's Soul Room with an ease that surprised even himself.

Recovering himself, he opened his eyes and peered round the mind. It was dim and empty, save the folds of dark that drifted about above him. Yami knew what it was, and he watched it for a moment with baited breath.

It coiled downward, thinning out at the tips and tentatively reaching him. Then, barely millimetres away, it jerked back, like it had been repelled. It curved back up to the ceiling and stayed there.

Yami wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not, but for now he'd take it as one. If it was Marik's darkness perhaps it was still too weak to attempt any sort of attack. Yami held his Puzzle tighter anyway, and walked slowly around the room.

There were grey walls that looked like they might be made of stone, but when Yami got too close they seemed to become transparent and flickering. Yami found he could walk through them, with the sensation of walking through a cold waterfall rushing through his body.

It was not a maze; not like Yami's own mind, full of stairs and doors and dead ends. This was just darkness, and Yami could not see anything unless he moved to where he guessed something might be. It was not even a darkness his eyes could adjust to; it was just a constant black.

"You like to make things interesting, don't you?" Yami breathed, peering up at the ceiling. It was the one thing that remained quite visible; and that was only for the fractured movements of the dark smoke that still drifted there. "where are you, Bakura?"

Yami took some awkward steps forward. He wasn't so much afraid as he was wary. Bakura's mind was hostile enough, but an intrusion upon an unaware hostile mind was probably just asking for trouble.

Moving through the black, so thick it almost seemed solid, Yami suddenly became very aware of a new presence.

It wasn't exactly Bakura, but it was something like him. Yami narrowed his eyes, trying to put vision to what he was sensing. It came to him in a flash of startling colour; deep red, and then the sensation of falling came over him.

Yami cried out and found himself on his knees, panting hard. A smell, a burning smell, was all around him, and Yami hardly dared look up. Flashes of the deep red had suddenly become flame, and they licked at Yami, yet did not harm him. Yami crawled back despite himself, they looked so real.

The flames were loud, but terrible sounds cut through louder; human screams which seemed to run deep into Yami's bones and make him tremble with unknown fear. The burning and screaming were like two entities becoming one, pulling him into a terrible feeling of hopelessness.

Yami screamed through it, and got to his feet with difficulty. He started to run, but something else blocked his path. Something which wasn't illusionary fire, but big and ominous. It was like nothing Yami had ever seen, and yet somehow he knew he had seen it before.

A beast that towered over him like a demon, it was a demon. Black wings expanded over him, casting shadow across everything, pupil-less eyes and pin sharp teeth which gaped into a permanent snarl. Yami's fear was overwhelming, if not for the resilient sting of the Puzzle against his chest, keeping his mind rooted in rationale.

It was okay. This was just Bakura's mind. Nothing else…

Yami clung to the thought as the demon creature came towards him, bowing it's head and widening it's jaw. It made an awful screeching noise, hideous bile dropping from it's lips, before it passed completely through Yami, like the illusion it was.

Yami turned round slowly to watch it disappear. The black all around him seemed to fade somewhat, and then Yami saw the beast was kneeling next to a stone wall. It folded it's sharp wings, and seemed to close in on itself.

As it disappeared Yami felt no sense of relief. In it's place was someone else. Sitting against the wall and staring up at the ceiling was the Spirit of the Ring. The darkness was there again, and every now and then it weaved down to the Spirit, before curling back up to the ceiling again. It was almost like it was playing with the Spirit.

Yami released a breath, unaware that his chest had been so tight. The scent of smoke, the screams and the demon monster, they were all gone. All that was left was Bakura, and Yami swallowed his fear.

"Spirit," he said slowly.

Bakura responded so fast; his head snapping to the source of the sound and then jumping to his feet. He pointed the Ring at Yami, his eyes narrowed and full of hate and fury.

"What're you doing here, Pharaoh?" he hissed.

"Didn't you sense me come into your mind?" Yami was surprised.

Bakura rocked on his heels slightly, his expression harder and more indignant. "Get out."

"You can't make me leave."

"What?" Bakura spat. "Are you really that foolish? You don't know how powerful I am, human."

Yami laughed. "I'm no more human that you. Or have you forgotten?" he took a bold step forward. "We are both Spirits. You've said it, yourself."

Bakura stepped back, as far as he could with the wall being there.

"Are you disgusted now?" Yami asked. "to be compared to myself? We're not so different are we-"

"Why are you here, Pharaoh?" Bakura's voice echoed all about the room. He held the Ring up a bit more.

"Isn't it obvious?" Yami said. " I'm here to find Dark Marik, and to destroy him."

Bakura's mouth tipped into a sneer; "Oh yes. Since your dear host got involved. Things aren't so simple now, are they?"

"I was hoping to find something out in your mind," Yami admitted. "Though I've had little luck so far." he looked about, feeling edgy. "There were…some things I saw though."

Bakura looked angry again; "You have no right invading my mind."

"What are you hiding, Bakura?"

Bakura stepped forward, his gaze testy. "I don't hide things, Pharaoh. I keep them safe until they need to be found again."

"It's the same thing."

"Why would I need to hide things? I am not afraid." Bakura blinked up at the ceiling again. "Perhaps you are attracted to dark things, too. Is that why you come here?"

"Of course it isn't."

Bakura tilted his head, ignoring the comment. "Yes, perhaps we are not so different, Pharaoh."

Yami lost his moment of calm then, overcome with ideas he might entertain thoughts of the darkness. The Puzzle stung in his hands and a blinding light blossomed from it and struck Bakura.

But the Spirit was fast enough, catching the beam with the Ring. He did little more than stumble with the impact. Yami wasn't prepared for the Ring's attack, which hit him tight in the chest, and then Bakura's demented laugh, bouncing all around the Soul Room.

Yami blinked up to see Bakura bending over him, holding the Ring between his fingers. His mouth was set in a grin but his eyes were hateful.

"You shouldn't have invaded my mind, Pharaoh. Now I have to teach you a lesson."

"No," Yami bucked up, sending Bakura sprawling back across the floor. Training his Puzzle on the Spirit, Yami attacked again, this time hitting his target. Bakura groaned but stood up quickly, readying his Ring again.

"Heh. You have some fight in you. I like it."

"I won't back down, Bakura," Yami warned, though he wasn't sure why. "I will hurt you if I must. I will do whatever it takes to help Yugi."

"Yugi," Bakura repeated the word, like he was recalling a memory. "Your precious Yugi."

"I care about him," Yami growled, and then noticed Bakura wavering, the Ring shaking a bit in his hand. "and I know you care too."

Bakura scoffed; "I don't care about your stupid host!"

"No, I know," Yami nodded. "you care about Marik enough, though."

Bakura took a moment to compose himself, his expression darkening. "That isn't the same," He shot more energy from the Ring.

Yami dodged it and prepared to retaliate. "Of course it is. You just don't understand it-"

Bakura cursed as Yami's attack brushed his arm. He held it for a moment then glared at Yami; "You don't understand anything, Pharaoh. The reason you came here, the reason you do anything, is because you don't understand!" He raised his Ring, preparing another attack; "And how will you ever know, when you destroy the one thing that remembers?"

Yami shielded his eyes as bright light burst forth came at him from the Ring. Energy buzzed all about him, and he prayed he'd blocked Bakura's attack fast enough.

His back met the ground hard, and he groaned with numbing pain. Across from him he heard Bakura making a similar sound. Opening his eyes, Yami saw the Spirit curled onto his side. Yami sat up and started crawling toward the Spirit, his body hurting and tender. He already felt sorry.

"Listen, Bakura…there must be an easier way we can-"

"Stop," Bakura growled, his voice so sharp that Yami was compelled to.

"What is it?"

"…look up." Bakura said softly.

Yami followed Bakura's gaze to the ceiling; there was nothing there. "Bakura, what is-"

A curl of darkness suddenly wove around Yami, dusting his neck before disappearing over his shoulder. Yami turned round to see the dark wisps resembling a detailed shadow he could recognise quite easily now, and one which he dreaded too.

"Dark Marik, how could we not sense him?" Yami murmured.

Bakura smiled as he rose to his feet, Yami following him. "He gets trickier. I think he likes this game."

"It isn't a game," Yami snapped, and watched as the shadow in front of them formed properly into Dark marik. He still held the Rod in his hand.

"Pharaoh," he grinned then bowed mockingly. "is this to become a regular thing now? You really should give me proper warning, so I might look my royal best in your presence."

"The Pharaoh just can't keep away, can he?" Bakura quipped, and gave Yami a nudge in the side. Yami glared at him then back at Dark Marik.

"I come for the Rod, and to be rid of you," he said with more bravery than he thought he possessed. "You are endangering my friends lives."

"Oh I'm very sorry," Marik snipped, then he raised his arms.

Yami felt Bakura's hand yanking him down to the ground, and he watched as a dark wave past over them, making a strange humming sound.

"Next time that happens try using your Puzzle," Bakura snapped.

Yami realised the Spirit had been defending them both; his Ring glowing and pushing up a shield before them.

"Thanks," Yami said, confused.

Dark Marik chuckled, then raised the Rod. "You still have this to deal with, my friends."

"Best bit," Bakura muttered, with a bracing grin. He gave Yami a sideways look. "time to be a brave Pharaoh. You're good at that."

Despite himself, Yami smiled tightly, suckered by the Spirit's grim humour. He held up his Puzzle in unison with the Ring, and they blocked the Rod's attack together.

It was still shockingly draining though, and the sense of triumph was brief. Dark Marik came back with another wave of sickening Darkness, and Yami was protecting both himself and Bakura; who was still recovering from the last attack.

"Get away," Bakura pushed Yami back. "I'm alright."

"He's weakened you too much," Yami realised, "How many times has he…"

Another shard of light; the Rod's power, rushed toward them, and this time Bakura was blocking it with the Ring again. He gritted his teeth and gave Yami a furious backward glance; "must you insist on conversation at such pressing times, Pharaoh?"

"I…" Yami stumbled forwards, helping ward off the attack. His limbs were aching now, and his Puzzle's strength was burning out. The guilt hit him; how would poor Yugi feel when he awoke from all of this? Wasn't he injured enough?

"Heh, I can feel your strength leaving you," Dark Marik said, his hands moving with spidery fingers, touching wisps of dark and sending them toward both Yami and Bakura. Bakura was on his knees, but he looked determined, like he knew this battle was won.

Yami prayed he was right, as he too fell to the ground, his legs feeling brittle and sucked of energy. Light flickered on the edges of his eyes as he watched Dark Marik disappear again, and for a second Yami blacked out.

He coughed and shook his head, pulling himself upright.

"So we won," he said bleakly. "Now what."

"He'll be back soon," Bakura said. He sounded so quiet, and Yami noticed he was still pressed against the ground, half curled up. He was holding the Ring very tight.

Yami bent close to him. "You said you weren't afraid."

Bakura's eyes slid to look at Yami. "not for me," he said haltingly.

Yami stared at Bakura, then nodded slowly. He thought of Yugi and the others. All of his friends who were waiting for them, and didn't know any of this was happening.

"Here," he pulled Bakura up, and the Spirit rested against his side, breathing hard. The Ring clinked against the Puzzle and they both glowed together again.

"Look," Bakura said, his eyes on the ceiling; "this is my darkness, Pharaoh. I helped it to grow."

"Why would you do that?"

"I do not know," Bakura sighed, and Yami felt the weight against him become a bit heavier as the Spirit's head tipped onto his shoulder. He looked so tired, and perhaps he did not know what he was saying. "something compels me…it is here, within me," he clutched his chest, past the Ring for a second. "it feels good…when I want it. Other times…I think it might be killing me."

The Spirit blinked at Yami then, his expression blank and almost innocent. "You're a part of my mind too, Pharaoh."

"Do you remember why?" Yami asked, full of desperate hope. "please, if you remember, tell me!"

Bakura shook his head, like he was coming to his senses. He looked round the Soul Room, scowling and annoyed. "It doesn't matter. We must get out of here…"

00000

In the next minute they were back within the dark of the lounge, just where Yami had come looking for Bakura before. The room was a soft pink with the early morning and Marik was still asleep on the couch, undisturbed.

Bakura looked much worse in his own body than he had done in the Soul Room; his limbs tensed and visibly shaking, and his face completely filmed with perspiration. Yami reached out instinctively, catching the Spirit's wrist.

Bakura jolted, his eyes widening.

"Are you aright?" Yami asked, much more concerned than he had expected to be.

Bakura nodded jerkily. His eyes wandering over to Marik, who was still asleep. He nodded again, a bit more certainly.

"Thank you," Yami said.

"Why?" Bakura looked quizzical.

"You protected me. You didn't have to."

"I only did it because you helped me." The Spirit was still shaking a fair bit, and Yami held his wrist tighter. Bakura jolted again, and this time Yami felt it too. The flow of energy running between their open links, his own energy finding Bakura's…

"You feel so weak," Yami said, not sure what else to say. He watched Bakura's eyes drop shut with a feeling of panic. He didn't want Bakura to die, for whatever reason. "Here," Yami concentrated, and focused on their link once more. An almost tangible flow of life cruised through his veins, meeting with Bakura's wrist, and as it did Bakura gasped and pulled away.

"What are you trying to do?"

"Don't worry," Yami realised now. He grabbed Bakura's wrist again. "I can give you some of my energy. Keep still."

Bakura made a noise of protest, but Yami held him steady. He moved close to the Spirit, closer than comfort at any other time. But right now Yami was sorry and grateful to Bakura. He knew the Spirit had saved him, and that Bakura wanted to care, even if he couldn't understand it himself.

It was enough for Yami.

He pulled Bakura closer, examining the wide, slightly bloodshot eyes of the Spirit, the cold sweat on his face, and the spiked hair plastered around his sharp, gaunt cheeks. Closer he got, till he could feel the energy between them finally mixing, ready to give over to whichever one of them needed it. Yami knew that Bakura was on the brink; he needed it more than anything.

"It's my thank you," Yami said softly, noticing the cracked lines of the Spirit's lips. He licked his own. "for saving me."

As the energy between them buzzed and overflowed, and Yami pressed his lips against Bakura's, he thought of Yugi and all his friends, and how much he wanted to keep them safe.

When he pulled away the links were closed and everything felt very normal. Bakura was staring at him like he was insane, but his skin looked brighter and he wasn't shaking anymore. It had worked.

Yami sighed vague relief and turned his head. There was a figure sitting up, very still and very alert on the edge of the couch.

"Marik…"

Marik's eyes glittered between Yami and Bakura; furious but mostly just confused. He stood up and left the room without saying a word.

Yami rubbed his temples and closed his eyes, listening as Bakura staggered from the couch, after the tomb keeper.

000

AN:

Okay so you probably all hate me for two reasons; 1. I took a million years to update 2. Where the heck is the thief shipping.

I hear you on both counts, but let me explain please! It's been a trying few months, new job, moving, new life really. I'm still getting to grips with everything. This story is going to be completed though, no matter how long it takes. I can only thank those people who are still reading! How patient you are. I would have given up long ago. Anyway, many thanks to Tenchibaka, who's message actually kicked me into gear with this chapter.

2) Yes this is still very much Thiefshipping. Yami/Bakura will not happen, this was just a plot device to create some drama type stuff. Though I confess Darkshipping is a favourite of mine, and hey where's the fun in not playing with and hijacking the ships, hm? -is a pirate-

Also I'm sorry if this was all badly written and all that. I'm all rusty, give me a break. I will update sooner. Next time we get a proper soap opera of a chapter, with less of the damn darkness thing going on. Duke will like that.

Once again thanks for all your reviews. They mean so much to me.