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 38

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But while the rescue party rested, the two that needed rescuing were receiving a rude wake up call just before sunset. Seto barged in, with Itemri. Yugi gasped and darted under the bed while Mikado and Yami jerked awake and stared... Mikado knew that Itemri had come to kill him...

Yami blinked and shook his head quickly, scrambling off the couch and over to Mikado. "Leave him alone!” He yelped.

Itemri snorted. "Your pet saved Akeifa's childe?" he said looking displeased.

Seto chuckled. "Apparently so. Look on the bright side... now you get to play with him more."

Yami shook his head. "Please! Leave him alone!” He yelped. "You can’t just kill him... he's defenseless! There's no honor in killing a fledgling vampire!” He said eyes wide.

Itemri growled. "Did you give him permission to save that whelp?" he said turning fierce eyes on Seto. "Control your damn pet."

"He finished his job, after that he was free to do what he wished." Seto said. Then, he slowly began to grin. "But... perhaps we should teach him to stay out of things that do not concern him... why not make YAMI kill your grandchilde?"

Yami's eyes widened. "You can’t!” He said in shock. "Ahmose would never forgive me! BAKURA would never forgive me!"

Seto looked at Itemri. "Even more reason to do it, hm?” He asked the vampire. "Shall we?" Mikado whimpered slightly, gripping Yami's arm.

Yami looked more upset than Mikado. He gave Seto a pleading look. "Please don’t make me do this! I don’t want to! I... I can’t!"

Itemri looked more interested in the conversation between Yami and Seto at the moment, than the proposal, as the prince looked terrified and was begging.

Seto smirked. "Since our dear vampire lord is not expressing any... protest... You will be doing this deed, Yami.” He said, stroking his amulet. "How to do it, though? Hmmmm...” He grinned. "Why don't YOU decide Yami? You certainly have some... wicked ideas...” And the amulet began to glow. Mikado gulped.

"I forgive you, Yami.” He said with a brave smile, as the amulet's power began to take hold of the demon prince.

Yami howled and clutched his head immediately. "I... don’t... want...” He wailed thrashing, the shards beginning to glow brightly.

Itemri chuckled slightly. "It never gets old… watching him resist you."

Seto laughed. "No, it doesn't.” He said. "So tell me, Yami! What would be a good way for him to die?"

Yami growled and snarled, his muscles slowly relaxing. He gave Seto a wicked smirk, eyes glowing red. "Crucify his religious ass."

Seto's eyes widened in shock. "... What?!"

Yami flicked his tail. "What? Isn't that how you humans killed your own god?” He said smirking. "It's only appropriate."

Seto blinked, absorbing this, and slowly began to grin. "Yes. Kill him. Let him die as his savior did." Mikado stared, wide eyed and pale. "Does that please you, Itemri?"

Itemri smirked. "It's perfect."

Seto nodded. "Do it.” He told Yami, and Mikado rolled off of the bed, trying to get away.

Yami's tail snapped around Mikado's ankle and pulled him down. He jumped on the youth's back and hissed. "Aww Mikado, running away so soon?" he growled. "But the fun's just starting!"

"GET OFF OF ME!!!" Mikado shouted, back fisting Yami in the face.

Yami raised a wing and brought it down harshly over Mikado's head, knocking the boy silly. "Don’t you have any manners? Don’t hit royalty.” He hissed. He brought the tip of his tail to his mouth and whistled. Several hobgoblins appeared and began tying Mikado up.

Mikado blinked and shook his head, thrashing. He threw the things off, punched Yami across the jaw, then flipped him off of him. The young Agent leapt to his feet, whirled and charged at the door. Itemri and Seto were standing in his way. Mikado let out a yell and tackled Seto.

"OW!!! BITCH!!!" Seto howled, tangling with the Agent.

Itemri growled. "That is quite enough!” He said loudly, snatching Mikado up by his hair and using his spare hand to hold Mikado's hands, bringing a knee up into the youth's crotch harshly. "Set up the cross. I'm going to fuck him senseless for all this struggling.” He snorted.

Mikado yelped and doubled over, breath coming in forced gasps. "If... If you think... I'm just going to fuckin... submit... You're insane!!!” He panted, starting to struggle against the Ancient. "Put me DOWN!!!" And he lashed out at Itemri's crotch. The hobgoblins blinked, but at Yami's hiss, they darted off to put together a cross. Seto went with them and had them take the thing outside They laid it out on the bridge; it would be raised once the "condemned" was on it.

Itemri chuckled and let go of Mikado's hair, causing all his weight to fall on his arms, which were at completely the wrong angle for him to be hanging from. He chuckled and groped Mikado with his free hand. "The more you struggle, the more likely I am to rape you. I suggest you stop... unless you're WANTING this." he hissed smirking. "I could tell Akeifa...” He added.

Mikado yelped at both the pain in his arms, and at being groped. He glared at Itemri. "You'll rub it in his face anyway...” He hissed, eyes glowing in defiance before head butting Itemri, and then, to Itemri's shock, biting his throat. But his baby fangs did no damage. Seto, who had just walked in, blinked, then chuckled and looked at Yami.

"Yami... while you're at it... extract those... pitiful excuses for fangs, hm?"

"No problem." Yami said flicking his tail.

Itemri was chuckling. "Are you trying to entice me? Foreplay isn't something you do if you don’t want sex.” He said groping Mikado more. "But your pathetic little teeth can’t hurt me.” He stooped and bit Mikado's neck, sucking harshly.

Mikado's struggles ceased as he screamed, arching his back and clawing at Itemri's wrist, trying to free his hands. Seto raised an eyebrow.

"Declaw the little beast too, hm?” He said to Yami as Mikado gasped loudly, starting to writhe.

Yami nodded chuckling. "Should I let them finish first?” He said looking amused. "I am rather hungry, and it's not like there's anything ELSE around to eat."

Seto blinked at Yami, then chuckled. "Itemri.” He called.

Itemri looked up at Seto and raised an eyebrow as if to say 'I hope this interruption is worth it.'

Seto was grinning in sadistic amusement. "Our dear demon prince is hungry.” He said. "Perhaps you could... share your meal with him in a... different manner?"

Itemri chuckled and nodded, beginning to walk to his chambers, carrying Mikado and groping him shamelessly as he fed from him expertly. Itemri, being timeless, drew even more pleasure from Mikado since he'd had far more time to practice his technique.

Mikado was slowly going limp, eyes rolling back into his head. His gasps and screams had become whimpers and moans as his body was aroused against his will.

Yami trotted after them, but kindly waited outside Itemri's door, eyes closed and looking pleased as he snitched bits of energy here and there.

Itemri chuckled and lay down with Mikado on the bed, still feeding. His hand slipped the youth's pants down slowly, his hand playing over every possible pleasure spot until the pants were completely gone. Then went the buttons on the shirt. All the while he continued feeding in the most pleasurable ways Mikado had ever felt.

Mikado couldn't even focus his mind on anything other than his physical pleasure, not even noticing when Bakura tried to contact him. Last time, Itemri had done what he could to hurt and kill Mikado... this time, he focused on breaking and humiliating the boy by making him to enjoy the Ancient forcing himself upon the Agent's body.

Itemri chuckled beginning to stroke Mikado, smirking against his neck. ~You can’t help it... you're in too much pleasure... you love this. You've never felt this much pleasure before, have you?~ he hissed in Mikado's mind, running a claw slowly up Mikado's weeping length and over the slit ever so gently.

Mikado threw his head back with a hoarse cry, bucking his hips. "GOD!!!" Seto, leaning against the wall outside of the room, smirked.

"I do hope Bakura can hear him...” He chuckled.

Itemri laughed. ~Do you want more? Does your body NEED more?~

Mikado closed his eyes, gritting his teeth and refusing to answer.

Itemri chuckled and repeated his action, taking a long draw of blood at the same time. ~Silence won’t bring what your body craves now will it little fledgling? You love this... Your body speaks even if your voice refuses... ~

Mikado kept his eyes tight shut. 'Draw it out... ' He was thinking to himself, deep in his mind where Itemri wouldn't hear. 'Draw it out... keep him going. Give Bakura time to get here... just... keep it going... '

Itemri however smirked more. ~Or... perhaps you think precious Akeifa will save you. What makes you think he'll still want you, when you draw such pleasure from me? He's always been spiteful towards me... and he hears your moans... and feels your pleasure. He knows it's from me.~

Mikado's eyes flew open, wide and scared. Bakura knew what was happening right now?! He KNEW that Mikado was experiencing pleasure at Itemri's hands?! Tentatively, he reached out to his sire.

~... Bakura?~

However, the only response he got was intense anger.

Mikado winced at that and whimpered, squirming under Itemri. ~Bakura?~ He asked again in a tiny voice.

A flare up of fury. What Mikado didn't know... was that he wasn't reaching his sire at all... Itemri was... and he was taunting him.

Itemri chuckled as he stroked Mikado's aching length. ~He hates you. ~

Mikado shuddered, shaking his head. "No... stop...” He gasped, trying to push Itemri's hands away from him.

Another long pleasurable drag from Mikado's blood. ~He won’t ever love you again. Why would he love a whore? Hmm? He heard your moans... felt your pleasure at my hands. There's no point in denying it anymore. Your body enjoys this.~

Mikado closed his eyes and grimaced. "My body may be, but my soul is not!!!” He cried, trying to push Itemri off of him. ~Bakura, please!!!~

Nothing... an empty... soulless… silent nothing. No response whatsoever.

Tears welled up in his eyes. ~BAKURA?!~ He screamed desperately. ~Bakura, please!!! Talk to me! Bakura!!!~

Itemri laughed, having removed his pants during Mikado's panic, and took him suddenly. ~He's not coming anymore.~ he said thrusting harshly. ~Not now... not ever.~

Mikado threw his head back with a cry of pain. He arched his back and struggled, trying to throw Itemri off of him. ~BAKURA!!! BAKURA PLEASE!!! DON'T DO THIS TO ME, ANSWER ME!!!~

Itemri laughed as he continued. Little did Mikado know, the reason Bakura wasn't answering was because he couldn’t hear his childe.

Mikado began to cry, suddenly feeling abandoned, rejected and alone... helpless. His body grew still and his hands fell beside his head as he stopped his struggles and just... lay there.

Itemri laughed letting go of Mikado's neck, continuing to rape him. "That's right... as I said before... you're imperfect... soiled, worthless. Akeifa doesn't need or want some nameless, childish, USED Vatican Agent like you. He's got the whole world to choose from. Fellow ancients to choose from... like Fei Long Liu.~

Mikado winced, trying to fight back tears that were already flowing. He closed his eyes, wishing he could close his ears to Itemri's words. He couldn't help but wonder... had Bakura ever been with that Fei Long? Or any other Ancient for that matter? What about that Eclipse fellow? Or Rhyshu? They had all known Bakura... had they known him in the Biblical sense of the word, too?

Itemri laughed more. "I know what you're thinking... What about Fei Long? Has Akeifa been with the beautiful vampire childe of the Ancient of the East? The Childe of the Ancient of the North, Eclipse? What about the Childe of the Ancient of the West, Rhyshu? Or any of the MANY Ancients you have never even met?” He smirked. "It must burn your soul to think of your precious sire loving any but you."

Mikado choked back a frustrated scream, a sob escaping instead as he reached up and gripped the pillow, digging his claws into it and shredding the thing.

"And you want to know? I approve of Fei Long... and Bakura, despite his spiteful behavior... has had relations with him." Itemri hissed.

Mikado rolled his head to the side, a sobbing groan shaking his body. "Stop... Just stop...” He moaned.

"That ancient... the beautiful ancient of the East." Itemri hissed thrusting harder. "You saw him didn't you... he was perfect... beautiful and deadly. Mature... sophisticated... elegant and everything else that you aren't. You're just a child. An ungraceful, immature, unsophisticated, common run of the mill, scrappy brat. You don’t have the beauty, the grace, the deadly elegance. You're nothing."

Mikado sobbed. "If... If Bakura had wanted him, he would have him!” He cried, moaning as Itemri began to stroke him again. "But he chose ME!!!"

Itemri choked back a laugh. "CHOSE you? YOU? HA! He didn't choose you. He SETTLED for you. Fei Long isn't as interested in Akeifa as he is in Fei Long." the timeless laughed. "You're the runner up."

Mikado winced. "N-No... Bakura would never just... SETTLE!!! He's not like that! If he wants something, he'll get it!!!"

Itemri chuckled. "He settled for being vampire. He settled down in a mansion in the forest, he settled for giving up his life as a thief, he settled for a life breeding horses. He SETTLED for you."

Mikado stared at Itemri in heartbreak, but then his eyes flashed and in the blink of an eye, Itemri had five bleeding slashes across his face, and the claws of Mikado's right hand had blood and skin on them.

Itemri growled and returned the slash to Mikado, quickly grabbing his arms and breaking them harshly. "The truth burns you doesn't it? It HURTS you to know that Bakura never really loved you. You're exactly to him what you are to me. A moderately satisfying FUCK."

Mikado screamed as his arms were snapped, but Itemri's words cut him to the core and infuriated him. "YOU'RE LYING!!! You don't know a damn thing about him, or me!!! So just shut the fuck up about things you don't know!!!!"

"Oh don’t I?" Itemri laughed. "You forget little Mikado... I share a mental link with my beautiful childe. He cannot hide his thoughts from me, and neither can you.” He hissed baring his fangs in a feral smirk. "I know everything about both of you. I know everything, and I KNOW that my childe has better matches than you. What good are you for him? What can YOU offer him? You've got nothing that he doesn't already have!"

"SHUT UP!!!! THAT'S NOT TRUE!!!!" Mikado screamed, thrashing and lunging for Itemri, digging his claws into his throat. "I'LL KILL YOU!!!"

Itemri laughed despite Mikado's threat and slammed the youth back by his neck, digging his claws into Mikado. "You won’t kill me. You can’t.” He pulled away, having found his release, and lifted Mikado by the neck as he re-pantsed himself. "And once you're dead, Bakura will pursue Fei Long once more... make a bloodline to be proud of."

Mikado choked and gagged, struggling desperately, clawing at Itemri's arm and kicking at his torso.

Itemri forced Mikado to look him in the eye, snaring the boy's mind instantly and forcing him to still. "And now... you die."

Mikado stared back, helpless tears running down his face as Itemri jerked the bloodstone cross from his neck and placed it around his own, some sick idea of a trophy.

The timeless chuckled. "You won’t move... no more. You're my puppet, and you will not struggle with the incubus. You will allow him to torture you... and then when it comes time to crucify you, you will not struggle. You will feel every ounce of pain.” He opened the door and tossed Mikado out. "He's all yours."

Yami flicked his tail looking at Mikado's limp body against the wall. "Why, thank you."

Seto raised an eyebrow. "... You certainly worked him over, didn't you?” He said. "Raped him body and mind, hm?"

Itemri shrugged. "I'm thorough."

Seto chuckled, looking at Mikado's cross around the vampire's neck. "Souvenir?” He asked, and Mikado moaned.

"My cross... give... give it back...” He pleaded. Seto snorted. "You want a cross, I'll give you a cross. We have several around here. In fact... Yami, why don't you use some instead of nails, hm?" Mikado stared at Seto in horror and shuddered.

Yami flicked his tail. "Way ahead of you.” He said holding up three rather large wooden crosses, all sharpened.

Mikado whimpered, cowering helplessly on the floor. Seto smirked. "Let's see... what did they do to Christ before his crucifixion... ? I beleive he was tortured... beaten, whipped... and I'm sure Yami has a few special things in store...” Seto said as an imp scuttled up with a cross. Seto took it and placed the chain around Mikado's neck. The boy hissed as the cross began burning his chest.

Yami chuckled. "Leave that all to me.” He coiled his tail around Mikado's ankle and walked off, dragging the youth carelessly outside. "I'm going to have so much fun with you.” He cooed smirking over his shoulder. "It'll be more fun than raping your brother!"

"BASTARD!!!" Mikado cried, whirling and pouncing on Yami. Itemri prevented him from struggling, but he didn't inhibit Mikado's ability to attack. Swarms of Seto's followers who had gathered for the show moved in on Mikado and Yami.

Yami merely disappeared beneath Mikado and reappeared on his back grabbing a hand and twisting it backwards with an awkward snap, his bones hardly healed from when Itemri had broken them. "Ahh now lets see...” He pulled out a metal device and snapped it down on a claw before suddenly ripping it from Mikado's hand.

Mikado threw his head back and shrieked, eyes wide in shock and pain. The creatures around them cheered in excitement. Seto and Itemri casually strolled out onto the bridge to watch the demon prince torture and kill his chosen's baby brother.

Yami chuckled and repeated the process. "Aww... it must be painful.” He pulled another.

Mikado let out cries of pain as Yami pulled his claws from his fingers, one by agonizing one. Blood dripped to the ground, and many of the vampires were salivating at the sight and smell of it.

Yami snickered once his job was finished concerning claws. "You know what... you're not quite doomed yet.” He flipped Mikado and pried open his mouth, ripping out a fang.

Seto grinned at Mikado's piercing screams and bent down, whispering to an imp who scurried forward and gathered Mikado's bloody claws and fangs, and waited patiently for the other one.

Yami tossed his head back and laughed, forcing Mikado's mouth open again and pulling the other fang, tossing it aside. "Aww... how helpless you are...” he chuckled. "But we're not finished.” He whistled, and several demons appeared, each holding a different painful looking whip. "We need to whip you.” He got off of Mikado and stepped out of the way. "Have at him!” He called calmly.

The demons raised their whips and brought them down.

"NO!!!" Mikado cried, rolling over and covering his head with his arms as the whips slashed into him, many laced with things like thorns, spikes, chips of bone, and even claws and teeth from animals.

Yami flicked his tail calmly, before grinning as an imp approached. "Ahh... You may stop!” He called carrying the box he'd recieved from the imp to Mikado. "What is a crucifixion without the crown of thorns?” He said pulling out an old circlet that had spikes fused to it, and slamming it harshly onto Mikado's head, the sharp 'thorns' digging deep into his skin.

Mikado whimpered, his bloody body twitching. Then, the imp that had gathered Mikado's claws and fangs scuttled over. On Seto's orders, he had strung them together on twine as a necklace. He tied it around Mikado's neck.

"Last Rites must be performed." Seto said, sauntering over. He knelt and annointed Mikado with Holy Oil, and the boy screamed as it dripped a burning path down his face, and then choked as wine was poured into his mouth and went down his throat.

Yami cackled once Seto finished and waited as the imps tied him to the cross. "Ahh... finally.” He purred sauntering over with a large mallet. "Goodbye 'brother'.” He hissed, placing the sharpened tip of the first cross against Mikado's left hand.

Mikado stared at Yami, eyes filled with the pain of betrayal, and the cross burning his naked body... his back his arms, his legs...”Yami...” He choked out. "... I forgive you... don't... don't blame yourself...” Seto smirked and released Yami from his control just enough to see the demon suffer. Yami would basically have control of his body from the neck up... Seto wanted to see the demon's anguish, and hear his pleas as he nailed his Chosen's brother to the cross.

Yami let out a pained shriek before his own tears started falling. "Damn you...” He growled softly, keeping his eyes closed tightly. "DAMN YOU SETO!” He howled grimacing when he heard Mikado's screams as he nailed him to the cross. "YOU WILL PAY!"

Mikado couldn't stop screaming, and the sound of the mallet striking the sharpened cross echoed off of the cliff walls, as did the screams of both vampire and demon. Blood bubbled up and filled Mikado's palm before spilling over and onto the wood of the cross. Finally, the long sharp point of the cross could go no further as the shorter protrubences rested against Mikado's mutilated hand. Yami turned to Mikado's left hand, and positioned the next one on his open palm. He brought the mallet crashing down, and Mikado screamed as the sharp cross was forced all the way through, blood splattering the snow.

Itemri watched, pleased as Yami finished the deed, sobbing harshly as he nailed Mikado's feet to the cross before turning and growling at Seto.

"Aww... your little pet is upset Seto.” He teased. "Aren't you showing him enough affection?"

Seto chuckled. "He'll get over it.” He said. "He's going to do this to every Agent that refuses to join me.” He looked at Itemri. "AFTER you sire them, of course. Add insult to injury... they refuse me, you make them an unholy creature, and Yami executes them in the same way their savior was executed, all the while being burned by the symbols of their faith...”

His job done, Seto's power over Yami slowly faded and the demon charged Seto, snarling. "I'll do no such thing!” He howled launching himself at Seto, tackling him to the ground and clawing at his face.

The amulet flashed and Yami was sent flying. "Oh, yes you will... or you will see the same thing befall your Chosen!!!” He snapped. "By YOUR hand!!!"

Itemri looked off put. "Now now, you'll not kill MY pet.” He said cooly. "I need my entertainment... and what better than to fuck that spunky human?"

Seto snorted. "Fine, fine...” He said, waving a hand in dismissal. He glared at Yami. "But you WILL do it. And when the forces arrive here, YOU will be waiting for them with Mikado.” He said, smirking. "And you will make it quite clear that THIS...” and he gestured to the cross that was being raised, "Is YOUR handiwork." Mikado yelped as the base of the cross dropped into its hole, jarring him painfully. An imp fluttered up to perch on the cross, tying a long thin wire around Mikado's neck so that he wouldn't slump forward. The wire cut into his skin and compressed his throat, making him have to gasp for breath.

Yami snarled and charged Seto once more. "I'll kill you!” He howled in fury, tears streaking his face. He tackled Seto once more, claws catching Seto's throat harshly.

Seto gasped and the amulet flung Yami back again, though this time it also placed him back under Seto's control. Seto stood and stroked the wounds, and they disappeared under his fingers. He glared at Yami. "You will be punished for that.” He snapped. He snatched a spear from an ogre and shoved it into Yami's hands with a smirk. "I do beleive that the Roman soldiers, to find out if Christ was dead, stabbed him in the side with a spear... Do it."

Yami growled at Seto and looked at Mikado, but he didn't budge. His hand was glowing brightly, but his feet wouldn't move. "N-n-no...” Yami forced out.

Seto smirked in amusement. "Fighting it, Atemu? The longer you fight it, the more vicious you will be when you finally give in and do as I command."

Yami snarled and snapped at Seto. "You'll die... for... this.” He hissed growling more.

Seto laughed. "Every second you resist is another milimeter deeper... Think about it...” He said.

Yami growled again but looked like he was starting to lose hope. "Fuck you.."

Seto burst out laughing. "THAT added on another INCH!!!"

Yami let out a whimper. "No... please.” He whined eyes looking distressed. "I... don’t want to...”

"Keep it up and the spear is going to go clear through him. But don't pierce his heart... I want him to die slowly up there...” Mikado was already looking pale and thin... sickly...

Yami whimpered louder. "Please... I'm begging...” he pleaded. "Don’t make me do this... Anything but this...”

Seto grinned. "Anything?"

"Anything! Anything but this!" Yami howled tears falling from his eyes. "I don’t want... to hurt him anymore!"

"If I name something else, you will do it... no matter what it is. How are you to know that what I make you do won't be worse?" Seto asked.

"As long as it doesn't involve hurting Mikado anymore...” Yami whimpered. "Please! Leave him alone! He's dying!"

Seto chuckled. "That he is. Very well... You won't hurt him... Physically.” He looked at a pair of demons and they went back into the stronghold, only to emerge dragging Otogi. "Look who we caught snooping around." Seto chuckled. “Seems he followed Mikado here.”

Yami growled. "I said anything but hurting Mikado! That means emotionally as well!” He howled.

Seto laughed. "Take your pick, then. You can do as I originally ordered you to do... or you can slit his best friend's throat and let Mikado watch him bleed to death." It was then, that Otogi caught sight of his childhood friend.

Yami whined loudly. "Stop! Please just leave them both alone!” He whimpered shaking his head, still clutching the spear unmoving.

Otogi stared in dumb shock, shaking in fear and worried shock over his friend. His mouth was opening and closing, but the sounds just wouldn't form. He wanted to call out to Mikado... but his words caught in his throat and he merely stood there stupidly, staring.

Seto grinned. "If you don't choose one, you will have to do BOTH."

Yami whimpered and he turned swallowing hard, before closing his eyes and throwing the spear harshly into Mikado, the thing piercing him completely through. He whimpered at Mikado's pained screams and dropped to the ground covering his ears, wings drooping. "You're a monster...” He growled at Seto.

Seto just grinned. "No... YOU are. After all... it was YOUR defiance that made his pain even worse...” He turned and looked at Otogi with a smirk. "Bind him to the cross." The demons dragged Otogi across the bridge and shoved him down to sit and the base of the cross, and they bound his hands behind the thing. Otogi shuddered in revulsion. He knew that the coldness he felt even through his uniform was his friend's blood, frozen. Mikado was shivering, and his white skin was beginning to turn blue from the freezing cold.

Yami shivered in disgust with himself, hugging and wrapping his wings tightly around himself. Ahmose would never forgive him for this... His brother would die...

He whimpered and shook his head sniffling. "Ahmose...”

Seto smirked. "Yes... he's drawing close, as is Bakura... they will be here soon. We will go inside and prepare for our guests. Do be a good prince and wait out here to greet them, hm?"

Yami growled at him. "You'll die today...” he hissed. "I swear you'll die today."

Seto laughed. "We will see...” He said, and he and all of the others went inside, leaving Yami with Mikado and Otogi.

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

As soon as night fell, the large rescue party began the last leg of their journey. Seto's stronghold was only three miles away.

Bakura woke up and immediately sought out Mikado's mind, praying that the boy was still alive. What he got from Mikado's mind, was fear.

Bakura blinked and frowned. ~Mikado? Mikado, are you ok?!~

But it wasn't Mikado who answered him. ~One could almost get drunk off of his fear... can't they, Akeifa?~

Bakura growled. ~Leave my childe alone~ he hissed warningly. ~So help me Itemri if you hurt him you'll regret it!~

Laughter echoed through Bakura's skull. ~He's feisty... I'll give him that. But he's still nothing. He's hardly worth my time. But you need to learn a lesson, Akeifa... you need to learn what happens when you love those who are not worthy of you... ~

Bakura growled loudly. ~Who are you to judge who I can and cannot love?!~ he hissed furiously. ~You're nothing to me! You don’t own me, nor rule over me!~

Then came Mikado's scream as Itemri bit him. ~I will see to it that he feels pleasure like nothing you could ever give him... When I get through with him, even if I did let you have him back he would never be satisfied with you... not after me... ~

Bakura screeched in fury in Itemri's mind. ~Get the fuck off of my lover you sick bastard! LEAVE HIM ALONE!~

~I will use him, Akeifa... I will ruin him... break him... and then, I will kill him... ~

~LEAVE him alone!~ Bakura shrieked, enraged. ~He IS worthy of me! I LOVE HIM!~

~I suggest that you forget him, my Childe... you will never again hold him... or at least hold him with him clinging to you in return... ~ Itemri hissed, allowing Bakura to "hear" Mikado as he began to moan in pleasure.

Bakura's eyes widened. ~LEAVE HIM ALONE DAMN YOU!~ he howled. ~Ra help me Itemri I'll never sire another vampire as long as I LIVE if you don’t leave my lover alone!~

~We shall see... ~ Itemri hissed. Mikado cried out in pleasure. ~Poor little fledgling... he's so frustrated and confused... but he loves it... he's just refusing to admit it... but that will change soon... ~

Bakura snarled. ~Itemri leave him alone! He's none of your concern! He's MY childe!~

~And if only you could hear him now... he's screaming your name... CURSING your name... because you failed him... you are not here to help him... but he's losing his will... he is crumbling even as he lies beneathe me... ~ Itemri laughed. ~He hates you.~

Bakura's eyes glowed in fury. ~Don’t lie to me... I know you better than that.~ he hissed. ~My fledgling loves me. Adores me!~ he narrowed said eyes. ~I may have been fooled by your underhanded lies when I was a fledgling, but I've grown much older and wiser. You won’t fool me.~

Itemri chuckled. Mikado was now crying for Bakura in his mind, begging him to answer him. ~Want to hear him?~ He asked, and allowed a bit of Mikado's cries through. Bakura heard his fledgling screaming his name. Itemri heard everything Mikado was crying... begging his sire to answer him... not to leave him alone like this... but the cry that Bakura heard sounded angry and betrayed... enraged... hateful...

Bakura growled. ~I won’t believe it until I see it with my own eyes Itemri.~ he hissed. ~I may have been ignorant enough for your lies as a fledgling, but I am neither ignorant nor a fledgling any longer.~

Itemri laughed. ~No... you are not a fledgling anymore... and it's time you lived up to the responsibilities I created you to take on.~

~You're not my boss. You never will be. As far as I'm concerned those 'responsibilites' are not mine. You want more vampires YOU go make them.~ Bakura snorted defiantly. ~I swore I'd never take a human unwilling, and I do NOT intend to take back my word now.~

~I will only sire those I deem worthy. This... disgusting little worm that you created is far from it. He is not worth the space the takes up in this world, nor the blood he consumes. He is a pest that must be exterminated, and I shall see it done.~ Itemri chuckled. ~He doubts you... if you could only hear him now... he knows the truth. He knows you have been with others... FeiLong... Eclipse... they would not have you, so you settled for him until something better could come along... he beleives this, now... how easily his mind is manipulated... he is weak and fragile. He is breaking.~

~You LIAR! I was NEVER 'with' Fei Long! Gods we may have toyed with the idea, and even entertained some flirting but we never were WITH each other!~ Bakura howled, trying to claw past Itemri to get to Mikado.

Itemri just laughed. ~That is not what he beleives.~ He hissed at Bakura. ~He-- AH!!!~ He yelped suddenly, then laughed. ~He's a spitfire, I'll give him that... Oh no, boy... you will not do that again... ~ And then Bakura heard Mikado's scream of pain as Itemri broke his arms in retaliation for Mikado slashing him across the face. Then Bakura heard what Itemri was telling Mikado. ~The truth burns you, doesn't it? It HURTS you to know that Akeifa never really loved you. You're exactly to him what you are to me. A moderately satisfying FUCK.~

~Shut up Itemri! SHUT UP!~ Bakura was furious, trying to shove his sire's mental barriers away. ~Get away from my childe! Stop LYING to him! I LOVE him! He's everything to me!~ Bakura screamed.

Itemri allowed Bakura to feel it as he reached his completion within the fledgling's body. And a moment later, Bakura could see Mikado through his sire's eyes. Itemri was holding him by the throat, the Agent's feet dangling six inches above the floor. He was staring helplessly at Itemri, blood filled tears running down his face. ~And now... you die.~ Itemri said to the boy, and Bakura watched as his sire tore the bloodstone cross from his fledgling's neck, and then, the link was abruptly severed. Bakura could no longer reach Itemri, or Mikado.

Bakura was livid! He didn't know which was worse. The fact that this fucking little caravan was moving so damn slow, the fact that his childe was in mortal danger and he couldn't get to him in any way, or the fact that Itemri had gotten to his lover again... and what he'd said may well have been true.

But before Bakura could shout for the forces to hurry, they were ambushed. A large white Frost Dragon burst into view, blasting its icy breath and freezing an unlucky elf solid. Imps, goblins and several vampires burst out of the woods, attacking the small army. Several went straight for Bakura, and Ahmose found himself squaring off with a Frost Mage.

Bakura was in a rage and decimated anything that came near him. He wanted to get to Mikado, and NOW.

But the battle raged on for two hours. And it was only then that they all realized that other than the frozen elf, they had taken no casualties... this attack was a diversion. They were being stalled.

It took Ahmose quite a while to defrost the frozen elf, in hopes of resucitating the poor thing. After that, they were on their way once more. Bakura itching to get to Mikado's rescue, and to pay Itemri back for the pain and suffering he'd caused his childe.

Half an hour later, they broke out of the trees and the woods, and faced a ravine and a cliff. There was a massive open entry in the cliff face, and a large stone bridge stretching across the ravine. But it was what stood before the bridge that everyone was looking at.

More than one Agent cursed aloud, and several were sick, leaning over to the side so as not to be sick all over themselves and their horses. A large wooden cross stood erect, long icicles on the cross beam. Many stomachs churned when they realized that they were made up of not ice, but frozen blood.

The missing vampire Agent was nailed to the thing, body covered in deep slashes and blood, and his visible skin was blue with the cold. His chest was black and charred under the silver cross that hung around his neck, and his face was burned where Seto had annointed him with Holy Oil.

Only Bakura, Nikolas and the elves had vision keen enough to identify the claws and fangs strung around Mikado's neck. The boy's body was skeletal as he had rapidly deteriorated from blood loss and his wounds, and there was semen mixed in with the blood frozen on his thighs. Beneath him, at the base of the cross, was Otogi, slumped over and curled up as he tried to stay warm, and not look at his friend's body above him...

There was a soft flapping sound, and Yami landed atop the cross and flicked his tail, taking a seat on the tallest point. "Aint this just a pretty picture?” He cooed flicking his tail eagerly, his hand glowing softly. "I'm quite the artist, if I do say so myself.” He added proudly. "Who else would have thought to crucify him hmm? It's completely fitting that a fallen man of God falls in the same manner as his God.” He got up and hopped to the left arm of the cross, the force jarring Mikado slightly. "I like his sense of fashion I must say... semen and that necklace. To DIE for."

Everyone stared, speechless in their horror. Ahmose had gone pale, and then turned a bit green as he stared at his brother... Yami did this?! Even knowing that Yami was under Seto's control did little to comfort Ahmose. This was... unforgiveable... Bakura was staring as well, shocked, horrified... stunned. He prayed to his gods that Mikado still lived... waited breathlessly, hoping to see a sign of life from his fledgling. But none came. His eyes were closed and his body was still as stone, not even his chest rising and falling with the slightest breaths. Otogi slowly raised his head and fixed bloodshot eyes on Pegasus, his own tears frozen on his cheeks.

Yami sat back down atop the cross and yawned. "But hey, at least I didn't fuck him right?” He chuckled. "Itemri had that honor. I just got to decorate him all pretty for your arrival.” He purred smirking down at Ahmose. "You're all so silent... are you admiring my artwork? I'm really an artistic genius, but it's been a while. I haven't done anything artsy since macaroni art.” He laughed.

Pegasus shook his head. "Oh my God...” He finally said still stunned. "Get him down! Get him down from there!"

Ahmose slowly slid off of Strigoi, from where he had been sitting behind Bakura. His eyes were fixed on his brother and his lover. "... How could you do this?!” He finally shouted. "HOW COULD YOU?!"

"With a hammer and suitable nails? Oh, wait… they aren’t nails, they’re crosses too. Oh yeah, and pliers." Yami replied raising an eyebrow. "Isn't that how it's TRADITIONALLY done? Don’t tell me I forgot something."

Ahmose's vision blurred with tears, but he fought them back. "GET AWAY FROM MY BROTHER!!!” He screamed, charging and changing into the black winged wolf, tackling Yami off of the cross and to the stone bridge, attacking viciously.

Yami disappeared quickly, appearing a few feet away and smirking. "Do you intend to kill me little Ahmose?” He purred. "You made a vow...” He smirked and flicked his tail. "What good will you be to your precious brother if you bring about world cataclysm.”

Ahmose whirled and faced Yami, growling with his teeth bared and wings arched.

"Go! While he keeps the demon busy!" Dartz ordered to the Agents. "Get Mikado down from there!!!"

All the Agents began hurriedly trying to get the cross down, Bakura included, despite the burning.

Yami was growling at Ahmose, but looking pleased. "Not that I complain... you were a shitty lover.” He snorted. "I could find a sheep more willing to commit than you. Did you expect me to live my life in shame so YOU could be comfortable? You can keep your precious comfort, I can find someone more willing to be my lover.” He hissed. "You're a useless protector, and a worthless lover."

Ahmose just kept growling, staying between Yami and the cross. Dartz helped Otogi up and away from the cross that the Agents were trying to lower gently, and Ryou flung a blanket around Otogi, who was shivering and looked like he might be in shock. With a loud thump, the cross finally hit the ground and the Agents were able to see more of the damage, including the wound that the spear had left. Aiden tore the cross from Mikado's neck, and Pegasus cursed when he saw that the nails that pinned Mikado to the wood were crosses as well; the flesh around them was blackened and charred, as was the entire back of Mikado's body. Aiden looked at the cross nails, then looked at Pegasus for instruction, while Nikolas knelt down beside Bakura, looking ill at the cruelty that the young Agent had suffered.

"Get those crosses out of him." Pegasus said quickly. "By any means, we need to get him away from these crosses so his body can start trying to heal. Nikolas, you haven't needed to share blood like Bakura has, find a large animal and feed from it to feed Mikado.” He ordered.

Bakura was growling, staring at the building ahead. Itemri was in there... probably laughing.

Nikolas whirled and ran off. The horses. There were over a hundred. He could take small amounts from each. He began to do so.

Dartz rushed over, Marik and Malik at his heels.

"God...” Marik breathed, shaking his head and staring in horror. "Is... is he dead?” He gasped as Dartz began trying to pull the cross nail from Mikado's left hand, while Aiden worked on the one at Mikado's feet. Pegasus began pulling the one out of the right hand while Malik pulled his knife and cut the wire from Mikado's neck and removed the spiked ring from his head that mimicked the crown of thorns.

Ryou had taken up washing the oil from Mikado's forehead. "I hope not... oh please, Mikado be ok! Bakura will be crushed without you!"

Bakura growled and slipped into the fortress stealthily. He had some... business with Itemri. ~Itemri! Fucking show yourself you sick bastard!~

Laughter echoed through Bakura's mind as well as the halls of the fortress. ~My my, Akeifa... someone is cranky... have you fed tonight?~

~Shut the fuck up. I'm going to rip you limb from limb for what you did to my childe... ~ Bakura hissed into the darkness, eyes glowing as he made his way down the eerily empty halls...

~I am sorry, Akeifa... this is a hard lesson... but it is one you must learn. You will thank me someday.~ Itemri said calmly.

~Thank you someday? Hell no, you're dying tonight!~ Bakura began seeking out his sire. ~Come out you coward so I can kill you!~

Suddenly, there was a hand around Bakura's throat and he was slammed up against a wall. "Coward, Akeifa?" Itemri hissed, eyes glowing. "You have gone soft. I have come to FIX you!"

Bakura glared at Itemri. "I was never in need of repair!” He said defiantly, gripping Itemri's arm and digging his claws in sharply.

Itemri snorted. "Of course you are. If you were still the Akeifa I sired, you would have slaughtered that sad excuse for an Agent the moment you came across him!"

"Times change." Bakura hissed. "I'm not a thief anymore, I have no reason to kill."

"You are a vampire. That is all the reason you need." Itemri laughed, and released Bakura. "Come, childe. Let us talk. I realize that all of this is partially my fault. After all... I abandoned you almost as soon as I made you.” He walked into the den and took a seat in an old armchair, gesturing Bakura towards the other.

Bakura growled, but followed. His guard was high but he still allowed for courtesy.

Itemri stared at Bakura, thoughtfully. "Tell me. When did you first meet the human?” He asked, as Seto watched the Agents and Elves enter the stronghold. He would wait for them all to enter before he sprung the trap.

Bakura glared at Itemri. "Five years ago. Why the fuck would you care?"

"How did you meet him?" Itemri asked, in casual conversation.

Nikolas tore open his wrist and held it to Mikado's mouth. Otogi was holding his friend's head tilted back so the blood could trickle down his throat.

At this point Yami was starting to waver, the spell Seto cast wearing away. He groaned looking tired his hand glowing once more. Finally he shook his head and whimpered looking at Ahmose and backing away quickly.

Yami had seen Ahmose at his worst... but never had that fury and hatred been turned on him before. Ahmose looked as though he wanted to kill the demon prince.

Yami whimpered again, stumbling back more. "A-Ahmose... I... I didn't want...” He shook his head as he stumbled back. "Please... I... it wasn't...”

Ahmose barked sharply, warningly, and in a burst of flames he was human again, his cloak swirling as the wind picked up, another winter storm blowing in. He had his Blackfyre Kris in his hands and blazing. "How could you do it?!” He hissed, his eyes blazing bright gold in his fury. "HOW COULD YOU!?"

"I didn't have a choice!" Yami said, tears welling in his eyes. He wasn't afraid to die. Hell, he'd done it once already. What was scaring him... was his lover. The thought of the hate Ahmose felt, the only person in the world who'd ever been kind to him suddenly hating him… this intensely killed him inside.

"GOD DAMMIT YAMI!!!" Ahmose shouted, looking back over his shoulder at his brother, as Nikolas and Otogi desperately tried to feed him after wrapping him up tightly in Nikolas' cloak. "He's my BROTHER!!! I look at him right now and... I want to KILL you!!! For the FIRST time since I MET YOU!!!” He faced Yami again, fighting back tears. "For the first time... I wish I had killed you that day...”

Yami felt tears roll down his cheeks. He'd lost everything he'd thought worth living for. His wings drooped and he looked down. "... Even though you say that... I still love you.” He whispered softly. He looked up once more wiping his eyes. He looked at Mikado for a moment, sorrowfully, before his eyes hardened and he turned those eyes back on Ahmose. Proud, strong burning eyes. "Even if that means nothing to you, I won’t let your brother die...”

His entire demeanor had changed... and for the first time since Ahmose had known Yami he saw the true prince of darkness within him. Yami brought his tail to his lips and there was a loud whistle. No troops appeared, no swift annhilation. Just Greg.

Yami turned to him, and began speaking in demon. The reaper seemed taken aback and began vehemently arguing with Yami, but the prince wouldn't have it. He turned those fierce eyes on his friend, and the reaper backed down, disappearing with a bow. Moments later Yami collapsed and Mikado suddenly convulsed with a burst of new energy and vitality... his wounds healing slowly (though rapidly enough to notice.).

Otogi's eyes widened and he hugged his childhood friend. "Mikado oh God Mikado!" he cried hopefully, seeing his friend's eyes flutter.

Ahmose's eyes widened. He dropped his Kris and whirled, running to his brother's side. The boy had turned his head into Nikolas's wrist and was feeding.

"Mikado...” He breathed, releif flooding through him as he took his brother's cold hand. He looked down at the torn fingers as they began to heal, and his claws began to grow back. Ahmose smiled slightly. "Thank God...”

Ryou and Malik let out sighs of relief while Pegasus breathed out a shocked prayer of thanks. "God be praised...” He whispered as the vampire youth slowly healed completely.

"What happened?" Ryou asked wide-eyed. "He was dead for sure... b-but now he's awake and alive and healed!” He looked overjoyed.

Ahmose slowly turned and looked at Yami. "This changes nothing...” He hissed, and pulled his knife, stalking over to the motionless demon prince. Mikado slowly turned his head.

"Yami...?” He whimpered, slowly sitting up. "Ahmose NO! Don't hurt him! PLEASE!!!" Ahmose stopped and looked back at his brother, before kneeling and reaching out, feeling for a pulse on Yami.

Even as the snow began to fall, flakes covering cold wings, Yami didn't stir... his body was motionless and still.

"He traded himself for your brother." Greg hissed from behind Ahmose. "He insisted on it, even though I told him you wouldn't forgive him for what Seto had forced him to do." Greg turned what... COULD have been a sorrowful look on Yami's body (but it was hard to tell, since the reaper lacked facial expressions, being only a skull.). "But he would hear nothing of it. He said... that you were his world… and he'd rather die than see you hurt, especially by himself."

Ahmose stared down at Yami, and slowly, the knife slipped from his fingers and clattered to the stone surface of the bridge. Mikado slowly stood, with help from Nikolas and Pegasus. Otogi brought him a spare uniform. Mikado stared at Greg.

"He... traded himself?” He gasped.

Greg nodded. "His love for Ahmose, and guilt for what he had done were too great. He wanted to make things right."

Mikado's eyes widened and he looked at his brother. Ahmose was staring down at Yami, his face void of emotion. Then, slowly, mechanically, he reached up and unfastened the clasp from his Cloak of Shadows and removed it, shaking it out and draping it over Yami, covering him completely. Mikado slowly fell to his knees and reached out, but Ahmose caught his brother's wrist. "No one is to touch him.” He hissed, standing. "I will take him home. After I have completed some... unfinished business...” And he turned and looked at the dark gaping entryway to the fortress, whisps of glowing purple swirling in his golden eyes. The purple pendant around his neck began to darken as tendrils of black crept through it.

Greg smirked at Mikado. "You have business as well young vampire...” He said after a moment. "There will be a vampire body today...”

Mikado stared up at Greg and slowly shook his head. "No... I... No... please don't take Yami... Please...”

"It was his royal command." Greg snorted, pulling a small lantern from his cloak and holding it over Yami. The flame burst to life, glowing a brilliant gold. "I suggest you hurry to your sire's side...”

Mikado stared at the flame. "What is that?” He asked, softly, looking devastated and scared.

"It's called a Poe." Greg said chuckling. "I believe humans know it as... the soul."

Mikado shook his head, tears breaching his eyes. "Please don't... I can't bare this...” Nikolas looked at Pegasus, silently.

Pegasus frowned and made the mark of the cross over his chest, saying a soft prayer. After a moment he lifted his head. "We pay what respects we had for that fallen prince, and give our thanks... then we move in.” He said formally. "It's time we ended this."

Nikolas laid a hand on Mikado's shoulder. "We have work to do, Journeyman.” He said softly. Mikado wiped his eyes and slowly stood, nodding. He turned and looked at Pegasus.

"I'm going after Bakura and Itemri.” He said. "Find Seto. Get the amulet from him, and get him out. If I see him... Agent or not, I will kill him."

Ryou held onto Marik and wiped his eyes. "Poor... poor Yami...” he sniffled trying his best not to cry anymore. Malik bowed his head.

"It happens... to everyone eventually.” He said softly, dismounting his horse.

All Agents paid their respects as they neared the prince, before Pegasus nodded to them. "We move." And the Agents flooded into the stronghold.

Mikado still stood on the bridge, staring at the massive doorway. Nikolas blinked.

"Mikado?” He asked, glancing at Pegasus and Otogi.

"... I... I don't want to...” Mikado gasped, his eyes filled with fear. "I... I can't, I...”

Greg however laughed. "I don’t normally aid a human... but since my prince felt you so worthy of living...” He said looking at the flame in his lantern. "Right as we speak... your lover is becoming trapped...” he said lifting the lantern, the light glowing from it and forming an... eerie image. Bakura was fighting off Itemri. "A vampire dies today." Greg hissed. "Right now you have an opportunity to tip the scales... whether you take it or not..."

Mikado stared, eyes wide. "... He's going to kill Bakura?!” He gasped.

"Go." Nikolas said. "While you can still save him." Mikado squeaked and looked at Nikolas, then at Pegasus.

Pegasus nodded. "It will be a long eternity without him, if he dies.” He said slowly. "And even longer from guilt of knowing it was coming, if you do nothing."

Greg waved the lantern once more, the image fading. "The choice is yours, but I would think quickly."

Mikado looked down at Ahmose's cloak, covering Yami's body. "... Itemri has already taken too much from me...” He hissed, narrowing his eyes, then turned and ran into dark fortress. Marik turned and looked at Ryou, then followed Nikolas and Pegasus inside.

Ryou whimpered softly, hurrying after his lover. "I'm going to be killed...” He mumbled as Malik followed.

"It happens!" the elf called in an optimistic tone.

Once they were in, Seto sprung the trap. Out of nowhere, vampires, werewolves, demons, goblins, gremlins and all other manner of dark creature emerged from doorways and ledges and shadows, falling upon the Agents and Elves.

The war broke out. All hell was broken loose in the halls of the stronghold. Elves, Agents, Demons and Imps all battling. Blood soon began staining the walls and floor as casutalties began to fall.

Meanwhile, Bakura was growling at Itemri and slashing at him with his claws. "I refuse!” He howled. "I'm NOT your pawn!"

"You are MY childe!!! I made you! I OWN YOU!!!" Itemri shouted back, trying to capture Bakura's gaze to bring him under his power.

Bakura hissed doing everything he could to keep from making eye contact with Itemri, but the ancient had caught onto that tactic. He knew if Itemri caught his gaze it would only be a matter of time before his mental defenses fell and Itemri had him. "You don’t own me! You never did and you never will!" Bakura growled slashing at Itemri's face. "I'll love whomever the hell I want, and I'll LIVE however I choose. I won’t sire any unwilling human and there's NOTHING you can do about it!"

"You WILL sire!!!" Itemri shouted. "Love is for the WEAK!!! Your childe is dead! You will learn from this lesson or you will be doomed to repeat it, Akeifa!!!"

Bakura's eyes widened as an image of his lover's body flashed across his mind once more. And that split second of stunned pain and heartbreak was all it took for Itemri to catch Bakura's gaze.

"You are MY childe. You will do as I tell you." Itemri hissed. "Sire again in love, and I will kill that childe, just as I killed your precious Agent rat. Remember the pain, Akeifa. Every time you even BEGIN to have feelings, you will remember. Remember how you hurt him. How you failed to protect him from me when I came for you at the Vatican... how you threw him out the window of the Vatican. When he came to you, begging you to love him... and you bricked him up in your cellar and left him to die... Or tonight... You were not here to save him... to protect him... you failed him. This is what love brings. Weakness and pain."

Bakura growled despite his fading eyes. "No...” He hissed fighting Itemri's influence with all he had. "I love Mikado...” He struggled feebly to try and claw Itemri, but he couldn't focus on mental defenses, not with that horrible image of his lover... on the cross in his mind. All he wanted was for his precious childe to be alive. To live and to love him once again.

"Mikado is DEAD!!!" Itemri shouted, furiously. "If you had left the boy alone, he would be alive! Alive and happy at the Vatican! But you took him from that! Because YOU loved him, he DIED!!!"

"NO!" Bakura howled eyes finally dimming beneath Itemri.

"Love brings pain and weakness...” Itemri hissed at Bakura, but suddenly let out a scream, stumbling to the side. A cross was in his shoulder. A sharpened cross, covered in dried blood.

"Love brings strength and joy...” Came a growl from the doorway. "It is a bitter man who has never felt love...”

Bakura groaned and held his head shaking it. His eyes lit up when he caught sight of Mikado. "Oh gods you're alive!” He said looking relieved, overjoyed and proud all at the same time. "Oh gods...” but he paused and smirked at the writhing Itemri. "Heh... Mikado... you did something I never could.” He purred. "You stabbed this motherfucker and it hurt him."

Mikado didn't even look at Bakura. He GLARED at Itemri, the other two cross nails in his gloved hands. "You are... possibly the most evil creature I have ever known...” He hissed, his eyes glowing red. He was baring his teeth, but his baby fangs had been removed, and his adult fangs had not yet come in. "I cannot allow you to live any longer...”

Itemri hissed in fury, trying to reach back and rip the cross from his shoulder. "You impudent wretch, why won’t you just stay DEAD!?” He yowled, ripping the cross away and hurling it back at Mikado.

Mikado dodged the thing, but his hand shot out and caught it, sending it right back at Itemri, all within the blink of an eye. It lodged itself in Itemri's stomach. "Because I will not REST until I see YOU dead!" Mikado snapped.

Bakura smirked, stepping back to watch. If Mikado needed help, he'd aid him in a second, but he seemed to have this under control.

Itemri doubled over in pain, letting out a furious shriek. In all his years alive... he had NEVER been burned by the holy symbol.

Mikado stalked across the room and backhanded the Ancient with more strength than ANY fledgling should have. "You will receive no mercy when God passes judgement on you." Mikado hissed.

Itemri growled loudly. "Your god can kiss my ass.” He chuckled, pulling the cross out once more, and stabbing Mikado in the thigh with it.

Mikado yelped, but raised one of the two he still held and stabbed downwards towards Itemri's heart.

Itemri dodged out of the way quickly, and it didn't seem Mikado had gotten his heart. But the timeless was shaking in pain, and within moments had began to burst into flame. Bakura grinned. "Who's not worthy now?” He said smugly to his sire. "Mikado is more worthy than ANYONE to be my lover. And I'll have NO others."

Mikado whirled, slamming the second cross nail into Itemri's side, and then pulled the one from his thigh. He slammed Itemri up against the wall and raised the third cross, then cut his throat open. He covered the wound with his mouth, and began to drain his grandsire, who wrapped a hand around the back of Mikado's neck, trying to pull him off. Mikado slammed Itemri's wrist against the wall, then drove the third cross nail through his hand, pinning it there. He sucked Itemri's blood fiercely, but Itemri got no pleasure from this... just a burning pain; Mikado was draining away his very life...

But after a moment Bakura carefully pulled Mikado away in a hug. "Don’t.” He said softly. "You'll get power from it... but also evil” He whispered, kissing his childe's cheeks. "And evil like his needs to die... not be reborn through a new generation.” He cooed.

Mikado gasped, stumbling back with wide eyes. He stared Itemri in the eyes as the Ancient began to crumble into dust, starting around his wounds.

Bakura held Mikado tight and turned them both away. "Oh Mikado...” Bakura breathed kissing him strongly suddenly. "I love ONLY you.” He said firmly. "And anything Itemri ever told you of me... is a lie.” He hugged Mikado tightly. "When I saw you on that cross... I thought I would die.” He shook his head and cradled his childe. "NEVER leave my side again!"

Mikado clung to Bakura, then convulsed violently and collapsed. Bakura slowly lowered him to the floor. The fledgling vampire had just fed from a very powerful Ancient. It would take his body a while to accept the potent blood. Mikado stared up at Bakura, pain and greif in his eyes.

Bakura smiled softly and nuzzled him lovingly. "It'll be ok...” He stooped and fed from Mikado, lightening the potency of the blood he'd taken in. ~Mikado... I have never been more proud of you.~ he whispered in Mikado's mind. ~You are every bit as 'perfect' as any vampire could ever be... but more importantly. You're my lover, and that is what matters most. Most in all the world. I wouldn't trade it for anything.~

Mikado suddenly burst into tears, hiding his face in Bakura's shirt. "He's dead!!! Bakura, he's dead!!!"

Bakura finally pulled away and licked Mikado's wound closed. "Who's dead?"

"I was dying... I was... SUPPOSED to die...” Mikado sobbed, drawing his knees up to his chest. "Yami... he summoned a Reaper! And he... Bakura, he exchanged himself for me... He died in my place!!!"

Bakura pulled Mikado into his arms and cradled him. "Shh... Mikado. Then I owe everything in the world to that incubus.” He whispered. "He saved two lives today... I would have died without you...” He said softly. "In more ways than you could imagine."

Mikado shook his head. "Ahmose... I don't know what he... I just... don't know...”

"Shh...” Bakura breathed. "Ahmose will be alright." he whispered kissing Mikado. "My poor Mikado... your adorable baby fangs...” he pouted, lifting Mikado's lip. "Now you look so miserable...”

Mikado just turned and hid his face again, crying. "I am miserable...” He whispered.

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

Viciously, Ahmose cut down the demon before him, his eyes flashing in his quest to kill Seto. Nearby, Ryou hurried down the hall surrounded by six elves and led by Marik in his halfway form, fur matted in blood. They too sought Seto, determined to get Ryou close enough to take the amulet from him, and Pegasus and Dartz were right behind them with Nikolas and Aiden.

The closer they drew to Seto the more vicious the demons became. And at the end of the hall stood their target, looking furious and cupping his amulet, sending magic their way. "I will kill you." Seto hissed. Sending a bolt towards Ryou once more, while demons attacked. If they couldn't separate him from his amulet, they couldn't stop him.

Ahmose whirled and raised a hand, blocking the bolt of magic. The elves surrounding Ryou drew in closer so Seto couldn't even SEE the boy. Marik barked viciously and charged Seto.

Seto snorted and a chain appeared around Marik's neck, chaining him to the floor. "Down boy.” He chuckled.

"ARP!" Marik yelped as he was choked. The elves sent a volley of arrows at Seto.

Seto glared at the arrows and a blue shield flew up. But the arrows didn't stop, once they struck the shield they turned and flew back towards the elves.

The elves yelped and ducked, tackling Ryou to the floor with them. The arrows struck a troll that was barrelling down on the elves. Dartz looked at Pegasus. The pair drew their swords and charged, Aiden behind them, ready to snatch the amulet away. Ahmose blinked, then followed.

Seto growled and focused his magic, sending several bolts toward the group hoping to get rid Aiden now, as he was the closer half elf.

Ahmose scowled and sent bolts flying at Seto, deflecting the ones that Seto had sent. "I'LL KILL YOU!!!” He screamed.

Seto merely laughed. "You mean like your pet?” He cackled sending a wave of magic towards them, knocking the group back. "He's dead isn't he?"

"BASTARD!!!" Ahmose screamed, leaping to his feet and charging Seto, Aiden by his side.

Seto laughed toppling the both of them once more. "Dead... and he's not coming back is he? Ever.” He taunted.

Aiden sat up and rubbed his head groaning. That had hurt.

Ahmose whirled, flinging ice shards at Seto.

Aiden got up and charged once more while Seto was busy with the ice. He tackled him to the floor, but was flung off quickly when he had grabbed the amulet. He looked shocked. "It's cracked!” He yelled. "It's unstable!"

And those were his last words. Seto whirled, flinging a single bolt at Aiden. Dartz and Pegasus watched in horror as the bolt went straight through Aiden's chest...

Ryou gasped and whimpered shaking his head as Aiden fell to the floor, eye wide, a look of shock frozen on his face. "Oh no... no, no...” He felt tears burning his eyes. There were so many things wrong with that! Aiden was dead! He'd SEEN Aiden die! All those traumatizing things, and lump on top that left ONLY him!

Ahmose tackled Seto from behind as the man took a moment to gloat in triumph. "BASTARD!!! I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO KILL ANY MORE INNOENTS!!!” He screamed, his face bearing a crazed look of insane fury. Dartz and Pegasus charged to help Ahmose.

"RYOU, MOVE!!!" Malik shouted.

Ryou whimpered and swallowed hard, hesitating before hurrying forward as well. The first to reach Seto was Ahmose and Ryou, who both were thrown off by the amulet's Magic. But Dartz and Pegasus grabbed Seto's arms tightly.

"Ryou get up!" Malik yelped. "They have him!"

However that wasn't needed. Otogi had managed to sneak behind Seto and brought down his knife, cutting the amulet from Seto's neck. The jewel dropped as Seto fell limp and unconsious in Pegasus and Dartz's arms. The moment the jewel hit the ground however, the entire stronghold began to shake. The power of the crystal amulet was surging and was about to destroy them all!

Nikolas' eyes widened. The amulet had shattered. "Oh God.” He gasped. Dartz whirled, leaving Pegasus holding Seto. Mikado and Bakura ran into the room. All fighting had stopped and all eyes were staring at the amulet as blue sparks began to shoot out of it.

"SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING!!!!" Someone screamed. Ahmose's eyes widened.

"Something is trying to escape it!” He gasped.

"SO DON'T LET IT!!!" Several elves howled in unison. The pendant around Ahmose's neck flashed and he lifted a hand, eyes wide and desperate. Then, everything went black, and everyone in the room collapsed...

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