So I'm going to try to post this one final time....please, if anyone has an issue or problem with my story, please, please email me and tell me. Please don't report it and have it taken down again. I know a lot of people are enjoying this, and it's not fair to have it removed.

My email address is on my profile...please use it.

A/N: I need to let you guys know that you won't see much of Jou for a while –sigh- I'm sorry!! Please don't abandon me here! He's still an extremely major part of the story (he's my third fave guy…I so wouldn't leave him hanging!) but this chapter and at least the next, he won't be around alot…but I swear, he's still in my head and ideas, and he totally will be back!! Promise! I also wanted to tell everyone to be prepared that there's a lot of Seto in the coming chapters…and when I say a lot, I mean a LOT. Like many chapters of just him. But it's so important to this story!!!

Disclaimer: Yu-Gi-Oh…NOT MINE!

Chapter 14

The monitors beeped softly, the only noise to break the tomb-like silence of the private hospital room. Seto slept on, the rise and fall of his chest with each breath his only movement.

When suddenly, his hand began to twitch…

His entire being felt numb, as Seto tried to claw his way back to consciousness. It was like swimming through an ocean of gelatin, each movement hindered and slow, and he was drowning. His mind was revolting against him, refusing to reform the shattered pieces that had been scattered by the Millennium Rod.

'I have to keep trying,' Seto thought crazily. ' I have to somehow wake up. It's the only way to get back to Jou. I have to keep fighting!'

He struggled on, pulling himself up towards the faint light that seemed so far away, so unreachable. His movements grew slower as the gauzy curtain surrounding him grew heavier and he knew he wasn't going to make it. He couldn't repair his mind; he couldn't wake up.

'I can't get back to him,' he thought tiredly, resigning himself to his fate, his body sinking back into the haze. ' I'm sorry, angel. I just can't do it.'

Suddenly, Seto felt two strong arms wrap around his waist, lifting him, pushing him upwards. He swiveled his head, his eyes widening. Jou was behind him, carrying him towards the surface, his amber eyes sparkling as he smiled at the astonished brunette.

'Where did he come from?' Seto thought in amazement. 'How is he doing this? What the hell is going on?'

His eyes grew even wider as he saw a pair of brilliant white wings sprouting from the blonde's back. Jou laughed at the look in Seto's eyes, the musical sound causing Seto's heart to leap in his chest.

"For someone who calls me angel, you seem to be quite surprised, koi," Jou smiled, as they grew closer to the light. "I will always protect you, my dragon, as you will always protect me, no matter what. We are one, Seto, and nothing can keep us apart."

He placed a soft kiss on Seto's forehead, and raising his hand, parted the gauze curtain. Seto saw the hospital room, his brother and Yugi huddled next to the bed. In astonishment, he saw himself lying silent on the bed.

'The hell?' He thought in shock. 'How can I be there – and here?'

Jou laughed again. "Go, love," he said. "Find me, Seto. Find me and make me whole once again. Aisheteru, dragon."

He gently pushed the brunette towards the bed. Seto felt himself being drawn back into his body, and he sank into himself, relief washing over him. Just before his eyes slid open, he sent out a final thought.

'Aisheteru, my beloved angel.'

--

Seto slowly opened his eyes, blinking in the harsh white light of the room. His throat was dry and painful, and his body ached tremendously.

I feel like shit, he thought, groaning softly. What did I hit, a brick wall? Ouch.

He stretched cautiously, his muscles screaming in protest as he forced the kinks out of his limbs. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of shaggy black hair, and he turned his head to see a most welcome sight.

Mokuba lay curled in Yugi's arms, both sound asleep. His brother's head was resting on Yugi's chest, and Yugi had his own head resting on top of Mokuba's. It was an adorable sight, and Seto felt his lips curling in a smile.

"Mokuba," he whispered softly, coughing at the dryness of his throat. He swallowed several times and whispered his brother's name again.

Mokuba stirred, before sighing heavily and curling back into Yugi. Yugi's brow creased and he mumbled something, his arms tightening around the younger Kaiba before relaxing again. Seto laughed quietly, laying a hand on his sleeping brother's arm.

"Mokuba," he said again, a little louder. "Hey, Mocus Pocus…wake up, little brother."

Mokuba sat up slowly, stretching his arms and yawning widely. He rubbed his eyes and stretched again. With a sigh, he finally opened his eyes and froze as he looked over at his older brother.

"S-Se-Seto?" he stammered, disbelieving what he saw.

Seto smiled, opening his arms as Mokuba launched himself at him.

"SETO!" he shrieked, planting wild kisses on his brother's face, clutching at him as tears of joy fell from his eyes.

Yugi leapt up, startled out of his sleep. Why is Mokuba screaming? He thought in fear. Oh my god, please let Kaiba be ok! Please don't let him be dead or anything!

He glanced fearfully at the bed, his jaw dropping. Seto was sitting up in bed, holding a sobbing Mokuba in his arms, who was clutching at the brunette as if he was never going to let go.

"Kaiba?" Yugi breathed. "Is it – are you – oh my god, you're awake!"

Seto looked up at the other boy, his eyes glistening. "You're as perceptive as always, Yugi," he smiled, his words laced with amusement. "Or is Atemu finally rubbing off on you?"

Yugi laughed, his eyes glittering with unshed tears. "You're as sarcastic as always, my friend," he smiled back. "God, it's good to have you back!"

Seto laughed, before turning his attention back to his brother. He whispered softly in Mokuba's ear, hugging him close as Mokuba tightened his grip on Seto's waist.

Yugi turned and left the room, rushing to find the doctor. He raced down the hallway, passing the waiting room where a dozing Atemu and Malik lay sprawled on couches, before reaching the nurse's station.

"Please, I need to see Dr. Mayama right away!" he shouted, startling the nurse on duty.

The nurse glanced up at him in annoyance. "Dr. Mayama is busy right now, child," she snapped. "What could possibly be so important? Go away and let me do my job. Stop pestering me."

Yugi glared at her, his eyes narrowing. "Seto Kaiba has woken up," he shouted angrily. "So I think you damn well better get a hold of her, or I promise you, more than your job will be on the line."

The nurse's eyes widened as she grabbed at the microphone sitting on her desk.

Paging Dr. Mayama. Dr. Mayama to floor 12, stat! Dr. Mayama to floor 12, stat!

Yugi crossed his arms and turned away from her in satisfaction, a small smile on his face as hestrode back down the hall towards Seto's room, quite pleased with himself. As he passed the waiting room, he suddenly jumped in surprise as a pair of arms wound their way around his waist, stopping him in his tracks.

"Quite the feisty one, hikari," Atemu purred in his ear. "I damn well like it."

Yugi's face flushedbright red as he spun around to face his yami. "You heard me?" he squeaked in embarrassment.

Atemu laughed. "We all heard you, aibou," he said in amusement. Yugi ducked his head as he saw Malik standing behind the pharaoh, a wide grin on his face.

"Well, if you're all done poking fun at my expense, maybe we should go see Kaiba," he grumbled. "He is awake, you know."

Malik smiled wider. "Yes, Yugi, we know," he said, as Dr. Mayama raced past them towards the nurse's station. They watched as the nurse spoke to the doctor, pointing wildly. Dr. Mayama's eyes widened, and she spun on her heel, running towards Seto's room. The three boys laughed, before following the frantic doctor.

--

"I just don't understand," the doctor said for the tenth time. "This is virtually impossible!"

Seto rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Yes, you've made that quite clear," he said dryly. "I understand that I was supposed to stay comatose until I grew old and shriveled. But I have better things to do, I assure you."

He tossed the blankets back, swinging his long legs over the side of the bed. "Now, if it's alright with you, I'll be heading home," he said, rising unsteadily to his feet. "Actually, I'll be heading home whether it's alright with you or not, so please just bring me the release papers so we can speed this process along."

Dr. Mayama stared at him, her mouth opening and closing rapidly. "M-Mr. Kaiba, please," she said uncertainly. "Please lie back down. We have to make sure that you are physically fit to leave. I must order a round of tests before we can authorize your release. I will go prepare them now, so please lie back down before you overexert yourself."

Seto sighed irritably. "I've been unconscious for two days, doctor," he said in impatience. "I don't think that overexerting myself is my biggest concern. Go order your tests, and I will try to be a good boy while I wait." He smirked as he sat back down on the bed.

Dr. Mayama flushed, rushing out of the room. Seto sighed again, glancing up cautiously as Malik approached him slowly.

"Kaiba –" Malik began. Seto waved his hand impatiently.

"Look, Ishtar, I already know what you're going to say," he said, lifting an eyebrow at the Egyptian. "And I know it wasn't your fault. You had nothing to do with this, I don't hold you responsible, so let's pretend that we've had our little talk and worked things out. Stop blaming yourself for everything. And would you all please stop calling me Kaiba? My name is Seto, you know. I know you all damn well know it. It IS ok to use it."

Malik gaped at the brunette, his eyes wide. He opened his mouth and closed it again, his words frozen in his throat. Seto mocked his movement, opening and closing his own mouth, and Malik laughed.

"Thank you, K-Seto," he said in relief, his eyes misting slightly. His lips curled into a slight smile as he gazed at the other duelist. "Although, High Priest does sound better than Seto, you know." He laughed, ducking as the annoyed brunette threw a pillow in his direction.

"I'M NOT A PRIEST, ISHTAR!"

--

Seto sighed as he leaned back into the soft leather of his living room couch, extremely grateful to be home. Mokuba sat next to him, his face creased in a permanent smile, the other three boys scattered around the room. Atemu and Yugi lounged on the loveseat, and Malik lay sprawled across the divan, all of them tired and calm looking.

Seto glanced at them in annoyance. Don't they realize that Jou is gone? Goddamn it, if they won't help me, I'll do it my damn self.

He cleared his throat angrily, causing the others to sit up and look at him. "You do goddamn realize that Jou is not here, right?" he snapped. "And you do realize that my number one priority is to get him back, starting right now?"

Atemu nodded his head and sighed. "Seto, Jou is –" he began, before he was interrupted.

"Jou is with Marik, Atemu," Seto growled. "I already know. I was there, remember? That bastard took control of him. He – he took Jou's mind. Jou didn't even know who I was." His eyes misted slightly, and he swiped a hand angrily across thembefore continuing.

"Marik fucking forced Jou to attack me. He took my angel from me, and I'll be damned if I let that happen. I'll do whatever it takes to get him back. I'll die before I let Marik have him, I swear it."

Yugi lowered his head, tears stinging his eyes. "Seto, we all want Jou back," he said softly. "We'll help you however we can. I just wish we knew where to begin to find him."

Malik spoke up cautiously from where he sat on the divan, his eyes focusing on Seto. "There – there may be a way," he said shyly. "Although I don't know if it will work."

Seto rose smoothly to his feet and crossed the room to stand in front of the blushing Egyptian. He placed his hands on the other boy's shoulders, and crouched down, his face level with Malik's.

"If you have a plan, please, Malik, tell me," he said softly. "I'll do anything to get him back."

Malik sighed. He's not going to like this, he thought nervously. He's reeeally not going to be happy. He lifted his head, staring into the uncertain blue eyes that faced him.

"Bakura can help," he said quietly, averting his eyes. "I don't really know the full details, but I'm pretty sure he can help you out."

Seto let out an angry breath. Bakura? He thought. That's the great plan? How can that thieving, psychotic assassin be of any assistance to me?

"Not funny, Malik," he growled, standing up and turning away. "I thought you of all people would comprehend the seriousness of the situation and not build my hopes up with lies."

Malik sighed. "I knew you wouldn't like it," he said softly. "But it's the truth. Bakura can help you. I know it. Seto, what have you got to lose?"

Seto's shoulders slumped in defeat. "You're right," he whispered, massaging his temples. "Fine. I did say I would do anything – and I will."

Atemu stood and walked over to the phone. "I will call the baka tomb robber," he said distastefully. "If it means getting Jou back, I can do that, at least."

--

Bakura's head snapped up in annoyance as the phone shrilled loudly. He glared at it angrily before turning his attention back to the television, grabbing the remote and turning the volume up.

It figures someone would call during the game, he thought with a growl. Well, they can rot. I'm not answering the beeping vessel of doom.

"Ryou!" he shouted, sitting up on the couch. "Answer the Ra-damned ringing thing!"

A soft voice called back to him. "I'm in the shower, Kura! Can you please get it?"

Bakura grumbled to himself, pressing the mute button on the remote. He stood up and walked over to the telephone, snatching it up as it rang again, and angrily clicked it on.

"What?" he growled, his eyes glued back on the silent television.

The voice on the other end laughed sarcastically. "Hello to you too, tomb robber," Atemu said dryly. "Did I interrupt something – important?"

Bakura's hand tightened around the phone and he clenched his teeth. "Listen, baka pharaoh, yes my refrigerator is running, no I'm not going to hurry up and catch it, and I don't even know who this Prince Albert is, so I can't let him out of the can," he snapped. "So if you're calling again to annoy me with pointless questions, I'm hanging up."

Atemu's voice echoed commandingly across the line. "Idiot tomb thief," he growled back. "I can't believe I'm going to say this, but – we need your help."

Bakura lifted an eyebrow, his lip curling back from his teeth. "Help you?" he laughed. "You must be out of your mind, baka. Why in the name of Ra would I do anything to help you?"

He could practically hear Atemu gritting his teeth over the line. "Because Marik is back," Atemu spit out. "He's back and he's kidnapped Jou. We need your help, Bakura – please."

The white haired Egyptian dropped heavily onto the couch, his eyes widening slightly. "Marik is back?" he said in a low voice. "How – when did this happen, Atemu?"

"Just come over to Seto's place, both you and Ryou," Atemu said quietly. "We'll be waiting. And Bakura- hurry."

The phone went dead in Bakura's ear. Stunned, he clicked it off, his hand shaking slightly as he placed it back on the table.

Ryou entered the room, rubbing his damp hair with a towel. "Who won, Kura?" he asked in his soft voice. Not receiving a response, he glanced over at his darker half.

"Kura?" he asked, puzzled. The thief just sat on the couch, staring at his hands, his mind a million miles away. Ryou's brow creased as he sat next to Bakura.

"What is it, yami?" he questioned softly, placing his hand on the spirit's knee. Bakura jumped, his head jerking up at the touch, startling the British boy.

"Ryou!" he said in surprise. "You startled me. Where did you come from, hikari?"

Ryou tilted his head, raising an eyebrow at his yami. "I live here, Bakura," he said in amusement. "Kura, what's wrong? Who was on the phone?"

Bakura sighed. "It was the baka pharaoh, Ryou –" he began. Ryou frowned.

"Was he prank calling you again?" he asked. "Yugi said he wouldn't let Atemu have coffee anymore after that."

Bakura shook his head. "No, Ryou, although I almost wish that was why that idiot called," he sighed. "Aibou, Marik – Marik is back."

Ryou gasped, clutching a hand to his throat. "Kura, please tell me you're kidding," he whispered. "Please tell me that this is a mean joke."

Bakura stood up and grabbed his and Ryou's jackets off of the coat rack. "Ryou, I promise that this is no joke," he said, holding Ryou's coat out towards him. "He's taken Jou away, and apparently the moron high priest has asked for our help."

Ryou stood, pulling his wet hair back into a loose ponytail. He shrugged into his jacket, and took Bakura's hand, looking up at his darker half.

"Bakura, just promise me that you won't do anything stupid," he pleaded as the two stepped outside. "If there is some way we can help, then fine, but don't put yourself or anyone else in danger, please, yami."

Bakura sighed, closing the door behind him. "Aibou, if we're dealing with Marik, I don't think I'll have much of a choice of who is in danger," he responded, his chocolate eyes darkening with worry.

--

Malik opened the door of the mansion to face the two worried-looking white haired boys. He smiled as Ryou leaned in to hug him hello.

"Malik, we've missed you so!" the British boy said softly. "Welcome back to Domino!"

Malik's eyes widened slightly as Bakura extended a hand to him. "Yeah, we've missed you, idiot," he said roughly. "So how're things going in Egypt?"

Malik smiled as he shook the tomb robber's hand. "Things are – were – going fairly well, Bakura," he said wryly. "Now, however…"

Bakura nodded his head. "Yeah, we know," he said. "Where're the moron and the baka?"

Malik laughed. "If you mean Seto and Atemu, they're in the living room waiting for you," he said quietly. "Bakura, Seto's pretty shaken up right now. Marik messed him up pretty good, before taking Jou away. Be civil to him at least."

Bakura rolled his eyes slightly. Ryou laid a hand on his arm, raising his eyebrow at his yami.

"Malik's right, Kura," he said softly. "Try to put yourself in his shoes. How would you feel if Marik had taken me away?"

Bakura's eyes flashed with dangerous anger for a moment. "You're right, aibou," he sighed. "Fine. I will try to be –friendly- to the mor-Seto." He spit the name out as if it choked him.

Ryou smiled, placing a soft kiss on his darker half's cheek. "Thank you, love," he whispered as they followed Malik into the living room.

Seto stood as they entered, his eyes narrowing at Bakura. Bakura growled softly, narrowing his eyes right back.

"Seto," he said in a strained voice as he sat down on a chair and crossed his arms, glaring at the brunette. "What did you want from us?"

Seto looked at him incredulously, as if he were the stupidest form of life on earth.

"Are you serious?" he snapped. "Like you haven't heard the news? Then let me enlighten you, idiot: Marik's back and he's taken Jou away,. I wouldn't even bother telling you this if Ishtar over there hadn't claimed that you could help. I can see now that I was correct in doubting him. You waste my time with pointless questions, psycho thief."

Bakura clenched his teeth and stood. "Well, then High Priest, I'll take my leave then, since you have no need for my assistance," he growled, turning towards the door. "Come on, Ryou, this bastard obviously doesn't want my kind of help. Your loss, you know."

He strode towards the open door. Ryou glanced helplessly over at Yugi, shrugging his shoulders in apology.

'I'm sorry,' he mouthed silently before following his yami towards the door.

Seto dropped his head, breathing heavily. Damn it, what's wrong with me? I said I would try anything to save Jou, and I will.

He lifted his head and cleared his throat. "Bakura, wait," he said quietly. "Please wait just one moment."

Bakura paused in the doorway, his shoulders square. "And why should I? Hmm?" he said in annoyance. "Did you want to think up a few more crude insults, High Priest?"

Seto sighed, swallowing his pride. "I need your help, Bakura," he said softly. "I want my Jou back – no, I need my Jou back, and if you can help me…please, Bakura, I'm begging you. Help me."

Bakura turned his head to see Seto standing in the center of the room, his hands clenched in trembling fists, his blue eyes shimmering with sorrow. With a heavy sigh, Bakura turned back and stood in front of Seto. He placed his hand on the brunette's shoulder and looked directly into his eyes.

"I can help you, Seto," Bakura said softly, causing the other to breathe in sharply, his eyes filling with hope. "It's a risk, but I can help you."

Seto clenched his fists tighter, staring at the white haired spirit. "Bakura, I will do anything," he said in determination. "If you're worried that it might be dangerous to you, don't –"

Bakura shook his head, cutting off the other's words. "You don't understand," he said quietly. "It's not me I'm worried about."

He stepped back and lowered his head, breathing quietly for several moments. He lifted his head again and stared at Seto, who took a cautious step back from the emotion that blazed in the chocolate eyes.

"I can help you, Seto," he said again. "But you must be willing to stake more than your life on this. You must be willing to stake your soul as well…."

A/N: Yaaaayyy! What do you think? God, it's been so long since I've written new material, I feel all out of practice! In case someone doesn't get it, in the beginning of the story, Seto was having an out of body experience, and Jou is kind of like his guardian angel.

Oh, and Bakura is here! Bakura is here! I LOOOOOVE Bakura!!!! Squeee! So was he too OOC? This is probably how he's going to end up being throughout the rest of the story…hard nosed with a softer side Lol. So please, please please don't abandon me because there's no Jou in this chapter. I swear, he'll be back in chapter 16. Promise!!!!! Anyway, please read and review! 