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.

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

Chapter 25

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

While Yami was locked in the brig with the orb giving off the sounds of his friends screaming in pain, Ahmose and the others still had an escaped merboy to deal with.

Ahmose was playing in the snow apparently, making a snow sculpture. Mikado, who had been forced to change into warm pajamas, draped the Cloak of Shadows over his brother.

"You'll get sick..." He gave him the boots from Yami. Ahmose blinked at them, then sighed and accepted them. He gently stroked the soft purple colored sphinx hide, then pulled them on, before turning and going back to the snow seal.

Bakura walked up as well, hugging Mikado to him. "Don’t lecture him about getting sick when you dove into the ocean." he snorted amused. "What're you doin now?"

"I'm a vampire! I can't get sick!!!" Mikado cried, then blinked. "... Can I?"

"Of COURSE you can get sick!" Bakura said giving Mikado a look. "Just because you cant DIE doesn't mean you don’t get sick!"

Mikado blinked several times. "Really?"

"I don’t lie." Bakura said calmly. "And I'm going to laugh at you when you get a cold because you were being stupid and careless."

Mikado gave him a look. "Gee, thanks." He said, then turned back to Ahmose. "What are you doing?"

"I'm making a seal." Ahmose said quietly.

"A... what?" Bakura said blinking.

"A seal." Ahmose said again.

"Yes yes I gathered that. A porpoise?"

Ahmose blinked and looked back at Bakura. "Porpoise? No... Pinniped."

"Those ugly ass 'ort'ing things that I've always hated." he corrected. "They're mutant ugly beasts."

Ahmose stared at him. "What the devil are you talking about? A seal." And he stepped away, looking down at the carved mound of snow. He waved a hand over, murmuring. There was a glow around it, and it soon faded. The snow moved. A moment later, it fell away to reveal a seal of ice, shaking the snow off of its back.

"Eww..." Bakura said backing up a bit. "THOSE things are absolutely foul." Being from the desert, Bakura hated the seals... they looked very ungodly to him. Even though he'd had a LONG time to get used to the idea of them.

The seal made its way to the edge of the ship, and dove into the water. It immediately began tracking Ryou.

Ryou was swimming west, singing and playing. His troubles of the life he'd had before long forgotten. He was too overcome with sheer joy at literally EVERYTHING!

A moment later, an ice seal was beside him.

Ryou blinked and grinned, his now brilliant jewel-like sapphire eyes shimmering with glee. He swam towards it, eager to play!

The seal spun a bit in a playful manner. It swam around Ryou, teasingly, then darted away, back towards the ship, spinning around in the water as it went.

Ryou followed smiling brightly, he wasn't as fast as the seal, and if it swam too fast, he got distracted by every little thing, but it would always circle back and playfully urge him further back to the ship. Ryou followed slowly, signing gleefully.

The seal leapt out of the water playfully, urging Ryou to try it.

Ryou blinked and watched, tiling his head to the side. He looked at his beautiful Betta-like fins and looked back at the surface of the water, slinking back away from it a bit and biting his lip.

The seal cocked its head and swam over to Ryou, circling him and nuzzling him encouragingly.

Ryou smiled and swam down, playing amongst the rocks and grasses, trying to coax the seal to join him away from the surface, rather than be forced to follow his new friend above the water.

The seal swam down, but tried to urge Ryou back up again. But then, it stopped and cocked it's head, staring up at Marik dog paddling through the water.

Ryou blinked up and grinned. What was THAT?! He giggled and swam up a bit hanging just below the surface, and tickling at the feet every so often.

Marik yelped and jumped, and began paddling even faster.

Ryou grinned enjoying this new toy. He snatched it and yanked it under to play with HIM!

Marik yelped as he was jerked under. He turned and opened his eyes despite the sting of the salt water, and he STARED.

Ryou blinked and coiled around this toy he'd found and nuzzled it singing softly. It was warm and soft and beautiful!

Marik just stared, but after a bit began to squirm up to the surface, needing to breathe.

Ryou looked sad to see Marik swim away and sank down a bit, singing a now sad song at the loss of his beloved new friend and warm toy.

Marik took a breath, and sunk down again, looking around for Ryou.

Ryou was a bit below him, singing his sad song that when reaching Marik's ears, made the wolf want to just stop and cry. The pale merboy missed his beloved friend.

Marik just smiled, and reached out a hand to Ryou.

The seal nudge Ryou, encouragingly.

Ryou blinked up at Marik and smiled slightly, before swimming up and coiling around him once more nuzzling him lovingly.

Marik smiled, pulling Ryou up a bit so that the werewolf could get a breath again. He hugged Ryou, and pet him.

Ryou blinked and whimpered squirming when they broke the surface of the water. He looked terrified.

Marik breathed, then smiled at Ryou. "I can't stay under. I have to breathe." He said to the boy. The seal popped up and barked happily, before nuzzling Ryou's left cheek while Marik kissed the right, hugging him.

Ryou nuzzled into Marik once more and kissed him.

Marik smiled. "There ya go... we were so worried... All of us. See?" And he pointed to the boat where everyone was watching. Mikado was grinning.

Ryou tilted his head to the side and squirmed.

"Do you... know who they are?" Marik asked.

Ryou squirmed more, wanting down now. He gave Marik a fearful look once more. The poor merboy didn't like where this was going

"What's wrong?" Marik asked.

"Bring him over! I'll see if I can fix him!" Ahmose called.

Ryou jumped at Ahmose's shout and began thrashing, looking utterly terrified. Fix?! Fix?! he was fine! There wasn't anything that needed fixing!

"OOF!!!" Marik yelped, not letting go. The seal began pushing Marik and Ryou towards the boat where the crew was readying a net.

This of course only caused Ryou to panic more and he thrashed harder, letting out horrible earsplitting sounds that could only be described as notes gone terribly terribly sour! The very sound made Marik's ears burn as though he'd go deaf and they'd begin bleeding.

Marik stuck his head under the water, cringing. Ahmose scowled. He waved a hand, and Ryou's voice was gone.

Ryou gasped and thrashed, beating Marik as best his could with his tail and hands. Now he was terrified AND determined.

Ahmose sighed. "Stop struggling, I don't want to paralyze you..." He mumbled.

Ryou dove into the water, despite Marik's hold on him, simply dragging Marik with him. He struggled as he tried to force Marik off. He wasn't gonna be catch of the day today!

Marik struggled, trying to get Ryou back to the surface. Ahmose sighed. The seal dove down and seized Ryou's tail in his mouth, dragging him back up to the surface. Ahmose in the meantime was snow sculpting again.

Ryou struggled fiercely, slinging the seal against Marik trying to get the seal detached, and Marik detached. It was surprisingly effective. He darted down and hid amongst the sea plants and rock formations below the ship, staring up with wide frightened eyes.

Marik began swimming for the surface, desperately needing to breathe. The seal went after Ryou, circling him, trying to get him to go back.

Ryou tried to make horrible noises at the seal but bit his lip when he found himself still mute. He tried to shoo it away, and shook his head.

A few minutes later, a second seal splashed into the water and went down with the first, dragging a net. They each took an end in their mouths and moved for Ryou to catch him up.

Ryou stared eyes wide before darting off as quickly as he could ducking into a small cave and hiding.

The net was placed over the opening of the cave.

"God... he's hiding in a cave..." Ahmose grumbled as Malik pulled Marik onto the deck and wrapped him in a blanket. "I'm going to have to go in after him myself..."

Lilith offered Marik a warm blanket and some hot cocoa. "Master Ahmose, please be careful." She cooed as she dried Marik's hair. "The poor boy looked terrified."

"I know, I know..." Ahmose said, removing his cloak, boots and pajamas, before diving into the water.

"... He's gonna freakin freeze!" Marik howled. "Where's that nifty little circle?!" Ahmose's head broke the surface. He glanced back at the boat, then dove under. The curve of his spine followed, but Mikado yelped and jumped when purple fins and scales shimmering with gold suddenly took over. A large tail flipped a bit, and he was gone.

Ryou was hiding in the cave, looking for an alternate exit, and shaking like a leaf. He sank to the back of the cave, curling up tightly behind a rock and beginning to sniffle.

Ahmose moved the net aside and slipped in. "Ryou?"

Ryou jumped and flitted away nearly running into a wall and whimpering ducking behind another rock, giving Ahmose one of those 'hurt kitten' looks.

Ahmose just smiled and held out his hand. "Come on..." He said softly. Ryou just blinked at him, seeing a deep sadness in him behind the smile, and then his eyes caught the glitter of the pendant hanging around his neck by a gold chain.

Ryou blinked and his eyes sparkled. He hurried forward and snatched at Ahmose's pendant, staring quite happily at it.

Ahmose blinked. "Ooh! Don't tug, you'll choke me..." He said. "Do you like it?"

Ryou nodded eagerly. He tugged lightly once more.

"You know... there's someone on that boat who loves you very much... I'll bet he would find something like it for you..." Ahmose said.

Ryou blinked and looked up then back to Ahmose blushing. He curled his fins up, hiding behind them and hugging his own tail shyly.

Ahmose chuckled, settling down so Ryou could see his fins, too. "Come on... they're worried."

Ryou looked confused for a moment, circling Ahmose before curling up around him and hugging him gleefully. A new friend! All thought of previous terror was gone. Thank god for short attention spans.

(dude, he’s a freakin goldfish!

XD

Ahmose chuckled. “Wanna go see your friends?”

Ryou nodded slowly.

"Come on... they won't hurt you." Ahmose said softly, coaxing Ryou out of the cave. The seals came at them with the net. "No! No... no." Ahmose said, and they stopped, watching.

Ryou however darted back at the sight of the seals and hid behind his rock looking at them fearfully. He looked at Ahmose and shook his head pointing at the seals as if to say 'they're gonna get you!'

"Shhh... come on. They won't hurt you." the seals dropped the net and romped over, playfully. "They just want you to go see your friends on the boat."

Ryou slowly swam forward once more and nuzzled up to Ahmose still shaking lightly.

"Come on, then..." Ahmose said, swimming upwards. "They won't hurt you, they're friends."

Ryou followed shyly looking back at the seals every so often and hurrying to keep up with Ahmose, preferring the LESS frightening company.

Finally, they broke the surface and looked up at the boat. Mikado smiled and leaned down, offering his hand. Ahmose put Ryou's hand in Mikado's.

Ryou whimpered and squirmed looking back at Ahmose while Mikado hoisted him up. He shook his head looking at him fearfully.

Mikado smiled. "Hey, Ryou." He said. "Did you help me?"

Ryou blinked and nodded slowly.

Mikado grinned. "Thank you."

"Hey! Can I come aboard?!" Ahmose howled from in the water.

Bakura smirked. "Let’s leave him down there for a while." he said chuckling. "Let him cool his... 'heels'."

Ryou caught sight of Marik and held out his arms, wanting his warm toy.

Marik blinked, then smiled and picked Ryou up, hugging him. "There's my angel..." He cooed, cuddling Ryou. Mikado gave Bakura a look and reached over the edge, clasping his brother's hand and pulling him on board.

"Wow... nice tail."

"Thanks." Ahmose said, wringing out his hair.

"... Since when do you have a tattoo on your back?" Mikado asked.

"... since I was eleven." Ahmose said as Mikado poked the tattoo. "It's the Mark of Anubis." He said, and Bakura perked up in interest.

Bakura peered over Mikado's shoulder. "Oh... niiiice." he said proudly. "I approve."

Ryou nuzzled into Marik, coiling his tail around him once more and shivering.

Marik smiled. "Come on... let's get warmed up..." He said, turning and trotting down below deck.

"Mikado, stop that." Ahmose grumbled as Mikado played with his fins. Yugi and Malik came over for a closer look.

Bakura snickered. "That's some powerful magic, Ahmose." he complimented. "It's very impressive. I've seen very few magicians who can do that."

"I have a talent for shape shifting." Ahmose said calmly, and returned to his human shape, leaving Mikado messing with his toes. "NOW will you stop that?"

Malik chuckled. "Go play with Ryou's fins, he can’t change back on you."

Bakura laughed and nodded. "Yes, before Marik keeps him to himself."

Ahmose stood, pulling on his pajamas and cloak again, shivering. "I'm going to go try to fix him." He said, picking up his boots and heading below deck. Mikado sighed and stood.

When everyone got below deck they were met with a merry sight indeed. Ryou was in the bathing tub looking more than thrilled. His fins had changed from the pale blue to all sorts of hues of crimsons, indigos and purples. He was very warm in his nice hot bath, and was curled up contently in Marik's arms, nuzzling him.

Ahmose sighed. "Okay... let's see..." He closed his eyes and moved a hand over Ryou, six inches above his body, feeling the magical energies around him.

Within seconds a bright blue spark erupted and struck Ahmose's hand, burning him away from Ryou. Evil Magic.

"Ah!" Ahmose gasped, jerking his hand away. He frowned and held his hand over Ryou again, chanting under his breath.

Ryou let out a loud whine, looking very dizzy. He swayed a bit, before collapsing against Marik, passing out as Ahmose managed to slowly change him to normal.

Ahmose growled, wincing as Seto's magic fought back, shocking his hands as he worked.

Everyone was watching Ahmose, praying he'd succeed and Ryou would be ok. The youth had long since passed out in Marik's arms, a pained grimace on his face.

But the scales were disappearing. A moment later, he was completely back to normal and sleeping peacefully. But the evil magic surged and struck Ahmose in the chest, sending him crashing into the wall before dispersing.

"Ahhg..." Ahmose groaned, rubbing his chest. "... sore loser..."

Lilith helped Ahmose up. "Well that's evil magic for you." she cooed. "Are you alright?"

Malik grinned. "Ahmose's magic is top notch." he said proudly. "Once Ryou wakes up he'll thank him and heal his back I'm sure."

Bakura nodded laughing. "After he gets over the fact that we all saw him naked."

Ahmose blinked. "Heal my back?" He asked, leaning against the wall.

Malik nodded. "I'm sure you got a bruise from that." he said motioning to the slight dent in the wood. "Unless you're suddenly Mr. Invincible."

"I'm fine." Ahmose said, turning and leaving the room.

Bakura sighed and shook his head. Poor Ahmose....

Mikado smiled at Marik. "Need anything?"

"Nope." Marik said happily. "But YOU should get a warm bath, too!"

Bakura chuckled. "Oh don’t you worry about my childe... he'll be taken care of." he smirked at Mikado, grabbing his ear. "Right after I lecture him about how reckless he is, and then spank him." and he began walking off, dragging Mikado harshly by the ear like a mother with a child.

Mikado yelped. "W-What?! Hey! No!!! Let goooooo!!!"

SWAT! "Don’t you tell ME what to do." Bakura said calmly, continuing to drag him down the hall to their room.

"HEYYYY!!! Bakura! Stop it!!! LET GO!!! OW!!!"

SWAT!

"Shut up. You're getting a punishment for that reckless display of cockiness. Just because you're immortal does NOT make it ok to taunt death!" SMACK!

"Reckless display of cockiness?!" Mikado repeated. "That was NOT what I was doing! I thought I was saving Ryou's life!!!"

SWAT!

"OUCH!!! Seriously, Bakura!!!" Mikado whined, struggling and smacking Bakura's hand when the vampire went to slap his ass again. "STOP that!"

Bakura glared at Mikado. "No." he said so sternly that Mikado could have expected him to be a superior officer in the Vatican. Once in their room Bakura shut the door. "Mikado, I love you, don’t be a dumbass and think you're invincible. I don’t care WHO else's life is in danger... I don’t want to lose YOU over them."

Mikado blinked. "I wasn't going to die from jumping into the water!" He cried. "But RYOU could have!!!"

"He was a FISH!" Bakura said throwing his hands in the air.

"But we didn't know that when he went in!" Mikado pointed out, wringing out his own wet hair and flinging the blanket aside and kicking off his boots, now just in the pajamas. He hopped onto the bed and shoved his feet under the blankets to warm them.

Bakura sighed. "Don’t ever do that again. I don’t care if Ryou's going to die. It's MARIK'S job to protect him, not yours."

Mikado scowled. "Like hell! Marik could have died going into the water. I won't!"

Bakura took Mikado's chin in his hand. "No."

Mikado glared. "I won't just stand by while my friends need me."

"Just until you've got your adult fangs." Bakura said softly. "Understand?" he gave Mikado a worried look. "If you want someone diving into the sea, I'll do it. I can’t protect you from possible death if you just JUMP into danger in a heartbeat."

Mikado just blinked. Then he sighed. "Okay... I'll try... but only until I get my adult fangs. Remember... I'm an Agent."

"Once you get your adult fangs you'll be okay..." Bakura said slowly. "But from now until then PLEASE for the love of your God, just let ME do it!"

Mikado snorted. "I didn't HAVE you to do it for me BEFORE we got together." He said. "Why do I suddenly need you now? I'M the Agent... NOT you. It's MY job."

"You're a Fledgling now." Bakura corrected. "Once your adult fangs come in, you can jump off boats all you want."

"Me being a vampire, even just a fledgling, makes me faster and stronger. Bakura. I can handle myself." Mikado insisted.

"I promised myself that when you agreed to this that I'd protect you with my life during the most fragile stages." Bakura growled dominantly. "Now shut up and take my protection."

Mikado blinked. "I think that you chose someone who doesn't need it." He said, and sighed. "But... okay." He hugged Bakura, resting his head on his chest. "I'll humor you and let you baby me for a couple of weeks."

Bakura smiled and hugged. "I won’t ever get to 'baby' you again. You'll be gallivanting off doing 'God’s' work." he said kissing Mikado's cheek.

"I hope you will come with me on SOME of my jobs..." Mikado giggled. "I'll get very lonely..." He gave Bakura an impish look. "Hell, it must be fun to fuck in the woods..."

Bakura chuckled. "Perhaps." Bakura smiled when Lilith finally came in, turning up the heating stove and placing a freshly heated blanket atop them. "Sleep well my lords." She cooed, making sure the room was secure of all light sources.

Bakura nodded. "Thank you Lilith. You sleep well also." She merely giggled in response, blowing out the candles and closing the door behind her.

"Mikado. I love you." Bakura cooed kissing him.

Mikado sighed happily, sliding under the covers; his skin was still ice cold and he was shivering. "Love you too..." He mumbled, cuddling up to Bakura, who held him close, trying to warm him up. "... Bakura?"

"Hmm?" Bakura said chuckling at Mikado's shivers.

"... I'm hungry..."

"Go to sleep you little glutton."

"I haven't fed tonight!!!" Mikado whined.

"Go to sleep and I'll let you drink me dry tomorrow night." Bakura said patting Mikado's cheek. "alright?"

Mikado whined, but let his head drop onto the pillow.

Bakura chuckled once more and kissed Mikado's forehead. "Oh stop whining. How can you expect me not to baby you when you whine like that?"

Mikado snorted and grumbled.

Bakura gave Mikado a soft swat. "Brat."

"Stoooop..." Mikado whined. "You're keeping me awaaaake..."

Bakura groaned and shook his head before turning and yawning, going to sleep.

But he hadn't been asleep very long when he was woken by his fledgling gnawing at his wrist with his baby fangs, trying to feed.

Bakura groaned. "Mikado go to SLEEP!"

"I'm HUNGRYYYYYYY!!!" He wailed.

"SLEEP!" Bakura roared.

Mikado whined loudly.

Bakura laughed and went back to sleep, amused.

"Jerk..." Mikado growled, and gave Bakura a sharp slap on the back of the head, then quickly lay down and feigned sleep when his sire sat up, snarling.

Bakura snorted and bit Mikado's neck. "BRAT."

Mikado gasped and shuddered, then moaned. "Ohhhhh... nnnnh... N-No fair..."

Bakura chuckled taking a harsh swallow. "Maybe next time I say sleep you'll listen."

Mikado whimpered. "Yessir..."

Bakura smiled and licked the wound closed shaking his head, biting his wrist and offering it to Mikado. "You are spoiled absolutely rotten."

Mikado didn't say anything, he just immediately latched on and made a happy noise, settling down. And ten minutes later, he was asleep, his lips still on Bakura's wrist, his body curled up against Bakura's chest.

Bakura sighed and pulled his wrist away, going to sleep as well.

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

In Yami’s cell, the orb began to glow, and the screaming faded.

Yami let out a trembling sigh of relief. Thank the gods...

But then, he heard soft breathing, and then a deep sigh.

Yami dared lift a wing peering out, to find the source of the sound.

The orb had grown larger, and Ahmose was being shown. He was leaning against the door to a new room with a smaller bed, unable to return to the room where he could still smell Yami's light scent. His head was drooping, but after a moment he tilted it back, facing the ceiling. After a moment, a look of pain and anguish overtook his face and he released a shaky breath, before biting his lip momentarily and letting his head drop again with a sob.

Yami let out a shuddering sob and looked away. It hurt him to see the one he loved so dearly in so much pain... pain that he himself had caused.

Ahmose pushed himself off of the door, locking it as he moved away from it. He lay his clothes on top of the dresser, gently running his fingers over the soft thick fabric of the cloak and the hide of the boots, a haunted look in his eyes. He soon closed his eyes, remembering when Yami had bought them for him. Then, his fingers reached up and he clasped the pendant in his fist, backing into the wall before sliding to the floor, hugging his knees to his chest and beginning to cry.

Yami's heart wrenched at the sound of Ahmose's tears. He looked back to the orb, inching closer to it. "Ahmose..." he mewled pathetically. "I'm sorry..." his wings drooped as he looked at his lover that he longed to comfort.

Ahmose only got worse, and soon his entire body was wracked with sobs as he wrapped his arms around himself and gripped his shoulders. He flexed his fingers and Yami watched his lover's fingernails lengthen and sharpen before he gripped his shoulders again, digging the claws into his flesh. Yami could hear the pajamas ripping and then blood began to stain the cloth... blood that Ahmose couldn't afford to lose after last night...

Yami shook his head whimpering. "Ahmose… oh God no... please..." Yami whimpered, trembling slightly, beginning to panic. "Stop please!"

Ahmose leaned back against the wall again, thumping his head against the wood as he continued to sob, the shards of his broken heart slashing and lacerating his very soul, the mental and emotional pain far worse to him than the physical pain.

Yami sniffled miserably reaching out, wanting to touch Ahmose. He wanted to pull that orb close and tell Ahmose that it wasn't true... it wasn't him! Seto had made him do those things! He loved Ahmose!

Ahmose bowed his head again, rocking himself, trying to comfort himself in some way. As he did, his pendant slipped into view... the purple stone was growing dark and cloudy... it was beginning to turn black...

Yami's wings drooped and he felt his heart sinking lower. "Oh Ahmose..." he bit his lip. "Ahmose please... e-even if you think I hate you... it's not worth this... it's not worth destroying yourself..." he whimpered.

But for nearly an hour, Ahmose didn't move from the floor in the corner... it took nearly an hour for him to finally stop crying. It was nearly an hour before he finally uncurled himself, looking pale and exhausted, dark circles under his red rimmed eyes set in a thin and worn face, looking weak and almost sickly. His eyes were dead and hollow.

Yami sighed and hung his head. "Why must you TORMENT ME SO?!" he howled breaking down into sobs once more.

Ahmose finally stumbled across the room, removing the shirt of the pajamas, revealing four deep gashes in his upper arms cutting a red trail across his triceps, and one gash from his thumbs tearing down his biceps. They had stopped bleeding, to Yami's relief, but they were quite deep and needed care. Yami hoped that Ahmose would seek out Ryou, but Ahmose just fell into bed, his bloody fingers gripping the pillow beneathe his head.

Yami shook his head. "Ahmose please... go to Ryou... gods please!"

But Ahmose just gave a small shaky whimper, tears still falling from his dull eyes, before they finally closed in sleep, leaving his face to remain the picture of misery and hopelessness.

Yami wilted. In all honesty he wasn't doing much better than Ahmose... he was powerless to comfort the one he loved... powerless to stop himself from doing what he'd done... and Seto forever tormented him with this horrible orb! He sighed, curling up and burying his head in his wings once more. He was starting to doubt he'd ever get out of this mess.

The door to his cell opened.

"On your feet." Seto said. "I have a job for you."

Yami rose slowly, giving Seto a hate filled glare. "What do you want?"

Seto smirked, looking at the orb. "Sleeping again, is he? He looks awful." Seto said.

"No thanks to you." Yami snarled.

Seto laughed. "Well, I'm going to do you a favor." He said.

"I'm not sure I'd like any favors from someone like you." Yami said glaring.

"I'm going to let you go see him." Seto said with a conniving smirk.

Yami eyes sparkled for a brief moment before he looked away. "Only to hurt him..."

"Only if he refuses the offer you are going to make." Seto said.

"What offer?" Yami growled.

"I want him to join me." Seto said. "He would make a powerful ally. And he isn't too fond of the Vatican, is he? I'm sure it wouldn't take much to convince him to help me raze it to the ground..."

Yami growled. "No."

Seto grinned. "You say that as if you have a choice."

Yami snarled at Seto once more. "Once I get out of this spell... I'll string your guts on wire for the harpies..." he hissed.

Seto laughed. "You ARE amusing..." The spell took hold. "Now go." And as Yami left the cell, he found the four imps waiting outside, and they followed him.

Yami took to the air once he reached the deck and flew quickly to the ship carrying Ahmose. Once he arrived he landed softly and looked around making his way below deck. He sniffed lightly, seeking Ahmose's scent to avoid confrontation...

The sun had risen, so the vampires were asleep, along with Malik, Yugi, Ryou and Marik, who had been awake all night. The crew was in the galley having breakfast. Yami crept down the hall, finally reaching a room that smelled of Ahmose and blood...

Yami crept in and closed the door behind him. "Ahmose…"

Ahmose twitched and moaned slightly in his sleep, a look of distress crossing his sleeping face.

Yami rolled his eyes. He crept up to the bed and snarled. "AHMOSE!"

Ahmose gasped and jumped awake, lifting his head and looking around with wide eyes.

Yami flicked his tail. "Lazy ass."

Ahmose's eyes focused on Yami and they grew wider, filling with fear, his mouth falling open as his breathing grew deeper and faster.

Yami smirked. "Oh good, I have your attention do I?" he chuckled darkly. "I'm here to offer you something you want."

Ahmose swallowed thickly, slowly backing away, lower lip trembling slightly.

Yami raised an eyebrow and laughed. "Look at you... you're so pathetic." he flicked his tail. "I don’t know why I'm even wasting my time."

Ahmose quickly averted his eyes, some of the fear in being replaced by hurt. "... W-What... do you want...?" He whispered.

"I told you... I came here to offer something you wanted." Yami snorted and turned up his nose. "But you're such a pathetic snivelling mess that it's hardly worth my time to even bother talking to you." he trotted towards the door. "There's better trash to be found."

Ahmose winced, looking down at the bed, clutching the sheets in his hands, trying to convince himself that he was just dreaming again.

"And here I was going to give you a second chance..." Yami said over his shoulder. "And you just sit there and mewl and cry and act like a frightened child."

Ahmose looked up sharply. "YOU give ME a second chance?!" He hissed, suddenly looking angry. "Why should I give YOU a chance after what you did to me?!"

"Because you still love me." Yami smirked. "And you made a vow... did you not? Face it... you're stuck with me on your end... but I... oh I can leave you here... let you die..."

Ahmose blinked, slowly looking down at the scar on his left palm. He brow furrowed in sadness and... perhaps a bit of... regret? "... What do you want from me...?"

Yami turned. "Come with me..." Yami said calmly. "For once, pick me over that brother of yours."

Ahmose blinked, then frowned. "Come with you? Where?" He asked, slowly standing.

"Does the 'where' matter?" Yami said glaring. "If I wanted to take you to the very bowels of hell, you should want to come, because it's with me." he snorted and lashed his tail.

Ahmose frowned, eyeing him. "... Why should I trust you? Just because I love you it doesn't mean I'll follow you blindly like a lamb to the slaughter!"

"Then don’t. But if you don’t come willingly with me, then I'll assume that you're never going to pick me over your brother... and anytime you see me from now on... I'll be out to hurt you in ways you couldn't even grasp in your deepest darkest nightmares." Yami said eyes flashing in fury. "I don’t like being second."

Ahmose frowned. "You were NEVER second!" He hissed. "NEVER."

"Sure. Before or after I got killed?" Yami snorted. "Are you going to come with me or not? You can come with me now... and I'll make everything up to you..." Yami purred softly. "I can love you again... because I'll be number one for once... instead of second place..." he inched closer to Ahmose and coiled his tail around Ahmose's waist. "It's what you want... even though I did that horrible thing to you... deep down you just want me back. You just want back in my arms... in my heart." Yami purred in Ahmose's ear. "You want me."

Ahmose’s eyes widened and he shuddered, tears falling as he tensed when Yami wrapped his arms and wings around him. But within moment, the sorcerer crumbled and he slumped against Yami, falling to his knees and curling his arms around the demon’s waist, crying into his abdomen.

Yami stooped to nuzzle Ahmose. "Come with me?"

"... Where are we going?" Ahmose asked, clinging to Yami.

Yami tilted Ahmose's chin up, looking into his eyes. "Does it really matter? It can be like before... just you and me."

Ahmose stared into Yami's eyes, distressed. "But... I can't just... Yami..."

Yami snorted. "What's stopping you? Your brother?" he looked upset.

"And my friends..." Ahmose said softly.

"You'll see them again..." Yami purred. "Come with me now... and we can be happy again... I'll never hurt you again."

"... why did you hurt me in the first place?" Ahmose asked softly, running his fingers down Yami's cheek.

"Jealous rage..." Yami said softly. "Ever since he came along..." Yami snorted and pulled away.

Ahmose frowned. "Yami... he's my brother. He's family... the only family I have... But... I love you... Yami... I can't choose between you!"

Yami growled softly. "You sure as hell have up til now." He stood and crossed his arms. "You could see him again too… But we could be happy again. Would you really turn me away again?"

Ahmose shook his head frantically. "No! Yami, I've never turned you away!"

"Then come with me and let’s get away together." Yami said turning back. "Your brother has Bakura and all his friends to keep him company, why does he have to have your attention all the time too?!"

Ahmose frowned and looked down. "I dunno, Yami... they may need me... I mean, just earlier, Ryou was turned into a merman... I... I was the only one who could fix it..." He sighed. "We... won't be gone... too long, right?"

"Not too long." Yami cooed. "Come?"

Ahmose took a deep breath, then nodded.

Yami gave Ahmose a warm bright smile. "Get dressed and let’s go." he cooed stooping to nuzzle him again looking overjoyed.

Ahmose nodded, turning and dressing quickly in his shirt, tunic, pants, boots and belt, securing his bracers on his arms and his weapons to his belt. Then he flung his cloak around himself and grabbed his satchel. "Where are we going?" He asked again.

"Away from all this for a while." Yami replied cooing and nuzzling Ahmose pulling him out of the room and towards the deck. He turned and nuzzled him once more, tail coiling around his waist. "I'm glad you'll come..." he purred in Ahmose's ear kissing him along his jaw line. "You've made me really happy..."

Ahmose squirmed slightly, uncomfortable. Something didn't feel right...

"Ready?" Yami asked looking up.

"Um... I think so..." Ahmose said softly, shivering in the cold. "... where are we going?" He asked yet again.

Yami curled his arms around Ahmose and once he had a secure hold, took off nuzzling his lover. "You'll see." he grinned. "It'll be fun." he cooed as he began the flight back to Seto, Ahmose in tow.

Ahmose clung tightly. "We're not going to visit your mother again, are we?" He asked. "Cuz I can't eat when people are screwing right in front of me on the table!!!"

Yami chuckled. "Naah... not mom. That was fun too though." he cooed grinning brightly. "I was thinking we could eat though... I'm hungry."

Ahmose winced and looked down. "Oh... um... I... I'll consider it..." He said softly.

"I meant food." Yami said softly. "I couldn't ask you for that."

Ahmose blinked and flushed a bit. "... Oh."

As Yami flew a second ship came into view. Yami nuzzled Ahmose once more. "I'm sorry Ahmose." he purred as he began landing on the second ship. Once he landed he trotted below deck.

Ahmose blinked, and followed. "Yami?"

The incubus continued walking, turning into Seto's room, closing the door behind him.

Ahmose blinked when the door was closed in his face. "Uhh... Yami?"

Seto chuckled at Yami. "It's amazing how he trusts you, even after what you did to him..."

Yami groaned softly as the spell released him for a moment and he bared his teeth at Seto, a look of deep sorrow on his face. "Shut up..." he snarled.

"I wonder if he'll ever trust you again after this... wanna let him in?" Seto asked.

Yami snarled and yet again tried to attack Seto. Just like all times before, the spell froze him, and his body relaxed, a moment later he nodded and opened the door for Ahmose. Though inside he was screaming.

Ahmose blinked. "What the hell is going on here?" He asked.

"Please come in." Seto chuckled. Ahmose blinked and stared, eyes wide.

"Bastard..." He gasped, then pulled his knife and charged at Seto, eyes burning in rage. "I'll kill you!!!"

No sooner than Ahmose had pulled his dagger, was Yami between Ahmose and Seto, eyes glowing and teeth bared in a hiss, wings spread to intimidate. "No...."

Ahmose skidded to a stop, eyes wide. "Yami?" Seto's amulet glowed and blue cords shot out of the wall, wrapped themselves around Ahmose, and jerked him back into the wall, binding his body and magic. Ahmose squirmed, trying to escape.

Yami's wings slowly folded once more and he stepped aside at Seto's convenience. That's when Ahmose finally noticed the cold emotionless look in Yami's eyes. He was just a puppet.

Ahmose blinked, the wheels turning in his head. "Yami..." He realized that part of what Yami had said the other night was true... Seto had indeed grabbed him... but then placed him under his control once more. Ahmose glared at Seto, furiously. "LET HIM GO!!!"

Seto smirked. "No... I don’t think I will..." he said coldly. "He makes a good errand boy... and an even better pet." he chuckled. "The prince of darkness in my control... what better bargaining tool is there? Soon I'll have legions of demons at my will."

Ahmose narrowed his eyes and growled. "Like hell... let him GO!!!"

"Oh I don’t think you're in a position to give me orders." Seto said calmly. "I think you're more in the position of listening to my offer... Join me." he smirked. "Or else little prince will never see another day of free will."

Ahmose blinked. "Join you?! For WHAT?!"

"Destroying the Vatican and all it stands for." Seto chuckled darkly. "I'm going to demolish that city of lies... and every living thing inside."

Ahmose's eyes widened. "What?! No! I won't have anything to do with that! My... my own brother... he... NO!"

"Alright... but you'll be damning your precious lover if you don’t agree." Seto said turning to Yami who looked over at Ahmose for a moment before smirking wickedly. "And sooner or later... his soul MAY die away... without the sustenance he needs to survive..."

Ahmose's brow furrowed in worry, staring at Yami. "God... let him go... please, just... just let him go..."

"No." Seto laughed. "I won’t be letting him go. I need him to ensure I'll have enough troops... a demon prince has armies... hoards of twisted evil beings to charge on the Vatican. Ranging from dragons to the undead to wraithes. No... little Prince Atemu is mine to control. Perhaps you should have taken... better care of him." Seto laughed at that. "Some grand protector indeed. He had such faith in you too."

Ahmose winced and looked away, squirming again. "Please... please... he... let him go..."

"No." Seto said once more. "I'll not be letting go of him. He's my pawn now. I may be persuaded to let him be free sometimes if you were to join me..."

Ahmose blinked and stared at Seto for a few minutes, then lowered his eyes. "... Fine." He said softly.

Seto smirked. "Swear it... Swear alliegance to me. Before any gods or devils that might hear. I want assurance you will never stray from my will."

Ahmose narrowed his eyes. "I have already given my alleigance." He hissed. "I cannot give it to another."

"You'll find a way to convince me you won’t deviate from my plans, or Atemu will be the one to suffer." Seto sneered.

Ahmose growled, thrashing. "LEAVE HIM ALONE, DAMN YOU!!!"

Yami smirked at Ahmose. "You can’t just make things easier for everyone can you? Selfish... Even now when my very life is in danger... some grand chosen." he snorted looking amused. "Yet again I'll die and you'll have done nothing to stop it."

Ahmose shook his head. "No! God..." He looked at Seto. "Please... whatever you want... just... just don't hurt him..." He begged.

"You will do what I tell you, you will not stray from orders... you will help me fell the Vatican." Seto said calmly. "Or no deal."

Ahmose gulped, and looked down, nodding. "Fine."

Seto chuckled. "Good boy." he said patting Ahmose's cheek. "Yami, take him to the brig... I'll send the werewolves down to lock you two back up." he said smirking.

Yami nodded calmly and helped Ahmose down from the wall, pulling him down to the brig. Indeed moments later both were locked up and Yami groaned suddenly drooping and dropping to his knees.

Ahmose quickly knelt by Yami. "Are you okay?" He asked softly. "You... he was controlling you when you... um..."

Yami whined softly and gave Ahmose a broken look. "I-it wasn't me..." he sniffled. "It wasn't me... I... I didn't want to. I love you..."

Ahmose reached out and pulled Yami close, hugging him. "Shhhh... It... it's okay... God... I'm so glad... I love you too, Yami... I'm sorry... God... I'm so sorry... It was my fault... I shouldn't have let you out of my sight..."

Yami hugged Ahmose tightly, curling his wings around his lover. "Ahmose..." Yami sniffled giving him a hurt look. "I... I didn't want to I swear. I tried to stop b-but it just kept getting worse... Seto was laughing and every night he'd make me watch you in agony again and again..." He clung to Ahmose and shook his head. "Gods I've never wanted to die so much in my life... I can’t stand... seeing you hurting. K-knowing that hurt came from me makes me hate myself."

"Shhhh..." Ahmose said again, settling in the corner and rocking Yami. "I forgive you... You had no choice... it may have been your BODY, but... it wasn't YOU. It's okay..."

Yami calmed slowly and sniffled, nuzzling Ahmose. "Y-you shouldn't have listened to him... He's the one who did that to Ryou... He's going to kill Mikado…"

Ahmose tensed. "What?!"

"He's trying to get rid of Ryou... or kill Mikado." Yami said once more. "They're the only things standing between him and his victory." Yami said softly. "That's why he turned Ryou into a merboy... so he'd swim off and forget..."

Ahmose frowned. "Hmm..." He sighed. "... Yami? Do you... are you really... jealous of my brother?"

Yami nodded a little. "Just a little... But only because I sometimes have to compete for attention..."

Ahmose sighed. "I'm sorry..."

Yami smiled and nuzzled Ahmose. "It's ok... I don’t mind it much... he's family." he coiled his tail around Ahmose's waist. "But you need to go protect that family... you cant stay here with Seto... he'll end up making you kill the one you love most... believe me."

Ahmose frowned down at Yami, gently stroking his hair. He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “Mikado… can handle himself.” He finally said, his voice filled with resignation as he finally said it out loud, confirming it to himself. “He’s an Agent. He knows what he’s doing. He’s not four years old anymore, he’s seventeen… nearly grown. And… he has Bakura. You on the other hand… have me.”

Yami shook his head. "Ahmose... you can’t. This is your world... you can’t let Seto go around ruining it." he gave Ahmose a worried look. "Especially over me."

"Hush, Yami. This is only until I find a way out of it... or find a way to get word to my brother and the Vatican... if they must... have them send Hunters after me..."

Yami nuzzled Ahmose. "I missed you... I thought you'd never love me again. I was miserable."

"I felt the same..." Ahmose murmured, not letting go of Yami. "God, I... I can't even begin to describe..."

Yami pulled Ahmose closer and nuzzled him. "you're the only human for me. EVER. No matter what. No one is better than you Ahmose...and if you ever turned me away...or decided you didn't love me anymore... I would starve to death."

Ahmose blinked, and flushed. "I would never turn you away. I would sooner die..." He said softly.

Yami smiled. "I've got to be the luckiest demon in the world...to find my chosen completely by accident..."

Ahmose laughed. "By accident?! You stalked me through the woods and attacked me!!! That is an accident?!"

Yami nodded smiling. "There's a billion humans in this big world...what were the odds I would have picked you?"

Ahmose smiled and nuzzled him a bit. "I don't care... all I know is that I love you. And as long as I have you, and you love me, I'm happy..."

Yami sighed and shivered slightly. "It's cold." he mumbled pouting. "That jerk keeps me locked up in the coldest places and I dont even get a blanket." he pressed up to Ahmose, trying to soak up some of his warmth and sighed. "It's good to be near you again."

Ahmose sighed and leaned against the wall, opening his cloak so Yami could cuddle into his chest, then wrapped it around the both of them. "There..." He said softly, hugging Yami. And Yami, huddled in Ahmose's cloak, saw the slight purple glow returning to the pendant around Ahmose's neck, the blackness fading ever so slightly; hope had been rekindled in his lover, but the fear and depression was still there, only for different reasons.

Yami smiled and flicked the tip of his tail, which had coiled around his lover's waist. "When we get away... can... can we still have sex someday?" Yami asked softly. "I'm too afraid to ask now... but... but someday right?"

Ahmose hugged him tightly, closing his eyes. "... yes..." He said softly, kissing Yami gently.

Yami smiled and hugged back. "Hey Ahmose... I'm gonna get a tatoo." he said after a moment, hoping to bring a smile to his lover's face.

Ahmose blinked. "Huh?"

Yami grinned. "Uh huh... somethin good. A tatoo.... or maybe a piercing."

"... why?" Ahmose asked.

"Um... to rebel?"

Ahmose blinked again. "Uhhhhh...."

Yami laughed softly. "It's supposed to be funny?"

"You're insane." Ahmose chuckled, hugging him.

Yami purred. "After we're done having this big adventure...do you think we can travel again? like we used to? I miss it…"

Ahmose blinked. "Huh?" He asked. "What? When we were travelling, you wanted us to go to your world and settle down!!!" He laughed.

"Yeah, but you didn't want to." Yami said yawning softly and nuzzling into Ahmose's neck. "So...I...can wait..." he began dozing quite entangled around Ahmose.

Ahmose smiled, resting his head on Yami's, closing his eyes lightly. He may have been cold and imprisoned by a madman... but he had Yami. And that was all he needed to sleep well.

Night rolled around quickly for the sleeping pair and Ahmose was pleasantly awakened by Yami cuddling to him still, though shivering.

Ahmose sighed and wrapped his cloak around Yami, seeing as it had slipped off of the demon. He sighed and looked at the blue cords around his wrists and neck; his magic was still bound.

Laughter was heard outside their cell as the two werewolves calmly slid their food in. "Ain’t that a pretty picture?" One sneered amused.

"Oh yes, a real pair of lookers."

Yami groaned and woke at that, looking around miserably before hissing at the werewolves. He hated them.

Ahmose narrowed his eyes, giving them a warning look, just daring them to try anything.

Both just howled with laughter and trotted off snickering.

Yami growled softly and immediately nuzzled back up to Ahmose, purring. "My human..."

Ahmose smiled. "Think your tail can reach breakfast?" He asked.

Yami blinked and uncoiled his tail, stretching it over to the dishes. It was a bit of a stretch, but he managed to pull both plates over.

"Hmmm... what do we have here?" Ahmose mumbled, looking down at their breakfast. "Ooh. Doesn't look too bad." He said picking up a peice of bacon. "Still warm.”

Yami sniffed and nuzzled Ahmose going for the hotcake on his own plate. "Anything's better than nothing...which is what I've been eating. It's hard to eat thinking about how I hurt you."

Ahmose gave Yami a sad, sympathetic smile. "I survived." He said softly.

Yami nodded. "But did your heart?" he mumbled looking down. "Are you going to remember that EVERY time you look at me?"

Ahmose hugged him. "No." He said softly. “I think I'm going to remember it whenever I see Seto... But not you... I woke and I looked at you... and all I could think about was how happy I was to be holding you again..."

Yami grinned and nuzzled Ahmose once more. "That's good...because if I had to miss out on your naked body all my life cause of it...I'd be pretty sad"

Ahmose blinked, then laughed. "Hmmm... No, I don't think you would live long..."

"Yeah...that part'd suck too." Yami said thoughtfully. "That's why I dont go around raping...it's no fun at all...and so messy.." Yami snorted. "I prefer moans of pleasure to screams and sobs...unless it's REALLY happy screams and sobs. Then I'm doin a good job."

Ahmose raised an eyebrow at that, but chuckled and shook his head.

Yami grinned and went back to eating. After a moment Yami shyly offered Ahmose his bacon grinning. "You want it?"

Ahmose smiled and accepted it. "Yes, thank you." He said, kissing Yami's cheek.

Yami grinned and looked like a pleased child. Ahmose seemed to be perking up.

Ahmose laughed. "You seem to be in quite a good mood this evening." He said.

"I have my human." Yami said matter-of-factly. "I'm overjoyed!"

Ahmose laughed, eating a hot cake and drinking his water.

Yami sighed. "Hey Ahmose...how we gonna get away?"

"I dunno..." Ahmose mumbled. "I think we should go with the idea of having the Vatican get our asses out of this..."

Yami groaned. "But they'll just stick us back in that room again! Assuming they dont kill me again."

Ahmose sighed. "We'll explain." Ahmose said softly.

"Before my demonic army gives the Vatican a royal thrashing?" Yami said worriedly. "I cant pretend like I dont have command forever...I dont think Seto's gonna keep buyin it."

Ahmose sighed. "I know... We'll figure something out. But for now, we're stuck for a few days until we dock."

"Ahmose...if I ever act like I'm gonna hurt you again...please. KICK my ASS!" Yami said after a moment. "It'll do me good! dont let me hurt you, kick my ass til I come to my senses!"

Ahmose frowned and shook his head. "Yami... I could never hurt you..." He said softly.

"Oh yes you can!" Yami howled. "you swore your alliegance to my famly! I order you to kick my ass if I ever try to hurt you again!"

Ahmose raised an eyebrow. "No, I made a Blood Oath to protect you from all harm." He said.

"It's not harm! It's character building asskickin." Yami argued. "I know you'd never harm me!"

Ahmose rolled his eyes. "Yes, dear."

"I mean it Ahmose!" Yami said sternly. "I dont care what you said to my mom, what matters is that you do what I say! Besides if you kick my ass you can tie me to a tree or something and then Seto wouldn't have me either."

Ahmose rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

Yami whined. "Ahmooooose!"

"No." Ahmose said firmly.

Yami whined more. "Ahmooose! I'm supposed to be a good king! How am I gonna look if my chosen wont even listen to an order?!"

Ahmose raised his eyebrows. "What, so your chosen is your servant?"

"No...but if you're my bodyguard too then you should listen a little!" Yami pouted. "C'mon!”

"And I DO listen!!!" Ahmose cried. "... A little."

Yami gave Ahmose a look. "Nuh uh."

Ahmose just leaned back and chuckled.

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

Come one, come all! AKon the Anime convention is coming to Dallas, TX!!!

And yours truly will be there!!!

I’m goin in costume, too! I’ll be Fei Long from The Finder Series.

Mally-chan will be there with me as Xelloss from Slayers.

Hope to see you there!!!

Please review!!!