The Path of Vengeance

I'll get right to it:


Even with his newfound handicap Mokuba was able to sneak into his brother’s secret lab unnoticed. Without a hint of guilt he slid into the chair behind the enormous command console and began to type.

LOGIN: KAIBAM0707

PASSWORD: * * * * * * *

He held his breath as the information processed. The entirety of his plan hung in the balance. If he could not gain access this way then he never would. Time was against him and once he was discovered he would never be able to sneak away again.

ACCESS GRANTED

Mokuba let out a shaky breath, his eyes darting to the door for the fiftieth time. Secure in his anonymity, he opened the computer’s database and began to search. Though files labeled ‘KAIBA, M’ caught his interest, he did not pursue them. He had one purpose and by the gods he was going to see it through.

He knew that it was only a matter of time before it was discovered that he was missing. For all he knew, Tristan and Seto could be on the way right now. Another glance to the doorway.

Finally he found what he was looking for, deeply hidden within a large file labeled “KAIBAG”. The vast amount of information would never fit onto a disk. But that did not matter. All he needed was to know the exact location. He fished through the shelves that lined the back wall until he found a box of Xerox paper and a carton of unused pens.

He returned to the console and carefully wrote out the path to the directory for “KAIBAG”. The rest would have to wait until he got home and could be alone with his laptop. He folded up the paper, put it in his pocket, and logged out of the system. He knew that there was no way to hide his presence within the computer but it couldn’t be helped.

It was time to go.



Both Duke and Yami jumped when the front door banged open and slammed shut. They exchanged a look of surprise meets worry before the raven haired teen rose to his feet. “Joey?”

“This is some BULLSHIT!” the blonde exploded as soon as he appeared through the doorway. “Who does that bastard think he is?!”

“Baby, calm down. What happened?” Duke asked as gently as possible, his arms encircling his irate lover.

“That assrag Malik kicked me out of YUGI’S house, that’s what!”

“Did you start a fight, Joey?” Duke asked bluntly.

“Fuck no! I just didn’t expect to see MARIK of all people!”

Yami’s head shot up. “Marik? What do you mean?”

Joey pulled free of Duke’s embrace. “Oh you heard me right,” he roared. “And that’s not the worst of it. BAKURA will be there tonight.”

Crimson eyes opened wide. “What?”

The blonde nodded. “That’s what I said, too.”

“Let’s all calm down,” Duke said, ever the voice of reason. “Joey, is it possible that Marik is influencing Yugi?”

“Of course he’s influencing him,” the blonde shot back. “Whoever that was tonight, it WASN’T Yugi.”

“It was,” Yami said dejectedly. “He and Malik have…grown close.”

Joey narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean ‘close’?”

The pharaoh shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“And you just let this happen?”

“Joey, stop,” Duke interjected.

“I tried, Joey. I tried to stop it from happening but Yugi wouldn’t listen to me.”

The despair radiating from the spirit calmed him some. “I’m sorry, man.”

“What does Tristan have to say about all of this?” the dice king asked.

Another explosion ensued. “He didn’t even show! Didn’t even CALL!”

“I hope nothing happened,” Yami said. “This is not like him.”

“Wake up, Yami,” Joey said bitterly. “Yugi told me what Kaiba did. It’s obvious that Tristan’s on his side.”

Duke shook his head. “There aren’t any sides here, baby,” he said to the raging blonde. “Call Tristan. Maybe something DID happen.”

Joey shook his head, moving to the side table to pick up the phone. It was time to tell Tristan exactly what he thought of him.


“Yugi, are you okay?”

The shaking teen tore his eyes away from Bakura and focused on Ryou who stood next to his yami. He wasn’t aware that Malik had moved until the Egyptian took his hand and squeezed gently. He nodded.

Bakura cleared his throat. “I’m just going to get Marik and then I’ll get out of here.”

“No,” Yugi said suddenly.

The thief paused. “What?”

Yugi edged closer to Malik, soaking up some of the teen’s confidence. “I want to talk to you first,” he said.

“Are you sure, Yugi?” Ryou asked. When his question was met with a nod he stepped forward and pulled the small duelist into a tender hug. “Um, where is Yami?” he asked upon its conclusion.

Malik spoke up. “Yugi told him to leave.”

“What? Why?”

“He told me, Ryou,” Yugi whispered. He looked past his friend to the thief. “He told me what he did to you, Bakura.”

The yami sighed. “Well, shit.”

“Bakura!” Marik flew into the room and into the spirit’s arms, knocking them both to the ground. He claimed Bakura’s lips with his own, desperation fueling his movements. Oblivious to the three hikaris staring openmouthed at their boldness the pair clung to each other, devouring each other as much their physical limitations would allow. Finally the blonde pulled back. His eyes roamed over every inch of his lover, searching with a knowing eye for any unexplainable injuries. Finally his hand shot out, delivering a stinging slap to the thief’s cheek. “I was worried out of my fucking mind!”

To the shock of everyone in the room Bakura did not respond in kind. The tomb robber’s eyes misted over and he pulled Marik back down, holding him tightly. “I’m so fucking glad you made it out,” he said in a voice that was meant only for his lover though it reached the others as well.

“Let’s get out of here,” Marik very nearly pleaded.

Bakura nodded. “We will,” he promised. “But not yet.”

Marik looked at him as though he’d grown another head. “What do you mean, ‘not yet’?”

Bakura glanced at the onlookers. “I’m going to talk to Yugi first.”

Marik heard the emotional tone in his lover’s voice and nodded. “We’ve got time,” he said reassuringly. “The Pharaoh’s not here anyway.” Another kiss.

Malik and Ryou both felt the flood of emotions that their yamis were radiating. Before this moment neither had known just how deeply the spirits felt toward each other. Now there was no denying it. Even Yugi, without the benefit of a mind link with either of them, couldn’t deny what he saw.

Ryou sighed inwardly. He was happy that Bakura had found someone who obviously cared for him very much. Yet in spite of their happy reunion, he could not help but worry. His mind continually reminded him of the times that he’d had to help calm Yugi down when the duelist’s fears of Bakura had become too much to handle. A few short weeks ago Yugi had made him promise never to let Bakura near him. Now here they all stood, in the same room, at Yugi’s request.

And what about Yami, he thought sullenly. He desperately needed the comfort of his boyfriend’s embrace, to make certain that the pharaoh was alright after what had to have been a heartbreaking experience. But at the same time Bakura’s words haunted him. What if Yami only cared for him because of who he represented? It was a vicious cycle that his mind played over and over until he thought he would go mad.

Malik shook his head at the scene before him. “Come on, Yugi,” he said suddenly. “Let’s go to your room.”

Yugi looked up at the blonde. “Alright,” he acquiesced. “Um, Marik…Bakura…”

The yami’s separated and turned hazy eyes to their host.

“You, um, you can stay in my Grandpa’s room. You know, for tonight…I mean, until you are ready to leave. Not that I am trying to rush you or anything…”

“Yugi, breathe,” Malik quipped. He turned to the yamis. “It’s the first bedroom on your right at the end of the hallway. And keep it down. We don’t want to hear your screams.”

Marik flipped his light the finger. “Turn up your stereo then.”

“I’ll make sure that they get settled in,” Ryou spoke up. “You two go on.”

“Thanks, Ryou,” Yugi replied, relieved.

The raven haired teen nodded. “Sure.” He waited until the two were tucked away behind Yugi’s closed door before leading the way to Solomon’s room. “Um, Mr. Mutou won’t be back for awhile yet so…”

“Don’t worry, hikari. We won’t be here much longer.”

Ryou sighed. “I know.”

Bakura adjusted the knapsack that rested on his back. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he said, moving through the doorway into the master bathroom.

Ryou watched Marik’s eyes follow Bakura until the door was firmly closed behind him. “He’s okay,” he said uneasily, trying to reassure the blonde.

Marik nodded, finally peeling his gaze away from the door. “Thanks to you,” he replied.

“Thanks to both of us,” Ryou corrected. He placed a timid hand on Marik’s shoulder. “Ever since he split from me you’ve been the closest person to him.”

“I understand him,” Marik responded.

“He…told you?”

“No. He doesn’t have to. I don’t care if he ripped apart the Pharaoh’s entire fucking family.”

“This door isn’t made of steel, you know,” Bakura said just before returning to the room.

Ryou smiled softly. “Well…good night. I’m sure you two would like some time alone. I’ll, um, be awake early to make breakfast.”

Bakura pulled his light into a tender hug. “Thank you.”

Ryou enjoyed the embrace for a moment before pulling away. “You’re welcome. I’m just glad you’re safe.” He backed out of the room, pulling the door closed behind him. He stood in the center of the hallway for a moment, listening for signs of upset or distress before moving back into the living room.

He pulled on his coat and moved to the doorway, stepping into his shoes. Now that everyone was settled in he was able to focus on himself. He needed to find Yami. Despite Bakura’s revelation it was Yami who held his heart. It would not be fair of him not to hear his lover’s rendition of the tale.

He would go to his own home first. If that didn’t prove fruitful he would go to Duke’s apartment. Yami didn’t have any other options. It seemed that options were running short for everyone.




Yugi’s small hand rested on Malik’s chest through his thin black tank top, feeling the steadily increasing thump of the Egyptian’s heart as their kiss grew in intensity. A low moan escaped him as the blonde pulled back. “Malik…”

Malik smiled down at the small duelist. “It’s alright, Yugi. I’m not going anywhere. We’ve got plenty of time. Let’s not rush into something that you’re not ready for.”

“I’m ready,” Yugi nearly pleaded.

The blonde chuckled. “You’re in pain, Yugi. I can feel it in your body.” He tightened his arms around the teen. “Where are your pills?”

Yugi felt a gentle warmth spread over him at Malik’s concern. “In the nightstand,” he replied.

Malik shifted off of the bed, opening the drawer and pulling out the prescription bottle. “Take some,” he instructed.

“I don’t want to,” Yugi answered. “They make me tired.”

Malik picked up the can of soda from the table. “Take some,” he repeated, his voice taking on a firm tone.

Yugi opened the bottle and obediently pulled out two capsules. He took the offered drink and swallowed them down.

Malik reclaimed the can and returned it to the table along with the medication. “Thank you,” he said, sliding back onto the mattress. He opened his arms and Yugi wriggled into the crook of his shoulder. “How are you holding up?” he asked.

Yugi shrugged. “I’m okay.”

“Alright then.” He reached over and turned on the stereo. After a moment he chuckled. “Found my CD case?”

“Oh…no…I mean, yes, I did, but I wasn’t looking through your things I was just cleaning-”

“I don’t mind,” Malik interrupted. “I wouldn’t have left anything I didn’t want you to see.”

Yugi nodded. “I just don’t want you to think I was snooping.”

The blonde smiled. “I’d know if you’d been snooping. You can’t lie for shit.”

“Well…that’s true.”

Malik dropped a kiss on the small teen’s forehead. After a moment he spoke again. “So what are you going to tell Bakura?”

A pause. “I’m not sure.”

“Are you gonna be alright talking to him?”

“I don’t know,” Yugi replied honestly. “All I do know is that I have to say something.”

“Well, try not to worry. Despite everything that’s happened, he’s not bad guy.”

“I know,” Yugi said quickly. “He didn’t hurt me because he wanted to. He did it to hurt Yami.”

Malik raised an eyebrow. “You believe that?”

Darkness and fear settled over Yugi’s features. His small frame shook slightly and his voice wavered its response. “I have to.”


Kaiba hung up the phone on his desk and opened his arms to his boyfriend who had spent the past half hour pacing the office. “Kenji found him a block from Kaiba Corp. He’s taking Mokuba to dinner. They should be back in about an hour.”

“Why didn’t you tell him to come right home?” Tristan asked, comforted by the CEO’s powerful embrace.

“Mokuba doesn’t want me right now. He trusts Kenji.”

“But he just took off. You can’t let him think that it’s alright.”

“Baby, trust me. I know my brother. He needs time to sort everything out. I broke the promise that I swore I’d never break. I can’t blame him for being angry.”

Tristan nodded. “I know you’re right. I just worry about him.”

“He’ll be alright. He’s a Kaiba.”

The brunette smiled sadly. “I know better,” he noted, one hand coming up to trace the bandage on his boyfriend’s cheek. “Being a Kaiba doesn’t make you invincible.”

The millionaire took hold of Tristan’s hand and lowered it away from his face. “Don’t do that.”

Instead of replying, Tristan kissed his lover gently. “You’re tired,” he said.

“I am.”

“Why don’t you go back to bed? I’ll wait up for Mokuba.”

“Tristan, I’ve gotten more sleep than you have.”

“You need it more. I’ll be alright.”

“Come on,” Kaiba said, taking his boyfriend’s hand. “Let’s go lie in bed and watch a movie. We can both wait up for them.”

Tristan nodded and followed Kaiba down the hall and into the master suite. Truthfully, he was about to pass out from exhaustion. He had the distinct feeling that he wouldn’t be able to handle even one more crisis.



The clock on the bedside table read 4:46am. Though he could not remember ever being as comfortable as he was in Malik’s arms, Yugi could not sleep. Despite the braveness that he forced to the forefront, he was scared to death knowing that Bakura was so close. After several minutes he knew that sleep was not going to set in. He carefully climbed out of bed and padded out of the room on silent feet.

Though the living room was dark Yugi could sense that it was occupied. The heavy feeling in his stomach told him exactly who was in the room. “…Bakura…?”

“Yeah, it’s me,” came the tired reply.

His every instinct told him to run. But he didn’t. Instead he reached out blindly for the coffee table and used it as a guide to find the sofa.

“Do you need help?” Bakura asked, breaking the silence.

“Um, no,” Yugi replied, lowering himself onto the floor between the couch and table. He folded his legs in front of him, his fingers toying with the edge of a magazine that Malik had left behind. “Are you having trouble sleeping?”

“Yeah,” Bakura admitted. “There’s too much of the pharaoh here.”

“Sorry,” Yugi replied.

“Not your fault.”

A shiver of fear snaked down Yugi’s spine. He couldn’t see Bakura through the barrier of darkness, could only hear his voice. It reminded him too much of his time in the hospital. “Could you please turn on the lamp?”

“Sure.” A few seconds later the room was dimly lit by the small yellow bulb.

Yugi’s eyes adjusted quickly. He couldn’t believe that he was sitting alone in the same room with Bakura. He was terrified but determined. “Where are you and Marik going to go?” he asked.

Bakura shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s up to him. I really don’t care.”

“But…what about Ryou?”

The thief raised an eyebrow. “What about him?”

“He’s worried about you.”

“He’s worried about you too.”

“…I know…”

“How are you doing, Yugi?” Bakura asked gently.

A tear slipped down the teen’s cheek. “I’m okay.”

Bakura sighed. “I’m sorry it had to be this way.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

Yugi nodded. “I know why you did it, Bakura. I understand.”

“Why did you insist that I stay tonight?”

“I don’t know,” Yugi replied honestly. His hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

A detail that Bakura didn’t miss. “I know you’re scared of me, Yugi. But you have my word that I will never lay a hand on you again.”

Tear-filled eyes looked up. He wanted to trust the words. “…really?”

“Really.”

Instinct drove his next reply. “I believe you.”

“Go back to Malik,” Bakura said. “We can talk more tomorrow.”

Yugi stood up slowly and was about to walk away when another thought occurred to him. “Bakura?”

The thief raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

“Will you stay for a few days? For Ryou?”

“What about you?”

“I’ll be alright.”

Bakura regarded the teen carefully before replying. “Let me talk to Marik. I’ll let you know tomorrow.”

Yugi nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”

“Goodnight Yugi.”

“Goodnight.”

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


A/N Well there you have it. I know this one was a long time coming and I'm sorry. I will do my best to update the next one quicker and thank you ALL for hanging in this long. I adore each and every one of you for your kind words. And don't worry...Blackwater hasn't been abandoned either ;)