Author's Notes:

So, today is Mokuba's birthday, and I realized that his is my last prewritten chapter. That's pathetic isn't it? That's okay though, because I have already started writing the next chapter, and in either that chapter, or the one after it, another important fact comes to light. We are getting so close to the action part of the story I can barely take it. You have no clue how much I want to get to certain parts.

Dead Animals

Unknown Place

Third P.O.V

"Distrust amongst the angels...interesting...very interesting. We are going to have to exploit that somehow." The head of the commission coos, and the others nod in agreement.

"Any ideas on how to do so?" The leader continues, and silence ensues. Everyone present in the little congregation suddenly looks around for that one person who will have the brilliant idea that will destroy the angels from within.

"I already have an idea," aforementioned one brave person says, getting up and making his way over to where his boss is standing. He kneels in front of the man calmly sitting on his throne and then throws his head back with a smirk and says.

"Dead animals..."

Ryou's P.O.V

You would think that my position as the one in charge of signing the war plans would allow me the slightest say in what goes on, but honestly, I don't. In fact, the our elders went ahead with the plans without my consent or signature.

On top of that there is now Joey, who seems intent on keeping an eye on me, even when I don't know he is doing so. When I vetoed the war plans, he smirked at me, almost as though he was relieved or happy or some other strange emotion that I cannot place. I mean, the boy even watched me use the bathroom (yes, even angels have to relieve themselves). What was he checking for? Does he think I...touch...myself? Gross!

I take a seat on my bed and fall back onto it, enjoying the soft feeling that my cot-like bed has to offer me with an exasperated sigh.

The door to my tent flings open and in walks Malik. The boy makes his way over to me and takes a seat next to me on the cot, I frown. I can't just tell him that Joey's a threat, because as my best friend, I know how he is when the people close to him are threatened, and I don't want to be on the other side of said anger.

"What's up?" Malik asks casually, cocking a blond eyebrow over at me.

"Nothing," I deadpan in return, and Malik stares at me, his bright lavender eyes searching mine to determine whether or not I am telling the truth. After a moment, he lets up and just stays silent.

"You've changed," Malik states after a while, and I turn to look at him with an eyebrow cocked questioningly at him.

"I can see it on your face. You are more dangerous, yet wiser. You also seem more secretive, and correct me if I am wrong, but I believe you have picked up the trait of lying." Malik explains, and I shrug.

"So?" I ask dismissively, and Malik jumps off my bed, his eyes narrowed dangerously.

"I don't think you-" But I cut him off immediately before he starts ranting at me.

"No, I don't think you get it. I have just lost everyone in my life and now I am expected to start a war against the man I love while listening to my abusive father, trying to learn how to use magic and be a king, which I suck at, and attempting to understand what the hell is wrong with me-" And both Malik's and my eyes widen when I finally stop.

"Ryou," Malik says testily, and I look down, using my bangs to cover my face. I don't need this, I...I don't understand anymore.

I feel the familiar prickling at the back of my eyes as tears start to roll down my cheeks. A choked sob escapes my lips as I fall down to my knees and start crying.

Within a few moments, I feel two arms wrap around me, and I am pulled into a tight embrace, a soothing arm rubbing my back as I cry into the crook of my most trusted friend's neck.

"There is something wrong with you, and I promise you that I will find it and fix it." Malik whispers and I nod into his neck, sniffling slightly. "For now though, you might want to keep a low profile. I already know Joey doesn't trust you; there's no need to arouse even more suspicion."

I nod into his neck and I feel his arms unwrap around me. I just clutch onto him more so.

"Ryou?" Malik asks softly, and I can't help but pull him close to me. Then the water works start again, and soon, I am bawling into Malik's shoulder. Malik sighs as he once again rubs my back soothingly while I try to calm down through my confusion.

Bakura's P.O.V

Step one: complete

I can't help but smirk to myself. I mean look at this. By now, Ryou is probably starting to turn into that little demon that I know he is deep down on the inside, and what can I really ask for besides that?

Now, I guess it is time for me to initiate the part of the plan that actually has to do with my friends. Honestly, what type of ruler would I be if I didn't change their 'friends' into demons? A good ruler must keep his subjects happy.

It is bad enough that I am mating with him and am starting to feel the physical and mental effects of it. I can even feel the transformation going on within him - the confusion and loss. I love it.

"Bakura?" A voice calls out to me, and I growl.

"That is King Bakura to you." I hiss in response, turning around to come face to face with my uncle, who stands towering over me, his ice blue eyes nailing me and his jaw set.

"What have you done?" He hisses, his eyes narrowed down at me. He's trying to intimidate me; how adorable is that?

"Tch tch tch, I haven't had blood in a while, and I could sure use a snack." I scold, and he rolls his eyes, but then smirks.

"Neither have I," he informs, a smirk finding its way onto his face and showing off his long fangs. It always amazes me how dark he truly is. I think that he actually pretends to be lighter than he really is, though why anyone would do that is beyond me.

"What do you want?" I demand; not knowing how dark he actually is makes it much more difficult to size him up as an opponent.

"I want to know what you are doing." He deadpans, and I can't help the triumphant smirk that forms on my lips at those very words.

"I'm just setting my plan into motion. By the end of this moon cycle, he should be a complete demon." I inform, and my uncle's eyes widen.

"You idiot, you're probably going to wipe out the demon race too if you don't stop with these damned plans." Akefia informs, and I roll my eyes.

"I did some studying on what was going to happen. I even have a test subject that I changed; she came out perfectly fine. And either way, the kyūketsuki (vampires) are planning to invade the angels soon." I explain. At that moment, a servant stumbles through the door before correcting his posture and staring at us.

"Sir, wh-what would you li-ke t-to eat?" The boy asks, and I can't help but scoff at his inferiority. Look at these pathetic demons, I mean what demon has sky blue wings? There is a reason that we have slaves, I mean, think about what would happen if we allowed this pathetic species to have any control. I mean even the angels are less pathetic than them. It's like they are demons that want to be angels.

"Fresh albino rabbit," I deadpan, and Akefia smirks over at me.

"Make that two." Akefia adds, and I nod to the slave before he stumbles off, leaving the two of us alone again.

"Why do you care so much?" I ask, already sick of this redundant conversation.

"Because I don't want some higher entity to come down and fry my ass just because my idiot nephew f*cked with it." Akefia exclaims, and a slight part of me is relieved; it's good to see that my uncle is still self-centered.

"And what of the Dark One?" I ask, referring to the entity that would side with us.

Akefia laughs at me, and I can't help but frown. "The Dark One has had his ass handed to him by anyone of Light so many times that it doesn't even matter anymore." He explains, and I have to look away; after all he's right.

The mousy demon stumbles into the room, a look of utter terror on his face as he stands to look at us. I smirk at him, making sure to bare my fangs, which haven't been shaved in a while. "Where's my rabbit?" I ask gruffly, making sure to make my voice sound slightly more intimidating. I mean, had I truly tried, the guy would be dead.

"There aren't any; all of the animals...are dead." The man squeaks out, and my eyes go wide. This better have not been the kyūketsuki (vampires), because if so, they will regret it.

"I'm gonna go check it out." I inform before walking out of our drab brown tent and making my way into the woods.

Ryou's P.O.V

"Hey, Malik?" I call out to my best friend. He turns to look at me, and I can see the worry for what has become of his closest friend, me, in his lilac eyes.

"Yeah?" He responds in a casual voice. I wince, knowing very well just how much he is trying to hide from me through the fake poker face he's trying to pull off.

"Why are my wings still white? Shouldn't they have lost their color after all the rules I have broken?" I ask, and this time Malik turns to look straight at me, his eyes now narrowed and serious. He cautiously makes his way over to me before plopping down behind me and running his hands through my feathers. I, on the other hand, arch my back a bit, trying to deter the pleasurable sensations running through my body.

"I'm sorry, sometimes I forget how people react to that." Malik whispers before simply resting his hands between the two wings. I feel a small amount of magic run throughout my body, but besides that there is nothing Malik is doing.

"Well, it seems that your wings and I guess you are still pure deep down." Malik whispers, and I can't help but smile, and then frown.

I have done so much worse than some of the angels with darker wings than me. I've done worse than some of those people whose wings suddenly darkened overnight when they did something to lose their purity. Yet, somehow I was still pure. I hated the unfairness.

"It's okay, Ryou, relax. We will figure this out," Malik whispers soothingly, his arms wrapping around my middle.

I lean back into him and close my eyes, enjoying the feeling of having a chiseled chest to relax against. "I miss him," I mutter, and I hear Malik sigh.

"That's not really going to help your case, but for what it's worth, I miss him too," Malik whispers, squeezing me to his chest, I sigh and frown, but then turn around and give him a quick hug.

"So, you're gonna become the Angel King. Are you ready to handle the council?" Malik asks conversationally.

I chuckle softly at this, knowing just how little power I will actually have as King. It is almost like being the Queen of England, or the president of the United States. It wasn't a complete monarchy; it's more so like a hierarchy of sorts. Even then, the only reason I'm ranked so high is my wings.

"Ahem, Prince, may I come in?" A smooth voice calls from the background.

"You have permission to enter." I reply in a sturdy, kingly voice. Malik simply laughs at me, knowing just how much it takes for me to do something like that.

Duke enters into the room dressed in black skinny jeans and a white shirt, his jade wings folded neatly behind his back. The teenager bows and his ponytail flips over his head before he quickly straightens back up with a solemn look on his face.

"I would like to inform you that we have noticed an abundance of dead animals within the woods, and we wanted to call to make sure this doesn't have anything to do with the akuma (demons) or the kyūketsuki (vampires). We need to send someone out to investigate this, perhaps someone well learned on the topic." The teenager informs, his jade eyes holding no trace of emotion as he continues with his probably well-rehearsed speech.

Malik looks over to me with a curious yet serious look in his eyes. I simply shrug at my friend though, not having the slightest clue what is going on while trying to reassure him that this has nothing to do with me or what was going on with me.

"Thank you, Duke, I will send someone out immediately," I respond in a finalizing voice. Duke nods then bows deeply again before turning and leaving.

"So, what do you think?" I ask, turning to my best friend. Malik simply shrugs at me.

"You claim that you didn't do it, but I don't even know if I should trust you anymore." Malik retorts, and I frown as tears start running down my cheeks. I knew he wouldn't trust me, but it still hurt. "I'm sorry, Ryou, but I just can't put anyone in this level of danger." Malik continues, and Ryou sighs.

"The Kingdom is probably going to fall to one of you two soon. So be prepared." I reply harshly before getting up and leaving the tent, deciding that I am going to be the one who'll investigate what's going on.

Bakura's P.O.V

Shit, this is where Ryou and I met last year. A small sigh escapes my lips as I stare at the eddies in the river, the fluid, blue droplets crashing against each other to get to their destination: the human world.

The grass below is a luscious green. The stalks are cut close to the ground, though not to short so it looks as though the grass is regularly watered and taken care of. The bushes mimic that same perfect green, and it just shows just how perfect heaven is.

Of course, there is something that disrupts this perfect area, and they are the littered carcasses from slowly rotting animals, blood dripping out of various parts of them.

"Shit," I mutter as I stare at the mess before me.

"What did you do?" I hear a voice exclaim, and I turn around to see the large, horrified eyes of Ryou staring at me.

"It wasn't me!" I protest quickly, not wanting to fight and lose him again. I especially don't need to feel those emotions with the mating process between us still going on.

Ryou looks me up and down with a criticalness I have rarely seen in his eyes. I can feel a slight tugging in my mind; damn, he's using the connection we've formed through mating to probe through my mind for hints of deceit.

I try and ward him off, but then I feel a slight pull of light magic in my core. Wait, he's using some pretty high level magic; he must be more important than some random guardian angel. Shit.

"Okay, I believe you, but then you need to explain to me what happened." Ryou informs, and I scoff at him.

"Why don't you tell me? You're the one with all the strange talents." I shoot back at Ryou. The boy simply nods towards me before leaning down in front of one of the animals.

I watch as he lifts the small, delicate animal to his mouth, and then, as his tongue shoots out and licks the blood, the movement causing some to flick off the animal. He squeezes the animal slightly, and some more blood oozes out of the animal, causing it to start dripping down his shirt.

After a moment, he pulls back and looks at me, brown eyes full of calculations and thought processes.

"This was done by a half-and-half, female, obviously they were out for blood, and it seems that this animal has been dead for...5-6 hours." Ryou explains, and I nod, staring at the dribble of blood running down his chin.

Of course, stupid boy has to stop any fantasies I may have by wiping his hand across his cheek and removing the blood. He then slowly makes his way to his feet before slowly making his way over to the next animal lying on the ground. He then proceeds to start licking the blood from the animal there and of course, he does it in the most sensual way possible. The blood oozing down his chin, onto his shirt.

Shit, we're on a mission. I should not be thinking about having sex. Especially since that's the last part of the mating process. I mean, what if we, maybe we can just fool around again and avoid having sex.

"Bakura?" A voice calls, out and I turn to look at Ryou and nod towards him. He glares at me for a moment before asking, "Were you even listening?"

I smirk at him and shake my head 'no', enjoying how his cheeks heat up in frustration. He looks like he's about I explode, but in a way, he also looks so adorable. So...f*ckable...

"Bakura, -he snaps right in front of me- listen to me -he straddles me- this one was done by another half-and-half, male. Same time. I need to taste a few more, but this reeks of foul play." Ryou informs me and all I can do is nod as the boy gets up and makes his way to another one.

He tastes the next animal, and it causes more blood to rub off on him. It just keeps accumulating, and he keeps doing it in a sultry way. Does he know what he's doing?

Finally, he makes his way back to me, staggering along slowly, as though in pain. He falls to his knees before me, his head lolling back and forth with lips the color of blood that just looks so damn kissable.

His head is now leaning towards one side, exposing a flawless, pale neck, right there for the taking.

I can't help it; maybe, maybe I can just feel him up a bit, and nothing will happen.

Tentatively, I reach out my hand and run the tips of my fingers against his cheek, waiting until he leans into my hand to cup his cheek. I smile at the boy as I crawl closer to him, enjoying the look of complete wonder now crossing his features.

"You're very beautiful, you know," I whisper into his ear, enjoying the shudder that wracks his body as I wrap a hand around his waist, pulling the boy a bit closer. I lean forward just a tad and start nibbling his ear, enjoying the soft moan that escapes his lips as I do so.

Third P.O.V (limey thing starts here)

Bakura smirks as he pulls Ryou onto his lap, making sure that the boy is straddling him once again. He then kisses and nips his way down Ryou's jawline until he reaches the smaller boy's neck. There, he sinks his fangs into the boy's pale flesh, enjoying the loud gurgle of pain that escapes the boy's lips.

As Bakura's tongue quickly starts to lap at the red liquid, he just as quickly starts becoming intoxicated by the taste. It was so sweet -just like he was- his mind added as an afterthought. This thought causes Bakura to stop his ministrations and stare into watery, coffee eyes.

The boy was panting softly, his eyes staring unseeingly at the man before him. A bruise was already appearing on the soft pale skin, although the skin was also closing up. Slowly, Bakura's eyes trail downwards; taking notice of the heaving chest, the twitching fingers, and the bulge that could be barely seen in the sweat pants firmly pressed against Bakura, alerting the demon to his need for touch.

Bakura smirks as he puts both of his hands on the boy's thighs and slowly rubs up and down them, leaving his thumbs down purposefully to get to the inside of his thighs.

A small moan escapes Ryou's rose colored lips as the boy leans his head back a tad, his small Adam's apple bobbing a bit as soft mewls escape his throat.

Bakura leans in, taking advantage of Ryou's position to start nibbling on the sensitive part of his neck, which earns a small moan of satisfaction. Bakura chuckles a bit, his laugh sending small vibrations up Ryou's neck.

Bakura then leans back a bit, his hands placed at the bottom of Ryou's t-shirt, his deep mahogany eyes staring into milk chocolate orbs, waiting for any sign of approval. Ryou's hands slowly move from behind them where they were used for support and make their way to Bakura. At first, the two small hands rest on Bakura's chest as the angel stares deep into the demon's eyes, into his very being, his very soul.

For a moment, Bakura squirms uncomfortably, trying to look away from the scrutinizing gaze. Suddenly, he feels Ryou's arms slowly raise and make their way over to his shoulders. The two hands then interlock behind Bakura's neck, and the demon is pulled into a surprisingly passionate kiss.

At first, Bakura is shocked into stillness, allowing Ryou to dominate the kiss. He even takes the initiative and starts to probe his tongue around the demon's mouth. At this point, Bakura suddenly snaps out of it and pushes the boy onto the ground.

Ryou's eyes go wide, fear now evident in them as he shrinks away from the teenage demon before him.

Bakura then takes the initiative and rips away Ryou's shirt; he then quickly pulls his shirt off before attacking the now surprised boy's lips.

The two continue their illegal dance of ravishing each other. Every now and then, Bakura squeezes the ever growing bulge in his angel's pants. Ryou would kiss Bakura's body, placing his pink lips on the rough pale skin, running his fingers over the muscled abdomen and lower to the throbbing bulge hidden beneath denim.

"More."

The command is but a word, but it is heard loud and clear as though it had been screamed. Bakura sits up, staring at the angel. Ryou is truly all angel now. His large white wings are spread to their full length, his brown eyes seem to have gotten a couple shades lighter, and a small halo stands proudly above his head. A small silver ring also seems to be materializing out of nowhere, glinting innocently in the remaining daylight.

Bakura's eyes immediately catch it and he stares at the small ring. Where had it come from? Slowly, he reaches out his hand to wrap around the small boy's hand, only to feel a strange burning sensation when he touches the other's hand. He then feels a strange jerking below him and looks down to see his angel whimpering and holding his hand.

"The damn thing burned me," Bakura mutters, trying to reach back to the concealed hand, only for his fingers to brush Ryou's abdomen and another burning sensation to occur.

"Bakura, stop," Another command; this one screamed in fear and pain. The demon stares at his lover for a moment before removing himself from atop Ryou's body.

"What is it?" Bakura growls, not liking the thought of having to stop his ministrations on his angel.

"It's...like that engagement ring humans give to each other. It-it means I'm betrothed..." Ryou mutters, and this time Bakura's growl is deeper and louder.

"Since when?" Bakura hisses, his usually brown eyes now not only red from the intercourse that was promised to him, but because of the news that the male he was about to mate with was betrothed.

"I-I don't know," the angel stutters out, wincing beneath the demon's critical eye. Bakura lets out a heavy sigh as he tries to decide what he would do with this new information.

"So, then you aren't mine." Bakura states, staring at the teen. Ryou takes a deep breath and then sighs, it is time to make a choice. Is he going to go with what his father wants and marry the girl that his father wants him to marry? Or, is he going to be selfish and choose his personal desires; should he satiate his own lustful needs?

"We should be heading back now," Bakura mutters as he retrieves both of their shirts and makes his way to his feet. "The others are bound to be worried by now." He continues, not even glancing at the angel behind him.

Suddenly, there is a strong searing sensation at his sides, and the demon jumps. When had Ryou latched on to him?

"No. I-I want to do this, I want you, all of you." Ryou whispers, not releasing the demon from his grip.

For a moment, there is a shocked silence between the two. Bakura trying to take in everything the angel had just said and Ryou coming to the realization that he had basically just asked for Bakura to finish the mating process with him.

"You know it's going to hurt, right?" Bakura asks, minor concern showing in his voice.

"Yeah." The reply is barely above a whisper, but it is there.

"Okay." Bakura says with a smirk, his eyes taking on an unnatural red glow.

Author's Notes:

Nope, no lemons for you. I am not all that confident in my lemons, and if you want to know why, just read the crappiness that is any other lemon that I have written to date. So, no lemon for you. Either way, this chapter was getting long, so it had to be cut off there. OMG so close to more stuff happening. Don't you just love it when stuff happens?

So, who do you think these mysterious people are? I have given some hints, but who has caught them?

Oh, so review, and take the poll. You know, there is this annoying three-way tie, and unfortunately, since my next update is going to be on Ryou's birthday, I want to give you a word to the wise.

Mark August 1, 2013 on your calendars, because if you've already voted, then that will be the last chance for you to vote and break the tie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOKUBA!

LOVE YA ALL!