Dark pasts, Darker Secrets

The waves of darkness were peeled from Bakura's mind as he was pulled from his deep slumber. He heard a voice, the words were low and unintelligible. Opening his eyes he noticed the voice stopped. The room around him was out of focus and fuzzy.

When he blinked he found the source of it as warm liquid flowed down his face, pooling in his hair. Slowly he lifted his hand to wipe at it and groaned. "Bakura?" Yami's voice cut through the buzzing noise in his head and Bakura turned his head toward the pharaoh. "Did I get hit by a bus?" the boy drawled sleepily. Seto smirked from his chair. "It probably feels like it, but you didn't. It's just the affect the spell has one certain people." Bakura groaned and tried to sit up, but was forced down by a weight on his chest. It felt as though he had a ton of bricks just sitting where his heart was! "The weight of a heart is a very heavy thing," Seto said calmly in response to Bakura's confused face. With a grunt the white haired boy forcefully sat up and gave his body time to adjust to the feeling and weight.

"Did... did it work?" He asked the high priest, refusing to look into those blue eyes. "Yes." Seto sighed. "It worked. Ryou is... a part of you now." But it didn't feel that way to Bakura. It felt as if Ryou didn't even exist and that made his soul cry out in anguish. "I can't feel him.." Bakura said softly still staring at the bed sheets crumpled in his fists. "I can't feel his soul..."

Quite suddenly there was a burst of heat from his scar and he was pulled into his mind, hearing the cries of the others as his body swayed then fell over. Darkness engulfed Bakura's sight, until a bright light blinded the boy. He cried out and shielded his eyes with his arm and tried to see what this light was and came face to face with a sleeping Ryou. Bakura's eyes widened as he walked up to the boy, his eyes roaming all over the pale flesh of his lover. His eyes found the boy's birthmark and he felt sick to his stomach at the sight of the raised, blistered flesh.

It looked the same as his scar did when he has first received it. Slowly Bakura lifted his hands and grabbed Ryou's body from the air as it lay flat. The boy's body fell through his arms and softly landed on the ground. Bakura smiled at the peaceful face, his fingers trying to  brush the hair from the boy's forehead. Ryou's brow wrinkled and his body stirred. Slowly his eyelids opened to reveal slumberous doe brown eyes. Bakura smiled. The small boy slowly sat up and looked around. "Good morning," Bakura said with a smile.

Ryou smiled back but then his face turned bright pink and he shot to his feet, his hands covering the parts of him that were exposed. "Why am I naked in your mind?" The taller boy couldn't help it and threw back his head in laughter. "Because that's the way I love to see you.. always." Ryou scowled and closed his eyes, and a second later he was covered in his usual clothing of jeans and a white sweater vest. Bakura frowned playfully. "Spoil sport." The smaller boy stuck his tongue out then reached out to touch Bakura's face, but his hand went right through him. "What...." Bakura stopped him by lifting a hand. "Remember I said we wouldn't be able to hold one another... this is why. We're in different realms, still living in one another, but your body was transported....somewhere.... Seto would be able to tell you more about this stuff.... But this means that even though we can still see one another, we can't touch."

Ryou's eyes filled with tears but he kept them from falling with a deep breath. "Yes.... you warned me about this. I thought I was fully prepared, but I guess I'm not." He gave a small smile. Bakura sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Follow me." He turned and stepped up to a door that had obviously not been there before and opened it. Ryou curiously peeked over the boy's shoulder into the room. "What is this?" "This is my mind.... I'm giving you full access to this room. I used it a lot over the years, and it's gotta be better than sitting in this.."

He turned back to the darkness and swept his hand around. "I would hope so." Carefully Ryou stepped into the room and gasped. It was beautiful! The floor under him was a polished white marble along with the walls. In the middle of the room was a large four poster bed, the dark wooden headboard designed by an intricate carving of a large rose surrounded by small figures that looked like people dancing. Ryou's mouth fell open as he walked to the bed, his fingers tracing the carvings. "it's beautiful.." Bakura smiled. "I carved it when I was with you, well your old body. It was how you made me feel, and still do." Ryou nodded. "I... I remember... I remember this room! This was your room in the palace! You brought me here so many times, even though I was just a lowly slave.... The love we shared in this place was.... Beautiful." Tears ran down his face as Ryou walked to the balcony.

The long silk drapes fluttered in a breeze that played through his hair and he laughed. "I remember this balcony. We would stand here for hours and watch the stars and just hold one another. This is where.... you asked me to marry you." Bakura felt a lump in his throat that threatened to choke him as he watched Ryou stand there. "I can't believe this.... It's amazing." The boy turned to Bakura, the setting sun behind him making him glow with ethereal beauty. "Thank you, Bakura, for showing me this place again...." Bakura was about to speak when he heard someone say his name and turned. "I... I have to go. The others are calling me back. But, if you ever want to see them, then just look here." He pointed to a large statue holding a large round bowl in outstretched hands filled with water. Ryou nodded and sniffled. "You'll come back, right?" Bakura nodded as he walked to the door. "I'll come back as soon as possible." And with that he walked out and felt the tug of his mind going back to the natural realm.



"How is he?" Seto asked as soon as Bakura opened his eyes. "A little upset, but.... he remembers everything." Otogi giggled. "Does he wanna wear dresses yet?" Bakura glared at him and wanted to hurt him, when suddenly his arm moved so fast and smacked him upside the head. Everyone stopped, then Marik burst out laughing the others following.

"Why are you hitting yourself?!" Otogi gasped out between laughs. In his mind he heard Ryou giggle. ~You did this!?~ Bakura roared which made Ryou laugh even harder. ~You were going to hurt Otogi, so I was thinking I wanted to punish you, and then bam! Your arm moved and you hit yourself.~ "It wasn't me!" Bakura yelled. "It was Ryou!" That made the group laugh even harder at the scowling albino. "Oh Ra, that was priceless!" Yami cried gasping for breath. Bakura stared at him then smirked. "Ryou says he's going to tell Yuugi how to do that sometime." And with that the pharaoh was silent.





Yuugi huddled in Jounouichi's chest and breathed rapidly. The boys had been running from a terrifying monster for what seemed like hours before they found cover in what looked like an abandoned building. The small group were holding on to one another with death grips, knowing it was for their lives. How long would they be able to run from these creatures before the inevitable happened?

"I'm scared..." Yuugi whimpered. Jou's arm tightened around the boy. "We're going to be fine. We'll be out of this place in no time and be with the others soon... You'll see." At that moment a roar in the distance made the boys whimper and shut their eyes tight. What sounded like something sniffing around was heard not too far from their hiding spot and was coming closer. Yuugi whimpered softly, the sound so loud in the silence it sounded like an explosion.

Another roar came and all the boys jumped, the sound right behind them. They all wanted to run, but they were too scared to move. Was this the end for them? Another roar came, this one completely different than the others the boys were used to hearing. It almost sounded as if whatever was out there was in pain. Footsteps came around the bend and Malik jumped to his feet, his body visibly shaking as he stood to defend the group.

In the darkness the boys tried to see what was coming their way, but the murky shadows around them made it almost impossible to see a foot in front of them. Suddenly a bright light appeared, blinding the startled youths. Yuugi screamed and moved to run, but a hand restrained him. "Calm yourself," a strange voice commanded. "Let him go!" Honda cried and the small boy felt the hand tugging his shoulder as if fighting to keep its grip.

Looking back Yuugi found himself staring into black, emotionless eyes. Instantly he felt his emotions settle and a faint smile formed on his face. "I know you..." the boy whispered. The stranger nodded and stepped back, releasing his shoulder. Yuugi looked at the strangely familiar man. His clothes were so strange, his pure white outfit glowing against the darkness. On his head was a white turban covering what Yuugi assumed to be a bald head, and his cape swirled around him like a mist around a tree. His brown skin seemed to blend perfectly with this brightness, making him seem ethereal. "Who are you?" Jou's voice broke the spell and those eyes moved away from the small boy to settle on Jou's sharp gaze.

"I am your savior."

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The rest of the night was spent with the small group planning out their attack on the school. Marik found it odd to think about attacking the school, but he soon got over it when he though about Malik in Pegasus' hands. It scared him to think about what that psychopath was capable of. So he accepted the plan without complaint. "But... You know he has that place wired," Otogi said snapping Marik from his thoughts. "I've seen those cameras in his office, and they're literally all over the school." The black haired boy looked around the table, his eyes full of worry.

"I have that covered," Seto said. Pushing his chair away from the table the brunette stood and walked over to his desk. "I've been working on this for some time now, and was thinking of selling it to the army. But I have to test that it works first, so what better time than now?" Bakura scoffed. "Yeah, and if it doesn't work?" "Ryou, hit him for me will you?" A second passed before Bakura's arm moved and he slapped his own head. "Stop encouraging him will you!?" The albino cried rubbing his head.

Seto smirked and sat back down, placing a small black box in the middle of the blueprints of the school, which he had gotten years ago. Yami blinked and picked up the box. "So what does it do exactly?" "I'm glad you asked. There is a small transmitter in the middle of the device, which sends out signals that disrupt any video feeds within a three mile radius. So, this should be able to deal with our obstacle." Yami sat back in awe. Count on his cousin to think of something like this.

"Alright, but what about Rex and Weevil? They were weaklings, but now I don't even want to think of their strength..." Marik looked at his friends who were silent for a moment. "We kill them." Everyone turned at Bakura's soft voice. "Wh-what?" Yami gasped. Bakura looked up, his dark brown eyes cold and hard. "They're the ones who started this mess by taking Jou. So, we should kill them now before they get stronger." Seto crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, his face pinched in thought. "Let's ask what Ryou thinks about that..."

The group turned to Bakura who was sitting one moment then standing, fighting his own arm down. "I think we have his answer!" The albino grunted, pinning his arm to the table. Seto nodded. "All right,Ryou. We get it, you don't want us to hurt them." As soon as the brunette said those words Bakura's arm went limp and the boy sat with a sigh. "Please don't get him so worked up. I have a headache from him screeching in my head."

His fingers moved and Bakura glared at them. "Well it's true! You screech like a banshee when you're pissed!" Bakura vanished from the table as his leg pushed his chair out from under him and he rolled on the floor, fighting his own arm.

"Well, back to our agenda..." Marik stated calmly and turned back to the table. For the rest of the night, the group studied the blue prints, making their battle plans. In the back of their minds each of them were praying this plan would work...

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It was the night of the invasion, and the group settled into their places around the dark, looming school. "Remember," Seto warned Marik and Bakura, who were hands down chosen for the recovery. "We don't know what Pegasus has in store for us. He more than likely is expecting us to do this, and if that's the case he will be ready. Make sure your minds are in complete control, and that goes especially for you, Bakura."

The albino boy glared at him but was silent. "What do we do if we meet Pegasus?" Marik asked pulling a black mask over his face. "Fight," Yami replied. "I know he is a lot stronger than us, but we have to fight him if we want our lights back." The blond gave an affirmative shake of his head and turned to his partner. "Wait here," Seto said and pushed through the bush, keeping his body low to the ground and staying in the shadows. "I still envy him for that," Yami said with a pout. "No matter what he was never caught doing anything wrong."

Bakura and Marik giggled as they watched Seto set his transmitter in the middle of the basketball court and begin his travel back. Finally, puffing for air the brunette settled back behind the bushes. "The rest is up to you," he rushed out. Bakura and Marik nodded, looked at one another, then pushed their way from the bushes. Staying in the shadows the two ran towards the side of the building. According to Seto's blueprints, the principal's office was station on the right side of the building. A camera moved and the two froze, staring up at it with dread. ~That's normal,~ Seto's voice drifted through their minds. ~Just because the signal is cut off doesn't mean it stops the initial movement. You're fine, keep going. The window you need is about twenty feet from you on your left.~ With that Seto left them. Quietly the two made their way to a closed window. "Well, doesn't this bring back some good memories?" Marik joked, causing Bakura to smack him. "Hey!" Marik cried. Bakura shrugged. "Ryou did it." He said with a smirk. Marik glared at him then turned to the window.

~We're both too short to reach it from here...~ he muttered to himself then turned to his friend. ~We need to stand on one another to get in. Since you're the lightest you should get on my shoulders and I'll push you up.~ Bakura nodded and placed placed his foot on Marik's shoulder, who was now crouched. Slowly the blond pushed up and Bakura was lifted enough to see into the window. ~It's dark. I don't think anyone's there.~ Marik shook his head. ~Just because it's dark doesn't mean a thing. You should know that by now.~ Bakura glared at him then fit his hands against the window frame and pushed. Too easily the window opened wide enough for him to pull himself in. ~Reach down and pull me up~ Marik whined, making the albino boy roll his eyes.

Sticking his hand out the window he felt a strong hand grab his and pulled. The two boys stood in the pitch black room, trying to make anything out. ~It's too dark in here~ Bakura noticed looking at the window. There should be some kind of light coming through. Marik held up his hand and a small ball of energy formed in his hand, lighting up the room in a faint glow. ~I don't see anyone, but be careful.~ Walking through the waiting room, Marik was the first one to notice something was wrong. ~What is that horrible smell?~ He made the energy ball brighter and the two stopped in their tracks.

Sitting in her chair was the receptionist, but her face was gaunt, her cheeks drawn in, showing her cheekbones, her skin a pallid gray color. Slowly Bakura went to her and placed a hand under her chin, pressing his fingers into the skin. ~She's dead~ he said mournfully. ~And by the smell of it, she's been that way for a few days now.~ Marik closed his eyes for a moment, then they snapped open, their depths cold and angered. ~Let's get this bastard...~ Bakura nodded and together they moved to the door leading to the office itself.

Quickly Marik opened the door and the two ran through, stopping to survey the room. There in the middle, the glass like substance stood Jounoichi, Honda and Malik. Marik went to go to his lover, but Bakura stopped him. ~No. Remember what Seto said. These things have a bad backlash.~ Marik nodded blinking away the tears in his eyes. ~Are you at the columns?~ Seto's voice interrupted their silent minds. ~Yes,~ Bakura answered. ~I can't get anything from them. It's like they aren't there at all.~ ~That's exactly what I felt. Just be careful. I just wish I were able to see them up close one more time, then I might know how to deactivate them~ The frustration in Seto's voice was apparent and Bakura felt pity for him.

Ryou, who watched the entire episode with bated breath peered closely at the fountain in his 'room'. He saw Jou's face and almost cried. Why did these things have to happen to them? Taking a deep breath he studied the column before Bakura. There was something strange about them, almost as if... Suddenly Seto's face flashed in his mind as he thought, then he heard a yelp.

"What's wrong?" He asked Bakura quickly. ~Not sure,~ Bakura's voice echoed through the room. ~Seto.... What's wrong?~ There was a moment of silence before the brunette spoke up. ~I... I just saw the columns. It was if I were standing right in front of them, but it was in my mind.~ Ryou blinked. "Turn back to Jou," he told Bakura who obeyed. Frowning the white haired boy stared into the still water, studying the picture again. Once again Seto's face flashed through his mind and he heard the brunette's mental gasp. ~Ryou, I could kiss you,~ Seto admonished. Bakura growled. ~Back off.~ Ryou laughed and continued sending the sights back to Seto. Then things turned for the worst.



"Well well, if it isn't the two school delinquents." The lights in the office snapped on, blinding Bakura and Marik for a moment. Blinking the two suddenly found themselves staring at their arch enemy. Pegasus J. Crawford stood in a hidden doorway, his face lit up in a cheerful smile. "I was wondering when you were going to make an appearance."

As if nothing were wrong the man made his way to the large oak desk and sat behind it. "I was expecting you a little earlier though." The man's lips tilted in a frown as he glanced at the clock. "We're not one for keeping appointments," Bakura snarled. Pegasus shook his head. "No you're not. But, what can one expect from children?" Marik glared his hands curling into fists.

At that moment Rex and Weevil stepped into the room, their eyes glowing with malicious intent. "I believe we all know one another, in way or another, correct?" Pegasus didn't wait for an answer as he poured himself a glass of wine. "Of course we do." His visible eye flashed with excitement as he also pulled three cards from his drawer and placed them on the desk. "I know why you have come. And I am afraid I cannot acquiesce to your desires." Bakura grit his teeth. "You had better release them if you know what's good for you."

The silver haired man chuckled and tapped one of the cards thoughtfully. "Before we negotiate our terms, I would like to test your abilities." He gave Bakura a pointed look before continuing. "I think that's fair, don't you?" He waved Rex and Weevil forward and the two moved to the front of the man's desk, staring Bakura and Marik down. "Two against two is fair. So please, begin when you're ready." Marik shook his head. "No! We won't fight for your sick entertainment!" Pegasus chuckled. "Well, I suggest you do. I wouldn't want my two guards to kill you too quickly."

Without warning Rex and Weevil rushed forward. Without thinking Marik used his ability, sending two bright blasts of energy at teh two, knocking them back but not out. Again they rushed and Bakura met Rex head on. The two grunted as they pushed against their locked hands struggling to send one another back. Finally Bakura won out and sent the other boy flying into the desk. When his body hit the wood there seemed to be a sort of spark that came from the attacker's skin. ~That's it!~ Seto cried in Bakura's mind, making the boy wince. ~What?~ he cried fending off Rex, who kicked and punched at him, sending him back towards the pillars of ice.

~Try and get Rex to crash into the pillar! His soul and body are not yet one, and the real Rex is fighting against the Meiji inhabiting him! This causes a sort of magical spark from his skin!~ Grinning Bakura allowed the boy to beat him back, relaying the information to Marik. "Well, this is not entertaining as I thought," Pegasus said from his desk watching Bakura and Marik being pushed back.

Finally when they were close enough did the two begin to fight back. With a swing of his fist Bakura brought Rex crashing to the ground. Watching Weevil circle him Marik took account all of the open spaces the boy left open. With a quick jab he caught Weevil in the face, hearing and feeling the crunch of cartilage as the boy's nose broke. Finally Bakura and Marik looked to one another before picking up the bodies of their opponents and flung them into the glass pillars. There was an audible snap before the clear surface cracked and shattered, sending shards flying all over. "NO!" Pegasus cried in disbelief. The blond and albino boys turned to him, their eyes dark with rage. "I believe we win," Marik growled.

His eyes flitting from his two unconscious guards back to the two advancing boys, Pegasus figured out his chances and decided to take the better outcome. He wasn't ready.... Not yet. Raising his hand above his head he snapped his fingers and in a puff of smoke he was gone, as well as the three soul cards. "Dammit!" Marik fumed punching the desk. "The bastard took Malik with him!" Bakura turned to where the three soulless bodies lay and moved to pick up Honda.

"Marik," he called softly to his partner. The blond whirled on him, but his eyes softened as the sight Malik lying on the floor. With a cry he ran to his lover's body and grabbed him, huddling him to his own body. Bakura felt a stab of jealousy as he watched his friend embrace his lover. With a sigh he threw Honda over his shoulder and bent to pick up Jounoichi. "It's time we got out of here," he said softly and left hearing Marik follow him.

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WOOHOO!!! Chapter thirteen and the boys have their lover's bodies back!! It's a start, right? Hopefully I might be able to get some reviews for this... This little author is starting to feel a little lonely *sniffle*