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 20

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Marik looked up as Yami and Ahmose walked into the dining hall for breakfast. The pair headed over to the elf, the priest and the werewolf and sat down.

"... I'm leaving." Ahmose said after 'good morning's were exchanged.

Ryou blinked. "Where are you going?" he said surprised. "It's far too cold to be traveling around!"

"I'm going to find my brother." Ahmose said. "I'm sick and tired of all the shit those damn Councilmen give him. I'm glad he left. They're the last thing he needs. And if I stay, I'll end up killing that bastard Pegasus... and probably get Yami killed in the process." Otogi raised en eyebrow.

"I know Pegasus seems harsh, but... he really does have Mikado's best interests at heart." The Agent said.

"Bullshit."

"No, he does. He's closer to Mikado than any other Elite. When he was a First Class Journeyman, he found your brother in that burned out village. HE brought him here to the Vatican. And when Mikado became a First Class Apprentice, Pegasus volunteered to be his Master. Mikado traveled with him for almost a year and a half before being promoted to Third Class Journeyman... So... Pegasus knows what Mikado is capable of, and he just holds him to very high standards, that's all." Ahmose stared at Otogi, silently.

Suddenly Yami plopped next to Ahmose and grinned. "I like the pancakes." he announced quite proudly.

Ryou giggled slightly and shook his head. "I think that he's just rubbed you the wrong way, since he's a harshly disciplined man." Ryou offered. "If he was all bad, he would have left Yami dead."

"No one better be rubbing MY human any way... " Yami growled glaring.

Marik, Malik, Otogi and Ahmose all blinked and their eyes widened. But while Ahmose gave Yami a look, the other three burst out laughing.

Yami glared back. "You said not to hit on Dartz and here you're being rubbed by Pegasus?!" he howled. "My God you're picky!"

Ryou giggled softly and shook his head.

Ahmose snorted, then turned and glared; Pegasus had just entered the hall, carrying a bowl of oatmeal. Then, Ahmose began to smirk. He watched Pegasus sit down beside Dartz and the Slayer, and pick up his spoon. Ahmose narrowed his eyes, lifted his hand up discreetly, and began muttering. The head table grew quiet as all the Councilman stopped talking and stared as Pegasus' oatmeal seemed to... inflate.

Ryou kicked Ahmose under the table harshly. "Ahmose!" he scolded glaring before casting his own spell, effectively muting Ahmose and putting an end to his mischief. "Do NOT explode people's food." he grumbled glaring sternly. "It will come back to bite you three times as hard."

Yami flicked his tail. "I agree. Stop flirting with him." he growled.

Ahmose snickered. "It wasn't going to explode." He said. "Kind of... " He looked up and saw Pegasus glaring at him. Ahmose gave him an innocent smile and a wave, then reached out as if grabbing something. And as he did this, an oatmeal hand shot out of the bowl and grabbed Pegasus' head. Dartz screamed and leapt back. Ahmose jerked down, and the hand jerked Pegasus' face straight into the bowl. The hall erupted into 10% panic and 90% laughter.

Yami however was not amused and as quickly as he'd sat next to Ahmose, he'd abandoned his seat and left him.

Ryou was glaring at Ahmose and looking quite pissed. "How mature."

"Hey, I'm not allowed to attack him anymore... " Ahmose said with a chuckle. "And it makes me feel a helluva lot better... " He said, draining his juice and standing to go chasing after Yami.

Ryou sighed and shook his head. "Honestly... "

Yami however was far from the cafeteria, fuming.

Ahmose sighed, tracking Yami with his pendulum.

Yami had trotted outside into the snow, and was using his wings as a cloak, looking quite ready to just walk out.

Ahmose followed him. "Yami!" He called as he reached him. "Yami... I am NOT flirting with that bastard! Come on, now... "

Yami growled and didn't turn. "Leave him alone then!" he grumbled. "You just beg for his attention!"

Ahmose snorted. "He hurt my brother. And I'm not allowed to hurt him back, so what? I can't piss him off and embarrass him either?"

Yami growled again. "You won’t let me piss people off, but it's ok for you to do it?"

Ahmose blinked several times, then laughed and hugged Yami. "Touche. Alright... you're right... " And he kissed his cheek. "I'm sorry... "

Yami gave Ahmose an upset look. "He wasn't even bothering you and you go out of your way to get his attention... " his wings drooped a bit. "How come you don’t try to get MY attention?"

Ahmose raised an eyebrow. "Oh... you want me to slam your face into a bowl of oatmeal then?"

"No... but I would like you to give me a nice attention grabber sometime... " Yami mumbled.

Ahmose smiled. "Hmmm... Like this?" And he slammed Yami up against the wall of the Vatican, placing his knee between Yami's legs, putting pressure on his groin and rubbing it a bit. "This kind of attention grabber?"

Yami closed his eyes and purred a bit. "That's OK... but I was expecting it." he said opening an eye and smirking.

Ahmose grinned and kissed the tip of his nose. "I'll keep that in mind." He said, and released Yami.

Yami sighed and curled his tail around Ahmose's waist once more, pulling him close to nuzzle. "It's cold."

Ahmose nodded. "Yes, it is." He said. "Let's go get our cloaks and things and get out of this place... "

Yami shivered. "Ok... " he followed Ahmose back inside and sighed. "I'm gonna miss the warm bed and free food." he said wrinkling his nose.

Ahmose chuckled. "We're heading to Bakura's house. According to Mikado, it's quite lavish."

Yami nodded. "If you say so. I've never been very fond of vampire taste. They're too fancy." he mumbled pulling on the warm bear cloak Ahmose had gotten him and snuggling into it. "mmmm... "

"But we'll have warm beds and good food." Ahmose pointed out, smiling and plopping his puppy, now named Abana, into an empty rabbit skin pouch that he slung over his shoulder. "There... that should keep you warm." He said with a smile. "Otogi said that Mikado took his puppy with him."

"I was wondering where the little scamp had wandered off to." Yami said after a moment, yawning. "ugh... this cold weather makes me so sluggish... " he gave Ahmose a smile. "Well lets go then."

Ahmose nodded, looking around to make sure he had everything. "Right. Nakhti will be glad to get out of here." He said, and they headed down stairs.

Yami yawned again as he walked and blinked a bit. "Watch out for the ice... " he said, calmly avoiding it.

Ahmose snorted. "Yeah... " He said, skirting around the large patch of ice that was on the porch. He and Yami trotted down the stairs.

"Hey!" They both turned. "Aren't you even gonna say goodbye?" Marik asked, standing there with Ryou, Malik behind them looking bored, but not pulling it off well.

Ryou looked upset. "Please don’t go... " He said softly. "... I'll miss you." He mumbled. "B-besides Mikado will come back... the Agents are already out to get him and return him... "

Ahmose frowned. "He's upset." Ahmose said. "I want to get there before the Agents do. I have to be there for my brother." He said. "But if Mikado comes back, so will I. As long as Yami is okay with that?" He looked at Yami.

Yami wrinkled his nose. "For you... but not because I'll enjoy it." he said lashing his tail.

"But you'll likely pass him on the way back! Do you even know where Bakura's home is?"

Ahmose smiled. "I don't need to know where it is." He said. He held up a little pendulum. "Mikado." He said. The pendulum began swinging in a circle, then stopped, pointing northeast. "THAT is where I will find my brother."

Ryou sighed. "But Ahmose... I REALLY think it's a bad idea... you're gonna get hurt!"

Yami shivered. "do we have to have this talk in the doorway?"

Ahmose chuckled and shook his head. "We're going. We'll see you soon." He said, stepping off of the last step. And his foot shot out from under him. "SHIT!!!" He fell back onto the stairs with a pained yelp. His head hit a stone step with a crack, and the sorcerer lay still. Marik, Ryou, Malik and Yami all stared in surprise. A moment later, blood began to stain the snow on the step that Ahmose's head rested on. Abana cried in the rabbit skin pouch, which had landed on Ahmose's chest.

Ryou sighed and shook his head. "I told him."

"Yeah... you certainly did." Yami tried not to snicker despite the situation.

Ryou rubbed his temples. "Marik… can you help me?" he asked, stepping down carefully to pick up Ahmose and drag him back inside. "He needs to see the healers."

Marik nodded. "Malik, get down here." He said, hooking his hands under Ahmose's arms.

Malik groaned. "Idiot... " he mumbled picking up Ahmose's legs and the three of them hoisted Ahmose back into the church. Yami followed looking amused but saying nothing.

Marik looked at Yami. "What's with you?! He's hurt!"

"Oh I know... I just saw something interesting." he cooed. "He'll be ok." he added. "It's not a deadly wound." He explained, thinking of what he had just “seen”.

If Marik was lucky... he might get laid tonight.

Ryou led the way to the Healers' Hall. Marik and Malik carried the sorcerer inside. "Hey! Some help here?" Marik shouted.

Several healers rushed forward and helped them lay Ahmose on a cot to be healed and examined. The wound was easy enough to mend however...

"He has a concussion... " one healer said after a moment. "Nothing but bedrest."

Marik snorted. "Some sorcerer HE makes... "

Yami sighed and shook his head. "Well... I guess I'll put his things away."

The healers nodded. "We'll move him to his room when he wakes."

Ryou nuzzled Marik. "Be nice, that could have been you or I."

Marik snickered. "Guess he's not leaving... "

"Yeah." Yami mumbled. "Oh well... more bed and free food for us." he chuckled.

Malik snorted. "Humans."

Marik snickered and shook his head. "Well... let's go let Yami play nurse to poor Ahmose here... "

Ryou nodded. The three walked out, Malik carrying the puppy back to Ahmose's room.

"So... " Ryou mumbled. "What should we do today?"

"The same thing we always do?" Marik asked with a shrug. "Laze around."

Ryou looked a bit put out. "No... I wanna DO something! Lets go to Rome again!" he said eagerly. "The snow is so pretty."

Marik rolled his eyes, but smiled. "Okay... wanna come, Malik?"

"No thanks... I can hardly stand the love-goo you two produce." Malik replied annoyed.

Marik blinked. "... oh, come on! Pleeeeeeese?" And he gave Malik the puppy eyes.

Malik snorted. "If I come, Ryou won’t want to."

Marik glared at both of them. "You two suck!"

Ryou sighed and shook his head. " It's ok... we dont have to go."

Marik snorted. "How about this. Malik goes to the archery range, Ryou goes to Rome, and I'll go piss on a tree!!!" And he turned and stormed out of the room, ears back and tail bristled.

Malik rolled his eyes. "Make sure you peel off the bark so I know which tree not to mess with!" Malik roared after him.

So much for THAT fun outing.

The Healer bandaging Ahmose's head looked back and forth between Malik and Ryou, nervously.

Ryou let out a sigh and exited, followed by Malik. No sense in staying.

Yami snickered slightly. "They're never going to solve their problems."

The Healer looked at Yami. "Exactly... what are their problems?" He asked weakly.

"Heritages." Yami said shrugging. "One doesn't accept his, and the other wont help him come to terms because he doesn't like him."

"... Oh." The Healer said.

Meanwhile, a golden wolf tore through the Vatican and out the front door, knocking over several Apprentices as he headed for the gates of the Vatican, spooking a horse, who happened to be the mare Mikado had ridden before, carrying a GrandMaster, who ended up getting bucked off in front of several of his colleagues.

The grand master groaned and got up slowly, steadying the horse. "Calm!" he said firmly over the laughter of the other GrandMasters he was with. "Goodness calm down!"

Marik darted out of the Vatican and headed for the snowy woods, hoping to find something to kill.

His search was fruitless however as not an animal was to be seen, most either hibernating or far from the city.

Finally, Marik just dug a hole in the snow and curled up for a nap.

Marik ended up napping until late afternoon, and when he awoke, he returned to the Vatican, dressed, and went straight to the dining hall. He got a bowl of stew, took it over to the fireplace and plopped down in his halfway form to lap it up, getting several odd looks. Once he was finished, he headed to his and Ryou's room, changing back to his full wolf form and curling up on the rug before the fire.

Ryou came in not long after. "Marik?"

Marik perked an ear and wagged his tail slightly in acknowledgement.

"What's wrong...?" Ryou asked softly. "You were gone all day... "

Marik gave a soft snort, getting up and turning around to warm his other side.

Ryou frowned but sighed. "I wont bother you then... " he mumbled shaking his head and backing out the door, letting Marik have his privacy.

As the sun began to go down, the Healers moved Ahmose back to his and Yami's room, the sorcerer still unconscious. The healer's gave Yami some herbs to put in hot tea for when Ahmose woke up to ease the pain and nausea he would experience.

Yami curled around Ahmose and nuzzled him, caring for his lover. "Poor Ahmose... maybe I should ask mother to hire YOU a protector... "

Ahmose groaned softly, rolling his head to the side, but let out a soft yelp at the motion.

Yami kissed him. "Ahmose you up?" he asked softly. "I'm supposed to make you tea if you are."

"... I... I think I'm gonna be sick... " He groaned. "My head... "

Yami got up and quickly got the kettle that had been hanging over the fire and pouring the hot tea into the mug. "Here." he cooed. "The healers said you got a concussion."

"... Nnnn... " Ahmose groaned, keeping his eyes tight shut and clenching his teeth.

Yami sighed and sat next to Ahmose rubbing his back. "Shh drink the tea. It's supposed to help you feel better."

Ahmose lifted his head to drink the tea, but let out a shout and immediately dropped his head back onto the pillow.

Yami sighed and pulled Ahmose into his lap, leaning him gently against his chest so he wouldn't have to lift his head. "We're gonna have to work on your... awareness." he purred. "What would mom say if she saw you slip on that ice?" he cooed pressing the cup to Ahmose's lips. "She'd say 'what kind of bodyguard are YOU?!' and proceed to make fun of you."

Ahmose moaned and took the tea slowly. "Yami... my back... ahh... it... it really hurts... "

Yami gently rubbed it. "better?"

"AHH!!! NO!!!"

Yami blinked and laughed pulling his hands away. "ok ok ok!" he said shaking his head. "You've probably got a nasty bruise. The healers did all they could for you. Oh yeah, and you're not allowed to leave." he added. "You got a concussion."

Ahmose groaned. "My back... hurts when I move... " He whined, shifting a bit, which caused him to yelp.

"Well then I think the obvious answer would be to stop moving." Yami said calmly. "You're on bedrest."

Ahmose whined and nodded, relaxing. "... This sucks... "

"You'll live." Yami cooed nuzzling him. "Just take it easy."

Ahmose grunted an affirmative, closing his eyes and drifting to sleep. And as Ahmose drifted to sleep, his little brother was slowly waking.

Bakura smiled slightly, having woken earlier than Mikado, though he was still groggy. He pulled the fledgling closer and kissed his forehead. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly.

Mikado moaned and mumbled, making a face and squirming a bit. "Nnnnmmmm... "

Bakura laughed slightly. "I don’t understand sleep-talk." he purred.

Mikado sighed and blinked his eyes open. Bakura's smile turned into a grin when he heard Mikado's mind mumble ~'m hungry... ~

Bakura kissed him. ~Then I will feed you... ~ he got up slowly, tucking Mikado in. ~You just relax.~ He dressed quickly, and walked from the room.

Mikado jumped and yelped. "WHAT THE HELL?!"

Lilith came in a few moments later and placed fresh wood in the stove. "Oh good evening master Mikado." she cooed. "You look well."

Mikado stared at her. "He was talking! In my HEAD!!"

She giggled. "Of course. He sired you." She said calmly. "Vampire sires and their fledglings always have a mental connection."

Mikado blinked. "... they do?"

She nodded. "Uh huh. Bakura and his sire do... but his sire was much stronger than he is, and blocked him out the same night." She said calmly. "It's a very personal and close thing... and some vampires don't like having it."

Mikado blinked. "Oh... will... Bakura like it?"

"If he was talking to you through it, then he probably does like it." She said smiling. "He's never been one to utilize means he doesn't care for."

Mikado frowned. "Will he hear... EVERY thought?!" Mikado gasped, eyes wide. "I mean... if he were to put on a new outfit as asked me if it made him look fat and I told him no, it looks great, would he be able to hear me thinking 'Oh crap, his ass looks HUGE in that'?!"

Lillith giggled. "I don’t know. And he doesn't care about other's opinions."

Mikado frowned and bit his lip. "Ouch!"

She giggled. "Watch out, you have fangs now."

Mikado blinked and ran his tongue over his baby fangs. "... Oh... "

Lilith giggled. "Would you like anything? The lord said not to feed you unattended but I can draw a bath for you... "

Mikado blinked. "Huh? Oh... " He blinked and looked down. "Um... yeah, bath might be... good... " He suddenly became aware of the overpowering scent of blood and sex in the room. He blushed.

Lilith giggled and handed him a robe. "c'mon then... lets let the others clean your linens." And she left the room after handing him his robe to run the hot bath.

"Yeah... good idea... " Mikado mumbled, blinking and staring around at everything; with his new keen sight, he could see... a bug running across the carpet all the way down the hall and see that it was missing a leg.

Once he entered the bathroom he found that the scented oils and soaps he'd hardly smelt as a human, were quite pleasant to his now keen nose. Lilith giggled. "Having fun?"

"Ooooh... " Mikado said, sniffing. He removed his robe and plopped into the tub, sighing and relaxing in the warmth.

Lilith began washing his hair. "The lord shouldn't be more than an hour... he took Strigoi to the nearest village."

Mikado blinked. "Oh. Okay." He sighed, enjoying getting his hair washed, quite a difference from before.

"Oh yes. And the lord asked me to tell you that as a wedding present, he's giving you Geist." She cooed.

Mikado's eyes widened and he looked up at her. "Really?!"

She nodded. "Mmhmm." She said as she washed. "He's your own personal steed now." She said proudly. "And you may take him whenever you want, where ever you want."

Mikado grinned. "Awesome!"

(I know it ain't a very medieval expression, but so what...

lol)

She rinsed his hair and put some scented oil into it to keep it smooth and silky. "When you are finished, I'll have your clothes for you on your bed." She said smiling.

Mikado sighed and relaxed. "Okie dokie."

She smiled and curtsied before exiting the room, leaving Mikado to enjoy his bath.

And he was still there when Bakura got home, sprawled out in the tub, one leg dangling over the edge.

Bakura snickered strolling in. "Having fun are we?" he said looking at Mikado's quite lazy position.

"It's nice in here... " Mikado murmured, not even bothering to open his eyes. "You're welcome to join me... " He snickered, mischeivously.

Bakura laughed. "You lazy fledgling." he cooed. "And here you were just hungry!"

"I am." Mikado said, opening sparkling eyes and grinning at Bakura.

Bakura sighed and shook his head, disrobing and climbing into the tub next to Mikado and smirking. "I spoil you."

"Oooooh... " Mikado said, plopping himself into Bakura's lap and blinking as his hair floated around in the tub, almost taking over. "... hmm."

Bakura chuckled and kissed him. He pulled a nearby cord and Lilith came running. "Please put more hot water into the bath." He said calmly. "It's beginning to cool."

She nodded and hurried to the heating stove, pulling the heated pot from it and pouting the hot water at their feet, the warmth tingling up their legs.

Bakura smiled. "Thank you Lilith."

"Hmmmmm... " Mikado sighed, relaxing and squirming around a bit before resting his head on Bakura's shoulder. "She said that... Geist is... mine?"

Bakura nodded. "Yes, he's yours." He said calmly. "He's a good horse, and as intelligent as they come. He won’t falter."

Mikado grinned and flung his arms around Bakura's neck, kissing him fiercely.

Bakura blinked chuckling into the kiss. ~I take it you really like Geist.~

"He's a great horse... " Mikado sighed. "Thank you so much... I know how you are with your horses... "

Bakura smirked. "I had to give my lover something to celebrate a marriage of sorts." he said smiling. "What better than one of the best horses money can buy?"

"Or the best horses you can breed, hm?" Mikado asked. "... Thank you... "

Bakura kissed him once more. "No need for thanks... " he said calmly. "I'll always lavish you with gifts."

Mikado flushed and looked down. "You... don't have to... " He whispered.

"You're right." Bakura said. "I DON’T have to... I want to." He pulled Mikado into a hug. "Now... would you like to eat or not?"

Mikado nodded eagerly. "I'm hungry!"

Bakura chuckled and bit his wrist once more. "Here then." he said chuckling.

Mikado blinked. "... from... you?"

Bakura nodded. "Do you intend to go out and hunt your own human?" he asked skeptically.

Mikado blinked again. "I thought I was supposed to... " He said, watching blood dripping into the water.

Bakura laughed. "You're too young." he said shaking his head. "The only thing your baby fangs are good for is pissing you off when you tear up your lips."

Mikado blinked. "Baby fangs?" He asked, taking Bakura's wrist and beginning to drink from it.

Bakura nodded. "Yeah... they'll last you a month before falling out. Then you'll have retractable adult fangs, and be able to hunt on your own. Until then you get to feed from me."

"For a month?" Mikado asked. "Huh... I was never taught that... of course, I'm not a Master... "

Bakura nodded. "For the first month, you're vulnerable. Your power is weak, you can’t hypnotize humans well, and to top it off, your fangs are useless." Bakura explained. "The first month is what keeps vampire population down."

Mikado blinked up at Bakura, eyes wide as he listened, still drinking from his wrist.

Bakura smiled and relaxed. "Don’t worry... I won’t let anything happen to you."

~Promise?~ Mikado asked, staring at him.

Bakura nodded lovingly. "I'd fight off Satan himself to protect you."

Mikado smiled happily at that. ~I love you.~

Bakura smiled and pulled Mikado close, nuzzling him. ~I love you too.~

A couple of the maids were outside the door with Lillith, peeking in and watching.

"Awww... " One cooed.

Lilith giggled. "Aren't they just darling?" she whispered. "Oh it's right out of a fairy tale."

"And they'll live happily ever after... " One of the others sighed. Mikado opened one eye, hearing them. He glanced at Bakura.

He smirked. ~Let them have their fun... you only live once you know.~ He said, kissing him. ~They're just girls, and no older than you.~

~Yes. But they're watching us in the BATHTUB together... and that's weird... ~ Mikado pointed out.

~Not for these ladies.~ Bakura said chuckling and pressing his forehead to Mikado's ~Trust me.~

Mikado cooed softly, snuggling closer to Bakura, neither vampire aware of the Slayers only a few miles away.

Bakura nuzzled Mikado once more. ~Just do as little talking outside of this place as you can.~ He whispered in Mikado's mind. ~If someone sees your fangs they may try to hurt you.~ He kissed Mikado as he fed. ~And it would kill me to see you injured.~

Mikado nodded. ~Um... okay... ~ He replied softly, then pulled away. "I'm full... "

Bakura smirked pulling his wrist away, watching it heal. He smiled and pulled Mikado forwards for a kiss. "Would you like to go out for a ride on your new horse?"

Mikado smiled and nodded. "Sure!" He said, and flopped out of the bath, pulling on his robe.

Bakura rose as well, pulling on a robe that hung nearby. "Ladies, since you've been standing there eavesdropping, why don’t you tell the men to ready Geist and Strigoi." he called out, chuckling at the squeaks.

"Y-yes my lord!" They called scampering.

Mikado smirked. "Heh... " And he headed for his room to get the clothes Lillith had laid out for him.

She'd laid out the same green suit he'd worn the first night. Bakura had favored him in it, and it did have an enticing texture to it.

Bakura met him downstairs and smirked. "Gods I love that look on you. It's refined." he chuckled. "And sexy."

Mikado blushed a bit, his color back in his cheeks now that he had fed. He looked like a different person compared to the boy Bakura had brought to his house two nights ago. That one had been hollow and crushed. This one was lively and eager to get going.

Bakura smiled and took his hand pulling him close for a kiss. "We can go anywhere... " he whispered as he placed a warm cloak on Mikado to protect him from the biting wind. "Name it." he added pulling on his own cloak and leading Mikado out. "The world is ours now, and I want you to live like you've never lived, and see anything your heart desires."

Mikado shrugged. "I dunno." He said, petting Geist before mounting him.

Bakura chuckled and mounted Strigoi. "Heh... c'mon then. Lets ride the woods and enjoy the winter... the ice has coated some of the trees. It's a beautiful sight."

Mikado smiled and nodded, turning Geist to follow Strigoi, and the pair was off into the woods, heading East. Less than half an hour after they were gone, a dozen riders came into view from the west. They rode up to the house and over ran it. When Mikado and Bakura returned three hours later, everything looked normal... A servant was there to take the horses from them, the house was still lit up in a few rooms, and the falling snow had covered all hoof prints. But the servant who took Strigoi from Bakura stared up at him with wide, terrified eyes.

"D-Did you have a good ride, my lord?" He asked, taking Strigoi's bridle.

Bakura frowned and nodded slowly. He snorted. "It was a wonderful ride."

He helped Mikado down. ~Something is wrong.~ he said softly. ~Do not go into the house until I call for you... take your horse to the stable and groom him.~ "How was your ride Mikado?" he asked courteously, trying not to let on that he knew something was up, in case they were being watched.

Mikado smiled. "Fine." He said, leading Geist to the stable.

"Oh, I'll take him sir!" The servant gasped, eyes wide.

"No, that's okay. I wanna rub him down... " Mikado said.

Bakura nodded to the servant. "Let him play with his new horse." he said calmly. "He's been overjoyed about it all night." He said turning to the house and looking it over. He took a calm breath before striding forward and going in.

Everything was quiet, but Bakura could smell it... the scents of eight mortal men, four of them strangers, but four he knew... the Slayers that had taken Mikado from him only days ago.

~I thought so... ~ he said calmly tugging the servant bell cord. ~Your little friends are back again, and this time they brought friends.~

~Yeah!!! I know!!! There's more out here in the stable!!!~ Mikado cried. ~OW!!! FUCKER!!!~

Bakura growled slightly and quickly exited to aid his lover. He was on them in a flash knocking them off of Mikado with near bone crushing force. He growled and looked Mikado over. ~are you ok?~ he glared at the agents in the stable, daring them to move.

Mikado snorted and stood, staring at the black horses in the stable. "Good God, they sent TWELVE of you?!"

"Apparently they didn't get the message last time I kicked their asses." he growled at them. "Get out of my stable or I'll kill the lot of you and hang your carcasses off the clothes line!"

Strigoi and Geist snorted and pranced, as furious as Bakura that HUMANS had invaded their stable. Humans that they did NOT like.

"Hands where we can see them." Growled a familiar voice behind them. Mikado slowly turned and squeaked. All eight Slayers were standing there, holding crossbows level on Bakura, and the other four quickly pulled their own.

"Mikado. Move away from the vampire." The Slayer commanded. Mikado turned wide eyes on Bakura.

Bakura growled at them warningly. ~Do what they say... I don’t want you getting hurt. Do as little speaking as possible.~ he said hissing at them. ~I'll be fine.~

Mikado slowly backed away from Bakura and towards the leader of the gang of Slayers. "Mount up, Mikado, we're taking you home." The man said.

"But--"

"NOW!" He ordered. Mikado turned and pulled himself up on Geist. "Alright vampire. You either come with us quietly, or you die right here." Mikado fixed large eyes on Bakura.

Bakura raised an eyebrow. "You say that as if I'll be dying once we get to the Vatican." he snorted. "Fine, I'll come, but you had better provide feed for my horses. They've been out riding as it is, and will likely be starving by the time we get there."

"Our Rangers will tend to them." The man said, and once Bakura mounted Strigoi, the Slayers mounted their own horses and they rode off, eight surrounding Bakura, and four positioned around Mikado in front.

Bakura rode calmly, head held high, as was Strigoi, neither showed much fear for the position they were in at all. It was almost as if they weren't in the position at all.

Mikado on the other hand was looking very scared, and Geist was a bit nervous, sensing this. ~B-Bakura... the sun... it'll be up before we get there! I know that it's really cloudy, but... ~

~Calm down.~ Bakura said softly. A moment later Strigoi let out a furious whinny and bolted forwards, knocking two agents from their mounts. He was going to speed this trip along.

Geist let out a frantic neigh, rearing back. Mikado yelped and clutched at his mane, trying to stay on. The Slayers all shouted angrily, getting out their crossbows and aiming at Bakura.

However Strigoi was fast, and rode in a weaving pattern, making it difficult to aim, much less hit Bakura.

Geist whinnied and shot off after Bakura and Strigoi.

"OH SHIT!!!" Mikado yelped, ducking as the bolts whizzed over his head, the Slayers giving chase.

Bakura however circled back and charged forward to meet Mikado and steady him. He smiled and looked back at the Agents. ~Do you want to go back?~ he asked as he urged Geist forward. ~Or do you want to get away?~

"W-We should go with them... " He gasped, eyes wide and scared. "If we don't, they'll only send more... and next time, they'll probably just kill you... "

Bakura smiled and gently ran a hand through Mikado's hair. "It would take a LOT of Vatican agents to fell me." he whispered and nodded. "But I will come along." ~To protect you... ~

He continued at their pace until the agents caught up, though their pace didn't slow. It became obvious he was merely speeding them along.

The Slayers still didn't look happy, and quickly seperated Mikado and Bakura, heading for the Vatican.

Bakura rode boredly, yawning as dawn approached. "Do you intend to waste my whole night?" he mumbled. "Because I doubt you'll provide hospitality. I'd like this fiasco dealt with BEFORE dawn."

"Things will be done according to the agenda of the High Council." The lead slayer said.

"All due respect... but your High Council sits around with their thumbs up their asses." Bakura snorted. At least they were arriving soon, The Vatican was on the horizon.

But so was the sun. Mikado gulped and pulled up his hood, hands shaking slightly.

They entered the gates of the Vatican quickly and headed to the stables, Rangers waiting to take their horses.

"Well hello there, big guy." Said the Ranger who had taken care of Strigoi previously. He pet Strigoi's neck. "You brought a friend, I see." He said, looking at Geist. Mikado gave him a sheepish smile.

"Hi Daniel... " He mumbled, and the man smirked.

"Ah, our little terror home again, huh?"

"Uhhh..." Mikado said, blushing, and Daniel laughed.

"Hope you're not in TOO much trouble... " He said as Mikado and Bakura dismounted.

~Calm down... ~ Bakura cooed to Mikado. ~It is early yet, the sun will not bite your flesh just yet.~ He snorted and turned to the agents. "It's nearly dawn. I'd like to be indoors before then."

They nodded. "Come with us. BOTH of you." He said, and turned, heading out of the stables while Daniel took Strigoi and Geist to stalls near Nakhti.

Bakura followed, still calm and cool. He whispered soothing things to Mikado's mind. ~They will not know, unless you tell them... Humans are unable to tell the difference.~ he purred. ~Just remain calm.~

Mikado nodded, following. They were both led down into the dungeons.

"Mikado... Orders from the Council." The Slayer said, opening a cell door and looking at the boy, pointedly. Mikado blinked, then sighed and looked down, shuffling into it.

Bakura snorted once more. "I still believe the hospitality of this place is barbaric."

Mikado smiled slightly at that, and the door was closed and locked. Bakura was guided further along to a different cell.

When it was opened, he calmly strode in and took a seat in the cot found there. ~See? You're ok.~ He cooed to Mikado. ~Try to get some sleep... ~

~Y-Yeah... sure... ~ Mikado replied, slowly laying down on the cot. As the sun rose, he grew lethargic, and was soon asleep...

Bakura stayed up much later, before finally taking to rest as well.

Mikado was woken just before sunset by a Slayer shaking his shoulder.

"Come on, son. The Council is waiting." The man said, three more staring down at Mikado, waiting to escort him.

"... huh?"

The Agent frowned. "You're going before the council." he said once more. "C'mon. Get up."

Mikado's eyes widened and he stood, looking frightened and worried, whimpering slightly.

The agents lead him from the cell and up to the familiar council room.

Mikado gulped, staring at the Council looking more terrified than any of them had ever seen the boy.

~Oh God, Bakura!!! I'm done for!!! I'm gonna get the Triple Ex! I just know it!!!~

Bakura groaned, waking. ~The what?~

~The Triple Ex! They're gonna find out I'm a vampire and they're gonna give me the Triple Ex!!!~

Bakura snorted. ~First of all, if you just don’t talk much, they wont find out. Humans are stupid as hell. Second of all... WHAT the hell is a triple ex?~

Mikado whimpered, shaking. ~Expulsion, Excommunication, Execution!!!~

~Calm down, if they do that they'll just try to kill you by human means. You're a vampire remember? They can’t kill you.~ Bakura soothed. ~IF it comes to that, once they try. Just ACT dead.~

Mikado almost wailed out loud, not finding that at ALL comforting. ~PLAY DEAD?! YEAH RIGHT!!! I'll be BURNED AT THE STAKE!!! And last I checked, FIRE WAS DEADLY FOR VAMPIRES!!!~

~Just stay calm. I'd never let them kill you. Just stay CALM.~

Solomon sighed. "Mikado... you certainly are becoming quite an issue... what are we going to do with you?"

"... Forgive and forget?" Mikado squeaked at the floor, hopefully. Solomon raised his eyebrows, slightly amused, but concerned at Mikado's violent shaking.

"Are you ill? You're shaking. And honestly you look ghastly... you're very pale, my boy... " He said.

Pegasus looked him over. "He's likely terrified of what he's got coming to him for a traitorous act of leaving with a VERY violent wild Vampire."

Mikado scowled, still keeping his face lowered. "He was only protecting me... " He hissed.

"From what? The church?" Pegasus snorted. "There is no greater protection, than that of God."

"Well, he didn't see God doing much to protect me." Mikado grumbled.

"Well he won’t be seeing much of anything." Pegasus said calmly. "The entire council has determined that he should be vanquished."

Mikado looked up, eyes wide and terrified. "What?! NO!!! You can't!!!" He shouted.

"We can, and we are. He's a bad influence on you. He's the source of all your problems." Pegasus said firmly. "If it weren't for him you'd still be an Agent."

"I DON'T CARE!!!" Mikado screamed, lunging at the Council. The Slayers flanking him seized his arms and dragged him back, both grunting in surprise at his strength. "I WON'T LET YOU HURT HIM!!!"

"You don’t get a choice." Pegasus roared standing. "He's lead you astray from God, taken your virginity, and had you suspended from your rank. When you cannot see the problem, it becomes our duty to take away that which corrupts you!"

"I'LL DIE BEFORE I LET YOU HURT HIM!!!" Mikado screamed as Yami walked in, having been sent by Ahmose (who couldn't get out of bed) to see how his brother was doing.

"Holy freaking God!" Yami blurted toppling back in shock.

Everyone blinked and looked at Yami, Mikado included.

Yami stared at Mikado a long time before bursting into laughter. "Every time you run off with Bakura you lose something!" he laughed. "First your virginity, then your mortality!"

Everyone was silent. Mikado's wide eyes closed. "... Thanks, Yami."

Yami however was laughing. "Oh that's rich! What'd he do? Seduce it out of you?" he snickered and wiped his eyes. "Better not go home with him while you're delivering something important, you might lose it!"

"SILENCE!!!" Solomon thundered.

Yami's laughter died down to silenced snickering and he tugged his own tail, trying to quiet himself.

Pegasus gave Mikado a look. "Care to explain THAT?"

"No, that's okay... " Mikado mumbled to the floor. ~God hates me... Yami just let the cat out of the bag… the cat with fangs... ~

~God he has a big mouth.~ Bakura grumbled.

"No really Mikado, I think the WHOLE council would like to hear about your being SIRED." Pegasus hissed.

Mikado took a deep breath and lifted his head proudly, facing the Council. "Fine. I was Sired." He said.

Pegasus glared slightly. "What were you thinking?" he said sitting. The entire council was definitely upset.

"I was thinking that being with him was more important to me than spending my life kissing your asses." Mikado spat.

Yami snickered again. "You tell em!" he called proudly. "No more ass kissin!"

Mikado blinked. "Yeah. Thanks."

"All the more reason to kill off that vampire." Some members of the council said disgruntled. "He's siring our Agents."

Mikado gulped and took a deep breath. "I asked him to."

Gasps all around. Except Yami who cheered.

Mikado stared down at his hands, nervously, absently noticing that his nails were starting to look like claws.

The council murmured amongst itself in a frenzy. But Pegasus merely stared Mikado down. "You have never been further from God Mikado." he said calmly. "Is THIS what you wanted for yourself? To become a monster out of God's services?"

"No sir." Mikado said softly. "I never would have dreamed that this would happen. But it has, and it can't be changed. I did what my heart told me to do. I love him. And I do not regret what I have done. And why must I be out of His service? Nikolas still serves Him. And should I live to leave this place, no matter what the Council's decision, I have every intention of continuing to fight in His name."

Pegasus snorted. "You won’t be a very good servant of God." he said after a moment. "You can not even stand the touch of his emblem any longer."

Mikado looked down at the floor. "One of the few things I regret about my new... condition." He said softly, reaching up and brushing his fingers over his chest where his cross once rested. A look of sadness crossed his face. "But I do not need a trinket hanging around my neck. My faith is all I need, and I still have it."

Pegasus gave Mikado a long look. "Do you really?" he said calmly. "And what of your precious vampire 'lover'?"

Mikado sighed. ~Bakura? Are you... still willing to... well... ~

~To well what?~ Bakura mumbled yawning again.

~... um... C-Con... vert?~

Bakura blinked. ~Are you a fucking idiot?~

~Well, you offered!!!~ Mikado wailed.

~It's one thing to offer through love, and it's another to be threatened to.~ Bakura said sternly.

Mikado blinked. ~W-What? I'm not... threatening you... ~

~Is the council threatening you?~

Mikado blinked. ~Um... not exactly... more like... ASKING... or something... ~

Bakura sighed. ~Mikado, I could say yes, but I... really don’t have much regarding your God. I'm Egyptian.~

~Do you... have faith? Do you honestly beleive in them?~ Mikado asked.

~If I didn't I wouldn't keep their relics in my home.~ Bakura said calmly. ~I've always cared deeply for my Gods.~

Mikado sighed and looked at the Council. "Bakura's beleifs lie elsewhere."

Pegasus nodded. "Will his 'beliefs' conflict yours?"

"He respects my beliefs." Mikado said softly.

Pegasus nodded slowly. "I see." he looked at the other council members and they all talked for a very long time. Finally, when Mikado was staring to suspect the worst, they turned to him.

"Tell me Mikado... do you know what became of Aiden and Seto?" Pegasus asked after a moment. "We sent Aiden to retrieve the amulet…"

Mikado blinked and shook his head. "N-No sir... I mean... I know that being half elf, he can touch it without being consumed by it... "

"We found him not long ago... almost mortally wounded... " Pegasus said ominously. "He had an eye gouged out, and several other wounds. Seto had him delivered in a similar fashion as Honda."

Mikado's eyes widened and his jaw dropped, giving the Council a glance at his baby fangs. "Oh God... is he going to be okay?!"

"Yes. He's going to be fine." Pegasus said calmly. "He's stabilized at this point, though he's only one eye now." The council murmured amongst themselves, upset.

"He did bring back one vital piece of information. Seto is heading to Constantinople. There is a large vampire ball held there for the holidays. He's gathering an army."

Mikado blinked. "Vampire... ball?"

Pegasus nodded. "Apparently the vampires hold one every year in a different location to celebrate the holiday in their own way."

Mikado nodded slowly. "Y-Yes?"

Pegasus gave Mikado a calm look. "If you can manage to pick up your pieces and stop making an ass of yourself, you may recieve your rank back... provided you attend this ball... and spy on Seto. No confrontation. Just watch."

Mikado inhaled sharply. "You want me to... infiltrate this... Vampire Ball as a... spy?" He breathed, looking shocked.

Pegasus nodded. "We would have sent Nikolas, but he's gone off on a different mission, and will not return in time. That and Seto would recognize him. Of course... you can’t show up alone. You'll have to convince your lover to go. It would be obvious if an unknown fledgling vampire showed up. They would never let you in. It's invitation only."

Mikado nodded slowly. "Can't... you send a messenger pigeon to Nikolas? I mean... this mission is... A Second Class Journeyman... I... "

"Nikolas is known to be an Agent. He would never be able to get in." Dartz said. "YOU are our only way of getting in." Mikado gulped and turned away.

~Bakura?~

~Yes?~

~They have offered to reinstate me... as a Second Class Journeyman... on one condition... ~

Bakura rolled his eyes. ~Oh? What?~

Mikado chewed his lip. ~Did you... get an invitation to the Christmas Ball in Constantinople?~

Bakura groaned. ~Those idiots invite me every year.~

~Well... pack your bags... we're going to Constantinople.~

~I would. But I'm in a dungeon.~ he snorted in reply. ~And I'm pissed. They've dirtied my coat and had better replace it.~

~So... you'll take me? They... they're sending me in as a spy... ~ Mikado confessed.

Bakura smirked. ~on one condition. You wear that dress Lilith and her mother were sewing. It's a BALL. You can’t attend stag. I'd need a WOMAN.~

Mikado's eyes widened. "WHAT?!" He shouted, making most of the Council (and Yami) jump, startled.

"Damn Telepaths." Yami grumbled, calming.

"Something wrong, Mikado?" Solomon asked. Mikado snarled.

"Yes! He says he'll take me, but he has his OWN condition... " Mikado growled.

"Which is?" Pegasus asked calmly.

"That's between me and Bakura." Mikado muttered, looking VERY angry.

"Then you agree." Pegasus said smiling. "Great. You should travel as soon as possible. And take that obnoxious brother of yours with you."

Yami grinned. "HUZZAH! Road trip!"

Mikado blinked, then frowned. "He is NOT obnoxious!"

Pegasus gave Mikado a look. "Good, then you won’t mind getting him out of my hair. Go prepare."

Mikado gulped, then bowed low. "Yes sir." He said. "Can... Bakura come out of the dungeon?"

Pegasus snorted. "Fine, but you are directly responsible for any destruction or disturbance he causes."

Mikado grinned and nodded (the Slayer scowled at the sight of Mikado's little fangs). "Thank you, sir!" He chirped, then turned and scampered from the room. Dartz turned and looked at Pegasus.

"... He's a vampire."

"He's the only chance we have to stop Seto." Pegasus said slowly.

"BAKURA!!" Mikado called joyfully, rushing down the corridor of the dungeons after swiping the keys right out of the hand of the guard, who hadn't even received the order to release Bakura yet.

Once Mikado opened the door he pulled the youth into a warm embrace and kissed him. "I told you you'd be okay... " he whispered rubbing Mikado's back.

"I love you... " Mikado whimpered as a panting Yami reached the door.

Yami cooed. "Aww... " he cooed.

Bakura snorted and glared. "Hush you." he growled. "Hug your own lover."

Yami grinned. "Oh that's it, I was wondering if Ahmose and I could come along to your vampire ball."

Bakura looked thoughtful. "I doubt they'd mind an incubus... assuming you can stay out of trouble and keep your obnoxiously large mouth shut."

"Sure thing!"

Mikado giggled, in a very giddy manor, obviously overjoyed. "Where IS Ahmose?!"

"Oh he's in his bed, pissed." Yami said laughing. "He cracked his head on some ice, and got a concussion and the healers won’t let him out of his room. They even took away his clothes to make SURE he stayed in bed."

Bakura chuckled. "I'm sure you eagerly helped that endeavor."

"Yup."

"He's hurt?" Mikado asked, looking upset. He looked up at Bakura, then turned and ran from the cell.

~Mikado slow down!~ Bakura laughed. ~You'll wear out the incubus!~ he and Yami followed to Ahmose's room.

"Ahmose?! Are you okay?!"

"Mikado!" Ahmose said, looking at him with a smile. "Are YOU okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine!!!" Mikado said. Ahmose looked at Bakura when the vampire walked in.

"I'm surprised they haven't killed you... "

"It'd take quite a few lives before they'd take mine." Bakura said calmly.

Yami grinned and pounced on the bed and sat next to Ahmose. "Your brother's a vampire." he said snickering.

"... What…?"

"He's a vampire. You know, like you were planning to do for me?" Yami said calmly. "He beat you to it!"

"Beat you to it?" Mikado asked.

"I uh... was gonna ask Bakura to make me a vampire so I can... be with Yami... For his whole life... " Ahmose confessed. Mikado blinked.

"Well aren't I the pimp?" Bakura chuckled. "I'll sire you tonight, if Mikado's hungry too." he said kissing Mikado's cheek. "No point in going hungry."

"I am hungry!" Mikado chirped.

Yami blinked. "Ooooh." He nuzzled Ahmose. "That means you'll recover faster... being sired heals all ailments. Well... cause you know… you die."

Bakura snickered. "Yeah... siring a lame human restores them their limbs. Vampire blood is extremely curative."

Mikado frowned. "But... I don't... can't we... I mean, I heard that if a human drinks vampire blood it can heal them... stop the aging process... Can't he just... do that?" Mikado asked. "Ya know... make a... a half vampire?"

Bakura looked thoughtful. "Hmm... it's generally frowned on, doing that... ." he said after a moment. “But it can be done.”

Mikado smiled. "So... make him a half vampire!!!" He said happily.

Bakura chuckled. "Alright alright. Calm down." he said kissing Mikado's forehead. "Why dont you get me a suitable room? And take the incubus with you."

Mikado blinked, then nodded. "Um. Okay. Come on, Yami."

Yami hopped up and followed. "I'll go get dinner!" he called before exiting.

Bakura sighed. "You sure?" he asked after a moment. "I dont mind doing it, but it's not exactly undo-able."

"So... what happens exactly...?" Ahmose asked.

"I drain you halfway, and you feed from me. You don't actually die." Bakura explained. "This process must be repeated every couple of years or so to keep you young."

Ahmose blinked. "... Okay... " He said, nodding. "Do it."

Bakura chuckled. "Before I start. When you start feeling dizzy and light headed. Tell me. It's hard to gauge when you're half empty." he said calmly. "I dont want to overdrain you."

Ahmose nodded. "Okay." He said, holding up his wrist.

Bakura blinked then laughed. "You've never been fed from before. Have you?" he said amused. "Try again."

Ahmose blinked. "I figured the wrist was as good as anything."

"Nah. I prefer necks." Bakura said calmly. "Now bear it."

Ahmose flushed at that (it sounded like something Yami would say), and tilted his head to the side, wincing at the nausea it caused.

Bakura calmly bit down and began.

Ahmose winced and blinked rapidly, feeling Bakura drain him. He watched Abana chewing on a pillow across the room, and heard Yami laughing down the hall.

Bakura continued drinking calmly waiting until Ahmose gave him the signal to stop, all the while trying to gauge where he was.

"Nnnn... I'm... getting really... sleepy... " Ahmose mumbled after a while.

Bakura took a few more swallows, deciding he was about where he needed to be. He licked the wound closed and quickly bit his wrist. "Now drink it."

Ahmose turned to do so, but recoiled, making a face when he tasted the blood.

Bakura groaned. "Suck it up you sissy."

Ahmose whined slightly, but turned back and began to drink, grimacing.

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Humans are such ungrateful sissies."

"Sorry, I'm not dead enough." Ahmose growled.

Bakura snorted. "Just drink and be quiet."

"Hmph." Ahmose grunted, and did as he was told.

Bakura calmly let Ahmose drink until the color returned to his cheeks. "Alright you're done." he said pulling his wrist away. "Feel better?"

Ahmose nodded. "Yeah... much."

Bakura smirked. "That should take care of your concussion too."

Ahmose smiled. "Fuck the concussion." He said. "Thanks, Bakura."

"No problem. Now I've got a fledgling to feed." he said smiling. ~Mikado you found a room? I got dinner!~

Mikado burst back into the room. "Yeah, I got you a room! I'm hungry!!!" Ahmose raised an eyebrow.

Bakura laughed and shook his head. "Excuse us." he said bowing his head slightly and taking Mikado's hand. "Take me to the room, and I'll feed you."

Mikado nodded, turning and dragging Bakura out of the room, waving to Ahmose. Ahmose chuckled and waved back.

Yami burst in moments later carrying dinner. "I brought dinner!" he cooed. "Turkey and potatoes!"

Ahmose smiled. "Sounds good." He said, slowly sitting up. "God... that vampire blood works wonders... "

Yami flicked his tail and sat next to Ahmose and nuzzled him, handing his lover a plate. "It's good to see you feeling better."

“Mm.” Ahmose said, shoving some potatoes into his mouth.

Yami flicked his tail. "The council sent Mikado to go to this vampire ball thing." he said after a moment.

Ahmose looked up at Yami, eyes wide. "What?!"

"Mikado took them up on it. They offered him back his original rank and everything." Yami added.

"Why is he going to a VAMPIRE BALL?!" Ahmose demanded to know.

"Because he's a vampire." Yami replied. "couldn't you tell?"

"Why is the VATICAN sending him, Yami." Ahmose clarified.

"Because none of the vampires except Bakura KNOW he's from the Vatican." he said eating some potatoes. "So he can spy."

"SPY?!?" Ahmose screamed. "They're sending my baby brother into a place FULL of vampires who would SLAUGHTER him if anyone recognized him?!”

Yami nodded. "Uh huh."

"Oh, HELL no!!! He is NOT going!" Ahmose shouted, struggling to get out of bed despite his throbbing head and horrible back pain.

Yami however wrapped his tail around Ahmose's waist and pulled him back down. "Oh no you're not. You're staying in bed until you're well. Your brother is a big boy, and Bakura will protect him."

"No!!! He is NOT going!" Ahmose howled. "MIKADO!!! GET IN HERE!!! I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME!!!"

Yami groaned and rolled his eyes, stuffing a large piece of bread into Ahmose's mouth. "Hush."

Ahmose choked and glared at Yami, furiously.

"Instead of bossing him around, if you're that worried, why dont we just go with?" Yami said calmly, taking another bite of his food. "You cant run his life for him Ahmose, that kind of attention is neither wanted nor welcomed. Trust me. I've had it from mother since I was young. He'll scorn you if you try to tell him what to do."

Ahmose blinked, but scowled as he chewed the bread Yami stuffed into his mouth.

Yami sighed. "I'm just trying to give you advice Ahmose... telling him he's not allowed to go, is just going to make him rebell and go anyway. It'd be better just to go with him."

Ahmose groaned, finally swallowing. "I do NOT want my brother to just walk into the lion's den!!!"

"Vampires don’t attack their own Ahmose, even if they DID know. They'd scorn him for it, but they wouldn't kill him."

"Not in my experience." Ahmose snorted. "If he were a FORMER Agent they would scorn him. But still BEING an Agent... they'll kill him."

"They would have to go through Bakura first, and he's nearly an ancient." Yami said pointedly.

"And how many other even OLDER Ancients will be there?" Ahmose asked,

Yami grinned. "You should go with him and count them."

Ahmose gave Yami a look. "Smart ass."

Yami kissed Ahmose's cheek. "You love my ass."

Ahmose snorted and grumbled, blushing a bit.

Yami smiled. "Lets just go with them. I've never been to... constan... constan... " he made a face. "Where ever the hell that is."

"Constantinople?" Ahmose asked.

Yami nodded. "Yeah that."

"Really? That's where this thing is? Hmm... maybe I will go... " Ahmose mused.

Yami blinked. "Why?"

"Constantinople is a fascinating city. Rich history... " Ahmose said.

Yami looked thoughtful. "Then lets go. I bet that place has something interesting to do."

Ahmose sighed. "... I still don't want him going into a Vampire Ball... "

"I'm jealous." Yami said after a moment.

Ahmose slowly turned and gave Yami a look. "I've beeen seperated from my brother for thirteen years, let me fuss over him, hm?"

Yami blinked. "Oh no no. I mean of him going to the ball! Vampires are known to throw REALLY REALLY fancy parties!"

Ahmose snorted. "Good grief... "

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

Ryou sighed as he ate his dinner. He hadn't talked to Marik since his outburst. He was afraid. He felt miserable though... He loved the wolf!

He heard giggling out in the hall, and turned to see what was going on. Marik the wolf bounded by the door with a shoulder knot in his mouth; it was black and white, so it belonged to a Recruit. And sure enough, he was followed by several giggling Recruits, ages five to nine, trying to get the knot back for a seven year old.

Ryou smiled slightly watching. He was such a sweetheart…

"Marik?" he called softly. "Let the little ones have their knots... " he said looking hopeful. "Come play with me?"

Marik turned and looked, perking up and wagging his tail. He dropped the knot and charged over to Ryou, seizing the hem of Ryou's robe and tugging, growling playfully.

Ryou smiled and stooped, hoisting up the wolf. "Now... you cant mess up my robes." he cooed and carried Marik into their room. "I'm sorry Marik... " he whispered after he shut the door. "Please don’t be angry with me anymore..."

"Hurr?" Marik asked, turning his head and wiggling around, licking Ryou's face.

Ryou sighed. "Marik... I'm sorry."

Marik cocked his head and licked Ryou's face again.

"Change back?" Ryou said putting him down.

Marik blinked and changed to his human form.

Ryou practically jumped into his arms and hugged him tight.

Marik blinked. "Hi."

Ryou nuzzled him. "I'm so sorry... I'll try harder to like Malik." Ryou started crying. "Just don’t be angry at me anymore... ' he looked at Marik. "It makes me sad... "

Marik blinked. "Oh... so THAT'S what this is about... " Marik cooed, hugging him and rocking him. "Shhh... It just hurts me so much to see my best friend and the one I love practically at each other's throats... "

Ryou nodded. "I'm sorry."

Marik sighed and kissed his cheek. "... Did you hear about Aiden...?"

Ryou blinked. "No...?"

"This rogue Agent, Seto or whatever... he nearly killed him. Aiden is in really bad shape. And he's lost an eye... " Marik said.

Ryou shivered. "Oh my... " he hugged onto Marik tighter. "That's awful."

Marik nodded. "Yeah... " He said softly, kissing Ryou's forehead.

Ryou sighed. "That's frightening... that... Seto person. I'm glad I don’t have to go near him."

Marik sighed. "Well... that's the problem... Aiden is out of commission... and he's the only half elf they have... "

Ryou shook his head. "They haven't asked me... I... I don’t want to... "

Marik sighed and nodded. "But it may come up... This may be why God brought you along the path he did... "

Ryou sighed and looked down. "I dont want to lose an eye... "

"I will protect you... " Marik whispered.

Ryou smiled and kissed him. "Good... "

Marik wagged his tail happily, hugging Ryou tightly to his chest.

Ryou smiled. "I'll go then... as long as you protect me... "

Marik gave him a little smooch. "Shhh... let's just rest... maybe we can go with Mikado... "

Ryou smiled and nodded. "Alright... " he kissed Marik once more before scuttling to change clothes.

Marik slid under the sheets with a yawn, curling up and watching Ryou.

Ryou followed suit and curled against Marik and was out like a light.

Marik smiled, draping an arm over Ryou and closing his eyes, drifting to sleep himself.

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

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