Nickey: Hey there ladies and gents! Welcome back! Again, this chapter has a few repeated moments from last chapter (that will happen a lot) just so you guys and gals can kinda get a view from both perspectives. Don't worry, I do continue on, and it's not all just a repeat of last chapter ^w^ Anyway! I really hope you guys enjoy this story and continue to enjoy it as we keep it coming. ^w^

Fallen: Well, after all the craziness from the past few chapters, I think we've finally managed to fall back into our previous pattern. An update every-other Monday. So long as we don't forget again, and my laptop decides to be cooperative, we'll hopefully be able to keep it that way! *laughs*

By the way – there's a bit of a blood/gore warning for this one, so if you don't like that kinda stuff, have caution. Hope you enjoy the story!

DISCLAIMER: Nickey and I do not own, nor are we affiliated with Yu-Gi-Oh! nor anything pretaining to Yu-Gi-Oh! This is a fan-made story made purely for entertainment purposes, and nothing more. Enjoy!

~ Chapter XI ~

Breaking Free

It'd been two weeks since I'd come back from that damned 'experiment'. Two weeks since I'd come back beaten and nearly broken. And I remember when I woke up... Yuugi had been there...

"I'm sorry," my Kindred continued to repeat over and over again. What the hell was he sorry for?

Droplets of water continued to hit my face, causing me to blink a few times when I finally did open my eyes. I found myself laying in Yuugi's lap, on my back, looking up at him. His eyes were closed as tears continued to stream down his face, dripping from his cheeks and the end of his nose.

"What the hell are you sorry about?" I rasped. I heard a gasp, and Yuugi's eyes opened widely when he saw that I was awake.

"I-I don't know... Everything?" he answered, sounding almost like he was unsure of his answer, but sorry for something, nonetheless.

"Being sorry doesn't get you anywhere," I grumbled, moving my head a little to get more comfortable in his lap, "So stop being sorry."

By now, my torn and tattered jumpsuit had been replaced by a new one, and (even though I wouldn't say it aloud) if it hadn't been for my Kindred, I wouldn't even be in half as good of shape as I was now. The others helped where they could, given when the brat would actually allow them to get close enough and help tend to me. It was comical watching him intimidate them all to the point they would back off, especially with how small he was. I was beginning to get used to having him around, I felt like I'd found a part of me that went missing a long time ago.

"Morning," I mumbled, not sure if he heard me through my yawn. I felt too tired to really do much of anything, so I just rolled my eyes up to look at the ones I'd been gazing at since I'd come back that day. Just looking at him made a smile begin to pull at my lips.

I held back a chuckle when he grinned back at me. "Morning, Sleeping Beauty," he teased. I shoved him playfully – as much as I was able to, still being a little weak from the beating I'd received – which only caused him to chuckle at my expense. "Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the floor."

Boy, was that an understatement; but, using his lap as a pillow had made it a little more comfortable. I snorted as I sat up, carefully stretching my arms up to loosen some stiff joints without harming myself even more. "Shuddup." I was happy to have him around and talking to me for once. It seemed like our differences had been set aside, given that I'd probably scared the shit out of him coming back like I did.

He scoffed mockingly, causing me to look over at him. "I can see that you're nice as ever."

I rolled my eyes – I couldn't help it, he was always talking in that sassy way of his, anything to force a smile out of me. "And I can see that you are still a brat," I retorted, my tone a little harsher than I'd meant it to be. I'd meant the 'brat' part, however. But he was my brat. I felt myself softening, only for him, though... I couldn't help but smile everytime he grinned at me, and even when he occasionally mouthed off. This was my Kindred, the other half of myself. And even though we'd been brought up in different ways, we were now in the same predicament.

Ugh, I mentally groaned, shifting once more. Yuugi must've sensed my restlessness because he leaned over, and nudged a part of my arm that wasn't injured. He was always careful to avoid any and all injuries that were on me, which was damn near impossible, yet somehow he still managed to do it. I looked over at him and he smiled, he was careful with many things, not just my physical self, but also my mental self. He'd learned just how moody I could get sometimes, but I was pretty sure he knew I tolerated him... to a point, anyway...

"Want to walk around, or something? Loosen up the muscles, and such," he asked. I'd almost forgotten that he'd nudged me.

Why the hell not? I thought to myself. I shrugged, which seemed to surprise him a bit "Sure. Mind helping me up?" The grin that lit up his face was a sight to behold. I found myself holding back yet another chuckle at the look in his eyes.

He got up and was, once again, carefully helping me to my feet, leaving my left arm slung over his shoulder so I could have some type of support. I didn't need the support so much anymore, I was able to walk on my own and everything, but I was still pretty weak. If I had Oscuridad's help, I'd be able to do a lot more on my own. I didn't mind the help, I just- I didn't like being babied.

We walked the perimeter of the entire room, going around the room counterclockwise. I could feel Yuugi was still somewhat hesitant to enter the darker half, and I couldn't blame him. He was a Light Attribute, afterall (though Bakura, Marik and I had started calling the three of them 'Hikaris'. Mostly because it tended to get on their nerves). He lived in the light, while I lived in the shadows. I still didn't understand how two halves of one whole could be so different, yet fit together so perfectly all at the same time.

I paused to wonder when I started thinking like that. When had I begun to act as if... my heart was suddenly coming back from some place far away? Was there a piece returning to me? Or was it simply the presence of my Kindred that made me feel as if it was?

Yuugi's steps faultered, a shiver visibly running up his spine as he stopped, pulling me from my thoughts. What was the matter? And why was he acting as if something was wrong, all of a sudden? "Yuugi?"

I became uneasy when he didn't answer me, only sending a distant stare to the wall on the opposite side of the room instead. "Yuugi?" His eyes suddenly widened, giving me an even more ominous feeling. Just what the hell was going on? "Yuugi?" I moved my arm a little in an attempt to shake him from his stupor, but it had no effect. Welp, looked like I needed more... authoritive means, to bring him back from wherever he was...

"Yuugi!" I snapped, causing him to quickly whip his head around and look at me. I raised a brow as I studied him. "What's the matter with you? I've said your name, like, five times!"

I watched him blink before his face began turning red with embarrassment. "Oh!" He stammered, seeming to be at a loss for words. "S-Sorry, I was just.." He looked up at me once again, studying my face for what felt like a piece of eternity. "I, uh... I spaced off a little-"

It seemed like he had more he wanted to say, but for some odd reason, he stopped short. Something seemed to light up a warning in his eyes. Then it hit me, like a sack of bricks to the face. I felt my body tense as I sensed someone approaching. I nearly jumped when a quiet growl rippled from Yuugi's throat. I'd never heard that kind of a noise from him before. At least... not with it sounding that threatening.

I didn't submit myself, or bow down at the sound of the footsteps outside the door. I stood, tensed and ready for anything. Yuugi drew a step closer to me, and I gripped his arm, steadying us, and readying for the impending danger the two of us were feeling. I watched as Malik and Ryou quickly darted toward our side of the room. Malik ran quickly to Marik's side, however still sticking closely to Ryou, who stopped just short of the darkness that hid us. Bakura was quick to get in front of his Hikari, protecting him from the unknown doom outside our door.

"Morning, boys!" Kemo's voice came from the opened doorway. Yuugi tensed even more, and I noticed his grip tighten around me. "Got a little surprise for a few of you!" He announced, and his hands clapped together, causing our room to light up suddenly. We all flinched – having things go from pitch black, to the highest possible brightness the lights offered – it freaking burned.

It took a few seconds and a couple blinks, but I was able to adjust fairly quickly to the sudden brightness that had flooded our room. I cast a glance at Yuugi before looking at Kemo, noticing my Hikari's eyes widen as he stared at the man, before his brows furrowed. The slightest hint of a snarl decorated his face. Kemo should be careful, my inner voice thought, sensing Yuugi's anger flow through me.

"So, to make this a lot easier for all of us, I need the freak, the albino, and the blonde to come with me." He motioned towards me, Ryou, and Malik. I felt my own brows furrow. Yeah, like he has any room to call me a freak..

He pulled out a remote, his finger positioned over a few of the buttons that lined it. "Let's go for a little walk."

His finger slammed down, and pain shot through me. I quickly hit the ground, writhing in attempts to get away from it. Damn you, Kemo, you'll fucking pay! I growled to myself, my hands attempting to rip away the blasted device that continuously shocked me. Looking over, I found Yuugi and the others in the same position as myself, Kemo prancing closer and looking very pleased with himself. I watched, snarling as he grabbed my Kindred's brothers by the hair, dragging them away from the group, Yuugi letting out a cry as he watched helplessly.

I attempted to see Kemo as I heard his shoes tap across the floor, headed back for me. I couldn't do anything, I couldn't even move. I knew what little of the happiness I'd started to feel would be short-lived... I should've just died when I had the chance... but I wouldn't leave my Kindred. I refused to leave Yuugi. I needed him and he needed me just as bad, I could feel it.

My eyes widened when an arm was flung over me. I looked down, following the arm up and over to see Yuugi glaring daggers at Kemo in a way to say "back the fuck off!" and I sensed his anger. He had a possessive need to keep me out of Kemo's grasp. The big idiot simply laughed, a twisted grin plastered on his face as he taunted my Kindred. "Grabby, aren't we? You always like this, kid, or are you just excited?"

I turned to snarl a warning at Kemo and tell him to keep away from Yuugi, only for my head to whip back when I heard the teen spit a mouthy "bite me" at the loser. I could only stare wide-eyed until a hand tangled into Yuugi's spiky hair, ripping him from me.

I managed a strangled yell of protest around the electricity's influence as he was pulled away. "Oh, so that's what you like," Kemo snickered, looking at my Kindred as if he were some kind of snack. How dare he look at my Kindred like that?! Yuugi is mine! I thought with a snarl. "Kinda masochistic, don't you think? Ah, well, I guess we can work that out in a more... private experiment, once Pegasus is finished up with your little fuck-toy and the doppelgangers, here."

"Sonofa-!" I growled, my arm snatching ahold of Kemo's wrist. I felt my dull nails break the skin, causing him to recoil. It had the desired effect, though, and he dropped Yuugi before setting his glare towards me. My lips pulled back in a snarl, just as Oscuridad would if he were able to, and I knew my eyes were ablaze with my anger.

"You little-!" He howled, kicking Yuugi to the side before lunging at me. My snarl held until his foot met my ribcage. I unwillingly yelped in pain as his foot met my already-damaged body in multiple, merciless kicks. He kicked me three more times square in the gut before he stopped, which made me look to see what had caused his delay.

I felt myself start to gawk.

Yuugi's hand was wrapped around Kemo's ankle, but that wasn't the thing that had my eyes widening. Yuugi was snarling. "Don't you fucking touch them!" he growled, eyes darkening as if to further push his warning into Kemo's thick skull.

The numbskull turned from me, his eyes back on my Kindred, an amused glint to them. If I were able to move when he kicked the smaller one across the room, I would've ripped him to pieces. "Or what?" Kemo asked, once Yuugi fell still.

"I'll make you rue the day you were conceived." My head snapped back to my Kindred, who was slowly raising himself from the ground on trembling limbs. Where the hell is this coming from? Then a second feeling hit me; an impression that the sweet Yuugi was slowly disappearing. I could feel something very sinister starting to come from him.

"Oh, that's a riot!" Kemo continued. I, oddly enough, found myself beginning to feel very sorry for that dim son of a bitch's lack of common sense. "What're you gonna do, pipsqueak? Tell your mommy? Or, hey, how about your grandpa?"

That man... he might as well have signed his death certificate. I watched as Yuugi's mouth opened slightly, his teeth sharpening to bloodthirsty fangs. I tried to keep my eyes on him, until I was ripped up by my scalp. "What, does this little shrimp not want to share his toy?"

I heard a faint clawing noise at the lewd remark, my eyes widening once again as a growl rippled from Yuugi's throat, one that was even more menacing than the last. It sounded more beastly than any sound I'd ever heard him make before. Yuugi's left eye had changed, glowing a strange hue stuck somewhere between white, blue, and violet, with a narrow, serpent-like pupil in the center.

With a quick adjustment, he was suddenly in a pouncing position, and I couldn't help but jump – startled – when a voice that didn't quite belong to Yuugi came from his mouth.

"GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS AWAY FROM MY HEART!"

I watched as his skin became covered with small, random patches of light blue scales, his fingertips growing claws that I would not want to be caught under, and some matching ones sprouting from his feet through his jumpsuit. Yuugi was... H-He was merging.. with his Ka... Bu-But how?

I continued watching as a white-blue aura settled over him like a second skin, protecting him as a mother hen would her chicks. It was still just an aura though, not fully Merging, yet blending with his body, all the same.

And, a fraction of a second later, the shock of my collar died out completely. I felt my body go rigid when Kemo stumbled back, and Yuugi was on him in a matter of seconds, ripping him from my side and literally throwing him across the room. His Ka was impressively agile and swift; his body appeared slender, more soft, and so very different from Oscuridad's. He leapt over his brothers as they darted back to their Kindred, the five of us huddling into a protective group against the wall. I was more or less dragged and held back, considering I was still frozen from watching Yuugi move. Once we were grouped, I had to peer around my oldest brother to watch everything, as he had placed himself in a defensive stance in front of me.

The old Yuugi was gone, that much was certain. He'd made way for his Ka, and was letting it rip Kemo a new ass. He stood between us, crouched down animalistically, refusing to allow Kemo any closer than the spot where he lay. "Bastard," Yuugi spat, "You will not lay another hand on my loved ones! And if you know what's good for you, you'll get out of my sight!"

I was silently thanking Ra above that his Ka had been locked away when he first got in here... I'd hate to have that beast pointed towards me... A-At least without Oscuridad by my side.

"Get back, freak!" Kemo screamed like a girl, pointing a gun towards Yuugi. I held my breath, waiting to see what would happen, not really being able to move just yet. "Get back or I'll kill you, and all your little friends, too! I've got a bullet for each of you!"

It was like a blast of wind started to swirl in the room. Kemo was attempting to summon his own Ka, but it didn't seem like Yuugi was going to give him that chance. He launched forward, and within seconds, his dragon's fangs were sinking into Kemo's arm. Blood squirted from the wound, and a stomach turning snap echoing through the air as his arm was broken. Yuugi slammed him across the room a second time, sticking him in the back with the spikes that sprouted from his Ka's tail.

Once again, he placed himself between us and the threat that was slowly being neutralized. Kemo whipped out his walkie, screeching for backup. "Someone get down here! This freak is fucking insane-agh!" The tail had swept for him, knocking the device from his hands, and shattering it against the ground. Then Kemo tried his hardest to get to the pistol that had been dropped. Yuugi, however, wasn't giving him a chance to defend himself. He ripped into Kemo like a dog into a steak. His fangs, claws, and tail assaulted him, while he constantly flung and slammed him to the ground. His suit ended up shredded, soaked with his own blood, just like the floor.

When he finally pinned Kemo down, I gulped as Yuugi gave a toothy smirk, chuckling lowly. "What's the matter, dog? Didn't your precious Master tell you to not mess with a dragon's treasures? I'd expect that someone like you should know not to fuck with what they see as precious." That wasn't Yuugi's voice, though it was in there, somewhere. It was overlapped by his Ka's own timbre.

"I wonder how long it'll take for you to feel sorry for hurting my loved ones," the two of them continued. "Should we have a more private experiment to test that? I'll gladly give you a little taste of what that fucker you call a boss did to my Kindred!" I held back a chuckle, but couldn't deny the spark that went through my eyes at the way my Kindred was treating Kemo. I wouldn't say it out loud, but it was kind of a turn-on when he lifted his claws over the big brute's throat, his voice rumbling. "Feeling sorry yet?"

Yuugi lowered his head closer to Kemo, whispering something I wasn't able to hear, but it looked to be a threat, considering how Kemo almost shit his pants when he finished talking.

The door was flung to the side by Kemo's reinforcements. My mouth fell open when Yuugi stood, and picked him up like he weighed little-to-nothing, and chucked him at the men and women that had just opened the door. He straightened up as if it were nothing, and I couldn't help but stare at him. His Ka made him shimmer with even more beauty than before. It was a dangerous kind, but it was beauty, all the same.

"Get out," the beast snapped at the intruders.

I watched when a man – the man who was obviously an idiot – turned and charged in towards Yuugi (apparently not taking a hint from the shape Kemo was in). "You fucking monster!" He roared, to which Yuugi's Ka responded with a hiss before slicing his talons across his face.

The five of us jumped slightly when gunfire was heard, bringing Yuugi to his hands and knees as the aura evaportated. A calmer set of feet began to enter the room. "Pegasus," my Kindred snarled, attempting to claw at the man, but he moved out of the way, kicking Yuugi in the chest, and bringing him to the floor.

"Take this thing to the isolation room, and make preparations for another, more durable collar for it. Put no limits on the collar's electrical shock – use lethal force if necessary once it's on." My eyes focused more on Pegasus, and I suddenly realized something... I could feel Oscuridad... Looking over I noticed all the red lights of our collars were out... However, they were so focused on Yuugi, no-one seemed to notice.

Let's rip him to pieces, Oscuridad grumbled, obviously pissed with how they were treating Yuugi.

We can't, not yet. We'll just end up in the same position he's in now. Be patient, and let's be smart about this.

I could feel Oscuridad's restlessness – he was practically pacing in the safety of our Soul Room. He was ready to rip these men apart, but would wait until I told him to.

"Take Mister Kemo to the infirmary at once." Pegasus continued, "Also... I think this mutt deserves a muzzle. Have one fashioned."

"Yes, sir," was the resounding echo in the room, the rest of us playing smart and staying away as we watched the scene ahead of us.

"Get your fucking hands off me!" Yuugi snapped, thrashing his body around and slamming the guards into the doorway. "Pegasus, you goddamn coward! You'll be the one needing a muzzle to keep your fucking jaw on your head when I'm finished with you!"

The butt of a gun was slammed into the back of Yuugi's skull, and I knew he'd be feeling that one for awhile. "Let go of me!" He screamed, thrashing once again and successfully slamming two guards into the wall. But another hit to the head made him go limp. They were practically carrying him when they exited the room. His brothers watched with tears streaming down their faces.

"YUUGI!" The two screeched once the spell of fear had lifted, running across the room. My brothers were on their heels, comforting them, while I simply looked at my hands, a dark chuckle ripping from my throat.

The other four of the room snapped their heads around to look at me, my eyes hidden behind my bangs as I stared down.

"I'm glad you find this so funny!" Malik snapped at me.

"Oh, no... I find the revenge that's coming funny," I growled, lifting my head with a sharp-toothed grin. "Because thanks to whatever Yuugi did, Oscuridad's back."

My hands tensed before sprouting razor sharp talons, my fists becoming covered in thick scales, promising destruction no matter what the barrier. "How's the noise outside?"

Ryou seemed to be the only one that caught onto what I was asking, as he got up and pressed his ear against the door. "I don't hear anything anymore."

"Good. Then move. We're going to get the brat, and get the hell outta this place."

I walked forward slowly, Oscuridad's aura settling around me ominously; more scales began to settle around my body, my skin tingling wherever they lay. My feet were the next to change, claws that matched my hands sprouted from my feet, my feet themselves shifting to look like my dragon's before covering themselves with thick scales as well. Unlike Yuugi, I made my Ka's body materialize, not his aura, and Oscuridad liked it that way, so it was his actual paws, his actual teeth, and his actual tail that sent those bastards straight to hell.

Stop there for now, Oscuridad.

Alright, but I'm using one of your eyes. The minute things start to look bad, I'm taking more control.

And I'll happily hand it over. I want them to pay.

Your orders if things get nasty? He practically purred through my head, wanting to hear me give the order to rip them to shreds. His mouth already watering as his tail flicked back and forth.

Kill them. I growled loudly, letting him know I didn't need a second thought. These bastards would pay for everything, including calling my Kindred a mutt. And if you see Pegasus, make sure you get him.

As you wish. I'll rip that son of a bitch limb from limb. He chuckled, his red eyes flashing with desire.

I've missed you, 'Scuri.

And I, you, Yami.

"Let's go get our Kindred," I growl aloud in my own voice, my left eye tingling as it lit up red, a narrow black pupil appearing within it.

"Right!" Oscuridad barked, his voice mingling with mine.

I walked over to the door, the others backing to either side as they watched me, their eyes wide and curious. I stopped with my left foot out, pulling my right fist back as I braced myself and put all my weight into that fist. I felt the spikes shoot from the back of my head as I slammed forward, Oscuridad wanting to let them all know he'd returned, and they were going to pay. My face began to change after I blasted the door off it's hinges, a manical chuckle rippling from my throat as a muzzle elongated from my face, scales covering it so it was now Oscuridad's face. He sucked in a deep breath and released a mighty roar, loud enough to blow out the light that was above us.

An alarm went off, setting off a bunch of red lights that lined the wall, that I had never noticed before. Oscuridad gave me back all but my left eye, just in time for my brother's hand to come down on the back of my head. "You idiot!" he hissed, "Now we're gonna be busted!"

"No we're not. Let's go. I want them to come."

We ran down the hallway in the direction they'd taken my Kindred. Oscuridad had all his senses peaked, and was tracking down our Kindred like a bloodhound would an escaped prisoner.

To the left! He's in that room, he said after we'd traveled several meters down the hallway.

I heard voices inside, two unfamiliar, and one belonging to Yuugi. It sounded like he was struggling to stay away from someone. I growled loudly before slamming my fist into the door, using Oscuridad's strength to blow it off the hinges like the last one. To say my Ka was pissed was an understatement. Yuugi was strapped down to an operation table, and they were attempting to take off the old collar, and get the new one on him. My Kindred was having no part of that though.

The 'they' was now only one scientist, which had recently been two. If the blood splatters on the wall behind the disconnected door were anything to go by, I'd say Oscuridad had killed him. Speaking of Oscuridad, I felt the spikes once again shooting from the back of my head as he changed my face once again. I allowed him to take control, to leap up, covering the restrained body of our Kindred and glaring daggers at the scientist holding the new collar.

"St-St-Stay back!" the man stuttered, obviously about to have a heart attack from the sight.

Oscuridad's wings shot from my back, his tail running out of my tailbone and looping around Yuugi protectively. The only thing still human about me was my body, arms, and legs. But that's what happens when a dragon's prized possession is threatened or taken away. His lips rippled back as he looked at the man "How dare you touch what is mine!" He snarled, his anger making him even more threatening.

I felt my leg scoot back an inch before we leapt forward, fangs sinking into the man's neck, while talons slashed at his body. I twisted and slammed him to the wall on the opposite side, blood splattering everywhere.

We walked to the bed, ripping Yuugi free of his restraints before Oscuridad released his hold, giving me back all but my hands and feet, and leaving his tail out, just for safe measures. "Are you two okay?"

"We-We're fine... I guess," he said, a little unsure. It looked as if something were bothering him, like he were hurt mentally.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he sighed, but I didn't believe that. Everything on his face read that something was wrong.

"Yuugi. What's wrong?" I somewhat-growled, letting him know I wasn't letting this go.

"Look, we really don't have time for this," Yuugi said, standing from the bed, "How did you guys get out, anyways?"

"You shorted out all our collars somehow. Now we're gonna escape. I think ten years in this hell hole is long enough." I turned to look at my brothers, waiting to hear their thoughts. "I dunno about you guys, but I'm ready to be free again."

"I believe we've been here long enough," Bakura sighed, rubbing his neck while attempting to pop it.

"Me too. Let's get the hell outta here!" Marik agreed.

I noticed Yuugi's eyes were wide as he stared at me, though I didn't understand why. "You ready to go?"

He managed a weak nod with a stammered, "Y-Yeah!" and then we were gone.

We ran down the hallways, not really sure on where we were going. I skid to a halt when a large group of men and women with guns and tranqualizers stood in front of us. I heard Yuugi growl, but I wouldn't let him step in, as I showed him by holding my arm in front of him. Oscuridad had his orders, and he knew them well. My body glowed with a black hue as my Ka covered me with his armor, ensuring my safety. His wings shot out once again as I began to walk forward, and the toothy grin that covered my face would've been enough to make a grown man whimper in fear.

"Out of my way you damned fools." Oscuridad growled in warning. He wasn't about to play any games, he was ready to be free.

"Freeze, right there. Don't move, or we'll shoot."

"Shoot all you like! I dare you! I'll have you all slaughtered before a single bullet is fired!"

A man's finger twitched, and I was able to see it with my Ka's improved vision. So we launched forward, our claws digging into every single one of them, the spikes on our wings catching a few, fangs sinking into countless necks, and spikes shooting from our tail to take out the rest. Only one was left standing, and I had done that on purpose. My talons wrapped around his throat, pushing him against the wall with a growl. "Which way out of here?"

"Fuck you!" the man spat, and I couldn't help but grin.

"I was secretly hoping you'd say that," I chuckled darkly, whipping around quick enough to break his neck and slam him to the other wall. I was pretty sure the smile that split my face in half was terrifying, but with the satisfaction I felt from killing him, I had to smile.

I looked down, admiring the crimson liquid that dripped from our talons.

"Y-Yami?" Yuugi asked shakily, his eyes wide with a terrified gaze. He gasped, taken aback when I turned my eyes on him. "Yami..."

"I'm fine" I assured him.

"Y-You just... You just m-murdered a bunch of people..."

"They got what they deserved. Every last one of them deserves to be killed, ruthelessly. It's not like they've ever showed us any compassion. They locked us away and murdered our loved ones! You're a damn fool if you think a single one of the bastards deserves to be spared."

His head jerked back, as if he'd just been slapped in the face. His eyes widened as if he'd just realized something, then they lowered to the floor. His hand reached up and grabbed the fabric of his jumpsuit over his heart. I could feel his mental pain, the torture that he was going through.

I decided now wasn't the time for questions, I'd leave his inner turmoil for him to deal with. "Let's go," I ordered, turning on my heel and walking away, Oscuridad's tail swaying from side to side behind me.

We walked down the hallways, not really knowing where to go considering we were either unconcious or blindfolded when we were brought in. "Does anyone even know where we are?" Malik whined behind me, seemingly annoyed with our constant circles.

"No clue," I admitted with a shrug of my shoulders.

"Y-Y... You're fucking leading us!" The blonde yelped, stomping his foot at me.

"You should stop being so loud before you attract unwanted attention," I grumbled back, my eyes half-lidded in annoyance.

"He has a good point," I hear my Kindred agree.

I caught Malik slapping his hand over his own mouth with wide eyes out of the corner of my eye, causing me to chuckle.

We continued down the hallway, still not sure of where we were going, but realizing we needed to find someone to lead us around. It was then that I heard foot steps headed our way, I pushed everyone to the side of the wall, shooting a spike from Oscuridad's tail to take out the light above us. Sending us into complete darkness. I remembered then that Yuugi's brother was claustrophobic. I turned to look at him and noticed he was starting to hyperventilate, so I rounded, placing my hand over his mouth to get his full attention. "It's only for a second. There's someone approaching, so I need you to be quiet."

Ryou nodded his head in understanding, burying his face in Bakura's shoulder after I released him. I watched as the girl who brought us our meals came around the corner, looking very lost. The glint that sparked in my eye was no surprise though, I'd hated her fake ass smile from the beginning, and every day she just got more and more on my nerves. Now was the time for payback..

I launched forward, causing her to squeak before my hand cut off any way of conversation, slamming her against the wall behind her. "Shut your fucking mouth. One word, and I'll kill you on the spot. Is that understood?"

She nodded her head vigorously, her eyes wide but not a single sound coming from her except the small gasps of air through her nostrils.

"You attempt to Merge with your Ka, and I'll trample you. Got it?!"

Again she nodded, knowing full well I meant every word I'd said.

"Now, get us out of here" I growled, releasing her.

"I-I dunno how.."

"You work here!"

"I only work in the lower levels... I-I'm s-sorry... I-I don't h-have a card to get to the t-top floor."

I smashed my fist into the wall beside her head, causing her to yelp and quickly cover her own mouth.

"I-I th-think I-I know som-someone wh-who can he-lp though.."

"You'd better not lead me to a trap. Or I'll merge with my Ka, and smash you like a fucking bug!" I growled, my talons scraping the wall to further press my point.

"I-I won't.. I-I pro-omise.. I-I want to help y-you escape.."

"Back off, my Kindred is right there, and I'm not interested.."

She rolled her eyes before turning back down the hallway where she'd come from.

"I don't think she liked what I said..." I mumbled, looking over at Yuugi.

Yuugi looked up at me with a bored expression before his hand shot up to grab my ear. "C'mon you idiot," he grumbled, dragging me along.

We followed her for what felt like forever before coming to a cross between hallways.

"You fucking idiots!" I heard someone snarl after I walked in front of the hallway to my left. Turning to look all I caught was a white and blue blur before I was tackled to the ground.

Oscuridad took control, snarling at whoever had just ambushed me. "Calm down you fucking 'tard. It's just me."

"Seto!?" I yelped, standing back up before helping him back on his feet.

"Yeah me! You're a fucking moron! Everyone is on high alert now!"

"Not our fault. When opportunity arises you take the chance, do you not?"

Seto gaped at me like a fish, unable to believe what he'd just heard. "Th-That... That's not the fucking point! I told you I'd get you outta here-"

"Then do it now. We don't have any fucking clue where we're going. And that pansy over there is no help at all," I growled, motioning to the other brunette.

"You kidnapped a girl..." He sighed, his hand going up to slap himself in the forehead. "What am I going to do with you?"

"You can start with getting me outta here. That'd be a very cousin-ly thing to do.."

"I hate you... Have I told you that lately? I fucking hate you..."

"You've mentioned it once or twice..." I looked over with a smirk when I heard my Kindred snicker at my words.

"Please don't encourage him," Seto sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alright, I'll get you guys out. But you owe me!"

"I always owe you," I whined.

"And you'll continue to owe me."

I sighed, rolling my eyes, there really was no point to argue with him. "Alright. Fine. Let's go."

The eight of us set off, Seto leading the way. We went down countless hallways, through a door that required an ID card, which Seto thankfully had. Not that I couldn't have just blown the door off if we had found it before he found us. After going through the door there was a stairway we had to climb, and once we reached the top I was sure we were at least getting close to some sort of exit.

We rounded a corner only to have to quickly back up once again. I took a protective stance in front of Yuugi, not wanting anything else to happen to him. Around the corner to our right sat the exit – indicated by the sign above the door with bright red letters that read 'EXIT' over it. Just below the sign though, sat a large group of armed guards, ten – that I counted – were Merged in some way with their Ka. Pegasus was still nowhere to be found, and I could only assume that beyond that door were more guards.

Our only choice was to take out the ones inside before going out those doors. Otherwise we would be surrounded, outnumbered, and recaptured. I looked at our surroundings, and only then did I realize just how big the entrance to this place was. It was apparently made for Ka to run around freely. The ceiling was huge! I could barely see the top of it. Not only that, but the glass that surrounded the place looked really durable; even the walkway that was towards the back of the room looked like it could take a beating.

"Seto," I whispered, nudging him with a shoulder.

"Yeah?" He whispered back, glancing over his own to look at me.

"By your calculations, and my growth; you think Oscuridad could fit in this entrance room? Without busting out any walls?"

"Ultimate can walk through here easily..." He mumbled to himself, referring to his own Ka, which was much larger than my own. "What are you talking about, of course he – wait, what the hell are you thinking?"

"Sorry, but I don't feel like having my throat burned out by a fireball. Just stay here, I've got this..."

"N-No, Yami, let me do it!"

"No, I need you to handle the guards outside so we can get away. If you give yourself away in here, we won't stand a chance."

"Then be careful!"

"Relax, I'm fine. Oscuridad, let's go!"

A deep chuckle that sounded like more of a growl rumbled from my throat as the parts of my Ka came back into place. The scaled armor traveled all the way up my arms, covering my shoulders, spikes went out the back of my shoulders, neck and along my spine. Spikes shot from the back of my head as my jaw elongated to that of a dragon's muzzle, my nose changing to nostrils at the end of the snout. I felt myself sinking as Oscuridad took control, groaning as I once again fell forward on my hands and knees. My body grew to the size of my Ka, the charcoal-colored, scale-plated armor covering me once again as we rounded the corner.

Oscuridad pushed his chest out, making him appear bigger, and allowing the set of scales on his chest to glimmer gold in the light. I watched him huff in a bunch of air before opening his mouth, a large fireball waiting to be let go. The ones that weren't transformed stood there, wide eyed as they took in the sight of my beast. Oscuridad wasn't a creature to be fucked with, and they were about to learn why.

Let it go, Os'!

ROOOOAAAARRRR!He howled, lowering his head and blasting the fireball forward towards the group. His head recoiled a bit from the shock of the blast, but he'd ended up setting fire to where the group once stood. Only five of them made it out of the way on time. Oscuridad took care of them quickly though, shooting spikes from the tip of his tail and impaling them before they could react.

'Scuri! Behind you!

Oscuridad turned his head, smoke billowing from his nostrils, and his throat burning as another fireball came to surface. The guards that were stationed on the walkway were too close for him to miss. He opened his mouth and once again let them have it. While the walkway only lost a chunk from it's structure, the guards were nothing but charred remains of human ash.

My Ka released control back to me and I slowly shrank back down with a black cloud as Oscuridad's body disappeared. I panted, attempting to catch my breath as I regained control. "Damn... Didn't realize how much energy that would take," I gasped, clutching my jumpsuit where it covered my chest.

"Yami!" Yuugi said quietly, quickly getting to my side to mother me once again. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just not used to that," I grunted, standing back up. "Ready?"

"Yep. Let's go. I'll handle the guards, you guys get the hell outta here!" Seto ordered us.

"Right!" the six of us agreed simultaneously, the girl just stood there, gaping like a fish.

Blood and burned bodies covered the exit, but we made it past them, our Kindred and hostage, seemingly haunted by the sight, but deciding to ignore it for now.

Seto and I exchanged looks as we reached the double doors, and I understood his silent conversation, as did Oscuridad. My body was covered with armor, my chest – had it been uncovered – would have revealed a golden patch of scales over the empty space where my heart once sat. It was my job to protect the others long enough to escape this place, and even though Seto is going to take them all on, it was still my duty to take out anyone who approached us directly.

"Let's do this," Seto growled, white scales beginning to sprout as Cerberus took over his body, and they stepped out of the double doors. I shoved the door open and shielded the others with Oscuridad's wings as they extended from my back once again.

At least fifty men and women surrounded us, but they were no match for Ultimate – he had three heads for fuck's sake! "GO!" he roared, and we all took off, Oscuridad being our shield as we ran forward.

Nickey: That's right, that's where I'm cutting it off XD You take it from here Fallen! ^w^ And I know you'll kick ass next chapter :) Also! I think you guys should give Fallen here a round of applause, simply because she has been kicking ass and taking names with these past few chapters (we're actually ahead by like 3-4 chapters) She writes the evens, she edits the hell outta the odds (though not as much as she had to the first one XD) But! She's amazing. And on top of all that she still manages to get her own personal crap done. [Sorry Fallen, I made you the center of attention XD] Until next time ladies and gents! And don't forget to leave us a review on your way out! * waves * goodbye!

Fallen: *flustered* It's not like you don't contribute a hell-of-a-lot to this story, yourself, Nickey! She's come up with a lot of the major scenes coming up in the next couple of chapters, and beyond. I just work off of those to flesh out some scenes to write out. Also – need I mention that she has not only drawn the cover-image for this story, but she's also made models for several characters in Kindred in the program Miku Miku Dance? Even Arceus and Oscuridad! And let me tell ya, those things are freaking epic. She's also making a little (big) video to test them out, and make a mock-trailer for this story in Windows Movie Maker. (Here, you can have your spotlight back XD)

Alright, well, we'll see you guys in two weeks with the next chapter! Thanks for reading! :)

Please leave us a review, and tell us what you think? :D