He Among Us Without Sin

He Among Us Without Sin

Mally-chan & hatochiisai

YAOI WARNING

Disclaimer: We do not own Yugioh. Hato does own Mikado and Ahmose, though.

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Chapter 10

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Yami sighed as he walked. He knew the town he was headed to...but he'd always been a little lost concerning navigation. He'd made it back to Ahmose's world, and on his back he carried a small pack with an apology gift. He shook his head. He shouldn't have run off like that. His temper was always a little hot.

"Well Well....." A voice said, suddenly. Yami stopped and looked up. There, standing before him, was a Vatican Agent. He glanced at the shoulder knot and his heart sunk. He had nearly been killed by a Second Class Journeyman! THIS was a first class MASTER!!! The young man was staring at him through cold blue eyes, but Yami's eyes were drawn to the necklace that the man was wearing; instead of the golden cross or crucifix, there was a blue gem, shining with a pulsing glow, a pulseing glow that the cold eyes of the man mimicked.

Yami swallowed hard. "Oh. Damn." he breathed backing up a bit.

The man smirked. "Good way to put it..." He hissed, and with a flash, Yami suddenly found glowing blue shackles springing out of the ground and holding him in place as this Agent approached him, a sinister smirk on his lips. Several creatures followed. Yami recognized them as lesser Demons; imps really. Good for nothing creatures that often ended up as minions to more powerful beings.

Yami's wings flared up and he began to struggle. "Who are you? Why do imps follow your footsteps?" he hissed, bearing his small fang-like canines. "What is it you want from me?"

"An Incubus... how... quaint..." the brunette said, circling Yami. He tugged at his back pack. "On a little trip?"

Yami hissed and swiped at the teen with his wings. "Leave that alone!"

"Oooh..." The man laughed.

"Master Seto... What will you do with him...?" An imp asked, tugging Seto's cloak. Seto kicked him aside and instead opened the pack to see what Yami had inside.

Yami shrieked in fury and twisted, slashing at Seto once more with his wings. "That is NOT for you!" he howled. The pack moved slightly and he snarled. "Leave it alone!"

Seto managed to snatch the thing off of Yami's back and pulled out what was inside.

Inside was a hellhound puppy that looked to be of Egyptian descent with a bow on it's neck, as well as a phantom-hound that appeared to be ghostlike, despite being very much alive, also wearing a bow.

Seto blinked at the little creatures, then chuckled. "Courting, Incubus?"

Yami's cheeks flushed and he snarled. "Put them back!"

Seto stood, laughing, and gave Yami the pack with the pups in it. "You may have your chance to court your beloved..." He sneered, the imps giggling at Yami, laughing at the idea of anyone accepting an Incubus. "IF you complete my task... ALIVE."

Yami put his pack back on and growled. "Who says I'd do a thing you told me...?"

"Who says you have a choice?" Seto asked, and the glowing blue amulet around his neck flashed, and the blue shackles holding Yami swirled around him and into his mouth. A moment later, his eyes became solid glowing blue.

Yami's growls slowly died down, and his posture relaxed, his wings slowly folding and he remained still before the blue eyed youth before him.

Seto grinned and snapped his fingers. The imps squealed and scampered off, returning a moment later dragging a body. The body of a Vatican Agent, horribly mangled. The man was wearing the shoulder knots of a First Class Master, the same rank as Seto.

"You will deliver this fool, Honda, to the Vatican. You will throw him at the feet of the Vatican Agent Elder Councilmen. And then, you will murder the Pope, delivering the message that I am now in charge." He ordered.

Yami snarled and nodded slowly. "Of course...." he hissed taking the body from the imps. He spread his wings and gave them a few testing (and stretching) flaps.

Seto smirked. "If you succeed in killing the Pope, the moment his heart stops, you will be free..."

Yami nodded growling and taking to the sky, the mangled body of the dead agent, dangling from his arms.

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"HEY!!" Ahmose yelped, turning Nakhti and charging after Marik, leaving Malik alone to lead the carriage that Ryou was having fun driving, and chasing him back around the carriage. Mikado's mare neighed and bucked a bit as the wolf ran around her and under her, trying to escape Ahmose after stealing his left boot right off of his foot.

"Marik! We are TRYING to get to Rome in a TIMELY MANNER!!!" Mikado howled, glaring at the wolf who had darted under the carriage and was now trotting under it. Strigoi seemed to snort and shake his head in annoyance, tugging on the reins in Malik's hands.

Ryou giggled and shook his head. "C'mon Marik...come sit up here with me!" he chirped. "I'm getting a little cold...I could use a snuggle."

Malik made a gagging sound.

"Give me my boot!" Ahmose howled, then nearly whined, "My toes are getting cold..."

Ryou laughed. "Marik give poor Ahmose his boot and come up here with me!" he scolded playfully. "I'm lonesome."

A moment later, Marik leapt out from under the carriage and up beside Nakhti. Ahmose snatched his boot and glared as Marik ran to the carriage and managed to scramble up beside Ryou, tongue hanging out in a lupine grin, wagging his tail happily as he got an ear scritching.

Ryou smiled and kissed Marik's forehead. "We should reach Vatican city by nightfall...if we keep up a fast pace." he said eagerly. "I can’t wait! We can go shopping and buy you some new clothes...that aren't so tattered and torn, and much more comfortable." he cooed smiling.

Marik blinked and cocked his head, but wagged his tail and licked Ryou's face, earning himself a giggle from the little priest, which made his tail wag harder. Ahmose managed to get his boot on and joined Mikado while Malik took up the rear.

The rode all day, and as the sun was beginning to set Vatican city had come into view, painted crimson by the sun's dying glow.

Ryou sighed contently, nuzzling Marik. "Isn't that beautiful? I love sunsets..."

Yet again Malik made a gagging sound. "God...so mushy..."

Ahmose and Mikado both snickered as they rode on either side of Malik and Strigoi, who was looking tired.

"I'd invite Bakura to come out and enjoy the sunset but... well... you know..." Mikado said, and Ahmose eyed him. Mikado shrugged. "He bites."

Malik snickered. "He'd burst into flame before he had the chance...he's not fond of sunlight." he said shaking his head.

Ryou snuggled up to Marik and sighed but yelped when a shadow passed over them. Above a very large creature flew. At least the size of a human, with large leathery wings. It was flying exceedingly fast, as though it were in a hurry.

Malik and Mikado and Ahmose jumped and looked up, and Marik began yapping at the thing. Ahmose frowned, then his eyes widened. "Yami?!" He gasped, and kicked Nakhti into a gallop. Mikado's eyes widened and he turned and waved to Ryou, urging him to hurry, kicking his own mare into following Ahmose.

Ryou squeaked and urged the horses into a gallop as well, Malik hopping on to the platform to help him drive the carriage. "Pansy priests shouldn't drive carriages at high speeds." he explained.

Meanwhile the creature continued swiftly into the city. When it neared the Vatican, it's wings folded slightly and it went into a fierce dive.

One cardinal looked up and let a shriek of fear at the sight of the demon diving towards the Vatican. He turned and fled, and a moment later, Agents were pouring out of the Vatican, eyes wide in shock at the sight of a demon attacking the Holy City itself.

Yami landed and snarled, a deep growling heard as he stalked closer, dragging the bloodied mutilated body along with him. He flared his wings threateningly and charged forward suddenly, flinging the lifeless body before the Vatican Agent Elder Councilmen.

The man stood there, staring in horror at the mutilated body of a Master Agent they had sent to bring Seto home. Solomon, the High Elder, slowly raised his eyes and stared at Yami.

"An Incubus?!" Dartz gasped from where he stood beside Pegasus.

Pegasus glared slightly. "An affiliate of Seto's no doubt..." he snorted. "Bring him down... Do not let him leave alive!"

Yami let out an unearthly shriek and growled louder. He'd not finished his orders...he needed to find the pope.

But the Agents were closing in, pulling their weapons; swords, knives, daggers, crossbows, maces, flails, all manners of weapons. Suddenly, the ground began to quake beneath the Agents, and they yelped and stumbled.

"THERE!!!" Dartz shouted, pointing. Across the courtyard was a man on a black horse, his eyes glowing a vivid violet as he held one hand upraised. "Witchcraft! Someone get the Hunters!!!" Dartz ordered, referring to the Agents whose specialty was Witch Hunting.

That was all the opening Yami needed to tear into the distracted Agents, doing damages the likes of which no one had ever expected from an incubus. He shrieked once more biting down on one agent's arm, grabbing another to use as a human club, slinging him against the others and knocking them down. He fought his way swiftly, and with unearthly strength towards the Vatican, determined to finish his charge from Seto. "Die" he hissed snapping one agent's arm harshly and snatching the sword from him with his tail, slinging it harshly into another's gut.

"YAMI!!!" Ahmose shouted, guiding his nervous stallion towards the incubus. "NO!!! STOP IT!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" A moment later, Mikado came through the gates, eyes wide as he stared at the chaos within with walls of the Holy City. He raised his hand, making the Sign of the Cross.

"God help me..." He breathed, before dismounting the panicky mare and running across the yard. Agents had surrounded Ahmose, pulling him from his horse who was now screaming angrily, lunging and bucking, trying to escape the Agents attempting to contain him. Mikado skirted around them; they wouldn't just kill Ahmose without offering him a chance to explain himself and repent; Yami was a different story. The Agents had managed to back Yami into a tight corner; he couldn't fly out. Mikado's eyes widened as cross bows were raised.

"No! NO!!!" He shoved his way between Pegasus and Dartz, standing between Yami and the Agents, throwing his arms out to the sides. "DON'T!!!"

Yami however took the opportunity, snaring Mikado and pulling his arms painfully behind his back tail wrapping tightly around his throat. He hissed at the agents knowing they wouldn't shoot an innocent. "The pope..." he hissed. "Where... is the pope?"

Mikado gasped and winced. "Y-Yami! Stop it! What are you doing?!" He yelped.

"MIKADO!!! What are you DOING?!" Dartz shouted at the Agent, baffled at the boy protecting a demon.

Yami snarled tightening the grip on Mikado's throat. "The POPE! Where is he?!" he shrieked flaring his wings threateningly. "NOW!"

"Y-Yami..." Mikado groaned, squirming. "Please stop! I don't want to hurt you!!!" Ahmose in the mean time had been pinned to the ground by nearly a dozen Agents and was tense and still, quite conscious of the blade being held to his throat as he watched the drama unfolding between his lover, his brother and powerful Vatican Agents. The carriage clattered into the yard and Agents immediately swarmed it, seizing Malik, Ryou and Marik (who was in his normal human form and dressed) and took the carriage, recognizing it as one of their own.

Yami pulled Mikado's arms further into the painful position (nearly snapping the bones.). "Pope! WHERE?!"

Mikado grit his teeth and grimaced, groaning. "Yami... STOP it!!!" He gasped, reaching for the blade that Ahmose had gifted him the day before.

Yami's tail tightened. "I will kill you too..." he hissed choking the life slowly from the youth. "Along with the pope...Seto is the new lord of this city..." he snarled.

Mikado's eyes widened. "S-Seto!?" He gasped, barely able to breathe by this point. "Yami! Snap... snap out of it!!!" He gagged, his hand closing on the hilt of the dagger.

Yami turned icey blue glowing eyes on Mikado and hissed, bearing his teeth.

Mikado stared back at Yami over his shoulder, then raised the blade and slashed at the demon's shoulder; the green blade flashed and shimmered as the wound froze and burned a the same time.

Yami let out a pained howl dropping Mikado's arms, before regaining himself and slashing the youth harshly across the chest. "DIE! DIE!!!"

"AAH!!" Mikado yelped stumbling back away from Yami. The Agents raised their crossbows. "NO!!! Don't hurt him!!!" Mikado shouted, confusing the poor Agents even more as he lunged and tackled Yami to the ground, trying to pin him.

Yami raised his wing and slugged Mikado with it. "I will KILL YOU!" he shrieked snarling and struggling to get off his back with a wild fury. Despite the spell he still wanted to protect his small gifts.

Mikado yelped, toppling off of Yami, stunned by the blow from Yami's powerful wing. Ahmose closed his eyes tightly and began mouthing a chant silently.

Yami lunged forward pinning Mikado and hissing, knocking the dagger from his hand with his tail. "Where is your Pope?!"

Mikado glared at Yami, struggling to get loose, but craning his neck back and shouting at the Agents again to not hurt Yami. He didn't answer the Incubus.

Ryou whimpered and hurried to Ahmose's side. "Stop stop he's not evil please!" he squeaked. "Let him up! He can stop the demon!" he said in a distressed voice. "Let him up!"

Another Agent grabbed Ryou, pulling him away. "Who are you?!" He was demanding. "Why do you have a Vatican Coach!?" Mikado yelped when Yami hit him in the jaw, asking about the pope again.

"I'm not telling you!" He shouted, trying to fling the demon off of him.

Ryou whimpered. "T-they sent for me..." he squeaked. "I...I'm supposed to be assessed..." he said fearfully.

Yami howled in fury and slashed Mikado harshly. "NOW TELL ME! "

"HNN!!!" Mikado groaned through clenched teeth. "N-No! Snap out of it!!!" Ahmose thrashed in the grips of the Agents holding him down.

Yami slashed him again, getting more blood over his claws. "TELL ME!"

Ryou whined. "Let Ahmose up! He has to stop the demon! Please!" he pleaded. "I wouldn't lie to you I'm a priest! Please! You just HAVE to believe me!"

Ahmose finally got a hand loose and slapped it down on the ground. Purple and gold fire seemed to burn a trail across the ground, reaching Mikado and Yami and swirling around the demon, flinging him against the wall and pinning him there quite effectively. Mikado quickly got up, shouting at the Agents not to shoot Yami, as they were about to do just that.

Yami shrieked in fury and struggled, snarling and furious at having being trapped by magic. He hissed and growled daring anyone to near him.

Ryou hurried to Mikado and shook his head. "Are you ok?" he breathed worriedly.

Mikado whirled, glaring at the Agents pinning Ahmose. "Let him go! Let my brother GO!!!" He screamed, obviously flustered and frustrated. Bakura took this opportunity to emerge from the carriage, though no one noticed; all Agents were paying attention to the REAL action.

Dartz and Pegasus stared at the young Agent under their authority.

"Brother?!" Dartz blurted, turning and looking back at Ahmose. "You found your brother?!"

Pegasus nodded slowly. "Let the Sorcerer up." He said slowly, turning to Dartz. "Mikado says he is his brother... and the resemblance is striking...."

The Agents slowly backed away and Ahmose got to his feet, shoving past the other Agents and going to Yami.

"Yami!" He gasped, getting right in front of him, showing no fear. "Yami, what's happened?!"

Yami hissed, glowing blue eyes flashing warningly at Ahmose. "Kill... Must kill...." he growled.

Ahmose frowned. "Yami... who did this to you...?" He raised his hand and laid it on Yami's cheek. Dartz and Pegasus made a move towards them, and Mikado stopped them.

"Don't!"

Yami snapped at him. "Seto... must kill the pope..." he lunged forward, struggling again.

Ahmose frowned, then raised his hand and brought across Yami's cheek with a loud crack. "YAMI!!! WAKE UP!!!"

Yami snarled at Ahmose loudly struggling more. "Don’t touch me..." he growled louder. "Away..."

Ahmose scowled and grabbed Yami's head in his hands, closing his eyes and pressing their foreheads together. "Yami... Yami please..." He murmured to the demon, trying to allow his aura to flow freely to allow Yami to "taste" it. "I love you, Yami... please snap out of this... I think I still owe you a feast..."

The demon slowly calmed and relaxed against Ahmose though he continued growling softly. After a long time his growling even died down.

"Yami..." Ahmose breathed, and slowly moved his hand up to run his fingers through the demon's hair. "Do not allow anyone to control you, my love... You are too strong for that..."

Yami growled softly once more, though it was more of a whining growl. He whined once more, coughing and struggling slightly. Finally he coughed harshly once more, glowing blue mist dissipating from his jaws before going limp.

Ahmose blinked and the purple and gold fire burned away, releasing Yami. Ahmose caught the demon as he fell. "Yami?! Are you okay?!" He asked, helping Yami sit down on the ground. Mikado knelt beside them.

"Yami, what happened to you?!"

Dartz blinked at Pegasus, confused.

The only reply they got was a loud whine. "You STABBED my shoulder!" he whined. "It hurrrrrts dammit!"

Mikado blinked. "I'm sorry..." He mumbled. "You were gonna KILL me!"

"The hell why I didn't I'll never know. YOU STABBED ME!" he whined more. "Damn that smarts!" he pouted slightly. "Do NOT stab me with my own weapons!" he huffed softly.

"LANGUAGE!" Ryou was heard shouting from across the courtyard, from next to Marik.

Yami blinked a bit. "Oh shit... I'm still...." he peered around Ahmose and swallowed hard. "I'm boned." he shrank down.

Ahmose frowned, holding Yami tightly.

"I didn't stab you with your own weapon, I stabbed you with the dagger Ahmose gave me!"

"Yeah from MY world!" Yami grumbled wincing. "That's gonna sting FOREVER damnit. I HATE those things." He hunched down more. "And there are AGENTS everywhere." he whispered seemingly trying to shrink low to the ground, as though they wouldn't see him.

Mikado blinked and gulped, slowly standing and turning to face his superiors, all still holding crossbows and what not. His eyes fell on two of his teachers, Dartz and Pegasus. He gulped and gave them a sheepish smile.

"Um... good evening, sirs..." He said, bowing slightly. "Um... I uh... I found the uh... the priest...?"

Pegasus raised an eyebrow. "As well as a werewolf, an elf, an incubus and apparently a brother using the dark arts." he said calmly. "Care to explain?"

Mikado flushed and looked around at all of the Masters, Grand Masters and Elites staring at him, as well as a very disgruntled High Council Elder.

"Um... Long story?" He squeaked.

"You are in trouble, young man." Dartz growled, folding his arms and glaring at the Journeyman.

"Shit..." Mikado cursed, then winced. Crap. He had just cursed... oh, he was gonna be sent to the Confessional and have to do Penance for this...

Ryou groaned. "LANGUAGE!" he shouted once more.

Yami tried to hide it, but at Mikado's plight, he started to laugh. "Ha ha! You're in trooouuuuble!" he sang.

"Oh, and you're NOT?!" Ahmose hissed, clutching Yami tightly.

Yami blinked. "Uh..." he blinked a few times. "Oh." he took off his pack and reached in. He plunked an adorable, furry hellhound puppy in Ahmose's hands. The little ball of fuzz looked up at Ahmose and yipped cutely, her dark violet ribbon bouncing slightly. "I brought you a present." Yami said proudly.

On the ribbon was a small tag.

'I'm sorry, I'd never leave you...I just needed time to think.'

Ahmose blinked at the puppy, eyes wide. He just stared, as did Mikado.

"Yami, you have really bad timing." The Agent said, hoping to direct attention away from himself.

Yami plunked a phantom-hound puppy in Mikado's hands. "Got you one too." he grinned.

Another tag.

'Even though you're an Agent, I'll try to get along with you.'

Mikado blinked and flushed. "Um... Uh... Thanks..." He said.

"MIKADO!!!" Someone shouted, and everyone turned and looked at a Vatican Ranger who was petting Mikado's mare. "Care to explain why your mare is pregnant?!"

Yami snickered again. "Ahmose's horse fucked it!" he called loudly, quite amused.

"LANGUAGE!"

Dartz raised his eyebrow. "Your brother's stallion got your mare pregnant?" He asked, and Mikado and Ahmose both turned red and looked anywhere but at the Agents.

Yami laughed more. "Ha ha now you're booooth in trouble!" he cackled.

Ryou sighed and shook his head. "At least you're behaved..." he cooed to Marik, quite proud.

Marik gulped, his tail tucked in. "The... The Stalkers are staring at me..." He squeaked, eyeing the Agents wearing the black and purple shoulder knots.

Ryou wrinkled his nose and glared at them. "Don’t stare! He's a convert! You give him the respect any Christian deserves!" he said coldly, pointing to Marik's silver crucifix. "See? You stop glaring!"

The Stalkers edged closer, hands on their weapons of silver. "Ryou... they aren't gonna listen..." Marik mumbled. "They're the Elite Agents specializing in Werewolves... that's what Stalkers are..."

Ryou stood between Marik and the agents, holding his staff defensively. "Stop it! He's not evil! Leave him alone!" he squeaked. "Don’t!"

The Stalkers looked at each other. They didn't back down, but they didn't make a move towards Marik, either. They turned and looked over at the Council, made of the High Council Elder, Solomon, and one of each Elite Class. Of course, only a few members were within the yard, Solomon the High Elder, Dartz the Guardian, Pegasus the Scholar, and Rishido the Consular. But they had their attention on the Journeyman, his brother, and the Incubus.

Ryou whimpered softly and backed up against Marik, determined to protect his lover if need be.

Yami winced. "Ouch... So... can I be excused? I don’t like being surrounded by so many glaring Vatican Agents...with weapons."

Ahmose looked around, noting the Agents who had white and yellow shoulder knots. They were Warriors; Elites who specialized in Demons. Dartz sighed and looked at Pegasus. "So... What do we do with them? An elf, a werewolf, a demon and a warlock... brought in by one of our own..."

"I'm a sorcerer, not a warlock." Ahmose grumbled, and the Agents glared at him.

"Warlock sounds sexier." Yami commented laughing.

Pegasus groaned. "Lord give me strength...." he mumbled rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Bind them for now, and we'll see what Mikado and the priest have to say after Mikado's been cleansed and had a LONG confessional."

Mikado winced, looking down.

"VAMPIRE!!!" One Agent shouted suddenly, and the Slayers immediately turned their attention to Bakura, who looked very annoyed that he had been driven straight into Vatican City.

Bakura growled. He'd get Mikado for this later. "Don’t you move against me, I came by invitation!" he said glaring. "You know as well as I do I can’t enter a residence without permission, and the Vatican residence STARTS at the damned courtyard!" he howled.

Slayers moved in on Bakura and Stalkers moved in on Marik.

"Bind them and bring them in as Pegasus said!" Dartz ordered. "Do not harm any of them until all has been explained!" Warriors and Hunters moved in on Yami and Ahmose, the Warriors taking control of Yami, the Hunters taking Ahmose, who looked quite put out. Rangers took the horses, and a pair of Scouts took the Hellhound and Phantom hound pups.

Yami hissed at the warriors snapping at them. "I don’t like being tied up! I do the tying!" he howled furiously.

Ryou whimpered and shook his head worriedly. "M-Marik don’t panic please!" he said to his frightened lover. "I promise you'll be safe I promsie!"

Marik whimpered, laying his ears back and tucking his tail in. His eyes were wide and he was shaking, but he let the Stalkers bind his wrists behind his back and lead him towards the Hall of the Agents. Ahmose growled as he was dragged away from Yami, but he didn't fight them.

"Yami, calm down! You'll only make it worse for yourself!" He hissed. Scouts moved in on Malik, and Slayers on Bakura.

Bakura rolled his eyes and let out an annoyed sigh. "If we must." he said calmly holding out his wrists. "Though you're merely wasting precious moments of your little lives that you wont be getting back. Time stops for no ignorant mortal." he drawled.

The Slayers said nothing, just bound him and led him after the others as Rangers took the horses to the stables, though Strigoi and Nakhti were both throwing tantrums.

"Remove them to holding cells." Dartz ordered. "Mikado... Ryou. Come with us."

Ryou sighed and nodded, hurrying forward and giving Mikado a stern look. "You need to do something with that filthy mouth of yours....cursing at such a time...honestly." he smiled though. "I'm sure you'll repent during your likely hours doing penance." he giggled.

“Oh, shut up…” Mikado grumbled, following Dartz and Pegasus to the Council Hall. When they walked in, they found that the other councilmen had gathered. Mikado and Ryou stood at the foot of the long table. Solomon sat at the head, and seven men sat on each side of the table, one from each Elite Class, staring at the boys. Mikado gulped and looked down at his feet, fidgeting. It had been a long time since he had been brought to face the council…

Ryou didn't fidget, he'd been trained since a young age to hold himself with grace and confidence, despite his naturally lacking confidence. He bowed his head respectfully.

"H-hello council." he said softly.

The council just sat and stared at the pair for quite some time. Finally, Solomon spoke.

"So... who would like to explain the fiasco out in the courtyard and the presence of so many unholy creatures within the gates of the Holy City?" He asked.

Ryou giggled softly. "Mikado'd love to explain."

"Ryou!" Mikado hissed, staring in mortification at the priest. Dartz blinked and looked at Pegasus, eyebrows raised.

Pegasus chuckled. "It seems you've been nominated Mikado. So you may as well start from the beginning."

Mikado winced and took a deep breath, letting it out, slowly. "W-Well, sirs... about two weeks ago I was sent out to recover Ryou, who had not arrived at the Vatican to be assessed as scheduled... I... went to a... source of mine... the vampire, Bakura." The Slayer on the Council narrowed his eyes.

"You have been using a vampire as an informant?! For how long?! How did you meet him?! You actually TRUST him?!" The man shouted, standing and glaring at Mikado. "You FOOL!!! Did you not learn your lessons?!"

Ryou winced at the shouting, even though it wasn't directed at him.

"Silence...we will deal with verbal lashings at the END of his tale." Pegasus said sternly. "Continue Mikado."

Mikado sighed. "Bakura told me what he knew of Ryou and where I could find him. He said that a werewolf might be involved so he gave me a silver dagger."

"An Agent of your rank going after a werewolf?! You know better than that, what were you--"

"Silence!" Solomon called, cutting off the Stalker. "Beratings at the END of the tale..." Mikado sighed and continued.

"I went and searched Ryou out. He was being held by an elf and a werewolf... I kind of came upon them unexpectedly. I would have preferred stealth but... I round a bend in the path and found myself in their lair. We... fought and... and..."

"And you didn't stand a chance." Dartz concluded. Mikado bit his lip and nodded.

"They... almost killed me... if it weren't for Ryou's healing powers, they would have..." Mikado mumbled, humiliated.

Pegasus nodded. "I see. Please continue... how did you come to your brother and the demon?"

"Well... the elf and werewolf decided to keep me alive... I beleive that their plan was to ransom me, and possibly Ryou, off to the Vatican..." Mikado mumbled, thoroughly ashamed. "They took us to a village... a village of outlaws," The Sentinel perked up at that. "And kept us in the stable. They... let the outlaws... attack me... a twisted way of getting revenge on Agents they had run afoul of..." Mikado explained. He left out the part that involved the Feeding Frenzy of vampires centered on him. He didn't want ANY one to know about that.

"Yet there is no scratch or injury to be seen." Pegasus said calmly. "Our priest friend once more?"

Mikado nodded. "Yessir... After almost a week, Bakura came to the village. He... I was brought to him as... I dunno... for him to feed off of," Several Councilmen squirmed a bit, "But he... demanded Ryou and my release... he sent us to a room at the inn and told us to leave first thing in the morning. He saved us..."

Pegasus nodded. "I see...continue."

"Well... in the morning Ryou and I were leaving when... well... my mare was in heat..." Mikado mumbled, now looking extremely embarassed. "She threw me when a stallion caught her scent and chased her into the woods." He could feel the Councilmen staring at him, and he could almost hear them sneering, 'you were thrown from your horse? Are you really that incapable?'

"ahh..." Pegasus chuckled. "We will have to see about more riding instruction. Please continue."

Mikado scowled. "I got a panicky mare. I hadn't been bucked off a horse since I was twelve until I rode HER!!!" He howled, and the Ranger raised his eyebrows.

"The horse doesn't make the rider." Pegasus laughed. "Now please continue your story."

"Well... I noticed the Incubus then... he had been thrown from the stallion. I knew that Incubi are weaker demons, so I figured I could take him... so... I tried to kill him. I almost had him when I was attacked by his companion, who defended him. We fought and... I stabbed him in the chest..." Mikado said. "He fell and... the demon was really upset... but then I recognized the man... and I realized that I had just... stabbed my brother..." Mikado lowered his head to stare at the floor again.

"So your brother defended the demon?" Pegasus clicked his tongue. "Tell me… what is his connection to this demon?"

Mikado's eyes widened at that and he stared at Pegasus, then looked around nervously. "Um... they are... friends...?" He offered hopefully. "And travel companions... But anyway, Ryou healed Ahmose and he and I spent the day together catching up and stuff and... And Ryou baptized the werewolf, who has converted and... and we eventually made our way... here... but Yami took off and disappeared for a while and just... appeared here as we arrived so... I don't know where he's been but, he wasn't himself when he attacked, I swear it!!!"

"Mikado, it doesn't matter WHO he was. He is a companion of Lucifer." Pegasus said calmly. "You know what must be done...not to mention the injuries he caused, and the death of an agent AND an attempted assassination of the pope!"

Mikado shook his head. "No! He... He's a pain in the ass, yes, but he's NOT evil!!!" He insisted and Dartz sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose at Mikado's cursing again.

Ryou swatted Mikado lightly. "LANGUAGE!" he hissed.

"Mikado. He's a demon. What is the definition of Demon?" Pegasus said calmly. "They are wicked beings whose soul purpose is to do evil. Do you not think this particular demon witty? Incubi are not strong...but what they lack in strength, they make up for in wit. He is fooling you into thinking he is not evil..."

"Ahmose trusts him!!!" Mikado cried, as if this made it okay.

"And he's a sorcerer! Practicing dark arts!" Pegasus countered.

Mikado scowled. "Only because a sorcerer got to him before YOU all did! I'll bet that he could have been a better Agent than me... but Ahmose is a good person! Just because he's a sorcerer it doesn't make HIM evil!!!"

"I will give your brother the benefit of the doubt. Humans are not naturally wicked." Pegasus said calmly. "But just because your brother, who is obviously already mislead in his course of life trusts a demon, does NOT make him a good being, or make it ok for YOU to trust him." he scolded.

Mikado glared. "I never said I trusted the Incubus!!!" He argued. "But... I’m sure that he didn't kill that Agent! He's not strong or skilled enough. If he can't defend himself against me, a 2nd Class Journeyman, then how could he KILL Honda, a 1st Class Master?!"

"He had Honda's blood on his claws, and he delivered a dead body directly to us." Pegasus calmly explained. "He held a great MANY agents at bay before you got here as well...injuring MANY."

Mikado frowned. "But you saw his eyes! They were glowing blue! And the glow disappeared and came out of his mouth! That was magic!" Mikado argued.

Pegasus shook his head. "It matters not what it was. He's a demon. He will be dealt with."

Mikado glared. "He DIDN'T do it..." The journeyman growled. "I would bet my LIFE on it."

"Well your life isn't in question." Pegasus said. "He will be dealt with for his sins, and his crimes." he said once more. "And THAT is the end of that discussion."

Mikado grit his teeth and glared at Pegasus. "... Ahmose won't let you hurt him." He said.

"They are being held seperately. Ahmose will not know." Pegasus said. "and NO one will tell him. It is not his business what the church does with demons and their dismissal from this world."

Mikado's eyes widened. "YOU CAN'T DO THAT!!!" He shouted.

"ENOUGH!!!" Dartz bellowed. "Your disrespect is not tolerable! You will hold your tongue!" Mikado winced and looked down.

Ryou bit his lip and shook his head in worry. Yami...didn't SEEM to be a bad person… but he would be seeking confessional as well...and penance of his own for feelings towards Marik. Thank heavens Confessional and penance were both without witness and in secret.

"As for the werewolf...he was converted? Who bore witness?"

"... I did." Mikado said softly, still staring at the floor.

"And I will assume it was Ryou who preformed the ritual?" Pegasus asked. "Were there any flaws? Did he repent?"

"It was all valid, sir." Mikado mumbled.

Pegasus smiled slightly. "Then, I am glad to welcome him unto our religion." he said softly. "The werewolf is to be released and with blessings. He is the first conversion ever, and is to be treated as such."

Ryou let out a sigh of relief.

"And this Vampire...." Pegasus said voice growing stern once more. "Has he made move against you?"

Mikado blinked and jerked his head up, eyes wide. "W-What? What do you mean?"

"Has he inflicted harm or intent of harm on you?" Pegasus repeated.

Mikado blinked, then shook his head, eyes wide. "N-No! I mean, he has threatened me but... they are empty threats that he simply voices out of annoyance when I... um... get on his nerves..." Dartz frowned.

"You are awfully jumpy about this..."

Pegasus frowned. "Mikado, has he fed from you?"

Mikado tensed and his wide eyes grew impossibly wider. He said nothing. Dartz turned and nodded to the Slayer at the table, who stood and walked around to Mikado, pulling his clothing to the side to view both sides of his neck. Mikado grit his teeth and closed his eyes.

"He has been bitten..." The Slayer growled, touching the scars on the right side of Mikado's neck.

"That... that wasn't him..." Mikado gasped, shivering and wringing his hands.

"Who was it then?" Pegasus asked calmly. "Is there a part of your story you are leaving out?"

"The truth is only the truth if it is the whole truth. Are you lying through omission, Journeyman?" Solomon asked, and Mikado's lip trembled a bit. He still said nothing.

"What of this?" The Slayer asked, touching the left side of Mikado's neck. "Was this the work of the one you call Bakura?" Mikado chewed his lip, then nodded.

Pegasus looked deep in thought. "Normally in such a situation, I would request the vanquishment of such a vampire. But we are indebted to him. Twicefold." he said calmly. "Once for leading Mikado to Ryou, and twice for rescuing the two."

Mikado seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, smiling and nodding.

"You did not answer Pegasus' question." Solomon said. "Journeyman, are you leaving out part of your story?" Mikado quickly looked down again. The Slayer scowled.

"Pull up your sleeves and show us your arms." He ordered. Mikado looked up at Dartz and Pegasus, silently begging them not to make him. But they offered him nothing but a piercing gaze. Slowly, Mikado removed his gloves, pulled up his sleeves and revealed his wrists to the Council, revealing the scars that the vampires had left him with.

Pegasus nodded. "Are these ALSO from Bakura?"

Mikado gulped and shook his head, slowly.

"You have other scars, don't you?" Dartz asked. Mikado chewed his lip and nodded after a brief hesitation.

"What happened?" Pegasus demanded, though calm. "Explain them."

Mikado squeaked and shook his head, too ashamed to speak of what had happened. The Slayer looked up at Solomon.

"I request permission to inspect him." He said. Solomon nodded.

"Mikado. Go with him." The Head of the Council said, and Mikado drooped a bit.

"... yessir..." He mumbled, and followed the Slayer from the room. This left the council room in silence, and left Ryou to be stared at.

Ryou fidgeted a bit, head still bowed. What now? He briefly wondered if they would want to assess him on the spot or if there were more questions to be sent HIS way. Oh how he did NOT envy Mikado...

"Ryou." Dartz said. "He is leaving something out, is he not?" He asked. "Other than his omission, has he been truthful with us?"

Ryou nodded quickly. "C-completely honest sirs..."

"Hmm..." Dartz mused, and silence fell over the room. A few minutes later, the Slayer returned with Mikado, who looked thoroughly ashamed and upset.

"His body bears the scars of a Vampire Feeding Frenzy." The Slayer said, grimly. "He says that it was thanks to the werewolf that his life was spared. But there are scars at every major artery and vein." Mikado closed his eyes and hung his head. He probably had more vampire bite scars on his body than a dozen Agents combined. Rarely did an Agent fall victim to a vampire and live.

Pegasus nodded. "I see... Mikado will have a cleansing tonight... Since the scars are not of the vampire in question... he too will go free this night."

The Slayer nodded. "I will see to his cleansing." He said, and took his seat again. Mikado just stared at the floor, silently. Dartz looked at Pegasus, then at Mikado.

"Care to tell us how you ended up the victim of a Feeding Frenzy?" He asked, and Mikado shuddered, then shook his head. Dartz raised an eyebrow at Mikado's refusal to talk.

Ryou frowned softly. "Some things... are best left unsaid." he said softly.

Pegasus nodded after a moment. "Very well..."

Mikado slowly looked up. "What... are you going to do with my brother and the Incubus?" He asked softly.

"The incubus will be taken care of." Pegasus said calmly. "We will try to convert your brother, or at least get repentance... but what he does in his life is his choice."

Mikado frowned. "What do you mean by 'taken care of'?"

"You know exactly what I mean Mikado." Pegasus said grimly. "He is a demon."

"No!! You can't!" Mikado cried. "Why do all demons have to be evil?!"

"You should ask a demon that." Pegasus said calmly. "Now I've stated it once before, and I shall state it once again for the FINAL time. This is the end of the discussion. The demon will be dealt with, and no words of it shall be spoken from this moment on."

Mikado scowled and slammed a fist down on the table. "Like HELL it is!!!"

Pegasus gave Mikado a firm look. "Mikado, will you go against the CHURCH on a hunch that you have NO proof whatsoever to prove true?" he said standing. "Will you show such insubordination over a DEMON!?"

"Does the Church not believe in FORGIVENESS?!" Mikado shouted. Dartz leaned back and raised an eyebrow. Solomon chuckled and looked at Dartz.

"He reminds me of YOU when YOU were his age..." The Elder said, and Dartz frowned and flushed.

"You tread thin ice Mikado. Do you think the church and it's beliefs were established in one day? Demons are evil! They've been evil for hundreds of years! The rites and beliefs of this church are based on the expierence and knowledge of those elder to you! Now silence yourself or risk being banished from this church for heresy and blaspheme!"

Mikado glared hard at Pegasus, jaw and fists clenched. But he lowered his head and glared at the floor, silent.

Pegasus snorted. "And for your lack of judgement and obvious inexpierence, you're being demoted."

Mikado jerked his head up, eyes wide. "WHAT?!"

"You heard me. You have little respect for those outranking you, you think you know it all, and quite obviously haven't learned a thing from your very impressive FAILURE at that last mission."

Mikado flinched at the man's harsh words. "With all due respect sir, I was sent in over my head because my superiors failed to look into the situation thoroughly." He growled between clenched teeth. Solomon chuckled.

"He has a point..." He said.

"He was sent to discover if Ryou was alright. He was to try to retrieve him ONLY if he thought he could." Pegasus corrected. "His direct orders were merely to check up on our little priest. Not to go charging head over teakettle into a lion's den."

Mikado frowned. "No sir, I was told to find Ryou and bring him back to Vatican City." He said. "Those were the orders. And I DID bring Ryou back, so technically, my mission was achieved, NOT failed."

"IF you wish to play technicalities Mikado, did you not say the Vampire is the one who rescued you AND provided your information? He's a far better Agent than you if you wish to play by those cards..." Pegasus warned.

Mikado scowled. "Isn't gathering information from sources part of my job?" He asked, folding his arms and glaring at Pegasus. "Do YOU not have informants?" Dartz chuckled, grinning in amusement at Pegasus; an Agent of his rank had numerous informants.

"Certainly not of the vampiric persuasion." Pegasus said calmly. "I dont seek evil to find my information... one day he may take your soul as payment for his 'services'."

Mikado smirked. "He can try..." He said, and Solomon laughed.

"Well he can try further, with a 3rd class journeyman." Pegasus snorted. "Now go turn in your rank knots. They're unfit for you."

Mikado stared at Pegasus for a moment, then sighed and drooped, hanging his head. "... yessir..." He mumbled, bowing and turning, walking out of the room.

"Now gentlemen...take care of our demon friend." he said to the warriors. "Once he is dealt with, release the others."

The Warrior nodded and stood, turning and walking from the room, heading down to the dungeons.

Ryou frowned but said nothing.

Meanwhile, our favorite demon was sitting in his holding cell looking bored. "I hate this." he pouted.

Ahmose was in a cell a few doors down, pacing impatiently. He glanced up when a pair of Agents walked by, but he didn't see the Warrior's shoulder knots. The Warrior reached Yami's cell, and the guarding Agent unlocked it.

Yami blinked and looked up, but when he caught sight of the knot he hissed loudly and flared up his wings in warning. "What do you want?" he snarled.

"To do my job." The Warrior said, pulling his sword. He lifted his empty hand and made the Sign of the Cross at Yami. "In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen."

Yami yelped and scrambled back. He let out an ungodly shriek. "Back off!" he howled backing up. He had nowhere to go. He was indoors, and his little 'teleport home' trick only worked outdoors. He was practically paralyzed because of the 'prayer' just spouted at him, and he was injured on top of that. He was cornered.

The Warrior raised his sword.

"YAMI!?" Ahmose called, having hear Yami's shriek.

"Ahmose he's gonna kill me!" Yami howled, followed by another shriek.

There was a pause after that shout, but a moment later there was an explosion. The guard whirled, staring as the door to Ahmose's cell was blown off of its hinges and the sorcerer darted out and tackled the guard, slamming his head into the floor and knocking him out. The Warrior turned and stared, eyes wide.

"I stayed in there out of respect..." Ahmose growled, stalking into Yami's cell. "But I won't sit around while you try to kill him..."

Yami whined softly, his arm and shoulder bloodied. The second shriek had been a shriek of pain. He'd been slashed, though it wasn't a mortal wound. "I TOLD you! This is why I don’t..." Yami whimpered. "Everyone wants me DEAD!"

Ahmose growled and faced the Warrior.

"You have no weapons. Stand down." The Agent commanded.

"Just because I was disarmed it doesn't mean I have no weapons." Ahmose said. He raised his hand and thrust it forwards. The Agent yelped as an unseen force slammed into him, sending him flying into the wall. Ahmose grabbed Yami's hand. "Come on!!!"

Yami nodded and stumbled after Ahmose. "He prayed at meeeee." he whined loudly. "Stupid STUPID prayer-stuff!"

Ahmose grunted. “Just come on.” He said, scowling when Yami continued stumbling awkwardly. “Oh for God’s sake…” He turned and shoved his shoulder into Yami’s stomach, causing the demon to fall over. He stood, Yami draped over his shoulder, and ran up the stairs of the dungeon. Marik blinked and watched them go.

”Uh… see ya round, guys…” He called, cocking an ear in confusion. He looked at Malik in the cell across from him, his face requesting an explanation for why Ahmose had blown up a door, knocked out two Agents, and was now fleeing up the stairs carrying Yami like a damsel in distress.

"You know it's God's fault." Yami grunted while Ahmose carried him. "Where is it exactly you plan to take me? This church is huge! The courtyard is huge, they have your HORSE and what about my puppies?! I brought it just for you!" he pouted. "They better not kill it...I picked it especially for you..."

Ahmose scowled. "We'll worry about the puppy when I get you out of here safely!" The sorcerer growled as they reached the doors leading out of the dungeon. He narrowed his eyes and a moment later, the doors flew open, knocking a 2nd Class Apprentice flat on his back, sending the books he was carrying flying.

"OWWWW!!!" He wailed, but gasped at the sight of the demon being carried down the corridor. Other Agents watched, stunned and confused.

Yami blinked. "Aside from the situation this is kinda sexy." he chuckled. "I mean once you get past the pain, and the danger of life being lost, you're certainly sexy being all bold and 'rescuing' me." Yami crooned. "I should do what those human women do...what is it? Swoon? Then I'll get you a flower. Humans like flowers dont they?"

The commotion had drawn out apprentice to master alike and during Yami's little admiration speech the Warriors available began chasing them.

Just as they managed to near the doors out of the corridor, Yami let out an ungodly shriek, gasping before going deathly silent and limp.. from an upstairs landing, stood a warrior with a proud smirk. He'd thrown his knife down...and managed to peg the demon in the back, the blade remaining inbedded in Yami's back as proof of the 'victory.'

Ahmose stumbled when Yami jerked, and when the demon went limp, he tripped over his wings, crashing to the ground. He groaned and lifted his head, eyes darting around at the Warriors and Hunters surrounding him, the Warriors eyeing Yami for any signs of life, and the Hunters watching Ahmose warily. They were specialized in witches and warlocks; sorcerers were rare and could be far more powerful. Ahmose grunted and got out from under the demon, and his blood froze in his veins at the sight of the knife.

"No... Oh God, no..." He breathed. Upstairs, several other Agents were gathering to see, Mikado among them, tying his yellow and silver 3rd Class Journeyman knot. His eyes widened.

"Oh no..." He gasped, staring down at his brother and the demon.

Yami remained still his breathing ragged. He fell into vicious coughs, and the tell-tale sign was there...blood dribbled from his mouth. They had done internal damage. He winced and tried to force himself weakly up off of Ahmose. Of course the action met another dagger thrown, striking his only good shoulder, and he toppled back down whimpering and coughing more harshly.

Ahmose stared then flung himself over Yami. "DON'T!!!" He shouted. "GOD!!! DON'T HURT HIM!!!" He pulled the knife from Yami's back, pressing his hand against it and stopping the bleeding and dulling the pain, unable to heal like Ryou could. He did the same with the dagger, stopping the bleeding and dulling the pain. He still hung over Yami, shielding the demon with his own body. "Yami... please... hold on..."

Yami coughed more, wincing as he nearly choked on his own blood. "ew..." he managed to mumble.

"Step aside... do not defend a demon!" One warrior spoke up. "He's been charged with death for the murder of an agent, the injury of several agents, and attempted assasination of the pope!"

Another dagger flew, striking one of the few places Ahmose couldn't protect, Yami's wing.

Ahmose whirled, throwing his hand up and blasting the Agent nearly fifty yards. "GET AWAY!!!" He screamed, pulling the blade from Yami's wing and flinging it at a Warrior who was taking aim with a crossbow, striking him in the right shoulder.

The agents gathered closer, despite Ahmose's desperation, the injured being tended. Just as the head warrior was about to request Ahmose's retreat once more...one of the priests (who was undeterminable) hurled a skin of holy water onto Yami.

Yami shrieked in pain and began struggling and scrambling to get away from the literal burning. The water was burning him alive and no matter how he struggled in his weakness he couldn't put it out, the fires merely blazed brighter.

"YAMI!!!" Ahmose screamed, eyes blazing gold. His hair and cloak flew up and a shockwave sent every Agent within a hundred yards flat on their backs. The sorcerer frantically tried to help Yami, soon picking him up and running again, leaping over several Agents who were still on the floor. "Oh God please..." He gasped. "Spare him..." Mikado ran for the stairs.

Yami continued struggling vainly, most of his wings beginning to glow as a true fire began eating away at him. "I-it burns!" he choked out, coughing more, trying to gasp for breath as he choked.

Ahmose burst outside and into the snow, looking around as he tried to figure out where he was and which way was to safety. Mikado ran across the hall, leaping over Agents that were still recovering from Ahmose's shockwave, following his brother.

Yami continued coughing, gasping for air, his struggling slowly dying due to lack of oxygen.

"Stay still..." Ahmose gasped, closing his eyes and trying to banish the flames and holy water. "Don't strain yourself..."

Yami groaned softly, looking up at Ahmose with dulling red eyes. Eyes that said what he clearly could not. I'm going to die... aren't I?

Ahmose stared down at Yami. "I... I'm not gonna let you die..." He gasped, heading for the gates of the Holy City, trying to get there before the pursuing Agents caught him.

Yami choked coughing once more. Don’t lie to me. My wings are either on fire, or at they were. I'm coughing up blood for god's sake! Soft whimpers. no, I'm CHOKING on my own blood. Yami weakly lifted his tail, curling it delicately around Ahmose's waist. But you know...I saw you again...and I said I was sorry...

"Don't you dare leave me again!" Ahmose panted, then howled and pitched forwards, Yami flying from his arms. Both landed heavily on the ground, Ahmose groaning and twisting around to see the arrow lodged deep in his thigh. The Agents swarmed around them, weapons ready.

"NO!!!" Mikado shouted, trying to fight his way through their ranks. "LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!" The High Council made their way over and the Agents moved aside to let them through.

Pegasus was the first to the front. He frowned at the sight before him.

"Well... I see the Demon is dead..." he said calmly motioning to Yami's still body. There was no motion of breath. "Why were you struggling to save him? Did he steal your soul?"

"Oh God..." Mikado whimpered, watching Ahmose drag himself over to Yami and shake him slightly.

"Yami... Yami, wake up..." The sorcerer whimpered, hands shaking. "Please... don't do this... Don't leave me... not again... Yami, please..." He rested his head on Yami's chest, listening for any sign of breathing or a beating heart.

Neither were found...

The High Councilman had been right...

Yami was indeed gone.

Ahmose's eyes closed and his heart shattered.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

O.O!!! PLEASE DON’T KILL ME!!!


Blackdragon: Yeah… obviously, Yami came back… but he didn’t stay long…

Jeda: Yep… Bakura rocks. ^_^ And if you felt sorry for Ahmose LAST chapter… well… >.> ^____^() Yami is a bit emo, ain’t he? Heh… like Ahmose isn’t… as for the evil presence… >.> heh… I’m gonna let you stew a bit…

Chibigeemu: Yep. It was sad. But THIS was heartbreaking, ne?

Lokivsanubis: Heh… pissy Yami is… ummm… well… he did hurry back, but… well… please don’t kill me!! O.O

Tasha: Nope. No name. ^.^ And uh… I guess this chapter answered your question…