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 37

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Mikado was in such a deep sleep, that not even Ahmose pounding on the door woke him. But it sure woke Bakura.

Bakura groaned and pulled on a robe standing and answering the door. "WHAT?!"

"The sun is down. Marik, Malik and Ryou are at the Vatican. They have sent for us to come immediately. We ride against Seto, TONIGHT."

Bakura groaned and sighed. "Alright..." he grumbled and shut the door. "Mikado... get up." he said walking over and gently shaking his childe. "Mikado... it's time."

"Nmph." Mikado grunted, but other than that, didn't move.

Bakura groaned and shook him again. "WAKE UP!" he roared. "It's time to get Seto!"

Mikado just made a face and curled up tighter. The door opened and Ahmose walked in.

"Allow me." He said. He stuck a finger in his mouth, wetting it, then stuck it into Mikado's ear.

"EEEEYAAAAAHH!!!" Mikado screamed, thrashing and smacking at Ahmose's hand. "OH GOD OH GOD OH GOD!!!!" He shuddered several times, sticking his own finger in his ear and twisting it around frantically, making a face. Ahmose chuckled.

"There." He said, and headed for the door.

"I HATE YOU!!!" Mikado shouted after him, shuddering again.

Bakura chuckled. "You had your chance to wake up." he said dressing. "We're going. The Elites are riding tonight."

Mikado shuddered again. "I HATE IT when he does that! He used to do that to me every DAY when we were little!!!!"

Bakura smirked. "Well, now I know how to wake you up."

Mikado's eyes widened. "Oh, HELL no!"

"Oh yes." Bakura said pulling Mikado into a hug and chuckling. "So you might want to work on getting up before I have to start doing that."

Mikado whined loudly. "Stop whining and let's GO!" Ahmose howled, poking his head into the room.

Bakura chuckled more and helped Mikado get ready. "He's just in a hurry because his demon's missing. He didn't get any last night."

Mikado snorted, but smiled and shook his head, getting dressed. Ahmose was downstairs waiting for them. Bakura got on Strigoi, and Ahmose rode behind Mikado on Geist, and the three headed for the Vatican. Once there, they were sent to the Council Chambers. It was filled with Elite. Pegasus had been put in charge of the whole operation, so everyone had their eyes on him. Bakura, Mikado and Ahmose entered. Everyone was finally there. Mikado moved over to Nikolas and Aiden as Pegasus began to lay out the mission.

Ryou was nuzzled up against Marik, half asleep. He'd tuckered himself out earlier that day and was quite content now. Malik was snickering about Marik's new love-pup, the Elites were all eagerly paying attention to the plan and Otogi eagerly greeted Mikado. "Pegasus told me to tell you back line ONLY. NO exception."

Mikado scowled, indignantly. "Like HELL!!!" He hissed back.

"Watch your mouth, Mikado." Pegasus said suddenly, then went back to his talk, as if he'd known in advance Mikado would curse.

Mikado's eyes widened and many Agents chuckled at him. He scowled and crossed his arms, pouting.

Bakura shook his head and hugged Mikado. "Don’t pout... it makes you look childish." He purred. "You'll get your time."

Mikado grumbled. "Damn straight I will... You can count on it!!!" Nikolas' eyes sparkled in amusement at the fledgling. Finally, Pegasus completed the briefing, and everyone had half an hour to meet in the courtyard. A carriage was ready to bear Nikolas, Mikado and Bakura during the day, but during the night Mikado and Ahmose rode together to get Geist used to Ahmose, as the elder brother would be riding him alone when the younger had to retire to the carriage at sunrise.

"Geist, this is Ahmose..." Mikado was saying, as if the horse could understand him. Ahmose offered the young stallion an apple. "He's my brother and he's gonna ride you during the day.

The stallion however ate the apple and snorted. 'Like hell he will.'

Ahmose smiled and stroked Geist's neck. "Well... he isn't Nakhti. But he will more than satisfy my... transportation needs... He's magnificent, Mikado." Mikado beamed.

"Bakura bred him. Strigoi is his sire!!!" He announced.

"That explains it, then." Ahmose chuckled.

Bakura chuckled at that while brushing Strigoi's neck. "Don’t give Geist an ego. You'll regret it." he warned. Geist simply snorted at Ahmose and walked away from him to nibble grass.

Mikado laughed. "It's the courtyard, Geist. You won't find anything!!!" He turned though, when Pegasus came over. "Good evening, sir."

Pegasus nodded. "Back line ONLY." He reiterated. "I mean it Mikado. You'll just get in the way."

Mikado scowled. "I will NOT!!!" He insisted, stamping a foot. "Come on, I've got a stake in this!!!"

Pegasus gave Mikado a look. "You're too young. Both physically and as a vampire. you'll be a burden on the battlefield." he said firmly. "You're too weak to help."

"I am NOT!!!" Mikado cried, looking highly insulted. “I have a stake in this fight, Pegasus, I--"

"If you don't listen to your elders, you're going to end up with a stake in your CHEST, Mikado." Ahmose said, holding Geist's reins.

Bakura nodded slightly. "Mikado..." he hugged him slightly. ~You'll get your revenge on Itemri. I promise.~ he said smiling. "For now... just agree with Pegasus." he added knowingly.

Mikado scowled. "But--"

"No." Ahmose said firmly. “I have more of a stake in this then you. Seto has Yami. He has raped us both." Mikado's eyes widened, not knowing this. "He forced Yami to rape me, and to hurt people. I will kill him myself."

"NO!!!" Dartz yelped. "You cannot kill him!!! He's an AGENT!!!" Ahmose and Bakura turned, glaring at THAT.

Bakura growled at that. "Agent or not, he cannot get off Scot free. There are repercussions for all actions, and I will not be happy at all if he suffers no punishment for his actions."

Dartz shook his head. "The Amulet he wears is evil." He explained. "As your friend Malik was affected by the book that Ryou brought us, so Seto is being affected. All he has done... it is not Seto... It is the amulet. We are to recover Seto alive and well, and rehabilitate him. He is a powerful Agent and very valuable to the Vatican."

Ryou sighed and cuddled up to Marik more but it was easy to pick up his distress at that.

Bakura snorted. "It's a bad idea." He growled.

"He's a good man." Dartz insisted. "If you do not wish to follow this order, you may stay behind."

Bakura chuckled at that. "If I stay behind, there is nothing between you and the Timeless." He said calmly. "And you'll already be pushing your luck with Seto."

Mikado sighed. "Bakura... Dartz is right. Seto is a good man. I knew him long ago. He was once Pegasus' Apprentice, just as I was... Please..."

Bakura snorted. "We will see."

Mikado smiled and kissed Bakura's cheek. "I love you."

Malik rolled his eyes. "Are we leaving or what?" he said impatiently. "I have a home I'd like to get back to until winter's over." he shivered. It always felt like it was warmer among his family.

Marik chuckled.

"MOUNT UP!!!" Pegasus called, and the Agents all mounted their horses. Nikolas told the driver's seat of the vampire carriage, and Mikado and Ahmose hopped onto Geist. Marik and Ryou curled up together in their halfway forms on the roof of the thing, while Aiden and Malik rode their elven trained horses on either side of the carriage. Mikado, as ordered, took up the rear with Bakura to keep him company.

As the night progressed, Ryou cuddled up in the blankets Marik and he'd been provided and gave his lover a look. "I don’t like this. The fur itches." he said after a moment.

Marik smiled. "You'll get used to it. It's because you're so fluffy. When you get older, you'll become more... sleek, and it will itch less. But you're warm, aren't you?" He asked, wagging his tail.

Ryou's ears tilted back. "At the expense of being called fluffy."

Marik nuzzled Ryou. "All pups are fluffy." He said. "Especially in winter. And you're still young enough to be a pup."

Ryou let out a highpitched whine. "Stop calling me fluffy!"

"Okay. Sexy." Marik snickered.

Ryou groaned. "I'm going to be hearing about that for a while... aren't I?"

Marik blinked, then laughed. "You have ALWAYS been sexy to me, Ryou."

Ryou nuzzled Marik and shivered. "I wish I was home...by the fireplace."

Marik smiled. "And soon, you will be. And while you curl up by the fire, I will be building us our own little house."

Ryou blushed. "Marik...I have to spend my days in the church." he said softly. "I cant just move out....provided I can even go home..." he drooped at that.

Marik blinked, then whined, laying his ears back. "Who SAYS you have to live in the church?! Not all priests live in their churches!!!"

"I PROMISED to!" Ryou said sternly. "Remember? I promised never to leave my church! You and Malik kidnapped me!"

Marik sighed. "Ryou... why would you even WANT to keep that promise? Especially when you're half elf! You know you could live for over a thousand years, right?! Your church may not even be STANDING a hundred years from now! You made a promise that you could NEVER keep."

"OF course I dont have to keep it if the church falls into disrepair and the funds aren't sufficient to repair it, or if the reasons for it are no longer existant. Marik I promised to stay with the church as long as I cold. Most priests make an oath to their church."

"Why did you have to make THAT one?!" Marik cried.

Ryou beamed with pride. "Because my mother made it too. I love my little church."

Marik rolled his eyes and rested his chin on his paws, muttering.

Ryou made a face. "I heard that." he said curling up.

Marik snorted, curling up around Ryou and nuzzling him. Nikolas was smiling lightly, having heard the whole thing, as was Mikado, Malik and Bakura, and all thought it was adorably amusing.

Malik rolled his eyes. "Are we sure it's a good idea to bring cuddle-bugs?" he said amused.

Nikolas chuckled. "The cuddle bugs have the best sense of smell, and they have sharp teeth."

"Yeah... cept that runty one." Malik teased. "He cant even walk."

"Give the poor thing time. He just became a werewolf." Nikolas pointed out. "Don't be mean, it's probably terribly traumatizing. Like becoming a vampire against your will..."

Ryou however, despite that conversation piped up softly. "... I’m hungry."

Everyone in earshot chuckled. An Agent turned, pulling a roll and some dried meat from his saddle bag and placed it on the roof of the carriage.

Ryou blinked and sniffed it before snapping it up and chewing quietly.

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

"I wanted him out of the way. I sent you to make sure Elu got rid of him! And you turned him into a werewolf and let him get away?!" Seto shouted at the werewolves before him.

The wolves all looked upset. "It wasn't on purpose!" one said. "He was struggling and calling for help! The other elves were gaining on us! We had to shut him up somehow!"

"So you slit his THROAT!!!" Seto roared.

"We didn't exactly have knives ON us!" Another wolf argued.

"You had TEETH!!! People only become werewolves if they SURVIVE the bite!!!" Seto howled. Itemri looked up, slightly annoyed at how noisy Seto was... he was trying to read, dammit...

"It wasn't OUR job to kill him!" another argued. "Our job was to make sure Elu did! Well he didn't! We did what we could Seto, but we're no match for elves!"

Seto snorted. "You're hardly a match for anyone..." He snapped. "Get out of my sight."

Itemri snickered softly as the wolves scuttled from the room. "They're riding against you now." he said after a moment, flipping the page of his book. "Soon they'll arrive, if left unhindered."

"I know they will." Seto said. "Time to slow them up." And he sat down, closed his eyes, and concentrated.

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No one was watching when the sleeping Ryou suddenly began to shrink...

Ryou however woke only moments later and blinked. '...oh not again...' he chittered. Sitting next to Marik... was a beautiful white squirrel.

Marik blinked at the noise and lifted his head up. He stared at the squirrel and his eyes widened and hackles raised. "SQUIRREL!!!!" He barked, and leapt at the thing, changing to his wolf form.

Ryou squealed and darted forward, leaping onto Nikolas' head and darting down his body into the snow. 'HELP! MARIK STOP IT STOP IT STOP!'

Marik charged after the squirrel, knocking the startled Nikolas off of the carriage.

"MARIK?!" Mikado yelped, watching as Marik chased the little squirrel all through the ranks of Agents and causing chaos. Startled horses were bucking and shying, several Agents went flying, and a few horses fled.

Ryou chittered in terror and made a beeline for the only protection he could think of. Ahmose and Mikado. He darted up Geist's leg, up Ahmose's leg and hid in his hair.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!?" Ahmose yelped, immediately wiggling around and thrashing, falling from the prancing horse, who reared slightly with a neigh. Marik was immediately on Ahmose, his head in his shirt, trying to find the squirrel. "GET OFF!!! GET HIM OFF OF ME!!!!"

Ryou darted into Ahmose's shirt at that and worked his way southward.

"JESUS!!! GET HIM OFF GET HIM OFF!!!" Ahmose screamed, and then suddenly, he shrunk. A moment later, TWO squirrels darted off, one white, one black. Marik went NUTS, going after the black squirrel, since HE was easier to see in the snow.

Ryou skittered off and darted up Malik's horse and hid in the elf's hair, panting and chittering in fear.

Ahmose headed for Malik too, and soon Marik had tackled HIM from his horse!!!

Ryou yelped and hurried from Malik, making a beeline for Pegasus....

Ahmose squeaked and dashed for Bakura.

Bakura gave Ahmose a look and snatched him mid leap, holding him by the tail. "I KNOW you weren't thinking of climbing around on me." he said sternly and tossed Ahmose aside looking quite pissed at having even had to SAY he didn't want to be part of THIS spectacle.

But too late... Marik had leapt for the squirrel that had been dangling in Bakura's hand and the next thing the vampire knew, he was flat on his back in the snow while Marik bounced up and down, barking up a tree.

Bakura growled and snatched Marik by his ears and flipped him to the ground holding him there by the neck. "YOU!" he growled furiously. "CALM the fuck DOWN before I KILL you!" he howled.

Marik let out a loud yelp and squirmed, as Ahmose the squirrel scolded him loudly from high above the ground.

Bakura growled. "Change back to normal." he hissed, twisting Marik's ears painfully.

Marik yelped and changed to his halfway form.

Bakura growled again. "Are you going to chase squirrels anymore?" he said warningly

Marik whined, staring desperately up at the black squirrel, and also looking at the white squirrel up another tree after Pegasus tossed it away.

Bakura picked Marik's head up by the ears and slammed it back into the snow. "ARE YOU!?"

"YIPE!!!" Marik yelped.

"Bakura!" Mikado gasped. "Calm down!!!"

Bakura snorted. "He's got the mind of a dog, and the only thing that he needs is a good thrashing." he said glaring at Marik. "Well? Are you going to chase the squirrels anymore?"

Marik whined again. "It's what dogs DO, Bakura!!!" Mikado insisted. "Let him go! AHMOSE!!! Get down here and stop teasing him!!!"

Bakura growled at Marik and picked him up by his neck. "If you EVER tackle me trying to get a squirrel again...I'll send you to the glue factories." he hissed and tossed Marik aside giving him a look that said 'go ahead, try me.'

Marik yelped and rolled, but then whirled and went for the white squirrel, as he was lower to the ground than Ahmose.

Ryou squeaked and hurried farther up the tree. 'stop Marik! Stop!'

Marik bounced up and down, tail flying about wildly, barking up the tree at little Ryou the squirrel, while Mikado tried to get Ahmose out of the OTHER tree.

After about five minutes in the tree however, Ryou began chittering angrily down at Marik. Within ten minutes the tables turned when his temper got the best of him, and the little white squirrel came barreling down the tree and launched itself onto Marik's face, biting and clawing.

Marik let out a yelp and tossed his head, sending the little squirrel flying. Ahmose chittered out his own cheering encouragement, then darted down his tree, and the next thing everyone knew, Marik was fleeing from two little squirrels, yelping in confusion.

Ryou however, was the squirrel from hell. He latched onto Marik's tail and BIT his way up it, clinging to Marik's back by his claws, and biting down every inch he could get his little paws on. 'I'll teach YOU to chase me around!' he squealed. Squirrely Wrath.

Marik yelped and flopped down into the snow, rolling around and almost crushing the poor the squirrel, until Ahmose took a flying leap onto his belly. Then, Marik let out a howl of distress and headed for the Agents, crying for help.

However the Agents did what they could to avoid the wolf barreling towards them with enraged squirrels attacking it.

Dartz looked at Pegasus. "... Can we just shoot him? Please?"

Pegasus chuckled. "Sure."

Dartz grinned in amusement, then sighed and turned to the pair of Stalkers. "Take him down, please. Just... put him on a leash or something..."

Malik was laughing softly however. "Ryou's just pissed." he said after a moment. "Once Ahmose calms down I'm sure he can change him back." he pointed to the white squirrel.

Ryou bit down harshly on Marik's ear.

Marik yelped and tossed his head, whining and pawing at Ryou. Ahmose just sat on Marik's back, clinging.

Fifteen minutes later, Ryou finally fell from Marik, exhausted.
Marik whirled with a whine and sniffed at him, whimpering slighly. He laid his ear back and Ahmose leapt off of Marik's back and crouched over Ryou, chittering a warning. Marik growled, and a moment later Ahmose had changed to a black wolf, unfurling great black feathered wings and arching them in a threatening manner.

Ryou curled up under Ahmose and panted softly, completly worn out. He buried his little face in his tail and shivered from the cold, and fear of what Marik would do. He apparently had no control over attacking his own mate if said mate turned into a squirrel.

Marik just blinked at Ahmose, surprised. He cocked his head, curious, but backed down. Ahmose furled his wings, and returned to his human body, crouching naked in the snow. "What the hell are you thinking?!" He demanded, shaking in anger, and the cold. He scooped Ryou up and held him to his chest, trying to keep the little thing warm.

Bakura snorted and walked forward offering Ahmose his cloak. "He's a dog. He's fucking stupid." he grumbled draping it over the naked sorcerer's shoulders.

"It's a squirrel!!!" Marik announced, changing to his halfway form.

Ahmose growled, then slapped Marik. "He's your MATE!!! Does that not matter to you?!" Marik blinked at that, shocked.

"... Ryou?!"

"YES!!!" Ahmose shouted, standing. "RYOU!!!"

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Stupid."

Ryou was staring at Marik, his little tail drooping as he shook with cold. He chittered sadly. His own mate hadn't... even known. He curled up closer to Ahmose's chest and wrapped his drooping tail around himself, burying his little head into the fur.

Ahmose just glared at Marik. "How could you NOT know?!"

"I woke up and saw a SQUIRREL!!!" Marik exclaimed, as if that explained everything. Mikado blinked at Malik.

Malik shrugged. "Werewolves are stupid like that when it comes to squirrels." he chuckled. "They just CAN’T resist chasing them… Especially Marik. He sees a squirrel, he goes nuts."

Mikado blinked, then snickered. "Ah. Come on, Ahmose. Cut him a break. If it had been a book, YOU would be chasing it." He teased. Ahmose gave his brother a dirty look. "And for God's sake, get dressed before you get frostbite in a VERY inconvenient place."

Ryou shivered more.

"Yeah... you should get dressed before Ryou freezes too. Squirrels aren't really supposed to be out in this weather." Bakura pointed out.

Ahmose turned, clutching his cloak tightly, and returned to his pile of clothing, dressing himself. He put Ryou in his empty belt pouch to keep warm. Marik was crouched down, whimpering.

Ryou shivered in the pouch, but soon warmed a bit and peeped out and chittered angrily at Marik, before ducking back inside and curling up quite comfortably.

Marik yelped and trotted over, nosing the pouch. "I don't think he wants to talk, Marik." Ahmose snorted, heading back over to Geist. Marik whined.

Malik whistled slightly. "Someone's in the doghouse, literally." he chuckled. "You're gonna have to kiss some major ass to make him wanna talk to you again after THAT mess."

Ryou however was completely content. He was beginning to get some of Ahmose's body heat and was in a cozy little warm paradise... now if only he had an acorn.

"How on EARTH did Ryou turn INTO a squirrel?!" Dartz asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Ahmose asked, giving the man a look. "Seto did it. He knows we're coming."

Malik nodded. "Ryou's the only half elf other than Aiden who could possibly take his amulet." he added. "He's trying to be rid of him before Ryou gets the chance."

Ahmose snorted. "He's an ass... Ryou? You want me to change you back?" Ahmose asked, looking down at his belt pouch.

There was no response. Ryou had decided a nap would be a fine time-passer in his warm little nook.

Ahmose sighed. "Let's keep moving." He said.

The group slowly managed to regroup, and once again began on their way.

But only two hours later Mikado, Bakura and Nikolas had to retire to the carriage. Bakura tied Strigoi to the back of the carriage, and Mikado slid off of Geist, letting his brother scoot up and take the reins.

Bakura smiled and pulled Mikado into a hug and smiled. ~Try to get a lot of sleep. Are you hungry?~

~A bit, yes.~ Mikado confessed. ~But I fed well last night, hunting on my own...~

Bakura kissed his cheek, helping him into the carriage before beginning to move the seats and place bedding on the floor while Nikolas covered the windows. ~I can feed you if you want Mikado... I've more than enough.~

~You sure?~ Mikado asked, helping arrange things.

Bakura nodded. ~Of course.~ Bakura said calmly. ~I overfed, expecting you to be a bit hungry during the trip.~ he admitted smirking.

Mikado flushed. ~Oh. Um... okay... thanks.~

~A Sire's gotta look after his beloved childe.~ Bakura cooed as he pulled down the blankets and pillows, taking off his shoes and coat. ~Now take off your boots and cloak before you dirty the bedding.~

Mikado rolled his eyes. "Yes, daddy." He said, and Nikolas snickered.

"Don’t make 'daddy' spank you in front of your little friends." Bakura chuckled.

Mikado snorted, removing his cloak, belt and boots, as did Nikolas. "Mmf." Mikado said, burying his face into a pillow.

Bakura laid next to Mikado and hugged him biting his wrist and offering it to his hungry childe.

Mikado latched on and sighed, relaxing as Bakura pulled the blankets over them. They both settled in, as did Nikolas. Mikado soon drifted off, his lips still on Bakura's wrist.

Once Mikado fell asleep, Bakura pulled his wrist away and followed, spooning his lover.

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

Seto snorted and opened his eyes. "It's ridiculous, how Bakura coddles that childe of his..."

Itemri growled. "He wont be able to much longer... it's bad for him." he growled. "Loving is slowing him down... making him weak."

"It will make them both weak." Seto said.

"I could care less how weak his childe is. I'm going to kill the little worm soon enough." Itemri said sourly. "Akeifa however, cannot be weak. He is perfect, and that childe of his is ruining him... making him move to be unfit to be my heir."

"Why not just make another?" Seto asked. "You said that you made Bakura to sire a bloodline... but he hasn't done it..."

"I searched for many thousand years to find a mortal WORTHY of being my heir." Itemri said calmly. "I do not think I will find another. As for siring more... I can... persuede him." he said eyes flashing. "I suppose it's time I intervened with him and forced my will upon him"

Seto chuckled. "You mean like you did before?" He asked.

"There is a difference between a Blood Rage and hypnosis." Itemri said snorting. "Blood Rage should have been enough... but I underestimated his recovery."

Seto grinned. "Obviously. And now?"

"And now I merely need to seperate those two... and corner my childe uninterrupted..." Itemri said darkly. "Then he will be under my power."

Seto laughed. "Those two seem to be inseperable!!!"

Itemri grumbled. "I'm sure you could offer a suitable distraction...if it meant a second powerful vampire at your side."

Seto chuckled. "I'll send Yami out. Mikado is... impulsive. I'll have Yami cause trouble and lure Mikado after him." He stood. "We will have Mikado within the next two days."

Itemri nodded. "Once I can separate my childe from his... he will be my pawn, and you may use him as you wish for this war." he said quite pleased. "I'm sure he could sire many nice vampires from the scum at the Vatican."

Seto snorted. "We don't need anyone from the Vatican. Then we'll have a bunch of undead Agents running around."

Itemri chuckled. "I will not waste talent, human will can be changed..." he said calmly. "And IF a human seems worthy, then he will be sired. Though I will not count my chickens that much will be unearthed from the Vatican."

Seto snorted. "Good." He said, standing. "I will go send Yami out."

Itemri nodded. "Thank you." he said curteously. "If this plan works, you are near assured victory."

Seto grinned. "Of course I am." He said, and left the room, bursting into Yami's room. "Wake up!!!"

Yami groaned and sat up slowly. "Gods do you have to be so loud?" he grumbled rubbing his head. "Ugh...I feel like I've been hit by a bull...stupid headache..."

"I have a job for you." Seto said with a smirk.

Yami growled at that. "Too bad."

Seto laughed. "Need I remind you that you have no choice?" He asked, and his amulet flashed.

Yami let out an unearthly shriek as he tried to fight off Seto's magic, which startled poor Yugi, who'd hidden when the door had opened. The demon prince yowled in fury before Seto noticed the blue glow beneath the bandages on Yami's injured hand.

Seto blinked, confused. He slowly walked over to Yami. "Let me see your hand." He ordered.

However, too busy trying to resist Seto's will, Yami made no move to give Seto his hand. However he was too preoccupied to even notice Seto snatching his hand to examine.

Seto frowned, examining it closely. Yugi watched, silently.

Beneath the bandages the hand had healed and in the center of the hand glowing brightly were several shards of the damaged amulet. They had lay dormant in the demon's hand until Seto had tried to overcome the demon...and now they were glowing brightly.

Seto frowned, trying to figure out what affect they were having on Yami. He looked at the demon prince.

It seemed the more he resisted, the brighter the glow became, until finally the prince’s wings drooped. He gave Seto a wicked smirk, his eyes glowing red and his face showing pure evil bliss. "How can I help you?" he hissed.

Seto blinked, startled at THIS change... he attributed it to the shards in Yami's hand. "You are to go out and find the Agent party marching against me. Do whatever you can to cause chaos. But the Journeyman, Mikado... You are to see that he follows you. If he doesn't you will bring him by force. Bring him here. Is that clear?" Seto asked.

Yami chuckled and nodded. "Alright." he said standing and folding his wings. "Where can I find them?"

Seto snorted. "A three day's march from here. Should only be a day's flight for you."

Yami nodded once more. "Alright then..." he looked to the door. "I will go then." he said after a moment. "Unless you have further instructions."

Seto shook his head. "No. Go."

Yami trotted out and once he was outside he spread his wings and shot off into the morning as quickly as his wings would carry him. Yugi crawled out from under the pillow, eyes wide and worried.

”… oh no…”

By nightfall, the demon prince had spotted the large group of Agents moving through the woods, Pegasus at the lead with Aiden and Dartz. Nikolas was again driving the carriage, and Marik had finally snatched Ryou from Ahmose's belt pouch and had curled up around the little squirrel, keeping the tiny creature warm with his own furry body.

Yami smirked and landed in a tree, several yards ahead. He sat in thought among the branches for a moment. He chuckled darkly when a delicious idea formed in his head. He snatched a leaf from the tree and pressed it to his lips whistling. Suddenly the path was filled with gremlins. He flicked his tail at the sight of his servants. "Hide... attack when I give the signal." he hissed.

The gremlins all saluted their sovereign and vanished into the air. Yami hopped out of the tree and looked at his hand, the shards glowing slightly. "You will help my magics..." he hissed and chanted a soft spell, before falling to the snow in the middle of the road. He appeared to be dead (or near it) and the snow was stained dark crimson with blood. His body was covered in deep gashes and bruising.

The party slowly came around the bed, but Pegasus reined his horse to a stop when he saw Yami.

"Oh God..." Dartz breathed, staring. He slowly got off of his horse, and with Pegasus, approached the demon prince. "... We must... stop Mikado's brother... from seeing this..." He said softly, kneeling.

Yami laid still, his spell hiding his breaths as he waited for the opportune moment. It came when Malik rounded the bend and saw. "OH SHIT!" he yelped horse rearing up in response to his shock. "YAMI!"

Ahmose's eyes widened and he immediately jumped from his brother's horse and ran forwards. Dartz looked at Pegasus. "He cannot see! He must change Ryou back! The boy is a priest, he... we must allow the demon... Last Rites..."

Pegasus stood. "Ahmose!" He said firmly. "We need Ryou to be human once more. Now." he said in a commanding tone. "Take no steps further until you've done this. It is imperitive that you listen."

Ahmose skidded to a stop, eyes wide. "What?! Why!!! Where's Yami!?" He demanded to know.

"Do it now!" Pegasus roared.

Ahmose whirled. "Marik! Let me have Ryou!!!" He shouted, running back to the carriage. Ahmose snatched Ryou from his nice warm and cozy spot and tossed him into the snow.

Ryou yelped and shook out blinking and looking terribly confused.

Bakura however frowned. ~Mikado... something is wrong here.~

~What? What do you mean?~ Mikado asked as Ahmose began to change Ryou back, the evil magic that had changed Ryou striking back at him, leaving slashes on the sorcerer's palms.

Bakura watched calmly. ~Do you not feel it? There is something very wrong...~ he warned. ~Be ready, should something happen.~

Ryou stretched once he was normal again. "What's going on?"

Ahmose frowned. "I don't know." He said as Marik helped Ryou up to dress. Mikado looked around warily, his hand on his sword.

Once he was dressed once more, Ryou gave Dartz a look. "What's going on?" he asked softly. Pegasus ushered him forward being careful to not let Ahmose see.

Ryou gasped and shook his head. "Oh no...."

"WHAT IS GOING ON!!!" Ahmose was shouting. "I'll turn you ALL into squirrels!!!"

Ryou looked back at Ahmose. "I..." he lowered his eyes. "You don’t want to know." he said softly.

"Yami got fucked up." Malik said calmly. "Real nasty."

Ahmose's eyes widened. "YAMI?!" He screamed, shoving Agents aside.

There lay the massive area of bloodstained snow, and the mangled body of his lover... motionless in the snow.

Ahmose's face went pale as he slowly made his way over to the body. "No..." He gasped. "Oh God, no..." He dropped to his knees in the snow and reached out a hand, laying it on Yami's face.

The flesh was still warm and Yami heaved a cough, barely opening his eyes, before closing them once more with a sigh of exhaustion.

Ahmose jumped. "Yami! You're alive!!!" He yelped, and quickly helped Yami sit up, resting him against his chest. "What happened?!"

Yami let out a painful whimper at being moved, and gasped. "Se... to..." he forced out slowly.

Ahmose winced. "It's okay..." He said softly, stroking Yami's cheek. "It's going to be okay..." He stood, the demon in his arms. Mikado looked at Bakura.

~I don't like this... you're right... something doesn't feel right...~

Bakura's eyes suddenly widened. ~He's not hurt.~ he said quickly. ~He's not bleeding! The only blood in the air is Ahmose's blood!~

Yami nuzzled into Ahmose's arms weakly, tail coiling around his waist. "Ahmose..."

Mikado whirled. "What?! AHMOSE!!! GET AWAY FROM HIM!!!"

Yami's tail pulled one of Ahmose's kris from his waist and he let out a loud shriek. Suddenly Gremlins were raining down upon the Agents and he cut Ahmose's arm deeply with the kris. "You need to die." he said smirking wickedly. "And Seto sent me to do it."

"AHH!" Ahmose yelped, jumping and dropping Yami. Mikado drew his sword and Geist whirled around, rearing back with an angry neigh, as did Strigoi. Both began striking at the attackers with their hooves.

Yami laughed and got up, charging Ahmose and hissing. "DIE!" he threw the kris at Ahmose, not needing the weapon.

Ryou whimpered. "Marik help!" he yelped, as gremlins swarmed over the Agents, and three were already on him, one pulling his hair, another knocking him to the ground while the third raised a large club, bringing it down on the poor priest's back.

Bakura and Nikolas were having their share of troubles as two gremlins carrying torches suddenly opened their mouths, spewing some fluid which caught fire and shot forward towards them. ~Mikado be careful of the fire!~ he said dodging as a third gremlin was sneaking behind Mikado, in an attempt to burn him.

Mikado turned and threw his belt knife, catching the gremlin between the eyes. Ahmose caught his Kris, but sheathed it, having every intention of taking Yami alive.

Yami grinned and tackled Ahmose to the ground snarling at him, before nimbly hopping off and up into a tree, disappearing among the foliage.

Moments later a whistle was heard, and more gremlins appeared, weilding swords, crossbows and more torches. Yami burst out of the trees and pointed to the Agents. "Wipe them from existance!" he commanded proudly. "Leave nothing standing!"

Ahmose growled, standing and pulling his Kris, whirling and killing seven gremlins with one sweep of his blades. Mikado fought from Geist's back beside Bakura, each watching the other's back.

Yami swooped down catching Ahmose's hair in his claws and pulling harshly, beating his lover with his wings to disrupt his fighting.

Marik was fighting a losing battle to keep Ryou safe, the poor priest badly beaten from the first wave of gremlins. Dartz and Pegasus were struggling with the flame-spitting gremlins as their horses were naturally afraid of fire. Even Malik couldn't kill them as fast as he'd have liked.

"ATTACK!!!" Came a sudden call, and the Agents all turned as horses came flooding out of the woods, bearing elven warriors. A cheer went up as gremlins were trampled beneathe the hooves of the elves' fearless mounts.

Yami snarled and leapt from Ahmose, back into the trees. This time there was no whistle however. This was a retreat.

"Get Mikado to follow you..." Seto hissed in Yami's mind.

Yami's eyes flashed and he stayed among the trees near the camp as his gremlins vanished, retreating back to the demon realm. Even the bodies vanished without a trace, leaving only the Agents, elves, and their wounds. He watched them growling softly, tail lashing as he thought. A moment later he dropped, as others had gathered to survey the damage of troops horses and carriage and smirked at Mikado, the Agent staying in back, as he'd been told.

The elves helped the Agents, two of them helping Ryou to his feet and checking him for injury while another checked Malik's arrow wound, which was bleeding. Mikado looked around, sighing. Ahmose leaned against a tree and slumped to the ground, his head in his hands.

Yami snickered and flared his wings, pulling a leaf from the trees once more. He blew it once more, and the shrill whistle was heard.

Everyone looked up and around, elves and Agents all with raised bows and arrows.

Their shadows seemed to pool and the earth shook beneath their feet ever-so-slightly. Suddenly three massive rock formations shot up from the ground, right in the middle of the grouping, toppling several horses and injuring several more elves that were crushed under said toppled horses.

The rocks shook and it became slowly clear... Golems.

Yami laughed wickedly, tail lashing. He knew Mikado would hear his chuckles...

Mikado did indeed. He turned, looking around with narrow eyes blazing red. Ahmose was on his feet instantly and attacking the golems with the Agents and Elves, while Marik and Malik got Ryou to safety. Finally, Mikado's eyes rested on Yami.

Yami smirked at him and flicked his tail, before leaping into the trees once more. Another whistle was heard and Yami dropped from the tree, running away, hoping to lure Mikado into chase.

"YAMI!!!" Mikado shouted, wheeling Geist around and kicking him. The large stallion neighed and charged forwards. Bakura did not see, as he was currently flying through the air, having been knocked right off of Strigoi by a Golem.

Yami chuckled and took to the air just as Mikado neared. "Awww little Agent missed me." he taunted swooping down to claw Mikado's face before launching back off of him and flying quickly away.

Mikado yelped and ducked, just barely missing getting his eye gouged out. "Dammit..." He hissed, kicking Geist again. The horse sped up.

Yami hissed turning back and once again swooping down and clawing at Mikado and ducking out of the way before the childe vampire could hurt him, further pissing off the Agent. "How'd it feel when Itemri raped you? He brags." he cackled.

Mikado's eyes flashed. "Damn you!" He shouted, pulling a knife from his boot.

Yami laughed more and shot forwards, being careful to stay out of throwing range. "He intends to keep Ahmose as a pet... he'll fuck him like he fucked you." he taunted. "That's what he's saying. Apparently you're not as good as brother dearest. Runt of the family perhaps? Is THAT why the Agents won’t let you near the battle?" he teased.

"I'LL NEVER LET HIM TOUCH MY BROTHER!!!!" Mikado screamed, hurling the knife with more force and accuracy than Yami would have EVER believed.

Yami yelped and dived quickly, dodging the knife literally by a hair. He turned back and snarled, speeding up. "Now now Mikado, you have to share, Now that I raped your brother... EVERYONE wants to!" he sneered.

"BASTARD!!!" Mikado screamed. "I'll kill you!!!" Geist neighed again, charging as fast as he could after Yami.

Yami continued taunting Mikado, urging him to follow. It was nearing dawn as he neared Seto's stronghold.

Mikado was obviously a bit nervous, knowing the sun was coming, but he was spurred on by his fury. Geist was exhausted. He had been running all out all night long. He was covered in sweat and foamed at the mouth around the bit.

Yami looked back and growled at Mikado, before swooping down and hurrying into the stronghold. He practically flew down the halls to Seto's room. "He's here." he said panting slightly.

Seto looked at Yami, then stood. "Well done. Let's catch our foolish Agent, then."

But Mikado had never crossed the stone bridge. He stared at the thing, eyes wide. His heart dropped when he realized that THIS was where Seto was hiding. He had been lured here like a fool... but worst of all, Itemri was there, too...

But he'd been wrong. Itemri hadn't been inside at all, and he'd discovered how wrong he was when he was flipped harshly off his horse and held by his wrists by Itemri himself. "If it isn't my childe's dirty little sin." he snorted running his hand over Mikado's body, quickly relieving him of all weapons.

Mikado yelped and began thrashing desperately, overcome in his terror. "LET GO!!!" He cried, and Geist screamed angrily as demons took him away to be lodged with the other horses, including Ahmose's Nakhti.

Itemri laughed and slapped Mikado harshly across the face. "Stop your pathetic mewling." he said carrying the childe vampire across the stone bridge. "I could do away with you... right here." he said looking up as dawn was beginning to break. "I could leave you tied to the bridge... and watch you burn into nothing."

Mikado whimpered, struggling as hard as he could, but Itemri was like stone... Mikado couldn't break free. "Let me go!!!" He cried, shaking in his fear and fighting back tears.

Itemri laughed as he walked. "You're pathetic. How my perfect flawless childe saw anything in you is beyond me. Weak... pathetic... a crying mewling brat." he spat as he walked. "Well this is the end of you." he hissed. "I will not have you ruin MY proud bloodline with your miserable filthy blood."

"WHAT Bloodline?!" Mikado shouted. "In case you haven't noticed, Bakura and I are the ONLY Bloodline you HAVE!!!"

"That will change soon." Itemri chuckled. "It is high time I intervene with his impudence. He's been spoiled."

Mikado groaned. "SPOILED?! YOU SIRED HIM AND ABANDONED HIM!!!" He shouted, struggling.

Itemri smirked. "Continue struggling like this and I'll rape you before I kill you."

Mikado froze instantly, but he growled. "Like you weren't going to in the first place?!" He hissed.

"You're too big of a crybaby." Itemri snorted. "I wasn't, but I can change my mind if you keep acting up." he growled at Mikado warningly. "Now shut the fuck up."

Mikado growled. He was still terrified, but he put on a brave face.

Itemri chuckled. "Once you're out of the way, I can coax my perfect Akeifa into making more suitable vampires... or force him to."

Mikado narrowed his eyes. "He would rather die..." He hissed. "He has NO desire to sire ANY one unwillingly..."

"Then I will force him." Itemri said rolling his eyes. "My hypnosis can easily capture him... it can capture any vampire I so desire. ESPECIALLY those of my blood."

Mikado growled again. "... Put me down."

Itemri gave Mikado a look before smirking and suddenly swinging the youth harshly against the side of the bridge and binding his wrists to it. "There. Down you are. And there you'll stay. ALL day." he smirked. "If you survive til night, perhaps I might go easier on you when I kill you." There was just enough shade provided by the slight overhang of the stone above him... that he might survive the day... MIGHT.

Mikado let out a shriek, staring down at the ravine below him. "Oh God!!!" He cried, going perfectly still and closing his eyes. "P-Pater noster, qui es in... in caelis, S-Sanctificetur n-nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum t-t-tuum..." Mikado began to stammer.

Itemri laughed at that. "Have a nice day." he cooed amused before walking into the stronghold... just moments before the sun began rising.

Meanwhile, the golems had been defeated, and everyone was preparing to continue the march. Nikolas was readying the carriage, as he, Bakura and Mikado had to retire.

Bakura however was looking around. "Mikado...?" He called looking worried. "Mikado! Come on! It's time to get inside!" he called louder. The closer it got to sunrise, the more he began to panic. "Mikado?!" he hurried among the troops. "Where is Mikado?!"

Everyone was looking around. It only took a few moments for them to realize that Mikado was not there.

Bakura shook his head. ~Mikado! Where are you?!~

His reply was hysterical crying and senseless babbling.

~Mikado calm down!~ Bakura barked. ~Where are you?! It's almost dawn!~

~Oh God!! I... I know!!! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I... I never should have... He... Oh GOD!!!!~ The boy was crying. ~I love you, Bakura... I'm so sorry!~

Bakura frowned. ~Mikado where are you? You need to get inside before the sun catches you!~

~I... I can't...~ Mikado whimpered.

~What?! Why the hell NOT!?~ Bakura roared

~Yami... I... I didn't realize... then it was too late... and Itemri, he... I can't get inside...~ Mikado cried.

Bakura frowned. ~Where are you?~

~... I found Seto's stronghold...~ Mikado whispered. ~Yami... I chased him... I was... LURED here... and Itemri was waiting... He's tied me up, I can't get away... and even if I got free, I... I don't know how far the fall would be... I can't see the bottom, Bakura...~

Bakura frowned. ~Mikado, is there any shade at all?~ he breathed, his voice shaking with fear and worry.

Mikado sniffled. ~Y-Yeah... I... I'm hanging over the side of a bridge... it... MIGHT shade me... but I don't know...~

Bakura frowned. ~A-alright... I see.~ he said slowly. ~I want you to close your eyes, and force yourself to sleep alright?~ he cooed after a moment. ~Whether you live or die is up to the sun... there's no way we'll reach you in time. Just go to sleep. If you die... you will not feel it in your sleep. Understand?~

Mikado whimpered. ~I... I don't think there's anyway I can sleep... I love you, Bakura...~

Bakura got into the carriage, looking heartbroken. ~I love you too Mikado... but try. Alright? Try for me, as hard as you can. If by some miracle you do survive... you will be able to heal quickly. It will keep you alive as long as your body can handle it.~

~... I'm sorry...~ Mikado whimpered, tears flooding his face.

Bakura frowned, holding back tears of his own. ~Damn it Mikado, you have to try! You CAN’T die now, of all the times to be stubborn and bullheaded, it'd be NOW!~ he said sounding as near tears as he was. ~You can’t leave me, after ALL this, you can NOT leave me!~

Mikado started crying again. ~I don't WANT to leave you!!! Itemri, he... Bakura... it doesn't matter... if I do survive the day, he's going to kill me anyway... You have to run. Once he's done with me, he's coming for you... he's going to force you to sire a proper bloodline...~

~Fuck me!~ Bakura roared. ~Mikado, ALL that matters to me is YOU!~ his eyes glowed in the darkness of the carriage. ~If you can survive the day, we can rescue you. I'm NOT letting Itemri kill you, but you HAVE to survive Mikado. You can’t let daylight be the way you die!~

Mikado sighed. ~I... I am not afraid to die... Not by the sun... It is Itemri that I fear...~

~Mikado! If you die I will NEVER forgive you!~

Mikado winced. ~... please don't say that...~

~I said it and I meant it!~ Bakura roared. ~I did NOT fall in love with someone who just gives up!~

Mikado started to cry again. ~... I'm not giving up, but there's only so much I can do!!!~

~Do what I told you!~

~... I love you.~ Mikado whimpered in a tiny voice.

~I won’t take it back Mikado.~ Bakura growled.

Mikado sniffled, then began to pray, quietly.

Moments later Yami appeared, flapping in front of him. "Ain’t this a pretty picture?" Yami cooed.

Mikado lifted his head and stared at Yami, swallowing thickly. He turned his head, wiping his tears on his shoulders. “Go away…” He choked out, voice thick with emotion.

Yami chuckled. "Aww is little brother Mikado crying?" he flicked his tail.

Mikado growled and lashed out with his foot, kicking Yami square in the chest. "GET AWAY!!!"

Yami grunted but snatched Mikado's leg and twisted harshly moving aside and letting the sun strike Mikado's face. "Quit your bitching you big baby." he snickered. "You're pathetic. It's a wonder the Vatican even let you come at all. You're completely useless."

Mikado let out a shriek, half in pain and half in fear. "L-LET ME GO!!! GET AWAY FROM ME!!!"

Yami snickered, dropping Mikado's leg and flying back in front of him, his shadow protecting Mikado from the sun. "The further I go away from baby Mikado, the more sun will bite your flesh." he taunted. "Death by sunlight... I can see the look on Bakura's face now..."

Mikado winced, whimpering as the side of his face began to heal.

Yami flicked his tail smirking. "You figured it out didn't you? I'm the only thing between you, and a very VERY painful death."

Mikado said nothing, he just closed his eyes and grit his teeth.

Yami's smirk broadened and his eyes glowed. "Hmm... however..." he flicked his tail lifting Mikado's chin with the tip. "If you do survive, Itemri will kill you anyway." he chuckled darkly. "Choices choices... death by sun, or by timeless..."

Mikado stared Yami in the eyes. "... Ahmose will free you." He said softly. "He loves you."

Yami growled, baring his teeth, the glow in his hand flaring up. "Shut your filthy mouth!"

Mikado gulped, staring at Yami. He was silent. He didn't want to antagonize the demon... his life depended on it.

However Yami still seemed deeply bothered. He growled and his eyes flashed. He yowled suddenly and his wings began flailing desperately, as if he was having trouble flying. He clutched his head, seemingly in pain.

Mikado's eyes widened. Yami dropped. Mikado yelped and kicked out, managing to wrap his legs around Yami's chest under his arms. He screamed as the sun hit him, but he held on tightly with his legs, keeping Yami from falling.

Yami yowled louder and struggled with Mikado, the shards in his hand glowing furiously as he clawed at his head. "A-Ah... mose." he struggled to say looking up at Mikado as he struggled with himself. His eyes were glowing, but it was clear that Yami was trying to overpower Seto's magic, but because of the shards in his hand, he was not doing so well.

Mikado groaned. "Y-Yami... Hang on... I... I won't let go of you!!!" He cried, though his face was burned and blistering, and his body under his clothes was starting to turn red.

Yami howled and struggled more. "Ah… mose." he struggled to climb up Mikado's body and blocked the sun once more. "S... ave..."

Mikado gasped in releif. "He'll come for you..." He whimpered. "He'll save you... He's my brother. He loves you..." Mikado groaned. "That makes... YOU my brother, too..."

The shards in Yami's hand slowly faded, and his body slowly relaxed, wings drooping.

Mikado gasped in releif. "I've got you..." He panted. "I've got you... I've got you..." His skin was beginning to char in the early morning light. The sun had almost cleared the horizon.

Yami groaned and gave Mikado an exhausted look. "Mikado..." he coiled his tail around the youth's waist. "Save..." he lifted his wings once more and growled, lifting a hand. Moments later the rope snapped in two thanks to Yami's claws.

Mikado let out a small yelp, and the pair fell.

Yami's wings caught the air and he forced himself to fly upwards. He carried Mikado up and dropped onto the bridge, drooping tiredly. He closed his eyes weakly and pressed his fingers together several times, each in a different position before uttering words that must have been in demon tongue. The air before them split into an orange rift and he hefted Mikado into it. The world flashed and Mikado found himself safely indoors, shaded and safe in Yami’s room in Seto’s fortress.

Mikado groaned, slowly opening his cracked eyelids. "Y-Yami?"

Yami whimpered painfully. "My head..." he grumbled. Yugi darted out of his hiding place and flew over, eyes wide.

Mikado just moaned, closing his eyes again. Everything was hurting, but it had begun to heal slowly.

Yami helped Mikado to the bed before dropping down on the couch, wings drooping. "Ouch...." he held his head. "gods..."

"Yami..." Mikado moaned, softly. "What... what is Seto planning?"

He laid down and curled up. "He's... seperating you and Bakura. Itemri wants Bakura..." he mumbled. "He's going to hypnotize him... force him under his will. Bakura will be on Seto's side... and sire vampires."

Mikado sighed. "... what about the others?" He asked.

"Itemri.... is going to keep Ahmose as a pet..." he said slowly. "And Seto's keeping me..I dont know what will happen to the others..." he groaned once more. "I imagine...that anyone not useful...or sexually pleasing will...be killed."

Mikado sighed. "I... should tell Bakura and Ahmose to run..." He mumbled.

Yami sighed. "It wont save them from much Mikado...The Vatican will still fall...this world will still suffer."

Mikado groaned. "I... I have to stop them..." He said, slowly forcing himself up. "God... I'm so tired..."

"Go to sleep." Yami said after a moment. "You cant warn them. Bakura's probably already sleeping. You should do the same..." he forced himself up as well. "Itemri will not look in here for you..." he added slowly. "So you'll be safe...for now."

"He'll... he'll come for me... I have to warn Bakura before he does..." Mikado mumbled, sleep beginning to overtake him.

Yami smiled. "It will take him well into the night to find you..if he finds you at all." he said closing his eyes. "Vampires cant be found if they dont want to be..."

"It's not like I can get away. Itemri will find me..." Mikado sighed, eyes closing. ".... Yami?"

"hmm?"

But Mikado said nothing; he was asleep.

Yami soon followed suit, a shaking Yugi watching over them.

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

Nikolas grumbled when Bakura awoke suddenly, getting dressed as quickly as he could and leaving the carriage. Ahmose looked at him from where he rode Strigoi, since Geist was gone with Mikado.

Bakura gave Ahmose a look. "I'm going." he said after a moment. "Mikado needs me."

Ahmose blinked. "You know where he is?!" He asked, eyes wide.

Bakura nodded. "Yes... and I'm going to him." he said after a moment. "Which means I will need my horse."

Ahmose shook his head. "We go together, Bakura." He said. "He's your childe, yes. But he's my brother. And Yami is there, too. You're not going anywhere without me. We would be better off attacking with the Agents and Elves. And you know it."

"I'm going now. Itemri is going to kill Mikado." Bakura said firmly. "Now get off of my horse before I throw you off." he warned.

Ahmose narrowed his eyes, and a moment later, glowing golden cords shot out of the ground, burning Bakura like the sun as they held him, but not nearly as bad. "If you act rashly, you could make things worse." Ahmose said, sliding off of Strigoi as Pegasus and Dartz came over to see what was happening.

Bakura snarled and snapped the cords grabbing Ahmose by the collar. "Your brother is going to die tonight, if I do not leave now." he hissed. "So you make a choice. You let me go to try and save him from my sire... or you stop me, and ensure his death."

"And what can you do to save him?!" Ahmose asked, glaring. "As I recall, last time you tried to save him from Itemri, you nearly KILLED him instead!"

Bakura growled. "Because your brother was too bullheaded to listen to me. He learned his lesson." he glared back at Ahmose. "And I'll not lose my lover to my sire. No matter WHAT it takes."

"I have no intention of losing my brother, either! I'm coming with you!"

"BOTH of you are going to calm down and come with US." Dartz said. "We don't need anyone else running off like Mikado."

Bakura snorted and mounted his horse. "The Vatican has never ruled over my actions, and I hold no alliegences to it." he said turning Strigoi. "I am leaving you." He allowed Ahmose to mount Strigoi as well. "I am saving my childe." he turned back to Pegasus. "He's all in this world that I have worth living for... and I will not lose him." he kicked Strigoi into a gallop and the horse shot off into the night.

Pegasus frowned. "We need to move faster." he said quickly. "Something terrible is likely to happen if we do not arrive soon."

Dartz nodded and turned, shouting orders for everyone to double time it. Instead of a steady walk, the horses all sprang into gallops. Marik and Ryou sat on the roof of the carriage as Nikolas snapped the reins, the horses springing forwards. The large force headed for Seto's stronghold, readying themselves for battle.

Bakura and Ahmose however were moving much faster and arrived at the stronghold early in the morning, before sunrise. Bakura was exhausted as was Strigoi. He looked over the stone structure. "That is it... isn't it?" he said looking at Ahmose.

All of a sudden, Strigoi screamed as a blue hole ripped open beneathe them, and they fell. When Strigoi hit the ground, he fell over, and Ahmose and Bakura went flying into the snow. They were surrounded by the shouts and hooves of the Elves and Agents nearly trampling them.

Bakura groaned as the Agents all clamored away. He helped Strigoi steady himself and calm down. "What the hell happened?"

Ahmose scowled. "Seto..." He growled, as Dartz slid from his horse and helped the sorcerer up.

"The sun will be up by the time we get there again. What do we do? Go for it and attack while the vampires sleep? Or wait until nightfall?" Dartz asked, looking at Pegasus.

"We wait." Pegasus said after a moment. "It will be unfair to Bakura to battle while he is sleeping." he smiled. "When his childe is invovled."

"We need to be rested before we go in, anyway." Dartz said with a nod. "Make camp!" He called, turning. "Rest! We move in at nightfall!!!"

The Agents all cheered and began setting up camp. Ryou nuzzled Marik and licked his ears. "Hey...lets hurry so we can sleep in the carriage." he giggled. "Before someone else claims it!"

Marik blinked. "But sunrise is in a few hours. Bakura and Nikolas will be sleeping there. Besides... with fur, we dig ourselves a hole in the snow, we'll be warmer than anyone." He said with a smile.

Ryou giggled. "Yeah...but the vampires get the blankets and pillows!" he said flicking his ears. "...lets steal a pillow to share." he said eagerly.

Marik laughed. "They do. I'm sure Bakura would let us borrow one." He said, watching as Malik and several other elves found perches in trees.

Ryou grinned and stood slightly, shaking out. "Ok! I'll get the pillow, you get the hole." he said eagerly.

Marik hopped off of the carriage and headed for a deep snow bank and began digging a hole. He dug quickly and the hole was ready when Ryou got back.

Ryou was carrying a large fluffy pillow and grinning. "I got a really soft one!" he stuffed it into the hole and stretched before changing into a wolf crawling in as well, dragging his robes in behind him. and laying them on the floor, organizing the room. He hobbled out (still not the best at walking) and came back moments later dragging a large thick blanket.

Marik chuckled, watching Ryou make them a nice cozy bed. Malik grinned, from above them in the tree.

Ryou peeped out moments later, tail wagging. 'I made the bed.' He yipped. 'C'mon...it's cold.'

Marik crawled in with Ryou and curled up. 'It will warm up quickly.' He said, resting his chin on his paws.

Ryou crawled under the blanket and rolled around, kicking his paws in the air and snapping at the air. 'rawr.'

Marik smiled. 'Rest. We'll need it.' He said softly, licking Ryou's cheek.

Ryou yipped again and leaned over nipping Marik's ear and tugging. 'I love you...but I'm scared. Seto's a dangerous man...I'm worried. What if something bad happens to you?'

'Don't worry. He doesn't care about me. It's YOU he'll be after...' Marik said.

Ryou shivered at that. 'That...doesn't make me feel better.'

Marik nuzzled him. 'Sleep.' He said.

Ryou sighed and nuzzled into Marik shivering. 'Marik...promise me that you'll make sure we're both ok.' he said after a moment, ears back. 'I dont want to lose you...a-and I'd hate to leave you alone...'

Marik smiled. 'Don't worry... we'll be fine...'

Ryou nodded slowly and yawned, nuzzling up to Marik and beginning to snooze almost instantly.

---

Sorry it's been so long since I updated. Last time I tried, the site was bein stupid and wouldn't let me. All thanks goes to dolphinsong on Deviantart for poking me and getting me to post the next chapters! And a sequel WILL be coming on He Among Us Without Sin!!!