Shadows lingered throughout the city, darkness silent, hanging. Things were different, though it was not obvious to the general public, Yuugi's friends could certainly sense it, but it was far more obvious in Yami and Atemu.
They were focusing their entire time on finding their lost friend, searching newspapers and police records. They barely slept, barely ate, and had started getting impatient with one another. Yami had stopped returning home. Out hunting for Yuugi constantly, searching every alleyway and place where the spirit of the ring could be holed up. Days turned into weeks, and Yami was getting furious. When he was home he was pacing, or muttering angrily to himself. Trying to get a connection with the Puzzle was proving no luck either, it kept moving around, there was no way he could try and trace it, and look for Yuugi at the same time.
Atemu, who seemed to be more calm, was trying every other avenue, with the Puzzle gone there was no way he could use anything to help this problem. He had very limited knowledge about the technology of this world, and even help from his friends proved to be useless. The Spirit of the Ring, was well and truly hidden.
But one night seemed to be the worst.
Joey and Tea were working overtime, and Duke was out on a date, so it was only Tristan, Yami and Atemu. Tristan was out working on his bike, and Yami and Atemu were both trying to research any other leads.
"Are you sure you have not found anything else?" Yami groaned as he looked through the papers.
Atemu shook his head, looking through a couple of newspapers.
"I found this information about strange sightings in the upper district of the city, but you have already searched there, and it could easily be brushed off as something else-"
"But there's got to be more!" Yami slammed his fists on the table, Atemu kept calm but it was obvious he was startled by Yami's outburst.
"We're doing all that we can Yami, we will find him" He moved to stand, to try and calm him, but Yami turned to him angrily.
"He is with our enemy, the two that hate us more than anything! They will take all their rage out on him! We have put him into the firing line. He...I miss him. To know we can't protect him, something that I've done for years. I just feel...I feel so useless."
Atemu sighed, giving a soft nod.
"I understand, but Yuugi is strong. There is no way he will let them win easily. He will put up a fight, and he's with Ryou and Marik now, he can protect them. We know he is not weak, let's not insult him by assuming he cannot look after himself"
Yami froze, before giving a soft sigh.
"You're right, he has strong spirit. He will be able to hold on while we search for him. I know, I just...I wish it did not happen. I wish I was able to protect him, like when he was my Hikari, he does not need me any more. It does make me feel...kind of useless"
Atemu smiled, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "But he still cares for you, without you he seems more panicked. Just because he has grown, does not mean you are any less important to him."
"Thank you Atemu, sorry I got angry. It's just...I should not have turned to you. We will work together, we will find him"
"Of course we will, and we can work together, we will find him quicker"
-x-
It had been at least three weeks since Yuugi had been locked in that room. Ryou found himself staring whenever he was free, he wanted in, he wanted to see Yuugi.
He had heard the screams, the tortured pains at night when Bakura or Malik went in...he had no idea why they went in, why they wanted to talk to him, but it was obvious there was torture involved. However they didn't come out unscathed.
Numerous times he had to treat bite wounds, and scars. Yuugi fought back, and he seemed brutal from the wounds. At least he could defend himself.
Ryou gave a soft cough, as he approached Malik, lazing on his usual armchair.
Bakura was out with Akefia, and Marik was asleep in Malik's bedroom. This was probably his best time to see if he could check on Yuugi. He knew Malik had a soft spot for him...he hated the idea...but he could use that to his advantage. It was the only way he was going to get a chance.
Malik looked up from the papers he was reading, another bunch of Marik's crude translations about the magic book he knew very little about.
"Why Sweetheart~ How may I help you?" He purred happily, and Ryou gave a soft sigh.
"I want to see Yuugi, please. I wont do anything...I just...just want to make sure...m...please" Malik stirred at that, putting the papers down.
"I can do anything you want! In return. Just...please. I will do anything, I promise. I wont tell Bakura, it...it will just be between you and me, I promise. I just have to see him, please...I'm begging you."
Malik sighed, before smirking.
"Fine, but you must address me as Master from now on, and do whatever I want~ Without hesitation. Do we have a deal Sweetheart?"
Ryou winced, but he could see Yuugi...he could...it was worth it, it had to be.
"Yes, of course, whatever you want. I will do it Master, please" Malik's smirk grew at the use of the title, and he stood up, moving to the door.
"You have 10 minutes, I will time you. No more, no less. You're lucky I like you sweetheart, otherwise this wouldn't be happening"
With that the door was opened, and Ryou slipped in. The minute he saw Yuugi, all battered and bruised, he let out a sob. Yuugi...he...he was hurt, it was his fault
The other male stirred, and glanced up.
"R...Ryou? Y...y...you ok?" He winced in pain as he turned, and Ryou collapsed down to his level.
"I'm sorry! I'm so so sorry, this is all my fault...I...I had the chance...t...to stop him...a...and I failed you! I...I failed you Yuugi. You've done so so much for me, and...and I can't repay you! I...I just bring more trouble and pain to you...I...I am so useless" He touched Yuugi's face, before bowing his head, tears flowing more freely.
Yuugi's eyes widened, and he gripped Ryou's hands.
"I am the one who used you as bait, I am the one who made it easy for these monsters to take you. Do not blame yourself Ryou, don't fall back into the obedient Ryou he wants you to be. You escaped, you gained independence. He is the monster, they are the only ones to blame. Not you, not Marik. Never you and Marik. Do not blame yourselves. Never blame yourselves" He felt Yuugi's hands on his shoulders, and he sighed softly. Yuugi, friendly, trusting Yuugi. Always happy, always full of spirit. Always able to calm him down. He was right, he was so right. But he had given up his freedom when he disobeyed. He had put Yuugi in danger. This...this was his fault in the end.
Tears were running down his cheeks, but all Yuugi could do was smile at him.
"It's okay, we'll get out of here. I'll get you and Marik out of here, I promise. I can handle anything they throw at me. It's nothing, as long as I know you are safe. I was so worried about the pair of you, and what those monsters were putting you through. It was all my fault, please never think it was yours. You've been fighting for so...so long against him...against them. I wanted to give you safety, a normal life. I wanted to show you...how life is meant to be...without fear...without worry. I'm so sorry Ryou"
He was about to reply, when Malik opened the door.
"10 minutes up, get out Sweetheart. Bakura will be back soon." Ryou turned back to Yuugi, who gave a soft smile, before he turned away from the door once more. He stood up, and sighed. If only there was more he could do.
When he was out of the room, Malik locked the door.
"Thank you" Ryou muttered, rubbing his arm.
"You didn't have to let me see him, I appreciate it" He gave him a soft smile, and Malik froze, before rubbing the back of his neck and giving a soft tis a'right, before turning on his heel. To Ryou it looked like the beginnings of a blush forming on his face.
"Start cooking, Bakura will be back soon with Akefia. They were on a rather taxing scouting mission, and will both be hungry" Ryou nodded softly, and turned on his heel. At lease he got to see Yuugi, he was fine...well as fine as could be given the circumstances. He could relax a bit, now that he knew he was alright. Even if it was brief.
-x-
When Bakura returned with Akefia, he noticed something different. Dark tendrils again, this time darker...stronger. Bakura had been using shadow magic...
Akefia was half carrying him into the house, and sat him on the sofa. Malik frowned looking over him.
"Well seems like you got into a bit of trouble" Bakura coughed, and shook his head.
"We need to move, I had a confrontation with the Spirit of the Puzzle. He doesn't know his full power without the Puzzle, so I managed to get away with only minor damage. But he's close. I shook him off, I doubt he could follow us, but still. We need to pack up and leave, now!"
Malik didn't hesitate, pushing himself up. "I'll grab the Pharaoh's light half and Marik, you'll have to deal with Ryou, I can't transport four people at once without exhausting myself fully. So glad we have the items in transport"
Bakura nodded, pushing himself up. And Malik grabbed the book Marik was translating, along with the papers before shoving them into a bag. With that he grabbed Marik and barged into the room Yuugi was in, making sure to grip onto him as well.
"I'll meet you at the new place, you can make your own way right?" Bakura nodded, and was about to grab Akefia and Ryou, when the door burst open. It was Yami...and he looked furious.
"Shit" Malik muttered, before he disappeared as Yami ran towards Yuugi. The Spirit of the Puzzle cursed, before turning to Bakura, who tried to use Shadow Magic, and managed to only transport himself. Akefia and Ryou were left, and Yami launched for Akefia.
Ryou had to think quickly, and put himself in front of Akefia, causing Yami to freeze.
"Ryou...I can at least save you. I'm sorry, I'm sorry I put you at risk because of these monsters!" He punched Akefia hard, causing him to fall to the ground. Ryou stepped forward.
"Yami please! He's not our enemy, please don't hurt him! He's in the same boat as me. He was brought here against his will by Bakura. Please understand! He has done nothing"
But Yami wasn't listening, and just as he was about to launch for Akefia once more, Atemu pushed the door open, obviously out of breathe.
"I missed him Atemu, I'm so sorry. He was so close, but we have Ryou. He's here" Atemu moved towards Ryou, kneeling down beside him. As they were both focused on him, Akefia tried to crawl away, but was stopped by Yami.
"And we have one of them anyway. He can tell us the way"
-x-
Everything went so fast, it was a blur. Ryou was practically carried home by Atemu, and Akefia was dragged roughly by Yami. When they arrived home, Tea ran forward.
"Oh Ryou, Ryou you're ok." She pulled him into a tight hug, and Ryou clung to her. He...he was safe again, he...he was away from Bakura...and Malik...b...but Yuugi and Malik.
However, attention turned to Akefia, who tried to step back but was stopped by Joey and Tristan.
"So this is the bastard huh? We know exactly how to deal with you. Let's give him a peace of our mind huh?" Ryou broke from Tea, and stood in front of him.
"This is not Bakura, do not hurt him. This is...my Egyptian counterpart, Akefia. But please! Listen. He was controlled by the Spirit of the Ring, just as I was. He was an unwilling host, and brought here against his will. You forgave me for my crimes, for being possessed by Bakura, please, please he was in the exact same boat. You can't hurt him, please. If he does anything wrong, I am to blame, I will take full blame. I need him, I...I have to have...he's...he protected me so much."
Yami frowned, and Atemu stepped forward.
"We trust you Ryou, if this is your judgement, then we will let you protect him. But the minute he steps out of line we have to take action, you understand this?" Ryou nodded, relaxing softly. They were nothing like Bakura and Malik, they...they listened to him.
"But Yuugi? Marik? You didn't find them?" Tea frowned, turning to Yami, who rubbed the back of his neck.
"The counterpart of Marik...grabbed Yuugi and Marik before I could do anything to stop him. The Spirit of the Ring was obviously not strong enough to transport these two away, and just managed to leave himself. But we have one, we have Ryou. We should be grateful we managed to save one, we can get the others. I know we can"
Ryou gave a soft smile, before he gasped turning to Akefia.
"You know where they were going to, right? You knew so much about them Akefia" Akefia nodded softly, reaching for Ryou who frowned and knelt down.
"I...I...I'm not safe here...p...protect me" He whispered. "I will tell you...b...but I can't...n...not to them"
"It's okay, they're friends, they're here to help us" Ryou frowned, glancing back to the others, Atemu was glaring at him...Atemu...this was his worst enemy, his rival. Who nearly destroyed his whole kingdom...and he was telling him to trust him...he had brought Akefia to the home of his enemy, the person who killed his village, the son of his worst enemy. They were not his friends...Akefia was right.
He had never seen Atemu act impulsively, he was always patient, always kind. Yami always acted on his emotions, but Atemu was like a true royal. Calm and collected during the most complicated of times. This was a difficult situation.
"They're staying by the docks, they have a warehouse there. I could not tell you the number, but it is at least four or five down." He whispered, still gripping tightly to Ryou. Ryou placed a hand on him, trying to comfort him, to reassure him.
"He says they're by the docks, warehouse four or five. Better be quick, they know you have Akefia." Yami turned to Atemu, who sighed and looked back to Joey and Tristan.
"I will stay and keep an eye on Akefia and Ryou, Tristan, Joey, Duke, Yami. You four will be fine on your own, correct?" Yami turned to the others, and they smirked at each other, before dashing out of the house.
"I am going to call Ishizu, and keep her updated on the situation" Tea frowned, lifting her phone, and walking through into the other room.
"Ryou, can you let me talk to Akefia alone?" Atemu questioned, looking towards the whitette, causing Akefia to grip to him tighter.
Ryou had never said no to a request by Atemu before. Atemu was always reasonable. Why did he want to talk to Akefia alone?
"I can't let you do that. Anything you can say to Akefia, you can say to me. I hope you understand Atemu." Atemu frowned, but gave a soft nod.
"Of course, if that is your wish. It was just to tell you, Thief King, that if you do cause any trouble, any hassle, I will kill you, without a second thought. I do not care if Ryou is fond of you, you are in my domain now. The minute you step one foot out of line, I will not hesitate to end you." Akefia gave a soft bow of his head, and gripped Ryou tighter.
"He understands, I understand as well. I will take full blame if he causes any problems. But I trust him, and because I trust him, I want him to stay here. This was my home was it not? Do I not get a say in who I bring in?" Atemu nodded, before standing up.
"Of course Ryou, but you cannot blame me for not trusting someone who broke into my home and caused so many problems for me and my country. I understand your fondness, but I have known him longer, you will have to forgive me for not jumping for joy at this request of yours. But because I respect you, and trust you. I will give you this chance, but he only gets one chance off me. Anything else will result in me destroying him. Or getting Yami to do it. Be warned, I have no patience for thieves and villains."
With that he turned to walk away, and Ryou sighed, turning to Akefia.
"We're safe now though. I will protect you, just as you protected me. Come on, if we go to my room they tend not to disturb me when I am in there. You'll have a chance to rest. These are my friends, I trust they'll be fine when they get to know you"
-x-
Yami and the others arrived at the warehouse fairly quickly. It was definitely occupied. This was his chance, he could sense Yuugi, he was definitely in here. Finally, he would get his precious Hikari back, Yuugi would be safe once more, and he would be able to bring down the two that had tormented him for so long. But their shadow magic...he hadn't thought this through. But there was no turning back now, if he missed this chance, there was no telling how long it would be before he was able to see Yuugi again.
Turning to the others, he gave a nod, pointing to stairs leading up to a door. They had the element of surprise, and both Malik and Bakura. The pair had used shadow magic, they would be weaker. There was a chance they could stop this all with one blow.
Yami stepped in first, looking around, before quietly slipping down the stairs, Duke, Joey and Tristan following. He could see Yuugi, as Bakura was pinning him against the wall, obviously angry with losing Akefia and Ryou.
The Spirit of the Puzzle saw red, he surged forward, slamming Bakura to the ground brutally, causing the other to gasp in pain. Malik snarled, moving to grab Marik before Joey ran forward and pulled Marik away, while Duke and Tristan helped Yuugi up.
"Well well spirit, how nice to see you again" Malik snarled, and Yami had to dodge as a surge of shadow magic nearly struck him. Without thinking he turned to the others, before diving towards them. All of a sudden, a surge of energy shot through him, and the five of them landed in the centre of the main room in the house. Yami collapsed just as Atemu ran through. They were home