The Path of Vengeance

**Still don't own Disneyland

Malik reclined on the sofa bed, Yugi still resting in the crook of his shoulder, his ears keened to the infrequent moans coming from the pharaoh’s bedroom. From the looks of things, Yugi was unaware of the sexual circumstances and for that he was grateful. He didn’t want to have to deal with the resulting breakdown. To ensure the pharaoh’s anonymity he picked up the remote and turned up the volume on the television.

Yugi lifted his head from the Egyptian’s shoulder. “You don’t have to do that. I know perfectly well what’s going on back there.”

Malik raised his eyebrows. “You do?”

“Yes.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“Of course they’re going to have sex,” Yugi replied rationally. “And I have no ties to Yami other than the obvious. I want them to be happy.”

The blonde smiled. “Well it seems like you’re taking it rather well. I don’t see any more tears.”

Yugi shook his head. “No more tears. Besides, you get really pissy when I cry.”

“It’s fucking annoying,” Malik stated bluntly. He saw Yugi’s eyes widen and sighed. “Look, I just know from experience that nothing gets solved by crying.”

The smaller teen blinked, a trace of a very Malik-like smirk gracing his lips. “Well I didn’t do it so shut up.”

Malik burst out laughing. “Touché.”

Yugi grinned, pleased by the Egyptian’s reaction. He honestly expected to be a lot more put off by the blunt and sometimes harsh way of speaking that Malik put forth but instead found it a welcome change to the constant coddling of Yami and Ryou. Malik seemed to want to help him get past the incident and was doing so with direct honesty rather than avoiding the topic or spouting words of revenge. “So what do you think Tristan wants to talk about?” he asked, changing the subject.

Malik rolled his eyes. “I already know what he’s going to tell you. And if you ask me, HE shouldn’t be the one to say it.”

“How do you know what he’s going to say?”

The bronzed teen shrugged. “I know a lot of things. Marik and Bakura are really close, you know.”

“Yeah, I know,” Yugi replied. “So what’s the big secret?”

“You don’t need to hear it from me either,” Malik said.

Yugi rolled his eyes. “Do I want to hear it at all?”

Malik pressed the channel change button on the remote. “I doubt it.”

“Oh great, what now?” Yugi mumbled.

“Don’t fucking worry about it,” Malik instructed, looking away from the television to meet the teen’s eyes. “There’s nothing you can do about it anyway. Just remember what I told you and you’ll be fine.”

“Which part?”

“Don’t let them break you. Whatever it is that Tristan has to tell you just take it in stride. Nothing anyone has to say can compete with what you’ve already been through.”

Yugi was silent a moment, letting this information sink in. “That’s the truest statement I’ve heard since all of this started.”

“What’d I tell you? Stick with me, Yugi and you’ll be just fine.”

The smaller teen smiled. “I’m starting to see that.”

“I don’t understand why you think I should wait in the car. This was my mistake, Tristan.”

Tristan looked at Kaiba sitting across from him in the luxurious limo. “It was your mistake, yes, but these are my friends. It will be easier for them to hear coming from me rather than you.”

“You’re going to go in there and tell them everything aren’t you?”

“I don’t have a choice.”

Kaiba sat back in his seat. The day at the office had really taken its toll on him. As soon as he entered the large building he’d been bombarded with questions and expressions of false sympathy from employees whose names he’d never bothered to learn. At least his investors and the press bought his story about the motorcycle accident with no skepticism. Though now unfortunately it seemed that rumors were flying around on the internet about his “Secret Affair with His Male Private Nurse”. It never ended being Seto Kaiba.

The CEO carefully rubbed at his temples around the bandages. He’d been fighting a migraine headache all day. There was no way he’d ever admit it aloud but he knew he’d made the wrong decision to return to work so soon. When he got home after the press conference he’d been greeted with the information that Bakura’s little brat knew of his involvement in Yugi’s kidnapping and that Tristan was taking Mokuba to the Game Shop to reveal in great detail the lowest and most vulnerable moment of his existence to a bunch of people he’d just as soon spit on as talk to.

“I really wish you’d let me tell them,” he said again.

“Just what would you say, Seto?”

“Nothing more than necessary. I’d tell them of my involvement and leave.”

Tristan shook his head. “Still thinking of only you? These are my friends. They stuck by me when no one else would before I met you. They kept me alive when I had no desire to live. Just because you’ve taken over as my reason for living doesn’t make them any less important to me.”

Kaiba winced. He hated to be reminded of the sorry state in which he’d met his boyfriend. “Fine,” he relented, ignoring the voice in his head that whispered the irony of his situation. “Tell them whatever you want. Just don’t expect me to act any different. I show weakness to no one.”

It was a familiar statement. One that they both knew Tristan was exempt from. “I don’t expect that of you,” he said. “I have a chance here to keep both you and them. I have to take it.”

Kaiba nodded. “I understand. I don’t like it but I understand.”

“Thank you.” Tristan wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and took a deep breath as the car came to a stop in front of the store. He was glad that he hadn’t been forced to bring Mokuba along. When Kaiba had learned of his intentions regarding the friendship cult he’d insisted on accompanying Tristan in Mokuba’s place. After a quick meeting with Kenji it was decided that they would just switch places, the guard keeping an eye on he younger Kaiba and Tristan, along with the chauffer, monitoring the elder.


Tristan walked on his knees across the car and kissed Kaiba gently. “I love you,” he whispered with conviction. “Whatever goes on in there it isn’t going to change that.”

Kaiba smiled. “I love you too,” he replied. “Go. Do what you have to do.”

The brunette nodded and slid out of the limo. The sun was just starting to set behind the mountains in the distance. He took a moment to compose himself before pulling open the door and walking through the shop to the staircase in the back, noticing that almost all of the merchandise had been pulled from the shelves. He knocked on the door.

“I’ll get it,” Ryou said from his place on the floor at the base of Yami’s chair. Yugi and Malik sat together on the sofa. The bed had been folded back inside and the coffee table once again rested in front of it.

The dark haired teen entered the hallway and opened the door to see Tristan waiting on the other side. “Hi Tristan,” he said. “Didn’t you bring Mokuba?”

“No,” Tristan replied. “He’s at home with Kenji. Seto is downstairs in the car.”

Ryou’s eyes widened. “You brought him?”

“He insisted,” the brunette replied. “I convinced him to wait in the limo. Um, I like your hair.”

“Oh, thank you,” the pale teen said. “Come on in. Yami, Yugi, and Malik are in the living room.”

“Malik?” Tristan repeated.

“He and Yugi are getting sort of close,” Ryou tried to explain. “Yugi wants him to be here.”

Tristan nodded. It was an unexpected twist, yes, but determination wouldn’t let him back down now. He followed Ryou into the living room. “Hey Yami, Malik. Yugi, how are you feeling?”

“Pretty good,” Yugi replied. “What’s going on?”

“Yugi, don’t you want to catch up first?” the pharaoh asked.

“No,” Yugi replied.

Yami’s eyes widened. There was definitely a change taking place within his light. A new attitude that was all too familiar. Crimson eyes narrowed in the direction of the Egyptian lounging next to his hikari.

“Its okay, Yami,” Tristan said. “I’d rather get this over with anyway.” He sat on the edge of the easy chair opposite the sofa. “Ryou, you already know what I’m going to say. Malik, I’m sure you do too.” He took a deep breath. “Yugi, there was someone working with Bakura to execute your kidnapping.”

“I know that,” Yugi replied. “Whoever it was dumped me outside on the porch.”

Tristan winced. “It, um, it was Seto,” he whispered. “Bakura went to him promising that he’d convince you not to duel any longer if Seto would help him.”

Yugi blinked. “Kaiba…?”

“…yes…”

Yugi bit his lower lip. He never would have guessed that Seto Kaiba would even care enough to be involved. He didn’t seem like the type to take orders from anyone. Especially someone as shady as Bakura.

Yami and Ryou both unconsciously leaned in, waiting with bated breath for Yugi to break down. Ryou only hoped it wouldn’t induce another hallucination.

But none of that happened. Yugi looked from Tristan to Ryou, Ryou to Yami. All wore mirroring looks of upset and sympathy. Only Malik seemed unaffected, nodding at him slightly, effectively reminding him of their earlier conversation. Yugi cleared his throat. “Is that the big news?” he asked.

Tristan nodded, eyes wide. “Pretty much, yeah.”

“Big fucking deal,” the small duelist declared. “It’s over and done with and I can’t change it now.”

Three jaws dropped.

“Yugi?” Ryou said after a moment. “Are you alright?”

Yugi glanced at the Egyptian next to him on the sofa, smiling to see one lilac eye close in a quick wink of approval. “I’m okay,” he replied. “It’s no big deal.”

“Aibou, you don’t mean that,” Yami said, disbelief evident in his voice.

“I do,” Yugi affirmed.

“Yugi, I’m sorry,” Tristan said softly. “I had no idea he was involved.”

“It’s okay,” Yugi insisted. “But I do have one question.”

“Anything,” the brunette replied.

“Why didn’t he come tell me himself?”

Tristan looked down. “He wanted to,” he admitted. “I convinced him to wait in the car. I thought it would be better coming from me.”

“He’s outside now?”

“Yes.”

“Well tell him to come in.”

“Yugi, are you sure?” Ryou asked quietly.

“I’m sure,” Yugi replied. “I want to talk to him.”

Tristan spoke into his phone for a moment. “He’s on his way up,” he said uncertainly. “Yugi, are you really positive?”

Yugi nodded. He could feel Malik’s approval even through the Egyptian’s silence. He wasn’t sure when the blonde’s opinion became so important to him but he surmised that it had to do with how put together and sure of himself he was. He’d risen above all that his yami and his clan had thrown at him and come out better for it.

A moment later Kaiba appeared at the entrance to the living room. He nodded at the group but didn’t leave the doorway.

“What happened to you?” Malik spoke up.

Kaiba blinked and looked at Tristan, who shook his head. “Gunshot,” he stated in his usual caustic manner.

“Couldn’t handle the pressure, eh?” the Egyptian laughed. “Pussy.”

“Seto, don’t,” Tristan said quickly, seeing his boyfriend tense, ready to move in on the blonde.

Yugi carefully stood up and made his way over to the CEO. “Kaiba,” he said seriously.

Kaiba looked down at the small duelist. “Yes?”

Yugi crooked his finger, gesturing for the brunette to lean toward him. When he complied Yugi grasped hold of his collar with both hands, pulling their faces together. “I don’t know what made you think anyone could ever stop me from dueling. I may not have my deck anymore but I don’t need it to defeat you. Especially now. What you did just confirmed what everyone thought about you in the first place. You can’t beat me. The only chance you ever had was when you threatened to kill yourself. It didn’t work the first time and it didn’t work this time. Bakura didn’t break me. You’re just going to have to get used to being second-best. Now get the fuck out of my house.” With that he released his hold, pushing away with force.

Malik burst out laughing. “Well put,” he stated.

Yami and Ryou stared in disbelief as Yugi slowly lowered himself back onto the sofa, smiling at Malik.

Tristan rose to his feet. “I’m really sorry, Yugi,” he said again.

“Tristan, you are always welcome,” Yugi replied. “And I won’t be upset at you for being with him. I know you can’t always choose where your heart goes.”

“Thanks,” Tristan whispered gratefully. “I’ll see you later. I promise.”

Yugi nodded.

“Are you alright, Aibou,” Yami asked as soon as the pair departed.

“Gods, Yami, stop asking me that,” Yugi replied hotly.

Yami blinked. “I’m sorry,” he said, surprised.

“Hey Ryou, why don’t you take the pharaoh outside and let him cool off?” Malik suggested. “He’s not helping anyone here.”

“Don’t push me, Malik,” Yami growled.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Ryou said quickly. “Come on, Yami.” He took hold of the pharaoh’s unobstructed hand.

Rather than cause a scene in front of his light, Yami followed his boyfriend out of the room and down the stairs into the shop. “I don’t like it,” he declared as soon as they reached the counter.

“I don’t like it either,” Ryou acknowledged. “But to reprimand him for standing up for himself would do so much more harm than good. He has to get through this in the way he sees as best.”

“Malik is corrupting him,” Yami said flatly. “Who knows what he’s telling Yugi when we’re not around.”

“Yami, please don’t say anything to him about it,” Ryou pleaded. “He needs something of his own right now. You and I have each other.”

“He has us, too.”

“It’s not the same,” the teen said. “Please Yami, just trust me on this.”

Yami leaned forward and kissed his lover on the forehead. “I do trust you, love. And I know that you want what is best for Yugi. I’m just not used to being so cut off from him. Our link hasn’t been open since yesterday.”

“I know I keep saying it but he’s got to do this on his own. We can’t do it for him and we can’t judge him regarding his choices.”

“I know,” Yami said. “I don’t like it though.”

“I don’t like it either.”

“I’m proud of you, you know,” Malik said.

“So am I,” Yugi replied honestly.

Malik got up and wandered into the kitchen, returning a moment later with two cans of soda. He handed one to Yugi and sat back down. “You doing okay?”

“Yes, Yami,” Yugi replied obediently.

Malik made a face. “Don’t go there,” he said.

Yugi grinned and carefully shifted into place next to the Egyptian. “Thank you,” he said. “For everything.”

“Don’t thank me,” Malik replied. “It was no big deal.”

“It was,” Yugi insisted. “If it wasn’t for you I’d probably still be crying on the couch.”

Malik chuckled. “Don’t make me out to be some kind of saint, Yugi. You’ll be really disappointed when you find out it’s not true.”

“You’re far from a saint,” Yugi said with a grin. “You slept with Mako.”

The blonde chuckled. “Jealous?”

Yugi’s mouth fell open. “Shut up,” he laughed. “I am not!”

Malik held his hand to his chest as though the words had struck his heart directly. “Ouch.”

“Oh, didn’t mean to bruise your ego,” Yugi responded with a smile.

An evil smirk came to rest on Malik’s face. “I think you should make it up to me,” he suggested.

Yugi raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

Malik leaned forward into Yugi’s personal space and very slowly brought their lips together. He kept his eyes open, monitoring the smaller teen’s reaction, pleased to note that the only emotion displayed for his gaze was surprise. No trace of fear or resistance.

Yugi’s eyes had fallen shut on instinct, heightening his other senses. Malik’s lips barely touched his but he swore he could feel the heat of the Egyptian sun pouring through them to scorch his own.

Malik pulled back, a small smile gracing his features. “That’ll do,” he jested.

Yugi stared back at him. “Why did you do that?” he asked, thoroughly mystified.

“Felt like it,” Malik replied.

“But you know…about me.”

“About Bakura? Yeah, so?”

“And you still kissed me…”

Realization set in and Malik nodded. “You’re not contaminated, Yugi,” he said. “I’m not going to catch ‘Bakura’ from you.”

Put in those terms it did sound kind of ridiculous.


Bakura stood outside on the balcony of the hotel, feeling the slightly humid morning air lifting his albino locks and cooling the back of his neck. He and Marik had remained in Disneyland until the park closed and the security guards kicked them out. They’d ridden the Pirates twice more, the Haunted Mansion half a dozen times, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad once, and the Matterhorn three times. And that was just in the course of two hours. He’d laughed endlessly at Marik’s obsession with Fantasy Land, claiming him to be a pervert. Marik had laughed at Bakura’s own love of the Ferris Wheel. All in all it had been a day filled with fun and laughter with no time spent worrying about the threat that followed them wherever they went.

But that was the night before. Now morning came and brought with it the return of his responsibility to Marik and the blonde’s continued safety. It was a situation he was not used to. He’d not been this concerned with the well-being of another since his days in ancient Egypt. Now it seemed that thoughts of Marik invaded every aspect of his mind, making it impossible to focus on anything else for any length of time. Even during his short conversations with his hikari he was distracted.

When it came down to it though, all of the fear, the worry, the angst…it was all worth it. He’d accomplished what he set out to do over three thousand years before. Nothing could have held him back. Not Ryou, not Yami, not the temporal order of time itself. It was a definite high.

But now what? He’d condemned himself to a life on the run back home so that was nothing he couldn’t handle. But now that his purpose for existing had been accomplished why did he even fight for survival? On an instinctual level it made sense but what was the point now? It was Marik. The damned Egyptian had somehow wormed his way inside the thief’s heart and made a home there. What a goat fuck.

He sighed heavily, leaning over the railing. Something was coming. He wasn’t sure what but all of his bandit instincts told him to keep his guard up. He’d analyzed the information given to him by both Ryou and Marik and could only surmise that Seto Kaiba would be the one pursuing him. Malik would have told Marik if the pharaoh had left Domino and they’d received no such warning. The only other who had the power or ability to track them down would be the CEO.

And what if he was? Where did that put them? He didn’t doubt that he could escape any flunky that Kaiba would deploy but did Marik hold such prowess? Could the Egyptian disappear without a trace within ten seconds if need be? It was doubtful. Marik was an amazing hand to hand fighter but that wouldn’t help them in this situation. Times were very different now and that put them at a major disadvantage. Modern weapons were a force to be reckoned with. An arrow he could dodge but a bullet? It didn’t seem likely. Their best defense was to remain in the shadows.

“What are you doing up so early?” Marik asked, walking through the open arcadia door, a cup of coffee in his hand.

“Just thinking,” Bakura replied, turning around and resting his back against the guardrail.

“Anything I should know about?”

“Nah,” the thief replied. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

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And there you have it. Consider this quick post my penance for having been absent for that time. I really hate it when other people do that and then I went and did it too. Well, that's done, dammit! LOL
This chapter is dedicated to Dabin and Su. Dabin for returning my muse to me and Su for being such a supportive reader. YOu both kick ass ;)