Disclaimer: I am a writer and Takahashi is the owner of the Characters. 'Whispers' are owned by Skillet and I thank both for the inspiration and a special thanks to a little kitten I know that inspired this story.

Let's do it!!!

Chapter Thirteen: The Reckoning

Seto Kaiba watched the dust fly in little circles dancing in the stream of moonlight visible in front of him, yet not close enough to touch. He was the first to be captivated by the beauty of the goddess before him and the first to move and speak in her presence. A long sigh escaped from his lips and broke the silence.

"Remind me to get that bow registrar, before you hurt somebody." Kaiba whispered. Next he pocketed the gun and turned his eyes upward to the tree. Ryou's mother climbed, no she descended as if on a cloud and stopped in front of the swirling dust.

"Mommy, don't touch it, its evil." Ryou cried out; even now he feared the psycho.

"Honesty Ryou, it's nothing but bad air," Taki kicked at the dust and smashed his shoe into the little particles that fell to the earthen floor.

"That's enough my son. This is unholy ground. We must not anger the Gods by acting like fools," she chided the boys. "Come my sons and friend of my son there is still much to do." She led them back to the house in silence, the bow safety tucked under her arm; the arrows magically invisible to the naked eye.

Once inside a trusted servant of Kaiba's prepared drinks and they waited for Ryou's mother to speak. Instead the quiet woman went into the small kitchen and prepared a mixture using common herbs and spices she found in the cabinet.

"Mom is there anything I can do to help," Taki was beaming with pride.

"Yes, take your brother to his room; he needs to rest and see if I have some of the special dried roots in my duffle bag. You know the one I use in teas." Tenderly the white hair beauty sent a silent message to Ryou, 'It's over now, and you can rest.'

"Come on Ryou, you can help me find Mom's herbs." Taki dragged his brother to the bedroom and later outside to find some roots because the bag was empty. Within minutes' the roots were added to the mixture in a small black rice bowl.

Mezi, Ryou's mother chanted words and a soft glow animated from the mixture. She blew on the mixture and it formed a small star. The star took fight and drifted out of the window and rode the wind to its destiny. Mezi prayed Malik's twisted soul would stay trapped in the shadows and that he would find some peace. The star closed the gateway, by sealing the earth and he would not be allowed to set foot in this earthly plane again.

"Wow, mommy I thought the bow was just a story papa use to tell me. I never knew it really existed. I don't understand any of this." Ryou still so fragile broke down and started to cry.

"Damn baby," Kaiba mumbled rolling his eyes skyward. "Honesty Ryou now is not the time for this."

"Kaiba," Piercing eyes glared at the brunette. "I appreciate everything you've done and all that I will continue to ask of you, but leave my son alone. He has earned the right to nurse his own pain."

Seto gasped at the ordered words and reframed from returning a nasty reply. Ryou noticed the icy stare and decided it would be the last one Seto would direct at his mother.

"Come here Ryou, sit beside me and you too Taki. Perhaps it is time you learn the truth." She motioned for them to sit close and started to recite the story behind her bow. Seto pissed looked on from a corner attempting to ignore the trio.

"Ryou, Taki, you come from a line of ancient weapon masters. Throughout the ages your ancestors have always crafted weapons of renowned strength and magic qualities. As payment for this gift we were given this bow. The bow is said to have belonged to the God of War. His nature was tempered when love pierced his heart and the nature of the bow changed. Its magic is endless. It only has six arrows for its keeper and each decides the destiny of the person or object it hits. I was blessed with the power to draw the bow and therefore became its keeper. The arrows are priceless and are crafted by the gods in heaven. Malik's father found out I was the owner of the bow and vowed in his heart to possess it. He stole all my land and money, and my body." Mezi paused remembering a time long ago. "The temptations of a lonely girl with two sons, he was very artful."

Mezi touched the cheeks of her dearest Ryou and he drew strength. Her touch warmed his soul and he felt love. She continued with vigor.

"Yet he didn't realize the bow draws only for its owner. He couldn't touch it, or look at it for long periods of time. So in a rage he enslaved me along with you my two sons, and I stay as his servant. I could never be his mate. In the end his promise to restore our name and good fortune was a lie and I fell into despair at the stupidity of my actions. While I was in the hospital a package came to me and it was my bow and arrows. The ancients forgave my childish ways and the strength in my soul has returned. I will forever be grateful. One day the bow will choose one of you and I will rest in peace."

"Mother, I would be honored to be your student," Taki looked upward at his mother with wide eyes filled with admiration and love. "But you will be with us for a long time; we need you. Now we can be a family."

"Yes, Kaiba-sama it is because of you we are together and I would ask one more favor. I will need a house and employment. My boys will required a good school and I get the impression Ryou was content at his high school. Can you arrange for him to continue and find a place for my little Taki? Of course you will be paid in full." Proudly Mezi spoke to the arrogant CEO.

Ryou left the safety of his mom and walked out into the cool night air. His desire to feel the embrace of Bakura drew him out. "Bakura," he whispered his name to the heavens, "I know it is selfish of me but take me away. It's you that gave me strength and its growing in my heart."

"Ok, so the bastard is gone and you are talking to the trees." Seto spoke; he appeared like a snake slithering up to a freighted rabbit.

"Oh, it's you, my savior," Ryou turned around and for the first time glared back at the boy he'd always though as a giant. "Will we be returning to the city, or do you have other plans for my family. It seems we are still in your debt."

"Whatever, I didn't ask for this." Seto pulled Ryou in closer turning him around so he could look into his chocolate orbs. The boy sounded too cocky. He turned his sullen face upward and titled his chin. Seto stole a kiss and whispered words of desire. "I know you still want it."

Ryou leaned in closely and for the first time he wasn't afraid or mesmerized by Seto's touch. He felt nothing, except a physical ache that masturbating could relieve. That brought laughter to his heart and he silently screamed,' I'm free.'

Ryou paused and chose his next words carefully. "I'm so tired of all the bulllshit, Seto. I can still call you Seto or will that change?"

"Oh, so my little mouse has a mouth, interesting." Seto whipped out. "Don't angry me boy."

"Or what? Lock me up in a basement? Starve my body, my mind, and rape my soul? What will you do?" The boy laughed, mistake.

Seto wrapped his fist around Ryou's jaw and sent him sprawling on the ground. "Oh, that's right you like it rough."

"It doesn't have to be like this." Seto really regretted his actions. He needed distance, this boy got under his skin. He reached to help him up, but Ryou brushed his hand away.

"What payment will you expect from my mother? Or should I offer you my body in payment; you don't need money and housing I would think one of your old shacks would be fine. So let's make a deal, you and me. You've wanted me for so long, am I still attractive to you? I still have something you want. You know Malik never took me, not really. He liked to play rough, beating and cutting me with a knife. His fingers were very skillful, long like yours." The boy smiled and stood toe to toe with Seto.

"You're a sick little bitch." Seto growled out, his ass muscles constricting.

"Doesn't change the fact you want me, Seto," Ryou purred.

"So listen, a small town house outside the city, with plenty of room so my mom can practice her archery. As for a job I've decided you will open a school which she will run and I will hold the deed. Of course you will ask your business associates to send their spoiled rich brats and pay handsome fees for private lessons; we will be successful." He reached up and touched Seto's cheek, tracing a line to his ear and nape.

"Why should I bother with a spineless brat like you?" Seto's cheeks caught on fire at his gentle touch. Ryou's power surfaced. The big boy started to sweat and his other head twitched uncontrollably.

"I'll make you come, like no other." Ryou backed away. He knew the CEO was in his lap.

Seto lifted his small body up and carried him to a tree pinning the boy up against the rough bark. Ryou moaned as Seto stiff penis rubbed against the softness of the boy's inner thighs. That wasn't enough so he pulled at the waist band of Ryou's shorts and lifted his pulsating penis out. The night air stung but Seto's skilled fingers had Ryou moaning in pleasure within minutes. Up and down their bodies moved tormented by need and cruel desire to hurt each other. Seto latched on to the boy's neck almost drawing blood and tears flowed from the violence. "I hate you," Ryou hissed out.

"And I'm going to enjoying screwing you," Seto returned the insult.

"Then we have a deal," Ryou breathing labored from the jerking off. He could feel Seto's seed on his sweaty skin and he knew it mixed with his own. It was just a reaction, nothing more. No one could hurt him anymore. His heart was cold and buried somewhere waiting to be reborn.

"Ryou, Ryou where are you, its late." Taki called out.

"I'm over here with Seto, I'm coming." Ryou laughed as Seto released his neck with a sloppy lick, sealing the bruise he'd made.

The two walked inside the house and Seto retreated to a small study to make plans for Ryou and his family.

Ryou slept with his brother, he didn't want to be along and he wondered if he left one hell only to jump into one with bigger flames.

Ooooooooo

Well I guess it's not over, but hang in there, especially Bakura fans. R/R