Love Lies

All in the Name of........

Isis laughed to herself as she watched Tristan speed away.

“You have no clue what you’ve opened up Tristan.....no idea at all. Nobody messes with an
Ishtar.”

Isis picked up the phone and walked into the livingroom. She nestled into her favorite spot on
the couch and dialed the phone. She reached for a bag of potato chips that were next to the
couch and munched on them as she waited for an answer.

//Hello?//

“Hey sweety.....I missed you. Tristan is out right now, and I just had to hear your voice.”

**************************

Tristan drove right to Duke’s apartment, not really knowing where else to go. As if he had a
sixth sense about Tristan’s arrival, Duke walked out his door. He leaned over the railing and
greeted Tristan.

“Hey man, I’m glad you hurried over. There’s something about last night you really need to
know.”

Tristan walked up the metal stairs and groaned.

“Great......more bad news” he groaned.

Duke opened the door and showed Tristan inside.

“Mai took off, but she’ll be back soon. I don’t want her seeing this tape.”

Tristan cocked his head.

“Why not? Is it really that bad?”

Duke pressed the play button on the VCR and nodded.

“You won’t believe it.”

Tristan watched the images on the television screen and froze.

“Who taped this?” he ask nervously.

Duke shrugged his shoulders.

“I have no clue. The person behind the camera never says anything.”

Tristan ran his fingers through his hair.

“Aw shit! This is NOT cool.”

As they watched the tape, Tristan noticed something that seemed off.

“Hey, isn’t that.......the other Yugi?”

Duke rewound the tape and pressed paused at the spot where Tristan made his observation.

“Ha, yeah, I think it is actually. I didn’t even know he was at the party.”

Tristan scratched his head.

“I wonder why he showed up. That’s weird.”

Duke shrugged off Yami’s presence at the party.

“I’m sure he was there to enjoy the party. I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”

Tristan nodded his head.

“Yeah, you’re probably right. After all, Yami’s a good shit.”

Duke suddenly put his index finger up to his lips.

“Shhh.....did you hear that?”

Tristan cocked his head and listened closely.

“Uh...hear what?”

Duke quickly ejected the video tape out of the VCR and stashed it under a blanket.

“I heard a car door slam, Mai’s home. Quick, sit down and act like we’ve been watching
television or something.”

Tristan sat down and made a face at Duke.

“Damn, you’re a jittery.” he remarked.

Duke turned up the television and pretended to be interested in the program about mysterious
crop circles and UFO’s.

“Shut up, she’ll be up any sec.”

Tristan sunk down in his recliner and absently watched what was on the television.

***************************

Malik woke up feeling refreshed from his nap. He sighed contentedly as he rolled over to hold
Ryou in his arms. As he reached over, he found nothing but air. With his eyes still closed, he
patted the bed.

No Ryou.

“Looking for someone?” Bakura chuckled sarcastically from off to Malik’s left.

Malik sat up quickly and looked around.

He spotted Bakura sitting in Ryou’s desk chair with his feet up on the desk.

Malik crossed his arms and made a disgusted face.

“What do you want.” He ask in a rather irritated voice, emphasizing “you” with detestation.

Bakura raised an eyebrow and smirked. He over-dramatically threw his hands over his heart and
acted as though he’d been shot.

“Are you not thrilled to see me? Malik...I’m hurt! After all we’ve shared together!”

Malik rolled his eyes.

“Shut up Bakura. Don’t even go there. I have no little crystal ball and I cannot read your mind. What the hell do you want?”

Bakura stalked over to the bed wearing a mischievous smirk. He facial expression quickly
turned serious as he sat on the edge of the bed.

“I want to talk to you, that’s all Malik. You don’t have to be so fucking bitchy.”

Malik nodded his head.

“Go on than”

Bakura slowly reached out and touched Malik’s cheek. Malik twitched slightly, but didn’t pull
away. Bakura took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“Malik......remember when we shared a body?”

Malik turned his head and grunted.

“Yeah, I remember. You fucked up. Shithead. I’m still pissed about that, you know.”

Bakura nodded his head.

“Understandable. But think back before that, when you almost ran my ass down with your little
motorcycle.”

Malik’s scowl changed into a little grin.

“Heh, yeah. I remember that. Dumb ass, you walked out in front of me. You’re lucky the bike
had good brakes.”

Bakura shrugged his shoulders.

“I knew you would stop.”

Malik cocked his head. A playful glimmer came to his eyes.

“Oh? You did? You realize the only reason I stopped was because your Millennium item caught
my eye. I stopped because I was going to pound the shit out of you and take it. Consider yourself
lucky.”

Bakura just smiled. It wasn’t a devious smile, it was more reminiscent.

“Those were the days. Do you remember what we did on your yacht?”

Malik bit his bottom lip. He closed his eyes and nodded very slowly.

“Yes, I remember. I regret doing that.”

Bakura seemed to expect Malik’s rude response.

“I don’t regret it, Malik. Infact, it was one of the best times I can remember. It was almost as
good as the moment Ryou told me he was interested in you.”

Malik glanced at Bakura and made a noise at the back of his throat.

“What’s your point?” he ask in a rather irritated tone.

Bakura lowered his head and nervously played with the pointers of the Millennium Ring.

“Malik, my point is this; I’m glad you and my light share something together. I know Ryou cares
about you deeply. Since he’s stuck with me, that means you will be too. We might as well get
along.”

Malik chuckled sarcastically.

“The last time we “got along,” you ended up getting me stuck in the shadow realm. Do you
really think I’m going to let my guard down around you?”

Bakura shook his head. He looked Malik square in the face.

“I don’t expect you to Malik. All I’m saying is that I’m glad Ryou chose you.”

Malik could see in Bakura’s eyes that he was being honest, but he still wasn’t going to show any
sign of weakness around the spirit of the ring.

“I’m glad I chose him too, now can you please let him out? We have a concert to go to yet
tonight.”

Bakura nodded his head. His voice trailed off as he gave Ryou control.

“As you wish. But please remember....if you ever need a lover that can play the other role........”

*******************************

Joey casually strolled back to the lavish suite he and Seto were staying in. He shook a few flakes
of snow out of his hair as he walked in the door. Seto was sitting on the bed talking on his cell
phone.

“You’re still up?” Joey mused as he tossed his jacket over a chair.

Seto looked up at Joey and cut his conversation short.

“I have to get going now Mokuba, please don’t burn anything down tonight, alright? I love you
too, good bye”

Seto glanced at the clock and than back at Joey.

“Are you alright? I was getting worried.” he ask.

Joey chuckled as he pulled off his shirt.

“Yeah Kaiba, I’m great. I went out for a bite to eat.”

Seto gaped at Joey’s protruding ribs.

“You really should eat more. You look like a toothpick, Wheeler.”

Joey unbuttoned his jeans and started to laugh.

“Look who’s talking. You could pass for a tree if your hair was green.”

Seto smirked as he cleared the bed off.

“Real cute. Now why don’t you get your hot little ass into this bed.”

Joey stepped out of his jeans and dove forward onto the bed. He bounced around a little before
he slipped between the sheets.

Seto propped his head up with his hand and looked at Joey curiously.

“So where did you go tonight?”

Joey closed his eyes and grinned.

“I was at that diner a few blocks away. They have pretty good fries.”

Joey suddenly sat up.

“Shit! That reminds me......I better go brush my teeth.”

Seto chuckled as Joey hopped out of bed and ran to brush his teeth.

*****************************

Malik grinned at Ryou as he walked into the bathroom. He walked behind him and pinched his
ass.

“Mm..you look hot!” He winked as he sided up to his fair lover.

Ryou giggled as he slid a brush through his silvery hair.

“Malik! Cut it out, I need to get ready!”

Malik chuckled as he picked up a drinking glass by the sink and filled it up with water.

“Really Ryou, I like the outfit. You look great in black.” Malik mused as he took a sip of water.

Ryou turned to Malik and smiled.

“Thank you. I wasn’t sure what to wear to a concert. I’ve never been to one.”

Malik set down his glass and wrapped his arm around Ryou’s waist.

“Thanks for coming with me Ryou. I really appreciate it.”

Ryou smiled and brought Malik into a hug.

“Thanks for asking me.”

Malik kissed Ryou on the cheek.

“I better go get ready myself. Will you be ready to leave soon?”

Ryou nodded his head.

“Yes, in a few minutes. Are we taking my car or your motorcycle?”

Malik cocked his head.

“Hmm.....good point. Why don’t we take my bike?”

Ryou nodded his head.

“Sure, sounds like fun.”

***************************

            After the concert, Ryou and Malik hung around the venue. Malik warned Ryou how bad
traffic was after concerts, so they decided to wait it out, along with a handful of other concert
goers.

“Did you enjoy the show? Malik mused as he drank down the last of his beer. He’d already
consumed quite a few beers during the show, so he was riding out a good buzz.

Ryou nodded his head.

“It was different, but enjoyable."

Malik tossed his plastic cup aside and wrapped his arm around Ryou’s shoulder.

They both quietly waited around.

Ryou looked around the venue and sighed. He noticed a group of people standing nearby, but
didn’t make anything of them. They were just standing around talking and goofing off. There
were three guys, and all three were much bigger than Ryou and Malik.

One of the guys looked directly at Ryou. He glared as their eyes met.

“What you lookin’ at punk?” he spat rudely.

Ryou looked away.

“Nothing.” Ryou said quietly. He leaned in closer to Malik.

The guy marched over and got right in Ryou’s face.

“Hey, I ask you a question. Look at me when I’m talking to you, faggot!”

Ryou bit his lip. This wasn’t looking good.

Malik pulled Ryou tightly against his body and glared into the eyes of taller man.

“Fuck off, We’re not here to start shit.”

The man scowled evilly at Malik.

“Aw, isn’t that sweet. Protecting your little girlfr-oops. I’m sorry, boyfriend.” he mocked.

Malik took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“I’m warning you asshole, get the fuck out our faces. You don’t want to piss us off.”

The man began to laugh boisterously.

“You two? Scare ME? I don’t think so!” The man turned to his friends and waved them over.

“Hey, Tomiichi, Yataro! Come check these two little pansies out! They think they can kick my
ass!”

Tomiichi and Yataro, who were dressed in the same biker style leather jackets, walked over
laughed.

“Come on, really Aritomo? These two could fight their way out of a paper box!”

Aritomo glared at Malik. He cracked his knuckles, than clenched his fists together tightly.

“So you think you’re tough, freak? I think you need to be taught some manners.”

Malik held onto Ryou tightly as he faced off with Aritomo.

“You don’t know what you’re up against.” he hissed evilly.

Aritomo grabbed Malik’s shirt collar roughly and slammed him back against the wall. Malik
released Ryou from his grasp so that he didn’t hit the wall with him.

“UMPH!” Malik winced as his body hit the wall with a loud thud.

 Ryou steadied himself and backed away.

“Malik....are you........okay?” He ask nervously, not taking his eyes off of Aritomo and his goons.

“Yeah.....fine......” Malik winced as he picked himself up.

The look Aritomo was giving Ryou sent shivers down his spine.

“Let’s go Malik.” he said quickly, tugging on his lovers sleave.

Aritomo laughed.

“Aw, too chicken to fight now?”

Ryou didn’t bother replying. Once Malik was on his feet, he tried to pull him away from the
fight.

Aritomo wasn’t letting up though. He grabbed Ryou’s shirt and yanked him back.

Ryou let out a little whimper.

“Please, we don’t trouble.”

Aritomo rolled his eyes.

“Too bad you found it than.”

Aritomo pulled back and punched Ryou in the face from close range. Ryou flew back and landed
on the concrete floor.

Aritomo rubbed his fist and grinned.

“Nobody messes with us, got it?”

Ryou’s nose gushed with blood. His eyes sparkled from tears.

Suddenly, Aritomo was knocked to the ground by a hard object, knocking him out cold. His
friends Tomiichi and Yataro took a few steps back when they saw who’d delivered the blow.

“Holy fucken shit!” Tomiichi said in a nervous voice as a man with spiky blonde hair
approached them.

“What’s wrong? Are you scared?” Marik laughed evilly as he wiped some of Aritomo’s blood
off of the Millennium Rod.

The two men shook with fear.

“We-we-don’t-no-trouble.......sorry” the babbled.

Marik held out his rod and a purple mist began to circle around the two men.

They feel to their knees.

“What’s going on!”

Marik just laughed.

“Anybody who dares mess with my hikari, must pay the consequences. How you ever heard of a
place called the shadow realm?”

The two men were too scared to answer him. Marik grinned evilly as the figures of the two men
were consumed by the darkness.

He stepped over Aritomo’s body and kneeled down next to Ryou. He reached over and stroked
Ryou’s hair.

“Are you going to be okay?”

Ryou nodded his head slowly. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he looked up at Marik.

“My nose.......is it broken?”

Marik moved Ryou’s blood stained hair out of his face and looked him over.

“I don't know Ryou, I can't tell.”

            A man dressed in a black shirt with the word “SECURITY” on the front ran over to see
what had just happened.

“Is he okay? What happened here?”

Marik scooped Ryou into his arms and looked at the security guard.

"My friend needs a little medical attention.” Marik looked down at Aritomo and glared. “This
jerk punched him.”

The security guy quickly got on his walkie talkie.

Within minutes Aritomo was hauled off in handcuffs, and Ryou was brought backstage. Marik
had to give a police report, while the medics looked Ryou over. Fortunately, nothing was
broken.

Ryou joined Marik and gave his statement to the police. Once they finished up, they began
walking away.

“Hey! You two! Wait!” a man yelled.

Marik and Ryou stopped and looked back. A man with flat blonde hair and a lot of tattoo’s was
running after them.

“Hold on, don’t leave yet.”

Ryou cocked his head as the man caught up to them.

“Hey, aren’t you the drummer for the band that played here tonight?”

The man nodded his head.

“Yeah, that’s me. Me and the guys heard what happened. We’ll make sure that asshole is never
allowed into any of our shows again. Starting fights at shows is just bullshit.”

Ryou smiled and thanked the drummer.

“That’s very kind of you.”

Marik nodded his head, but didn’t say anything.

“You know, if you guys aren’t busy, me and the guys would really like to have the two of you
join us at the hotel for a little party. We’d really like to make this up to you both.”

Marik grinned down at Ryou before looking back at the drummer. He put his hands on his hips
and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

“A party? What kind of party?”

The drummer grinned.

“What kind? Uh.....booze, drugs, hot woman, you know. The usual debauchery.”

Marik raised an eyebrow.

“Debauchery sounds fun. Sure we’ll come to this party.”

The drummer smiled brightly.

“Kick ass! We’re staying at the hotel across the road, room 334.”

Marik nodded his head.

“Excellent. We will see you there.”

The drummer nodded his head and took off

Marik turned back to Ryou, but was pleasantly surprised to find Bakura in his place.

Bakura grinned mischievously.

“So we’re going to a party?”

Marik nodded his head.

“Yes, so let’s get moving.”

            Bakura and Marik found room 334 and knocked. A woman wearing next to nothing
answered the door and let them in. A thick cloud of smoke hung heavy all throughout the dimly
lit room. Music was blaring, and there were people passed out everywhere.

“Hey! Glad to see the two of you could make it. C'mon, I’ll introduce you to the band” The
drummer that had invited them exclaimed.

            Marik and Bakura had a blast partying with the band. Things started getting out of
control in the early hours of the morning. Some of the girls at the party started to argue, and it all
snowballed from there. Next thing Marik and Bakura knew, people were throwing things around
and breaking stuff. Even the band was getting in on the fun, they threw their manager out the
window! Bakura and Marik couldn’t resist the urge to join in, so they started throwing lamps, the
television, and whatever wasn’t bolted down. The entire party got carried away in trashing the
hotel room. Marik was standing by the window, just about to throw an end table out of it, when
he noticed red and blue lights flashing on the street below.

“Shit! The cops!”

Suddenly, everybody scattered, including Bakura and Marik. They ran out into the hall and
looked both ways.

“Shit, what do we do?” Bakura ask.

Marik grabbed Bakura’s arm and dragged him into one of the housekeeping closets.

“We’ll wait here until the cops are gone.”

*********************************************************************

I’ll try to get this edited by tomorrow night. I have a funeral to attend tonight, so I won’t have
time. I’ll try to have the next chapter up by Thursday or Friday. Joey’s going to start his
“revenge” on Seto, and it’s probably not going to be what you’re thinking, LOL. Yami gets
something too....but I’m not saying what it is. That would be no fun! LOL.
Oh, before I forget-Nothing real major-I just changed the title of chapter one. I meant to do it a long time ago, but I forgot. The chapter titled
"Love Lies" is being reserved for the climax of this story. (no pun intended! really!)

Thanks for all the wonderful reviews! *~authoress glomps reviewers~* Luv yuz!!!!!