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 23

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It was the night of the grand Vampire Christmas Ball... and NO vampire looked more pleased than Bakura, and his two lady-escorts.

Ahmose was on his left in purple and gold, hair in braid, and Mikado was in blue and green, his own hair elegantly pulled back. Both were wearing makeup, and both looked extremely unhappy as the carriage drawn by Geist and Strigoi pulled up before the large building that the ball was being held in.

Bakura gave Mikado a kiss. "You look beautiful..." he cooed. ~I can hardly wait until AFTER the ball when I can get the male you back... in bed.~

Mikado just bitched and grumbled under his breath. When the carriage stopped, Bakura stepped out first and offered Mikado his hand. Mikado gave him a look, but accepted it, stepping out of the thing. Ahmose looked ready to kill, but he followed.

At the door, Bakura gave his name, smiling as they were invited in. The large ballroom hall was almost OVERLY lavish in decor, and there were trees, candles, treats (All light, nothing truly sustaining, and some merely there for the sweet smells, and reminders of holidays) as well as an orchestra, dancing and talking.

~Mary Mother of God... who PAYS for all this?~ Mikado asked.

~It's group funded.~ Bakura chuckled. ~The four eldest Ancients’ sired children pay it.~ he said calmly. ~I am among them.~

~You? But... you never attend...~ Mikado said.

~Never. But I pay for the enjoyment of the fledglings and their sires.~ Bakura smiled at Mikado. ~So that young ones like you can still have the things they enjoy most dearly.~

Mikado blinked and blushed a bit, giving Bakura a small smile.

"Bakura?" Came a voice. Bakura, Ahmose and Mikado all turned to see a pair of vampires walking towards them. One of them was foreign (Bakura told Mikado that he was Chinese) and had long hair falling to mid back, and was wearing Oriental finery.

"Fei Long." Bakura said, nodding in greeting. (Yes, it’s a cameo appearance of Fei Long Liu from the yaoi manga series Target In the Finder, Cage In The Finder, and Wing In the Finder)

"I have not seen you in several centuries." Fei Long said. "Since when do you attend this event? And... who are your lovely companions?" Ahmose' eye twitched as the other vampire looked over him and his brother.

Bakura chuckled. "Ahh... my young fledgling wanted to come." he said motioning to Mikado.

The other vampire, who had shoulder length hunter green hair which darkened to black the closer it got to the roots smirked. "Bakura? The famous Bakura, only childe of the Ancient of the South siring his own? Now THAT'S news to be spread!" he said chuckling.

Bakura rolled his eyes. "This is Rhyshu, pay him no mind." he said to Mikado and Ahmose. "He's just a traveling bard." Rhyshu smirked.

"You used to travel the some of the same paths I did, not so long ago." he said calmly. "Before you settled down. So what've you been up to? Hiding out?"

Bakura laughed. "For the last few hundred years... I suppose you could say that. But recently, I've been mothering my stubborn fledgling, who still has no clue about hypnosis. I've a mind to let her starve."

Mikado turned and glared. ~HOW many days has it been since you sired me?!~ He demanded to know. ~NINE!!! NINE DAYS!!! Give me a fuckin BREAK!!!~

Bakura smirked at Mikado. ~I could hypnotize by day 5.~ he said smugly.

Mikado snorted and looked away. "You're an ass." Fei Long raised an eyebrow.

"She's got a bit of an attitude, hasn't she?" He asked Bakura, amused.

"Just a bit."

Rhyshu grinned. "I see... yet you still spoil her. That's bloodstone isn't it?" he said lifting the cross to look at it. "Waste of it, to cover a cross."

Mikado jerked away, slapping Rhyshu's hand, baring his fangs and growling, which was just cute considering he still only had baby fangs.

Rhyshu just laughed. "She's adorable." he said, not intimidated in the least.

~You might as well stop... that just makes you look cute.~ Bakura chuckled. "She wanted her cross, so I gave it to her." he said calmly. "I love her enough that I'd allow it."

"Love?" Fei Long asked, looking mildly surprised. "You've found yourself a lover? Finally?!"

Bakura nodded. "Yes." he said smiling at Mikado. "And I can only hope love is as eternal as it's claimed to be."

Mikado stared up at Bakura and flushed.

"Ah... Now that is something... getting her to blush with simple words and a smile..." Fei Long said, grinning. This made Mikado look down, blushing even more. Ahmose raised an eyebrow. His brother was a little too good a playing the part of a woman... and he wasn't even TRYING!!!

"I even let her decorate my home." Bakura said rubbing Mikado's back. "The servants all adore her, and I even gave her one of my finest mounts as a wedding present."

"You're joking!" Fei Long exclaimed. "One of your Gypsy horses?! Yours have always been the finest I have ever seen..."

Bakura smirked. "I gave her Geist. I considered a mare, but then Strigoi would never be able to ride alongside her. He's too much of a Romeo." he chuckled. "And Geist has taken a liking to her. One of the finest stallions I have."

"Indeed... that's quite a gift... your stallions are worth their weight in gold!" Fei Long exclaimed. "That IS how you sell them, correct? For their weight in gold?" Mikado's eyes widened. Those stallions were worth THAT much?! His Geist was worth his weight in gold?!

Bakura nodded. "Indeed. It's how I can afford to keep funding this little event." he chuckled. "Of course I only sell three or so horses a year... lately I've been offered more than their weight in gold, to sell more than that."

Mikado just stared at Bakura, eyes wide and mouth hanging open slightly. Ahmose was looking around the place in mild interest.

Bakura chuckled. ~You're not a codfish, close your mouth.~

"I wasn't intending on selling Geist, he's has the potential to be one of my breeding males. Plus I've spent a long time training him. I felt he'd be the best horse to give to her. I know he'll never falter during danger, should it ever occur."

Rhyshu whistled. "I'd give an arm and a leg for one of your horses... she's a lucky girl. I'm jealous." he laughed.

Mikado was half caught between flattered and infuriated; he hated being called a girl...

"Well... we cannot monopolize your time..." Fei Long said, bowing to Bakura. "... Might I take this lovely lady for a dance?" And he looked at Ahmose. Mikado's eyebrows shot up and he turned and stared at his stunned brother in amusement.

Bakura chuckled. "If she'll let you. She's a might... grumpy." he said calmly. "Doesn't like being dressed up I'm afraid."

Rhyshu snickered. "And with that, I'm going to hit the snacks, I'd like some hot mint tea..."

Bakura turned to Mikado. "Care to dance?"

Mikado blinked. "Uhhhh..." Fei Long took Ahmose's hand and guided "her" away before "she" even knew what was happening.

Bakura took Mikado's hand and smiled. "Come..." he purred leading him to the dance floor. "Let’s dance until you forget your troubles..."

"T-T-Troubles?" Mikado squeaked.

Bakura nodded. "Why yes." ~Like your dress.~

"... I won't be forgetting that any time soon... I keep thinking that I'm naked from the waist down..." Mikado grumbled, scowling.

Bakura smirked. "I know."

Mikado's eyes widened, and he squeaked again.

Bakura lead Mikado to the dancing and took his other hand. ~Lets dance.~ he purred kissing the youth. ~I want to remember how beautiful you were tonight...until the day I'm vanquished.~

~Please... I don't want to think of anything like that...~ Mikado whimpered, letting Bakura wrap an arm around his waist and pull him close... and Mikado suddenly felt so much safer...

Meanwhile, an elf, a werewolf, a priest and a demon were scaling a wall, a little pixie darting about.

"Come on! You're almost to the window!!!" He encouraged. The group had come to see this event, and keep an eye on things, and to be there in case Mikado, Ahmose and Bakura needed help... well... most of them had. Yami came to see Ahmose in a dress.

Ryou pouted. "This is silly! We really shouldn't be doing this!"

"Shhh... we're here for good reasons." Marik said. "... Aside from Yami."

Yami growled. "He's wearin a dress for Mikado, and dammit I wanna see!"

Ryou grumbled and shook his head. "We shouldn't be doing this..."

"This is in case they need help, Ryou." Marik said. "We wanna be here to help them."

Ryou sighed and shook his head once more. "I STILL think we shouldn't be doing this..."

Once they reached the window and peered in, Yami growled. "HEY!" he howled furiously. Before anyone could stop the demon, his wings and tail disappeared, and he dove in the window. Amazingly, not a soul noticed him.

Marik sighed and shook his head. "Hurry up, Malik! Don't let that idiot do something stupid!"

Yami had already trotted away as the others climbed in to watch. Ryou whimpered softly when he saw Yami hurrying through the vampires, and was politely (much to the shock of the group) tapping Ahmose on the shoulder. "May I cut in?" he asked grinning. It was customary to switch partners from time to time if asked politely.

Ahmose stared at Yami in shock, and Fei Long in annoyance.

"Excuse me... I don't beleive we've met..." The vampire said.

“He’s Prince Atemu…” Ahmose said quickly before Yami could say something stupid.

Yami made a face. "I hate being called that." he grumbled. "Anyway... you're dancing with something of mine..."

Ahmose flushed. "Yours?" Fei Long asked. "I beleive she came with Lord Bakura."

"... I came with my... sister." Ahmose said.

Yami nodded. "She wanted to. But she's mine." he said once more. "And I'm jealous."

Ahmose flushed again. Fei Long blinked, then released Ahmose and bowed to Yami.

Yami smiled. "Thanks." He snatched up Ahmose and nuzzled him. "Dancing without me..." he grumbled, and Ahmose felt that tail coil around his waist. "You're going to drive me up the wall... flirting around without me…"

"Yeah right... he asked Bakura if he could dance with me and Bakura said go for it! Next thing I know, his hand is on my waist!!!"

Yami growled. "Never again!"

"Oh, hush." Ahmose scolded. "You need to clam down!"

Yami growled once more and hugged him tight. "You're MY chosen..." he whispered. "And you're not having anyone but me... I love you."

"I don't PLAN on having anyone but you!" Ahmose laughed. Mikado and Bakura danced by.

"Any sign of Seto?" Mikado hissed.

"No." Ahmose whispered back.

Yami nuzzled Ahmose once more. "Ryou taught me about Christmas..." he whispered after a moment. "And… I wasn't sure what to give you..." Yami said after a moment. "So...I decided the best present was the present of telling you...that I understand what love is."

Ahmose blinked. "What?" He asked, looking a bit caught off guard.

Yami smiled. "I understand what love is." he said after a moment. "It's something...that I cant describe at all...but...but ever since Pegasus added the holy water and unicorn blood...I feel it every time I look at you..." Yami said blushing. "I feel like I could...just die of happiness."

Ahmose blinked and blushed as well, before slowly smiling. "Now you understand why I couldn't tell you what love is... hm?"

Yami smiled and kissed Ahmose. "mmhmm." he cooed. "So no more flirting with other men." he said softly. "Not unless you're inviting for a threesome."

"I don't flirt." Ahmose said.

"You were dancing with a hot vampire." Yami said raising an eyebrow. "You don’tneed to flirt. There's an invisible sign on you that says in bright neon letters 'fuck me I'm sexy!'. And I still haven't managed to figure out how to get it off of you."

"Yeah, he was hot." Ahmose said, cocking his head slightly. "But not my type."

"SEE?!" Yami howled.

Ahmose laughed. "He's not my type..." He said again.

Yami smiled. "Didja like your christmas present?" he asked after a moment, blushing slightly. "I couldn't think of anything else to give you. I mean...I got you all those nice things, and I couldnt' think of a thing more you could use!"

"Shhh..." Ahmose said, smiling. "I love you."

Yami sighed and nuzzled Ahmose once more quite content. "I love you too."

But while Yami and Ahmose got to be all cute and cuddly, Bakura found himself with a dance partner who... really wasn't paying attention to him.

Bakura smirked. Since Mikado wasn't paying attention to him...he'd just have to pay attention to Mikado. He leaned forward and bit his lover's neck.

Mikado gasped and convulsed in his arms, before going limp. "B-Bakura!" He gasped.

Bakura smirked. ~I reserved the right to do this before we got here.~ he said calmly, taking a harsh gulp of blood. ~And you're not paying attention to me, it gets rather boring dancing with someone who's not all there.~

~I... I have to find Seto!~ Mikado moaned, shuddering in pleasure.

~You've all night to find Seto...spend a bit of it with me.~ Bakura cooed back licking the wound closed and pressing his lips to Mikado's. ~After all...It seems Ahmose and Yami are cuddling.~

~I'm here on the job, Bakura!!!~ Mikado whined, squirming reluctantly.

~Come now...~ Bakura pulled away and smiled. ~Cant I have a BIT of your time?~

~... okay... a bit...~

Bakura kissed him once more. "Thank you." he purred pressing his forehead to Mikado's.

Ryou sighed dreamily. "They're all so in love..."

Marik smiled, wrapping an arm around Ryou.

~... I'm hungry...~

Bakura laughed at that. ~Why not give those little fangs a try?~ Bakura offered. ~I'm sure you can get a decent bite.~

Mikado blinked. ~... on you?~

~Do you think it'd be appropriate for you to bite anyone else?~ Bakura said chuckling.

~I dunno...~ Mikado said shyly, turning his head so his lips brushed over Bakura's neck.

Bakura chuckled and tilted his head to the side. ~Dont forget to lick the wound closed when you're done...I dont want to bloody my collar.~

Mikado blinked, and bit down... and nothing happened. He frowned and tried again. Nope. Nothing. He scowled and began gnawing on Bakura's neck. His little baby fangs were doing little more than leaving scratches that hardly bled at all. Mikado whined.

Bakura laughed and shook his head. He pulled a small dagger from his pocket and cutting his own neck, so Mikado could feed. ~That was cute.~

~Shut up. You're mean...~ Mikado pouted, beginning to drink from Bakura's neck, unaware of the other elder vampires who had witnessed this, and were now chuckling to each other about the "baby".

Yami nuzzled Ahmose once more. "Looks like your 'sister' got hungry." he cooed looking at Bakura.

Ahmose looked over and snickered. "He's always hungry now, apparently."

Yami nodded and sighed. "I'm kinda hungry too...and those christmas cookies look pretty good..." he said eying the snack table.

Ahmose smiled. "Let's go then." He said.

Yami nuzzled him. "You can sit." he cooed. "Those shoes..." he said motioning to the feminine shoes Ahmose was wearing. "Look none too fun to walk in."

"Oh, shut up." Ahmose grumbled. "Don't point it out to me, please."

Yami snickered and walked Ahmose to one of the tables. "Here...what do you want? They've got cookies and pies and...punch and tea...I think I smell turkey..."

Ahmose rolled his eyes. "Just get what you want."

Yami grinned and kissed him once more, trotting over to the snack table.

Ahmose sighed and followed, while Bakura had to get Mikado off of the dance floor while the boy fed. And it was then that Seto entered the hall.

Yami picked up a plate for himself and Ahmose and began loading it up. "mmmm smeeeelllls good." he said eagerly. "Hey Ahmose... how come you never talk about Christmas?"

"... Why should I talk about it?" Ahmose asked.

"Well I dunno...I just like hearing stuff..." Yami said after a moment. "Humans are neat... sometimes."

Ahmose chuckled. "Whatever amuses you." He said.

Seto began moving through the crowd, seeking out the powerful vampires who were present.

Among the smaller younger fledglings to adults, were but speckled a mere few near-ancients. Then there were the sired of the original four. It was easy for Seto to spot them among the others. Their stances held high, and their auras though unseen, left a powerful impression on the room. All four were there…

Seto looked around, trying to decide which to approach first... Well... Bakura, Childe of the Ancient of the South, seemed a bit busy with a young lady, so he turned and headed to a vampire he recognized as Eclipse, Childe of the Vampire of the North, who was watching his own young fledgling, Raenef, with other fledglings. (Yes, Eclipse and Raenef from the manga series Demon Diary)

"Hey... is that him?!" Marik gasped, pointing. He looked at Ryou and Malik.

Ryou blinked. "I dunno... I've never seen Seto." he admitted softly.

"Me neither..." Malik said coughing.

"Mikado and Yami said, brown hair, blue eyes, and a glowing blue amulet!!!" Marik sighed, frustrated.

"I'm sure that's him." Yugi chirped. "I'll go warn Mikado!"

Bakura blinked when the pixie flew to their side. "Oh... we have company." he said tapping Mikado's head.

"Hmn." Mikado said, still drinking.

Bakura blinked when Yugi whispered in his ear. "Oh... apparently they think Seto's here now."

Mikado blinked and immediately pulled away. "What?!"

Bakura chuckled and shook his head as Yugi flitted off. "That must be him..." he said motioning to Seto. "I can smell demons on him."

Mikado turned. "... it is him." He said softly. "Who is that he's talking to?"

"That's Eclipse... The Childe of the Ancient of the North." Bakura explained.

Mikado nodded. He watched as Eclipse turned away from Seto and walked away. Seto didn't look happy. But he turned and looked around, heading in the direction of Rhyshu.

"I wonder what he's doing..." Mikado said.

Bakura snorted. "Well, if Eclipse turned away like that then it mustn't be anything good." He said calmly.

Rhyshu was yawning and sitting at a table, drinking his mint tea and listening to the orchestra when Seto approached.

Mikado watched as Seto bowed to the man and began talking. Rhyshu listened for a moment with a neutral expression, but then frowned and shook his head. Seto paused, and went on.

"Can you hear them?" Mikado asked, trying to hear over the noise of the party without any success.

Bakura shook his head. "I'm afraid not. It's rude to eavesdrop anyway." He said calmly. "If you must know, why not ask Rhyshu or Eclipse? I'm sure they'd answer."

"Me?!"

"It's your assignment." Bakura said smirking. "If you MUST know, then go ask."

"Can't you?" Mikado whined.

"Nope." Bakura chuckled. "This is YOUR job. I'm not doing your work for you. I'm going to get some of that tea..."

Mikado squeaked as Bakura stood, and trotted after him, not about to be left alone in this place.

Bakura walked over to a table and pulled out a chair for Mikado. "Wait here." he said calmly. "I'll get us some tea." The tea table was relatively close.

Mikado blinked, then slowly sat down, looking around nervously. He looked for Ahmose, but couldn't see him.

Bakura returned moments later with two fine china cups on platters with spoons. Each had a small jellied scone as well. "Calm down." he purred. ~Fellow vampires would never hurt you, even if they KNEW you were an Agent...calm down.~

Mikado frowned. ~Stop trying to make me feel better, it isn't working. I'm already getting looks over my cross...~

Bakura chuckled. "You're fine."

Mikado sighed. "You know that if anyone recognizes me, I'm dead, right?"

"I'd protect you." Bakura said calmly.

"Bakura..." Mikado gasped, eyes wide. Bakura turned, and Seto was approaching them, eyes on the albino vampire.

Bakura took a sip of his tea. ~Keep your ears open and your mouth closed.~

Mikado gulped and looked down quickly.

"Lord Bakura." Seto said, bowing. "A word, if I may."

Bakura nodded slowly. "As you wish." he took another sip of tea. "What brings a human to a vampire gathering? Feeling generous?"

Seto sat down, raising en eyebrow. "Not in the manner that you speak of." He said. "I'm looking for... allies."

Bakura raised an eyebrow. "Allies? In what manner?"

"I am moving against the Vatican. It wields too much power. I aim to... knock it down a few notches..." Seto said with a smirk. "Surely that is something you would wish to see... The Vatican may be a beautiful rose... but its Agents are the thorns in every vampire's side..."

Bakura raised an eyebrow. "I see..." he smirked at Seto. "I imagine that you've had poor luck. There are very few among us that hold much hatred for the Vatican. They leave us alone, as long as we do not trouble villagers too badly."
"They are no threat to you, perhaps... your power is beyond the capabilities of their best Slayers... but they are terrible threats to the younger vampires... especially young... fledglings..." And he fixed his eyes on Mikado, smirking. He eyed the cross around his neck, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Bakura snorted. "There exists no threat for my fledgling. To get to her, the forces of God would need pass through me."

"There is always a threat..." Seto chuckled, still staring at Mikado and looking "her" up and down with a strange smile on his face. "Is there a reason she... wears a cross?"

"She was afraid of losing her soul when sired." Bakura said calmly. "So I had her cross covered with bloodstone, to soothe her worries. The rumors mortals pass these days about vampires are ridiculous."

Mikado's lips twitched in amusement. ~Nice cover.~

"Hmmm... Did you take her by force?" Seto asked.

"No. I'm not that sort of sire." Bakura growled looking insulted. "Such things are to be decided by the mortal, not the immortal."

Seto blinked, then laughed. "You actually believe that? Why should the mortals choose when it's the immortals who will live long after them?"

"Because despite being immortal, vampires are not a part of the mortal world. This is their world, their realm and they have the right of choice." he said calmly. "I would have declined to become immortal, were I given the choice.”

Seto blinked. "You would have, hmm? Well, this may be the mortal's world but you are a part of it. But you are not welcome... it is not theirs completely. Who are they to say that you do not belong in it? Join with me. Show them that they have no right to tell you that you are not a part of this world..."

Bakura took another sip of his tea. "Though I would have said no, and died at my rightful time, I am a vampire. Mortals do not fear me. They do not scorn me. I have not met a mortal yet, who has acted such to me." he said giving Seto a calm look. "You are acting rashly."

"I? I have seen the truth. And I know that's how mortals feel. The Vatican would exterminate your kind if they could. They TRY to... what do you think the Slayers are for? The Vatican kills every vampire they see."

"They didn't kill Nikolas!!!" Mikado blurted, angrilly. He froze as soon as he said it. ~Oh fuck...~ Seto narrowed his eyes.

"Nikolas is the Vatican's shame. He never should have shown his face to the Vatican. He should have destroyed himself the moment he became a vampire. And when he didn't, the Vatican should have done it for him." He eyed Mikado, looking at his cross again. "And who are you to know of him? What's your name?"

~Shit...~

Bakura gave Mikado a calm look. ~You do not listen well at all do you? I said shut your howling screamer! Now shut the hell up and stay silent.~

"She is a relative left behind at Nikolas' village." He said calmly. "Which is why she is so Christian, and so worried of her own soul." he said after a moment. "Do not concern yourself with my fledgling. Apparently she is adamant against me being an ally." he said after a moment. "And so far I must agree. I see no reason at all to war with the Vatican."

Mikado gulped and looked down quickly as Seto eyed him, looking angry. “You’re basing your decision on what your fledgling wants?”

"Your argument is very small. Humans have troubled me very little in the last few hundred years. They live with me, and serve me in my home." Bakura said after a moment. "Each and every DAY those same humans have every chance in the world to vanquish me and each night I wake safely to smiling faces."

"I am not saying ALL humanity." Seto said. "There are a few who have open hearts and minds. Those of the Vatican do NOT." Mikado almost growled.

~Shut up.~ Bakura said once more, in a very demanding tone. ~One more peep and I'll sling you over my knee right here and now!~

"Really? I beg to differ."

Seto chuckled. "Oh really? I have lived among them... I know. But my eyes were opened to their... prejudices..."

"Funny... recently I was a guest of the Vatican." Bakura said calmly. "Sadly Nikolas wasnt there. Seems he's been sent off."

"... A guest of the Vatican?" Seto asked, blinking. "For what reason?"

"Like I said, my fledgling is family of Nikolas. She wanted to visit him." he said calmly. "It wasn't until after we had arrived that we discovered he'd been sent abroad."

"You didn't send word to the Vatican to find out if he would be there before you went?" Seto asked, eyeing Bakura. He didn't seem to be buying it.

"I keep horses, not carrier pigeons." Bakura said raising an eyebrow. "And the Vatican is hardly an evening's ride for Strigoi. I'd just as soon go myself, than send an inexperienced servant out."

Seto snorted. "So... you have no... resentment towards the Vatican?" He asked, looking irritated.

Bakura smirked. "No." he looked thoroughly amused. "And I'm willing to wager that my fellow elders said things similar."

Seto narrowed his eyes and glared.

Bakura took another sip of his tea and chuckled. "I'm afraid that your argument holds no water in winning my support. It seems that my fledgling wins my support. I'm sorry, I will have to decline."

Seto stood, shooting a glare at Mikado, but bowed. "I thank you for your time." He said, before turning and storming away.

Bakura snickered. ~It seems you've really pissed him off.~

~I think it was your refusal that pissed him off.~ Mikado replied.

Bakura took a small bite of his scone. ~Either way I am amused at his misery.~

~.... uh... okayyyy...~

Bakura gave Mikado a look. ~However, you need to work on following directions. You nearly let him know who you were.~ he said calmly.

~Did not!!!~ Mikado gasped, eyes wide.

~Oh yes you did. The cross kinda gives a CLUE.~ Bakura said rolling his eyes. ~Not to mention you blurting out something FROM the Vatican. Are you an idiot?~

~He made me mad!!!~ Mikado whined.

~You need to keep that temper in check Mikado... Rage is a werewolf's sin. Rage will make you do really STUPID things.~ he smiled and leaned over, kissing Mikado. "I love you."

Mikado blinked, but smiled. "Love you too..." He cooed happily.

Meanwhile, a certain demon had wandered back to the snack table sighing contently. "Ohhh I love how you smell." he cooed proudly snatching up another freshly baked cookie. He walked along the table picking up various snacks eagerly. Sure he'd eaten a plate or two already... but he just LOVED eating! He hummed as he picked up snacks, before blinking when he accidentally bumped into someone.

"Oops, sorry." he said not even looking up.

Seto stared, shocked. A moment later, Yami found himself being dragged off and out the nearest door, and then thrown into a wall.

Yami blinked and looked up at Seto blinking. "Aww damnit.” he mumbled looking put out. "Why do we keep MEETING like this?! A demon can’t even EAT anymore!"

"You're alive!!! Why are you alive?!" Seto shouted.

"Because I didn't die?" Yami offered blinking.
"You were supposed to kill the Pope!!!" Seto roared, slamming Yami into the wall and pinning him there.

Yami yelped and squirmed. "Was I?" He said glaring. "The instruction was kinda vague." he squirmed more. "OW dammit!!! Watch the wings!"

"You were to kill the Pope. Only after he was dead were you to be freed of the spell!!! How is it that he still lives and you are free?!" Seto snarled, backhanding Yami.

Yami hissed and snapped at Seto. "I broke the spell dammit! Now get off!"

"HOW?!"

"Ahmose helped me." Yami snarled snapping at Seto once more. "My chosen helped me!"

"Oh..." Seto snickered. "So... your courting actually landed you someone?" He asked.

Yami glared. "Of COURSE it did!" Yami howled. "What, do you think I'm not capable of romance?!" Yami let out a deafening screeching yowl.

Seto yelped, stumbling back, but his amulet flashed and Yami was pinned to the wall and gagged. Seto straightened and glared.

Yami glared back struggling. He hoped the screech was loud enough to at least alert Ahmose something was up, or maybe even draw a vampire to see what was going on.

But Seto anticipated this too... he turned and swept down the hall, Yami being dragged behind him. "Let's chat, hmm?"

Yami whined and struggled more. 'Lets not and say we did!'

Seto left the building and made his way over to his carriage, shoving Yami in and telling his driver to go. "... You failed... and you're going to be punished..." Seto hissed.

Yami growled loudly. ‘Let me go! Ahmose's still in there! I dont really want to be with you anyway! You're freaking nuts!' He beat Seto over the head with one of his wings. 'fucker!'

Seto snarled and Yami's wings were bound. "Your chosen... you love her?" He asked, with a sinister smirk.

Yami merely glared. 'oh hell if I'm THAT stupid. I may be stupid, but not that stupid.' he thought glaring.

"Fine... don't answer..." Seto said. He held out his hand and a large blue orb appeared in it. "Show me his chosen..." A moment later, an image of Ahmose shimmered into view. "Male, hm? He looks... familiar..." Seto said. "Where is he now?" The image of Ahmose faded to show Ahmose at the ball... in the dress... Seto's eyes widened. "... He's... he's..." And he burst out laughing.

Yami snorted and rolled his eyes. 'He's hotter than you, even when he's cross dressing.'

Seto finally got himself under control. "I have the power to do things... would you like to see what I can do?" He asked.

Yami glared. 'no, not really, no. But I'm willing to bet you're gonna show me anyway.'

"Will you behave, or do you need a demonstration?" Seto asked.

Yami growled again. 'Behave what?! I cant speak, or move! I cant not-behave!'

"Nod your head. Will you co-operate?" Seto asked.

Yami glared and nodded slowly.

The gag disappeared. Seto leaned back. "What is his name?" He asked, gesturing to the image of Ahmose, who was looking for Yami.

"Ahmose." Yami growled, glaring.

"Ahmose... he looks so... familiar..." Seto mused.

"So what?" Yami grumbled. "What's that got to do with me?"

"You're going to do me some... favors..." Seto said with a smirk.

"No."

"Are you sure?" Seto asked.

"Yes." Yami growled. "Last time you forced me into a death mission! Like hell if I'd WILLINGLY help you!"

"As you wish." Seto said with a grin. The carriage slowed to a stop and Seto got out. They were at a large house, and several imps and demons, three vampires, five werewolves and even a couple of elves were there. "Hmmm..." Seto said, looking over them. He held out the orb and it grew. "I am sending some of you to find this person. He, yes, HE, is at the Vampire Christmas Ball... The ones I send will wait for him to leave, and then grab him." He turned and smirked at Yami. "But what to do with him...?"

"You'll never get him..." Yami growled at Seto, glaring at the imps and demons warningly. He might not be the best prince, but those demons had better damn well understand facial cues. "Everyone is in there with him, and no matter who you send, they'll fall."

"That's why they wait for him to leave." Seto said. "Wait until he's alone. Which he may be soon... he seems to be looking for you..."

Yami growled louder. "Leave him alone you ass!"

"Will you do me a few favors?" Seto asked.

"Like what..." Yami snarled.

"I want you to find me more... soldiers..." Seto said.

"Ha! You're funny!" Yami said smirking. "I dont know anyone! I couldn't do better than you already have!"

"You will try. And you will run errands for me... and gather information." Seto said.

Yami glared, but then sighed. "Sure." Maybe if he agreed...he could get the hell out of there and that'd be the end of that. Cant do anything with someone who gets away.

Seto grinned. "Good... You will gather troops for me... Prince Atemu."

Yami blinked and growled. Dammit! How'd he known that?! And why did they ALWAYS call him Atemu? Couldn't ONCE the person say 'Prince Yami'? Was that too much to ask? "You gonna let me move now or what?"

"I know you've been at the Vatican." Seto said. "I know you came here with some people... I just don't know who... and I know that you know what the Vatican is planning to do about me. They sent Aiden after me. He failed. They are sending someone else. Who."

"Dunno." Yami said calmly. "s'not my business."

Seto glared. He turned away, thinking. "It's your lover, isn't it?"

"What is?" Yami said glaring. "And I want down now damnit! Un....whatever it is you did to me!"

"Your chosen knows what's going on, doesn't he? Did the Vatican send him?!" Seto demanded, walking right up to Yami and getting right in his face.

"No! He and I were stuck there until they sorted out what was going on! They didn't send either of us!"

"Then who DID they send?!" Seto demanded.

"I told you. I don’t know." Yami said glaring. "it's not MY business."

"I think you do know." Seto hissed. "You will tell me. And you have twenty four hours to do so. If you don't know... then you have twenty four hours to find out." Seto said with a smirk. "Or else..."

"Or else what?" Yami challenged.

Seto snapped his fingers and looked at the orb. There was no image in it, but suddenly, screaming rose from the orb... and Yami knew the voice well, though he had never heard it make THAT sound before...

Yami snarled and bristled. "Touch him and the Vatican will be the least of your problems..." he hissed.

Seto grinned. "Are you threatening me?" He asked, looking almost... delighted.

Yami looked ready to attack Seto. "You leave my chosen out of this!"

"Oh... thanks to your attitude, he will be very MUCH a part of this..." Seto chuckled, as did the creatures behind him, leering at Yami in amusement.

"Leave him out of it!" Yami howled furiously.

"Do not raise your voice to me!" Seto snapped. "You may be a Prince, but you have no authority in THIS world! You are going to return to your world and call up your armies. You will bring them here and they will march on the Vatican under my command! NO AGENTS WILL BE SPARED!!! Not Elites, not Apprentices... Not even Recruits..." Seto hissed. Yami was horrified. The Recruits were only young children, ages five to nine.

"Hell no!" Yami howled.

"Hell YES!!!" Seto shouted, backhanding Yami.

Yami growled. "NO! Not in this lifetime, or any other! Gather your own damn army and do your own damn dirty work!"

Seto turned. "Okay! Any volunteers to go tear his cross dressing boyfriend apart?"

Yami screeched and struggled. "Damn you leave him alone!"

Seto grinned, turning and looking at Yami. "Will you reconsider my request?" He asked with a grin.

"How about you reconsider the fattest part of my ass!" Yami snarled.

Seto turned around. "You, you, you and you." He said, pointing to two vampires and two imps. "Bring his boyfriend to me." He said. "Wait until he's alone so there will be no interference."

"You leave him alone or so help me I'll murder you myself!" Yami shrieked furiously, struggling fiercely.

Seto grinned. "Oh no... you will watch THEM murder him... right in front of you..." He said, and the vampires and imps disappeared into the darkness, while Seto took Yami inside.

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

Bakura walked over to Ahmose. "You ok? You look upset..." he said, arm around Mikado rubbing his back.

"I can't find Yami." Ahmose said, frowning. "God only knows what he's up to..."

Bakura frowned. "Well... whatever it is, it's nothing here." he said calmly. "I'm only counting five heartbeats. You, Ryou, Marik Malik and Yugi."

Ahmose frowned. "He probably followed some hot guy away..." He grumbled, rolling his eyes. "He'll be back."

"Well... the ball's actually ending." Bakura said after a moment. "So that all of us can get to shelter before dawn." he nuzzled Mikado, who was likely sleepy.

Ahmose nodded. "Good. I wanna get the hell out of this ridiculous outfit." He said. "Let's go."

Bakura nodded. "I guess Seto gave up early." he said escorting the two 'ladies' out as the others exited via window. "He's trying to gather troops for a war on the Vatican." Bakura snorted. "The idea alone is idiotic."

Mikado sighed. "I'll send a pigeon tonight..." He said.

Bakura kissed Mikado's forehead. "Alright... just do it quickly... the night is dying."

Mikado nodded. "As soon as we get back." He said softly.

The others hurried over once they were out. "Did you have fun Mikado?" Bakura asked as they walked.

"My ribs are KILLING me..." The boy groaned. "I am NEVER wearing a corset again..."

Bakura grinned and kissed him. "You look sexy." he said chuckling. "And the ladies at home would be jealous."

Mikado rolled his eyes. "Yes, because my life long dream is to make women jealous because I look better in their clothes than they do."

"You look better out of them too." Bakura said chuckling and pulling one of the laces in the back of the dress.

"HEY!" Ahmose shouted, glaring sharply at Bakura. The carriage was brought out, Geist and Strigoi prancing.

Bakura smirked as they entered and despite Ahmose, was already stripping the boy, his teeth embedded in Mikado's neck.

Ahmose stopped. "... I'll walk." He said dryly.

Ryou giggled nodding. "Yeah… I think I'll walk too." Malik nodded as well.

"Leave fucking vamps fucking." he said calmly. "No thanks."

Marik laughed. "Come on everyone! Let's go home! Hopefully they'll be finished by the time we get there!"

Ryou nodded and nuzzled up to Marik. "That party looked nice..." he said softly. "I wish we coulda been invited."

"You really wanted to go to a vampire party? It's dangerous." Marik said, hugging Ryou. "Don't worry... we'll still have Christmas at the Vatican. Mikado says it's incredible."

Ryou nodded. "Uh huh... I hope so." He kissed Marik. "I wonder where Yami went..." he said sadly. "It's quiet without him around..."

"He's probably makin trouble." Marik chuckled, watching Yugi flutter down on Ryou's shoulder and hide under his hair, shivering.

Ryou sighed. "I hope he's ok... usually he's back by now... and what if he's in trouble? That brown haired guy didn't look nice.”

"Who, Seto?" Marik asked.

Ryou nodded. "Yeah him."

Marik just blinked at Ryou.

"You didn't see him?" Ryou blinked. "He was dragging Yami off."

"What?!" Ahmose yelped, whirling.

"Yeah... Yami was at the snacktable getting stuff… and he bumped into him without looking." Ryou said matter-of-factly. "And then he dragged Yami off."

"... Shit." Ahmose breathed, waving a hand. His dress faded away into his usual attire.

Ryou frowned. "I'm sorry... I thought everyone had seen... s-so I didn't say anything."

Ahmose turned and began to run back to the place where the ball had been held.

Ryou whimpered. "Marik..." he said worriedly. "I'm worried..."

"Shhh... Ahmose will find him." Marik said.

Ryou nodded slowly. "Alright... do you think we should help?"

"I dunno..." Marik said. "He didn't ask for help..."

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

Yami hissed and thrashed. "LEAVE HIM ALONE!" he howled furiously.

Seto grinned, watching the large orb that was now five feet in diameter, and was showing Ahmose running back to find Yami.

Yami growled. "Leave him alone damnit!" Yami hissed and bit at the restraints. "Leave him alone!"

Seto just grinned. "Calm down... you'll see him soon..."

Yami hissed and thrashed. "When I get out of this you're gonna regret it!" he yowled struggling more.

"Yeah. Right." Seto smirked. "Ah... there we go." There was a shout, and Ahmose was knocked down by an imp that had swooped down on him.

Yami snarled and snapped at Seto. "Bastard!"

Seto chuckled and ruffled Yami's hair. "Awww... something wrong?" He asked, pinching the demon's cheek.

Yami snarled and snapped down on Seto's finger, biting harshly.

Seto snarled and backhanded Yami. "You will BOTH pay for that..." He hissed, slamming his fist into Yami's stomach.

Yami hissed, wincing in pain. "Ahmose..." he whimpered looking at the orb and hoping to God that Ahmose wasn't a TOTALLY sucky bodyguard, and could at least defend HIMSELF!

Seto smirked, turning and looking at the orb. “I have told them to give him the thrashing of his life…” He said, glancing at Yami. “Without tearing him limb from limb… but I told them it was okay to break a bone or two…”

Ahmose was looking around, finding himself surrounded.

Yami growled and glared at Seto, hoping that Ahmose would be ok. Now would be one of those fantastic times for him to not suck at self defense? He's handled worse... well ... ok... maybe not WORSE (that he knew of) but certainly equal!

Seto sat back to watch.

Ahmose glared around at the imps and vampires. "Where's the pretty dress?" A vampire asked. Ahmose narrowed his eyes.

"You want the dress, I'll gladly give it to you... I'll shove it so far down your throat you'll be shitting it out." He hissed. Seto chuckled.

"Oh, he's got an attitude... can you really handle him?" He asked, ruffling Yami's hair again.

Yami snapped at him again. "Asshole..." he growled.

Despite the situation, damn Ahmose was hot. He'd have to tell him once this was over. Note to self... Ahmose making threats... HOT.

The vampires chuckled and moved in, imps following.

"You can try it..." Said the first vampire, grinning and baring his fangs, before lunging for Ahmose's throat. The next thing happened so fast that Seto, Yami, the two imps and second vampire had to blink a few times as they tried to figure it out. In a burst of black and purple flames, Ahmose was suddenly crouched on the ground with his Blackfyre Kris, which were burning angrilly, and the attacking vampire was on the ground before him. His head was several yards away.

Yami grinned. "ha ha." he said spitefully sticking his tongue out at Seto.

Seto just blinked a few more times, then scowled and glared at the orb.

"... GET HIM!!!" The second vampire screamed, and he and the imps charged. One leapt onto Ahmose's back, wrapping his arms around his neck, trying to choke him. Ahmose spun one of his Kris around, thrusting the blade back over his shoulder, sending it straight through the imp's head. The other imp tackled his knees, bringing the sorcerer to the ground, and the vampire was on him in a split second, trying to get to his neck. Ahmose had his hand around the vampire's throat, trying to hold him at bay, but the vampire was getting closer and closer, his strength more than Ahmose could handle.

Yami growled. “C'mon Ahmose! Kick their asses! There's only TWO of em left! Pull something out of your nonexistant hat! For God's sake dont just lay there!”

Ahmose growled up at the snarling vampire. The vampire lunged for Ahmose's throat, but Ahmose turned his head and gave him a headbutt in the nose. The vampire howled and leapt off of Ahmose, stumbling away, clutching his crushed nose. Ahmose turned and grabbed the imp's face.

"Kem Sedjet!!!" He shouted, and with a scream, the imp was incinerated in a blast of black flames. Ahmose stood, barely even looking down at the pile of smoking ashes, and he stared at the vampire, who was glaring at him as his nose healed.

"Oh he's got an attitude... you sure YOU can handle him?" Yami mocked. "Because it sure looks like you're losing what pathetic forces you COULD gather! HA!"

Seto growled. "I obviously under estimated him... I went in not knowing that I was facing a warlock... a warlock who can fight." He said, watching in anger as Ahmose broke the vampire's left arm, before turning his head all the way around, breaking his neck before driving his Kris straight through the vampire's heart. The vampire collapsed, spasmed, and then grew still.

Yami smirked like a pleased Cheshire cat. "Heh heh... Ahmose kicked their asses. Nyaa nyaa nyaa!" he stuck out his tongue again. "You shoulda listened to me too. If you'da left him alone you wouldn't be two vampires and two imps less. But nooooo."

Seto snarled and turned, glaring at Yami. Then, he smirked. "I guess I should try a different technique..." He chuckled and approached Yami. "I'm not going to send more of my forces to be slaughtered... I'm going to send you."

Yami blinked. "Oh come ON. Even if you did force me, do you think if I could fight I'd be so easy for YOU to keep snatching?" Yami said rolling his eyes. "Let alone fighting my chosen!"

Seto smirked. "He won't expect anything from you... And I'm not sending you alone..." Four imps entered the room. "You will bring his guard down. They will take him by surprise and restrain him. And YOU will hurt him."

Yami growled. "The hell I will. You're insane! You're going to get me killed!"

"You really think that your chosen will kill you?" Seto asked with a smirk. "Some chosen..."

"No I think YOU'RE the one that's gonna kill me." Yami snorted. "Ahmose wouldn't ever kill me, but I don’t put him beyond giving me a swift ass kicking."

Seto chuckled. "And they," he pointed to the imps, "will be there to stop it."

"Oh yeah. I feel so much better. The midget brigade is here to save me." Yami snorted. "Not that it matters, I'm not gonna do it."

Seto grinned and the amulet glowed. "You don't have a choice." And the glowing bonds holding Yami disappeared and swirled up into his nose and mouth. "You will not be able to warn him. You will act normal until you have his guard down. And then, you will strike! And you will get to see and hear his pain... And he WILL be in pain, understand?!"

Yami growled and shook his head slowly. "Don’t... want...." he forced out. After last time, he knew how to hold his own... a bit... against this nasty little spell.

Seto smirked. The spell seemed to let up, and Yami began to feel normal. "You will return to him. You will do as I command. Should you try to deviate from my commands, the spell will kick in."

Yami shook his head looking shocked. "NO!"

Seto grinned. "Go." He said. "And maybe next time you'll think twice before giving me attitude and refusing me."

Yami snarled and lunged for Seto. "I'll kill you!"

The spell kicked in, and Yami found himself stopping and standing still, despite his attempts to kill Seto. "Go." Seto said again. "And the more you resist, the more you will have to hurt your chosen."

Yami whimpered softly wings drooping as the spell lifted once more. "I don’t want to hurt Ahmose..." he said giving Seto a pathetic look. "Leave him alone!"

"You should have thought of that earlier." Seto said. "YOU brought him into this. Now go." And Yami's body turned and walked towards the door, the spell taking over again.

Yami whined louder and finally was off. He didn't want to hurt Ahmose... The flight there wasn't long at all, and he looked terrible. He couldn't say a word to Ahmose about what had happened, and he knew lurking in the shadows behind him was the imp brigade...

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