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 2

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The rain was coming down in torrents, the wind howling through the trees. The single rider on the black mare had his head down, hiding within his black cloak with gold trimming and a cross on the back. A gold cross hung from his throat. As he rounded the bend, Mikado looked up at the glow coming through the woods; a lit window in a large house. As he got closer to the place, he saw a silhouette. Mikado smirked; his informant felt him coming... He reached the front of the house, and a servant was there waiting. He took the black mare, and another led Mikado inside. Mikado lowered his hood, but declined to hand over his cloak to the butler. He was led up a dark staircase and down the hall. One room was lit, the light creeping under the door. The butler opened the door and bowed Mikado in. The man from the window was still there, staring out at the storm.

"Bakura." Mikado said with a nod, knowing that Bakura was watching the Vatican Agent's reflection in the window he was facing.

"Mikado... I'm surprised to see you out of the church so soon...misbehaving?" he asked chuckling.

Mikado smirked, removing his cloak as the butler left and hung it by the door. "Only a little bit." He said, resting his hand casually on the hilt of the sword that hung at his left hip. "And you? Finally taking a break from terrorizing the countryside and driving my superiors up the wall? They would probably kill us BOTH if they knew I was here... Well... at least they'd TRY..."

"A man has to work, and a Vampire has to eat." Bakura said calmly. "Until you humans decide to just go along willingly, I'm going to be 'terrorizing' people." he replied. "What business do you have?"

"You hear things that the Vatican doesn't." Mikado said, walking across the room towards the vampire at the window. He stood beside him, staring out at the storm... or pretending to... Mikado found that his reflection disrupted his view; Bakura had no such problem... "I've been assigned to locate a young priest that was supposed to arrive at the Vatican nearly a week ago. He's sixteen, seventeen years old. He supposedly has incredible powers to heal. His name is Ryou, and apparently he... looks a lot like you." He turned and looked at Bakura to see his reaction. "At least from the description. Pale... brown eyes, long white hair."

Bakura snorted. "He won’t be arriving at the Vatican."

Mikado sighed and turned back to the window. "What happened?" He asked. Bakura snorted and turned to look at him. Mikado blinked, then sighed and undid the first couple of buttons on his jacket, pulling the collar down and baring his throat, and a pair of puncture wound scars. "Just do it and start talking."

Bakura chuckled. "Always a good human of bargain." he said pulling Mikado close and bearing his teeth. The bite was painless, as it always had been. Bakura and Mikado were on an almost... ALMOST friendship relation. Besides, the youth's blood was pure, something truly rare among mortals.

Mikado winced at the bite, not from pain, but just from knowing that he was being bitten by a vampire... oh, Dartz and Pegasus would be SO mad if they ever found out... fortunately, Bakura always bit him in the exact same place... it wasn't unusual for an Agent to have scars, vampire bites were more rare, but since he only had the one pair of fang marks (Bakura being careful not to leave others) no one had any reason to suspect. Mikado breathed slowly and deeply, closing his eyes and waiting for Bakura to take his fill and release him.

Bakura filled himself to contentment, leaving Mikado just enough to continue as if nothing had happened. "His carriage was overtaken by thieves... They took him with it."

Mikado swayed a bit, but nodded as Bakura licked the wounds closed. "Who, when, where?" Mikado asked.

"A rogue pair... a werewolf and an elf." Bakura said calmly. "They caught him a day from the Vatican and nearly two... three? somewhere in there days ago." he chuckled. "Time is hard to keep track of when you sleep through the days."

Mikado snorted. "I can imagine. Where can I find them?" He asked, buttoning his jacket.

"A day's ride from here. Their 'base' so to speak is a cave North of here." Bakura said sighing.

Mikado nodded and sighed, thinking. An agent of his rank usually wasn't sent to deal with something like an elf and a werewolf, and never at the same time... but... he HAD been told to recover the priest... so... He turned and headed for the door. "Thanks."

Bakura snorted. "Take silver." he said calmly. "With a werewolf, you can’t be caught without it." he said walking over to a set of shelves and pulling a small box from it. He walked back to Mikado and opened it. Within sat a silver dagger. "Just in case." he smirked.

Mikado blinked, then smiled and nodded. "Thanks." He said, taking the thing, scabbard and all, and tucking it into his belt. The gold cross around his neck caught the light as he did, and made Bakura scowl a bit. Mikado inwardly shrugged. Oh well. He'd live.

Bakura snorted. "Get rid of that thing..."

"No." Mikado said with a grin. "I'm a Vatican Agent. If I DO get rid of it, I'm swapping it out for a Crucifix." That made Bakura's scowl deepen, and he glared at the Agent. Mikado laughed. "I'm not getting rid of it, YOU get used to it. You'll never see me without it. And besides... I like having it there in case you take things a bit too far..." And he rubbed his neck over the puncture wounds. "Consider that a warning. Just in case you get any ideas..." And he winked at Bakura, still grinning.

Bakura hissed. "Ever wield that thing at me like a weapon and you'll be in a world of hurt." he snorted turning away. "feh... holymen."

Mikado laughed. "Don't give me a reason to, Bakura." He said. "Thanks again. Oh! I almost forgot! You haven't heard anything about a rogue Vatican Agent by the name of Seto Kaiba, have you?"

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Rescue the brat first, I'll see what I can get for you after."

Mikado frowned a bit, but then nodded. "Alright. Thanks... I'll see you soon then." He removed his cloak and flung it around his shoulders, clasping it at his throat and leaving the room. His horse was brought for him immediately. He pulled up his hood and mounted the horse, spurring her out into the storm. Bakura watched the young Vatican Agent disappear into the darkness of the forest. A flash of lightning gave him one last glimpse of the gold cross stitched into the back of the boy's cloak. The vampire snorted and turned, pulling the cord on the curtains and they fell closed, rendering the large manor invisible in the dark shadow of the mountain that towered over it...

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Ryou pouted slightly as morning had come. He had an aching back and neck, and he felt very weakened. His spell had weakened along with him, the circle barely glowing at all. But he was prepared to cast it again if they tried to hurt him again. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall once more. What he wouldn't give for the comforts of his church...

The elf and werewolf were sleeping next to the dying fire, the elf in a bedroll, the wolf ON a bedroll. Marik was on his back, snoring, but also wiggling, a back leg twitching as he gave soft barks in his sleep.

Ryou perked up slightly. Maybe he could make an escape.... He looked across the cave at his staff and satchel. After a moment of fearful hesitation, he stood silently and crept towards his things. He hurriedly picked up his satchel and grabbed his staff. Then with a feeling of near joy, he began creeping out of the cave.

Suddenly, an arrow struck the ground in front of his feet. Ryou gasped and turned, and there was Malik with his bow, a second arrow ready. And Marik was beside him, growling, hackles raised.

He whimpered and backed up. "Let me leave! I don’t want to be here! I... I'm supposed to be at the Vatican!" He clutched his staff close to himself. "Please! You have no use of me!"

Marik changed to his halfway form. "WE will decide that... get back here, sit down and shut up and we'll give you breakfast."

Ryou whimpered, taking another step back. "Please... I… I just want to leave!"

"I don't think so kid..." Marik growled, stalking towards Ryou. "Now come on. If you be good... I will try to be good, too. You be nice to me, I'll be nice to you."

"You're HOLDING me captive! That's hardly nice!" Ryou wailed. "Let me leave! I already told you I won’t help you! I'd sooner die!"

Marik darted around and got into Ryou's path, preventing him from leaving the cave.

Malik snorted. "Get in here or the next shot wont miss..." he growled drawing the arrow back warningly.

Ryou gave them both a pathetic look before sighing and trotting back to his dimly glowing circle and sitting down once more, still clutching his staff. He sniffled softly.

Marik nodded and went to the deer carcass, tearing off some of the cold half frozen meat and bringing it over to the fire, which Malik was working on. Marik then returned to his human form and dressed, then cut the meat into strips and began cooking it.

Ryou sighed miserably and pouted at his dim circle. Soon it would fade and he'd have no protection left between him and the two psychopathic thieves. Why was it he always had the worst luck? He must be being punished for something he'd done...

Then, bare tan feet (with claws) stopped at the edge of the circle. Ryou looked up and Marik stood there with a few strips of meat skewered on a stick. “Rare, Medium Rare, Medium, or Well Done?”

Ryou gave him a fearful look. "Well done." he mumbled softly.

Marik nodded and returned to the fire, roasting the meat a bit more. He returned soon and offered Ryou a couple of skewers and a full water skin.

Ryou reached out and took them and looked away, eating quietly.

Marik returned to the fire and ate his meat, rare of course. He looked at Malik. "So... what are we gonna do today?"

"I dunno... We could scout out a new carriage to rob... but with pussy there it'll be hard… he'll try to run away."

Marik sighed and grumbled. "Yeah... guess we gotta hang out here for a while. Or break his legs..."

Malik laughed. "We should do that. Then the brat'd have a reason to pout."

Marik snickered and shook his head. "Yeah yeah, leave the kid alone." He glanced at Ryou.

Ryou was sniffling softly, eating his breakfast and looking at the miserable glowing circle.

"Ehh he's just a whiner. If we broke his legs at least he'd be entertaining during his whining. Can’t you imagine him hobbling around bowlegged when they healed?"

Marik rolled his eyes. "Sadistic fuck of an elf..." He snorted. "Look, let's just take turns. You go out and see what you can get us in the morning while I watch the kid, and we'll switch midday, okay?"

Malik laughed. "Fine... I'll go out now. I've already had more pouting than I can stand." he snorted getting up after finishing his meal. "I'll see you later."

Marik nodded and watched Malik go, then pulled out a deck of cards and started playing Solitaire.

Ryou sighed softly and set aside the small stick Marik had used to cook the meat on. Maybe if the wolf fell asleep from boredom he could sneak away...

Marik looked over. "Was the meat good?" He asked, trying to be civilized.

"Yes." Ryou mumbled softly.

"Good." Marik said, sticking another peice of meat into his mouth, moving the cards around, his tail wagging slightly. "Want more?"

Ryou shook his head. "No thank you..."

"I think we have some bread around here." Marik offered.

Ryou shook his head again. "I'm not hungry." he said, his voice still soft.

Marik frowned. "Suit yourself." He said, and continued to play cards.

Ryou sighed and gazed longingly past Marik, wanting so badly to get away from all this. He sighed and looked down again at the dusty cave floor. Maybe the Vatican would send someone to find him. Then he could be rescued...oh but that would look just terrible...a priest being rescued from common thieves...

Marik blinked when it started to drizzle again, and wind whipped through the cave, making him shiver. He immediately changed to his halfway form, enjoying the warmth his fur provided. He sighed and stood, picking up a blanket and padded over to Ryou, but staying a good foot away from his glowing circle. "Here." He said, offering Ryou the blanket.

Ryou took the blanket, shivering and quickly huddling into its warmth. "Thank you..."

Marik nodded. "You're welcome." He said, returning to the fire. "You can come over here if you'd like... the fire is warm..."

Ryou whimpered. "You'll hurt me..."

"Only if you piss me off and try to escape. Now come on, you don't want to get sick." Marik said, lifting his hind leg and scratching his ear.

"I don’t get sick." Ryou said softly. "And if I did, I can cure myself if I wanted to..."

Marik blinked and looked up at him. "Hm. That's useful... well, either way, being cold is no fun. Now come on."

"Cant you please let me leave?" he pouted. "This isn't right..."

Marik snorted. "Tough it out, kid."

Ryou sighed. "But why cant you let me leave! You can have your horrid loot! Let me go!"

"Not until we find some use for you. Maybe we'll ransom you off to the Vatican." Marik said with a shrug. "Now calm down. We'll only hurt you if you misbehave. So stop your whining, it's annoying."

Ryou glared and huffed softly. "The Vatican wouldn't pay any ransom."

"Then I guess you're shit outta luck." Marik said with a shrug.

Ryou pouted. "It's not fair..." he sniffled, large tears welling in his eyes. Despite his position of honor and dignity... he was still just a child.

Marik rolled his eyes. "Life isn't fair, kid. Get used to it."

"But I want to go home!" he sniffled more. "What would you use me for? Why keep me! if you're not going to let me go then just kill me and be done with it!" he buried his face in his long sleeves.

Marik rolled his eyes. "What did I say about whining?"

Ryou grew silent but after a few moments, it was apparent that the youth was crying.

Marik snorted. "You need to toughen up if you want to survive. Crying never did anything for anyone."

Ryou sniffles. "It makes me feel better." He sniffled. "Th-they say there's n-nothing..l-like a good cry..." he buried his face in his sleeves and sniffled again.

Marik sighed. "I guess... fine... go ahead and cry all you like." He muttered, rolling his eyes.

Ryou did just that, crying for what seemed like forever, before his sniffles died down and he curled up inside his fading circle and covered in the blanket. "s-sorry..."

"Feel better?" Marik asked.

Ryou nodded, rubbing his eyes. "Yes..."

Marik smiled slightly. "Good. Will you come sit by the fire now?"

Ryou sniffled again and shook his head. "I-I'm ok.."

"Suit yourself..." Marik shrugged, and sat back to wait for Malik, who returned around one in the afternoon.

He was soaking wet and looking bored. "Nothing for miles." he grumbled. "How was bonding time with big bratty baby?"

"Fine." Marik said, standing and stretching. "Be nice to the kid, eh Malik? He IS just a kid..." He changed to his wolf form and licked Malik's cold cheek when the elf sat down.

Ryou sniffled as Marik left, leaving him alone with the elf.

Malik snickered. "Nice like a broken bone." he cooed.

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

When Marik returned an hour after sun down, he also returned empty handed and soaking wet. He entered the cave and shook the water from his coat, changing to his human form and quickly sitting by the fire, huddling down in a blanket. "Miserable day..." He grumbled.

Malik snickered calmly, sitting next to the fire. "Oh I had a great day."

Marik blinked, then frowned. "What did you do?!"

"Nooooothing." Malik sang.

Marik frowned and looked at Ryou. "Did he hurt you?!"

Ryou sniffled, his circle quite gone. He was huddled under his blanket, not moving, but shaking softly in fear.

Marik scowled and got up, moving over and kneeling by Ryou. "Are you okay?! What did he do?!"

"Oh stop babying him." Malik groaned leaning back. "After what he did to you last night, it's a wonder you haven't killed him yourself." Malik added. "I just... played with him... a little."

Marik pulled Ryou's blanket away. "Shut up, Malik! Are you hurt, kid?"

Ryou was curled up covering his head, a small assortment of rocks around him. "D-Don’t!" he whimpered.

"Were you throwing rocks at him, Malik?!"

Malik snickered. "Only to shut up his whining." he snorted. "He shut up real fast too."

Marik glared at Malik. "You're such an ass..." He said.

Malik shrugged. "Gotta take the good with the bad. Besides, do you hear him whining about getting to go home now?" he asked smirking. "Go ahead kid, ask to go home..."

Marik glared. "You're such an ass." He said, then frowned and turned, sniffing the air blowing into the cave. "Heads up, Malik... someone's near..."

Malik nodded grabbing his bow. "Any idea what?" he asked picking his quiver of arrows.

"A human with a horse." Marik said, standing and changing to his half form. He sniffed again. "A young human. Male."

Malik nodded and positioned himself in the cave, ready to take a shot if anyone neared. "Gotcha..." he said concentrating.

Ryou sniffled sitting up and looking out the cave. "Oh please be someone to rescue me..." he breathed looking hopeful.

A few moments later, hoofbeats were heard, and then a black horse appeared and skidded to a stop as the cloaked rider pulled back on the reins and stared into the cave. His face was hidden by the hood of his cloak, but his black and gold clothing were recognizable as the uniform of a Vatican Agent.

Ryou looked overjoyed. "Thank the heavens!" he cheered loudly.

Marik narrowed his eyes as the horse neighed and pranced anxiously, refusing to enter the cave that was full of a werewolf's scent. The rider dismounted and entered the cave.

Malik drew back the arrow and let it fly towards the heart of the intruder. "Get him!"

The young man twisted to the side, dodging the arrow. He flung off his wet cloak and pulled his sword as Marik charged at him with a ferocious barking howl. The boy pulled a dagger with his empty hand and moved a foot back, taking up a ready stance.

Ryou gasped. "Be careful!" be called to the Vatican's agent. "Oh please be careful, they're absolutely cruel!" he stood and clutched his staff worriedly.

Malik let another arrow fly, followed swiftly by another. "Who the hell are you!? Get out of here he's OUR bitch whiner to exploit!"

"He is under the protection of the Vatican and I will take him there myself!" Mikado shouted back, dodging the arrows and then Marik when the werewolf leapt at him. He slashed with the dagger, but missed. "As an Agent of the Vatican, I order you to stand down and release the priest to me!"

"The hell we will!" Malik shot again, this time nailing the agent in the shoulder. "Get out now or we toss your dead carcass out momentarily!"

"AHHG!!!" The Agent stumbled back, dropping the sword and gripping his shoulder around the arrow. Marik lunged and seized the boy's wrist in his mouth. With a snap and a scream, the wrist broke and the dagger fell to the ground. Marik carefully avoided the dagger, sensing the silver in it. Mikado staggered back, clutching his broken wrist.

Ryou gasped. "No! Leave him alone!" he shouted hurrying forwards and shaking his head. "Stop! Please!"

Malik snorted and aimed his arrow at Ryou. "Move it or lose it." he hissed.

Mikado looked up. "DON'T!!!" He cried, running past Marik and towards Malik, pulling a normal knife from his belt.

Malik snorted turning quickly and letting the arrow fly into Mikado's side. "C'mon Marik take him down!" he called smirking. "He can’t have that much left in him."

Ryou pranced in place, trying to think of some way to help the agent. He was NOT good in life and death situations.

Mikado yelped and pitched forwards, landing on his chest. He screamed as he also landed on the arrow in his shoulder, forcing it even further until seven inches of the wooden shaft protruded from his back. His wrist throbbed in pain, and a moment later, the werewolf was on his back, digging in his claws.

Ryou whimpered. "M-M-Magnus Exorcismus!" he yelled, hurling the last of the components to uphold such a spell over Mikado. The ground glowed furiously and seconds later Marik was once more sent FLYING with severe burn wounds, toppling into Malik.

Ryou hurried into the circle and looked over Mikado. "I... I'm sorry I... I should have helped more!" he whimpered, carefully breaking the arrow and removing it as best he could.

Mikado grit his teeth and groaned as the arrow was removed. He was badly hurt, and humiliated on top of it... He was taken down TOO easily for his tastes.

Ryou shook his head and placed his hands on the wound. A cooling blue aura was seen and felt as the wound began closing, healing much more rapidly than any previous spell had been capable of. "I... I'm so sorry..." Ryou said hurrying as fast as he could.

Mikado gasped, and turned his head, looking up at Ryou. "Wow... that's some power you have! No WONDER they want to see you at the Vatican!"

Ryou blushed and smiled brightly. "Y-yes... but I've terrible luck.." he mumbled repeating the process for Mikado's wrist.

Malik shoved Marik. "Get off or they'll get away!" he howled.

Marik rolled off of Malik and turned, glaring at Ryou and Mikado with a growl. "That HURT!!! You're gonna pay for that! And I'll take the price out of your HIDES!!!"

Ryou gasped and shook his head eyes wide, hurrying to remove the arrow from Mikado's side. "W-we should run... th-they're angry at me!"

Malik snorted. "Angry happened 10 minutes ago. We're going to skin your pretty little bitch hide!" he took aim with an arrow.

Mikado got to his knees, placing himself between Ryou and Malik, but Marik darted around them and got between them and the cave entrance.

Malik smirked. "Fish in a barrel." he said letting the arrow fly, striking Mikado in the opposite side. "Stay dead damn you!"

Another arrow to the shoulder, followed by a final arrow to Mikado's other shoulder.

Mikado grit his teeth and whimpered, coughing slightly.

"... Others... will come..." He choked out. "Older and stronger than I... You have no chance..."

"If they find us." Malik snorted. "We'll be leaving now... unless the priest wants to see you dead..."

Ryou swallowed hard and looked terrified. "B-but... he'll die if I leave him! He's losing so much blood! A-and the arrows!"

Malik took aim with another arrow. "He has a horse. That's a better chance than if I shoot him in the chest right now..."

Ryou bit his lip and bowed his head. "A-alright... I... Promise not to hurt him anymore!"

"yeah yeah whatever." Malik snorted. "Marik, take the kid to the horses we kept from his carriage once he steps out of his little glowy sanctuary." The arrow in Malik's fingers was quivering with the force he was holding back. "Move it priest-brat!" he barked.

Ryou nodded and slowly stood, shaking with fear he stepped out of the glowing circle, prepared for the worst.

Marik stood, seizing Ryou. "I dunno Malik... A priest with this much power... a Vatican Agent... who KNOWS how much the Vatican will pay to get them back..." He smirked. "Maybe we should keep them both..."

Malik snorted. "This one? A Vatican agent? He must be the weakest one! They wouldn't bother with a ransom for the weakest agent they have." he put his arrow away. "Lets just ditch him. One less mouth to feed." He got up and picked up their supplies. "When they send someone worth keeping, we'll keep them too."

Ryou was shaking like a leaf in Marik's arms. "Please... you can’t be serious!"

Malik laughed. "Sure we can. Now lets get the hell out of here."

Marik snickered. "Think about it, Malik... the kid isn't weak... he's just green. Inexperienced... why would the Vatican want to lose such a promising young Agent, hmm?" He asked, cocking his head and looking Mikado over. "We're probably one of his first assignments. I doubt the Vatican ever anticipated he'd have to go up against an elf and a werewolf."

Malik groaned. "Fine fine. GOD." he snapped up a rope and glared at Mikado. "Get out of there, hell if I'm coming in after you."

Mikado winced and groaned. Marik snickered as the Agent dragged himself out of the glowing circle, leaving a trail of blood smeared behind him. He then collapsed onto his back, gasping in pain.

Malik tied him up, snapping the arrows with no regard to Mikado's comfort and removing them. He picked up the bleeding youth. "NOW can we leave?"

"Why leave?" Marik asked, cocking his head and flicking an ear.

"So we're harder to find?" Malik said rolling his eyes. "If a rookie can find us here, then we obviously aren't hiding well."

Marik sighed and nodded. "Okay. I'll get the horses hitched up to the carriage. The kids can ride together."

"Then before you load in the bitch, tie him up." Malik ordered. "So he won’t go healing the rookie."

"If he doesn't heal the Agent, he'll die. Come on Malik. He's lost enough blood, he's too weak to do a damn thing." Marik said, leading the way to the carriage and opening the door, shoving Ryou in.

Malik groaned again. "What do you want from me? I'd just as soon LET him die." he said shoving Mikado in behind Ryou and slamming the door on them. "God I hate kids." he put on his cloak and helped Marik hitch up the horses. "And you're getting soft."

"Either that or I'm being blinded by the idea of wild riches we could get in exchange for those two..." He giggled. They got the horses hitched, and Malik tied the reins of Mikado's mare to the back of the carriage. Marik locked the carriage doors and joined Malik on the driver's seat as the elf twitched the reins and got the horses moving.

Ryou sighed inside the carriage and began healing Mikado. He was done within moments, and removed his outer robe, covering Mikado with it. "I'm... sorry that you got injured on my behalf." he said offering a kind smile. "You were so amazing! Certainly braver than anyone I know."

Mikado moaned slightly. "... I failed in my mission..." He groaned. "... I'm sorry..."

"Oh don’t say such things..." Ryou said smiling warmly. "You did fine...you were outmatched. Two against one was completely uneven odds...not to mention an elf and a werewolf!" Ryou said tucking his robe around Mikado. "How do you feel?"

Mikado didn't answer, just sighed. "... I walked into that place like a complete novice... I know better... I AM better... I was stupid."

Ryou sighed. "Please don’t feel bad..." he cooed brushing the black bangs from his would-be rescuer's eyes. "Now… how do you feel? Are you in any pain?"

"... aches..." Mikado answered. "I'm tired..."

Ryou sighed and placed hands on Mikado's forehead, the cooling aura once again felt. "Please...rest." he cooed. "I will...watch over you." he smiled serenely. "You need rest."

Mikado tried to answer, but he couldn't get his voice to work... slowly, his eyes fell closed and he drifted into a magically induced sleep...

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

Ahmose woke as the sun shone in through the window onto his face. He slowly sat up, looking down at Yami, still sleeping beside him. They had been at the inn for the past week, resting up and stocking up on supplies before they headed to the goblin infested village. Ahmose had purchased a long warm cloak of thick bear fur for Yami to stay warm, and had taken his weapons to the smithy to repair and sharpen them. He kissed Yami's cheek, gently, then slid out of the bed and dressed quickly in the chilly air, as the fire had gone out during the night.

Yami yawned and sighed, his tail curling and flicking lazily. "Aww...but I was nice and cozy..." he purred opening crimson eyes and gazing at Ahmose. "Where are you off to?"

Ahmose glanced back at Yami as he buckled his belt around his hips. "Time to get going. You get dressed, I'll bring up some breakfast." He slipped out the door.

Yami sighed and curled up under the blankets more, pulling them over his head. "Damn you!" he howled. "I'm comfortable!" he pouted and flicked his tail irritably.

Ahmose chuckled as he made his way into the tavern of the inn and got some warm sweet breads and hot cereal with brown sugar in it, and some bacon. He trotted this back upstairs and into his and Yami's room. "Breakfast!"

"Maybe for you." Yami said rolling his eyes. "Eating that stuff for me is just for show." he curled back under the blankets. "I don’t wanna go outside… it's cold outside..." he grunted.

Ahmose chuckled as he sat down and began eating the hot breakfast. "Well, now you have the bear skin, AND me to cling to on the horse... and the horse himself... You'll live."

"Easy for you to say...you don’’t have wings to consider." Yami snorted. "Besides it's warm..."

Ahmose smiled. "I suppose I can spare a bit of magic to keep you cozy." He said.

Yami smiled a bit and flicked his tail once more, snaking it around Ahmose's waist. "You've certainly warmed up to me... I thought I didn't belong here?"

Ahmose smiled and just kept eating. Sure, over the past year Ahmose HAD warmed up to Yami, but he hadn't been overly friendly, much less touchy feely... However, ever since he and Yami had gotten intimate a week ago ('finally', Yami thought), Ahmose had been quite content to just lounge in bed cuddled up with Yami all day long... and had done just that for three days out of the past week!

Yami sighed and lazily curled the tip of his tail. "Well...I do have enough energy...I suppose I could 'go back to' my 'realm' now..." he said thoughtfully.

Ahmose froze and turned, looking at Yami with wide eyes. "W-What?!"

"My realm." Yami said once more. "I've been stuck here because I was too weak to summon the magic to get back."

Ahmose was staring at Yami, looking quite upset. "You never told me that..."

Yami blinked and looked thoughtful. "You never asked. You just drew your weapons at me."

Ahmose frowned and looked down. "... You... you aren't... REALLY gonna leave me... are you?"

Yami blinked. "Isn't that what you wanted?" he said sitting up and stretching. "I thought you WANTED me to leave this realm..."

Ahmose looked down. "A year ago, yes..." He said softly, his hair falling in his face so Yami couldn't see him. "But Yami... now... especially after what we... did a week ago..."

Yami grinned. "So you changed your mind?" he said scooting over to Ahmose and leaning his head on his friend's shoulder.

"... I did a long time ago..." Ahmose whispered. "If you left me now, I... I'd never forgive you..."

Yami smiled and wrapped his wings around Ahmose. "Then if I'm invited... I'll... stick around for a while longer."

Ahmose sighed. "You are more than just invited..." He said softly. "Please don't ever leave me..."

Yami sighed contently. "Then I never will."

Ahmose looked up, his eyes full of hope. "Really? You promise?"

Yami smiled. "I'll stay as long as you want me here, and keep feeding me." he said grinning. "Besides, you could always come back with me if I wanted to leave THAT badly."

Ahmose winced. "I'm not sure if going to your realm would be a... good idea... I mean... YOU may not force yourself onto people but others of your kind... well... I think it would be a rape waiting to happen, and..."

Yami snorted. "We respect each other's chosen." he said calmly. "No one would lay finger nor magic on you. You're MY human." he said dominantly.

Ahmose blinked, then chuckled a bit. "Really now?"

Yami nodded. "Of course. Spending a year with you, taking so long to get you, you're definitely my human." Yami curled his tail around Ahmose's waist. "I'd never let anyone else have you. I'd have to be dead before that happened."

Ahmose smiled. "Well, I wouldn't let anyone else but you have me either... Even if you were... dead..." Ahmose closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "... I love you."

Yami blinked and blushed a bit. "Love?"

Ahmose flushed as well, lowering his head and burying it into his arms, that were sitting on his knees. He nodded.

Yami blinked a few times. "I've... heard that word quite a lot since being around humans." he said "I hardly understand that expression… but... I know it means you wish to stay with me." Yami coughed.

Ahmose blinked and slowly looked up. "You... don't know what it means?"

Yami frowned slightly. "Well no. No one's ever said it to me before."

Ahmose sighed and smiled. "Well... maybe you'll learn what it means... from me..." He said. There was a knock on the door, and Ahmose jumped and yelped, badly startled. The innkeeper called through the door.

"My lord? Your horse and supplies are ready!"

Yami snickered as Ahmose gave a shaken reply. "So... you want to be with me forever, then you jump and yelp?" He teased. "Interesting."

Ahmose smiled and Yami. "Get dressed. We need to get moving." He said, standing and gathering his posessions and equipping his weapons to his body, slipping a knife into his boot, and his Kris at his hips.

Yami sighed once more and dressed as well. Ahmose had gotten him a thick cotton shirt and pants to wear, and put on his cloak. He wrinkled his nose flipping his wings around a bit beneath the large hide before finally finding a comfortably way to wear it. "I wish we didn't have to...you know that cold weather bothers my wings." he said sighing. "and it's soooo nice here.."

"That's what the bear skin is for." Ahmose said. "Is that everything?"

Yami pouted slightly but nodded. "It'll be hell trying to fly in this thing." he said but smiled and flicked his tail. "But nice and warm....mmmm"

Ahmose chuckled, leading Yami out of the room and down the stairs. He paid the inn keeper, gathered the supplies the man had packed for him, and headed out front where Nakhti was saddled and waiting, prancing and tossing his head and tail in his eagerness to get going.

Yami sighed as Ahmose mounted the horse, before mounting as well. "Where were we headed again?" he asked, cuddling up with Ahmose immediatly and nuzzling into his hair. "ahh..much better."

Ahmose smiled, turning the horse and guiding him down the main road. "A village has a goblin problem. They're offering a fair price for the removal of the pests."

"Oh yeah..." Yami yawned. Once they were far enough from the village, he wrapped his tail around Ahmose's waist. "You know what I'd like? Those new rabbit fur lined boots. What will humans come up with next!?" he said laughing. "I bet they're nice and warm...and I love the black color..." he snorted. "I should kill some goblins."

Ahmose smiled. "They are warm. And I'll get you some." He said.

Yami chuckled. "It's alright, I can get my own. I just have to seduce a cobbler."

Ahmose snorted. "I'd prefer it if you just let me buy you a pair..."

"Why? Free is much more cost effective."

"Because I like making you happy..." Ahmose said, urging the stallion into a canter as they left the town and headed into the woods.

Yami blinked and chuckled. "But you already make me happy. There's no need to buy things for me on top of that."

"But I like to." Ahmose answered with a grin, pulling his hood up to keep his head and ears warm.

Yami smiled broadly. "so how far from this goblin town are we?" he asked. "If I remember...that town is surrounded by trade routes, that are just camped with brigands and thieves..."

"We'll be fine." Ahmose said calmly.

"Oh I know you'll be fine." Yami cooed. "I'd never let anyone harm MY human." he flicked the tip of his tail and growled. "I'm more worried about the unwanted attention and possible injury."

Ahmose smiled. "That's sweet of you. But I can handle myself."

Yami snorted. "I'd still protect you."

"That's very sweet of you." Ahmose chuckled.

"I try." Yami laughed. "I try."

Meanwhile, not at all far from the destination of Incubus and man, was an elf and a werewolf....

"I'm just saying, Goblins are flaming idiots. They sell good stuff so damn cheap it's like a crime!"

Marik snickered. "Yeah..." He said, stretching out on the roof of the carriage. He knocked on it. "How ya doin in there?" He called, giggling. Mikado winced and rolled over, pulling his cloak up over his head.

"I'll kill him the first chance I get..."

Ryou sighed and shook his head. "Still sore?"

"... Yes..." Mikado mumbled from under his cloak. Finally, he sat up and rubbed his face. "Sorry, I don't think I've introduced myself..." He smiled at Ryou apologetically. "I'm Mikado. Second Class Vatican Agent Journeyman." And he showed Ryou his shoulder knot that represented his rank; a knotted rope of red and silver, red representing the Second Class rank, and silver for his Journeyman status.

Ryou grinned. "Ohhh I'm Ryou, it's a pleasure to meet you!" he said enthusiastically. "I'm just a priest...nothing fancy like THAT!"

Mikado blinked, then smiled and shook Ryou's hand. "Maybe, but you have some incredible healing powers. I've never seen anything like it! Of course... I haven't exactly been around like my superiors have..."

Ryou blushed lightly. "Well… I've been in training since I was a small child...this...well this 'adventure' as it were...is my first time out of the church. since I can remember."

Mikado nodded. "Yeah... I've been in training since I was a small child, too. I was made an apprentice at age seven, and I made it to Journeyman Third Class by age fifteen, a year earlier than most apprentices! And I made Second Class Journeyman a couple of months ago. I'm seventeen now."

Ryou grinned. "Wow truly wonderful! You must be very exceptional!" he cooed. "And so brave! You'll be the best agent they have soon!"

Mikado blushed, but smiled. "I hope to be... but that's years away... I mean, I have to make it to First Class Journeyman, and then Third Second and First Class MASTER, and then on to Third, Second and First GRAND Master..." He sighed and smiled. "And then I become an Elite. Elites are Agents beyond the rank of GrandMaster who specialize in a certain area… Slayers focus on vampires, Hnuters focus on witches, Stalkers on werewolves, Warriors on demons... There are fourteen Elite classes. I think I might want to become a Scout… IF I live that long..."

"I know you'll live that long!" Ryou cooed proudly. "You're amazing."

Mikado sighed and looked down. "I nearly got myself killed on my SECOND mission as a Second Class Journeyman!"

"Isn't that how adventurers learn?" Ryou asked blinking. "You can’t perfect something unless you make mistakes to learn from. It's how you gain the expierence needed to proceed farther."

"Yeah, but... it doesn't help if I get killed." Mikado pointed out.

"You're alive aren't you?" Ryou pointed out. "so dont be so hard on yourself."

"I wouldn't be if it weren't for you." Mikado mumbled.

"But I'm also WHY you were there." Ryou sighed.

Mikado blinked and cocked his head. "... True."

Ryou sighed. "Mikado...do you think I am bad luck?"

Mikado blinked and looked at Ryou. "What?"

"Do...you think I am...bad luck...?" Ryou repeated once more.

"Why on earth would you think that?" Mikado asked.

"I've always been told I'm... well... a trouble magnet." Ryou admitted softly.

Mikado smiled. "You could be. I don't know. I'm not someone to ask." He said.

Ryou sighed. "I hope I'm not..." he mumbled looking down. "I've such poor luck, I should have asked the Vatican assessor to come to me..."

Mikado sighed. "Hmmm..." He mused. Then he blinked and looked up. "I think we're slowing down..."

Ryou clutched his staff tightly. "I wish they'd go away...the werewolf frightens me more than anything! I... I knew such foul creatures existed.... b-but he's ferocious!" Ryou gasped wide eyed. "I was never prepared for a werewolf!"

Mikado sighed and nodded. “Yeah… I probably could have taken him, but that elf…” He shook his head.

Ryou shivered. "He... likes tormenting me. That elf." Ryou whispered. "He was throwing stones and sticks at me... yesterday."

Mikado frowned. "They will both be punished for their sins..." He said softly as the carriage rolled to a stop. They heard voices, people calling out greetings.

Ryou whimpered and listened. His ears were more acute than Mikado's, due to the fact of his... unique genetics.

"It's that horrible elf... he's asking the wolf to watch us while he goes into town for supplies..." Ryou pouted.

Mikado sighed and nodded. "Bastards... both of them..." He felt his empty sword scabbard; Malik had all of the weapons he had pulled... His sword, knife, and the silver dagger... But he still had SOME of his weapons hidden on his person... Malik and Marik hadn't bothered to search him. Mikado smirked... That would be their downfall.

Ryou blinked and bit his lip and cuddled up to Mikado, shaking softly. "I... I can cure you some more..." he offered, hoping to divert his mind from his fear.

Mikado smiled slightly, putting an arm around Ryou. "I'm fine. I'm used to being sore."

Ryou nodded and yawned slightly. "Oh…"

Mikado sighed, listening quietly as Marik moved around outside. A while later, they heard Malik return, and soon, they were off and on their way again...

Ryou had nuzzled into Mikado's shoulder and was dozing cutely when the carriage finally reached it's destination.

The greeting that they had heard at the last stop was nothing compared to the greetings heard HERE. People were calling Malik and Marik by name, welcoming them with cheers and laughter and playful taunts and insults, and Malik and Marik matched each and every one of them. Mikado frowned and shook Ryou as the carriage stopped.

"Heads up..." He said softly. "Wherever they're taking us, I think we've arrived..."

Ryou blinked awake and rubbed his eyes. "H-huh? Where...were they taking us?" he asked blinking confusedly.

Malik grinned. "Ahh home sweet home." He said warmly. "Nothing like the village of thieves to warm the spirits."

Marik grinned, despite a small theif child pulling his tail. The place was full of people, male and female, and of many species; humans, vampires, werewolves, elves of all species, goblins, fairies, witches and warlocks... you name it, it was there.

"Well, we'll be staying at the inn." Malik said. "So you may as well get the bitch and his friend the pussy." Malik snorted.

Marik raised an eyebrow. "Which is which?" He asked, snickering. "Shouldn't we show off our prize?"

"Please do." A scraggly werewolf named Rex said. "Where'd you get that carriage?! It's a Vatican Coach!"

Malik snickered. "Damn straight." He said proudly. "And inside is the pussiest of child prodigy priests."

Rex raised an eyebrow. "A priest? Why the hell did you kidnap a priest? Why not kill him?"

"Because." Marik said as a crowd gathered around, also curious about the carriage. "The kid is a powerful healer! He was being taken to the Vatican so the Vatican Agent High Council could evaluate him. Not many are summoned to the Vatican for THAT."

Ryou whimpered from within the carriage and huddled behind Mikado. "Th-they're talking about me..." he gasped.

"Yeah, he cast a spell that even kicked Marik's ass!" Malik snickered. "Sent him flying at least ten feet!"

Marik turned and glared at Malik. "Oh, shut UP." He growled as people laughed.

"He did it consistantly too." Malik added smirking. "Sent Marik flying with his tail between his legs. Now he won’t even go near the kid when he's got enough energy to cast spells!"

Marik glared. "Elf, I will chew off your ARM!!!"

Malik snickered. "Just pull out the priest boy and I'll spot you whatever you want for dinner to make up for the story." he said smiling. "Now come on before it gets any later I'm hungry!"

Marik snorted. "Whatever... But anyway, it's not just the priest we have in there. We have a Vatican Agent!" He grinned proudly. Nearly everyone in the village had run afoul of Vatican Agents, and all had scars to show for it. "We took him down without a scratch! Those Vatican idiots sent one of their babies in to take us down... they must be getting senile."

"WHY YOU MOTHER FUCKING MONGREL!!!" Came the sudden angry shouts from the carriage, along with the sounds of fists pounding on the walls of the coach.

Ryou frowned and sighed. "Mikado, language... and it’s not a good idea to lose your temper…”

Mikado growled and slowly backed away from the wall of the carriage, sitting down by Ryou. "Yeah... You're right..." He closed his eyes and made the Sign of the Cross, and tried to calm himself.

"Masters Dartz and Pegasus always tell me to keep my temper in check..."

Marik looked at Malik, amused. "He's a little spitfire, isn't he?" He asked, giggling. "Maybe we should let our friends here... TAME the wild beast, hmm? I mean, we can play with the Agent all day... do whatever we want to him... and Ryou can have him healed over night and ready for another day of... fun... And if the Agent tries anything... we can use the kid against him. After all... his mission IS to bring the kid back to the Vatican safe and sound and unharmed... right?"

Malik nodded smirking. "Sure why not, I don’t like the agent any more than you do. Pull his ass out!" he cheered.

Ryou however was sitting inside eyes wide in horror.

Mikado looked at Ryou. "Stay back..." He said, grabbing Ryou's staff and crouching, ready to move. "I'm borrowing this..." He heard Marik messing with the lock, fitting the key (that Malik had found) into it, and turning it. As soon as the latch turned, Mikado moved. He threw all of his weight at the door, and with a yelp, Marik was hit in the head by said door and sent flying to the ground. Mikado flew out of the carriage, immediately whacking Malik on the head with the staff and jabbing the end into Rex's stomach. Rex gagged and doubled over, then collapsed. Mikado looked around, to see what the odds were... They were far from being in his favor... He grit his teeth, took up a fighting stance and waited for someone to make a move.

The entire village growled their disapproval. Within moments they were upon him. Ryou was slowly climbing out of the carriage and he gasped at the sight. "STOP! Stop please!" he whimpered. "Leave him alone!"

The villagers who were near were literally pummeling poor Mikado with everything they had, taking a fools grudge out upon the poor rookie who could do very little to defend himself. Sure he took out quite a few of them, but one against twenty or more was poor odds!

"AHH... Damn you ALL!!!" Mikado was shouting, not exactly one to lie down and curl up, crying. "Ryou, get back inside!!!"

Marik sat up, rubbing the large bump on his head. He watched the mob beating Mikado.

"Feh... I hate Vatican Agents..." He looked at Malik. "Hey! Malik! You okay?"

Malik was rubbing his own bump and glaring. "I still say we should kill his ass." he grumbled glaring at the Agent as he as getting beaten.

Ryou whimpered and shook his head, desperatly searching through his satchel, hoping to find something to aid Mikado. He couldn't leave his protector to those angry people! They were beating him mercilessly!

Marik chuckled and ruffled Malik's hair, standing. "Okay, OKAY!!!" He called. "Break it up, people! If you kill him, that ends the fun! Let him go and you can play with him again later on!!!"

Ryou gave Marik an absolutely heartbroken look. "You're nothing but a monster! How can you do this to him!? Beating him just for fun! And you wonder why you're a damned human beast! You'll rot in the darkest pits of hell for this!" he scolded glaring.

Marik smirked and turned, looking at Ryou. "Oh? Keep talking, sweetie, and I'll let them carry on with your Vatican friend until they DO kill him..."

Ryou glared harder at Marik and turned away, digging through his meager remaining spell components. He hardly had anything! Not enough for another exorcism spell... muting the people wouldn't work... drawing them towards a spell wouldn't help... He gave Mikado a pathetic look. He didn't know what to do!

Marik rolled his eyes and turned to the mob. "HEY!!! I said CUT IT OUT!!!"

The mob slowly backed away, leaving a battered and bloodied Mikado.

Malik snickered. "The blood's a nice touch." he cooed.

Mikado groaned and slowly lifted his head, glaring fearlessly at Malik. Marik grinned.

"He's spunky... no doubt about that..." He said, walking over and seizing Mikado by his braided hair at the base of his skull. The boy yelped as he was dragged up to his knees, and he clawed at Marik's hands, but it really didn't do anything, escpecially since his fingernails were encased in his black leather gloves. Marik snickered and looked around. "We got a place to keep these two? I don't think we want to stink up our NEW carriage..."

"The stables." The bartender chuckled. "Let them stink with the pigs and horses."

Malik smirked broadly. "Perfect!"

Marik chuckled and jerked on Mikado's hair again, bringing an angry curse from the boy, which made Marik laugh. "Aren't you supposed to be a holy man? Cursing... for shame..." Mikado growled, glaring up at Marik as best he could. Marik smirked. "On your feet." Mikado closed his eyes and grit his teeth, managing (barely) to stagger to his feet. Marik turned and looked at Ryou. "Come on, boy. You too."

Ryou nodded looking down and hurried to Marik, wanting to spare Mikado as much pain as possible.

Marik followed the tavern keeper to the stables, nodding in approval when he saw that it was good solid wood from the floor to about four feet up, and iron bars up to the ceiling from there. "If there are any shackles around here, we should probably use them on the Agent." Marik said, tossing Mikado into the stall at the very end of the building, away from the wall the stable shared with the tavern, and away from the stove that heated the stable; that stall was noticably colder than any other spot in the small building, and for that reason had not been put to use. The hay on the floor was clean, but it was old. Marik stepped aside and shoved Ryou in after Mikado. A moment later, Malik came in and threw their posessions in, including Ryou's little bag and Mikado's cloak. Their weapons had been confiscated.

"Good night." Malik sang teasingly.

Ryou glared at them both and gave Mikado a pained look, pulling him into his lap and tenderly beginning to heal him. "I'm so sorry..." he said miserably.

Malik snickered walking away from the stall. "Big whiney baby."

Marik snorted and followed. Mikado winced. "It... It's okay..." He groaned. "It's not your fault..."

"It is my fault! I'm the whole reason your in this mess!" Ryou said shaking his head. "If it weren't for my stupid magic then no one would be anywhere near harm! I'd still be in my church, you'd still be at the Vatican and THOSE two horrid monsters wouldn't be laughing at their ill gotten gains!"

"Shhh..." Mikado crooned, reaching up and pressing a finger to Ryou's lips. He smiled slightly. "Don't waste your breath on 'If only's... This happened because God meant for it to happen. There's nothing you could do... we are just a part of His plan... no more, no less. Things will happen the way He intends for them to happen. Do not allow yourself to be overcome by doubt and despair... Have faith in Him."

Ryou sniffled and shook his head, continuing to heal. "I should do something horrid to spoil my magic so I'd be worthless to them..." he said sighing.

"No, Ryou. God gave you a gift. To destroy it would be an insult to Him." Mikado said firmly. "And besides... if you lost your gift, who would heal me after I play too rough, hmm?" He smiled at Ryou, trying to lift the other boy's spirits.

Ryou sighed and shook his head. "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be playing rough with those two..." he looked away while working. "As it is my oath to my church is broken...I've set SEVERAL feet outside it's sacred walls..."

Mikado blinked. "Oath?"

Ryou nodded. "I...intended never to leave my church." he said softly. "I made the promise never to set foot outside of it's walls when I became a priest. The Vatican said that such an oath would be unaffected if it was bent to be assessed.." he sighed. "but I know it's broken now, bending the rules or not...I should have stayed where I was meant to stay. Impressive magic or not!"

"You did not willingly break your oath." Mikado said, smiling up at Ryou. "Don't worry. You have kept it to the best of your ability. No one will hold you at fault."

"Dont be so leniant...I left." Ryou huddled in his robes and shivered slightly, his healing done for the moment. "and I'm cold...and I miss my home."

Mikado smiled again, nodding slightly. "Yeah... I know what you mean... kind of... I mean... well... the Vatican is my home now, but..." He sighed and shifted a bit, wincing, then grabbed his cloak and pulled it over, huddling under it.
Ryou nodded offering Mikado a warm look, despite their cold surroundings. "I dont understand..." he looked down. "I thought surely they were not so evil... that thye'd have their fun and let me leave..." Ryou sighed "But they get an evil joy from tormenting you and I..."

"They have a reason to hate me. And from what I've seen, you annoy them. If you wish to get through this alive, Ryou, you're going to have to keep quiet, do what they say and hold your tongue." Mikado advised. "It's YOUR job to get back to your church. It's MY job to give them Hell."

Ryou gave Mikado a sympathetic look. "How can you possibly expect me to remain silent when they viciously beat you for the sheer pleasure of causing another pain?"

"Because... They said that if I was too much trouble, they would hurt you to keep me under control... I have a feeling that if you annoy them, they'll put alot more effort into pounding me just to teach you a lesson. It would be easier on both of us if you let ME piss them off." Mikado explained.

Ryou closed his eyes and sighed. "I hate this..."

Mikado smiled. "Come on... lie down... we need to rest..." He said softly, tugging Ryou's arm to get him to lie down in the hay.

Ryou shook his head. "Please you rest...I...I wish to...meditate." he said softly. "Clear my mind." He offered Mikado a warm smile once more. "I will rest soon I promise."

Mikado sighed and nodded. "Alright..." He said softly, laying his head down and closing his eyes.