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 14

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The morning came soon, and the vampire retreated to his room to sleep the day away, while Yami awoke Mikado's brother. "Ahmose....?" he said softly. "Ahmose..."

"Mmmm..." Ahmose grumbled, stirring a bit. The Hunter that had been ordered to guard Ahmose looked over.

Yami frowned and flicked his tail. "Ahmose wake up!"

"Hmm? What?" Ahmose mumbled, rolling over and looking up at Yami.

Yami looked at Ahmose worriedly. "I'm...nervous." he admitted softly.

"What? Why?" Ahmose asked, sitting up.

"They've been gathering materials..." Yami mumbled. "Since early in the dawn..."

"They? They who?" Ahmose asked, blinking.

Yami frowned and looked out the window. "The Agents...they're gathering the things...t-to make ME." he said looking worried. "As well as other things that… aren't ME."

"What do you mean?!" Ahmose asked, alarmed.

Yami pointed. "They're coming back with unicorn blood!" he said motioning to the two Agents, carefully carrying the bucket of metallic silvery liquid.

Ahmose blinked. "Um... yeah... I think they're adding Holy Water, too..."

Yami whined loudly. "Ahmose what if this doesn't even WORK!?" he said looking...scared. "You can build a body a thousand times...but you only get ONE soul!"

"You're SOUL is still you... won't this alter your body alone?" Ahmose asked.

"Assuming the pieces go together..." Yami said nervously. "You throw it all or nothing." Yami said softly. "Soul included...it's all or nothing."

"WHAT?!" Ahmose shouted, and the Hunter jumped. "You mean that these extra ingrediants may... DESTROY YOU?!"

"Yes." Yami nodded nervously. "They won’t form a body without a soul. Imps are soul-less. Where do you think that last ingredient comes from?" Yami said beginning to wring his tail. "The last ingredient is ME."

Ahmose stared at Yami in horror, then got out of bed, pulling on his boots and tunic (his weapons had again been confiscated). He marched over to the wary Hunter.

"I want to see Pegasus. NOW!!!"

Yami winced. "Ahmose please...last time it REALLY hurt..." he said wringing his tail more. "I'd rather not…"

"I'm not going to ATTACK him. Unless he makes me." Ahmose muttered.

Yami sighed and shook his head. "You already agreed. He's not gonna change his mind Ahmose...it's either try or, this is as close as we ever get...ever."

Ahmose stared at Yami. "But... if we fail... I could lose you forever..." He said softly.

Yami nodded. "I'm...nervous." he whispered. "I...I'd take the risk for you...b-but I'm still nervous."

Ahmose shook his head. "I don’t know if I'm willing to take the risk..."

"You wouldn't settle down with me in my world...I can’t see you trapped in here...you'd go insane."

Yami said softly.

Ahmose shook his head. "I would stay." He said softly. "I will go insane if I lose you again..." The Hunter glanced around awkwardly as he listened to this... intimate one sided conversation.

Yami cooed softly. "It'll be ok..." He whispered. "Just...keep me company until it's time?" he asked softly. "I'm...still scared."

Ahmose sighed and nodded. "Of course..." He said softly, sitting down on the sofa to wait.

Yami sat down next to him and sighed.

The day passed agonizingly slow for Ahmose, and all too fast for Yami. By the time evening was falling Pegasus had sent for them.

Ahmose was marched off to the Council Chambers by four Hunters... he was tempted to turn them into hedgehogs...

Pegasus and the other council members had gathered, as well as the ingredients. It was all ready. "The council has agreed to witness this." Pegasus said calmly. "Are you ready to begin?"

Ahmose frowned and looked over the indredients.

Everything Yami had asked for, and Holy water and unicorn blood were among them.

Yami swallowed hard and offered Ahmose a nervous smile. "If I come out a frilly fag...pity me." Yami mumbled nervously. "Then murder my ass."

Ahmose looked at Yami, then at the Council. "Are you aware that by adding to the recipe could destroy him?" He asked.

"Those are the conditions." Pegasus said once more. "Either accept them, or do without."

Ahmose took a deep breath. "Honestly, I'm not willing to risk it. But it's Yami's choice, and he's ready to go through with it..." Ahmose leaned forward, placing his palms on the table and fixing a glare on Pegasus. "But if this goes wrong... in ANY way... I WILL kill you..."

"I'd sooner die than allow a demon resurrection in this place." Pegasus said boldly. "So it is a fair trade."

Yami looked at the neat pile of indredients, the imp caged among them. "Ahmose..." he looked at his human and smiled placing the faint memory of a kiss on his lips. "If I don’t come back from this...you know I will wait for you at the end of it all."

Ahmose swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded, unable to say anything.

Yami nodded and wrapped his wings around Ahmose one last time. "I'm going to go then Ahmose..." he said softly. "When you see the glow fade from your amulet...I want you to say this for me...ok?" he said slowly. "Don’t forget...and don’t mess it up." he leaned close to Ahmose's ear.

"Che cosa è forma separata a carne, che cosa è guasto respiri in vita." he whispered. "Don’t forget..." and he faded from view. The Amulet glowed brightly for a moment, before seeming to burn out and returning to it's normal color.

Ahmose took a deep breath, closing his eyes and repeating what Yami had said. "Che cosa è forma separata a carne, che cosa è guasto respiri in vita."

Ahmose's amulet glowed a fierce purple and like a shot, a golden orb seemed to be spat from it. It surged forward and circled the implements of the body and lifted the imp into the air. The creature let out a shrill shriek of terror as the cage was snapped in half, and it was plucked from the cage and held aloft by invisable hands. The creature seemed to explode, suddenly.

This of course left only the skeletal structure of the creature remaining. The dragon's blood lifted, pouring over the bones, stretching and lengthening them to roughly the size of a human. Just as the human blood was lifting, the unicorn blood shot up and knocked it aside, pouring itself over the bones.

Pegasus watched interestedly.

Ahmose stared, eyes wide. "W-Why is it doing that?!" He yelped, but no one on the Council answered. They all just stared.

The bones glowed brightly, and the human blood finally made it's way to the bones. Next the hunk of flesh rose, stretching and snaking itself over the body. Finally it had taken shape and the bones now had a recognizable form. The wings drooped lifelessly however, as did the tail and head. Finally the Holy Water lifted and dumped itself over the body of the incubus, forming skin and the hair on his head.

The body sank to the floor, and laid motionlessly, the orb dissolving into mist and sinking into the body’s mouth.

Ahmose blinked and stared at the body, not even realizing that he was holding his breath. The Councilmen slowly got up and crept closer to the body, cautiously.

Though there was no motion, the closer they crept the more their ears picked up the soft sounds of breathing.

Ahmose finally crept closer as well, hardly breathing. He knelt and reached out, laying a hand on the body's shoulder. "... Yami?"

There was a soft groan, and the wing shakily lifted and covered the shoulder and head as if to say 'let me sleep damnit'

Ahmose blinked and looked Yami over, to see if anything looked different.

That's when the first noticable part of the change was clear. Imbedded in Yami's wings were bits of what appeared to be gold. The wing didn't sparkle, but it did have an attractive gleam. Yami's hair hung in his eyes, dripping wet.

"Well he seems to be alive." Pegasus said calmly.

Ahmose blinked, reaching out and running his fingers along the arm of Yami's left wing, feeling it.

It was warm, and quite a bit softer and smoother than it had been in his last body. Though it was clear that the muscles were not nearly as developed. It would be a while before he went flying off again.

Ahmose frowned and removed his cloak, wrapping Yami up in it and lifting him into his arms.

That's when Yami groaned softly, his slender tail wrapping instinctively around Ahmose's waist as he nuzzled into his arms, quite happy to be warm.

Ahmose blinked then smiled and turned, heading for the door

Yami groaned once more, draping another wing over his head seemingly just not ready to wake.

Pegasus smiled. "I hope your Demon wakes happy."

Ahmose said nothing. In fact, he didn't acknowledge Pegasus at all. The four Hunters looked at him.

"Should we continue to guard him, sir?" One asked.

"For now, guard him from outside his room... let him care for the incubus." Pegasus said smiling. "He's too busy mothering it to be too much trouble."

The Hunters nodded and followed Ahmose. The sorcerer went straight to his room and pulled all of the blankets off of the bed and made a bit of a nest by the fire, tucking Yami into it.

Yami let out a soft whimper when his tail was uncoiled from Ahmose's waist when he was laid before the fire. But that's when something undeniably cute happened... he curled up and wrapped his wings around himself... and his tail poked into his mouth like an insecure infant.

Oh he'd be pissed about that when he woke.

Ahmose raised an eyebrow at this, but let it pass, settling down beside Yami and running fingers through his damp hair, resting his own head down beside Yami's.

It took the incubus well into the middle of the night before finally waking. He groaned and forced glowing red eyes open. He shook his head slightly, eying the dying flames of the fire before looking around, slowly registering where he was, and that he STILL was in existance.

Ahmose had dozed off by this point, arm wrapped around Yami's middle.

Yami blinked a bit, crossing his eyes to see that his tail was in his mouth. He whined loudly and pulled it away. So much for his evil image... great now he was sucking his tail like he had when he was only 50 years old! He pouted and whined again before he groaned loudly, hunching over. "ahh... my stomach..." he groaned.

"Hmmmm..." Ahmose sighed, tightening his hold around Yami's waist.

Yami stretched slightly, nuzzling Ahmose and gently shaking him. "Ahmose...?""

Ahmose made a face, then opened his eyes. He blinked and sat up. "Yami!!!"

Yami gave him a slight smile before making a face. "My stomach hurts..." he whimpered.

"Are you hungry?" Ahmose asked, rubbing his eyes.

Yami made a face. "My stomach never HURT when I was hungry before!" Yami said looking upset. "It just told me I was hungry and made sounds at me! I never FELT anything!"

Ahmose blinked and frowned. But a moment later, Yami's stomach growled. "... you ARE hungry." Ahmose said.

Yami on the other hand looked utterly shocked. "What kind of masochistic race feels pain when hungry?!"

"The kind that is really really REALLY hungry." Ahmose said, turning and heading for the door. He poked his head out. "We need some food in here. Now." He said to the startled Hunters, then closed the door.

Yami sat there blinking. "But... I don’t EAT." he said incredulously. "Demons don’t NEED food!" he said confused. "Why would I want food?"

"Let's just try it. You're anatomy is different now, remember?" Ahmose asked, sitting down by Yami again. "Just try the food... and then if it doesn't help you can... try me."

Yami nodded slowly draping his wings over himself to warm himself. "I'm gonna need clothes sooner or later..." he mumbled shivering. "Because it's COLD!"

Ahmose smiled and nodded, wrapping his cloak around Yami again, kissing his cheek.

Yami smiled and cooed, wrapping a wing around Ahmose. "I missed being able to do this..." he whispered leaning his head on Ahmose's shoulder.

Ahmose sighed and smiled, closing his eyes lightly. "I missed it, too... desperately..."

Yami cuddled and coiled his tail around Ahmose's waist once more. "Well...other than feeling very weak...and apparently a little changed...I'm glad to be back." he purred kissing Ahmose.

Ahmose sighed, closing his eyes. "I'm glad..." He murmured.

Yami sighed contently, slipping the tip of his tail into Ahmose's pants. "Even if I'm not hungry...there's always room for that..." he cooed smirking.

Ahmose's eyes widened and he smacked the tail. "I don't need whoever brings us food walking in on THAT!!!"

Yami winced. "Ahh careful with that!" he yelped pulling his tail away and flicking it to ease the pain. "It's still new!"

Ahmose smiled and shook his head, getting up and going to the door when there was a knock on it. "There's your food." He said, opening the door.

Yami looked up and tilted his head to the side as Ahmose retrieved the hot stew and fresh bread. He sniffed at the air and tried to peep over the sofa.

Ahmose smiled and walked over to Yami, sitting down beside him with the two bowls. "Smell good?" He asked the demon.

Yami nodded slowly. "Yes."

Ahmose passed him a bowl and began to eat his own stew.

Yami blinked and took his bowl looking at it awkwardly, before finally taking a bite. He blinked as a blush crept up his cheeks. Before he ate food just to appear more human... and he did enjoy sweets… but never had he received any true satisfaction from eating. Oh, but this was completely different!!!

Ahmose smiled. "I take it you're enjoying it?" He asked the demon who had suddenly begun scarfing the food down as fast as he could. "Slow down, you'll make yourself sick."

Yami however paid no attention to Ahmose and finished his stew quickly, before munching on the bread. "Mmmm..."

Ahmose just smiled and shook his head, enjoying his stew at a more polite pace.

Yami finished his bread, and curled his tail behind Ahmose, snatching his bread.

Ahmose blinked. "Hey now..." He whined, turning and giving Yami a look.

Yami blinked innocently, stuffing the entire piece of bread in his mouth quickly.

Ahmose chuckled and shook his head again. "Do you want my soup, too?"

Yami blinked and blushed shaking his head slowly, still chewing the bread.

"You sure? I ate earlier. Remember?" Ahmose said.

Yami blushed swallowing the bread before hastily snatching Ahmose's stew. "mmm..."

Ahmose grinned and leaned back, glancing at the two puppies on the sofa, watching them.

Yami continued eating and the puppies wagged their tails, overjoyed.

Yami finally finished, and took many deep breaths. "Ohh....uhhh.." he flopped back. "fulllll." Yami cooed curling up again.

Ahmose laughed. "Rest..." He said softly, tucking Yami in again. "I'll be right here..."

Yami grinned and yawned, pulling Ahmose into the nest of blankets and curling up with him, his tail instantly back around Ahmose's waist, a wing draped over him, and the blankets atop them both. He hummed in approval and nodded off, finally content.

Meanwhile, a vampire was calmly wandering the halls, looking for something entertaining.

The Agents he passed all gave him looks, some suspicious, some worried and a few angry, mostly those who knew about his feeding on Mikado the previous night.

Bakura however paid them no mind at all as he headed down to the empty library. Most of the Agents were headed to bed at this hour.

The few Agents who were in the library left quickly after Bakura arrived, just like the previous nights.

He chuckled and sat down in one of the more comfortable seats, and picked up a book about the dark arts, and began reading.

The Vatican grew quiet. The training grounds emptied and Agents all found their ways to bed, save for the few that patrolled the halls. The snow outside still fell. It was shoveled in the city and off of the roads, but out in the countryside it was nearly three feet deep.

Bakura flipped the pages of his book calmly, warmed by the large fireplace, but occasionally peering out into the snow. He would note the snow for only a moment, before returning to his book.

A wolf was curled up at the foot of a bed, keeping the feet of a certain priest warm. An elf slept quietly in a bed, new boots and cloak on the chair beside it.

Bakura listened for a moment as the final Agents lay down for the night, nestled in their beds. He smirked and his eyes flashed. "Mikado..." he called softly. "Wake up my little mortal... wake and come to me." he hissed. Once he had a mortal in his clutches, his magic held through even after hypnosis had been broken. "Come down to meet with me..."

In his room, the Journeyman Agent moaned and stirred a bit as Bakura's mind intruded upon his sleeping mind. After a moment, he blinked open empty eyes and got out of bed. He pulled on his black robe over his white pajamas and walked from the room, his braided hair swaying with his groggy movements.

Bakura smirked when Mikado entered the library, and he beckoned him forward until the Agent sat at his feet. "Hello Mikado..." he purred courteously. "It is good to see you answer my call."

Mikado blinked dully from where he was, kneeling on the cold stone floor.

Bakura chuckled. "I've many words to speak to you this night... I want your honesty in response." he hissed calmly. "Understood?"

Mikado nodded. "Yes."

Bakura stretched a bit and set his book aside, gazing harshly into Mikado's eyes, his own flashing once more. "This place is stuffy and unwelcoming..." he said after a moment. "The Agents are quite rude to me... glaring and uttering prayer as I pass in the halls." He looked back to the fire. "The hospitality is atrocious. The beds are not soft and the company is lacking..." He stood. "I will be leaving soon." he said after a moment. "How do you feel about such a thing?"

Mikado blinked. "I wish you wouldn't." He said in a monotone voice.

"Why?" Bakura asked after a moment dusting off a sleeve. "You've not spent a moment with me... other than last night..."

"I was gone for almost three days. We have been here no more than five." Mikado said.

"Where I am from..." Bakura said after a moment. "Five days is quite a time to stay guest to someone." He pulled a watch from his pocket, looking it over. "Even longer still a guest to an absent host." He smirked. "Stand."

Mikado obeyed, standing slowly, staring blankly at the window. He said nothing, for Bakura had not asked him a question which required an answer.

Bakura chuckled and looked out the window. "What are you thinking of?" he asked after a moment. "For I know even in my spell, your mind continues to think of it's own accord."

Mikado was quiet for quite a while. "I wonder why you have brought me here to tell me that you are leaving, instead of just leaving me to discover your absence later on."

Bakura chuckled. "I suppose that would have been the appropriate scenario. When I am displeased with a servant I dismiss them... when I am displeased with service, I dismiss myself." he walked to the window looking out as well. "Strigoi will have a time in the snow... it is deep this night." His gaze shifted to Mikado. "You boy, lust for me as you've admitted. I have thought on this... how do you feel of being mine?"

"It is forbidden." Mikado said immediately, without hesitation.

"I did not ask what you were taught." Bakura said after a moment. "I asked how you felt."

This time, there was a long pause. "I don't know."

Bakura continued looking out the window. "This church is not your place." he said after a moment. "You live in sin, hiding it under your cloak... it darkens your heart." he hissed after a moment. "To feign being a man of the church is a lie. Perhaps you live to slay evil... but even that is a lie isn't it?" he looked at Mikado. "An elf lives, a Werewolf lives... an incubus lived... and I live even now." he snorted. "You fail in your oaths."

Mikado's eyes widened and emotion flickered across them. Distress... "N-No..." He said in a whimper, with usually didn't happen while under hypnosis. "No! I... Even Holy men are not perfect. We all are victims of at least one of the Seven Deadly Sins..." Mikado argued.

Bakura let out a hearty laugh at that. "Then you suffer many. Lust... Pride... and Envy." he chuckled. "You Envy your brother... your Pride causes you to act thoughtlessly… and your lust..." he tilted Mikado's chin up, placing his lips against Mikado's slowly. "Has chained you, heart and soul, to that of another male... a male vampire..."

Mikado shivered and moaned, eyes fluttering. His fingers twitched. "... I... don't mean to... I try to be... be good..." He whimpered. "I try to be strong..."

Bakura's eyes flashed for a moment. "You try, you fail… you try, you fail...." he smirked. "Humans dedicate their lives to failure... condemn themselves to living in a miserable existence. Does your demon friend seem sad? Or what of Ahmose? What of your brother? Or the fallen priest... and his lover of a werewolf?"

Mikado's eyes widened slightly. "What matters is that we keep trying..." He gasped. "R-Ryou?"

Bakura chuckled. "Were YOU not the one that said that it was ok that he love another male?" he snorted. "You were the one who led the sinless into your OWN sins. Now he's lost among sins he's never known... in a lust he could have avoided." Bakura lifted Mikado's chin once more. "I do believe that is another sin that falls upon your shoulders... YOU taught the priest the sin… YOUR sin of lust." he placed another kiss on Mikado's lips, trailing others slowly over his jawline.

Mikado whimpered again, closing his eyes and shaking. "N-No... I... I told him... it was okay to... to love..." He gasped. "That's all... I... Oh God..." Emotion swam in his eyes as he opened them... emotions strong enough that they were bringing him out of the trance.

Bakura smirked and pat Mikado on the head, stepping away. "I am leaving..." he walked away, the youth still in his trance, though his emotions clawed at it, desperate to break the trance. "But take heed mortal...that what the church calls evil...falls prey to no deadly sin. I crave for nothing, I work for what I have, I humble myself before others..." he chuckled. "And if you believe not me, then call forth the werewolf… the Elf...or even the incubus. It is not we that sin...it is the mortals that in their short life sins..." he looked over his shoulder eyes flashing once more. "And know...that had you not been indecisive this night...you could be freed of your own selfish and sinful ways." He left into the shadows, pushing Mikado from the hypnosis and back to reality. His words for once, remembered and fresh on Mikado's mind. Whether or not it was his will or not was unknown.

Mikado blinked, his eyes clearing. He gasped and looked around, not sure how he got to the library, but he had a feeling. Bakura's words echoed in his skull. Slowly, he pulled himself into the arm chair he was kneeling by and hugged his knees to his chest, internal conflict raging.

Bakura was in his room, pulling on his cloak as he listened to the beating of Mikado's heart among the others. He knew that the youth would need time to calm before he could call him once more...

But for now, he was in turmoil, head bowed as he rocked himself in the arm chair, tears coursing down his face as he murmured desperate prayers to God.

Bakura merely laughed to himself. "Your God will not undo your sins little mortal...he will not save you from yourself...You are beyond that of holy help." he said as he continued his pre-travel preparations.

Mikado continued his prayers... praying for strength, and forgiveness... pleading as he clutched his cross in one of his sweaty palms.

But even as he prayed he felt no forgiveness...no comfort that all would be well. He felt only the weight of his own true mortality bearing down on his shoulders. A priest corrupted, a brother...while he sat idly by watching, and worse...encouraging!

He finally collapsed into helpless sobs of hopelessness, burying his face into his arms. He remained this way for nearly ten minutes before finally quieting down, exhausted. His eyes gazed out at the snow, his eyelids drooping, heavy with the need to sleep.

And Bakura heard his pulse slowing...his breaths evening. "Now Mikado...now that you have calmed..." he called, eyes glowing brightly. "Come to me once more...Come WITH me..."

Mikado's eyes opened, once again dull and empty. He slowly uncurled and stood, walking out of the library and heading down the hall. "... I don't know where you room is..." He murmured.

Bakura however chuckled. "You need to dress...it is cold outside." he said calmly, walking down the hall. "And rid yourself of that wretched cross...and your weapons. You shall need neither."

"My... cross?" Mikado murmured, twitching slightly. "But... I..." He turned and headed for his own room, looking mildly confused.

Bakura appeared behind him. "Discard it...You felt no forgiveness from it...it is not yours." he said sternly.

Mikado blinked and walked into his own room, removing his bed robe and pajamas and reaching for his Agent uniform.

Bakura snorted. "Have you no other clothing?" he scoffed.

Mikado paused. "... Yes." He said.

"Wear your other clothing." Bakura instructed, approaching Mikado and tilting his chin up. "You do not need these things..." he breathed, trailing that hand away from Mikado's cheek, and slowly down his chest. "I am taking you away from this...to a place where you can live without the weight of sin. Without the self loathing and judgements." he smirked. "Where you can lust as much as you please...because it will not be a sin for you any longer...it will be returned in equal ferocity."

Mikado's eyes widened and he shivered. "Yes." He mumbled, turning and opening a small closet. He pulled out civilian clothing and dressed; brown pants, brown boots, white shirt with a dark green tunic, and a long dark blue cloak. Then he turned to face Bakura and slowly removed the gold cross from his neck. He held it, seeming to war with himself.

Bakura seemed disinterested. "Or is it that even greater than your lust and longing...your own life is your desire to be scorned by fellow man? Staying here will not reward you with what you desire..." he said smoothly. "Here is only condemnation... limitations... barriers." He smirked. "The priest is going to leave this place as well...with his wolf."

Mikado slowly tipped his hand to the side, and the cross fell to the floor. Mikado stood silent and somber, awaiting orders.

Bakura smirked and held out his hand. "Come with me then...this is the choice you made in your own honesty...unhindered by my will or the will of other mortals..." he said calmly. "This is a choice that you make for your own happiness...now come and seize it."

Mikado stared at Bakura’s hand. He could not deny that he wanted this… to go with the vampire… but at the same time, he was screaming at himself pick up his cross, put it back on, and then run… run for the basilica, to the confessional… hell, to Pegasus!!! Anywhere but with Bakura. But his mind was full of doubt, and was a storm of confusion and uncertainty. Was his sin unforgiveable? Many men had done worse things than lust… but he had felt no forgiveness when he was praying… had he been forsaken? His faith wavered. He placed his warm hand into Bakura’s cold hand.

Bakura smiled and pulled Mikado close and gave Mikado his first TRUE kiss. A steaming glorified passionate kiss the likes of which he'd never expierenced before!

Mikado gasped, then moaned, his eyes fluttering closed as he gripped Bakura tightly, pressing against him in desire.

Bakura smirked, running his hands over Mikado's lithe body. "This is what you crave...and this is what you shall have...have until you no longer crave it." his hand wandered into Mikado's pants and gave his member a gentle squeeze. "And I will be all too glad to fulfill your every lusting desire. You will envy no man...nor will you need lust any longer...and I will counter your pride and rash behavior...I will counter your sins..." he hissed.

Mikado groaned, arching into the touch, knees close to buckling. He gave a whimpering sigh, slumping into Bakura's chest.

Bakura calmly pulled his hand from Mikado's pants, and scooped the youth up in his arms, kissing him once more. "Come then...we've much land to travel...and the storm shall not pass before the dawn." he carried Mikado away. When he entered the stable, he set Mikado down. "Warm yourself." he said calmly as he readied his horse. "Strigoi will ride quickly, and the wind is chilling to a mortal."

Mikado blinked blankly and stood by the stove, staring at the sleeping pegasus and her foal. Nakhti lifted his head, watching curiously as his neighbor was saddled and bridled, and removed from the stall. The stallion flicked an ear and looked at Mikado, then back to Bakura and Strigoi.

Bakura gave the horse a calm look. "He is coming with me." he said plainly, before plucking Mikado up and kissing him once more, helping him onto Strigoi's back. He lead the massive horse from the stable and out, past the gates of the holy city. Once out, he mounted as well his arms around Mikado as he pulled the reigns back. With a flick of his heels Strigoi was off into the flurries of snow.

"I will not see you suffer to man any longer..." Bakura whispered to Mikado smiling. "It is time that you live a simpler life."

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

Dartz sighed and yawned as he entered the hall or breakfast. The room was buzzing as the Agents all talked. He took his seat at the raised council table, looking down at the other tables. The Agents were all seated according to rank. Several Masters sat at a table of recruits, tending to the younger children that had come to the Vatican. Most of the Agents were orphans that the Vatican had taken in.

"Good morning." He said, sitting down beside Pegasus. A moment later, the Slayer leaned over.

"The vampire left last night." He said. "His horse is gone and his room is empty."

Pegasus frowned. "I noticed... How is Ahmose and the demon?" he asked after a moment. "Mikado will likely visit them today... he's been curious about the outcome of the spell."

"The Hunters say they're fine. Interesting enough... the demon requires actual food, now." Dartz said.

Pegasus chuckled. "I'm sure then, that the demon now appreciates his meals much more." he said looking pleased. "Has he shown any other significant changes?"

Dartz shrugged. "I dunno. Apparently he woke up, whined, ate, then went back to sleep."

Pegasus chuckled. "I will meet with them soon." he said smiling as breakfast began. "He seems much more tame than he was last I saw him."

"Last time you saw him, he was under an evil spell." Dartz mumbled, rolling his eyes.

Pegasus swatted Dartz playfully. "hush and eat."

"Hey!" Dartz whined, giving Pegasus a look as he ate his oatmeal. Suddenly, the door banged open and Otogi tumbled in, tripping and falling into a Grandmaster, who fell to the floor, his face in his oatmeal.

"Great..." Dartz mumbled. "Mikado's partner in crime... wonder what he's all excited about."

"Otogi, good heavens, what's the matter!" Pegasus called standing. "Why such a hurry?"

"Mikado! He's gone!" Otogi cried. "He's taken his civilian clothes and LEFT!!!"

"So?" Dartz asked. "He could have gone out into Rome. We always go to Rome in civilian clothes when it's personal business, like shopping."

"But sir... he also left all of his weapons... and he left his cross! It's on the floor in the middle of his room!" Otogi gasped. This was disturbing news... Agents never removed their cross or crucifix.

Pegasus frowned. "And… the vampire left as well?" he asked the Slayer after a moment.

The Slayer and Dartz blinked at Pegasus.

"Pegasus... you... you don't think that... that Mikado left with the vampire, do you?!" Dartz gasped.

"Or the vampire left with Mikado." The Slayer growled.

"He fed from Mikado... and Mikado insisted that he not be hurt." Pegasus said slowly. "How quickly can you track a vampire?" he asked the Slayer.

The Slayer frowned. "TRACK a vampire? That my friend is nearly impossible. They leave no physical evidence... the horse's tracks are gone. Covered by the snow. I can send out messenger pigeons to my Slayers in the field and question them about this... Bakura."

Pegasus nodded. "Then do it now." he said quickly. "We need to find him as soon as physically possible!"

Otogi whimpered. "You think the vampire took Mikado?! Do you think he'll... kill him?!"

"I do not think he'd kill him... he may sire him... perhaps." Pegasus said slowly.

Otogi's eyes widened and he paled. "M-Make... Mikado a vampire?!" He gasped. "Well... what about Master Nikolas?! He's a vampire Agent! Maybe he can help?!" Dartz frowned and looked at Pegasus and the Slayer Councilman. Several years ago, a Slayer went out on a mission and disappeared. He returned several months later, a vampire. The Vatican did not turn him away, and he had lived at the Vatican ever since, helping in the research on vampires. He was, in fact, a Slayer.

Pegasus nodded. "Tell him of the situation." he said quickly. "And I will tell Mikado's brother of what has happened."

Otogi's eyes widened. "ME?!"

"Don't worry, Otogi." Dartz chuckled. "I'll go see Nikolas."

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

Meanwhile... in a warm manor a long night's travel from the Vatican, Mikado was sleeping soundly in a lavish guest room, warmed by a roaring fire, and a heating stove. The snow outside fell beautifully, it's chill unfelt in the luxurious home.

However the light of the sun never reached within the mansion, the windows covered by shutters, curtains and spells to shield away the sun.

Mikado slowly began to come out of a very deep, hypnosis induced sleep. In fact, it took him nearly an hour to come out of it. He lay on his side, staring blankly at the wall for quite some time before rolling over and looking up. He blinked. Since when was his bed a large four poster with a deep crimson canopy? He blinked again, feeling. Since when were his sheets... satin? He felt his hair on his bare back... he hadn't been topless when he had gone to bed. And his hair was loose... he always braided it when he slept... what the hell was going on? Slowly, he sat up and looked around. He didn't recognize the room...

A petite little maid peered in and giggled. "Oh good morning master Mikado!" she said pushing the door open, carrying a tray with hot cinnamon oatmeal and orange juice. "It is good to see you awake!"

Mikado blinked, staring at her. After a moment, he recognized her. She was one of Bakura's servants! Then, it came back to him. The hypnosis. Bakura planting the seeds of doubt into his mind... the last thing he remembered was crying the library, staring out the window at the snow...

She sat the tray on the blankets covering Mikado's lap. "The lord instructed me to tend to your needs while new clothing is made for you." she said curtseying. "Is there anything you require? A hot bath? Books? Anything at all."

Mikado blinked. "N-New... clothing? When... when did he bring me here?" Mikado asked, confused and slightly alarmed. "What time is it? What DAY is it?!" He reached up for his cross for comfort, only to find it gone. This did not sit well with him... he felt naked and vulnerable. He had never been without it... not since it had been placed around his neck by the Agent who had rescued him from his burning village when he was seven...

"You arrived early this dawn." she said smiling. "You were shivering with chill and the lord ordered you receive a hot bath and be put to bed." she explained. "He suffered burns bringing you here... but you looked so pleased and content." She sighed dreamily. "Oh you two are such a beautiful couple. I never would have imagined that the lord would pick a lover while I was in his service."

Mikado blinked and his eyes widened as his cheeks reddened. "W-W-What?!" He yelped, looking shocked and embarrassed. "N-No! I... I can't... couldn't POSSIBLY... He SAID THIS?!"

The girl nodded eagerly. "He did! He even had our fastest servant head to the nearest village to get you this." She said pulling a small pouch from her pocket.

Mikado blinked and eyed the thing, leaning away a bit. "What is it...?"

She opened the pouch and pulled Mikado's hand closer. "An engagement present." She said dreamily, slipping the golden ring embedded with rubies on his finger. "Despite his... weakness to them, he even ordered it engraved with the symbol of holiness." She cooed motioning to the small cross on the ring.

........... engagement?

he's a PROPER vampire.

.... >.> so much for this being a Bakura/Malik pairing fic...

ehh Malik can go with Otogi

O.o() Mikado was supposed to just have a schoolboy crush on Bakura! and then end up with Otogi! LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE!!!

congrats. I've kicked it up a notch.

OMFG!!!

BAM!

this is GREAT!!!'

see what planning gets you?

confused?

ME kickin it up a notch. Now post

yes, oh mighty mistress of confusing the hato

Mikado stared down at the thing, stunned. "W-Whah?" He gasped, unable to form any complete coherent thoughts.

The girl smiled brightly. "Isn't he just absolutely dreamy? So romantic..." she sighed and fanned her face blushing. "You're so lucky!"

Mikado just kept staring at the ring. "B-But... why?" He gasped.

She giggled. "Because you came with him I imagine." she cooed. "You looked so content in his arms. You were quaking with the cold, but when he kissed you..." she clasped her hands together and leaned her head against them. "It was heartwarming."

Mikado blinked and flushed. "He... kissed me?" He gasped.

She nodded. "Oh yes, it was the most beautiful kiss I'd ever seen! Truly straight from a fairy tale!" she breathed. "Oh you're so very lucky! He only recently retired to sleep, watching over you as we readied your bed and bathed you to make sure you were alright."

Mikado groaned. "Why is it that whenever I'm in the tub with him around, I end up hypnotized...?" He mumbled.

"His eyes are truly entrancing." She said smiling. "Now Master Mikado please eat your breakfast. You must warm your insides, I'm sure you've still a chill and we can’t have you catching your death." she cooed.

Mikado looked down at the food. "Um... y-yeah..." He mumbled, leaning back against the headboard, sighing deeply. His face was filled with shock and confusion.

The girl smiled. "Do not look so distressed... the lord will take such wonderful care of you... I would serve no other." she said bowing her head. "He's truly a beautiful person."

Mikado glanced at her, before moving the tray off of his lap and pulling the blankets further up his body, drawing his knees up to his chest.

The girl curtseyed once more. "I will draw a bath for you for when you finish breakfast, and surely by then your clothing shall be ready for you."

Mikado blinked and slowly nodded. "Um... okay..." He said softly, very unnerved.

She smiled and walked to the fireplace adding another pair of log cuttings to the hearth, before trotting out. Giggling was heard outside as several maids discussed the new lover of their lord.

Mikado sighed in distress, folding his arms on his knees and hiding his face. What the hell happened?! How did Bakura manage to get him all the way out here?! Mikado didn't remember anything aside from falling asleep after dinner in his room, only to wake up in the library with Bakura's horrible words spinning through his head... having his breakdown and praying desperately... doubting himself... doubting his faith... Mikado winced at that. He was still having the stirrings of doubt... and he didn't like it. He had always been strong in his faith...

It was an hour of silence before the petite little maid returned, followed by two others. "Come Master Mikado, it's time for your bath, we have to change the linens on your bed." she added smiling and offering a long silken robe.

Mikado blinked. "Why? I've only been IN the bed for a few hours! And you said that I was bathed before you put me here, right?"

"Well if you'd RATHER be filthy and stinking..." She said giggling. "Then I suppose you can explain to the lord that you prefer filth."

"I thought I had a bath only a few hours ago!" Mikado cried.

The girl giggled again. "Yes, and you've been covered in thick blankets in a very warm room." She said calmly. "You have surely sweated. So come now and get up."

Mikado blinked then sighed and snatched the robe, pulling it on before sliding out of bed, not intending to give the women a free peepshow. He followed them, leaving his breakfast untouched.

She took his hand and led him down the hall to a large porcelain tub with golden clawed feet, filled with steaming bubbly water. "Here." she said smiling.

Mikado blinked. "... Good grief, does EVERYTHING have to be fancy with him?"

The girl giggled and nodded. "Only the finest." she said affirmatively. "Now please. In."

"Um... a little privacy?"

The girl turned around.

Mikado blinked. "Do you have to be in the bathroom with me? I'm perfectly capable of taking baths on my own..."

"Oh no I must help you with that long hair, and besides, we've special oils and perfumes." She said calmly. "I promise not to do or see anything more than your hair, if you are so troubled."

"... Good grief." Mikado mumbled, removing the robe and getting into the tub.

The girl giggled once he gave the signal, and hurried over to wash his hair. Even though it was embarrassing, Mikado had to admit that the girl's fingers against his scalp was quite soothing.

Of course, he also had other things to distract him from the awkwardness. Why the hell had Bakura brought him out here to his house? He thought the vampire liked him as an acquaintance, BARELY a friend... Mikado never even considered the possibility that Bakura might actually like him...

The girl finished, adding a sweet smelling oil to Mikado's hair. "Ahh there we go." She cooed. "Here." She handed him a soap that smelled similar. "Once you are finished just pull this string." She said motioning to the bell rope. "And I will return with towels and your clothes."

Mikado blinked. "Uh... sure..." He mumbled. The girl left and Mikado sat in the tub or about half an hour, running things over in his mind. But he was still confused. Finally, he picked up the soap and bathed, and pulled the rope when he was finished.

The girl returned with towels and the robe once more. "Ahh Master Mikado I am glad you are done." She said bowing. "Your clothing is divine, please dry and put on the towel, I will take you to your fitting. I'm afraid we may need to alter the clothes slightly." She said. "I do hope you won’t mind."

"Uh... no..." Mikado mumbled, grabbing the towel and getting out of the tub. He dried off, then put on the robe and followed her, still rubbing his hair with the towel.

She lead him downstairs where many servants were gathered, still busily sewing away. "Here..." She plucked up a green ribbon and tied back Mikado's hair in a loose knot. The other maids giggled as Mikado stood on a stool, after putting on the black cotton pants. They were exquisite in quality, and down the seams were strips of deep emerald green lined with golden thread. "Ohh they suit you." The petite maid cooed. "They draw out the beautiful color of your eyes!"

Mikado flushed. "Um... thanks..." He cocked his head and thought a bit. Bakura liked to wear black and white and red... he was putting Mikado in black and white and green, throwing a bit of gold in... with Mikado's black hair and Bakura's white hair, Mikado couldn't help but think that all of the gold, black, white, red and green would have them looking like a Christmas Couple...

The girl smiled and offered Mikado his shirt. It was a plain white long-sleeved silk shirt with exaggerated cuffs and a beautiful collar frill (which was very much in style for the period) which held a gold pin with a large emerald in the center.

Mikado sighed. Figures. "So... what time IS it?" He asked. He had yet to see an uncovered window that might let him see how light it was outside.

The girl handed him the beautifully made velveteen green suit coat.

"Oh you look utterly handsome..." she cooed.

Mikado blushed as another girl combed through his hair. "Um... thanks?" He asked. "Now, will someone PLEASE tell me what time it is?"

"Afternoon tea." The petite maid answered, as two others came in, one carrying a tray with a teaset, the other a tray of snacks.

"... Oh." Mikado mumbled, blinking as the other girl braided his hair and tied it off with the ribbon.

"We've many clocks about the manor." The petite maid said smiling. "Anytime you wish to know what time it is, just look at one. The lord purchased them in Germany from a young inventor. They are miraculous for telling what part of the day you are in. Though winding them and moving the weights to keep the pendulums moving is quite a tedious task." She giggled. "But such lovely grandfather clocks."

Mikado blinked and looked around. Sure enough, there across the room was a clock. "Bloody hell..."

The girl smiled and helped him down from the stool, offering him a pair of comfortable looking loafer shoes. "Here... so you are not traipsing about barefooted."

Mikado made a face. "I like traipsing around bare footed." He mumbled.

The maids all giggled and ushered him towards a chair and sat a hot cup of tea before him. "Please relax Master Mikado..." they all cooed, before bursting into more giggles, bustling away to begin sewing his night clothes. He would need many articles of clothing if were to be properly equipped for the engagement to their lord.

Mikado raised an eyebrow at the giggling. He felt extremely awkward... he was completely out of his element.

The remainder of the day, the maids eagerly spoke and giggled whenever Mikado passed, skittering away from their duties to allow him to pass.

The succulent scent of a roast duck began filling the manor as the dying rays of the sun set, and the dining room table was set.

Mikado was in the small library by the fireplace, staring out the window at the dying light. It was already dark outside, thanks to the clouds. The snow still fell, but it had lightened significantly; just small specks of white floating down through the darkness. There was a small field that the window over looked, and a small herd of horses was playing in the snow, all of them Gypsy Cobs. Strigoi pranced around, playing his role as leader, herding the several mares and foals around. He was territorial, so Bakura had his other two stallions kept away from the herd when Strigoi was among them.

"Admiring the view?" Bakura whispered in Mikado's ear. "It is a beautiful sight in the spring as well…"

Mikado let out a yip and jumped, stumbling forwards and whirling. He stared at Bakura, eyes wide, then looked back and forth between the vampire and his own pale reflection in the window. Then he scowled. "Damn you and your non-existant reflection..." He complained.

Bakura chuckled slightly, looking highly amused, eyes grazing over Mikado calmly. "You look stunning." he said after a moment. "The look suits you far more than anything I've seen you in yet."

Mikado blinked and flushed. "Um... thanks?" He offered, meekly. He squirmed. "I feel ridiculous."

Bakura smirked and reached out, taking Mikado's chin in his hand and coaxing him forward. "Your eyes finally shine brightly, and you look like the handsome creature you are." And that’s when once again, their lips met, however this time Mikado was awake to witness the kiss.

Mikado gave a small squeak, eyes widening. He whimpered slightly and squirmed, moving away and eyeing Bakura nervously. "I... I don't understand... what am I doing here? What did you do to me?" He asked, and for the first time, Bakura saw a hint of fear in the young Agent's eyes.

Bakura smirked. "I took you away from your troubles." he said after a moment. "You were unhappy... anyone could plainly see that you were struggling miserably at that church. Demoted... and lusting. You are not meant for such a life." he said calmly. "There are better things to be had. Kinder things to experience."

Mikado blinked. "W-What? I wasn't miserable!" He cried. "I mean, yeah, I got demoted, but it was my own idiot mistake that brought that about! I was promoted at a young age... they overestimated me. They were simply rectifying that mistake... I... Bakura." He placed a hand on his forehead and turned to look out the window again, flustered.

"I did not force you to come with me." Bakura said calmly. "I used hypnosis to get the truth from you." he added. "You were all too eager to leave... tears staining your cheeks. You left that place in favor of a place with me." he wrapped arms delicately around Mikado's waist. "You left so that you could freely love me, and not face the judgment of man, or the sins that such a thing bears. You left for freedom." he whispered once more in Mikado's ear.

Mikado slowly shook his head. "You think that by leaving the Vatican I am freed of my sins?" He frowned. "No one is free of their sins. It's just that some don't care... Bakura... I... I do feel for you... deeply... but... I don't know if I can..." He trailed off and chewed his lip. Bakura watched Mikado's face in the window's reflection. He looked conflicted. But his body slowly relaxed in Bakura's arms and he sighed.

Bakura pulled Mikado close. "No man is free of sin, this is true... but the man who lives in misery counting each sin and punishing himself, is the man who never finds a happy end. The man shunned by all men." he leaned forward, kissing along Mikado's neck. "The man who lies to himself... to feel better about a lust he can only sin in lie to pretend to hide."

Bakura smirked. "This life... this is where you belong. You wont face the overwhelm of deadly sins...you will not envy, for I will give you all you could want for...you will not be overbearing in pride, or gluttonous..." his lips trailed upwards once more, along Mikado's jaw. "You will not lust...for it will be love...and love is one of the purest most sinless emotions mortals can feel..."

Mikado's eyes widened slightly. "I do not punish myself for my sins." He breathed. "I ask for forgiveness. And it is given. Every man sins. I sin. I know I cannot be without sin, that is impossible for man. But I try to be the best I can. I do God's work. Bakura... I never wanted a different life... I wanted... more in my life. But not a different life." He watched Strigoi eating from the pile of hay that was on the ground in the snow, swishing his tail.

"Where was your forgiveness when you cried last night?" Bakura said snorting. "Where was it when you begged in tears? I heard you..." he said softly. "Do not lie about forgiveness being given to you when you yourself don’t believe it either."

Mikado frowned and looked down. "I am doubting... every one doubts at some point... even Christ himself felt doubt once or twice. But I still beleive... I still have faith."

"Will that faith be what soothes you in the end of your days? Will that save you a life of misery, serving a God who will not forgive? And what of your priest friend? Will God forgive him but not you? Or perhaps he forgives none, and merely looks on as you sin, disinterested."

Mikado frowned and shook his head. "God is not like that." He said. "I was chosen to do his work. And I am proud to do his work. I have spent the last ten years of my life doing his work."

"And what has God done for you?" Bakura snorted. "He doesn't even forgive you for your sin." he shook his head. "He does not allow you to love, he does not forgive." he rolled his eyes. "You sin a thousand times a day, and still claim to be a man of God. You could never be." Bakura said pulling away slowly. "No man of God would look with adoring eyes to a vampire, a male. No man of God would lust for me." he turned to a bookshelf. "No man of God would play his sins off so freely, depending on forgiveness ungiven, and corrupt a priest."

Mikado turned and stared at Bakura, both pain and pity in his eyes. "That's not true... your years have left you bitter, Bakura. You have a negative outlook on life. That is why men are not meant to live forever... life changes us. It tires and frustrates us. And those without God lose all hope... I haven't lost hope. I still cling to the idea that despite my sins... despite the love I feel for someone who I am told is damned... I can still be holy. You don't have to be perfect to be holy Bakura. All you need is faith." He wanted to reach out and touch the vampire, but he was afraid...

"Will God speak that to you, after damning His very voice?" he said smirking. "That priest could have remained pure... innocent. You introduced lust to him. YOU were the one that condemned him to a sin that will lead him from the church. From the thing he so loved."

Mikado frowned. "I did nothing of the sort." He growled, now looking angry. "Ryou is a good soul. He cares for Marik. And it was his love for the werewolf that led him to God. Marik has achieved Salvation. Ryou has saved his soul..." Mikado took a deep breath and walked over to Bakura. "And I pray that God is leading me to save yours..."

Bakura blinked and laughed at that. "Vampires have no soul to save. You know that." he said shaking his head. "I am but a dead man, that walks the earth eternally." He pulled a book from the shelf. "But if you so think that your God will have you... then you may leave Mikado. I will not follow. But that priest will never be of God again. His soul was lost in exchange for that of a werewolf."

Mikado frowned and shook his head, reaching out and laying a hand on Bakura's face. "You have a soul." He said firmly. There was no doubt in his voice. "Without a soul, there is no emotion. And you have emotion. And Ryou's soul is not lost. Once you give your soul to God, He holds it for eternity. And nothing can tear it from His grasp. No sin is so great that He would forsake one of his own children." Mikado sighed and moved closer to Bakura. "Why did you bring me here...? Why did YOU want to bring me here?"

Bakura rolled his eyes. "That priest is fallen." he said once more. "Once he uses his magic completely, he will never heal, nor bless again. God does not need forsake his 'children' when they so eagerly forsake him. As you were denied your own forgiveness, will he be denied his."

He turned and strolled toward the door. "Stay or go Mikado, but I will not impose my opinion of YOUR God any further. Think what you will, do what you will. I wash my hands of it."

Mikado watched him go, and stood staring at the door for quite some time before falling to his knees and resting his head on folded arms on a chair by the fire. Then quietly, he closed his eyes and prayed for guidance...

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