Cast The First Stone

Cast the First Stone

 

Mally-chan & hatochiisai

 

YAOI WARNING

 

Disclaimer:  We do not own Yugioh.  Hato does own Mikado and Ahmose, though.

           

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Chapter 3

 

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Mikado yelped, falling back.  Ahmose gasped and dove onto Yami as shards went flying.  Several yelped and pained cries let Yami know that Mikado, Ahmose, and Nikolas had all been hurt by the shards.

 

Yami fixed a sympathetic look on his lover and nuzzled him.  "Ahmose..."  he kissed him gently.  "You ok...?  You didn't have to do that...  in this realm no one is judging you."  he whispered worriedly. 

 

"I'm fine..."  Ahmose said, wincing and sitting up.  He turned.  "Pull them out, please?"  He asked, and Yami looked at the several shards that were in his lover's back.  Nikolas removed the shards from himself, as was Mikado.

 

Yami nodded and began pulling bits of crystal from Ahmose before blinking confusedly and pausing, looking at the shards and bristling slightly.  He seemed to stare it down for a moment confused before shrugging and going back to what he was doing.  Once he finished pulling the crystal shards from Ahmose he kissed his chosen. 



"Can we kill Seto now?"

 

Ahmose sighed.  "Mikado would never let us."  He said, turning.  Mikado had rushed over to the four figures, Nikolas on his heels.



"Pegasus!!!  Sir!!!  Oh, Otogi!!!  Wake up!!!!"  He was crying.

 

Yami perked up slightly.  "Oh HEY!  Niceass is in there!"  he said eagerly.  "HEY NICEASS!"  he called eagerly.  "WAKE UP!"

 

Ahmose turned and gave Yami a look.  And not just any look.  A look that made Yami think of his mother when she was about to give him a terrible threatening warning.

Yami blinked but whined softly.  "Aww but Ahmose...  it's been a hundred years!  Surely NOW he's lightened up and I can get in his pants."

 

Ahmose glared, and suddenly, Yami saw a few flickers of green in Ahmose's aura...  he was jealous.



"Pegasus?!"  Mikado called, shaking the man.  "Master, please wake up!!!"

Pegasus let out a long groan. 

 

"Ugh...."  he mumbled, weakly forcing himself up.  "What happened...?"

 

Mikado's eyes widened in releif.  "MASTER!!!"  He cried, and leapt onto the man, hugging him tightly...  almost TOO tightly.  "You're alive!!!"  Nikolas was helping Dartz to sit up.  Seto and Otogi were still quite asleep.

 

Pegasus wavered and closed his eyes at the sudden movement, and tight hug. 

 

"Ahh...  Mikado calm down.  I don’t feel well enough for rough housing."  he mumbled, a shaking hand raising to rub the bridge of his nose.

 

"Sorry!"  Mikado squeaked, letting go and sitting back quietly.  Dartz groaned, shaking his head.  He looked at Nikolas, then at Mikado.  He made a double take at Mikado.



"... What are THOSE?"  He asked, looking at Mikado's shoulder.  Mikado looked down. 



"Oh.  These?"  He asked, touching his shoulder knots.  He was wearing a complicated shoulder knot with several ropes, each representing a different classification of Eilte; black and red for Slayers, black and orange for Hunters, black and purple for Stalkers, white and yellow for Warriors, black and green for Rangers, black and yellow for Scouts, and black and gray for Spies.  Dartz of course had white and blue for Scholars, and Pegasus had white and red for Guardians.

 

"NICEASS!"  Yami cheered loudly.  "You're alive!"  he tackled the agent in a hug.  "I missed you!  Even if you were a bitch before...  and probably still are.  I MISSED YOU!" 



Nikolas chuckled.  "It's a long story...  you guys have been...  out of the loop for quite some time."

 

Dartz let out a high pitched scream.  "GET OFF OF ME!!!"



"YAMI!  GET OFF!!!"  Ahmose howled, furiously.  And then it happened.  Dartz made the Sign of the Cross.



"In nomine Patric, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti!!!"  He howled.

 

Yami yelped and toppled off.  "Yup...  same old niceass."  he mumbled looking upset.  "You'd think a hundred years frozen in crystal would losen your ass a bit." 



Nikolas chuckled.  "Well...  now that that's all over..."  he helped Dartz up slowly, knowing that he was likely as weak as Pegasus.

 

Dartz glared at Yami, but then froze.  "Wait... did... did you say...  a hundred... years?"  He gasped, eyes wide.

 

Yami nodded.  "Yes.  A hundred years.  Now let me move!"  he glared. 

 

Dartz went pale, and despite Nikolas' support, collapsed in shock.  Mikado stared at Pegasus and gulped nervously.

 

Pegasus groaned once more.  "Mikado...  one hundred years?  Is...  is this true?"

 

Mikado sighed and nodded.  "Yessir...  A century.  That's why I have these knots...  I have acheived Elite status in each classification."  Dartz stared at Mikado, eyes wide.  Honestly, he didn't beleive Mikado would ever become an Elite at all, he wasn't that disciplined!!!

 

Pegasus however began chuckling.  "Bakura must have spanked you SEVERAL times over the course of that achievement."

 

Mikado blinked, then gave Pegasus a look.  "I lost count in year two."  He grumbled.



"Are you... on the Council?"  Dartz asked.



"...  No."  Mikado said.



"Why?!  With all those ranks..."  Dartz remarked.



"...  They would put me on the Council about as quick as YOU would."  Mikado snorted.



"Ah."  Dartz said.  "Never."



"Bingo."  Mikado replied.

 

Pegasus laughed at that.  "Well at least we know the Vatican was in good hands while we were...  out of service."  he said smirking. 



Yami groaned softly, slowly forcing himself up.  "You know niceass...you cant keep testing out love like this."  he grumbled. 

 

Ahmose growled, eyes flashing.  "Yami.  If you don't knock it off I'll tell your mother that this whole thing was YOUR idea and you MADE me come with you!"

 

Yami raised an eyebrow.  "I was gonna do that anyway, because you're in no shape for another 'session' with mom."  he said smartly.

 

Ahmose snorted and rolled his eyes.  "You also won't be getting any for quite some time.  Not until all the paperwork on that desk is done."

 

Yami gave Ahmose a look.  "I could get some if I wanted."  he said stubbornly.  "There's plenty of horny people in the world!" 



Pegasus was chuckling.  "I dont know how you did it Dartz, but you seem to have really won that demon over..."  he teased.  "You didn't put on any of those hormones the scouts and rangers kept did you?"

 

"NO!!!"  Dartz howled.  "I would sooner be locked in that crystal for a THOUSAND years before I let that filthy demon touch me!!!"

 

Pegasus laughed more.  "Too bad he doesn't feel the same."



Yami gave Dartz a sly grin.  "I'll be here in a thousand years too..."  he purred seductively.

 

Dartz glared.  "I think I'm going to get some lessons from the Warriors."  He hissed, speaking of the demon slayers.

 

"I like playing rough."  Yami said, tail flicking interestedly.



Pegasus was only laughing more at his poor friend.  "I think he's as stubborn as you."  He slowly got up and leaned against the wall.  "ugh..."

 

Then, there was a low moan.  Mikado whirled. 



"Otogi!"  He gasped, quickly kneeling beside his friend.

 

Otogi groaned once more and opened his eyes slowly.  "My head..." he whined slightly.  "Mary help me..."  he raised a shaking hand to his forehead and closed his eyes again.  "Ouch..."

 

Mikado reached out and steadied him.  "Calm down Otogi...  it will pass...  but you may be a bit weak for a while..."

 

Otogi smiled slowly.  "Oh...hey Mikado."  He opened his eyes and looked overjoyed to see Mikado. "You're ok..."

 

Mikado smiled and nodded.  "Yes...  I'm fine."  He said.  Otogi looked down at Mikado's chest, and saw the cross shaped scar.  Mikado blinked, and self consciously reached his hand up and rubbed the scar, which gave Otogi a look at the one on the palm of his hand where the cross nail had gone through it.

 

"Oh...but you have scars..."  Otogi mumbled tiredly.  "I'm so sorry...I wish I could have stopped it...you were so handsome before...those scars do you an injustice."



"Ooooohhhh."  Yami teased.  "Someone holding a torch for Mikado?"  Both dark haired boys flushed at that. 



"Yami, shut up."  Ahmose hissed.



"I'm fine."  Mikado assured Otogi.  "I've had time to get used to them."

 

Otogi moaned and forced himself to sit up.  "Wh---ooooah...dizzy."  he groaned shaking his head a bit.  "You...sure you're ok?"

 

Mikado nodded.  "Yes.  I...  I have had...  a century to heal."  He said, finally breaking the news to Otogi.

 

Otogi blinked a few times as the information registered.  "...oh."  he said blinking.  "Wow...um...wow...so...uh I'm over a hundred years old..."  



"You look good for your age."  Yami said grinning. 

 

Mikado rolled his eyes.



"Hush."  Ahmose said firmly.  Mikado sighed and looked back at Dartz and Pegasus. 



"When Otogi cut the amulet from Seto's neck, it shattered.  And... something was trying to escape...  it was evil... and powerful... and may very well have killed us all.  Ahmose had to act fast and he...  he sealed the amulet in a crystal... but you all got trapped as well...  and he didn't know how to free you..."  Ahmose looked down from where he was standing with his arms crossed over his chest, leaning against the wall.

 

"We all knew the risks of this occupation Mikado."  Pegasus said calmly.  "There is nothing to apologize for.  We're still very much alive, So we will just pick ourselves up, and attempt to go back to what we were doing before we were frozen."



Otogi nodded.  "I wonder what the world's like now..."  he said thoughtfully.  "It'll be fun to see."

 

Mikado just smiled.  Then, there was another moan.  Ahmose looked up sharply, eyes narrowed on Seto.  The man twitched.

 

Yami blinked and bristled growling loudly.  "can we PLEASE kill him?"  he said, tail lashing.  "I owe it to him to kill him, AHMOSE owes it to him to kill him!"



Otogi stared at Seto, worried and half in fright, worried that he might still be evil...and fright that he MIGHT still be evil.

 

Slowly, he lifted his head and stared at Mikado and Otogi, both looking frightened. 



"...  Mikado?  Otogi?"  He groaned, blinking his eyes.  He looked around.  "...  Where am I?"  Ahmose pulled a knife, growling, and began stalking across the room.

 

Pegasus's eyes widened.  "Mikado!  Your brother!"  he said quickly. 

 

Seto turned and his eyes widened.



"Ahmose, no!!!"  Mikado shouted, leaping to his feet and tackling his brother.



"HE DESERVES TO DIE!!!"  Ahmose shouted, struggling with Mikado.  Both of the brothers were growling, their eyes glowing.



"It's...  NOT his FAULT!!!"  Mikado insisted.



"OH?!  The amulet...  brought out his BAD side!!!  It was STILL HIM!!!"  Ahmose argued.  Seto stared, looking frightened and confused.

 

Yami growled and bristled once more, a deadly glare fixed on Seto.  He charged forward and leapt over Ahmose and Mikado tackling Seto.  "GET THIS DAMN COLLAR OFF OF ME YOU FUCKER!"  he screeched.  "DO you even KNOW how much trouble this thing has caused me?!  How much trouble YOU'VE caused ME!?  How about my chosen?!  FIX IT FIX IT FIX IT FIX IT FIX IT FIX IT!"  Yami howled.



Otogi stared in shock and Pegasus nearly toppled over in shock.  "Yami he doesn't KNOW magic!"

 

"GET OFF OF ME!!!"  Seto shouted.  "WHO ARE YOU?!   IN NOMINE PATRIS, ET FILII, ET SPRIRITUS SANCTI!!!!"

 

Yami yelped flying off of Seto and toppling into Ahmose and Mikado.  "Ouch..."  he groaned pouting.  "Whyyyy..."  he looked upset.  "I just want this gods forsaken collar off!"

 

Ahmose whirled and leapt at Seto, but Mikado was faster.  He tackled his brother around the middle and they crashed to the ground, wrestling.  Seto watched, baffled and scared.

 

Pegasus sighed as Nikolas helped Mikado pin Ahmose to the ground.  "Ahmose stop it!"  he said sternly.  "That amulet is gone now, and Seto doesn't even KNOW what he did!  Didn't Ryou ever tell you what happened with Malik?  Or Mikado?  He didn't remember a thing of what he'd done.  Seto has no clue why you're trying to attack him!"

 

Ahmose growled.  "Do NOT make me force you to let me go!!!"



"Don't make me drain you into submission!"  Mikado snapped, baring fangs.  Seto's eyes got even wider. 



"...   Mikado?!  You're a VAMPIRE!!!"

 

Nikolas looked up at Seto.  "Not a good time."  he said calmly.  "We'll explain it all later, you should be more concerned with your safety."



Yami groaned getting up and leaping at Seto again clawing him harshly and baring his teeth. 

 

Seto yelped and flung Yami off, whirling and pulling his sword from his belt and pressing it against Yami's neck.



"Don't move, demon."  He gasped.  Ahmose went NUTS.



"BASTARD!!!"  He screamed, and a violent wind kicked up, shards from the shattered crystal whirling around, slashing at the people in the room.  Mikado winced, then lunged, sinking his fangs into his brother's neck.

 

Yami was crouched at Seto's feet, growling loudly, eyes glowing in anger.  "Put it down...."  he warned.



Nikolas shook his head in frustration.  "STOP!  Ahmose stop!  Seto stop!  Yami for God's sake STOP!" 

 

Dartz turned and looked at Pegasus, then turned and grabbed Seto, dragging him away. 



"Don't hurt him!  He's Prince Atemu, hurt him and it will be war!!!"  He gasped, but Seto yelped in shock, staring as Ahmose transformed into massive black lion, trying to throw Mikado off of him.  Mikado wrapped his arm around Ahmose's throat, cutting off his air supply.

 

Yami sighed in relief and turned to help Mikado, though he was still glaring at Seto.  "Ahmose!"  he pounced on his lover and hugged him tightly.  "Ahmose calm down!"  he said firmly.  "You're too weakened from mom's beating to be struggling like this!  We can kill him later!"

 

A moment later, Ahmose changed again, and was now a black cobra.  He reared up and flattened his hood, hissing.



"Bite me and I will bite you back."  Mikado snapped.

 

Yami snapped his tail around Ahmose and pulled him into his arms and held tightly.  "Ahmose as your chosen I demand you stop it!"  he roared in a commanding tone.  "You're TOO weakened to be doing this right now!"

 

The snake hissed and writhed.  Seto just stared. 



"Mikado's brother is a warlock?!"  He gasped.

 

Yami's tail coiled tightly around Ahmose as he held him close.  "No.  Stop."  He cooed nuzzling Ahmose and clinging to him.  "C'mon...calm down."  he purred to his lover, trying to soothe him.  "If you cant calm down than I'm taking us home."

 

Ahmose changed into a little black jackal, wiggling around trying to get away.



But then, Seto froze, eyes wide.  He stared down at the floor, a look of terror crossing his face.  Mikado followed his gaze.



"Oh my God..."  He breathed, and even Ahmose quieted down and looked.  The shattered amulet was lying on the floor, still encased in a chunk of crystal.  And it was glowing, small cracks forming in the crystal.

 

Yami blinked staring at the amulet before hissing in pain.  "Ahmose!  Not now!"  he yelped dropping him and clutching his hand, which still held bits of the amulet within.  "Owwwww!"  his face twisted into a pained grimace as the amulet glowed brighter.  Finally the crystal exploded from the amulet, the amulet exploding right along with it, shards flying everywhere.

 

Ahmose changed back and stared at the thing.  A blue cloud of mist materialized, and a feeling of evil and forboding filled everyone before the cloud flew up and disappeared into a crack in the cieling.

 

Yami clutched his hand, staring at the ceiling.  "Well...um...what was that?"

 

Ahmose was on the floor, also staring up.  "...  Something ancient...  and evil..."  He breathed, eyes wide.

 

"Oh lovely."  Yami said nuzzling his lover.  "At least it's gone now..."



Pegasus frowned deeply.  "Well...we should get out of this room.  We can ask the priests and acolytes to purify this room...it needs it."

 

Seto whimpered a moment later, then slid to the floorm eyes wide.



"What...  what did it make me... do?"  He gasped.

 

Yami growled.  "So much evil that you make me look like a saint."  he snorted.  "You're gonna be spending a LONG time making up to a lot of people."

 

Seto stared at Yami, swallowing thickly.  Then he looked at Dartz and Pegasus.  "I'm sorry...  I failed you."

 

Pegasus shook his head.  "No...the Vatican sent you out....WE sent you out not knowing the full reality of what we were dealing with.  We failed you as commanders.  What you did was directly caused by our own carelessness."  he walked over to Seto (a bit more steady on his feet now) and smiled.  "We will all go to confession and repent..."  he helped Seto stand.  "And we will try to adjust to this new era."

 

Seto blinked.  "N-New era?"  He asked, tears flooding down his face in fear of what he had done.

 

Otogi grinned.  "Yeah, we're 100 years in the future!"  he said trying to sound optimistic.  "Just think of all the neat things we'll see!  It'll be great Seto!  Besides, Mikado's here, and Nikolas, you know that we'll be ok."  he grinned at Mikado and hugged him.  "It'll be just like a vacation for a little while, while we get used to new things we've never seen before I bet!"

 

Seto blinked at Otogi, then looked at Mikado.  He was standing beside his brother and Yami, and they were all staring at him silently, Ahmose in hate, Yami and Mikado in anger and fear...  but there was hope in Mikado's eyes as well.



"...  What did it make me do...?"  Seto breathed.

 

Pegasus shook his head.  "You're innocent Seto."  he said firmly.  "And it's best if you dont know.  That way you cannot feel guilt for things you did not do." 

 

Seto stared at Pegasus.  "I'll find out eventually."  He said.  "All I have to do is look it up in the records."

 

"But you wont."  Pegasus said firmly.  "That's an order.  I still outrank you, even in this age."  he warned. 



Nikolas nodded.  "You wouldn't have access to those records anyway."  he said slowly.  "Only Council members have access to records older than fifty years."

 

Seto glared.  "I have a right to know."  He hissed, standing shakily.



"Seto..."  Mikado said softly.  "It...  is best that you don't..."

 

Yami glared but nodded.  "It was the amulet making you do those things...you have no reason to claim them for your own...unless you WANT to die."  he hissed, tail lashing.  "But you know what you CAN do?  Get this collar OFF of ME!"  he grumbled. 



Pegasus snickered.  "Yami...it's not coming off.  Seto doesn't know any magic."  he repeated.  "He was NEVER adept at magic...it was the amulet's magic that put that collar on you."



Yami looked heartbroken.  "But....but...."  he whined loudly at that.  "Mom uses it against me!  It's not a fashion ascessory anymore!  It's an implement of doom!"

 

Ahmose snorted, but then smirked.  "Oh... I think I could find a more... entertaining use for it..."  He chuckled evilly.

 

Yami blinked tilting his head to the side.  "Huh?"

 

Mikado blinked, then rolled his eyes.  "Ahmose, please..."  Dartz eyed them.



"I don't think I want to know..."  He snorted.

 

Yami blinked and shushed Mikado.  "You shh!  Ahmose might be onto something."  he said tail curling in interest.  "Go on..."  he said giving Ahmose a look.  "Is it something fun?  Not anything to do with that fucking desk is it?"

 

Ahmose was looking around absently, then blinked and looked at Yami.  "I'm sorry, what?"  Mikado snickered.

 

Yami huffed.  "Now see?!  This is why Niceass is so fun to stare at!"  he gave Dartz a look.  "I'm still gonna get in your pants pretty niceass..."  he warned.  "Just you wait."

 

Dartz glared.  "Only if you want to become a eunuch."

 

"That's why they make toys these days."  Yami snickered. 

 

Ahmose flushed at the mention of 'toys'.  Everytime a new 'toy' was produced, Yami had the... priviledge of trying it out before it went on the market...  on Ahmose.

 

Yami smirked at Ahmose.   "Just ask Ahmose...who is convienantly blushing."

 

Ahmose's eyes widened.  "Shut up!"  He hissed.



"I think it's time to head upstairs and meet the new Council..."  Dartz drawled.  "Who is head of the Council?"

 

Mikado sighed.  "His name is Koenma."  He said calmly.

 

Yami sighed and slowly stood, still a bit weak from the double prayers being thrown at him.  "And I should get home before mom has a spaz..."  he mumbled sighing again.  "Papers...whee."

 

Ahmose smiled and chuckled.  "Yes... we should go."  Mikado smiled. 



"Thanks for coming, Ahmose."  He said, embracing his brother.  "Sorry about biting you."  Ahmose gave him a look, and Mikado grinned and giggled.

 

Yami walked over slowly, tipping slightly.  "Whoo...prayers are strong." he grumbled shaking his head.  "We'll come back..."  he hugged Mikado.  "Once we LEAVE that is...cant miss us 'til we're gone.

 

Mikado smiled and hugged Yami back, kissing his cheek.  "Try not to give my brother a heart attack, huh?  He's STILL only human."



"Har har."  Ahmose drawled, rolling his eyes.  Seto watched all of this, baffled.

 

"You should tell that to my admirer.  Whoever it is waaaants me." Yami said proudly.  "He walked over to Ahmose and nuzzled him.  "However...Ahmose is just perfect for me...even better than niceass."  he stuck his tongue out at Dartz.  "Because I LOVE him."

 

"Good.  Keep it that way."  Dartz snorted.



"Let's go, Yami."  Ahmose said.

 

Yami groaned.  "You know the rule...I cant teleport in the Holy City."  he said annoyed.  "We gotta walk outside of it."  he kissed Ahmose's cheek. 



'Your ass is way better than his...I just like upsetting him.'  his aura whispered to Ahmose.  'Just to see how upset I can get him.'

 

Ahmose's aura showed a few flickers of green again, showing that he was STILL jealous of the attention and...  "complements" that Yami gave Dartz.  Everyone began heading up the stairs.  Nikolas supported Seto, Mikado supported Dartz (who had refused Yami's offer to help him up the stairs) and Yami therefore supported Otogi, not wanting to go near Pegasus.  This left Ahmose and Pegasus staring at one another.

 

Pegasus raised an eyebrow.  "....I'll be ok."  he said after a moment, walking along the wall for support over taking Ahmose's support.  As they walked however he chuckled.  "Still struggling to keep his attention?"



Ahead Yami whistled.  "Niceass...  have you lost weight?"  he snickered tilting his head to the side as he admired.

 

Ahmose narrowed his eyes.  "Dartz just continues to give Yami the amusing reactions he wants to get from him."  He said to the man.  "It may annoy me as much as it annoys Dartz, but...  Yami is faithful.  And he is mine as much as I am his."  He sighed.  "Ninety five years ago, we went through the Incubi Mating ritual, and we are bound together and our auras infused and connected.  Neither of us will ever have another.  Unless I die.  We are bound.  If he dies, I will die too.  If I die...  he will live out the rest of his natural life.  He may take another mate, he may not.  I don't know.  But as long as we both live, we will have each other and no one else."

 

"Unless I can convince Ahmose and Mikado to have a three---OOOH a foursome!  I bet Bakura would TOTALLY agree with that!"

 

Mikado and Ahmose both froze and turned on Yami.



"YAMI!!!"  Mikado cried. 



"We're BROTHERS!!!"  Ahmose shouted



"...  Who is Bakura?"  Seto asked.

 

"So dont fuck eachother! I have it all worked out!"  Yami said proudly.  "I'll do Ahmose and he can have fun with Bakura while I have fun with Mikado too!"  Yami announced matter of factly.  "You dont even have to look at eachother!  I have blindfolds!"



Pegasus raised an eyebrow.  "Indeed...no one else."

 

Ahmose looked at Seto.  "If I refuse, he won't do it.  He'd only go through with it if I were involved."

 

Yami nodded.  "It's not a party unless Ahmose is there...but he's not very wild..."  he grumbled.  "He always turns down naked tuesdays."

 

Ahmose snorted and glared.  "You knew what you were getting into when you decided to take me as your Chosen."  He called.

 

"Yeah yeah..."  Yami grumbled.  "But once I'm king you'll do naked tuesdays or I'm getting a harem!"  Yami called grumpily.



Nikolas laughed.  "He's certainly entertaining..."  he said grinning at Ahmose.  Pegasus nodded.  "Everyday is an adventure I bet." 



"Adventure in bed."  Yami called back.

 

Ahmose snorted.  "How about adventure when you get in trouble.  Constantly."  He grumbled.  When they got out of the dungeons, they found the Vatican in an uproar.



"DEMON!!!"  Were the screams.  "DEMON!!!  DEMON!!!"

 

Yami groaned.  "I THOUGHT WE COVERED THIS!"  he howled looking upset.  "Dont tell me they changed their minds already and that they want to kill me again so soon!"  he was looking at the agents as they neared the uproar ground-zero.

 

Warriors, the demon slayers, were all rushing towards the front doors, going right past Yami.  Ahmose blinked.  "I... don't think they mean you, Yami..."  He said softly.

 

"Oh good."  Yami said looking relieved.  "Ever since the first time I died here, I'm already uneasy enough."  he said relaxing.  "hmm...I wonder who they're talking about...you dont suppose Greg came to get us already do you?"  he left Otogi's side, the teen leaning against the wall blinking, as he wandered over to see what the big deal was.

 

Everyone followed.  There, out in the courtyard, was Azazel, roaring in fury and demanding Prince Atemu and his Chosen get their asses outside right away.

 

Yami yelped.  "Oh shit.  I'm not home!"  he yelped backing up.  "Where's the back door in this damn place!"

 

Ahmose gulped.  "Great."



"GET OUT HERE, I SEE YOU!!!"  Azazel thundered, and everyone turned and stared at Yami and Ahmose.

 

Yami yelped and ducked behind Ahmose.  "Ohhh shit...."  He peeked out at Azazel.  "Mom is gonna skin me alive.  Gods we weren't even gone that long!"

 

Ahmose sighed.  "Come on.  Let's go..."  He grumbled.

 

Yami sighed and walked out beside Ahmose, fidgeting with his tail.  "Um…  A-Azazel we weren't just playing around...  Ahmose's brother...  and he needed us...  and..."  he stammered.  "I...  I insisted we come so Ahmose could see that his brother was ok and stuff..."

 

Azazel reached out and seized Ahmose and Yami by the back collars of their shirts, lifting them up off of their feet, turning and storming out of the Vatican Courtyard.  Then, he disappeared.  They reappeared in the throne room where Nephile was holding court.  Everyone turned to Azazel, all ready to be entertained by the following lecture.

 

Yami blinked and looked around the court, shrinking into his shirt a bit.  "Um...  hi mom."  he squeaked.



Azazel walked over to Nephile, then dropped Yami and Ahmose.



"I found them at the Vatican."  He said, folding his arms and glaring down at the pair.

 

"The VATICAN?!"  Nephile roared.  "Atemu of ALL the dangerous places you could be going, you chose the VATICAN?!"  she grabbed him by the collar and slung him over her knee spanking him before the WHOLE court. 



"Ow OW MOM!  OW!"  Yami yelped squirming to get away.

 

Ahmose's eyes widened.  "Hey!!!  He didn't choose the Vatican, I did!!!"  Ahmose howled, running to help Yami, but Azazel snatched Ahmose right off of the floor by the back of his shirt again, growling.



"You took the prince to the VATICAN!?"  He roared.



"....  Yes!"  Ahmose yelped, squirming.

 

Nephile glared up at Ahmose dropping Yami to the floor and fusing his collar to the table setting next to her seat. 



"Of all the irresponsible assinine things to do!"  She growled.  "Demons do NOT go to the Vatican!"  she screeched.  "The Vatican stands for everything that our kingdom does not!  They hate demons, kill our people thoughtlessly!" 



Yami grumbled rubbing his behind.  "But mom it was important!  His brother needed him!"



"I dont care if the gods themselves called him!  HE goes then, NOT you!"

 

Ahmose sighed.  "I am aware of this.  I told Atemu that I had to go, and he grabbed me and took me even after I told him not to.  And besides...  they know Atemu at the Vatican.  They know who he is, they wouldn't hurt him."

 

"They may have known him a hundred years ago."  She snorted.  "I dont care.  Atemu does NOT go to the Vatican!  Period!" 



Yami pouted.  "But niceass lives there!"

 

Ahmose blinked, then rolled his eyes.  "STOP CALLING HIM THAT!!!"  He howled, then looked at Nephile.  "He's SAFE at the Vatican, we're good friends with a Councilman and the Head of the Council knows and respects him!"

 

"Yeah, and niceass lives there." 



Nephile raised her eyebrow at her son, before turning a glare at Ahmose.  "I dont care.  Demons do not mingle among holy men.  It's ASKING for trouble."  she warned.  "You are BOTH forbidden from visiting the human realm for a month!"  she said firmly, turning to Yami.  "And if I catch you out of this realm, I'm chaining you inside a dungeon cell!" 



Yami stared.  "But it's cold in there!"



"Then dont fuck up."  Nephile snorted smacking him on the ass once more, drawing a yelp from her son.

 

Ahmose glared.  "I cannot submit to that.  If I am needed, I will go."  He said.  Azazel growled.



"Do you really want another smack down?"  He asked.  Ahmose snorted.



"I will do what I must do."  He said.

 

"If you are needed, then teleport yourself!"  Nephile snorted.  "You have the spell, and if it's important enough, you'll take the energy loss to get there."  she reached over and released Yami's chain from the table, the chain retracting once more.  "Azazel please take Atemu back to his desk, and do whatever with Ahmose."  she grumbled.  "I've got a meeting..."  she turned back to the council, which looked amused.

 

Azazel snorted, snatching Yami up by the wings and carrying him out of the room, Ahmose still dangling from his other hand.  He took Yami back to his study and chained him to the desk once more.

 

Yami crossed his arms pouting stubbornly.  "Can Ahmose stay?"  he asked hopefully.  "He helps me work..."

 

Azazel snorted and looked at Ahmose before plopping him in the chair next to Yami.  "DONT cause ANY more trouble."  he growled warningly, before walking out and stalking down the hall. 



Yami blinked and sighed, leaning over to nuzzle Ahmose.  "Well...that wasn't so bad..."

 

Ahmose frowned.  "I know... It doesn't feel right...  I have a feeling that she'll be getting on us later."  He said.

 

Yami nodded.  "Prolly..."  he sighed and picked his quill up once more.  "She'll probably wait til you've healed a bit before putting you through any more physical punishment."  he flicked his tail irritably.  "But we should enjoy the break while we get it."

 

Ahmose smiled at Yami, and began helping out with the paperwork.



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

 

Lillith walked into Bakura's study.  "Master?  A message arrived for you from the Vatican."  she said, laying the parchment before him.  Bakura opened it.



'Bakura~



The crystal has broken and everyone came out of it weak, but fine.  Dartz and Pegasus have been named honorary Councilmen and upon the death or resignation of the Scholar and Guardian Councilmen (who are very old) they will be reinstated to their original position.  Head Councilman Koenma is being very kind and will help them adapt to this new time.  I am taking care of Otogi for the time being, and will introduce him to the new century.  Seto has been placed under surveillance and intense care as they are concerned that the amulet may have some remaining effects.  He's very upset.  He knows he's done bad things, but he doesn't remember, and the Council has decided that ignorance is bliss, and he is not to know.  But Seto is resourcful, they won't be able to keep the truth from him for long.  As for the amulet...  It was also freed, and something was freed from the amulet itself.  We don't know what, yet, but Ahmose says it is a powerful, ancient evil.  The Vatican is looking into it.  I'll be staying for a while longer with Otogi and the others.  I'll be in touch.



Eternally yours,

Mikado'

 

Bakura smiled slightly in relief and picked up a paper of his own, writing back to his lover in congratulations.  Once he finished, he handed it to Lilith.  "Please see that he's sent this response..."  he said looking more relaxed than he'd been in a while.

 

Lillith smiled and nodded.  "Yes Master.  Will you be going to see him?"

 

"No..."  He said after a moment.  "It's been a hundred years...  I think he'll want time alone with his best friend.  He's missed him dearly."

 

"Yes Master."  Lillith said, and left the room.  But suddenly, she was back.  "Master Bakura!!!  You have visitors!!!"

 

Bakura blinked.  "Hmm?"  he stood.  "Alright thank you."  He left the study to meet his guests.

 

When he walked into the front hall, he was surprised to see Malik, Marik and Ryou.



"Hey!!!  Mummy Man!!!"  Marik called, grinning.

 

Bakura glared slightly.  "Watch it scruffy."  he said but smiled.  "What brings you three all the way out here?"

 

"Visiting."  Marik said.  "We missed you.  Where's the blood sucking pipsqueak?"

 

"At the Vatican, the crystal broke."  Bakura said smirking.  "All his old friends finally were revived."



Ryou frowned ears tilting back.  "...Isn't that bad?  That means the amulet's out too..."  he squeaked.



"It's fine...  the amulet broke.  Whatever was in it got away...  but without the amulet it may well be dying."

 

"So...  Mikado and Dartz and Pegasus and...  Seto..."  Marik gasped, then narrowed his eyes and growled.  "... Seto..."

 

"Yes.  But Seto has no idea what happened."  Bakura said.  "He doesn't remember doing anything...he remembers up to getting the amulet, and everything afterward is blank."



Ryou sighed.  "Just like Malik."  he said rubbing Marik's back.  "It wasn't his fault..."

 

Marik still growled, and Malik glanced at the werewolf.  "... I didn't do anything like Seto did..."  He said softly.

 

"You didn't have the chance."  Ryou said shaking his head.  "You didn't have as long exposed to the book as he had to the amulet." 



Bakura snorted.  "He's harmless now...  that's what matters.  Evil or not, he's harmless."

 

Marik sighed.  "I guess..."  He mumbled.  "So... what's up?"

 

"Just work."  Bakura said chuckling.  "Tell you what...why dont you all stay for a while? We can head out to see Mikado in a few days."



Ryou grinned.  "Oh that sounds great!  It's been forever since I've been pampered by your maids!"  he said eagerly.  The maids all giggled and doted on the cute little half-elf wolfboy and his lover.

 

Malik grinned.  "I'm gonna go check out your menagerie."  He said to Bakura.  "Anything of special interest?"

 

"Ahmose left his demon horse."  Bakura shrugged.  "Other than that...no, I let the elves take the unicorns during the winter so they'd be more comfortable." 



Ryou grinned.  "I bet Confetti will be so happy being back in his birth-stable." 



Bakura raised an eyebrow.  "...you named it Confetti?"



Malik snickered slightly.  "You...  realize that it's a boy...right?"



Ryou made a face.  "Confetti loves his name!"

 

Marik sighed.  "I tried to get him to name him something else, but..."  He shrugged.

 

"CONFETTI LOVES HIS NAME!"  Ryou shouted ears back.



Bakura blinked.  "...yeah.  Well make yourselves at home."

 

Marik and Malik both snickered and darted out the door, intent on escaping the Wrath of Ryou.

 

Within three days, the group had gone to the Vatican as planned, to visit Mikado. 



It was calm.  Calm in both human and demon realms.  SO calm infact, over the weeks that followed that Yami was getting cabin fever.  Mikado kept sending the most interesting letters!  Otogi was having a BLAST, an absolute joy discovering all the new inventions that'd been created while he was gone.  They were having ALL that fun at the Vatican, and he was stuck in the demon realm...signing papers.  Ahmose had long since healed from the beating his mother and Azazel had given him.  Yami could only hope he'd be up to sneaking out.



"c'mon Ahmose...I'm so bored!"  he pleaded.  "Just for a little while?  I wanna get out of here before I start pulling my own hair out!"

 

Ahmose smiled lightly from where he was lounging on a sofa across the room.  "You're still grounded for another four days."  He said.

 

"I am going to DIE!"  Yami groaned, flopping back onto his bed and staring at the ceiling.  "Being grounded sucks worse than leeches!"

 

Ahmose chuckled, eyes closed lightly.  "Don't be so dramatic, Yami."

 

"It's hard not to be.  You've seen my mom...I got her dramatic bone."  he grumbled lashing his tail.  "I wanna go out and do something..."

 

Ahmose smiled.  "So let's go out.  You're only grounded to this realm."  He pointed out, standing.  "Let's go into town."

 

"Well alright..."  he mumbled sitting up and stretching.  "What should we do?  Wanna go to lake Doom?"  he asked eagerly. 

 

"As long as I don't have to dredge it..."  Ahmose chuckled.

 

Yami grinned brightly.  "Fucking on the beach it is!"  he said eagerly grabbing Ahmose's hand and tugging.  "It'll be great! Swimming...fucking...soaking up some sun....fucking..."  he listed tugging Ahmose.  "Then dinner and fucking!"

 

Ahmose blinked, eyes wide.  "Not in PUBLIC!!!"

 

"Oh yes in public! You already agreed, besides no one will be looking, and EVERYONE'S already seen!"  Yami said looking delighted.  "I'll let you pick dinner!"

 

Ahmose snorted and glared.  "Which kind of dinner."  He asked, glaring.

 

"The edible kind.  AFTER the fucking.  Anything you want!  Anything in the WHOLE world!" 

 

Ahmose gave Yami a look.  "We'll see."  He said, allowing himself to be dragged out of the palace.

 

Yami and Ahmose walked to the beach, rather than teleporting or riding.  That way they could take in the sights.  Despite the land being trapped in eternal twilight, the moon on the waves certainly was beautiful, glowing a particularly bright shade of red. 



Yami grinned tossing a towel on the sand and plopping down on it and nuzzling Ahmose.  "It's a nice night out.."  he said after a moment, offering Ahmose one of the newly developed Demon snacks...crispy triangles made of corn flower with spiced tomato and cheese sauce.

 

Ahmose smiled and relaxed, reclining beside Yami, yawning a bit.  "You... DID finish your paperwork before we came, right?"

 

"Yeah...all but the fan letters."  Yami said curling his tail around Ahmose's waist.  "I dont think mom'll complain about that."

 

Ahmose chuckled.  "I like answering those..."  He commented, lying back and closing his eyes lightly.

 

Yami laid back next to Ahmose, kissing his cheek.  "Ahmose...do you like it here?"  he asked after a moment.  "I never really thought much on it...but you dont get daytime here."

 

Ahmose sighed.  "I do miss my world sometimes.  But I am happy here with you.  Your world is fascinating."

 

Yami perked and looked pleased.  "You really mean that?  You're not just saying it to make me feel better about hoarding you for myself are you?"  he said kissing Ahmose again, this time on the lips.

 

"I'm happy wherever I am, as long as I'm with you.  And we visit my world, it's not like I've completely given it up."  Ahmose said, kissing Yami back.

 

Yami nodded rubbing foreheads with Ahmose.  "Good..."  he sighed contently.  "You know...I'm glad we found eachother."  he said after a moment, tail swishing in the sand as they basked in the glow of the moonlight.  "You really are absolutely...perfect."  he grinned, small fangs glinting in said moonlight.  "And since I can taste you again...I think I've probably gained 20 pounds over these last hundred years."

 

Ahmose laughed.  "You probably would have, but you expend so much energy throwing tantrums and running from your mom..."

 

Yami snickered.  "Ahh well..It's the only attention I get from her."  he said laying back.  "She's a busy woman, my mom.  So whatever I get, I take.  Cept spankings..I could go without those."

 

Ahmose chuckled.  "And I could go without getting whacked over the head with a club."

 

"You know...she's just actin tough."  Yami said after a moment snickering.  "I think she doesn't think I remember her when I was little." 

 

"Oh?"  Ahmose asked, cocking his head.

 

"Yeah..."  Yami closed his eyes and sighed.  "She's really a lot nicer.  When I was little she used to dote on me.  She'd carry me everywere and cuddle me..."  he shook his head smiling.  "When I'd cry, she'd take me out and fly with me until I went to sleep...and sometimes she'd take me to bed with her and Azazel, and curl up around me."  he flicked his tail.  "She loves me a lot.  She's a good mom, even if she's bein rough on me.  Maybe it's cause I’m a boy, rather than a girl..."

 

Ahmose smiled.  "Maybe she thinks she has spoiled you and that's why you act like a child."

 

Yami laughed.  "I think she knows it's an act."  he chuckled.  "I think we're both acting like this because we both think the other isn't aware that we're acting like this on purpose."  He sat up and stretched snickering.  "I'm sure she'll lighten up.  I mean, she wasn't ever an evil queen.  She's always been pretty nice, she's one of those..tough love types when she needs to be.  I cant wait to show her just how good of a king I'll be when she steps down.  She'll be so proud..."  he curled his wings around himself and let out a happy sounding hum.  "And she'll see that you're more than just a human too...and then we can all be a relatively happy family.  It'll be great!"

 

Ahmose chuckled.  "I think she's just like all mothers-in-law.  She will always hate the one her child has chosen to be with..."  He said.

 

Yami grinned and nodded.  "Maybe...but I dont think she hates you too much...you aren't dead."

 

Ahmose snorted.  "I'm sure she wishes I was."

 

Yami shook his head.  "I doubt it..."  but he paused and looked out over the water, his aura flickering a bit.  "hmm...hey Ahmose...?"

 

"Mm?"  Ahmose sighed.

 

Yami flicked his tail in thought.  "Have you ever had the feeling that something bad was gonna happen?"  he asked after a moment.

 

"... yes..."  Ahmose said, slowly and cautiously.  He looked at Yami.  "Why?"

 

Yami looked thoughtful.  "I dunno...I just have an odd feeling.  But I cant figure out why."  he shook his head.  "I mean...I DID all the paperwork..."

 

Ahmose chuckled.  "Was there something else you were supposed to do?"  He asked.

 

"That's just it...I dont think there was!" Yami said making a face.  "So it's really confusing!"

 

"Maybe you avoid your work so often even when it's finished you feel like you still have more to do."  Ahmose laughed.

 

Yami shrugged.  "Maybe..."  he laid back down and sighed in annoyance.  "Well what an annoying feeling!"

 

Ahmose sighed, rolling over and laying his head on Yami's chest, smiling lightly.

 

Yami smiled and laid contently cuddling Ahmose.  They laid there, soaking up the sun… er…  moon… and eachother's company calmly for what must have been an hour before interruption came in the form of Greg.  "There you are!"  he said looking upset.  "Where in the seven hells have you been?!"

 

Ahmose jumped, looking up.  "What the hell?!  We've been here!  What do you want?!"

 

"You have to come back to the palace.  NOW."  Greg said firmly. 



Yami blinked.  "Huh?"  He sat up and shook the sand from his wings.  "Why?  I didn't forget a chore did I?" 



"NOW!"

 

Ahmose blinked and quickly stood.  "Come on, Yami."  He said, pulling Yami to his feet.

 

Yami shook his wings out a bit more and gathered up their towel sighing.  "Alright..."  he shook it out as well and Greg teleported them back. 



What met their eyes...  was shocking.  The throne room was smeared and spattered with blood.  The smell was thick in the room.  Yami dropped the towel and stared, eyes wide, tail and wings drooping and dragging the floor as he slowly took it in, too shocked to speak.  But it wasn't until the two things that had always been in his life caught his eyes.  Laying on the floor was his mother, and Azazel, their bodies horribly beaten and bloodied. 



"M-mom?  Mom!"  Yami yelped and scrambled across the room and shook her lightly.  "Mom!"  he shook his head.  "Mom are you ok?"  tears were already welling in his eyes.  "C-cmon mom get up!"



Greg looked away and shook his head before turning to Ahmose.  "...He's going to...need you.  More than he's ever needed you."

 

Ahmose was standing there, numb in his own shock.  It took a moment for him to force himself into moving, and then he ran to Yami and dropped to his knees, reaching out for a pulse on the queen.

 

There was nothing...  and the same was found from Azazel.  Both the queen and her chosen had fallen that night, as well as a few servants that littered the halls towards Yami's room.  The nameless murderer had intended clearly, to kill them all. 



Yami had cheated death that night...  but his mother had been less fortunate.

 

Ahmose stared at Yami, and slowly shook his head.  "....  Yami..."  He breathed.  "I...  I'm sorry..."

 

Yami shook his head, tears streaming down his face.  "Please...d-don’t say that! She's ...she cant be!  She's my mom!" 

 

Ahmose winced, and pulled Yami into his arms, holding him gently and rocking him.  His aura surrounded Yami, whispering words of love and comfort, soothing him.

 

Yami whimpered and buried his head into Ahmose's shoulder and he began to sob.  'Mom...my mom...'  his aura weeped with him.  The two constants in his life...were ripped away before their time, and before he was ready for them to be ripped away. 



Greg sighed shaking his head.  "You'll have to assume the throne now.  You'll need to inform the people what has happened here."  he said waving a hand.  The blood began cleaning itself from the walls and floors.  "I'm sorry Atemu...  but with your mother gone...  it falls on your shoulders to lead the kingdom now." 



Yami only sobbed harder.

 

Ahmose snapped his head around, eyes flashing.  "Do not speak to him about this right now!"  He hissed.  "You think he can handle it?!"  He gathered Yami up in his arms, holding him close and hurrying from the room, trying to get Yami away from the grisly scene as fast as he could.

 

Yami clung to Ahmose and shook his head.  "Ahmose..."  he croaked, sniffling.  "My mom..."  he tried to stop his tears.  "Mom...s-she's...she's not ever g-gonna kick our asses again!"  He wailed mournfully.

 

Ahmose blinked.  "Ummmm..."  He shifted his eyes a bit, then just kissed Yami's cheek.



"Shhhh...  if it will make you feel better, I'll kick your ass from now on, hmm?"  He suggested with an amused (and hopeful) smile.

 

"It's not the SAAAME!"  Yami sobbed.  "She's MOM!"

 

"I know..."  Ahmose whispered, nuzzling Yami as they reached his room.  He laid Yami down in the bed and climbed in with him, holding him.  "I know..."

 

Yami clung to Ahmose, sobbing slowly dying down into pathetic whimpering.  Even when finally he grew too exhausted to stay awake...his tears still breached his eyes, and he whimpered in his sleep. 

 

Ahmose sighed, kissing Yami gently, then laid a hand on his head.  His eyes glowed.  "Fall deep into your sleep...  do not wake until I return to you..."  He murmured, then quickly left the bed and headed back to the throne room.

 

Within, servants were carrying the bodies away to be prepared for their final resting places.  Greg was helping as well looking troubled. 

 

Ahmose looked at Greg.  "Yami is sleeping."  He said.  "What do you need from me?"

 

Greg sighed.  "Not much."  he offered a smile.  "Your job is to help the king."  he said sighing.  "He's going to need you desperatly right now.  He wasn't ready yet, to inheirit this responsibility.  His mother wasn't ready for him to get these responsibilites now." 

 

"I know that."  Ahmose said.  "I... don't think he has it in him to inform the kingdom of what has happened...  Not yet...  not now...  or for quite a while, I think...  I will do it."

 

Greg frowned.  "That will look VERY bad."

 

Ahmose blinked.  "Why?"

 

"Because.  If you announce it, suspicion will rise."  Greg warned.  "It's Atemu's duty to inform his people of his new status...  if you begin speaking for him, they will begin doubting him."

 

"Surely they would understand that he is grieving."  Ahmose said with a frown.

 

"If royalty from your world dies, and someone speaks for the new monarch...suspicions rise..." Greg said once more.  "The same occurs here.  Only stronger.  Demons naturally distrust humans.  Why wouldn't they?  Your people have been killing ours for hundreds of years."

 

"Not always.  Usually monarchs have someone who is specifically supposed to speak for them."  He snorted.  "Our monarchs tend to be self centered bastards who don't want to go to the effort of personally addressing their people."

 

Greg chuckled.  "Well it is our laws that state if the holder of the throne is killed...the NEXT evening is the coronation of the next to rise."  he said formally.  "And trust me...not a soul will miss it...word has already been spreading."

 

"So... no announcement is needed?"  Ahmose asked.  "Because... I've kind of put Yami into a deep healing sleep."

 

"He announces it before the coronation.  Tomorrow morning."  Greg said calmly.  "A crowd will have already gathered in curiosity"

 

Ahmose nodded.  "Again... what do you need from me."

 

"Help him be ready."  Greg said once more.  "And help him heal...anyone can tell it's a deep wound for him."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "Anything I can do right now?  At the moment, sleep is probably the best thing for him."

 

"Well...we've got most everything covered...I've used magic to clean up the mess...and the remaining servants are removing the bodies of the fallen."  Greg said shaking his head.  "Just...watch Atemu.  I have no authority...and well my voice wont matter to any other demon.  But you saw where that trail of death lead.  Someone is after this throne...or his life." 

 

Ahmose frowned.  "Could it have been a revenge killing againts his mother?  Possibly someone who wants him to assume the throne?"

 

"I couldn't tell you..."  Greg said shrugging.  "I'm not familiar with his family history.  Up until around his grandmother, I was just minding my own business." 

 

Ahmose sighed.  "I guess..." He mumbled.  HE knew the family history, Nephile had insisted upon it...

 

"My advice is to ask Atemu when he is feeling better."  Greg said watching the servants leave with the bodies.  "He'd know more about his mom than I would...It's no mystery that his family has enemies."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "I want to see the bodies."

 

Greg nodded.  "Go right ahead, they're just being put into boats."  he said leading Ahmose out the front gates to the set of boats, each with lanterns at the ends.  "Here they are."

 

Ahmose sighed deeply, then knelt by Nephile and began closely inspecting the body.

 

Her body was covered in dark bruises and deep gashes that looked to be from sharp claws, or perhaps knives.  There were so many that surely she suffered great pain before succumbing to bloodloss. 

 

Ahmose frowned, looking over the scars, their depth, the edges and how they were positioned in relation to each other to distinguish whether they were caused by claws or knives.

 

It was soon determined that they were claw marks...  claws sharper than any steel.

 

Ahmose frowned, and moved on to Azazel, finding the same results.  He made his way through all of the bodies, getting more and more disturbed.  Greg and what was left of the royal court and council had all gathered in the throne room, worried.  Ahmose walked into the room, hands covered in blood.  He looked around and them, then sighed and looked down, chewing his lip and choosing his words.

 

"Did you find what you were looking for?"  Greg asked after a moment, offering Ahmose a wet wash-rag.

 

Ahmose took it and cleaned the blood from his hands.  "They were all killed by a clawed creature."  He said, and took a deep breath.  "A single clawed creature.  ONE being, killed them all..."

 

Greg frowned and nodded.  "There is nothing missing from the palace, and no one else out of it's path was killed."  he said in a grim tone.  "Whatever it was had one goal."

 

"What concerns me is that one creature killed everyone in this room in less than an hour.  Including Nephile and Azazel, both powerful warriors."  Ahmose said.

 

"I'm not aware of anyone who was capable of such a thing, who wasn't in good graces with the royal family."  Greg said thoughtfully.  "Several demons, including the timeless are capable of felling them."

 

Ahmose sighed.  "Well...  one of the Timeless is dead..."  He said slowly.

 

"Three remain."  Greg said holding up three fingers.  "Plus any demon that's capable of living more than two thousand years is capable of felling our monarch.  They rule while relatively young...  and retire when their young takes over."

 

Ahmose sighed, nodding and thinking.  "I... have connections in the human realm.  I will look into it.  Right now if someone will send me."

 

Greg nodded.  "Alright...  be SURE to be back here by morning.  Atemu has things he must do, and will need awakened by that time."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "Of course.  And besides.  I'm the only one who can wake him."

 

Greg touched Ahmose and the world flashed.  When his eyes focused once more, he was standing in the human world, at sunset.

 

Ahmose sighed and looked around, trying to figure out where he was, but finally just pulled out a pendulum.  "Bakura."  He said, and the pendulum pointed south east.  Ahmose quickly changed into a black owl, taking to the air and silently flying over the land.  He soon got to Rome and the Vatican and glided down to the building and swooped inside as an Agent walked out.  The man jumped and yelped, watching as the black owl flew up to the second floor and headed for the Council room.  The Council was there and had the doors open as a sign that they were holding open council for anyone who had anything to see them about.  The Council (including Pegasus and Dartz) looked up at a hooting and blinked as the owl backwinged and landed on the end of the table, looking around and hooting again, the purple pendant glowing around his neck.

 

"Oh it's Ahmose."  Pegasus said blinking.  "What brings you here?  You didn't bring your raging demon friend did you? You scared half the Vatican to death."

 

Ahmose blinked and let out another hoot, before changing back to normal.  He was looking especially grim.  "Something has happened."  He said in a low, grave tone.

 

At this point he'd gained the attention of the entire council.  "Do tell."  Koenma said giving this recently new visitor an odd look. 

 

"Queen Nephile, her Chosen Azazel and the majority of the royal court and council were attacked, by a single creature with claws sharper than any blade I have ever known.  None survived."  Ahmose said.

 

The council was murmuring amongst each other, and Koenma nodded.  "You and I are unfamiliar, as your brother is your only tie, recently, to the Vatican.  What does such matters mean to us?  Why should we care what occurs to demons?"

 

"This is a shocking occurance.  Nephile and Azazel were extremely powerful warriors, and they were slaughtered single handedly, along with nearly fifty others.  All in less than an hour.  The creature that did this is very powerful.  And now Prince Atemu may be in danger.  If something were to happen to him, the demon world would fall into chaos and this world would undoubtedly be affected by it."  Ahmose said.  "I want to find what did this and get rid of it.  And you may be able to help me.  That and this is something that you need to know.  You may need to prepare to fend off many demons who may flood your world if the monarchy falls into anarchy."

 

"I see..."  Koenma said nodding.  "How can we help?"

 

Ahmose sighed.  "Be vigilant and alert for any thing that might catch your attention...  or that might rub you wrong.  I need information you have on any demons over two thousand years in age that may still exist today.  And I know Bakura is here.  Where is he, I must locate the remaining Timeless."

 

"He's staying with Mikado in the guest rooms."  Koenma said.  "Third door on the left upstairs."

 

Ahmose nodded, then bowed.  "Thank you.  I will be investigating this...  series of murders.  If I find out anything I will make it known to you immediately."

 

"Thank you for informing us."  Koenma said bowing his head as well.  "We will look out for anything suspicious, and attempt to find any such demons that we are aware of."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "Thank you."  He said, then left the room and went looking for his brother.  He got to the room where Mikado was staying with Bakura and walked in.



"About time..."  Mikado purred, and Ahmose's eyes widened.  His brother was lying on his stomach on the couch, reading a book.  Naked.  Ahmose coughed, awkwardly.  Mikado turned, and his eyes widened.  "AHMOSE?!"  Both brothers turned bright red.  This was the scene Bakura walked in on.

 

Bakura blinked before smirking.  "Looks like that's another failed attempt at seducing me Mikado."  He teased.  Mikado had STILL failed to 'get any', and had been trying desperately to seduce him, however something like this ALWAYS happened...  first it was Marik...  then Malik. So far the ONLY people in their group who hadn't caught Mikado in an awkward situation was Ryou and Yami.

 

Mikado whined and rolled off of the sofa, snatching his robe and pulling it on.



"What the HELL is going on?!"  Ahmose howled.

 

"Mikado's been horny for weeks, and he's been trying to seduce me...  but just as you did just now, everyone keeps getting in his way and fouling his attempt." Bakura snickered.  "So instead of being sexy, he ends up being comical."  he gave Mikado a teasing smirk.  "And on that note, I'm going to the library.  Suddenly I'm not ready for bed."

 

Mikado glared at Bakura, still red in embarassment.  "I don't know which unexpected guest is worse..."  He grumbled.  Malik had burst out laughing and gone running off, shouting for Bakura to hurry back to their room and fuck Mikado, the entire Vatican had heard as the elf announced 'Bakura, stop neglecting your lover and FUCK HIM!!!'  Marik had blinked, then said 'no thanks, kid' and smacked his ass as he walked past.  When Bakura returned, Mikado had to explain why there was a large red handprint on his backside.

 

Bakura only laughed more.  "Maybe someday you'll get it right."  he teased.  "Or maybe you're just not very seductive."

 

Mikado glared at Bakura, embarassed and hurt.  He walked over to the bed and sat down on it.  Recognizing his brother's need to pout, Ahmose pulled Bakura into the corridor and closed the door. 



"I have to find the three remaining Timeless..."  He said in a low voice.

 

Bakura blinked.  "North, East and West?"  he said confused.  "Why on Earth would you want to find them?"

 

Ahmose sighed.  "Queen Nephile, her Chosen, and over half of the court and council were murdered by a single creature with very sharp claws in less than an hour."

 

Bakura looked surprised.  "Wow... well other than Itemri I've never heard of a violent timeless."  he said frowning.  Fei Long never said anything about it...  and I'm sure Rhyshu never mentioned anything...  but they'd be the ones to talk to about such things.  I'm afraid I'm pretty useless in finding the other timeless.  They are only findable by their own bloodlines."

 

"But you know members of their bloodlines...  can you get in contact with Fei Long and Rhyshu and ask them where their sires are?"  Ahmose asked.

 

Bakura nodded.  "It'll take a few weeks, at least."  He said after a moment.  "Rhyshu's nomadic, still." he grumbled.  "And Fei Long is thousands of miles away. I will have to send special pidgeons for them, and designate a meeting place."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "I understand..."  He said, then pulled something out of his pocket.  "Here.  These are faster than any pigeons."  He gave Bakura a few small red crystals.  "Drop it on the ground a break it.  Tell the bird who specifically the message is for, then give it the message.  It will find the receiver wherever they are within a few days."

 

Bakura nodded.  "It will still take at least a week or so for them to travel to meet us.  Where do you want to meet them?  Surely not here."

 

Ahmose sighed.  "Your house."  He said.

 

Bakura nodded and dropped the crystals.  After giving the names and messages to each, the birds were off flying at incredible speeds.  "Alright..." He said after a moment.  "I'm sure they will rush to meet us.  If you'll excuse me, I have to go reassure my childe."  he chuckled.

 

Ahmose glared.  "Care to explain why he feels he must try to seduce you constantly?"

 

"He's horny."  Bakura chuckled.  "and we've both been busy, so it's been a while since we've fucked."

 

Ahmose sighed and shook his head, rubbing his face.  "I have a feeling that I might be in for a dry spell as well...  I should get back to Yami...  he...  he has to be...  coronated tomorrow..."  Ahmose breathed, and suddenly, his hands and lip started to shake.

 

Bakura blinked.  "What's wrong?"

 

Ahmose shook his head.  "Nothing...  I...  nothing is..."  Ahmose gasped, but he knew he wasn't fooling the vampire when he lost his fight to hold back his tears.

 

Bakura frowned and gave Ahmose a comforting hug.  "Surely you knew that this day would come...  he's a prince..."

 

"His mother and...  father have been murdered!!!  Azazel was a fuckin Legionairre trainer and his mom was a bitch, yeah, but...  they... they were family!!!  Who would have the power to kill them?!  I...  and Yami... I never should have left!  What if this guy comes for him?!  I have to go!!!"

 

Bakura nodded.  "Alright Ahmose...but don’t cry..."  he said worriedly.  "You still have family.  Family here that loves you dearly.  Don’t you get killed too, or I'll have to comfort Mikado all over again."  he said rubbing Ahmose's back.  "Understand?  You and Yami BOTH stay alive."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "I know...  Mikado has been through enough.  He's greived for my death three times already..."  He said with a weak smile.

 

"Exactly..." Bakura rubbed Ahmose's back a bit more.  "Be strong.  You and Yami can survive anything together."

 

Ahmose sighed.  "I hope so..."  He said, then turned and walked away, but paused.  "Bakura?"

 

"Hmm?"  Bakura said looking over his shoulder, having started back to his room.

 

"...  Stop frustrating my brother."  Ahmose said, giving him a look.  "It only makes him act more ridiculous."

 

"I know."  Bakura said smirking wickedly before winking.

 

Ahmose rolled his eyes, and walked away.

 

Bakura chuckled and headed back to his door.  ~Mikado, I'm outside the door, if you want to try again~  he teased.

 

"Oh, shut up."  Mikado's disgusted voice said from inside the room.

 

Bakura chuckled and walked in.  "Done for the evening I take it?" he said taking a seat on the couch.

 

Mikado was curled up in bed.  "I just acted like a wanton whore for my BROTHER!!!"  He howled.  "I think I just wanna forget it ever happened."

 

Bakura laughed.  "Mikado...your brother performed the demon mating ritual with an incubus.  He's seen and done MUCH worse I'm sure."  he picked up a book.  "If you're that upset about your failed attempts, maybe you should ASK your brother for advice.  He IS 'married' to an incubus."

 

Mikado snorted.  "Hel-LO?  INCUBUS!!!  Yami probably makes all the first moves!!!"

 

"But I bet Ahmose knows how to...  strike his interest."  Bakura snickered.  "Since he's got wandering eyes.  'Niceass' is a fine example."

 

Mikado rolled his eyes.  "I don't know HOW Ahmose puts up with that."  He said, then turned and fixed a glare on Bakura.  "I certainly wouldn't."

 

Bakura snickered again.  "You've got nothing to worry about I'm sure.  You can hardly attract my gaze these days, the idea of my eyes wandering is impossible."

 

Mikado's eyes flashed and narrowed.  "Bastard."  He hissed, grabbing his robe, flinging it on and storming for the door.

 

Bakura calmly flipped the page.  "Night Mikado."  He said calmly, not looking up. 

 

"Fuck you."  Mikado snapped, slamming the door behind him.

 

Bakura rolled his eyes.  After Mikado left he checked the sky and nodded.  Gathering his things, he decided to go home.  There was work to be done, and Ryou and the others, although refreshing, wanted to spend time with Mikado.  He left without a word.

 

When Mikado returned to his room several hours later, his heart fell upon seeing that his sire's posessions were gone.  With a heavy step and aching heart, he walked over to the bed, removing his robe and falling into it, drifting into a restless sleep.



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