The Path of Vengeance

A/N - This chapter jumps around a bit, my way of signifying a faster pace at which the events are occuring. I hope you like it!


Ryou paced the kitchen, going through the motions of meal preparation in order to avoid Malik’s questions as well as his own growing fury. He’d spent the last couple of days bearing the guilt over Tristan’s absence, thinking that it was due to his own presence when in fact it seemed that the brunette was staying away out of allegiance to Seto Kaiba.

“Fucking son of a bitch!” he ground out uncharacteristically.

“Indeed.”

Ryou spun around to see Yami standing in the threshold, his arms full of plastic shopping bags. “Yami…”

The spirit unloaded the packages on the kitchen table before pulling his enraged boyfriend into his arms. “What happened?” he asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

“Yugi had a nightmare,” Ryou replied. “It was just…upsetting to see.”

“You didn’t call me.”

“It only happened a few minutes ago. Malik is in there with him. They are watching a movie.”

“Malik? You called Malik?”

Ryou gave Yami a reassuring squeeze. “No,” he soothed. “He came over just a few minutes before Yugi woke up.”

Yami eyed him skeptically. “You seem…nervous about something. What’s wrong?”

The dark haired teen stepped out of Yami’s embrace. “I’m sorry,” he stammered. “I, um, have to go.” He spun around but before he could take a step his wrist was captured, stilling his movement.

“Ryou,” Yami probed gently. “What’s going on?”

“I need to be alone for a little while,” Ryou replied. “I’m sorry.” He peeled Yami’s fingers from his arm and fled the room, not seeing the pained expression on his boyfriend’s face.



Malik looked up as the spirit entered the living room. “Hey Pharaoh,” he said, raising his head off of the pillow. “When’d you get back?”

“Just a minute ago,” Yami replied absently, his eyes narrowing to see Yugi curled up and sleeping in the blonde’s arms. “How is he?”

Malik sensed Yami’s discomfort and with no small amount of satisfaction pulled Yugi closer. “He fell right back asleep once I lay down with him.”

“I see,” Yami ground out. “I’m going to go put the groceries away.”

“Where’s Ryou?” Malik asked.

“He went out.” Yami left the room, sheer willpower keeping him from stomping prepubescently.

Malik raised an eyebrow at the spirit’s back as it disappeared through the doorway. He’d known Yami was possessive but damn. That was a bit much. He shifted from his side so that he was lying on his back, his head propped up on several cushy pillows. “Fucking pharaoh,” he muttered.

A pained whimper sounded from the small body next to him. “Malik?” Yugi whispered sleepily.

“You’re alright, Yugi,” the Egyptian replied. “I just needed to change position before my spine slipped out of place.”

A small smile crept over Yugi’s lips and he carefully crawled up to rest his head in the crook of Malik’s shoulder before returning to his pharmaceutically induced slumber.

Malik waited until he was sure the teen was unconscious before picking up the remote and idly flipping through the channels. This was not how he’d intended on spending his night.



The sun had set over an hour before and still Ryou wandered the dark streets of Domino. It had taken every ounce of self restraint he possessed not to tell Yami this newest piece of information. It seemed that there was still a lot he did not know about the intricacies of his dark’s revenge.

As tempting as it was, he decided against contacting Bakura. He knew that the information he was seeking would not come from the thief. It was becoming harder and harder to keep silent when so many questions went unanswered.

By the time he made it to the park he’d decided on only one thing. He’d go to the Kaiba estate in the morning and talk to Tristan. He had a feeling that talking to Seto Kaiba would be a waste of time given the CEO’s hard exterior.

He was still unsure about what to say to Bakura when next they spoke. For all he knew Malik had already talked to Marik and Bakura already knew. If that was the case then he DEFINITELY didn’t want to try to contact his dark.

As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he knew deep down that he was avoiding Yami by staying out so late. Though he knew his boyfriend would be upset as well as worried he changed direction, heading for his house instead of the game shop. Until he knew the whole truth he couldn’t risk leaking part of the story to Yami. If the spirit even suspected that Kaiba was involved he knew there would be a job opening for the coveted seat of the Kaiba Corp by morning. It was a risk he could not take.



*I can’t begin to describe how sorry I am for all that I’ve put you through. If there was any way that I could go back and change the past you know I would. Not just the last few days but times before as well. I know how hard it has been for you and I’m sorry that I haven’t taken more time to ensure that all of your needs are met. And I know that I don’t say it often enough but I love you. I’ve always loved you and everything I’ve done I’ve done to guarantee your health, safety, and comfort. All of that, however, I threw away with one selfish act. If it takes me the rest of my life I will make this up to you and do all necessary to regain your trust.*

Mokuba looked up from the letter at his brother who was seated at the foot of his bed. He pushed the blankets off of his lap and lunged into the elder Kaiba’s arms. “Seto, I’m sorry,” he cried. “I didn’t want to hurt you.”

Tears fell unnoticed from the CEO as his arms closed around his brother. “Mokuba, I’m sorry,” he said, knowing fully well that he was the only one who could hear the words. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d held Mokuba like this, the last time he’d told the boy he loved him. It was definitely an awakening experience. He didn’t want to be the kind of man that Gozaburo was, existing just for Kaiba Corp, using and abusing everyone who showed some kind of worth just to discard them once their usefulness had passed.

“And I love you too,” Mokuba added. “I don’t say it either.”

Kaiba winced at the volume of Mokuba’s voice. It was obvious that the boy was speaking loudly in a vain attempt to hear himself speak. After a moment he pulled back, leaning past his brother to pick up the dry erase board on the nightstand. Taking up a blue pen he began to write.

Mokuba watched with interest until finally his brother turned the slate around for him to read.

*You should really try to get some sleep. I’m going to talk to your doctors tomorrow and see what can be done to help regain your hearing.*

Mokuba nodded. “Okay.” He hugged Kaiba one more time before crawling back under the covers.

Kaiba stood up and moved to Mokuba’s bedside, tucking him in before kissing his cheek and leaving the room, nodding his head respectfully to Kenji who waited on the other side for their talk to conclude, a book and a pillow in one hand, his two-way radio and a large cup of coffee in the other. “Take good care of him,” Kaiba instructed.

“Of course, sir.”

Kaiba stopped in the doorway of his bedroom, his face softening to see Tristan asleep in the chair next to the bed, a cup of coffee cooling in his slackened grip. He stepped forward and picked up the mug, setting it aside before gathering his boyfriend into his arms and depositing him gently onto the bed.

“Seto?” Tristan said sleepily before bolting upright. “Shit!” He rubbed at his eyes. “How long have I been asleep?”

“About twenty minutes,” Kaiba replied, turning off the light and sliding into bed next to him. “Go back to sleep.”

“I can’t sleep,” Tristan replied, turning the table lamp on. “I’ve got to check on Mokuba and talk to Kenji and-”

“Baby, relax,” Kaiba said, one hand resting on Tristan’s arm. “I just checked on Mokuba and Kenji. They’re both fine. You’ve been awake for far too long. Any longer and you won’t be of any use to anyone.”

“Where’s my radio?” Tristan asked.

“On the nightstand. Don’t worry. Kenji is spending the night in Mokuba’s room.”

Tristan turned off the bedside lamp and relaxed onto the pillows. “Well, I guess I could use a few hours of sleep.”

Kaiba pulled his boyfriend into his arms, eternally grateful that he was still able to do so after everything he’d put the teen through. “I’ll check on Mokuba again in the morning before I go to work,” he said.

“Stealthy,” Tristan stated, his fingers idly tracing the CEO’s chest. “You can’t go back to work. What are you going to tell the press?”

“Grease fire,” Kaiba replied. “It worked on Duke.”

Tristan froze. “You saw Duke?”

“Yes. He came in here looking for the lavatory.”

“And you told him you were injured in a grease fire?”

“Yes.” Kaiba paused. “Why are you shaking?”

“Oh gods, Seto, Kenji and I told your manager at Kaiba Corp and Joey that it was a motorcycle accident.”

“And you didn’t think it important to tell me that?” Kaiba questioned.

“What the fuck am I going to tell Joey? He’s going to talk to Duke and find out I was lying.”

“Tristan, love, calm down. We’ll stick with your story. It will be easy to convince Duke that I was lying to save face.”

Tristan began to relax. “Yeah,” he said. “They wouldn’t put it past you.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Sorry,” Tristan grinned.

“Don’t worry,” Kaiba soothed. “I’ll call a press conference tomorrow.”

Tristan narrowed his eyes. “Damn you,” he snickered. “Fine, you can go back to work.”

“Thank you.”



Marik lay facedown on the bed in the non-identifying hotel room, every inch of his body in a either a state of utter blissful contentment or white-hot agony. Bakura had fulfilled the Egyptian’s request and then some, fucking him so hard that he was still unable to move even though the thief had left the room nearly twenty minutes ago to pick up a few essential supplies for their stay.

With a low moan he managed to roll onto his back, his eyes falling shut against the bright glare of the sun through the crack in the heavy curtains. There was no use denying it any longer. He knew he’d fallen hard for the white haired devil. The thought of love alone made him want to vomit uncontrollably. There wasn’t an ounce of his soul that longed for mushy hearts and flowers and all that crap.

The reason his feelings had gone unacknowledged for so long was because he’d been stuck with that stereotype in his head. It had never occurred to him that there were other kinds of love. Not until tonight when Bakura had fucked him within an inch of his life while professing similar feelings to his own. It was then that he knew. He and Bakura were of a different breed. It was only natural that their emotions be different as well.

He heard the door to the hotel open and close and Bakura’s voice broke through his reverie. “By Ra, Ishtar, have you even moved?”

“No.”

“Heh, did I wear you out?”

“Yes.”

Bakura tossed the bags he carried onto the dresser and began rifling through them. “I got something for you,” he said with a smirk.

Marik moaned, his eyes still closed. “You already fucked me raw, Bakura. Any more of your treatment would be considered cruel punishment.”

“Are you TRYING to make my cock hard?”

Marik chucked. “Sorry.”

The thief sat on the edge of the bed, a can of soda in one hand and three aspirins in the other. “Take these,” he instructed.

Marik swallowed the pills, forgoing the beverage. “Have you heard anything from Ryou?” he asked.

“Nothing useful.”

“I told Malik we left Vegas. He wants to catch up to us when he gets found out.”

Bakura raised an eyebrow. “Did you tell him he could?”

“No,” the Egyptian replied immediately. “He knows I don’t share well.”

“Don’t share well?” Bakura repeated. “Have you laid claim to me then?”

Marik smiled. “Does it bother you?”

“Not as much as it should,” the thief replied. “Does this mean that I don’t have to share you with him either?”

Marik blinked. He hadn’t thought of that. “Um…”

Bakura laughed. “I was only joking,” he replied. “I’d never ask you to promise that.”

A sigh of relief escaped Marik’s lips. “Well then its only fair that I allow you to fuck Ryou,” he joked.

Though his outside demeanor remained the same, Bakura was laughing on the inside. *You have no idea how close I came to it,* he thought. “It’s a deal. Now move over, you’re hogging the bed.”



The next morning, back in Domino, Ryou stood at the gates of the Kaiba Estate armed with dark circles under his eyes and a head full of accusations. He had been awake all night listening to the phone ring and Yami’s voice leaving message after message on his father’s answering machine. He knew that the spirit would not leave Yugi alone so he didn’t worry about his boyfriend showing up and forcing him to talk. He felt awful for making Yami worry but knew that it was the best thing he could do under the circumstances.

He walked up to the gate with mounting determination and pressed the buzzer. No reply came. He was about to press it again when a male voice crackled through the speaker.

“May I help you?”

Ryou cleared his throat nervously. “Um, my name is Ryou Bakura. I’m here to see Seto Kaiba.”

“Mr. Kaiba has already gone to the office for the day.”

“Is Tristan here?” Ryou asked boldly. “It’s very urgent.”

A pause. “I’ll see if he’s available.”

Ryou smoothed out a wrinkle of his white sweat shirt and shuffled his feet in nervous anticipation.

Finally the voice spoke again. “He’s agreed to meet with you, Mr. Bakura. Please come to the front door.”

Ryou jumped at the loud buzzing sound that signaled that the gate was disarmed and unlocked. He stepped through quickly and took a deep breath before walking the half mile driveway to the grand entry.

He had been to the Kaiba mansion several times before so he recognized Kenji when the large man opened the door. “Hello Mr. Kenji,” he greeted politely.

“And yourself,” Kenji replied. “That some sort of statement?”

Ryou looked at him quizzically for a moment before realization hit. He brushed a hand through his hair self-consciously. “Yeah,” he replied, eager to take on the assumption rather than admit the truth.

“You kids today,” the older man chuckled, leading Ryou into the parlor. “Mr. Taylor will be right down.”

“Um, he knows I’m here then?”

Kenji nodded. “Of course.”

*Well, that’s a start,* Ryou thought. He watched the guard until he disappeared up the massive staircase. He worked over and over in his head the things he planned to say to Tristan but nothing seemed to come across right.

“Can I help you?”

Ryou heard the uncertainty in Tristan’s voice and turned around, coming face to face with the brunette. “Hi Tristan.”

Tristan raised his eyebrows. “Ryou? What happened to your hair?”

Ryou completely ignored the question. “Tristan, I know.”

Tristan blinked. “You know what?”

The dark-haired teen leaned forward and whispered. “I know about Kaiba’s involvement with Bakura.”

Tristan pulled back as though he’d been slapped. Though he didn’t know why Ryou would show up so unexpectedly he’d assumed that it had something to do with Yugi’s condition. He never suspected that the teen knew what was going on. He narrowed his eyes. “What the fuck are you talking about?” he asked, trying to play it cool.

“How dare you,” Ryou ground out, releasing the frustration he’d worked so hard to keep in check the past week. “How dare you make me feel like scum not fit for you to spit on when your boyfriend was involved in the whole thing!”

Tristan stared openly for a moment. He was willing to bet that Bakura had told the teen everything. And if that was the case then Ryou had the upper hand. And judging from his demeanor he knew it. “What do you want from me?” he asked suspiciously.

Ryou very nearly growled. “I want you to give me one good reason why I shouldn’t march over to the game shop and tell Yami the truth!”

“Ryou, come on,” Tristan said. “You can’t do that.”

“Oh, I can.”

“I’m asking you not to.”

“This from the man who screamed at me for not feeding Bakura to you all?”

“I was wrong,” Tristan conceded. “I didn’t think it through.”

Ryou shook his head. “You’ve got a lot of nerve, Tristan.”

“You don’t understand the full story,” Tristan replied, perspiration beading on his brow.

A bit of the old Ryou began to come forth in his gentle reply. “Why don’t you tell me then? Help me to understand.”

Tristan weighed his options. It was obvious what had to be done. “Sit down,” he said, gesturing to the plush sofa. Once they were both seated he spoke. “I didn’t know he was involved at first. Once I found out I tried to leave him.”

Ryou’s gasp was barely audible. “You were going to break it off?”

“Yes. I made it pretty far before I got a call from Mokuba. He asked me to come home, saying he was scared. I told him to go find his brother.” Tears welled up in his eyes. “Mokuba walked in on Seto with a gun to his head. He was going to kill himself.”

“Tristan,” Ryou breathed.

“Mokuba ran up to him and pulled on his arm at the same time Seto fired the gun. The bullet went through the right side of Seto’s face and the gunshot caused Mokuba to lose hearing in both his ears. By the time I got there Seto was kneeling on the floor bleeding and staring at the gun and Mokuba was catatonic.”

“Oh, gods, Tristan. I had no idea.”

“No one does,” the brunette snapped. “And I’d like to keep it that way. Seto’s just now gotten to the point where he could go back to work.”

Ryou was stunned. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Tristan replied. “I didn’t tell you to gain sympathy.”

“Tristan you have to tell Yami. If I felt that Bakura was posing any further threat to Yugi I’d give him away in a second.”

“Seto’s not posing a threat to anyone but himself,” Tristan replied darkly. “Not only is he trying to deal with the guilt associated with Yugi, he’s also carrying the blame for Mokuba’s hearing impairment.”

Ryou was at a loss. He’d gone to Tristan thinking to solve part of the puzzle only to discover more pieces to it. “But…what about you? Can you really be with someone who conspired to rape one of your best friends?”

“Don’t, Ryou,” Tristan said, holding up his hand. “Nothing you can say could compete with all the shit going through my head.”

“Alright,” Ryou relented. He glanced at his watch. “I’d better go. Yami’s probably worried about me.”

“How are you two getting along?”

Ryou shrugged. “It’s been tense. You know, Yugi and all.”

Tristan nodded. If there was one thing he knew well it was stress. He stared down at his hands, struggling to phrase his next comment. “Look, Ryou, I’m sorry for the way I treated you. I was upset about Yugi. I didn’t stop to think about how I would feel if I was you.” He laughed bitterly. “Karma sure saw it fit to show me how wrong I was.”

“I forgive you,” Ryou replied. “Um, what about Kaiba and Mokuba? Are they going to be okay?”

Tristan shrugged sadly. “Mokuba has an appointment with the ENT later this morning to go over some test results. We should know more after that. Seto is being Seto. He went through a few days of complete dependency and now he’s back to acting like none of what happened fazed him.”

“Do you think that’s healthy?”

“No,” Tristan replied bluntly. “But it’s Seto. He hates admitting weakness. Even when it’s something this serious.”

“But you said he can’t be alone. How is he handling someone being with him all the time?”

“He doesn’t know. Kenji and I trade off between him and Mokuba at night and Kenji talked one of his security buddies into tracking Seto at the office. I’m sure he’s pissed but he’d be a lot more upset if he knew the real reason for the shadow.”

Ryou nodded. What little he knew of Seto Kaiba supported the theory. He rose to his feet. “I really should get going,” he explained. “Thank you for your honesty, Tristan.”

Tristan nodded. “Thank you for keeping this quiet.”

Ryou paused. “Tristan, I have to tell Yami.”

The brunette paled. “What?!”

“He already knows that someone else was in on it,” Ryou revealed. “Eventually he WILL find out it was Kaiba. And the longer it takes for him to reach that conclusion the angrier he’s going to get.”

“What the hell, Ryou?” Tristan exploded. “You go off about how I treated you like shit and now you’re going to sign Seto’s death warrant?”

“I never denied Bakura’s involvement.”

“This is quite a bit different.”

“I agree,” Ryou replied. “But Yugi has the right to know that someone he trusted deceived him. If I knew this and didn’t tell him I would be a horrible friend.”

Tristan narrowed his eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing,” Ryou said. “You should really come and see Yugi. I know he misses you.”

Tristan heard the finality with which the dark-haired teen changed the subject. “Fine,” he relented. “You tell Yami. But I want to be the one to tell Yugi.”

Ryou nodded. “That’s fair.”

“I’ll be by the house later tonight after Seto gets home from work. I may have to bring Mokuba with me.”

“Kaiba can’t watch him?”

“Mokuba still doesn’t fully trust him.”

“Do you really think he needs to hear this?”

Tristan sighed bitterly. “He won’t be hearing any of it.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________
Ooo! Ryou's growing a pair!
How will Yami react to the news?
Will it hurt Yugi's recovery?
Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter of Path of Vengeance!
(snicker)

Note to DracOnyx: Ryou and Dartz hooked up in my Sims game along with Malik and Miroku from Inuyasha. Glad to know I'm not the only superobsessed fan! :)

Note to Su: Squee!