Don't own yugioh or characters.
Chapter 8: Broken
It's been two and a half weeks since Yugi Ryou and Malik were taken. They all have been beaten and punished more times than any of them could count. Yugi always got the worst of it. They knew that. But to Yugi it would all be worth it once he got Ryou and Malik out.
"Basically since I'm the one they focus on the most, once I get out of our cell and cause trouble you two go straight for the exit. Once you're out run and don't stop until you get to somewhere you recognize. Then run home. Don't stop and don't look back." Yugi said lowly.
"But what about you?" Ryou asked.
"What about me?" Yugi countered.
"How will you get out?" Ryou asked.
"I, well, I won't." Yugi said leaning back against the wall.
"What? No you can't do this Yugi. You have to get out too." Malik said. "You can't stay here."
"It's fine. The way I figure it is I'm the best uh possession they have. They won't kill me. It'll cost them too much money. I'll be fine."
"Yugi-" Malik started but was cut off when the door to their cell was being unlocked. They looked up to see Yugi's master as he liked them to call him.
"Let's go Yugi." He said.
Yugi just nodded. "Yes master." He gave his friends a look that said now. He got up and walked to him. Once at the doorway he took off. He started running and causing trouble. Everyone ran after him without second thought. This included his master who left the cell door open. This gave Ryou and Malik their chance.
They talked for a moment before running out and to the exit. Yugi had found it a week before and then came up with the plan. It wasn't the best plan but it was a plan. They ran out to find themselves by a warehouse it wasn't Yugi's usual and they had no idea where they were but they couldn't stop. They needed to get help.
Once Yugi saw they were out he cause more chaos for ten more minutes to give them a head start. He wanted to give at least fifteen minutes but his master had caught him. He knocked him down and stood over him. Yugi moaned in pain.
"Such a naughty pet. You will be punished severely for this." He said lifting him and dragging him to the cell. When he found it empty he grew angrier. He threw Yugi in then went in himself and locked it behind him. "Where are they?"
Yugi looked up from where he was on the ground. "Long gone by now."
His master growled and grabbed him. He slammed Yugi into the wall. "What the fuck did you do? Do you have any idea how much money you just cost me?"
"No and I don't care. They're free and you will never catch them. I heard this was your last auction. Once this month is over you won't be doing them anymore because you would make so much money off me alone. So you don't need them from what I hear." Yugi smirked. He had his master cornered and he knew it.
"You think you're so smart. So clever. Did it ever occur to you that I would keep you for myself?" a sadistic grin grew on his face. This made Yugi's smirk fall. "I guess not. Granted you were right. I'm not keeping you. I'm bored with you. But this stunt of yours will not go unchecked. Prepare yourself little Yugi." He dropped Yugi and started to walk out.
"Coward." Yugi muttered.
The man stopped. "What did you just say?" he turned to him. "Repeat that for me." Yugi kept his mouth shut as he gulped. "Come on little pet. Repeat it." He walked towards him. Yugi backed away with every step the man took forward. At least until he was backed into a corner. The man grabbed his hair and pulled his head back revealing his neck. Yugi yelled in pain but abruptly stopped when something cold was pressed against his throat. "I'll say it one more time. Repeat what you said."
"I-I called you a coward." Yugi said fearfully.
"You think I'm a coward Yugi? Is that truly what you believe?" the cold metal pressed slightly harder making Yugi feel a small amount of liquid fall down his throat. "What makes you think I won't cut your throat open right here? I've done it to plenty of my pets. Why not you?"
Yugi held back the gulp in fear of making the dagger press harder. "Y-you need me."
He laughed. It was a cold humorless laugh that sent chills down Yugi's back. "Why is that? Tell me, why do I need a pet who refuses to listen?"
"I'm your best pet here. I can get you more money than you know what to do with. You kill me you have nothing." Yugi tried to sound confident though he wasn't sure if he did.
"I see. Perhaps you have a point. I mean after all look at you. Your body is just so…tempting. Even I am having a hard time in avoiding it. What fathoms me is if you know very well I have no problem hurting you, why do you continue to make bad decisions? Is it not better to accept the fate rather than fight it?"
"No."
"No? Surprising answer coming from someone in your position."
"Being your pet has taught me a few things."
"And what might they be?"
"Not to accept anything for what they appear. Don't turn your back on someone who does nothing but hurt you. And never sleep with both eyes closed."
"Very wise things to learn. Perhaps you should also consider some new lessons. Always listen to the one who has the ability to do as they please to you. And never go against their wishes or may just end up six feet under."
"Perhaps. But I think my lessons give me more of a chance at survival."
"Survival huh? Is that the game you play?"
"It's the game you play. You make us compete for survival. The best pet gets the best offer. The best offer gets the best treatment. It's survival of the fittest and right now I'm winning."
He laughed again. This one was full of amusement. "You speak as though you've accepted your fate."
"I'm just playing your game. Now will you remove the dagger?"
"Hm I don't know. I have to punish you for your stunt. Should I put you in the freezer? Or whip you. Or I could take your oxygen away." This time Yugi gulped. He hated when this man told him all the different ways he could cause Yugi pain. "There's the fear I love so much. So Yugi? Which is the one you like the most?"
"What?" he was asking Yugi to decide which punishment he got? There had to be a catch.
"Which is your favorite punished." He took the dagger and move it side on Yugi's neck making the boy stiffen again. "Don't make me repeat myself again. You know how much I hate that."
"I-I prefer the freezer." It was true. Sure he hated the cold but this way he didn't get any cuts and he could still breathe.
"And which do you hate the most?"
"T-taking m-my oxygen." Yugi could deal with the cold, he could take being whipped and cut, but not being able to breathe scared him beyond belief.
"Is that so?" his master asked.
"Y-yes." Yugi said.
"Hm so the question is will I put you in the freezer or take your oxygen? Or perhaps do something else?"
Yugi tensed. He didn't want any punishment but knowing that was too good to be true he prayed the man put him in the freezer. Then at least he could breathe.
"Sir." Someone came to the cell.
"What!? Can you not see I am busy!?" he growled at the man.
"I apologize but it is ready." He said.
"Ah perfect timing. That will be his punishment. Hope you can swim well little Yugi." He said removing the dagger. Somehow though Yugi didn't feel any safer.
*******()()()*******
Ryou and Malik ran as far as they could without stopping. They soon came to the outside of Domino. Panting they collapsed.
"I can't….go anymore." Malik panted.
"We….have to. For…Yugi." Ryou panted.
"Get…help. Atem…Kura."
Malik nodded. He pulled Ryou up and they started towards Yugi's house.
******()()()******
"Damn it! It's been almost three weeks! Where the hell did he take them!?" Atem growled punching the wall.
"They aren't in Domino." Bakura said crossing his arms.
"And you know the terms of me being allowed to be here. I can't leave Domino."
"Neither can we." Atem said pointing to he and a sandy blonde next to him.
"I don't get the big deal. So we can't legally leave the city. Lets just go without telling anyone." The sandy blonde said.
"Marik you know we can't." Atem said. "We've been over this."
"Well I don't know how else you want to find these kids without going." Marik said.
"He's got a point pharaoh." Bakura said.
"Don't call me that." Atem growled. "That's behind me, thief."
Bakura glared. "At least I can face my past."
"Are you sure about that? From what I remember you can't bare to even think about your village." Marik said.
"Coming from the one who lived underground." Bakura sneered.
"Guys enough!" Atem yelled. "I'm done with the royal family, Bakura is moving on from his village, and Marik is now above ground. That's it. Now we need to find a way to-" Atem was cut off by Malik and Ryou bursting in.
"Atem! Kura!" Ryou panted. Bakura was immediately at Ryou's side holding him up while Atem went to Malik.
"Ryou, Malik you're ok! Wait where's Yugi?" Atem asked in concern.
"Got us…out…stayed…back." Malik panted.
"What!? Why didn't he get out too!?" Atem yelled.
"No way." Ryou managed as he leaned on Bakura.
"Damn it. Where is he?" Atem asked.
"North…out city." Malik managed.
"I'm going for him." Atem said.
"Pharaoh don't be stupid. You alone can't get him out." Bakura said.
"I have to try. Bakura and Marik take care of Ryou and Malik. Heal their wounds and such. I'll be back by tonight with Yugi." Atem left before anyone could argue. Malik losing his support started to collapse. He was caught by the one Atem called Marik.
"Woah there. I got ya." Marik said.
"Thanks." Marik said before he passed out.
"Malik?" Marik asked.
"Kura. I missed you." Ryou said before he passed out.
"Shit. Come on." Bakura told Marik as he lifted Ryou into his arms. Marik copied him with Malik.
*********()()()**********
Atem ran to the north. Forgetting about the terms of him being in Domino he just left. Soon he found an old warehouse. "Is this it?" he questioned. Two men came out and Atem quickly hid as he listened.
"Wish I could get a chance at the runt. But the boss is putting his price so high I'll never be able to buy him." one said.
"I know. But have you seen its body? So worth that price." the second said.
Atem withheld the growl that wanted to escape. He needed to keep his cool if he was going to get Yugi out. He went in the way the men came out.
Inside the warehouse he found it remodeled. There were cells throughout the entire thing. Each cell held three people. He wondered which cell Yugi was in.
"You!" Atem jumped at hearing someone yell to him. He turned to see a man coming towards him. "What are you doing standing around? Prisoner 762 is to be put back in his cell! Get him from the tank!"
Atem was about to argue when he figured it wasn't the best idea. "Yes sir. Sorry sir." he turned to walk away.
"Where the hell are you going? Tank is that way." he said pointing to the opposite direction Atem was about to go. "What? Are you new or something?"
"Yes sir. I apologize." Atem said staying calm.
"Right well learn quickly. Johnson doesn't like mistakes." the man said before walking away.
Sighing Atem went to the tank. There he found Yugi. He was struggling to stay above water. He was in a glass tank that stood at least seven feet tall. Yugi was barely keeping his head up as a weight was cuffed around his ankle.
Keeping calm Atem went to the guard in charge of the tank. "I'm here to take prisoner 762 to his cell."
"Already? Damn it's amusing watching him struggle." the guard said. He pressed a button. Atem watched as the water drained.
Yugi was soon on the ground coughing and gasping for air. He looked exhausted. The tank opened and the guard unlocked Yugi from the weight.
"Get up." the guard said. Yugi shook his head. Aten could tell he was too exhausted from his struggle for life. "I said get up!" the guard growled about to kick Yugi.
"Stop!" Atem yelled. Yugi and the guard looked at him. Both had shocked looks on their faces.
"What?" the guard asked.
"I mean I'll take the runt to his cell." Atem covered smoothly. He formed a smirk.
"Ah I see. Very well. Drag the runt. I don't give a damn." the guard waved him off.
Atem quickly went to Yugi and picked him up. He carried him to the cell. There he laid Yugi down. Yugi was freezing. He curled up into a ball shivering.
"Oh Yugi." Atem pulled his shirt off and covered him.
"W-w-what are you d-d-doing here?" Yugi stuttered from the cold.
"I'm here for you." Atem said.
"Aw how sweet." A smug voice came from behind.
Atem froze while Yugi backed away. Atem shielded Yugi. He wasn't about to let this man hurt Yugi again. The teen had been through enough. Johnson was standing just inside the cell door.
"Do you truly believe I'm going to let you take him and leave? That's quite funny. Now step away from the boy." Johnson said stepping forward. A guard shut and locked the door behind him.
"No. I won't let you hurt him again." Atem growled.
"Really? And how exactly are you going to stop me?" Johnson smirked. He pulled out a gun. "Can you stop a bullet?" He pointed it at Atem.
Yugi's eyes widened. "Atem don't! Just Stop before you get hurt!"
"Yugi I won't let him hurt you." Atem said.
"Atem I'm not worth the bullet!" Yugi yelled.
"Oh you are worth much more than that." Johnson smirked at Yugi. "Well your body is."
"Shut up. He's worth more than you'll ever know." Atem growled.
"So where does leave you?" Johnson clicked the safety off the gun. He then cocked it. "What will it be boy? Move and live or get shot and die?"
"Atem stop. I'll be fine just get out of here." Yugi said.
"Oh no. He won't be leaving." Johnson said.
"What? But you said-" Yugi started.
"I said I'd let him live. I never said I'd let him leave. No, I do believe I can fetch a healthy price for him. Perhaps more than you." Johnson smirked. "Don't worry he can stay in here with you. It's not like you are going anywhere either." the man laughed as he left and locked the door behind him.
Atem waited till Johnson was out of sight before he turned to Yugi. "Are you ok?"
"What do you think? What are you doing here Atem? I managed to get Malik and Ryou out. I don't think I can with you."
"Good because unless we leave together I'm not going anywhere." Atem said.
"Are you retarded? They're going to sell us."
"What do you mean sell us?"
"I mean every so often our bodies are going to be sold. It's in three days."
"Wait what's in three days?"
"Oh Ra." Yugi said clearly annoyed. "The damn auction! Many of us are being sold! Don't you get It!? It's a human trafficking warehouse!"
"What!?"
"Gee now you get it! See what you brought yourself into dumbass! Ra. You're dumber than I thought!"
"How do we get out?"
"You idiot! We don't get out! He's not above killing you so unless you want to die I suggest you go along with it."
"Prisoner 762 you are to come with me." A guard said unlocking the door.
"Why? I did nothing wrong." Yugi said.
"I don't know why. I just know I was told to bring you to the back room. Now let's go. Don't make this harder than it has to be."
Yugi shook his head. "No. I did nothing wrong!"
"You aren't taking him. He just got back from that damn tank!" Atem yelled.
"You are to come as well prisoner 763." the guard said as he motioned for back up.
Four more guards came in. Two grabbed Yugi who didn't struggle much. He was too exhausted. The other two grabbed Atem who was struggling his hardest. He managed to punch one in the face but before he could continue the other grabbed and held his arms to his side. They we're taken out of the cell without any regard for their yells for help.
Yugi eventually gave up. He couldn't fight it anymore. The guards took them to a private room. Yugi had seen this room more times than he could count. There he was chained to the wall. Atem continued struggling as Yugi just sat on the floor staring absently at it.
"Atem give up." Yugi in voice absent of emotion.
"No! I will never give up!" Atem growled.
The guards holding him dropped him and left locking the door behind them. The room was pitch black. There were no windows and no lights. Atem's eyes took some time to adjust but he still couldn't see very well.
"What is this room? Why is it so dark?" Atem asked. Yugi didn't answer. Atem would find out soon enough.
"So you thought you could save him. But what happens when you're the one hurting him?" a voice said.
"Where are you!? Show yourself!" Atem yelled.
A light shown on a table. Walking to it Atem found some tools on it. There was a carving knife, a whip, and an iron symbol with a heater next to it.
"Choose one." Yugi said along with the voice as a light shown down on Yugi as well.
"What?" Atem looked at Yugi in shock.
"You have to choose one to teach me with." Yugi said looking at him with blank eyes.
"No!" Atem said.
"Wrong answer." the voice said before electricity surged through Yugi making the teen scream out in pain.
"Stop!" Atem said mortified.
It stopped. "Choose one." the voice said again.
"I don't understand. Yugi what's going on?" Atem asked.
"You have to choose one. If you don't electricity goes through me. Each time it gets worse." Yugi said.
"What!? That's insane!" Atem yelled.
"That's how it is." Yugi said.
"Choose one." the voice said again.
"Yugi." Atem looked at him.
"I'd rather you choose an instrument instead of this electricity. Just pick one." Yugi said. "I don't care which."
Atem went to the table. He tried to think which would be the least painful. The iron was out of the question. It would leave scars. But then so would the knife and whip.
"Choose one. 5...4…" the voice started counting.
"Wait let me at least think!" Atem said feeling frantic.
"3….2…"
"I choose the whip!" Atem said quickly picking up the whip.
Yugi just nodded. The chains moved into the wall pulling his arms out and showing his chest. Atem went to him.
"I'm sorry Yugi." Atem said.
"I'm used to it." Yugi said. "Better start before they grow impatient."
Atem gulped and nodded. He raised the whip and squeezed his eyes shut. Bringing it down he heard it snap and then Yugi scream. Tears came to his eyes at hearing Yugi scream like that and knowing he was the source of it.
"Keep going." Yugi said.
"I can't." Atem said through tears.
"You have to. Keep going until they say stop." Yugi said. "Please."
Atem nodded keeping his eyes shut he brought the whip down again. Snap. Scream. For what felt like forever he did this. Snap. Scream. Snap. Scream. Over and over until he couldn't do it anymore. He fell to his knees and dropped the whip.
"Please. I can't do it anymore. Please don't make me." Atem said tears rushing. Yugi was covered in blood that gushed from his chest. His face covered in tears.
Atem sat on his feet. "I can't do it."
Suddenly Yugi's arms were let loose. He didn't move though. He just stared at the ground his eyes blank if emotion. Atem did the same. They were broken. There was nothing they could do now.
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