He Among Us Without Sin

He Among Us Without Sin

Mally-chan & hatochiisai

YAOI WARNING

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

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Chapter 31

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It took Bakura two weeks to overcome the Blood Rage that Itemri had induced on him. He woke with a start at sunset and his eyes were wide. Mikado! Oh gods, Mikado! He threw back the blankets and rushed to the silent basement. He picked up a large mallet and began pounding away at the cemented wall, slowly cracking it. What had he done!?

The servants had been startled by Bakura's abrupt dash to the cellar, and stood around the top of the stairs, murmuring worriedly as their master began to break through the wall.

Bakura growled. "Prepare a bed!" he ordered harshly. "And three of you will need to donate blood to save him. Whomever does is free to spend the next WEEK doing nothing but relaxing and enjoying the comforts of my home." he added as he continued to work.

The all began chattering. "Should we prepare a bath, my lord?" Lillith's mother called.

"Yes, hop to it!" Bakura growled finally bursting through the wall and hurrying to Mikado.

"Yes my lord!" Many servants answered.

Bakura found Mikado sprawled out on the floor, face down, his clothes in tatters, shreds of it all over the small room. His finger tips were torn down to the bone, and there were claw marks in the wall where the chains were attached. But what frightened Bakura the most, was the state of his childe's body. It was as white as the snow outside, and thin... emaciated... it was skeletal...

Bakura shook his head, near tears as he freed Mikado of the chains and wrapped the youth in his robe. "You can make it Mikado..." he breathed worriedly. He picked the youth up and hurried him to the bath. "Have you decided amongst yourselves who will help feed my childe?" he said quickly to the servants.

There was a long silence as the servants looked around at each other. Then, to Bakura's surprise, a small boy, no more than eight, stepped forward. "We will all willingly give our blood to save him master, should he need it." The boy said bravely. Bakura stared at him, surprised and touched. The servants all nodded in agreement.

Bakura sighed in gratitude. "You will all have reason to celebrate tonight..." he said softly. He beckoned one of the servants forward after laying Mikado in the tub, leaving the ladies to wash him as he began the ritual of feeding from the others to save Mikado. After Mikado was cleaned he released his seventh human, feeling quite full, and lifted his childe up, drying him and rushing him to his room, tucking him into the already warmed bed. The woodstove was heating the room to near stifling to encourage Mikado's waking.

Bakura bit his wrist and pressed it to Mikado's lips. ~Drink...~

But Mikado made no move to do so, simply lying still and silent as a corpse, making Bakura's heart clench in fear.

Bakura however forced his wrist to Mikado's mouth. ~I know you're hungry... please Mikado... Don’t leave me just yet...~

The blood trickled into Mikado's mouth and pooled in his throat. After a few tense moments, he finally swallowed.

Bakura sighed in relief and shook his head. ~Thank you...~

The blood pooled in Mikado's throat again, and he swallowed a second time, then a third. And then, he finally began to suckle weakly.

Bakura cradled Mikado and let him feed, praying to his own gods that Mikado would be ok.

It took Mikado nearly an hour to drain Bakura, so weak was his feeding, but he kept trying to feed even once Bakura was dry.

Bakura however merely called more servants to feed from, easily filling himself once again, determined to keep Mikado fed until the fledgling refused more.

Mikado began sucking eagerly once the blood began to flow again, giving a small moan and furrowing his brow slightly, fingers twitching. His dried withered body was slowly filling out as it was saturated with the much needed fluids, slowly returning to life.

This continued a long time, Bakura never taking too much from any one servant. Finally he'd fed from all of them to feed Mikado. Even the young boy had given his share.

He was currently sitting in his mother's lap on the window seat, sniffling and clutching his wrist (even though Bakura had healed it) but was looking very proud to have done his share. Indeed, his mother and father and aunt and uncle were comforting him and telling him how proud they were of him. Mikado had finally finished, leaving Bakura with a good meal himself. The boy was looking quite normal. His body had filled out nicely (his stomach was slightly bloated) and his skin was a healthy pink (he almost looked a bit sunburned).

Bakura smiled and gave a relieved sigh. "You've all done more than I could have ever asked." he said looking at his servants. "And... in reward I will give you each 20 gold pieces...and we will all go to a city together and you may spend your gold however you see fit."

They all looked up, eyes wide, and grinned. Some of the younger ladies gasped or squealed in delight, but quickly quieted down, not wanting to disturb their young master.

Bakura smiled. "But as for tonight..." he said softly. "You may help yourselves to three of my finest wines, and make merry." he chuckled. "And Sparkling Cider for the children. Make whatever you wish to eat. Tonight, what is mine, is yours."

They all smiled and bowed and curtseyed, filing out the door. A few remained. "Will you be needing anything else, my lord?" Lillith's mother asked.

"Yes..." Bakura said softly. "In my study... his cross and ring."

The woman smiled and curtseyed, hurrying away.

"Anything else, my lord?" An elderly man asked with a little bow. "Perhaps... an apology gift?" And he winked.

Bakura sighed. "I'm not sure what I could possibly give... that could even compare to my remorse..."

The man gave Bakura a toothless smile. "There is no harm in trying, master."

Bakura nodded slowly. "What would you offer... if you were in my place?"

The man blinked, then cocked his head. "A bracelet perhaps, but that seems a womanly gift..." He said. "The young master may appreciate some... elegant weapon perhaps... something rare and exotic..."

Bakura nodded. "I'm afraid... the only rare and exotic weapons I possess... are the weapons of my youth." he said softly. "Fetch them from the attic."

The man blinked, then nodded.

"I will get them." Said a younger man, his son. "You should be relaxing, dad." And he turned and left the room. The old man chuckled.

"So nice to be pampered by your children after spending years raising the little beasts..." He said, amused.

Bakura smiled. "Go enjoy the merry making... it's not often I privilege you so." he said turning back to Mikado and nuzzling him.

"Yes my lord." The man said and left the room. His son returned a few minutes later with a large trunk.

A moment later Lillith's mother returned with Mikado's cross and ring. Bakura thanked her and she too went down to make merry.

He sighed. "Mikado... I'm so sorry."

The man left after setting the trunk down for Bakura to go through, closing the door quietly on his way out. Mikado slept quietly, his breathing no longer weak and shallow.

Bakura nuzzled up to Mikado and held him close, leaving the trunk forgotten. ~Mikado... Mikado please forgive me.~

But Mikado was silent and still, and remained so all night long, and into the day as his sire kept watch over him, before drifting to sleep.

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

Back at the Vatican, Ryou was laying in his stall, his leg having been healed, though still kinked. He still limped. He sighed and closed his eyes. He hadn't even provoked THAT from Malik.

Marik the wolf was curled up next to Ryou, fast asleep. He had returned two days after Malik left, but had remained in his wolf form ever since, and was quite droopy and depressed.

Ryou sighed and slowly stood shaking out.

Marik flicked an ear and opened his eyes, lifting his head and looking up at Ryou.

Ryou looked back at Marik for a moment. ‘I'm going.’

Marik blinked and cocked his head, curiously.

Ryou flicked his ears. 'You need to go to Malik.' he said softly, limping (though only slightly) to the stable doors.

Marik stood, shaking himself, then followed Ryou.

Ryou trotted out of the stables, and to the gates of the holy city. 'Marik...go find Malik...he's your best friend.' Ryou said looking at Marik after a moment. 'He's who you need.'

Marik shook his head, following Ryou.

Ryou snorted and gave Marik a look. 'I'm not going to find Malik for you.' he said flicking his ears.

Marik flicked his ears right back and padded closer to Ryou, wagging his tail.

Ryou sighed and spread his wings. 'I'm going home...'

Marik's eyes widened and his ear shot forward. He whined, prancing anxiously in place.

Ryou leaned down and nuzzled Marik. 'Malik is the person you need Marik...I'm...the bad choice.' he said looking away.

Marik kept prancing, whining again. “Arrrrrrrrrr…” He cried, sounded incredibly distressed.

Ryou turned and nuzzled Marik. 'Marik...' he sighed. 'I don’t wanna be the one that ruins your friendship..'

Marik lunged and seized Ryou's nose in his mouth, not biting down hard but holding him there.

Ryou blinked and pulled away. 'you need to brush your teeth.'

But Marik didn't let go of his nose.

Ryou whined and pulled back further, prancing. 'Maaarrriiiik!'

Marik growled slightly, holding on.

Ryou whimpered and reared up backing away. 'Marriiik!'

Marik growled, rearing up with Ryou, still clinging tightly.

Ryou whimpered and shook his head trying to wrestle Marik off. 'get off get off!'

Marik growled, biting down harder. "Hrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..." They were beginning to attract a bit of a crowd...

Ryou yelped and turned quickly, beginning to buck and rear up more. 'Get off Marik!'

Marik was finally thrown off, tearing Ryou's poor nose open as he went flying.

Ryou whimpered and poked his nose into the snow to soothe the burning of the new wound. After a couple of seconds he pulled it out again and nudged the gates open, trotting out.

Marik whirled and chased after him, barking.

This of course spooked Ryou and he bolted forwards.

Marik yelped and sped up, eyes wide and worried. "ARRRROOOOOOOO!!!" He called after Ryou, desperately.

Ryou however was loping quite quickly out of Rome and into the forest.

Marik followed as fast as he possibly could, just barely managing to keep Ryou in his sights.

It took nearly two hours, but finally Ryou slowed to a slow trot panting harshly.

Marik, also panting, plodded up next to Ryou, flopping into the snow.

Ryou blinked and laid down, nuzzling Marik. 'You're supposed to go find Malik and live happily ever after with your best friend...' he said licking Marik's muzzle.

Marik slowly changed. "I'd rather live happily ever after with you..." He whispered, nuzzling Ryou.

Ryou sighed and shook his head, though he couldn't smile as a deer, his eyes were smiling. 'I want to go home.' he said softly licking him once more. 'I...miss my home, and besides...you need to get Malik to come back...'

"Malik is his own problem." Marik said. "I choose YOU."

Ryou sighed and nuzzled Marik once more. 'Marik...you cant just let this be the end. He's your best friend...and even though you say you choose me...you're so depressed and miserable.'

Marik sighed. "HE is letting it be the end." Marik said. "If he was my best friend, he wouldn't make me choose between him and the one I love."

Ryou flicked his ears. 'My nose hurts.'

Marik whimpered and licked Ryou's nose, gently. "I'm sorry..."

Ryou finally stood. 'Come home with me?'

Marik sighed. "Ryou... What about our other friends? Mikado is missing... Ahmose and Yami are Seto's prisoners... we... we can't just abandon them. Ryou. We need to go back to the Vatican. Find the one who knows how to break the spell on you. And then we need to help our friends..."

Ryou's ears droop. 'Marik...I dont want to...' he said softly, looking down. 'I...I'm not a hero. I'm j-just a priest. Not a very good one at that.'

"Ryou... we need you. YOU can touch Seto's amulet!!! WE can't! YOU can heal!!! WE can't!!! YOU have elven senses. WE don't!!!"

Ryou jerked away and glared. 'I do not have Elven senses. Malik does.'

Marik sighed. "You can see better than any of us, Ryou. You can hear better. The only sense I have that's better is a sense of smell!!! You have the best senses, other than the vampires, and they're useless in daylight!!!"

Ryou snorted. 'I'm a deer.'

"And you're gonna STAY that way unless we go back and break the spell." Marik said.

Ryou sighed. 'Marik...I'm not like Aiden. I'm not as accepting of my elven blood.' he looked away. 'Malik is the one you should be asking, if you're after senses and reflexes. The ONLY use for me is taking that silly amulet. Aiden can do that.'

Marik frowned. "Ryou. You owe it to our friends."

Ryou sighed and his ears drooped. 'I wasn't even involved in this...all I was supposed to do was get assessed.'

Marik sighed. "Yeah. But things don't always happen the way we planned them."

Ryou sighed. 'fine...I'll go back...' he said miserably.

Marik chuckled. "If you wanna go home and spend the rest of your life as a deer with wings, go for it, honey."

'I just miss...home.' Ryou sighed. 'I wasn't ever supposed to leave. I never WANTED to leave.'

"I know." Marik said softly, nuzzling Ryou. "I'm sorry I kidnapped you and dragged you into all of this..."

Ryou shook his head and nuzzled Marik. 'Go get Malik...' he said softly. 'You'll need him more than me. He's your best friend.'

Marik shook his head. "But you are the one I love."

'But he's the one that you've had forever. Besides, you miss him.'

"I'd miss you more." Marik said.

Ryou let out a soft almost laughing sound. 'You'll always have me!' he licked Marik's face. 'I'll....just avoid Malik. I cant possibly be happy seeing you like this.'

Marik sighed. "... But you'll always see me like this if I can only be with the two of you seperately... God, I... I just want you to get along!!! YOU refuse to even be nice to him because he's an elf, and that makes HIM despise you!!!"

Ryou sorted. 'I didn't provoke that last time. I didn't even do anything!' he stood and shook the snow from his fur.

"Ryou, he made a rude comment, yes, but YOU attacked him. He told you that he would fight back if you made a move against him again, and you did."

Ryou snorted. 'He had it coming.' He began trotting back to the Vatican. 'I'll avoid him. Go get your friend.'

Marik blinked. "I'm staying with you. He has to come back to the Vatican to return the horse. I'll talk to him then. Ryou... PROMISE to be nice to him? Just because he's an elf, it doesn’t mean he's bad... I just want you two to become friends..."

'I'm avoiding him.' Ryou replied. 'That's as close as a friend as he's ever getting Marik. The more I'm near him, the more he just makes me want to just...just...Augh!' Ryou bucked and snorted.

"Why? Because he's rude? Or just because he's an elf?"

'Both!' Ryou snorted and began walking back.

Marik scowled. "I understand not liking his rudeness, but just because he's an elf?! What if someone told you that they hated you because you were a half breed?!"

Ryou turned and glared at Marik. 'Oh you mean like many people have done ALL Through my life?!' He snorted. 'It's his horrible people that produced that awful bastard who impregnated my mother. THEIR awful people who are responsible for ME!' he turned back and trotted forwards once more.

"What if someone told you that they hated you because you were half HUMAN?"

'I wish I was ALL human.' Ryou snorted once more. 'Can we drop this now?'

Marik snorted. "And whatever happened to the teachings of God creating you the way you are supposed to be? HE chose for you to be a half elf. Can't you just have faith in that he knows what he's doing and has a purpose for you and your heritage and be glad for it?"

Ryou sighed and shook his head. 'Drop it.'

Marik drooped. "... okay." He said softly, hugging Ryou. "Come on. Let's go back to the Vatican and figure out a way to help our friends..."

Ryou nodded and paused. 'Sorry..' and they walked back together.

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

Ahmose and Yami rode on Nakhti, between vampire, werewolf and demon guards alike. Itemri was leading the large caravan of Seto's followers as they reached the feet of the Alps. They were at a deep chasm that a river flowed through; apparently, the Ancient had a stronghold here. When they reached a spot that seemed to be nothing special, Itemri spoke to Seto. Seto turned and looked at the sheer rock wall on the other side of the ravine. A moment later, his amulet glowed and suddenly, a drawbridge began to slowly drop out of the wall. It landed before them, flames leaping up in torches carved into the rock drawbridge, lighting their way into a large, black entryway. Seto raised his eyebrows.

"Impressive..." He said, turning to Itemri.

Itemri chuckled. "Isn't it? I have several about this world. You can never have too great of a stronghold..."

Seto grinned. "It's perfect."

Itemri nodded. "It is. And it is my gift to your cause." he said proudly.

"And I most humbly accept." Seto replied. "I am honored." Ahmose glanced back at Yami over his shoulder.

Yami growled slightly, looking displeased. He glared at Seto, but said nothing.

"Shhh..." Ahmose soothed, laying a hand on Yami's knee.

Yami grumbled and nuzzled Ahmose curling his tail around his lover's waist, still glaring at Seto, though his growls quieted at Ahmose's request.

"We don't want any trouble." Ahmose murmured softly. "Don't draw attention to us."

Yami sighed and wrapped his wings around Ahmose and leaned on him. "I hate this."

"Shhh... I do too. You know that. But for now, we just have to live with it..." Ahmose said.

Yami sighed and buried his face in Ahmose's hair. "I hate him." he grumbled softly. "More than I thought I could hate anyone..." He shivered.

"Shhh... it's not him, remember? It's the amulet." Ahmose cooed gently.

Yami shivered again. "I hate him."

"Hush now... It'll be okay." Ahmose said as the procession made its way across the drawbridge.

Yami nodded slowly and shivered once more. Seto was something he truly loathed ever since.... He shook his head and clung tighter to Ahmose. And he'd done it to Ahmose....

Nakhti pranced nervously and snorted as he moved across the drawbridge. "Shhh... it's fine..." Ahmose encouraged the stallion, who neighed, stopping and even bucking slightly. "Easy." Ahmose said firmly, digging his heels into the horse's flanks. Nakhti tossed his head and made his way across the stone bridge.

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

Bakura sighed softly, still tending to Mikado when the youth awoke.

He had been terribly worried, and the boy had been sleeping for nearly a week. When Bakura realized that Mikado was blinking at him, he was overjoyed.

Bakura stared at Mikado, looking overjoyed for a moment before crushing his childe in a hug. "Oh gods... thank you." he breathed shaking slightly. "Mikado... oh gods I'm so sorry…"

Mikado gasped and began struggling. "No!" He cried in a weak, raspy voice. "No! Don't! Please don't!!!"

Bakura backed off quickly and bit his lip. "Mikado..."

Mikado whimpered and scooted away, staring at Bakura with eyes wide in fright.

Bakura nodded slowly and looked down. "I'm sorry Mikado... for what happened." he sighed. "It was Blood Rage...I...I had no control."

"You... left me in there..." Mikado gasped. "You left me to die!!! You THREW me off of a BALCONY and you BRICKED ME UP in your CELLAR!!!"

Bakura nodded shamefully. "I did...and...I accept that I did it..." he said softly. "But I got you out...and I nursed you to health again. I...I suppose now what you choose is your choice, and I will respect it."

Mikado swallowed thickly. "Do you... love me? REALLY love me?"

"Of course I love you..." Bakura said softly. "But a Blood Rage...makes you hurt the things most dear to you....it's a rage."

Mikado blinked, frowning slightly and looking down. The ring on his finger caught the light, drawing his eyes. He stared at it, and slowly, his frightened look began to fade. He reached up to his chest, and his fingers found the Bloodstone cross. Slowly, he began to smile.

Bakura let out a breath he'd been holding. "All of the servants donated to keep you alive. Even the children." he said softly. "And... we will all go to the city of their choosing to shop." He pushed the old trunk forward. "But...this is for you. You can have whatever you wish from it."

Mikado blinked and looked at the trunk, then shoved it aside and leapt onto Bakura, clinging tightly.

Bakura blinked and hugged Mikado tightly clinging just as much. "I'm so sorry Mikado...I'm SO sorry..."

"... I forgive you..." Mikado whispered.

Bakura clutched Mikado and buried his face in Mikado's hair, a few tears falling. "I love you..."

"I love you too..." Mikado sniffled. "I... I tried to stop him... I did..."

Bakura nodded. "I know Mikado...but you should have stayed hidden." he soothed. "Itemri will never hurt me."

Mikado frowned. "He didn't hurt me... I mean... not... AFTER he... he..." Mikado looked down.

Bakura held Mikado close. "Shh...you're beautiful." he cooed. "And it will never happen again." he nuzzled Mikado and kissed him, wiping away his own tears. "Just promise me that next time I say hide, you'll hide until I come for you...."

Mikado blinked, then frowned and pouted. “But… but but but… Hide?!” He made a face. “I’m an AGENT!!! Agents don’t HIDE!!!”

Bakura pulled Mikado from the bed into his lap, blankets and all, curling them around his lover. "I ask you to hide...so that I know you will be safe. I could have lost you..." Bakura breathed shaking his head and hugging Mikado close. "I'd die without you."

Mikado sniffled and cuddled close. "I was scared..." He whispered. “I... I woke up and he had his hand around my throat and... I... I couldn't fight him, he... he was so powerful. I mean... I can fight YOU! I'm nothing more than an annoyance to you when I do, but I couldn't even TRY with him..."

Bakura nodded. "I know." he cooed rubbing Mikado's back. "He's my sire...the timeless of the south."

Mikado winced. "... he... he hurt me... And I couldn't do anything... I... I've never felt so helpless..."

Bakura sighed and hugged Mikado close. "Dont think about it..." he whispered. "He attacked you to get to me..."

"How can I not think about it?!" Mikado whimpered in a high pitched tone, sounding half frantic. "I... I've never felt anything like that before! He wasn't just hurting my body, but it was as if he was... wounding my SOUL!"

Bakura sighed and held Mikado. "dwelling on it wont make it hurt less." he said softly. "You move on....letting it hurt you just lets him draw entertainment from it."

"What if... what if he comes back...? He said that if I didn't stay away from you he'd kill me... He... said he did that to... ruin me... so you wouldn't want me anymore..."

Bakura sighed and kissed Mikado's forehead. "He'll keep his word." Bakura said softly. "I'm his only."

Mikado blinked. "W-What? Keep... what word?"

"He'll come back." Bakura said calmly.

"So... when he finds out I'm still with you... he'll come to... kill me...?" Mikado whimpered, eyes wide and frightened.

"He'll come to either kill you, or have me do it on another rage." Bakura said shaking his head and cradling Mikado. "Which is why if that happens, you HIDE." he said firmly. "You're an Agent...I know even if I'm not there...you'll survive, you're strong enough to take care of yourself." he cuddled Mikado and buried his face in his childe's hair. "If I'm in a Blood Rage...I dont want to wake from it to find out I killed you."

Mikado clung tightly to Bakura, shaking and beginning to cry; he couldn't help it... he was scared. More than he had ever been in his entire life.

Bakura sighed and nuzzled Mikado, just holding him and trying to soothe his tears. "It'll be ok...shh..."

"How?! How the HELL could it POSSIBLY be okay?! He could be on his way right now! I can't escape him! He'll find me no matter where I go, no matter how far or how fast... God!!! Oh God..." His claws dug into Bakura's skin, drawing blood.

"Shhh he will not find you." Bakura said softly. "You aren't his childe. He has no mental bond with you..." he said rubbing Mikado's back, despite Mikado's claws. "You may hide from him...and he will not find you." he said kissing Mikado's forehead. "Understand? If you wish to hide...no one but I would be able to find you....and even that can be hindered if you block me away."

"F-Forgive me... if I find little comfort in that..." Mikado hiccupped.

Bakura chuckled. "But you would be ok...as long as you hid. And you know my servants would do everything in their power to help you. Especially Lilith."

"Lillith? Oh God!!! LILLITH!!!" Mikado yelped, sitting up, eyes wide.

Bakura blinked. "Mikado calm down!"

"No! You don't understand! Lillith! I left her at the Vatican! I scared her! I... I think I may have hurt her! Not bad, but... Oh, we should go find her!"

Bakura chuckled. "She's fine." he said patting Mikado's head. "The Vatican sent her home not long after you left. She was frightened… but she forgives you. I already spoke with her."

"Oh... Can... Can I see her?" Mikado asked. "I... want to apologize..."

"Later." Bakura said softly. "She's downstairs helping the other servants decide where they want to go...and making merry." he smiled. "I gave them each 20 gold pieces for helping me revive you."

"Oh." Mikado said, and looked down, sighing.

"She's not mad Mikado..." he said lifting Mikado's chin. "she could never be mad at you. You're her favorite houseguest."

Mikado just shook his head. "God... I've only been awake for a few minutes, but... I'm so tired... not SLEEPY... but tired..."

"Well of course!" Bakura laughed. "You're recovering from a long hibernation." he said kissing Mikado. "Hungry?"

Mikado sniffled and nodded.

Bakura grinned and bit his wrist offering it to Mikado. "Just take it easy...you'll be ok."

Mikado nodded again, covering the puncture wounds with his mouth and feeding quietly, leaning into Bakura.

Bakura sighed and nuzzled Mikado as he fed. "You snubbed my apology gift..." he said chuckling. "I thought you would be at least curious to see what it was I had to offer."

Mikado shook his head. ~Screw your apology gift. I just wanted to hear you tell me that you still loved me... I just wanted to be close to you...~

Bakura laughed once more. "Well if you don’t want it then I'll ask the servants to put it back into my attic."

Mikado just snuggled close. ~I love you... I don't need gifts... I just need you...~

"Even if it's rare weapons?" Bakura chuckled.

Mikado blinked and perked up. ~Weapons?~

Bakura nodded. "These... are the only remaining weapons of their kind."

Mikado turned, releasing Bakura's wrist. "What are they?!!

Bakura chuckled and pulled the chest closer once more, offering Mikado his wrist. "You can eat and open at the same time."

Mikado blinked. "... that seems so rude..." He said.

Bakura laughed. "It's fine. I dont mind, you need to eat to get stronger."

Mikado smiled at Bakura and hugged him again with a happy sigh, nuzzling him.

"Go ahead and open it then." Bakura said smiling.

The fledgling turned and looked over the old chest, then reached out, unclasped the latch and opened it.

Within, was a large crimson robe and white kilt, and wrapped within them were two sturdy brass Katar, and several daggers, each ornamental in traditional Egyptian stylings. Each as sharp as they had ever been, obviously well tended to, though it was obvious that despite the loving care, they had been used. The etchings were worn, and the mechanisms for splitting the blades of the katar were worn and used.

Mikado blinked, slowly pulling out the blood red cloak. "... What is all of this?" He asked, looking it over.

"Things from a long LONG time ago..." Bakura said softly.

"This feels ancient..." Mikado murmured.

Bakura nodded. "It is." he smiled slightly. "Nearly."

Mikado set it aside, looking back into the chest. "These were yours?"

"Yes...these were my posessions." Bakura affirmed.

"When?" Mikado asked.

"When I was young...and alive." Bakura said softly, a look of pain crossing his features.

"In Egypt?" Mikado asked.

Bakura nodded. "Yes...they're all the weapons that remain of my homeland at it's most beautiful age."

"Oh... Wow..." Mikado breathed, reaching out and running his fingers over the blades, reverently.

"And...I offer them to you." Bakura said running a hand through Mikado's hair. "to use, or to observe....they are yours."

Mikado turned and stared at Bakura, eyes wide. "Bakura... I... I couldn't possibly, I... I can't accept these..." He breathed.

"Why not?" Bakura said blinking. "I know you love them...you love weapons."

"But... these are... but you... I..." He trailed off, shaking his head. He was (for once) speechless.

Bakura chuckled. "They'll get more attention from you than I." Bakura cooed.

Mikado blinked then slowly reached in and picked up a dagger (he seemed to like daggers, Bakura noticed).

Bakura smiled. "That was one of my favorites." he said softly. "I carried it with me everywhere..."

Mikado smiled, looking it over. "It looks like you used it alot..." He said.

Bakura nodded. "Every day..." he smiled and leaned his head against Mikado's. "Would you like to know?"

Mikado smiled and nodded.

Bakura smiled. "Close your eyes..."

When Mikado did, his mind was filled. It felt as though he'd opened his eyes once more. When he looked around, he was in a desert village. It was small and poor. It was day, but the sun didn’t burn him. (although it was DAMN hot!)

Mikado blinked rapidly in the sun, raising a hand to shield his eyes slightly. "Bakura?"

~This is my home village.~ Bakura's voice filled Mikado's senses. Before him, the scene of children playing. Among them was the most adorable little well-tanned boy with a mop of white hair. ~I was born in this place...but you will not find it even on the most ancient map...~

The call of horns was heard and within the blink of an eye, the happy village was being invaded. The southern Egyptians were hungry for more land. There were fires everywhere, and bloodshed as the villagers tried desperately to keep hold of their precious homes, and defend their wives and children.

Mikado's eyes widened in horror as he observed the horrific massacre. Bakura could feel Mikado's distress at being unable to help. The rational voice of reason was telling him that this had happened nearly a thousand years ago and he couldn't do anything, but the Agent was fighting to leap into action.

That's when Bakura's mother, carrying the frightened youth ran past. It was the first time Mikado had ever seen (or even thought for a moment OF the vampire ever having a mother.) She whispered in a foriegn language and tucked Bakura between two homes, the nook much too small for any adult to fit in. After that she ran.

The child was left as the carnage ensued. Even his own mother's screams rattled his little body. Every being in the village that the soldiers could find were slaughtered mercilessly. Their screams echoing deep into the night. As the moon rose high into the sky, the soldiers finally left the pile of burning rubble and bodies. And the village's sole survivor.

~I survived the attack that night... I looked for others. Children...parents...even an elder or infant. All I found were bodies.~

Mikado had tears running down his cheeks. He slowly moved towards the small boy, still hidden, and stared at him. ~It's a miracle in itself that you survived...~

The boy was staring through Mikado, tears running down his cheeks.

~Perhaps...but just because I survived...does not mean I lived.~

The images faded and the world seemed to swirl like sand in the wind. Finally settling once more in a city. ~After that night...I gathered what I could...and left for places further north. It was hard. I had only a knife, mere scraps of food, and only the most meager bits of money. Everything else had been spoiled by the fires and blood...or was taken. Even the horses and camels.~

The bazaar was packed with people, and in trotted the ghostly looking youth from the village, his white hair tinted brown from the sand and his harsh trek. His skin a few shades darker as well. He was lost, alone, and frightened, but behind that, was still the hollow look in his eyes.

~I had no idea what I could do...I was so young at the time. Young...and stupid.~ A man approached the young boy and looked around, before stooping and talking to him. It was easy for Mikado to tell the man was up to no good...but not for a young boy such as Bakura had been.

Mikado frowned sadly, pained at what his sire had suffered through. ~I'll never understand how you survived...~

~That day...I was sold into slavery.~ Bakura said calmly. ~I survived, as someone's dog.~

Mikado sighed. ~God must have truly favored you... he obviously had some plan for you...~

~feh. your god was but a whisper on the lips of foriegn slaves at that time.~ Bakura snorted. The scene changed, and Mikado saw what Bakura grew up doing. He was in a lavish mansion, belonging to one of the court of the pharaoh.

~I served a selfish pig of a man...each day I did nearly everything but wipe his ass.~ he spat. It was true. Bakura rose before even the sun, and did both menial chores, as well as harsh labor out in the fields with the slaves of farmers. ~The man got his amusement, seeing my suffering. He worked me to the bone...late into the nights. I would pass out in bed the moment I hit it...only to wake mere hours later and start over again. It continued for years.~

The small boy grew over time...and before Mikado stood a boy no older than him, white hair down to his neck, spiked and wild.

~... You didn't deserve this...~ Mikado whispered, shaking his head. ~Bakura...~

~It was when I was 17 dry seasons old...that I awoke one night to a thief in my master's great manor.~ he said calmly.

Before Mikado, the youth was running through the house holding a lantern and looking around for the source of his unease. ~I hadn't heard him enter, nor had I seen him...but I knew he was there...~ Sure enough from the shadows emerged a large man and he gave the youth a sympathetic look.

~That...was the first time I had recieved kindness from a stranger. He stole not a single posession from my master. He stole me.~

~Stole you? Why? What for? Who was he?! Where did he take you?!~ Mikado asked, rapid firing questions, as usual.

Bakura laughed and Mikado could feel him smiling. ~He took me to his den of thieves. Trained me. Clothed me, fed me...he was the person solely responsible for what I became.~ The image faded once more. It reformed on an image of Bakura at the age of what appeared to be twenty.

~Three years of training...and finally I had surprassed my teacher.~ Bakura was calmly walking down the bazaar. By the time he'd reached the end Mikado finally noticed why he'd walked so leisurely. He'd somehow stolen exactly fifteen satchels full of gold. ~I had become the king of all. The king of thieves. No guard nor tomb could hinder me. I was fast, strong, smart. I had learned to fight. I was cocky, but deservingly so. I had tackled the toughest of tomb traps as if they were mere child’s play.~ The images of his acts played by Mikado...and Bakura handled everything with catlike reflexes and fox like wit.

~No...I was so bold to even enter the palace of the great pharaoh....I stole from my own pharaoh's treasury. If he was going to leave it out like that...then it was fair game for a thief like me to steal it.~

~And after you were sired you got old and lazy, hm?~ Mikado asked, raising an eyebrow.

Bakura laughed. ~Not so much I...as the act. Vampires are faster...more stealthy than humans. It wasn't even a challenge anymore. It was like catching fish from a barrel.~

~That day, I bought myself a beautiful coat of color. Colored material was rare, and the color struck me as perfect. I'd make it easier for those fools to see me. Perhaps then they'd catch me.~ More tombs were robbed, and even WITH his brilliant coat, the guards always lost sight of the thief.

~Alas...Those guards were stupid as hell. All muscle and not a wit between them.~ Bakura was snickering from his perch above the guards silently.

Mikado slowly smiled in amusement. ~You were horrible...~

~I was a hell raiser. Much like you.~ he said and once again Mikado could feel Bakura's grin.

~I taunted those guards nightly, It wasn't but common knowledge. I tried the pharaoh's patience nightly. They didn't even have to guess where I was going. By the end of that year, I was writing them warnings and sending them to the pharoh himself. Just DARING them to try to catch me. I was cocky. I was the great thief king. I was on top of the world. There was not a thing in this world that I could not have for my own. Nothing that I, the great king of thieves could not steal.~

~So... what finally happened?~ Mikado asked. ~... Itemri?~

~I had never noticed him.~ Bakura said after a moment. ~I was always alert...but the stealth of a vampire is far superior to even the human senses. If a vampire does not want seen, he will not be seen.~ That's when the scenes replayed for Mikado...it was then that he too noticed. ~He had been watching me for a long time...I had unknowingly stolen something I did not want. I had stolen his admiration.~

A shudder ran down Mikado's spine when he saw Itemri watching Bakura through many of his... misadventures. He closed his eyes briefly, reminding himself that this was a memory... not Itemri himself.

~Itemri, timeless of the South. One of the original four damned. He had never sired a human, despite his age. Humans were imperfect...unworthy. He'd observed his vast kingdom of the south for thousands of years and not once did he find a human worthy. Not until his eyes caught sight of me, and his ears caught wind of my deeds.~

The image grew dark. ~He watched me...watched me from your age. Years his eyes were on me, his ears listening to my deeds and the beat of my heart. I was his perfect human; I was the SOLE human he thought 'worthy' of being his heir. He grew obsessed. To this day he still thinks of his perfect childe...~ The image took up in Mikado's room the week previous.

~That day, his hypnosis took even me, as I shoved you out that door...~ Bakura said softly. ~He willed that I feed from him...and that is what caused the Blood Rage. He thought YOU unworthy to be with his 'perfect' childe. Unfit to grace my life with happiness. And so he filled me with his rage....and left me to kill you myself.~

Mikado wrapped his arms around himself and shuddered. ~... so what, do I have to prove myself or something before he'll leave me alone?!?~

Bakura snorted. ~He'll never accept you. He watched thousands before he 'chose' me.~ The image cleared to a moonlit night, and Bakura was sleeping calmly in an oasis. ~This was the night he took me...he took me before Ra even touched the sky...~

Mikado watched with wide eyes as a dark figure appeared out of nowhere, standing over Bakura. Slowly, the figure knelt, then lunged, pinning Bakura's hands down and going for his neck.

Bakura snapped awake in an instant and struggled with the vampire, kicking him off and rolling to get to his feet, drawing the very dagger that Mikado had taken an interest in and throwing it into the vampire's shoulder.

The vampire all but brushed it off and slowly walked towards Bakura. "Fight all you like." Came the sneering voice that made Mikado shudder. "You always were a fighter."

Bakura stared in shock at the man that was walking towards him, completely taken aback by the fact that he was acting as though he'd never been stabbed at all! Bakura backed up, shaking away his shock and drawing a pair of daggers and crouching, daring the vampire to near him further.

"Stay back you creature..." he hissed. "I do not know what you are...but you are not meant to be here.."

"Neither are you..." Itemri hissed. "You are above these disgusting mortals. It is past time that you rise above them and become their true superior."

Bakura snorted. "You are no god… and I will make no pact with you. I am mortal, and I enjoy my mortality."

"You do not have a choice in this. I have searched for thousands of years for my heir. And you are the only one to be worthy. I will not allow you to walk away."

Bakura growled backing up a bit more. "Then I will cut you down and leave you." Bakura warned. "I will not be taken by a demon. Especially one such as you."

Itemri smirked. "You may try."

Bakura growled and charged swiftly forward slashing Itemri with one dagger, and plunging the other deep into his stomach. He'd teach THIS bastard to sneak up on a sleeping thief.

Itemri calmly removed the dagger and tossed it aside. "Care to try again, Kurah-Akeifa?"

Bakura merely stared. "What are you?" he hissed backing up, only one dagger, and his katars remaining. "Why do you not die?!"

"It is a powerful gift... a gift that I am going to give to you..." Itemri said with a grin, moving towards Bakura.

Bakura once again leapt back and growled though it was easy to tell he was becoming frightened by this man who seemingly wouldn't die. "I do not take gifts from demons. Keep it to yourself. I would rather die than be connected to the likes of you."

"Ah, but die you shall. And yet, live forever..." Itemri said, and suddenly, he was right in front of Bakura and holding his wrists tightly.

Bakura yelped and struggled. "Let me go, by Ra's name let me go!" he howled trying to stab Itemri with his remaining dagger in hand.

But Itemri twisted Bakura's wrist, forcing him to drop the dagger, and sunk his fangs into the thief's throat, beginning to drain him quickly.

Bakura struggled fiercely, even as his vision began to blur, and his eyes dulled. Finally his legs gave out beneath him and he fell into Itemri's grasp as the timeless continued draining him.

Mikado watched, frowning slightly... he wished HIS Bakura were there to hold him... he didn't like being near even the memory of Itemri... He watched the Bakura of the past slip from Itemri's fingers and fall to the sand. A moment later, the timless knelt and cut his wrist, letting his blood drip into Bakura's mouth.

But even as he was laying there dying, Bakura struggled to spit the blood out. "No...." he forced out weakly. He was defiant and trying to die before Itemri could sustain him.

Itemri forced his wrist against Bakura's lips so he couldn't spit the blood out, and then pinched his nose so he couldn't breathe, forcing him to drink.

Bakura struggled feebly choking slightly, finally too weak to struggle he gave in to the blood dripping into his throat.

"Pay no attention to the pain. It is death, nothing more." Itemri said in a bored tone.

Bakura shook his head, lifting his hands weakly to shove at Itemri's wrist. No...no! He couldn't die! Not like THIS! Not in the early moments before Ra was born again into the sky.

Itemri’s laughter pierced the silence of the desert. “You will never see your precious Sun God again.”

Bakura winced and struggled weakly. ~N....no...~ Itemri could hear his childe's cries as their mental bond was beginning to form. It wouldn't be much longer before the sun rose...
Itemri scooped the thief up into his arms as he began to change, and disappeared, getting him to safety for the day.

The thief king passed out in Itemri's arms....and woke at dusk confused, disoriented, hungry and in a strange place. Said strange place was an abandoned home in a nearby abandoned village. It had had once been inhabited...but now was a town of ghosts...
Itemri was standing over him. He bit his own wrist and knelt, forcing Bakura to drink.

"You must feed on the blood of the living if you are to survive. I will give you your first meal, but after tonight, you are on your own, Thief King." The vampire growled. "You must learn everything else on your own. You will only survive as long you DESERVE to. If you wish to live to be a decent age, you will need to learn many techniques, such as hypnosis, preternatural speed, strength and agility, as well as enhanced sight, smell and hearing. The older you get, the better these skills will get. Fire will destroy you, as will sunlight, or being pierced through the heart. And at your young age, you can also starve to death. Is this all clear?"

Bakura looked dazed as he fed quite hungrily (as all fledglings do) from Itemri. ~I...dont understand...~ his mind was reeling. What was happening? What was all of this...?

"You are immortal. Like myself. A vampire. There is much to learn, but you must learn it on your own. Only one more peice of knowledge will I pass on to you. You are my heir... And YOU are to sire more like yourself... more vampires. You will continue my Bloodline. To create another such as ourselves, you drink their blood, just as you would to feed. Drain them to the point of death, but stop before they die... Then, you must force them to feed from YOU. Your vampire blood will change them... and make them one of us. This is your purpose. The reason I made you..."

Bakura stared wide eyed before glaring. ~Never.~

Itemri chuckled, standing. "You will understand someday. And now I leave you. Good luck. If anyone can survive and thrive, you can." He said, and bowed before disappearing, leaving his newborn all alone.

Bakura groaned and sat up, looking around confusedly growling. "Bastard..." he hissed. "If this is truly what has become of me...then I will be a disappointment. I wouldn't force this fate on anyone...ever!" he howled furiously.

Mikado could feel Bakura smiling. ~I never did either.~

Mikado smiled. ~You sure were a spitfire, hm?~

~Much like a certain little Agent I know...~ Mikado blinked as the images faded and he returned to reality. Bakura was hugging him close. "That... is how I came to be." he cooed. "I've told no one... except my journals..."

Mikado snickered. "The ones Lillith read?"

Bakura snorted. "Don’t piss me off."

Mikado smiled. "You need to loosen up."

Bakura offered his wrist to Mikado once more. "Shut up and eat brat."

Mikado snickered and began to feed again, eyes sparkling in amusement.

Bakura sighed and shook his head nuzzling Mikado. "Spoiled rotten... but I'd have you no other way." he cooed kissing Mikado's forehead.

Mikado smiled and sighed. ~Good... I love you...~

Bakura smiled. ~I love you too.~ he held Mikado close. ~Once I know you're recovered... you and I can go with the servants to the city... they're excited at the prospect of spending their reward money."

Mikado sighed. ~And I think we have some explaining to do before the Council...~

~Oh?~

~Um... yeah...~ Mikado said. ~A LOT of explaining...~

Bakura blinked. ~....What'd you do?~

~Well, how about them finding me lying on the ground outside with a shattered skull after being tossed off of the balcony?~ Mikado asked.

Bakura winced. ~ouch.~

~Yeah. Ouch. And that was after you took my cross and ring...~ Mikado said. ~Honestly... that hurt more...~

Bakura nuzzled Mikado. "I'm sorry about that." he cooed lovingly.

Mikado finally withdrew, wiping his mouth. "I forgive you..." He said softly, blinking and giving a little burp.

Bakura laughed at that. "Manners Mikado."

"Scuse me..." the boy mumbled.

Bakura shook his head but cuddled his childe. "You're adorable."

Mikado flushed, but smiled and cuddled into his sire, yawning, eyes drooping.

Bakura picked Mikado back up and stood slowly. "For now, sleep." he cooed.

Mikado nodded, letting his eyes drift closed and he snuggled into Bakura's chest with a sigh.


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

OMG, I can't beleive I left ya'll with such an AWFUL cliffhanger! Can you ever forgive me?! I have been SO bad at updating, I am so ashamed of myself. I am going to A-Kon 20 this weekend, and I promise, another update will be coming when I get back. Hope you enjoyed this one!!!