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 4

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Yami smirked at the sleeping Ahmose. Morning had come on another day, they were near the village… and his little human was fast asleep. Perfect...

He curled up under the blankets Ahmose was using, smiling when his lover curled up against his body heat right away.

Ahmose sighed, cuddling close. Nakhti snorted and stomped, before shifting his weight and sleeping on.

Yami grinned slipping skilled hands under Ahmose's shirt, and pinched his nipples softly. "Good morning Ahmose...” He purred sliding his tail up Ahmose's leg and smirking.

Ahmose gasped and moaned, rolling onto his back and stretching slightly, blinking his eyes open. "Hrmmm?"

Yami smirked catching Ahmose's lips immediatly in a searing goodmorning kiss.

Ahmose blinked, waking quickly and squirming.

Yami pulled away, pinching Ahmose's nipples more harshly, before rubbing the abused areas. "You know what else I like? A nice... hot... breakfast..” He hissed in Ahmose's ear. "And I think you're the main course...”

Ahmose blinked, then chuckled. "Hungry already, love?” He asked, brushing his fingertips over Yami's cheek.

"Not really, just have the morning munchies.." Yami replied. "But you're just so delicious and fun... I can’t resist.” He slipped his tail into Ahmose's pants and curled it around him, squeezing lightly.

Ahmose groaned, his eyes rolling back into his head and his back arching. "Y-Yami...” He breathed.

Yami smirked. "Tails are very useful things... humans should develop them..” He chuckled beginning to stroke Ahmose to arousal. "They make things so much more fun...” He kissed Ahmose again. "And you like it so much...”

"Ahhh... yesss...” Ahmose hissed, pulling Yami's face down and kissing him.

Yami kissed back smirking. He pulled away to allow Ahmose to breathe. "Promise me that you will come with me to my world someday Ahmose...” he purred. "Promise me that you will share some of my life... with your own." he gave Ahmose's length a long teasing stroke.

Ahmose whimpered and shivered, but he opened his eyes and smiled. "Some day...” He whispered, but turned when Nakhti picked up his head and gave a slight squeal, snorting and stomping. Ahmose sat up and looked around, reaching for his blades.

Yami whined loudly. "DAMMIT! Oh that's just IT!" he huffed. "Gods a guy can’t even get LAID in this world?!”

"Shhh...” Ahmose hissed, then suddenly, his eyes widened. "Hey... HEY!!!" There was a high pitched giggling, and Yami turned to see little people dressed in brown making off with Ahmose's boots. Ahmose leapt out of the bed roll and charged after them. "GIVE THOSE BACK!!!"

Yami snickered rolled his eyes. "heh heh...” he left Ahmose to get his boots, deciding he was much more comfortable, warm and entertained watching.

The little creatures, no more than ten inches tall, seemed to be having a blast playing keep away with Ahmose's boots. "DAMN BROWNIES!!!" Ahmose yowled.

Yami snickered. "I love how this is going for us." he cooed.

"Shut up!!" Ahmose shouted, pouncing and managing to capture one of his boots. "Get your ass up and help!" The brownies all giggled hysterically, making off into the woods with the other boot. Ahmose hopped around, pulling on the recovered boot, before charging after the brownies. Yami couldn't see Ahmose, but he could hear him cursing at the giggling brownies.

Yami laughed as well. "Play nice!" he called his tail flicking in amusement.

"BASTARD!!" Ahmose shouted back. A moment later there was a thud and an "OOMPH!!!" and the brownies giggled again. Then, all was quiet.

Yami snickered and got up, stretching. He stretched and then marched into the woods after Ahmose. "Ahmose? Did the brownies kick your ass?"

"Oh, shut up." Ahmose snapped, stomping into view, now wearing both boots. "I hate brownies..." He grumbled, shivering as his breath misted in the cold air.

Yami chuckled and pulled Ahmose into a hug, warming him with his still warm from bed wings. "Aww...you're going to have to get used to being teased with me following you around now." he cooed.

Ahmose chuckled. "Oh come on... brownies are just mischeivous. I've had to put up with them stealing my stuff for years." He said, gathering his warmer clothes and pulling them on over his thin linen shirt.

"Don’t get too dressed, I still want my snack!" Yami whined.

Ahmose gave him a look. "I'm COLD." He said, rolling up their bedroll and turning to saddle Nakhti, who was munching on dried grass.

Yami pouted. "Fine..." he helped Ahmose gather the remaining supplies. "How long do you think it'll be til we get there?" he asked as Ahmose climbed onto the horse.

"Hopefully tonight. If not, midday tomorrow." Ahmose said, getting the bedroll and putting it on Nakhti's back behind the saddle. He looked around to make sure they weren't leaving anything behind.

Yami smiled. "It will be good to spend a night in the inn… a nice hot meal for you, a comfy bed...and fucking. Lots of fucking."

Ahmose blinked, then laughed, getting on Nakhti and offering Yami a hand up. "Right..." He said, still chuckling.

Yami climbed up and assumed his cuddling position behind Ahmose, draping his bear skin over them both once his wings had been wrapped back around Ahmose. "You never did explain love to me."

Ahmose blinked. "Love is... something so... powerful... you really CAN'T explain it. It's a feeling. An emotion... it... CONSUMES you... Like a burning fire. It's overwhelming. And sometimes all it takes is just a glimpse of your loved one to feel it." He looked back at Yami and smiled.

Yami blinked and nodded smiling. "Well...that was vague...but I think it must be a wonderful emotion to feel."

"Like I said... it's an emotion so powerful you can't accurately explain it... I look at you and I feel... warm." Ahmose said. "Like my heart is growing and swelling. Like I want to cry for joy that I am with you..."

"That's just a side affect of the magic." Yami teased. "You know, that magic that makes your orgasms even better..."

"No." Ahmose said. "I feel it even without your magic. I can get up in the morning and watch you sleep. And I feel it. I feel it being near you. Looking at you..."

Yami blinked and tilted his head slightly. "Hmm...." he smiled. "Well then please keep feeling it. I want you to be happy."

Ahmose smiled back at Yami. "You will learn what love is... I know you will..."

"Perhaps." Yami nuzzled into Ahmose's hair. "I want to make you happy with me." he sighed and yawned. "but for now...I'm going to take a nap...this cold weather makes me very sleepy."

Ahmose blinked, and chuckled. "As you wish." He said.

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

"Master?" Bakura turned when one of the servants of his house entered. She gave a little curtsey. "Will you travel alone by horse, or take your carriage?" She asked.

"Horse." He replied calmly. "I don’t want to draw attention to myself when heading to that village." he added. He sighed. "Ready my fastest horse and I will be down momentarily to set off."

She curtseyed again with a small smile. "As you wish, Master. Do you have any idea when you may return to us?" She asked.

"If all goes well, within a week." he said smirking. "When I return, I will want fresh linens and a hot bath." Bakura, unlike most vampires did not sleep in a coffin. He thought it was too cliche, and as such, slept in a dark room in a common bed.

The girl smiled and nodded, curtseying yet again. "Of course, Master." She said, and left the room to have her master's horse ready. All the servants in the house were mortal humans, and they all knew that Bakura was a vampire, but none feared him. He had taken them all in and given them a home and work, and treated them kindly and with more respect than most human masters would. She returned to Bakura's study very soon. "Your horse is being readied, Master. By the time you come downstairs they should have him ready at the door."

Bakura nodded. "Thank you. Good work. I'm entrusting my home to you." he said smiling to her. "While I am away, you servants may take a break and enjoy yourselves. You've all earned it." He chuckled. "Just don’t have TOO much fun."

The girl giggled, nodding and following him down the hall and stairs and out the front door where his large black and white Gypsy Cob stallion waited. The girl cursteyed again as Bakura mounted the massive horse. "Take care of yourself, Master." She said.

Bakura nodded. "Of course." he said smiling back before urging the horse into a gallop. They were off like a shot in the night. He'd trained the horse himself to sleep in the day, so that he could cover as much ground as possible in the night.

The servants watched their master disappear into the darkness of the cold night until finally, the hoofbeats of the large stallion faded. They all went back inside to warm themselves.

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

"... Ryou?" Mikado's voice drew Ryou from his doze. "Ryou?"

Ryou groaned softly and held his head. "ahh...a-are you still in pain?" he mumbled sitting up. His hair was once again a dirty brown and grey from the dirt on the floor, and he looked like a pauper child who wasn't getting enough sleep.

Mikado was sitting up. He looked a bit pale, but other than that looked quite well. He smiled. "I feel much better." He said, and Ryou saw that he had been munching on some bread.

Ryou smiled in relief. "Oh... wonderful." he sat up slowly. "D-did you need something?" he asked softly.

Mikado shook his head. "No. You just looked a bit sick..." He pulled Ryou close and reached out, feeling his face. "It's warmer in here that it used to be..." Mikado said, after nodding and lowering his hand.

"Marik moved the furnace closer..." Ryou curled up in Mikado's arms. He was shaking slightly.

"You're cold...." Mikado said. He scooted over and pulled Ryou under the blankets beside him. "Stay warm."

"B-but you need those." Ryou argued pulling away and shaking his head, curling back up on the floor. "Please...I am fine..."

"I'm fine." Mikado said. "And the blankets are big enough for the both of us." He tugged Ryou under again, smiling.

Ryou nodded silently. His whole body was still shaking despite being warmed from the blankets. He closed his eyes and curled back up trying once more to get some much needed sleep. In truth, he felt terrible. He'd used so much magic over the past few days that the idea of using anymore made him sick. He had endangered his own life forcing his body to pull magic to heal Mikado. Magic he didn't have.

Mikado frowned. "You really don't look too good..." He said.

Ryou smiled despite his closed eyes. "I'll be ok...just tired."


Mikado nodded. "Okay..." He said, picking up one of the jugs and drinking from it.

It was about that time, that Malik burst in, chuckling. "aww isn't that a pretty sight?" he cooed smugly. "Vampires are hungry again." he said calmly.

Mikado blinked, then glared. "I don't have enough blood to feed them." He growled, eyes drawn to his cross, which Malik was still wearing.

"I know." he said chuckling. "Not here for you."

Mikado blinked, then slowly looked down at Ryou, then looked back up at Malik. "You can't! He's already weak! He's sick!"

Malik shrugged. "It's either him or me, and I'm not really the charitable type." he said opening the door and snatching the priest, slamming the door shut before Mikado had half a chance to gather the strength to retalliate. "Ciao." Malik snickered, hoisting the weakened, half concious priest over his shoulder.

But when Malik turned, he found himself face to face with Marik, who was half transformed. He glared at Malik, and growled loudly, ears laid back flat against his skull.

Malik glared back. "Marik, don’t start. You KNOW how those vampires are!" He argued. "The priest has pleanty of blood. I'll make sure they don’t hurt the wimp, but it's either him or me, and you KNOW how I feel about vampires."

Marik glared. "They can find their OWN fuckin' prey!!!" He growled, baring his teeth. "I am losing my patience with you, Malik! If you don't knock it off and drop this... asshole attitude you've gotten over the past week, then you can consider our partnership over! You're a whole different person, and one I want nothing to do with!"

Malik snorted. "Fine Marik, YOU go deal with the vampires. Because if you dont, then the PRIEST is going to be their dinner. I'm not going to lose MY blood to those bloodsuckers for this puffball."

"I don't expect you to!" Marik said in a softer tone, returning to his more human form. "Malik... you're my best friend. PLEASE drop this. You've been so angry... I feel like I'm losing my best friend. Whatever anger you feel towards this priest... he doesn't deserve it..." He took Ryou from Malik and returned him to the stall, and Mikado was quickly hovering over him. Marik turned and walked over to Malik. "Whatever anger you feel towards Ryou, please... let go of it." He hugged Malik. "Please... You're really worrying me..."

Malik snorted. "Go deal with the vampires." he said giving Marik a cold look. "You dug your grave, now lay in it." and with those words, the elf walked away.

Marik drooped at that... his shoulders, his ears, his tail... He shook his head and left the stable, closing the doors behind him and headed to the Bloodstone Tavern where the vampires waited.

They were all sitting at their usual table, conversing on their dinner-to-be, the pretty little priest. They looked up with dark eyes at Marik. "Where is Malik and the boy?" One asked warningly.

"You lazy asses can go find your own damn dinner." Marik snorted. "For God's sake, they keep bottles of blood here for you to feed on! Malik's just being stupid. You can't feed from the priest."

The vampires frowned. "And who are you to tell us who we can or can not feed on?" They said in unison, all sounding VERY pissed at this werewolf's impudence.

Marik rolled his eyes. "The priest is mine you lazy bastards! I caught him, I claimed him! NOT Malik! He's just being bitter! You CAN'T feed from him. We need him to heal the Agent. He can't do that when he's weak."

One of the vampires laughed. "He can’t do it at all anymore."

Marik blinked. "What the hell would you know?!"

"Just look at the boy!" he laughed. "His aura is completly gone. He's a walking meal, and that's all that he is now. Not a drop of magic left."

Marik rolled his eyes. "Let him rest and he'll get it back. Now shut up, quit whining and go find your own victim." And he turned and walked out of the tavern, heading over to other place to get hot food for Ryou and Mikado again.

When he arrived back, Ryou hadn't moved from his place next to Mikado, and was still shaking. But the vampires had been honest. Mikado's aura was plainly visable...but Ryou's was...gone.

Marik walked over and knelt with bowls of stew. "Here." He said, handing one to Mikado, who took it after a brief hesitation. Marik then filled a spoon from the other bowl and held it up to Ryou's lips. "Here Ryou... come on... You have to get your strength back."

Ryou groaned and his eyes fluttered open. "ahh..." he pulled away groaning. "I... dont want any."

"Ryou, what will help you get your energy back?" Marik asked.

"FOOD will help..." Mikado grumbled into his soup. "EAT, Ryou. Whether you want it or not."

Ryou groaned. "I dont feel well..." he whimpered. "Sore.."

"Ryou, if you eat you'll feel better." Mikado said.

"Yeah!" Marik agreed, and poked the spoon into Ryou's mouth, tipping the rich broth out onto Ryou's tongue. "There you go!"

Ryou swallowed but groaned in disapproval. "I want a bath..."

Marik smiled. "After you finish your stew." He said.

Ryou whined softly, and hesitantly complied. Though he looked queezy after he'd finished the bowl. "Ugh...b-bath..."

Marik smiled and nodded, picking Ryou up. "Come on, then." He said. "I have fresh clothes for you, too..." And he carried Ryou out of the stall, Mikado watching them go. The Agent sighed and curled up against the wall with his soup, envying Ryou's opportunity for a bath and clean clothes... he was still in his tattered Agent's uniform and hadn't bathed in a week... But he was glad that the werewolf was taking care of Ryou...

Ryou snuggled into Marik's arms unconciously. "Thank you..." he cooed, burying his face in the werewolf's shirt.


Marik smiled. "No problem. And I told the vampires to find some other prey. I won't let them feed from you."

Ryou nodded tiredly smiling slightly. "Thank you.." he cooed, remaining contently cuddled against the older werewolf. He was warmer when he did so.

Marik smiled and carried Ryou into the back bathing room of the tavern. "Here... I'll help you..." He said, slowly undressing Ryou with gentle hands.

Ryou buried his face into Marik's chest more, blushing darkly. He'd never been...undressed in the same room as anyone before...let alone so close. Despite the dirt and grime...his body was beautiful. Unmarred and perfect. He wasn't too thin or too fat, though he did show signs that he could use a BIT more fattening up.

Marik smiled and lowered Ryou into the tub. "There you go... do you want me to go, or do you need me to help you?" He asked.

Ryou gave Marik a blushing look. "I...I..." he stammered, obviously very shy. He slowly sat up, though he was still shaking from the effort.

Marik sighed. "I should probably stay." He said, picking up a cloth and running it over Ryou's back. "Is there anything else I can do to help you get your strength back?"

Ryou relaxed slowly. "why...?"

"Because... being this weak can't be good for you..." Marik said, rubbing Ryou's back and shoulders.

Ryou groaned softly, enjoying the backrub. "Ahh...nice..." he mewled leaning back into Marik's hands.

Marik smiled. "You never answered me... what would help you get your power and strength back?"

"My... power?" Ryou winced at that. "Ahh...I..I am not sure..."

"Really?" Marik asked, looking a bit surprised. "Well... I'll see if I can let you spend some time outside in the sun. That might help."

Ryou shook his head. "N-no...I...cant...I'm supposed t-to be inside my church..." he whimpered. "M-my book..."

"What book?" Marik asked.

Ryou gave Marik a tired look. "M-my book....w-where did you put it?"

"Oh. I think it's in the carriage. I'll get it for you if you want." Marik said.

Ryou nodded. "My book..." he winced. "Malik took it...away...b-back in the cave...Where did you put it..."

"I'll find it." Marik said, petting Ryou's hair.

Ryou nodded. "M-mother gave me that book...." he whimpered. "Before she...left me..."

"I'll find it." Marik said again, running the cloth down Ryou's arms.

Ryou smiled and offered Marik a greatful look. "Malik...will be hurt..."

"Malik?" Marik asked, cocking his head. "What?"

"Curse...."

Ryou mumbled.

"Curse?" Marik asked. "What do you mean?"

"Mother...only I can...." Ryou sighed. "Evil book...I have to....keep it." he mumbled. "makes people...evil."

Marik blinked. "... What?!"

Ryou winced slightly. "It's cursed...I kept it...s-so that no one could get it....b-because o-only I can keep it...without being changed..."

Marik blinked. "So... that's why Malik... Oh God!" He jumped to his feet. "I have to take it from him!"

Ryou toppled over and whined loudly when he was inadvertantly dunked. He forced himself up and gave Marik a drowned-rat looking pout. "ouch..."

Marik immediately dropped to his knees by Ryou. "Sorry... Sorry!" He laughed nervously, and dabbed Ryou's face with a dry cloth, drying it.

Ryou sneezed. "You cant touch it...it will just make YOU evil." Ryou said shaking his head slowly. "It's evil."

Marik nodded slowly. "Okay... I'll take you out to the carriage and we'll see if we can find it..."

Ryou nodded slowly. "Alright...thank you..." he cooed closing his eyes. "I'm not sure I can keep it contained anymore...b-but at least your friend...will not be harmed."

Marik nodded. "Yes... Malik is my best friend... and I'm worried... if you can bring my friend back to me, I will be eternally grateful..."

Ryou nodded. "I will...try." he cooed. "Will you let Mikado bathe too?" he asked after a moment. "I'm sure he'd be very happy."

Marik blinked. "We'll see." He said, washing Ryou's hair. He smiled. "You know... I think your little elf ears are cute..."

Ryou blushed and covered them quickly. "They're horrible...just...a mark of what a...bad heritage I have."

"You don't have a bad heritage. I know many elves. They are a wonderful and wise people, Ryou. You should be honored to be part elf..." He smiled and placed his fingers on Ryou's chin, making him lift his head. "I would..."

"You'd be proud to be anything but who you are." Ryou said softly.

Marik blinked, then recoiled slightly, looking deeply hurt.

Ryou smiled at Marik. "But...I like you how you are."

Marik frowned at Ryou, sadly. "So do I." He said. "Werewolves aren't what people think we are. We are actually a very noble race... it's just that a few rogues give the rest of us a bad name..."

Ryou shook his head. "You're still born of a sinner..." Ryou said softly. "But...if you wanted to...you could repent your own sins...a-and your rage...and you could have a second chance." Ryou said looking up at Marik, reaching out to shyly touch one of his ears.

Marik blinked, staring back at Ryou and his ear twitched when Ryou's fingers first brushed over the fur. "I would... very much like a second chance..." He said softly.

Ryou nodded slowly. "You... once told me you'd tried to set up shop... in several towns..." Ryou said gently petting the fur on Marik's ears. "What...did you plan to sell?"

Marik had closed his eyes lightly and was wagging his tail, enjoying Ryou's little fingers gently petting his ears. He sighed and smiled slightly, a bit zoned out.

Ryou giggled softly. "Marik?" he asked, pulling his hand away. "What was it... you were going to sell?"

Marik blinked his eyes open. "Huh? What?"

Ryou giggled again. "You told me you had tried to set up a shop in several towns... what did you intend to sell?" Ryou repeated once more.

Marik smiled. "As a werewolf, I was a good hunter. So I could bring in plenty of meat and furs." He said.

Ryou blinked and tilted his head. "Really?" he smiled. "Well... perhaps once I FINALLY get to the Vatican... you can be baptized... and... maybe come to my village. We have no butcher or fursman."

Marik blinked. "If an Agent at the Vatican doesn't kill me on sight..." He mumbled.

Ryou smiled. "Then let me baptize you here... and you can wear something of the church... to show you are not evil." he cooed.

Marik frowned. "I... I dunno..." He said softly. "Are you ready to get out now?"

Ryou blinked and frowned. "are you afraid?" he asked giving Marik a soft look. "You could have a second chance...you could make an honest living...are you afraid I wouldn't protect you if I baptized you?"

Marik blinked and shrugged. "I dunno... it's just that..." He sighed. "Look... let me think about it for a bit?"

Ryou nodded slowly, giving Marik a hopeful look.

Marik smiled. "You done?" He asked.

Ryou nodded. "Yes..." he looked like he felt a lot better, despite it only being a bath. The talk had lifted his spirits.

Marik smiled and helped Ryou out, rubbing him dry with a cloth and giving him fresh clean clothes. "You look better already."

Ryou blushed and smiled. "Thank you..." he cooed dressing. "Lets hurry and find the book...it will drive your friend mad if we cant get it away from him..."

Marik nodded and took Ryou's hand, hurring out of the tavern and heading towards the carriage.

Ryou followed silently, and once they reached the carriage, he began searching. "Oh..." he searched more. "It's...not here..."

Marik sighed and helped Ryou search, frowning.

Ryou whimpered louder. "Oh it's not here! H-he must have it somewhere....d-does he have a place he keeps his personal belongings?"

Marik frowned. "Let's check his room at the inn..." Marik said, taking Ryou's hand and running back to the inn and upstairs, taking him into the room that had two beds in it. Malik wasn't there. "There. That's his stuff..." Marik said, beginning to go through it.

Ryou carefully went through it, and smiled. "Oh..." he pulled a large leatherbound black book from the pile. "Here...this is it." he said hugging the book. "He'll...be very angry. The affects of the curse are very powerful..." Ryou said softly. "He will try to attack us if he sees us with 'his' book." Ryou said shaking his head.

Marik nodded. "Then let's go." He said, taking Ryou's hand and pulling him out of the room.

But that's where their luck ended. Malik was standing in the hall, bow and arrow readied. "Put it down." he hissed. "Put down my book or I will kill you both!"

Marik narrowed his eyes. "It's not your book, Malik." He hissed, beginning to change. "It's changed you... It's hurting you..."

Malik snorted and let the arrow fly pegging Marik in the shoulder. "Fuck you." he snarled, drawing another and smirking. He aimed at Ryou. "Bye bye puffball."

The arrow flew.

Marik roared and shoved Ryou to the ground, then tackled Malik, snatching a key from his belt and flinging it back at Ryou. "RELEASE THE AGENT!!! GET HIM UP HERE!!!" He shouted as he wrestled with Malik.

Ryou nodded taking it and scrambling away.

"Mikado Mikado!" He hurried into the stable and opened the doors. "Help! Y-you have to help! Malik a-and Marik they're fighting!" he wavered slightly. "Oh.." he groaned leaning against the door. He still didn't feel good.

Mikado blinked and stumbled to his feet. "What?!" He asked.

"Please stop him! H-he's cursed!" Ryou slowly sat down. "Help Marik...b-before Malik kills him!"

Mikado frowned at Ryou, but then nodded, taking the key from Ryou's hands and unlocking the shackles on his ankles an running from the stall, not bothering to get rid of the shackles on his wrists. He looked around, not knowing where Malik and Marik were, but finally heard a crash and a commotion coming from the tavern. He ran for the tavern, dodging the reaching hands of an elven woman who thought he was trying to escape, and dashed through the door.

Malik let another arrow fly, catching Marik's thigh. "GIVE IT BACK!" He shrieked in a furious voice.

Mikado charged at Malik and tackled him from behind, flinging the chain between his wrist shackles around Malik's neck and pulling up and back, choking him. "ENOUGH!!!"

Malik howled and struggled, pulling a dagger from his waist and stabbing Mikado in the side, struggling to break free. "GIVE ME BACK MY BOOK!"

"AHH!!" Mikado yelped, dropping the chain. But he frowned and grabbed Malik's arm, jerking it up between his shoulder blades, painfully.

"RYOU!!!" Marik howled, running over to help Mikado restrain Malik. "What do we do?!"

Ryou shook his head tiredly. "Tie him up... he has to wait it out. I dont have magic to help him."

Marik looked at Mikado and Mikado looked at Marik. "The key is in my belt." Mikado said, and Marik took it, unlocking the chains and removing them from Mikado. Then he and Mikado stood, dragging Malik back to the stable and chained him up in the stall next to the one that had been Mikado and Ryou's prison. Marik backed off, dropping to his knees, wincing. Mikado frowned at Malik, then reached out and removed the gold cross from Malik's neck.

"... This is mine." He said, glaring at Malik and replacing the thing around his own neck.

Ryou sighed in relief while Malik pitched a horrible scene. "Are you ok?"

"Nnh... Yeah..." Marik groaned, breaking off the arrow shafts before removing them from his shoulder and thigh. Mikado pulled the knife from his side with a wince and removed his jacket, vest and shirt, wadding up the ripped shirt and pressing it against the wound.

"I'll be okay..." He said softly. "Save your strength, Ryou..."

Ryou nodded. "Your friend will be ok...he just needs to be kept from the book..." he held the book tightly. "It does horrible things to people..."

"... What is it?" Mikado asked, looking at the book as he tied off his shirt in a makeshift bandage.

"It's the book that the Vatican wanted." Ryou said softly. "My family has been guarding it for ages...they asked me to bring it with me."

"What is it?" Mikado asked again.

"A book." Ryou replied stupidly. "I don’t know what it is."

Mikado blinked, but shrugged. "Okay..." He said, standing. "Where can I get clean water for our wounds?" He asked the werewolf.

"Oh... um, the tavern." He said. Mikado nodded and pulled on his torn jacket, and left the stable. He stopped outside of it and gulped, glancing around at all of the people of numerous species glaring at him, obviously wishing pain and death on him. He took a deep breath and headed across the square for the tavern, looking at the Bloodstone Tavern and shuddering.

While Mikado got the water, Ryou gave Marik a soft look. "Are you sure you are ok?" he asked softly. "You... could have been killed.”

Marik snorted. "That was Malik's intention." He said. "For both of us."

Ryou scooted closer to Marik and gave him a grateful look. "You're....very brave."

Marik blinked at Ryou, but smiled and nodded slightly. "Thanks... he was gonna kill you..."

"Don’t... you have any worry of your own life?" Ryou asked blushing.

Marik shrugged. "Sure. But I was more worried about you and Malik." He looked at Malik.

Malik snarled at him. "I'll kill you....fucking beast...." he hissed.

Ryou sighed and smiled at Marik. "He will thank you..." he did somehting unexpected, cuddling up to the werewolf.

Marik blinked, but smiled and hugged Ryou. "You're sure he'll be okay?"

Ryou nodded. "He'll be fine." Ryou blushed more. "I'm more worried about you...two arrow wounds...you must be hurting terribly..."

"I've had worse..." Marik said, shrugging.

"Worse?" Ryou gave him a shocked look. "You poor thing..." He cuddled closer. "I feel so badly for you..."

"An Agent nearly killed me once. I would have died if it weren't for Malik." He looked at Malik again and sighed.

Ryou blinked. "Is… that why you're worried about going to the Vatican?"

"... a bit, yeah." Marik said.

Ryou blinked and hugged Marik. "I will protect you. I want you to have the life you've always wanted."

Marik blinked and blushed a bit, but his tail was wagging happily.

"But until you're baptized, you're still a naughty evil little creature." Ryou said snorting and pulling away slightly.

Marik raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "Right... naughty and evil."

Ryou nodded. "So will you let me baptize you now?"

Marik blinked, then chuckled. "Wait til the Agent comes back with the water. Let's clean our wounds and then leave the Agent here with Malik. I don't want Malik to be alone."

Ryou smiled and practically tackled Marik in a hug. "Oh wow! I'm so happy!" he said eagerly. "Oh wow, I saved a soul!"

Marik blinked, then laughed and hugged Ryou back. "Hopefully you'll save two." He said, looking at Malik.

Ryou nodded and grinned when Mikado finally returned. "Mikado I saved his soul!" he said cheerfully. "Marik wants to be baptized!"

Mikado blinked. "Huh? Oh, really?" He asked, setting down the bowl of water and checking Marik's wounds. "I can stitch these closed..."

Ryou cuddled Marik. "I can gather some herbs while I'm out with Marik baptizing him. That will numb the pain." he sighed contently. "Oh I feel so wonderful! I've done a good deed!"

Marik and Mikado both smiled. "May I come with you? I could... use a cleansing after the... vampires..." Mikado said, shuddering slightly.

Ryou nodded. "Alright....I need a witness anyway." he cooed.

Mikado smiled and nodded, cleaning Marik's wound, and Marik cleaned Mikado's wound.

Ryou sighed smiling. "When you're ready we can go find the nearest river or spring."

Marik blinked and cocked his head, thinking. "Hmmm... okay..." He said slowly. "Do we have to get... IN the water?!"

Mikado laughed. "Of course we do!"

"But it's COLD!!!" Marik whined, laying his ears back and tucking his tail in.

Ryou giggled. "Better cold than hot."

Marik whined, and Mikado giggled. "You sure you wanna do this, Ryou? Nothing smells worse than a wet dog." Marik glared at Mikado.

"Of course I do!" Ryou said sternly. "EVERY soul is important!"

Mikado giggled. "I'm just teasing... let's do this..." And he stood, Marik following his example.

Ryou stood as well, grabbing his satchel. "Alright...lets find a river.." he cooed taking Marik's hand and leading him out. His steps had high spirits evident in them.

Mikado smiled and followed, shivering in the cold air. He looked up at the sun and closed his eyes, lightly. He opened his eyes quickly though, as he heard people talking to one another about him in and Ryou... and they weren't talking very nicely...

Ryou looked a little discouraged, but continued walking with Marik. "I hate hearing them." he whispered to Marik, offering a smile.

Marik sighed. "You'll have to get used to it... They don't learn to trust people easily... And they will NEVER trust the Agent." Mikado looked down, frowning slightly and chewing his lower lip in thought.

Ryou nodded. "It's alright...trust is earned, not given freely."

Their walk was nearly thirty minutes before they came across a small stream. "Oh this will be perfect." he cooed. He dug through the satchel and sighed contently. "ahh...it's all still here. He pulled a small pouch from the satchel and poured some dust into his hand.

"In the name of our great lord I bless this water." he cooed tossing the dust into the water. The water glowed softly, fading. The water had gone from slightly murky, to beautifully crystal clear. "Alright...Marik if you could undress." Ryou instructed.

… dust? You don’t need dust to bless stuff…

Shut up and lemme do my thing.

… whatever

Marik's eyes widened. "WHAT?!"

Mikado chuckled. "Ryou... why don't I got first? So Marik can see how this works."

Ryou laughed. "Alright..." he said smiling. "But the water isn't getting any warmer, and the sun will set soon."

Mikado snickered and stripped his tattered clothes from his body until the only thing he was wearing was the gold cross around his neck. He stepped into the water and yelped. "OH!!! Mary, Mother of God, it's COLD!!!"

"THAT'S NOT HELPING!!!" Marik wailed.

"Language!" Ryou scolded.

Mikado blinked at Ryou, then blushed. "Oh... sorry..." He said with a guilty laugh, wading waist deep in the water, the loose hair at the end of his braid dangling in the water.

Ryou smiled and stepped into the water as well, not undressing. He bowed to Mikado. "In accordance with your wishes, do you come here willingly and of your own free will?" he asked formally, as all cleansings progressed.

Mikado nodded. "I do."

"And you pray for the cleansing of yourself, mind body and soul in the name of our father lord almighty?" Ryou continued.

Mikado nodded again. "I do..."

"... sounds like you're getting married..." Marik mumbled, and Mikado's lips twitched as he tried not to smile.

Ryou smiled and stepped beside Mikado. "Then in the name of the almighty lord… I cleanse you." he cooed, slowly leaning Mikado back. "In the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit." and Mikado was immersed. It was slowly done, but quickly over. "May he bless and keep you, and his face always shine upon you in good graces." Ryou smiled. "Amen."

Mikado made the sign of the cross. "In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen."

Ryou giggled and hugged Mikado. "Feel better?"

Mikado sighed and nodded. "Yeah... much." He said, hugging Ryou back. He turned and looked over at Marik. "Ready?"

"... But it's COOOOOLD!!!" Marik whined, and Mikado laughed, getting out of the water and picking up his cloak, wrapping it around himself. He left his filthy, bloody tattered clothes were they lay.

Ryou smiled. "Come now Marik... the water will only get colder..."

Marik whined, but slowly undressed. Then he paced back and forth along the edge of the stream, wading in to his ankles and pacing some more. Mikado giggled.

Ryou giggled as well. "If you let me Baptize you, I'll give you a kiss on the forehead..." he offered.

Marik gave Ryou a look and Mikado laughed. But the werewolf finally waded out to Ryou.

Ryou smiled. "Thank you...." he cooed, once again taking up a serious look.

"We are gathered here today, in the name of our lord to celebrate the rebirth of a soul, as a life joins us in your name Oh lord." Ryou smiled. "An agent of your name oh lord, bears witness to this act of faith." Ryou turned to Mikado. "Mikado, do you bear witness?" he asked softly.

Mikado smiled and nodded, gently rubbing the cross around his neck. "I do." Marik shifted slightly, teeth chattering.

Ryou smiled and turned to Marik. "Marik, are you here in truth of faith, and of your own free will?" Ryou asked the werewolf.

Marik look a deep breath and nodded. His eyes were wide, his ears laid back, and his tail was tucked tightly between his legs (Mikado breifly wondered if it was in an attempt to keep his goods warm in the numbing water).

Ryou smiled. "Marik, it is time to recite your vows...please repeat after me..." he cooed. "I, Marik, swear that I will live in goodness, I will be a friend to my neighbor, I will praise your name oh lord, I will strive not to stray from your path." he cooed. "As you are my shephard, I am your lamb. I will hold no other Gods before you, and will worship your name from now until forever."

Marik blinked. "Um... I, Marik... swear that I will... Um..."

"Live in goodness..." Mikado called.

"Live in goodness... um... be a good neighbor..." He looked at Mikado.

"I will praise your name, oh Lord..."

"I will Praise your name, oh Lord... ummm..."

"I will strive not to stray..."

"I will strive not to stray from your path..." Marik recited.

"As you are my Shepherd..."

"As your are my shepherd, I, uh, I am a lamb..."

"No other Gods..."

"I will hold no other Gods before you... aaaand... Worship your name forever?" Marik finished hopefully.

Ryou tried not to giggle, but his eyes sparkled.

"On this day, I pray forgiveness for my sins, and the sins of my family before me...may you forgive us all oh lord." Ryou continued. "I wish to be reborn into your arms...and into your kingdom, now and forever."

"More?!" Marik whined, ears drooping. Mikado giggled. "Okay... On this day, I pray for forgiveness for my sins... and the sins of my... family before me... Lord, may you forgive us all... I... wish to be reborn into your arms and your kingdom." Mikado clapped quietly, grinning.

Ryou grinned and stepped beside Marik. "Let us rejoice as I baptize you." he cooed. "In the name of our lord. The father...the son...and the holy spirit. Ryou slowly leaned Marik back, immersing the chilly wolf into the water. He helped him stand and smiled, reaching into his satchel and pulling out a small bottle of rosewater. He dipped his fingers in, and pressed them to Marik's forehead, drawing the cross.

As he corked the bottle, Marik felt a strong tingling in his body, that spread from his chest out to every part of him.

"Marik...welcome home." Ryou cooed, taking off his silver crucifix, and placing it around Marik's neck. Much to Marik's shock...the silver no longer hurt him. It didn't even mildly irritate him.

Marik just blinked and stared down at the thing. Mikado giggled. "Marik..." He called. Marik blinked and looked up.

"OH!" He gasped, and awkwardly made the Sign of the Cross (backwards) saying. "Um... El Nominee party... uh... Spirit is... Sandy?" Mikado blinked, then fell back onto his rear end, laughing hysterically.

Ryou laughed. "It's alright." He giggled. "How do you feel?" he asked, helping Marik from the water, and picking up his old clothes, offering them to the wolf.

"C-Cold." Marik mumbled, shaking himself and quickly redressing, glaring at the laughing Agent.

“T-That’s… Not what I meant, Marik!!!” the Journeyman howled.

"Mikado be nice." Ryou scolded. He was still sopping wet, but showed no signs of being cold. He turned back to Marik quickly. "I want you to keep it." Ryou said motioning to the silver crucifix. "This..." he cooed tracing the cross with his fingers. "will show the world that you are not an evil monster...but...a beautiful person." he gave Marik a warm serene smile. "No Agent will ever attack you again as long as you keep it close to you." He gave Mikado a look. "Isn't that true? No agent would attack someone bearing the symbol of our lord."

Mikado was still laughing, but trying to get it under control. He finally managed to calm down. "Oh boy... okay... what now?" Ryou repeated the question and Mikado blinked. "... Oh... well... not that's not really true... some of the most dangerous evils hide behind the mask of righteousness..."

"But, you would never openly attack one without provocation." Ryou said hugging Marik. "Unless he gave you reason to attack, you wouldn't attack. Right?"

Mikado frowned. "Well... the fact is... he's a werewolf... and an Agent might not see the Crucifix right away. But Marik definitely stands a better chance now. It all depends on the Agent, really."

Ryou smiled and gave Marik a warm look. "People will see you wearing it, and learn to trust you too." he cooed proudly. "How do you feel?"

Marik sighed an smiled. "Good... cold, but... good." Mikado stood, smiling.

"Let's go back... I'm freezing and I need my clothes."

"How about a bath?" Marik asked, and Mikado perked up.

"Really?!"

"Sure." Marik said, and led the way back to the village.

Ryou followed, finally allowing himself to shiver once they'd reached the inn. He cuddled up to Marik once Mikado got into the bathing chambers. "I'm so proud of you..." he gave Marik a loving look. "It...takes a lot of courage to be baptized...and a lot of trust."

Marik smiled down at Ryou. "Thank you. For beleiving in me..."

Ryou grinned. "It's why I am a priest...because I care for everyone...even if they are...scary or mean to me." He kissed Marik's cheek. "And that's because I forgot to kiss your forehead like I promised."

Marik blinked, and blushed slightly, looking down smiling.

"Once I get to the Vatican...I will walk with you to protect you...and you can come home with me...and set up your shop in my village...and I will watch over you to make sure you are alright...my village is small...but it's on a major trade route...you could have good business...and my villagers trust my words."

Marik blinked, and his ears perked and tail wagged as he stared at Ryou, hopefully. "R-Really?!" He gasped.

Ryou nodded. "Yes." he said smiling as well. "You deserve to have your dreams come true...and the lord will watch over you too...he wont ever give you more anguish than you can bear." he closed his eyes and leaned on Marik's shoulder. "Just like having a father there for you..."

Marik blinked, then smiled and wrapped his arms around Ryou, sighing.

"Uh... am I interrupting?" Marik and Ryou looked up at Mikado in the doorway, in fresh pants and shirt, a fresh vest, jacket and cloak over his arm, his hair wild and damp, hanging loose and falling almost past his buttocks. He blinked and looked at the pair. Marik cleared his throat and looked down, stepping away from Ryou. Mikado blinked and looked at Ryou.

Ryou smiled. "He's excited. I promised him he could come to my village...and set up the shop he's always tried so hard to start." he explained.

Mikado blinked, then smiled and nodded.

"You two hungry?" Marik asked, and Mikado nodded eagerly.

Ryou smiled. "yes...just a little..."

Marik nodded and led them to a table in the corner of the tavern, ignoring at the people glaring at the priest and Agent. He went to get them something to eat. Mikado smiled at Ryou.

"It's the part of being a priest that is most rewarding..." Ryou said softly. "To see the joy in his eyes...the hope and dreams...to help him meet them." Ryou sighed. "I love being a priest..."

Mikado smiled at Ryou, nodding. "That's good..." He said softly, squirming a bit; he still didn't like being unarmed.

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

Miku: Yay!!! Thank you!!!

Jeda: Yyyyyeah… I was wanting to murder Malik, too… And yes… there is a reason, but he’s pretty much an asshole for the majority of the fic… -_- Mallychan was writing him and she wouldn’t stop making him an ass, no matter how often I yelled at her and told her he was driving me crazy… honestly, there was point at which I was ready to go back and edit the fic and write Malik OUT of it… but I didn’t. Sorry… but you’re gonna have to deal with him pissing you off for quite some time. As for Mikado… well… let’s just say that he’ll go through worse throughout the course of this fic… and everyone will meet I think in the next chapter…