Dark pasts, Darker Secrets

Woot! Hello again!!! Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all!! You have the luck of the Irish with you today because...I'M ADDING ANOTHER CHAPTER!!! Aren't you all little lucky duckies??

A/N#1: In the previous chapter, Bakura found a birthmark on Ryou...I haven't seen it in a hwile, but the mark was supposed to be the MIllenium Ring...sorry if you didn't get it!!

A/N#2: I DO NOT OWN YU-GI-OH IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM NOR DO I MAKE MONEY FROM THE MAKING OF THIS STORY...don't I wish though xD


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"I'm telling you it's him!!"

Yami, Seto, Marik and Malik all sat in Marik's room, watching Bakura pace back and forth from wall to door, his hands flying as he spoke, his eyes wide like a raving lunatic. Seto sighed and crossed his arms over his chest, leaning against the back of the chair he sat in. "Are you sure?"

Yami smirked. Always coun on Seto to e the voice of reason in situations like this. "Perhaps you made a mistake somewhere?" Bakura whirled on him, his face a mask of fury.

"Have you not heard a FUCKING WORD I'VE SAID!?" He yelled the last part, the windows rattling. Marik turned to his long term friend wincing. "No need to shout..."

Seto nodded. "Yes. For once I agree with Marik." Bakura shot him a glare, but the brunette ignored it. "Now, tell us one more time, Bakura. What makes you think that this boy id your light? And please try to leave screaming out of it."

Bakura gave a frustrated sigh and flopped on the bed next to Marik, taking a deep calming breath. "One," he began bringing up a fist and uncurling his thumb. "He looks like me."

"But much cuter," giggled Malik.

Bakura glared at him and continued. "Two; I am *very* attracted to him." His pointer came up. Once again Malik giggled, this time joined by Marik.

"Three," Bakura uncurled his middle finger. "I found he has the same psychic talents as I do. And four," he unculred his ring finger. "He has a birthmark in the exact same shape and the same size as the scar that fucker gave me when he branded me at the tombs....it's even in the same place!"

Everyone, including Seto became somber at that thought. That night they had lost a dear friend and companion, killed by their own hands. Yami sighed deeply, breaking the silence. "Well, given the facts, Bakura may be right. So who's going to tell the boy, and the real question is, will he believe us?"

At that comment all eyes turned to Seto who simply stared back. "What?" He asked, narrowing his eyes. Yami smiled in his all knowing manner. "NO!!" Seto cried, standing so quickly his head almost snapped back.

"NO!" he cried again, backing away from them, his hands in the air. "He's Bakura's light! Let *him* tell the runt!"

Malik smiled sweetly at the brunette. "But Bakura can't use magic like you can, High Priest." Seto glared at the blonde. "You know my magic isn't as powerful as it used to be."

Yami snorted. "Bull shit and you know it! Just last week when you were doing your ritual the blast you sent out was powerful enought to knock me on my ass!"

Maik smirked. "Yeah, but even a gust of wind can send *you* down Yami...Look at how skinny you are."

Yami went to retort, but Seto shot them both his 'stop it now' glare before he spoke. "Yes, that may be true, Yami but... the magi it takes to have someone remember a life they were meant to forget...I just don't have it anymore."

"That's even if I *want* him to remember."

Everyone turned to Bakura who was leaning against the wall, his arms folded across his chest, a little shocked at his reply. "What do you mean?" Malik asked sofltly.

Bakura smirked and looked at the ceiling. "If I had known my light would be that annoying little runt, I would have offed his soul years ago. Damn brat's a kid, in more ways than one."

Everyone stared at him in shock. He looked at each of them, pure anger in his eyes. "I've lived without him for this long, and I can keep doing it."

Seto glared at him his body tensing up. "But you *know* what will happen to you if you don't accept him soon....Your sould will be sentenced to a lifetime of wandering between plains through the Shadow Realm."

Bakura stood straight, his fists clenched in fury. "Well, it's better than this damned existence! That's all this is, it's existing! You all know by now that I can't feel anything and haven't been able to for years! I'd be better off in the damned Shadow Realm!" Bakura stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut, leaving everyone confused.

"What just happened here?" Malik was the first to ask. "Wasn't he just freaking out about finding him, and then he doesn't want him?"

Yami sighed and looked to the door. "Bakura was right, but he was also wrong." Seto glanced at him. "What are you talking about, Yami?" he almost groaned. The tri-colored haired boy turned his crimson eyes on his cousin. "What I'm saying is... it's true Bakura hasn't been able to feel anything.... but now, I think his feelings are starting to come back."

There was a collective gasp from the group and Ymi held up his hands. "I'm not one hundred percent sure, but before he stormed off, I felt it. It was very faint, but I was getting feelings from him. His heart is opening up to Ryou. He was protecting the boy just now. I think he doesn't want him to get involved in this because he knows the boy will get hurt in the end...."

Seto snorted and fell back into the chair, his shoulders hunched and his face weary. "That may be true, but if he doesn't get over it....We may lose him forever..."

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For two weeks Ryou tried his best to avoid Bakura. He took a different way to class, and even slid his chair away from the boy. Not that Bakura minded in the least... or that was what he told himself. Every time Ryou turned his back on him, he could feel his heart shatter and break. He tired telling himself he was better off alone, he didn't need anyone, but his actions spoke louder than words.

Yami, Malik, Marik and Seto could tell their friend was miserable and that day finally broke it for Marik. While waiting in the lunch line Bakura pushed a smaller boy out of his way, then threatened him in front of a teacher. Marik explained to the teacher that Bakura had an upset stomach and was bringing him to the bathroom.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Marik hissed in the hallway, keeping his voice low in case their was someone listening. "You *know* you can't be sent to that bastard! True what we know is just a hunch, but if it's true...."

His violet eyes went dark just thinking about it. Bakura just stared at the wall behind Marik. The blonde growled and gripped Bakura's shirt in one hand, using it to slam him into the wall. "Snap out of it!"

Bakura glared at him, but said nothing. Marik grit his teeth and slapped his friend across the face. That still brought nothing but a glare and silence.

Marik sighed softly, releasing Bakura. "Bakura, you know we all care about you too much to see you hurting...and we *know* this is about Ryou." Bakura growled at the name. "This is *not* about that snot-nosed little brat! I could care less about what happens to him!"

Marik glared at him. "Yeah right...and the reason you've been so moody is because you have hemerroids."

Without warning he pushed into Bakura's mind, invading all of his thoughts then pulled back. Bakura's eyes were wide with shock and he pulled his fist back and punched Marik in the face, sending the boy reeling back. "What the hell was that for?!" he cried, holding his throbbing cheek.

"Who gave you the right to go and invade my personal space like that!?"

Marik grinned and wiped the tricke of blood from the side of his mouth. "Well, it was the only way to get you to speak, and to hear your true thoughts on the matter.... I saw you were worried about Ryou, about what he has to do in all this..."

Bakura looked away. "Then what you saw was wrong. I have no feelings anymore, remember? I'm a blank shell." Marik laughed. "No, that's Seto...and speaking of him...." Marik stepped up to Bakura, looking him straight in the eyes. "Seto is working on getting his magic back."

Bakura's eyes went wide. "Are you saying he found..." Marik nodded. "Yes. You know that blonde that hangs out with Ryou?" Bakura nodded. "It's him...he's the missing piece." The two were silent before Bakura laughed.

"Well there's a kick in the balls. The dumbest kid in the school is Seto's missing piece. Irony."

Marik laughed along with his friend. "Tel me about it. But, Kura," his face went solemn. "We just want you to be happy, and right now, that's not going to happen without Ryou in the picture. And the only way to get him is to have him remember that part of life you can't."

Bakura looked down. "I know, but....he's such a little baby. I still can't believe it's him." Marik laughed, slinging his arm around Bakura's shoulders. "Just think what Seto's feeling right now." Bakura laughed, a real laugh, which surprised the both of them. "Shit..." Bakura whispered in a awed tone.

"I guess it's true...I found my light." Marik nodded then rubbed his cheek. "Just don't hit me again, got it?" Bakura nodded, a genuine smile on his lips.

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Blending in the shadows Seto watched the blonde head move through the crowds. How could he have not noticed it before? Jonouichi had no memories of his childhood before coming to this school. Whenever Seto looked at the boy, he felt a strange feeling, always mistaking it for hatred. The brunette smiled at something Jonouichi said as he neared him. He had always been able to make Seto smile, or even laugh at his antics.

Seto focused on the boy, urging him to leave his group. Like clockwork the blonde stopped and turned towards Seto. Saying something to his friends he made his way over. Now was his chance.. Seto emerged from the shadows and stepped right into Jonouichi's path. "Huh?" The blonde shook his head as if trying to clear it.

"What the hell?"

Seto smirked. Yes, the mutt was funny. "Hello Jonouichi," said the brunette. The blonde stared at him. "What the hell do you want?" Seto shrugged. "Oh, I just want to talk... You know I've been watching you for a long time. And in that time, I've gotten... into you you could say."

For the past two weeks Seto had been invading the blonde boy's mind as he slept, searching for any trace of memories, finding only flashes of dreams. Dreams that always included a blurry Seto and something that looked like Egypt.

Jonouichi's cheeks turned pink and he glared at the brunette. "Ok, now I know you're here to beat my ass."

Without thinking the boy fell into a familiar style of defense, his hands curling as if holding two weapons. Scemitars, Seto knew. They were his favortie weapon in the past. "Well, I'm ready for ya." Seto stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. "What? What the hell is so funny!?"

It took a few moments for Seto to calm down wiping his eyes of the tears as he focused on Jonouichi. "Fine," he said in a silky voice. "If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you will get. You name the place and the time."

Jou stepped back, still keeping his stance. "Fine. Tomorrow behind the school after lunch. I know you have a free period at that time." Seto smirked and raised an eyebrow mockingly. "Oh, and how would you know that? Unless you've been watching me?"

Jonouichi's face turned a deeper shade of red and he turned, dropping his hands. "See you tomorrow."

He went to leave, but was stopped as Seto grabbed his shoulder. "Wait. I haven't set the terms yet." Jonouichi turned, a look of worry on his face. "If I win, I'll leave you alone for the rest of our time here.... but if I win..." Seto's lips slowly curved into a smile, his eyes taking on a gint of malice. "If I win, you have to give me one night of your time..." Jou fell back.

"Like...like a date?"

Seto shrugged. "If you wish to call it that, then yes. Like a date. And who knows...it just might turn into something later on....so trust me...it will happen." The blonde glared at Seto and the brunette heard the words that flashed through the blonde's mind and smirked.

"Fine. But I'm not gonna go easy on you."

Seto smiled, letting the boy go and watching him walk away. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he whispered before turning and walking towards his own room.

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Yami stared at his cousin in utter shock, his mouth agape. "YOU WHAT!?" he cried, making the others jump in the silent room.

The group was once again in Marik's room in conference. Seto smiled smugly, leaning back in his chair. "I challenged him to a fight. Nothing big. I also consider it a test to see if he's the real deal."

Marik laughed. "That poor kid's not gonna have a chance."

Seto shook his head, looking at the blonde. "I wouldn't say that. I see him as being a good opponent. When I first encountered him, the first thing he did was stand in defense of the old ways."

Yami smiled at that memory. It had been a long time since he and Seto and he had practiced, usually doing so in the cool mornings, just as the sun rose. Now Yami knew he was too rusty. "I wonder where he learned it..." Malik wondered out loud.

Bakura snorted and looked at his friend. "Hello? Half of Seto's soul? I think he would know the art by heart, even if he doesn't remember it."

The blonde glared at him then pouted and looked away. "I was just thinking out loud..." the white haired boy chuckled.

"Malik thinking...I'm glad I interrupted that event. Wouldn't want him to hurt himself."

Malik pouted more and cooed lovingly when Marik wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close. "So, have you decided where and when?" Yami asked, getting back to the subject at hand and smiled. "I want front row seats. This may be the fight of a lifetime."

Seto smiled back. "Back of the school after lunch. Very grade school, I know," he stated to Marik who snickered. "Apparently the mutt has been watching me behind my back, because he knows when my free periods are."

Marik snickered once again. "Well, better get some sleep." He looked out the window at the darkerning skies. "Bakura, are you gonna stay here tonight?"

The white haired boy shook his head. "No. I have to go make nicey nice with the baby." As he walked out the others smiled.
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Laying on his bed, Ryou was deep in thought, tapping the eraser of the pencil he held to his lips. Even though he'd been having a horrible time, he tried to make it sound like it was all fun and games at the new school. He didn't want his father worrying about him and wind up leaving the dig site. He remembered how excited his father was when he was talked about the new excavation and Ryou smiled. He missed his father a lot, but as long as he was happy, Ryou could be happy.

The opening of the door snapped the boy from his musings and he turned to see who it was. In his mind he was hoping it was Yuugi. He was starting to get bored. His bubble burst when Bakura walked through the door. "What do you want?" Ryou snapped, watching the other go to his bed.

"I came to sleep...so goodnight." Bakura flopped on his bed and turned towards the wall. Ryou scowled at his roommate's back and went back to focusing on his writing.

After a while of silence Ryou had forgotten Bakura was in the room, until a weight on the bed made him jump. "Who are you writing to?" Bakura asked.

The smaller boy scowled over his shoulder. "My father...but why should you care?"

Something flashed through Bakura's mind, feeling almost like pain, and then it was gone. He shrugged. "Just curious." Ryou shook his head, making sure his mental wall was up and strong. "You must love your father a lot to write all that..." Bakura leaned over Ryou's shoulder, reading the letter.

Ryou said nothing and kept writing. The boys were in silence for a long period of time before Bakura sighed and leaned back.

"I'm sorry."

Ryou stopped, his hand ceasing its task of writing, and he looked over his shoulder. Bakura stood straight, glaring at the wall with a sad look in his eyes, his arms crossed over his chest. "What?"

"I said I'm sorry for....for everything I've done to you."

Silence permeated the room once again. "Wy are you apologizing now?" Bakura sighed, relaxing his stance. "Mostly because it wouldn't be fair to lie to your father like that.... So," he looked at Ryou, a slight smile on his face. "I want to help at least make that statement 'I've been having a great time' at least a little true."

Ryou turned and sat up, clutching his letter in his hands. Without thinking he let his wall slip, and felt the brush of fingers across his cheek and started. Bakura smiled softly, his eyes gleaming with something Ryou couldn't recognize. "One question...why did you do it?"

Bakura shook his head, looking at the floor. "To tell you the truth, I was a little frightened of you." Ryou gave a short laugh. "No, I'm serious. When you first came in, the resemblence between us...and plus, I could feel your mind and the power you held. It felt so like mine...It was a little scary. I felt I had to make you leave, or do something of that nature. But now..." he ran a hand through his slightly tousled hair, making it look even scruffier. "Now I know that was the wrong thing to do."

Bakura looked at Ryou, his pale brown eyes shining with regret. Ryou frowned and looked away. He had to.

"And what about that night when you saw my birthmark? Why were you so insistent that I know something about it?"

Bakura said nothing for a few moments, then sighed and plopped on the bed, making Ryou bounce slightly.."If I told you, you would think I'm crazy...well, crazier." he gave a short laugh. "So, that I'll leave for another time."

He looked at the younger boy, a slight smile lightening his face. "I hope....in time you can forgive me. Now that I've gotten to know you, you're all right....for a brat."

He ruffled Ryou's hair and stood, turning to look down at the younger boy. "G'night."


Bakura left a very confused Ryou on the opposite bed as he climbed into his own. Pulling the blankets up he stared at the wall for a few moments, listening to Ryou's breathing and the bed creaking. In moments he fell into a deep, sated sleep.


Ryou smiled and turned on his back to finish his letter. 'I've made some new friends since the last letter, dad....I wish you the best of luck, and be safe. Love, Ryou.'

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ANOTHER CHAPTER DONE FOR ALL OF YOU LOVELY READERS!!! I think this is going so much better than the last version of this....I didn't know exactly where it was going and it showed...There were paths to different things all over the place...so, now that I've fixed it, I'm very proud of it. *Hugs self* It's my true baby =).

Good news for you all!!! I unblocked the 'must be logged in to review this story', so now who ever wants to review, can!!! *stares at readers* Dot it..... *_* Your reviews and criticism gives me the power to write on!!!

Pyscho Candy: I am soo honored that you were my first reviewer! Your comment really helped! And yes...SCREW CRACK!!! Comments are MY drug *sniffs at reviews* Yes, if you hadn't noticed, I made the birthmark in the shape of the MIllenium ring...hopefully it's kind of obvious... Yami and Yuugi are too darn cute! I love writing about them the most next to Bakura and Ryou....they are my MOE couple xD