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.

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

Chapter 39

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

Bakura was the first to come to. Mikado was sprawled out on the floor by his side. Bakura looked up and across the large room. A massive glowing blue crystal sat at the other end of the room, and Ahmose was standing in front of it, staring. Inside, the evil amulet could be seen. It was glowing, but it was trapped. But it wasn't alone. Seto, Pegasus, Dartz and Otogi were trapped as well. Pegasus was on his knees, staring at the crystal in horror, Seto was limp and slumped over, his arm over Pegasus’ shoulders. Dartz looked caught mid-yell, wide panicked eyes also on the crystal. Otogi stood behind them all, looking frightened and confused.

Ahmose placed a hand on the hard surface of the crystal, and slowly dropped to his knees.

Bakura frowned and stepped forward, moving across the room, stepping over bodies and finally placing a hand on Ahmose's shoulders. "You did what you had to do..." he said softly. "You saved more then just the lives of the people in this room today..." he whispered. "And I'm sure we can figure out how to free them from the crystal..."

Ahmose looked down. "That's my brother's best friend in there..." He breathed. "And his Master. And... Seto." He growled, narrowing his eyes. "I... I can't get to him... I can't... kill him..."

Bakura sighed. "Mikado will survive... trapped like that, they cannot age." he said helping Ahmose to his feet. "We will be here when they wake up... Mikado will be just as Otogi remembers him. And Otogi as Mikado remembers him." he rubbed Ahmose's back. "Seto didn't do those things willingly. He was as much a victim of that amulet, as Yami was... I... heard what happened. Mikado was deeply troubled."

Ahmose closed his eyes, and seemed barely able to stand on his own. "DAMMIT!!!" He screamed, slamming his fist into the side of the crystal.

"Ahmose... did he at least die with honor?" Bakura said after a moment. "That is all a prince could ask for in death… to die with honor." he walked back to Mikado and picked up the sleeping youth. "It's all a prince can do... die with meaning... showing no fear at death."

Ahmose slowly turned and began to cross the hall, stepping over the unconscious bodies as he went. "... I have to go." He said softly.

"Where?" Bakura said after a moment.

"I have to... take him home." Ahmose mumbled, then looked at Bakura. "Take care of Mikado."

Bakura nodded slowly. "I... I will. Take care of yourself." he said cuddling his lover.

And Ahmose turned and left the fortress, moving across the bridge and to where Yami lay, his cloak still covering the demon prince. Ahmose knelt and slowly gathered Yami up in his arms. Then he closed his eyes, and executed the teleportation spell, taking Yami and himself to Yami's realm. Exhausted as the spell made him, Ahmose immediately turned from where he had landed in the middle of a formal clothing shop, and began heading for the palace.

Ahmose was receiving a lot of stares, some worried as he carried the bundled body of their prince towards the palace.

Upon arriving at the palace, Ahmose was immediately escorted to the throne room, and announced. Yami's mother was currently holding court, so the room was full of important demons and creatures. Ahmose just stared at Yami's mother as he made his way across the throne room, not even hearing the whispers of the court. When he reached the end of the room, he stopped, then slowly knelt and lay his burden down before the queen. Then, remaining on one knee, he bowed his head and closed his eyes.

She looked at Yami for a moment glaring at Ahmose. "Greg has already told me what happened." She hissed furiously. "You turned on your own chosen..." Her tail lashed. "Threatened to kill him, attacked him, disowned him..." she hissed. "You've shamed him in EVERY way a chosen could EVER shame him..."

Ahmose made no move, even as the scar on his palm began to burn... the scar that remained a testament to his Blood Oath... to his promise to protect Yami with his very life...

"And even when you bore NOTHING but hate for my son... he STILL could not bear to leave your side. Even when every possible thing was screaming for him to just LEAVE." She growled. "My beautiful son, my idiotic bullheaded proud son... traded himself for YOUR desires." she lashed out, striking Ahmose harshly across the face, her claws catching him.

Ahmose made no move to stop her, and simply remained where he was, his head turned to the side as blood trickled down his face. He said nothing. The entire hall was silent.

She growled at Ahmose. "I never approved of your coupling. You're unworthy. You never had anything suitable of a prince... but my son INSISTED that you were perfect. You were the PERFECT chosen. What do you have to say? Are you PROUD of your accomplishment? You've dragged my poor child through the mud as a royal, as an incubus, as a LOVER. He suffered shames and dishonor greater than you could imagine, clinging to you. And this is your ultimate thanks..."

Ahmose remained silent, still. He stared off into space, there was no emotion on his face and no light in his eyes. The pendant around his neck had turned black.

"I would kill you..." The queen said standing. "I SHOULD kill you..." she added looking over her shoulder. "But my precious Atemu wouldn't want that. For whatever reason, your pathetic life means the world to him. Get out of my sight." she hissed.

Ahmose closed his eyes breifly, and slowly stood. He could hear the buzz of the crowd around him, and feel their hate... their desire to see him dead. Ahmose slowly turned, but a wave of dizzyness and nausea overcame him. He gasped and stumbled, before collapsing. He groaned, the floor cool on his face. Slowly, he opened his eyes and stared at his cloak, still covering his lover. He couldn't move.

The queen growled. "Guard!" she roared. "Take this wretch to the dungeon for now... We will convene and see what is to be done with him." she snorted tail lashing. "And take my son's body to his room..." she added in a softer tone.

Two large orcs rushed forward, one hefting Ahmose up, the other Yami. They walked out and turned in opposite directions. The last thing Ahmose saw of Yami was his lover’s wings and tail dragging on the floor as the other orc tried not to step on the fallen prince.

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

Ryou awoke to a warm, wet tongue licking his face, and worried whines.

Ryou groaned and sat up. "Stooop! Dog spit ew ew ew!" he yelped swatting at Marik.

Marik leapt back for a moment, but then threw his arms around Ryou, changing to his human form and kissing him. "You're alright..." He gasped.

Ryou smiled and clung to Marik. "That... was the scariest thing that's ever happened to me. A-and... s-so many people..." he looked around them at the bodies, both human and demon that lay strewn across the corridors. "I feel terrible.."

Marik sighed and nodded. "Seventeen Agents are dead." He said softly. "Twenty two elves. And..." He slowly turned and looked up at the crystal. "Dartz, Pegasus and Otogi are... well... we don't know..." Mikado was up by the crystal, on his knees, crying into Bakura's chest over his friend.

Ryou whimpered and buried his face in Marik's chest. "I... I want to go home now... E-even if my home doesn't want me back. I... I need to... to talk to mother." he whimpered. "Even though she... can’t talk back anymore."

Marik sighed and nodded. "Alright, baby..." He murmured, helping Ryou up. "Ahmose left. He... he's taken Yami to his mother..."

Ryou frowned and shushed Marik. "Shh... don’t say that..." he said softly. "He had a Blood Oath... if Mikado hears you..."

Marik sighed. "Bakura will have to tell Mikado soon... I think he knows perfectly well that... that Ahmose will be executed. But he's afraid to tell Mikado... After all he's been through today... the rape, the torture, nearly dying... to lose Yami, who he was finally getting close to... to lose his best friend... His master… and now his brother..." Marik shook his head.

Ryou sighed and nuzzled Marik. "Let’s go..." he said softly. "There's no point staying here..." he added nuzzling his lover once more. "Lets leave this... death sanctuary."

Marik nodded, and he and Ryou turned and headed out the door, not saying a word to anyone. An Elven Elder turned and looked at Malik.

"Malik?" He asked. "What will you do now?"

"Go home." Malik said softly. "I... have healing to do in a lot of ways." he winced. "Both physically and mentally... even spiritually." he slowly stood. "And... I bet my mother's been missing me."

He smiled and nodded. "Then let us all go home." The Elves and the Agents got themselves together and trickled out. Finally, only Mikado and Bakura were left.

Bakura sighed and stood with Mikado. "Come Mikado... it's time we left..." he said softly. "The Vatican will send a group to... purify this place and send all well off. We can come back for it."

Mikado nodded, slowly standing. "We... we need to find Geist..." He mumbled, turning. He looked terrible.

Bakura sighed and scooped Mikado up. "Let me carry you." he whispered cuddling his childe. "You look awful."

Mikado sighed and let Bakura carry him, gently stroking the bloodstone cross around his neck, which he had taken from Itemri's ashes. Under the cross, under his shirt, was another cross; his chest had scarred. There were also scars on his hands and feet, and where he had been stabbed in the side by the spear... all symbols of the crucifixion of Christ... Mikado vaguely wondered why those particular wounds scarred, while all the others did not...

Bakura kissed Mikado's forehead, hearing Mikado’s wondering. "Maybe... to remind you of your blessings." Bakura answered. "And to remind you of your courage... and your friends." he took one of Mikado's hands and traced the scar. "They're beautiful."

Mikado shuddered, turning away. "I wish... I wish that Yami had just... let me die." He finally admitted.

Bakura sighed and shook his head. "And what about me?" he said softly. "Would you really leave me?"

Mikado just shook his head. "Yami never should have interfered... if it was my time to go... he should have let me go..." Mikado whispered.

Bakura held Mikado tight. "Don’t talk like that. It wasn't your time to go... it was his. There IS no intervention. Things happen for a reason."

Mikado shook his head. "No no no... no..." He moaned, as Bakura found the stable. Geist and Nakhti both perked up and whinnied.

"Mikado... people don’t intervene, according to your God's plan, and mine. Things happen for a reason. It was HIS destiny, that he save you. You have greater things you must accomplish. You have a purpose left in this world."

Mikado squirmed to be put down, and went to Geist, stroking his neck. He sighed and looked at Nakhti, then frowned. "Hey... where's Ahmose?"

Bakura sighed. "He... left."

Mikado blinked. "Left? Why? Where? Without Nakhti?! Or saying anything?!"

Bakura hugged Mikado once more. "He... had to take Yami home."

Mikado blinked. "Take Yami..." He trailed off, and Bakura felt Mikado's body go stiff and rigid, and he sucked in his breath and held it, beginning to shake.

Bakura held Mikado tightly. "Don’t cry..." He cooed. "Don’t cry..."

"They'll kill him!" Mikado cried, shaking his head. "He swore a Blood Oath! He swore to protect Yami! And he's bringing back his BODY?! They're gonna kill him!" Mikado began to squirm and struggle. "They'll kill him!"

Bakura frowned holding Mikado more. "Mikado what will you do?! You have no way to get to him." he said frowning. "He's out of our reach! He CHOSE that."

"NO!!!" Mikado screamed, arching against Bakura, trying to get away. "I have to do SOMETHING!!! I can't lose my brother!!!"

"He's already gone Mikado!" Bakura said hugging him tighter. "There's nothing you can do!!"

Mikado thrashed violently, screaming, but he quickly exhausted himself. Eventually, he just slumped into Bakura, sobbing.

Bakura held Mikado tightly, allowing him to cry. It was all he could do.

But as dawn neared he sighed. "Mikado... it's time. Let’s tie the horses to the Vatican carriage... they've been waiting on us."

Mikado just moaned weakly, and turned, stumbling over to Nakhti and leading him from the stall. The horse quietly followed, sensing the pain and depression in his master's brother. All eyes turned to Mikado when he emerged from the fortress with his brother's horse. The snow was falling again, and the spot where Yami had laid was covered.

Bakura followed as well, leading Geist. Both vampires were silent. Even when they climbed into the carriage to join Nikolas, the bed already made up. Bakura sighed and pulled Mikado into another hug once they lay down. ~I promise Mikado... it will be okay.~

"No it won't." Mikado mumbled in a monotone voice. Nikolas frowned, looking at Mikado with a worried expression. "How could it possibly be okay... it will never be okay..."

Bakura sighed. ~Just... hope Mikado.~ he breathed softly. ~Hope for the best.~

"There is no hope." Mikado said.

Bakura sighed and shook his head. ~Hold onto some hope. For me...~

"... I have none to hold on to anymore..." Mikado said quietly. "Even if they don't execute Ahmose, that doesn't mean he's not going to die..."

Bakura looked at Mikado sadly. "That doesn't mean that you have to die too..."

Mikado blinked, slowly, then gave a humorless smile. "Aren't I already dead?"

"No." Bakura said softly. "You're alive. Dead beings cannot die twice..." He gave Mikado all the comfort he could... and hoped for the best for Ahmose.

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

Yami's mother sighed and composed herself, before entering the large council chamber where she would be meeting with other high ranked demons regarding Ahmose, who was still passed out in the dungeon.

She entered. "Thank you for your patience..." she said after a moment, taking her seat. "I'm sure you all know why we are here. I have suffered as great a blow as you all have." She said shaking her head.

"You let him LIVE!" Someone shouted in outrage. "How could you have let that... FILTHY human live?!"

"Because my son, our lost prince, fought me fang and claw over that boy." She said wiping her eyes a bit. "And it would be disrespectful for me to ignore his wishes after death."

"He broke a BLOOD OATH! His life is forfeit!" The same demon howled, and the others all spoke up in their agreement.

"You think that human is TRULY still alive?" The queen said harshly. "He's dead inside. Can you not see it in his eyes?! In his aura?! There's nothing there to kill! He's already dead!"

Everyone grumbled. "If he's dead inside then why not put the miserable human out of his misery?! Off with his head!!!"

"Because I want him to suffer!" The queen said harshly. "I want him to know that every day when he wakes, that my son is unable to wake because of HIM! If I kill him he will NEVER suffer the guilt of his incompetence!"

Silence met that remark. "So what... you're gonna keep him in the dungeon for the rest of his natural life?"

"I see no reason NOT to." the queen snorted. "Unless one of you still thinks letting him have the easy way out through death is more appropriate." she hissed. "A human is not a demon. Humans have remorse. DEEP remorse."

They all looked back and forth between one another. "You will... keep him in the dungeon?" One demon asked. "If you set him free, he will have things to distract him from his... remorse. Down there, he has nothing but his remorse."

"In the dungeon." The queen said harshly. "With but a cot and his food three times a day. He will have nothing."

After a few minutes, the Council agreed to this, so the queen headed down to the dungeon to inform Ahmose of his fate.

She met him and glared in his cell. "You'll not leave this dungeon alive." She said firmly. "The council has ruled that you will stay here, rotting away in this dungeon with nothing but a cot, three meals a day, and your regrets for what you put my son through." she hissed. "Because death is too GOOD for the likes of you. You get NO free ticket away from your pain this day."

Ahmose was curled up in the corner, hugging his knees to his chest. "... I never asked for one." He said softly.

She snorted. "It wouldn't have mattered if you had. As it is you've killed my only heir and son AFTER shaming him mercilessly, and sent our kingdom into ruin. I certainly hope it was worth it." She snorted walking off, leaving Ahmose to the cold dark dungeon.

Ahmose sighed, slowly bowing his head and closing his eyes, tears finally beginning to fall.

As Ahmose sat in the dungeon, he was able to see the weapon racks... among them hung all the weapons of the Royal family, and their closest. All racks were filled but one. And it was a wise guess that his late lover's rack was the empty rack.

But next to it, hung an ageless scythe, and a lantern, still aglow with golden flame, the small flame lighting the area around easily.

Ahmose slowly stood and moved to the door of his cell, staring at the scythe, and the weapons of Yami's ancestors.

Even in the dungeon the respect for those left behind by time itself was paid. Each rack had a small plaque above it with writing in an ancient language listing the names of each, though Ahmose could not read them. Not all racks held weapons upon closer inspection. The first rack held a mallet, and bronzed olive branch sprigs. And though the majority of the racks held weapons meant for destruction...There were a rare few, that held such things as ancient tomes, or bronzed scrolls, pens, even crafted metal birds. It was a pattern... every 5 racks there would be a rack of peace... until he came to Yami's rack. The empty rack. All his ancestors having contributed something grand, be it war or peace...

"Kinda sad isn't it?" A voice said softly. "That rack bein so empty."

Ahmose jumped and yelped, startled, then looked around.

There was harsh laughter from a cell over. "He was supposed to be great... just like tradition. Surely you noticed the trend." the voice said calmly. "Every 5th generation, a ruler comes around that actually benefits man and demon..." The voice continued. "Ahh... but he probably feels worst of all."

Ahmose blinked and frowned. "What do you mean?! Who are you?!"

"Just another prisoner." The voice chuckled, falling into coughs. "But even rats in the dungeons have heard of you... the murderer of our prince."

Ahmose winced. "N-No... I didn't... I didn't kill him..."

"Really? You were not the cause of his trading himself?" The voice laughed once more. "You suffer denial... and he can hear you."

Ahmose closed his eyes. "Why did this have to happen..." He whispered, sliding down to the floor.

"You want to hear an interesting little piece of information... our prince has not crossed the river yet." the voice said. "He has no fare."

Ahmose blinked. "What?"

"He has no fare to cross the river Styx. The life-river... where all souls begin and end." The voice laughed again. "So... there he sits. Lighting the reaper's way."

Ahmose blinked again. "He... hasn't crossed over?!"

"Nope. The fare to cross the river is two gold coins... and he had nothing. He wasn't thinking of his ends... only his means. Only how he could solve the problems more important than him. Oh he would have been a great leader..."

Ahmose winced. "Yes... he would have..." He said softly, putting his head into his hands. "Dammit... Why did he have to do that?!"

The voice burst into laughter. "Because it is his job, as prince, and as chosen... to ensure that you are always cared for... and that all things he does wrong, he takes responsibility for and corrects."

Ahmose shook his head. "NO!!! It's all wrong! I was supposed to take care of HIM!!!" He cried.

The voice laughed harder. "He put on a show of immaturity for his mother... for the world. But he was ready. He knew his duties. He knew how to fight, he knew the workings of things, and the history of his family. He didn't want to take over the throne without a chosen. He didn't want to take it from his mother, when she was still so much a part of his life. While he was so young." The voice snorted. "But you saw it didn't you? You saw it in his eyes. Anyone who looks in his eyes in one of his moments, where he lets himself slide out from behind his facade. You saw the prince he really was."

"Yes..." Ahmose whispered. "Yes, I did..." He frowned. "You are no prisoner... who are you to know all of this?!"

"Just someone who once saw something similar in our beloved prince." The voice silenced for a moment, seeming to smile. "But I pissed off his mother telling her. She didn't believe me when I told her what lay beneath... and had me tossed in here."

"Who are you." Ahmose growled.

"Just a humble castle servant… Ex-servant." The voice sighed. "I was waiting for him to assume the throne so I could be released... but I guess THAT idea's a dud." The voice chuckled. "Atemu you ass... You must think yourself quite funny."

Ahmose snorted. "Shut up."

The voice chuckled again. "I'll tell you something else... our prince is still quite conscious. He can see you I'm sure... and I know he can hear you. Whether he decides to make himself known however... is his decision. See that flame? That's his poe. His ghost, being, conciousness, soul, whatever you humans call it. He's sitting comfortable within Greg's lantern, just lighting the reaper's path... but for now he's resting right before us. He's lighting our dark corridor."

Ahmose slowly turned and looked at the lantern. "That... flame is Yami?" He asked, eyes wide. A spark of color appeared faintly in the blackness of the stone that hung around Ahmose's neck.

"Yup... that flame is Atemu. As long as he's on this side of the river... and his body is intact he is not... QUITE dead." The voice said calmly. "He could sneak back to it any time he chose."

"Then why DOESN'T he?!" Ahmose cried, standing. "Yami! What are you doing just hanging around in that lantern! Don't just sit there, please!!!"

The flame flickered slightly, floating out of the lantern and into Ahmose's cell. 'You don’t want me here...'

Ahmose's eyes widened, but then he looked down. "I... I'm sorry..." He said, slowly sitting down on his cot. "I'm so sorry, Yami... I... I failed you... I turned on you..."

The flame glimmered for a moment, shimmering into a transparent image of Yami. He was wearing beautiful regal looking robes and a golden crown. He looked like a prince. "You said yourself... that my help for Mikado changed nothing." he said softly, looking mournful. "I gave you everything I had to give. I never wanted to see that anger directed at me... it was all I could think of... to make you happy again."

Ahmose stared at Yami. "You're right." He said, standing and looking Yami in the eye. "Your helping Mikado changes nothing. I am still furious that Seto made you do that. I admit it, I am angry with you, even though you were being controlled. But by saving Mikado, I still lost one of the two people who mean more to me than anything. Saving Mikado changed nothing, but who I lost... The pain is still the same..." He looked down. "I'm sorry... I... I was angry and upset and I said things I didn't mean. I love you, Yami. I love you more than anything."

Yami shook his head. "Do you think I didn't try to stop it?" Yami said softly. "I was the one that clawed his amulet... I was trying to break it. But I ended up just making things worse. I got some of it stuck in my hand..." he looked down. "And whenever he ordered me to do something...it made me act more demon than I'd ever imagined, even for a demon..."

Ahmose's eyes widened. "God... So... your little attempt at stopping him backfired huh?" He smiled slightly. "Why do you always end up with all the bad luck?" He asked.

"At least I'm not Ryou." Yami snorted. "Then I'd be as helpless as I am unlucky." he shook his head. "It doesn't matter. What's done is done."

Ahmose looked down. "I'm sorry..." He whispered, hugging his knees to his chest again.

"You didn't do anything Ahmose." Yami said softly looking back to the lantern. "I did this, because I wanted to save Mikado. He's your brother... I'm just a demon." He offered a small smile. "I had done him wrong... even if it was unwillingly. His loss would have hurt more than just you. Bakura needs him, the Vatican needs him... YOU need him." He flicked his tail. "I'm not a very good prince, or a very good chosen. This kingdom would have fallen, whether I was here to lead it there or not."

Ahmose shook his head. "Yami... That's not true... You're NOT just a demon... You're my... You're MY Chosen. I love my brother with all my heart and soul... but YOU are the center of my universe, Yami. Without you, my life is worthless."

Yami chuckled slightly. "You're just saying that." he said turning warm eyes on Ahmose. "You're trying to sweet talk me into coming back." he purred. "But what good am I? I'm sure my mother has told you what a complete and utter flop I am. I don’t have a princely leg to stand on."

"Have I told you what a complete and utter flop I am? Can't even protect the ones I love..." Ahmose said softly. "I'm losing you... again..."

Yami snorted. "Ahmose c'mon now. Your problems aren't so bad. Look at what I'm supposed to live up to!" Yami howled. "Assuming I came back, I'd have to dig myself out of all this 'chosen is a human who won’t mate your sorry ass' dishonor..." Yami wrinkled his nose. "Then I'm supposed to be some great ruler! I'm supposed to be the prosperity! I'm supposed to lead this kingdom through an age of greatness!" He shook his head. "I'll never be able to do that. Between how disgraced and dishonored I am, and what a pathetic prince I am, I'd be lucky to have the kingdom not burst into civil war!"

"And you think it won't with you dead? Demons fighting to establish themselves as the first of a new dynasty? Your people need you, Yami. More than I." Ahmose said.

"They need me like humans need heart attacks." he grumbled. "They'll just murder my ass once my mother steps down. I'm unfit to rule. I don’t fight, I don’t act like the demon I am. I'm just a fucking stuffed toy. I really want to live longer, just to get my ass beat." Yami grumbled. "Just face it. I'm just like you said. Unlucky. Everyone knows I'm unfit to lead."

The voice chuckled. "Liar..."

Ahmose smiled. "I agree with the asshole next door."

Yami blinked and peeked through the wall. "Oh that's just Percius. He's my old nanny." he snickered.

Ahmose raised his eyebrow. "... Nanny?" He asked, snickering.

"Well yeah...I was one of those little cute demons with the big eyes and itty bitty wings." Yami said grinning and shrinking down to what he looked like when he was only 100 years old. He was absolutely precious. His wings were hardly big enough to be considered wings, and his tail was long enough that he carried it in one hand and sucked the tip. He blinked HUGE saucer eyes at Ahmose. "Aren't I precious?"

Ahmose's eyes nearly popped out, and he grinned. "Holy God in Heaven..." He exclaimed.

Yami toddled around cutely, his little arms and legs still chubby with baby fat. "Perciush ushed to take care of me." he cooed in a small child's voice. "He taught me how to kish too." he said proudly, toddling over to Ahmose and raising his hands like he wanted picked up. "I'm sho cute you jusht wanna shqueeze the life outta me huh?"

Ahmose raised an eyebrow. "Okay Yami, you're wierding me out now..." He admitted with a nervous laugh.

Yami snickered and returned to normal. "Aww I was cute." he chuckled. "A cute little booger like me could get away with unsnapping ANY lady's bra. I was such a little deviant." He sighed and hung his head. "Ahmose... if I come back... will you still hate me? I don’t like it when you're mad at me like that... it scares me and it hurts..." he pointed to his chest. "Mostly here..."

Ahmose nodded. "And what you did scared me... and it hurts..." He said, laying a hand on his own chest.

"Well at least I'm not the only one with chest pain. Here I thought I might have been getting sick." He smiled and inched close to Ahmose and disappeared, the small flame seeming to nuzzle him before floating out of the cell. "I'd so better get laid." it was grumbling. "And you're sitting through mom's lecture with me!" it called back.

Percius laughed loudly. "ass."

Ahmose smiled and chuckled. "That he is..." He said softly, curling up on the cot. He wasn't feeling very well...

Not more than an hour later the guards came down to fetch Ahmose and roughly escorted him up into the castle. He was lead to a large room with a nest like bed in the center. Curled up in the middle was a tired looking (though alive) Yami. "Ahmose..." he groaned and smiled. "Come stay with me instead of in the dungeon?" he offered, lifting a wing weakly, revealing a nice cozy spot next to him.

Ahmose's eyes widened, and his face split into a grin. "Yami!" And he took a flying leap into the bed, hugging him tightly.

Yami yelped loudly. "AHH AHH! GENTLY!" he yowled. "Sore in SO many ways!" he whimpered but soon calmed and nuzzled into Ahmose. He pouted. "I think you crushed my poor tail..." he mumbled lifting it and sticking it into his mouth, the poor appendage twitching in pain. He sighed and cuddled right back up to Ahmose and wrapped his wing around him. The guards left and a small elf girl came in and smiled. "Aww... it's god to see you're well sire... you truly had the whole kingdom worried!" she said tucking soft blankets around them. She placed a small box next to his nestbed and patted it. "I brought you a fire spirit... so you can keep warm. You've got such a chill, cold as death!"

Yami nodded tiredly. "Thnk yoo." he mumbled around his tail, cuddled up to Ahmose and quite content to STAY that way.

Ahmose smiled and cuddled right up to Yami… this was new… usually Yami would cuddle up to him… or Ahmose would just… calmly pull Yami into his arms, or lay his head on Yami’s chest… but actively cuddling? His face was hot on Yami’s shoulder.

Yami grinned broadly and sighed contently. This beautiful cuddling scene however, was cut drastically short when his mother stormed in, and with no regard to Ahmose what-so-ever, SAT on the human and pulled Yami into her arms and hugged him tightly, tears in her eyes. She was mumbling to him in demon and fawning over her child.

Yami however looked very tense. And for good reason. Half a second later the lecture mechanism kicked in, and she tossed him over her knee and gave him the tail-whipping spank of a lifetime.

"Unf!!! GET OFF!!!" Ahmose howled. "OH God... my stomach... I think I'm gonna throw up..."

Ten seconds later poor Ahmose was receiving his own spankings while Yami rubbed his sore behind and whined loudly.

Ahmose yelped and squirmed, then threw himself over the edge of the bed, magicked the trashcan in the corner over, and puked into it. Then, he just collapsed and lay there, gasping, and absently admiring the plush red carpet.

Yami's mother snorted. "I've had it up to here with you two." She growled. "You mister, are grounded!" she said giving Yami a look that said 'go on, I DARE you to argue.' And cracked her tail over Ahmose's ass once more. "And YOU! You're getting lessons. You obviously have NO idea how to be a chosen. Starting tomorrow you're getting schooled by MY chosen on how to be a chosen. You'll be taught history, military tactics, how to fight, the whole nine yards!" she howled. "You won’t see my son again until you MASTER everything my chosen has to teach!"

Ahmose blinked and groaned. "YOU have a chosen?" He asked, then muttered under his breath, "Who is masochistic enough to choose YOU to be their life mate?"

Yami winced. "You shouldn't have said that..." he said and his mother cracked her tail over Ahmose's ass three more times. "I chose a FINE chosen!" she howled and cracked him once more. "Azazel!" She screeched.

Yami slapped his forehead as a gargantuan demon in thick robes appeared. He was chuckling. "Is Atemu causing trouble again?" the demon rumbled, his voice as powerful and commanding as his presence.

Yami's mother smirked and pointed Ahmose's face at her chosen. "THIS is a chosen." she snorted. " Azazel, the archdemon of war."

Ahmose groaned, blinking. "... Fuzzy." He mumbled. "Can I go to sleep now?"

"Azazel darling." Yami's mother cooed lovingly. "Atemu refuses to chose a different life mate... do you think you can... shape up this one?" she purred.

The demon looked Ahmose over for a moment. "He's awfully scrawny... and sickly." he chuckled. "Atemu... you need to work on your choosing ability... you must have picked the weakest human on earth!" he laughed heartily.

Yami whined. "I like him how he is!"

Ahmose chuckled. "What, so sick and dizzy that I can't even stand? I knew I shouldn't have sat naked in the snow earlier..."

Azazel plucked Ahmose up with his tail and held him by his waist calmly. "Hmm...." he turned him slightly. "He has the same potential any human has..." he said smirking. "But humans are fat lazy things. Whether or not he decides to actually work is a different story."

Yami whined. "Put him down, he's sick! Mom this isn't fair to Ahmose!"

Yami's mother gave him a look. "I hereby order that if that little worm ever wants to see you again, he'll work. He'll work to the bone to be what a real chosen should be. If not, then he will never see you again." she said giving Azazel a look.

The male demon smirked. "Nephile... you are a sly one. Either way he goes, you'll win wont you?" he said proudly. "If he fails, Atemu will have to pick a new chosen... if he succeeds Atemu will finally have a chosen."

Ahmose groaned as he dangled around. "I would suggest putting me down before I throw up again! And possibly all over YOU!!!"

Azazel snorted and dropped Ahmose indignantly. "Humans." he said boredly.

Nephile snorted as well. "Enjoy tonight human. This is the last night you'll spend with Atemu until you're a decent Chosen."

"We'll *yawn* see about... that..." Ahmose slurred, eyes falling closed as he began to doze.

Yami growled slightly at his 'parental figures' and snatched Ahmose, pulling him back into the bed and tucking him in lovingly. He snorted as his parents left, and a servant scurried in to take the 'trash' out.

He sighed, curling his tail around his lover and nuzzling back up to him. "Sleep well Ahmose..." he purred softly.

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

Bakura woke about an hour after sunset. Nikolas was sitting in one of the seats, staring out the uncovered window. Mikado was nowhere to be seen.

Bakura frowned. "Where did Mikado go?" he asked sitting up and searching for his childe.

"He didn't sleep at all. Not a moment." Nikolas said. "As soon as the sun was down, he went outside."

Bakura dressed and went outside as well, seeking out his childe. He sighed in relief when he found he was ok. "Mikado?"

Mikado was walking behind the carriage, holding Nakhti, Geist and Strigoi's lead ropes.

Bakura sighed. "Mikado..." he sighed and walked next to his childe. "Your brother will be fine... please don’t do this to me.."

Mikado frowned. "No, he won't be fine. Even if they don't kill him."

"You never know." Bakura said frowning. "Mikado even if you're sad... you're breaking my heart giving up hope like this..."

Mikado didn't answer... he just kept walking. "I... I need to see the Council once we get back to the Vatican." He said softly.

"Why?" Bakura said frowning.

Mikado once again didn't answer. After a few minutes, he snorted. "I guess I'll be facing a different Council this time... They'll have to replace Dartz and.... and Pegasus... And the Slayer Councilman, too... He... he fell... the vampires recognized him… targeted him… he didn’t stand a chance…"

Bakura sighed. "Mikado... please come home. Take a break." he said looking upset. "Please... for US."

"Once I see the Council."

Bakura looked worried. "Why?"

Mikado didn't answer. They entered Rome, and headed for the gates of the Holy City.

Once they arrived. Ryou and Marik hopped down from the carriage roof and Ryou hugged Mikado tightly. "Hey... c-come visit me?" he asked softly. "It would really mean a lot to Marik and I..." he said softly offering Mikado a hopeful smile. "A-and I think you'd like my home..."

Mikado looked at Ryou, then nodded silently. "Good luck." He said in a muted tone. "To both of you."

Ryou sighed and gave Marik a sad look. "Well... l-lets get a pack for our clothes... and some blankets." he said softly. "no sense taking a carriage... it's not so far."

Bakura looked down. He felt like he was losing his childe and his lover in one fell swoop. Itemri it seemed would still get the last laugh.

A Ranger quietly walked over to Ryou and Marik. "We will gladly have a carriage take you home." He said.

Ryou smiled. "It's alright... I should practice walking anyway." he nuzzled Marik. "I'm sure Marik will want to take me out running in the moonlight someday."

Marik smiled. "We should change and run to your village." He said. "It will be faster, and you can practice." The Ranger smiled.

"A good idea. We can give you a horse to carry your belongings. When you reach the village, just tell it to return home. They all know to return here to the Vatican."

Ryou smiled and bowed graciously. "Thank you." he cooed as the ranger brought the horse. He changed and wiggled out of his clothes and yipped softly. The ranger laughed and picked up the clothes, folding them and putting them in a saddle bag. "I took the liberty of giving you some rations for the road, just in case." he said smiling as Marik also changed. "Be careful and try to stay warm. There are blankets and a pillow in this bag." he said pointing to the bag on the opposite side of the horse.

Ryou nodded and nuzzled Marik. 'ready?'

Marik nodded. "Follow the wolves." The Ranger told the horse, and the horse moved towards them. Marik sighed and looked at Mikado and Bakura. Mikado was stroking Nakhti's neck, and staring off into space, and Bakura was staring at Mikado. Marik turned and nuzzled Ryou, then led the way out of the Holy City, Ryou and the horse following.

Bakura sighed. The elves had already split away before they arrived at Rome, and now that Ryou and Marik were gone... the only ones yet to go home... were himself and Mikado.

"I'll take your horses to the stable." The Ranger said.

"Don't bother." Mikado replied. "We won't be staying long." And he turned and headed towards the door to the Agent Headquarters.

Bakura sighed and readied Geist and Strigoi, looking at Nakhti. "You ready to come home with us?" he offered the stallion a sugar cube. "Mikado needs you... you're all he's got to remind him."

The stallion snorted and tossed his head, looking after Mikado, before snuffling over Bakura and accepting the sugar cube. Mikado entered the Vatican and headed up to the Council chambers, where the Elites were reporting to what was left of the Council what had happened at Seto's stronghold. When Mikado entered, all went silent.

Solomon nodded to Mikado. "It is good to see you are among the living." he said softly. "I heard what happened at the stronghold..."

Mikado nodded, walking up to the Council table, and looking at the three empty seats, his eyes lingering on where Pegasus used to be. He sighed, and slowly removed his Journeyman's shoulder knots, laying it down on the table.

Solomon nodded. "It is understandable." he said giving Mikado a sympathetic look. "We will hold this knot for you." he added after a moment. "So that... should you ever again wish to aid in God's battle... you can return to us." he said offering Mikado a bow.

Mikado nodded. "It's not forever... I just... I just have to take a leave of absense for awhile. There are... alot of things I have to come to terms with. Thank you, sir. I'll be in touch. And if you need me, I'm sure you'll be able to find me." He bowed, then turned and left the room, heading back outside. He mounted Geist. "Let's go." He said softly, taking Nakhti's lead rope.

Bakura nodded and mounted Strigoi. "The servants will help raise your spirits." he said riding close to Mikado. "I'm sure they're already home once more... And eager to see you."

Mikado nodded, and followed Bakura out of the Vatican.

They arrived back at Bakura's manor just as dawn was breaking. Bakura smiled when servants rushed out, to take their horses to the stables. He dismounted Strigoi and helped Mikado from Geist. "It's time to sleep." he said softly. "All three horses are exhausted... and you didn't sleep last day." he said sternly.

"I want to put Nakhti away." Mikado said softly, staring off into space as he had been for the past 24 hours.

Bakura sighed and picked up Mikado. "No." he said sternly. "The light will break soon, and you need to sleep." he carried Mikado indoors. "You can groom Nakhti tonight." he pressed his forehead to Mikado's walking to the bathroom. "I don’t want you being out in the day."

Mikado sighed. "Been there, done that. Remeber?" Mikado mumbled, making Bakura wince. That was the longest day in the world, knowing that his childe was out and may not live to see the night.

Bakura snorted. "Well it's not happening again. Mikado, you need to heal. Physically, mentally and spiritually." he said hugging Mikado as he entered the bathroom, smiling to see an already filled steaming tub. "It's killing me inside... to see you hurting so deeply."

"This pain will never go away." Mikado said. "It may fade a bit... but it will always be here."

Bakura nodded. "I know." he said kissing Mikado's head, undressing them both for the bath. "You say it like I've never felt pain."

Mikado sighed and looked down. "Sorry..."

"I've been around so long Mikado." Bakura said beginning to bathe his childe. "I've lost everyone I was ever close to... I watched my friends... grow old and die." he sighed. "It is a deep pain, but you cant let it consume you." he shook his head. "That will never bring them back... and it is disrespectful to their memory. Would Ahmose ever be happy in afterlife, knowing that you live on in utter misery? No. You'll damn you both to a purgatory of hell."

"I just lost my best friend, my Master, my brother and... hell, my brother-in-law, all in one day! I think that gives me the right to be miserable for the next century..." Mikado snorted, folding his arms and glaring at the floor.

"And... what about me?" Bakura said softly. "You hurt me... being so deeply in pain. A pain that I can’t remedy." Bakura sighed, rinsing Mikado and leaning on him.

"I doubt you can." Mikado mumbled.

Bakura sighed and looked mournful. "Mikado... Please try to perk up."

Mikado just snorted and scowled at that, but turned and nuzzled his face into Bakura's chest. "... You're all I have left..." He whispered.

Bakura sighed and held Mikado close. "I'll never leave you."

Mikado sighed and relaxed at that. "... I love you." He mumbled in a tiny voice.

Bakura rubbed Mikado's back. ~I adore you.~ Bakura whispered in Mikado's mind. ~You're the most beautiful... perfect thing to ever come into my life Mikado... and seeing you hurt so deeply hurts me too...~ He sighed kissing Mikado's forehead. "Don’t become bitter..."

Mikado sighed and nodded. "Yeah... guess it's no fun spending eternity with a permanently depressed and angsty attitude, hm?"

"I spent 700 years that way." Bakura snorted. "It gets you nowhere..." he smiled. "But then I finally got over it, and look what fell into my lap." he hugged Mikado and nipped at his neck. "The most perfect angel of a lover I could have ever asked for, and the most admirable childe vampire this world has known!" he said eagerly. "You vanquished my sire. Mikado, you're destined for SO much greatness."

Mikado sighed and curled in on himself. "His blood still burns in my veins... how... how long will it burn me?" He asked.

Bakura nuzzled him. "I tried to help with the pain..." Bakura said softly. "It wont burn long... once you sleep it should stop." he cooed. "Just take it easy... you're too young to be vanquishing timeless and draining them." he said patting Mikado's head and grinning proudly. "That is something ancients try to do, to become more powerful."

Mikado nodded, yawning, and giving Bakura a stark reminder that his childe no longer had fangs. Not like his baby fangs were useful, but... A vampire without fangs was a pitiful creature indeed. Mikado's claws had grown back, but they were still soft and useless. They would remain so for a couple of days.

Bakura chuckled softly. "My poor Mikado..." he whispered, catching his yawn with a kiss and finishing his own bathing before climbing from the tub, Mikado in his arms. "Lets get you to bed..." he said wrapping a robe around himself and offering Mikado one as well. "Tomorrow night we can see about getting you a good meal and relaxing by the fire."

Mikado sighed and nodded, eyes drooping sleepily. "Don't leave me..." He whimpered. "Don't ever leave me... I couldn't bear it."

"I never will leave you Mikado." Bakura said softly, carrying Mikado to their room, and not bothering to dress he helped Mikado to bed, crawling in next to him as servants came in and stoked the fire in the heating stove and ensured the curtains were drawn good and tight. Bakura spooned Mikado and cradled him with the most care Mikado had ever felt from his sire. ~Sleep now Mikado... and have happy dreams. We'll pull through this together, and we always will be together.~

Mikado sniffled, curling up. ~... Thank you...~ He whispered, and drifted to sleep.

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

While the younger brother slept, elsewhere the elder brother was waking. He blinked up at the cieling, then turned and looked at Yami, lying next to him, and smiled.

Yami nuzzled Ahmose more, but jumped in shock when his door slammed open and Nephile flicked her tail. "Rise and shine human, you're off to be schooled."

Ahmose blinked and slowly sat up. "Huh? Oh... it's you." He said, then turned and looked at Yami. He smiled, then leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss. "See ya later." He said softly, and slid out of the bed, picking up his Cloak of Shadows that had been draped over a chair.

"I sent Greg to fetch your horse. He will be cared for in our stables. He left a note informing your brother of what became of you. He will also be giving us updates as Azazel sees fit." Nephile said calmly as she lead Ahmose from Yami's room, the prince looking dazed from being just woken so abruptly, and whimpering at the loss of his lover.

"Azazel is taking you to the boarders of our kingdom. You will be trained there." she added calmly. "You're not welcome back into this kingdom until you're a suitable chosen. It may take weeks… it may take years. You may even die before such a thing occurs. You're free to give up at anytime and leave our kingdom forever however." She said smirking as they met Azazel in the throne room.

Ahmose sighed. "How... is my brother?" He asked. "I should have said something to him before I left... He knows Yami is alive? And that I am alive?"

Nephile nodded. "Everything was in the note." She said flicking her tail. "I wrote it myself. He'll know you are alive and well, and that Atemu is alive as well."

Azazel smirked. "When your training calls for a horse, I will send for yours to be brought to us." he said flicking his own thick and spiked tail. "If there's no further formal shit, lets go."

Ahmose nodded. "Lead the way." He said, perfectly calm and composed.

Azazel nodded and took Ahmose's hand and the world flashed. Demonic teleportation. When the world came back into focus they were in a desolate wasteland. No plants, no Demons... nothing, but a small shack. "This is where you are staying." he snorted. "There is little food, and water in this land." he continued. "You will eat only what you earn, or catch yourself."

A soft yipping was heard. "Oh, and your dog." Azazel said chuckling. "It found it's way back to you while you slept. I decided to let you keep it."

Ahmose nodded, but turned at the yapping. He blinked, then smiled and knelt to greet the puppy that had doubled in size since he had last seen her. "So this is where you got to. I've been wondering about you, Abana." He said, rubbing her ears. He looked up. "Was Enehy returned to my brother?"

"Those hounds have innate sense of where their masters are. If it hasn't returned by now, then it is well on it's way." Azazel said calmly. "They can follow literally to the ends of Earth, and beyond." he looked out over the land. "Each day I will send a demon for you to fight, and an elementalist for you to study under. They will report back to me." he gave Ahmose a look. "When you have beaten all my fighters... and learned from all my elementalists, I will fight you myself. If you can manage to defeat me, I will allow you back into the kingdom." he smirked. "If you try to sneak in, you will be punished."

Ahmose snorted and scowled, crossing his arms. "I have more honor than that." He snapped, looking insulted.

Azazel raised an eyebrow. "Oh clearly." he said flicking his tail and turning Ahmose quickly and lifting his shirt. He lifted a stone tablet and tied it to the youth's back tightly. "Oh, and by the way... this is for that idiotic posture of yours... and to help you get a bit of muscle." he said looking sadistically amused. "Don’t take it off."

Ahmose blinked and squirmed a bit. "Fighting is going to be very difficult with this thing... I will lose a lot of my mobility." He said, frowning.

"You can take it off only to fight, and to sleep." Azazel said after a moment. "And maybe for a bath. I don’t need you stinking up our borders."

Ahmose snorted. "And where am I to bathe?" He asked, looking around at the vast wasteland. "... Scenery here sucks..."

"I'm sure you'll find something." Azazel chuckled. "Because it's up to you to find any food that you don’t earn. If you perform poorly, you are not fed."

Ahmose smirked. "Fine." He said, then gave a sheepish grin. "Honestly, I don't think I could eat right now anyway, still feel a bit queasy..."

"Should Atemu sneak out to see you... which isn't out of the realm of possibility..." Azazel rolled his eyes. "You're to pay him the respect he deserves not only as your chosen, but as your prince." he said giving Ahmose a look. "He's the future monarch of this land... and what you do behind closed doors remains there. But where others can see, you're to maintain a professional venier."

Ahmose nodded. "Understood." He said, but then grinned. "Yami won't like that, though. I can hear him whining already."

Azazel laughed. "But you forget... what is professional in your world is different here. If there's a royal banquet, you won’t gawk like an idiot and blush. Just eat your damn food." Azazel snorted. "Don’t get into petty verbal or physical arguments with Atemu, no childish behavior. We get MORE than enough from the prince." he clarified. "It's bad enough you won’t perform the mating ceremony with him. Don’t reinforce his childish behavior."

Ahmose blinked, but grinned, wryly. "I like his childish behavior." He confessed. "As for the banquets... that will take some... getting used to." He looked Azazel straight in the eye. "And that will take some time. Don't expect me to just suddenly accept it."

"You're courting an incubus." he said giving Ahmose a look. "It comes with the lover. You either accept it, or get out of his life."

Ahmose rolled his eyes. "I realize this, but what I am saying is that it will take time for me to accept it, but I will, and it will take ever more time for me to get used to it!"

Azazel snorted. "The fact that you won’t go through with the ceremony is easy sign you can’t accept things." he said rolling his eyes. "Humans have too much humility. Do you know what demons look at during that ceremony? Not your sorry naked ass. It's the auras. Feh, what good is telling an idiot human such things. Anyway. Make yourself cozy." he trotted away. "Your lessons will begin later, so you have some time to get situated."

Ahmose nodded, then turned and looked at the shack, and down at Abana. "Well... may as well look around, hm? Need to find a source of water."

The dog let out a yap and wagged it's tail, following Ahmose calmly as he explored his new 'home'.

Ahmose sighed and opened the door to the small shack and looked around. He raised an eyebrow. "Not most desireable peice of real estate... But it's a roof over our heads, hm?" He said to the Hell Hound, sniffing around.

The shack was dirty, but there was a relatively comfortable bed, and a fireplace with a small pot, likely for cooking and warmth. This place probably hit very cold temperatures at night. Abana snorted and smoke rose from her nose before she pounced on Ahmose and littered him with lickings.

"Ack! Down girl! Down! DOWN!!!! Off!!! Lemme up and we'll go outside and explore, okay?!"

Abana continued licking him a bit more before trotting to the door and nosing it open once more. Desolation as far as the eye could see. However... luckily behind the small hut was a small stone pool, likely the only water source for miles

"Convenient." Ahmose mumbled, and looked around. "I'm very tempted to... change the landscape. It's so boring..." He looked down at Abana. "What do you think? Some grass and trees?

Abana yipped and pawed at the ground looking around. No trees? No bathrooms...

Ahmose laughed. "Alright... give me a while, hm?" He asked, and settled down, closing his eyes in meditation, squirming slightly in discomfort brought on by that... stone on his back.