Cast The First Stone

Cast the First Stone

 

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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The alchemist jumped and yelped when the Prince's Chosen appeared out of nowhere, falling onto the counter top.



"OW!"  Ahmose yelped.

 

"Good grief!"  alchemist yelped.  "What are YOU doing here?!"

 

"...  I don't know."  Ahmose grumbled, getting up and stumbling for the door.  "Sorry for startling you."

 

"Not a problem..."  The alchemist said blinking.  "Need help getting back to Atemu?"

 

Ahmose blinked at the man.  "...  Is the palace not within walking distance?"  He asked.

 

"You're stumbling."  The demon pointed out raising an eyebrow.

 

"... I'll live..."  Ahmose mumbled, flushing a bit.  He tried to keep his weaknesses from the general public... but they all figured out THIS one real quick...

 

"You sure?"  The demon asked once more.  "I don’t mind accompanying you."

 

Ahmose blinked.  "...  If you wish it."  He said, nodding.

 

The alchemist nodded.  "Not a problem.  I've got a delivery to the castle."  he said picking up a box and walking alongside Ahmose.  "Today's a big day I guess."

 

Ahmose sighed and nodded.  "What are you delivering?"  He asked.

 

"I was asked to make and deliver the vivified mythril."  he said holding up the box.  "It's to make a weapon for his highness."  he nodded.  "It's a living metal that will make a weapon suited to his highness once it's touched.  After that it's not so alive anymore...  but you get the point.  Every royal gets vivified mythril.  Nephile's was quite interesting...  making a that enormous club she was so fond of."

 

"So... once he touches it... it will take on the form of the weapon most suited to him?"  Ahmose asked.

 

"Yup.  Strong enough to last at least four thousand years or so."  The alchemist said calmly.  "My family's been making it for the royal family since the very beginning."

 

"I see..."  Ahmose said softly, nodding.  He smiled lightly.  "I wonder what Atemu's will be... I really can't see him weilding a weapon..."

 

"Well...to be honest the results are really random."  The alchemist admitted.  "Because the metal is a living metal that shifts to match the aura of it's weilder...it could really hypothetically make ANYTHING."  he said giving a sheepish smirk.  "There have been instances where I've heard of it not making a weapon...for instance, the first royal of his family didn't recieve a weapon from the metal at all!"

 

"What did he receive?"  Ahmose asked, curiously.

 

"That I couldn't tell you."  the demon said shrugging.  "That was WAY more than 4 thousand ago.  We're talking biblical times."

 

"Um... okay..."  Ahmose said, and mused to himself 'Just watch as the damn thing turns into one of those blasted sex toys...  THAT would be embarassing...'

 

The alchemist chuckled.  "Perhaps it was a different method of production that resulted in whatever had been made."  he offered.  "Over the years my family has refined the production of such metal."  He shrugged once more.  "Well...here we are."  he said grinning.  "I've got to get this to the prime minister."  he said bowing slightly to Ahmose.  "I'll see you at the coronation!"

 

Ahmose returned the bow and headed towards Yami's room.  He slipped in and walked over to the bed, looking down at his life mate.

 

Yami was curled up beneath the blankets, sleeping soundly though he showed grief, even in his sleep.  Grief and unease.  He whimpered softly seeming to have a nightmare.

 

Ahmose slid into the bed, running his fingers through his hair.  "Shhh...  I'm here..."  He whispered to Yami.  "Don't be sad...."  He kissed Yami's cheek and then lay down beside him, draping an arm over the prince before finally succumbing to his own exhaustion...

 

However Ahmose's sleep wasn't dreamless either...as soon as he'd succumbed to slumber, he heard it.  The unmistakable screech. 



"AHMOSE!  I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU JUST LEFT HIM HERE!" 

 

Ahmose jumped and sat up, looking around.

 

There was nothing out of place in the room and no one within.

 

"...  God..."  Ahmose groaned and flopped back, going back to sleep.

 

"Oh dont you think you're getting away with this!"  The voice screeched again.  "He could have been killed while you were off galavanting in the fucking Vatican again!"

 

Ahmose jumped and looked around.  And this time, it wasn't the bedroom.

 

The world was dark, but clear as day stood Nephile, glaring at him.  "You're going to get my son killed before he's even crowned if you're not more responsible!"  she hissed.  "And so help me if you think I was bitchy in life I will HAUNT your ass til the day you die if you fuck up now!"

 

Ahmose's eyes widened and his jaw dropped.  "...  Huh?!"

 

"You heard me.  I've got all eternity to haunt your ass if you fuck up."  Nephile hissed. "Azazel too.  We're WATCHING you."

 

"...  That's just creepy."  Ahmose said slowly, looking around for Azazel.

 

"He's trying to comfort my son."  She said flicking her tail.  "Nosey."

 

"Just making sure he's not gonna sneak up on me."  Ahmose snorted.  "...  Who did it?"

 

"Part of the agreement we made with Greg was that we cannot give details on our death."  Nephile said after a moment.  "We can only watch over you two if we keep those things silent. Before you bite his head off, it's written in the book of ages, it's above his head.  So we had to agree."  She crossed her arms.  "As for you, WHY would you leave Atemu alone after coming back to a blood bath?!  What are you?  Stupid?"

 

Ahmose sighed.  "I...  I don't know...  it was stupid, I just...  I couldn't beleive it, I...  I felt that I had to... DO something..."

 

"Don’t DO it again." She said glaring.  "You're his ONLY defense.  You've seen my son, he never passed his defense lessons.  He carries NO weapons.  He's a TARGET."  she tapped her foot.  "You're LITERALLY his last defense."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "I understand."  He said, his tone soft, but serious.

 

"Good."  Nephile snorted.  "Now that we understand each other, he'd better be safe, and his coronation better be flawless."

 

Ahmose sighed again.  His brow furrowed, staring at her, and he abruptly turned away.

 

"What do you intend to do?"  She growled after him.

 

"What do you mean?"  Ahmose asked looking back up.  "What do I intend to do about what?  About protecting him?"

 

"Yes."  Nephile said firmly.  "Are you going to perform your duty?  Are you going to act as you should before the public eye?  There's nothing between you two and the eyes of the kingdom now.  The only 'closed' doors you get are your bedroom doors."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "Understood."  He said.  "I will die before I allow any harm to come to him..."

 

"Good."  Nephile said smirking.  "I expect NOTHING less."

 

"Neither do I."  Ahmose said softly.  "Can you at least tell me...  whoever...  whoever did it... will they come for Yami?"

 

"Without a doubt."  Nephile said grimly.  "Our killer will be back, though I don’t know if it will be for Yami's life..."

 

Ahmose sighed and nodded, then looked up at her.  For the first time, she saw fear and worry in the eyes of her son's chosen.  "Am I good enough?  I saw what he did to you...  do...  do I even have a chance?  Will I be fighting a loosing battle trying to protect Yami from him?"

 

"I don’t know."  She answered flicking her tail.  "I honestly don’t know."

 

Ahmose looked down and nodded.  "I'm gonna have to get tough with him."  He said, and looked at her.  "He's going to HAVE to learn to fight."  He smirked.  "If he wants to get any..."

 

At that, she laughed.  "Now you see why I was so tough with him."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "Yes..."  He said softly.  "He's so damn STUBBORN..."

 

She laughed and faded.  "Good luck with him." 

 

Ahmose watched her disappear, and was finally able to sleep.

 

Though the sleep wasn't long at all.  Soon maids were shaking him awake.  "Lord Inarus..."  they said shaking him.  "Atemu wont wake!  He has to make his announcement!  He has to get dressed!  He has to get ready!"

 

Ahmose groaned and shifted, slowly lifting his head.  "That's because I have to wake him."  He grumbled groggily.

 

"Then wake him!"

 

Ahmose groaned, rolling over and stroking Yami's cheek.  "Come on...  wake up, Yami..."  He murmured, nuzzling his cheek.  "We have work to do..."

 

Yami groaned and curled up tighter, swatting Ahmose away.  "Hnn....five more minutes..."

 

"Yami...  I'm sorry, but...   I don't think you will be getting 'five more minutes' any more..."  Ahmose murmured, holding his lover.  "You must get up..."

 

Yami swatted him a bit more.  "Hnn....five more miiiiinnnnutes."  he whined burying his head in the pillow.

 

Ahmose laid a hand on Yami's back.  His eyes closed and he forced all sleep out of him, leaving Yami wide awake and feeling the need to get up and get moving.

 

Yami grumbled.  "You...suck."  were the muffled words in response to that. 

 

"You have things to do, Yami."  Ahmose said, staring at him.  "Come on now..."  He himself slowly forced himself out of his bed and headed for the bathing room trying to refresh himself a bit.

 

Yami groaned and sat up looking sad.  "I hate this..."  he mumbled, as the maids practically tackled him and began dragging him off while Ahmose was in the bathroom.

 

Ahmose bathed quickly, loathe to be away from his chosen's side at this dark hour of his life, and returned to dress as fast as he could, running a hand through his hair using some light magic to dry it.

 

When he returned to the room it was empty.  The maids had taken Yami to begin preparations.

 

Ahmose quickly dressed himself in simple yet elegant black formalwear trimmed in gold, swapping his purple cloak for a black one this time and quickly went to find Yami.

 

He found Yami in his new royal attire, the maids hurriedly making adjustments to it.  Yami looked utterly miserable.

 

Ahmose walked over, reaching out to his lover with his aura.  'I am here.'  It whispered to Yami.  'I will always be here.  I love you...'

 

Yami perked slightly and gave Ahmose a grateful look.  'Thanks...'  his aura was much more muted than Ahmose had ever seen it.

 

Ahmose sighed and watched as Yami was prepared.  His mind was flying in every direction; what to do about Yami to comfort him...  how to help him seize control of his  nation and lead it well...  what to do about mysterious murderer and what to do if he came after Yami...

 

The maids stepped back to admire their work.  Yami was wearing a skintight crimson and gold shirt, over it, a sleeved vest, the sleeves seemed stratigeically cut to show his mating symbol on his arm, and the various arm bands he wore.  His pants were black and crimson and just in his style...there were pleanty of buckles and belts.

 

Ahmose sighed and gave Yami a small smile.  "Ready?"  He asked.

 

Yami looked at his exposed stomach and made a face.  "I'm missing half of the shirt!"  he howled. 

 

Ahmose blinked, then chuckled.  "You look good."  He said.

 

Yami blinked but gave Ahmose a weak smile.  "Thanks..."  he said curling his tail infront of himself, beginning to fidget.  "You mean it?"

 

Ahmose smiled.  "You would know it if I didn't..."  He said, and then his aura whispered 'it makes me want to run my hands all over your body.'

 

Yami's eyes widened and for the first time in a long time, his cheeks reddened.  The last time this happened, Ahmose had done something similarly sexy.

 

Ahmose put on a satisfied grin.  "Gotcha..."  He chuckled, and the servants giggled at Yami's blush.

 

Yami made a face at Ahmose.  "I demand that he get something equally sexy to wear!"  he howled.  "This is unfair!"

 

Ahmose's eyes widened as the servants turned to look at him.  Under the black cloak he was wearing a loosely fitting top with elegant gold trim, and loose pants were draped over his hips and legs, with sparkling gold threads woven into them, making the pants gleam under the right light.

 

"I demand to see some more skin!"  Yami howled and the maids giggled and practically tackled Ahmose.

 

"W-What?!  Hey!!!  Wait!!!"  Ahmose howled.  "Is that appropriate?!"

 

Yami flicked his tail as the maids worked.  "I'm about to be the king, you wear what I want you to!"  He said matter of factly.  "Besides, you've got a nice body, it's about time you showed a bit of it."

 

Ahmose pitched a fuss as he was re-dressed, and the servants were quite confident when they were done Prince Atemu would find it hard not to pounce his Chosen on sight.



"You suck."  Ahmose grumbled to Yami when he was finally presented to his chosen.  Ahmose was wearing a most... interesting pair of pants.  They were purple, loose and baggy, but they hung from a black and gold sash around his waist, leaving his hips completely bare.  The top was similar, the purple sleeves hanging from the collar and leaving his shoulders bare, and the shirt covering his torso was tight and black, and like Yami's, cut off to show his abs.  The sleeves and pants only came halfway down his lower arms and legs, and from there gold cuffs lined the way down to his wrists and ankles.



"This does NOT feel appropriate..."  Ahmose grumbled, as a little servant stood on her toes to put the gold circlet with the stone displaying Yami's crest on his head.  Ahmose snorted and smacked her hands away when she started fluffing up his hair.

 

Yami grinned and pounced Ahmose.  "Are you kidding?!  This is perfect!"  he said eagerly getting off of Ahmose to look him over.  'Oh I could take you right here...peeling these clothes off of you would be bliss...'  Yami's aura was hissing in Ahmose's ears.

 

Ahmose blinked and his face turned even more red.  "... I was afraid of that..."  He mumbled, fidgeting.

 

Yami smirked.  "Gotcha back."  he said proudly, stepping over his lover to leave the room.  The maids exchanged glances and giggled. 

 

Ahmose grumbled and got up, turning and following Yami.  "So...  what are we doing?"  He asked.

 

"You're asking me as if I know any more than you do..."  Yami said pausing and looking down.  "I have no CLUE what I'm doing.  I wasn't prepared for THIS scenario...."

 

Ahmose blinked several times.  "... Maybe we should... look it up?"  He asked, weakly.

 

"There is no 'inheiriting and ruling a kingdom for dummies' books!"  Yami said pulling at his own hair.  "Nothing really covers this!  I just...get the throne."  he mumbled as he began walking again.  "And I hate it!"

 

"Surely there are records of previous ceremonies like this..."  Ahmose said.

 

"You know my family history as much as I do."  Yami mumbled.  "We dont have this problem...normally."

 

Ahmose sighed.  "So what, we make it up as we go along?"  He asked.

 

"I guesso."  Yami said after a moment.  "Well...what should we make up first?"

 

Ahmose frowned and took Yami's hand, pulling him down the hall.  "...  I have to tell you something."  He said, pulling Yami to his study and sitting him down in his chair, kneeling before him and holding the demon's hands.  He frowned, thinking and choosing his words carefully.

 

Yami blinked confusedly.  "Yes?"  He flicked his tail in curiosity.  "What?"

 

"After I put you to sleep last night, I...  investigated the...  um...  the throne room and...  examined the... bodies..."  Ahmose said slowly.

 

Yami winced and looked away.  "I wish you wouldn't talk about it..."  he mumbled looking pained.  "I hate remembering...  what happened to mom.  It's only been a day."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "I know... but you have to know this.  I found the same wounds on everyone.  They were all killed by claws.  Claws from the same being.  Yami, in under an hour, one creature killed them all single handedly.  And...  it may come after you."

 

Yami's wings drooped.  "Ahmose... you know I'm not afraid of death.  I'm FRIENDS with it."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "Yami, what I'm saying is that there is a singularly powerful creature out there who murdered over fifty people and may come after you.  I am concerned.  I went to see the Vatican Council and Bakura about who or what may be capable of that.  Bakura is going to try to locate the remaining three Timeless, and the Vatican is going to look into demons over two thousand years of age."

 

Yami nodded.  "Thanks..."  He sighed and hugged Ahmose tightly.  "You're doing more than you need to..."

 

Ahmose sighed and smiled, returning the hug.  "Your mother and I may have never really gotten along, but...  we were still family, and I want to see the bastard who did that to her and Azazel pay for his crime."

 

Yami smiled and nuzzled Ahmose.  "Thanks..."  he wiped a stray tear from his eyes.  "We'd...better go announce it to the kingdom..."  he mumbled looking down. 

 

Ahmose nodded.  "I won't leave your side.  I'm right here for you."  He said, standing and pulling Yami out of his chair and to his feet.  He curled his arms around Yami and kissed him, gently.  "I love you..."

 

Yami nodded and kissed Ahmose back.  'thanks...'

 

"Come on... let's get it over with, hm?"  Ahmose said, smiling and pulling Yami from the study.

 

Yami nodded.



He went out to the balcony to overlook the massive crowd that had gathered.   Once the announcement had been made, there were gasps of shock.  The entire crowd was in a frenzy!

 

Ahmose took a deep breath and let it out.  He was standing slightly behind and to the left of Yami.  Discreetly, he reached out and took Yami's hand, as reaching out to him with his aura would be easily seen, and Yami needed to look strong in front of his people.

 

Yami looked at Ahmose worriedly as the people were talking amongst themselves.  It was easy to tell they were as rattled as he was. 



That evening at the coronation of their new king, the murmurs continued....  but among them one demon whispered something other than praise, that slowly spread over the crowd. 



"He's too young...  the kingdom will fall."

 

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



Mikado crept along the edge of the roof top, watching his cloaked victim walk down the street.  Then, without warning, he pounced!!!



"OW!!!"  Came the yelp, and Mikado lunged for his throat, but froze.



"...  Pegasus?!"  Mikado yelped, eyes wide as he looked over the man who was not only cloaked with his hood up, but wasn't wearing his Agent's uniform either.

 

Pegasus shoved Mikado lightly.  "Oh for heaven's sake!"  he grumbled glaring.  "I am NOT dinner!"

 

"I'm sorry!"  Mikado exclaimed, standing and offering Pegasus a hand to his feet.

 

Pegasus took it and groaned.  "Why are you hunting so roughly?  I was sure Bakura would teach you to be less...  painful."  he rubbed his back.

 

Mikado sighed and looked down.  "Yeah, well..."  He mumbled, shrugging.

 

Pegasus grumbled.  "What's wrong?"

 

Mikado snorted.  "...  Nuthin..."  but a moment later, he exploded.  "He is driving me crazy!!!  He LEFT and didn't even tell me!!!  It's been so long since he's held me and told me that he loved me... I...  I'm starting to wonder if he's purposely driving me away...  if maybe he... doesn't love me anymore..."

 

Pegasus blinked.  "Oh...  Bakura?"  he chuckled.  "I'm sure he still loves you."

 

Mikado snorted.  "He's got a funny way of showing it..." He grumbled.  "We haven't had sex in TWO MONTHS!!!"  That caught Pegasus off guard...  he knew Mikado and Bakura were lovers, but that didn't mean he wanted to HEAR about it!

 

"Mikado."  Pegasus said slowly, patting his back.  "That was more information than I ever wanted or needed to know."

 

Mikado sighed and drooped.  "Sorry, sir..."  He mumbled.  "I'm just...  frustrated with him."

 

Pegasus sighed.  "I don’t really think I'm the one to come to for a sex talk Mikado...but..if you think he's loving you less...then...he may be."  He said shrugging.  "You never know."

 

Mikado drooped, a distressed look crossing his face.  "...  I'm hungry..."  He said softly, and disappeared into the shadows.  Pegasus just sighed and returned to the Vatican.  And an hour later, so did Mikado.  Marik and Malik were goofing off out in the courtyard, so Mikado went looking for Ryou.  The boy was quietly reading a book in his and Marik's room.



"Ryou?"  Mikado called, knocking as he walked in.

 

Ryou blinked.  "Oh hi Mikado."  He said smiling and setting his book aside.  "How are you doing?"

 

"Shitty..."  Mikado grumbled, walking in and dropping onto the sofa.  He bent one knee, propping his foot up on the edge of the couch, and stretched the other out and balanced it on his heel on the floor as he glared into the fire. 

 

"What's wrong?"  Ryou blinked.  "Anything I can do to help?"

 

"... when you... went to our... um...  Bakura's house..."  He corrected himself.  "Did he... say anything about...  me?"

 

Ryou blinked.  "No. Not a word."

 

Mikado frowned slightly.  "Has he said anything about me... at all?"

 

"Nope."  Ryou said once more.  "Not a single word about you."

 

Mikado sighed, his glare slowly turning into a glazed, depressed look, and his shoulders drooped.

 

Ryou blinked and frowned.  "Are...  you and Bakura having relationship troubles?"

 

"THAT would be an understatement."  Mikado said softly.

 

"Oh...I see."  Ryou frowned.  "What happened?"

 

"Nothing."  Mikado said.  "We haven't had sex in over two months.  We only sleep in the same bed half of the time.  I...  I don't think he... wants me anymore..."

 

"Oh..."  Ryou's eyes widened.  "Wow...  you poor thing..."  he shook his head.  "I don’t know what I'd do if Marik stopped loving me."

 

Mikado looked down.  "For the past century, I've lived for him..."  He said softly, drawing his knees up to his chest.  "Is he tired of me?"

 

"I'm not the one to ask...  maybe he's just...  bored."  Ryou offered.  "Maybe if you spiced things up...did something really dirty." Ryou giggled slightly. "and actually did it for Bakura, and not Malik or Marik." 

 

Mikado blinked, then flushed.  "I WAS doing it for him!!!  They just happened to get to it first!!!"  He howled.

 

Ryou giggled.  "But you did it in such a public place!"  Ryou said shaking his head.  "No one has EVER walked in on me being dirty for Marik."

 

"I did it in my BEDROOM!!!  It's not MY fault that Malik and Marik and Ahmose don't have the courtesy to KNOCK!!!"

 

Ryou giggled more.  "But this is the Vatican Mikado...there are hundreds of people here.  Lots of posibilities for mistake."  He shook his head.  "You have to do it somewhere where it's just you...and him."

 

Mikado sat still as stone for a moment, then stood.  "You're right."  He said.  "I'm going home.  Tell Otogi, and I'll be back soon."  He said, leaving the room, and within ten minutes, Geist was galloping out of the Vatican as fast as he could, heading back for the manor.

 

Lilith met Mikado at the door and gasped.  "Mikado back so soon?"  she said eagerly.  "I'll get master Bakura!"

 

"No."  Mikado said.  "Don't tell him I'm home.  Just tell him that there's an emergency in the cellar."  And he swept past her and down to the cellar.

 

It wasn't long before Bakura stepped into the cellar, looking for said 'emergency'

 

Mikado's eyes flashed and Bakura felt a sharp pain on the back of his neck, then nothing...



When he awoke he found himself chained tightly to the rack that stood up against the wall at a slight angle.  Mikado was across the room, leaning against the wall and drinking a bottle of BloodWyne.  One of Bakura's best, actually.

 

Bakura groaned and shook his head slightly.  "Mikado...  gods you KNOW I hate it when you drink the BloodWyne."  he grumbled.  "What's this all about?"

 

Mikado took another pull at the bottle, then fixed his gaze on Bakura.  "Us."  He said.

 

"And?"

 

Mikado stared at Bakura, then walked across the room to him, setting the bottle down on a table as he passed it.  He stood in front of Bakura, staring into his eyes, studying him.  "Are you tired of me?"

 

"Are you stupid?"  Bakura snorted.  "Of course not."

 

Mikado frowned sadly.  He didn't look convinced.  "...  Do you...  not love me anymore?"  He asked softly, almost too afraid to voice it to Bakura's face.

 

"Mikado, of COURSE I love you."  Bakura said calmly.  "I'll ALWAYS love you."

 

"...  Then why do I feel like you don't want me anymore?"  Mikado asked.

 

"I don’t know, you tell me."  Bakura said shrugging and giving his restraints a displeased look.  "And while you're at it, let me up.”

 

Mikado frowned.  "No.  If I do, you'll just run off and leave me alone."  He said, then with a deep breath and a hurt tone, added "...  Again."

 

Bakura rolled his eyes.  "I don’t run from you Mikado, and you leave me as much as I leave you."

 

Mikado frowned.  "...  You hurt me."  He said softly.  "You anger me and frustrate me...  and then you laugh at me.  You expect me to want to be around you when you are doing that?  You come to me when I want to be alone and you leave me alone when I want to be near you."  His voice was starting to shake.

 

"You frustrate me just as much!"  Bakura howled.  "Whenever I try to get close to you, you're pushing me away for something stupid and when I try to get romantic with you, you fucking play hard to get."  Bakura growled.  "I'm as sick of it as you are, So I stopped trying.  If you want to play hard to get, you can play it by yourself.  I'm out."

 

Mikado recoiled as if he had been slapped.  He stared at Bakura, a strange look in his eyes, but a moment later it disappeared.



"...  Fine."  He said in a toneless voice, backing away.  He swallowed thickly, nodding.  He opened and closed his mouth a few times, but nothing came out for quite some time.  "Fine."  He said again, then turned and walked away.

 

Bakura growled and a moment later broke loose of the rack, and rubbing his wrists, cleaned up the basement and put away the remaining BloodWyne.

 

When he went up the stairs, the servants were all milling around, murmuring anxiously to themselves, many of them looking upset.  They all looked at Bakura when he appeared.

 

Bakura sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.  "Whatever it is, I don’t want to hear it right now."  he said warningly.  "I'll deal with it later."

 

One of the young ladies began weeping quietly, and Lillith fixed a worried look on Bakura.

 

Bakura gave her a look.  "NOT. RIGHT. NOW."  He said once more, voice firm. 

 

She winced slightly and looked down.  They all looked down, silently.

 

Bakura grumbled, and stormed back to his study, not letting the servants guilt him.  He'd had quite enough.

 

But he found no sanctuary from the guilt in his study.  Laying on his desk was an ancient blade.  A dagger that had been his favorite when he was still human over a thousand years ago.  A dagger that he had given Mikado as a gift a century ago.  And laying next to it was the ring he had given Mikado when he first brought the boy to his home, intending on making him his lover.

 

Bakura looked them over emotionlessly before taking his seat and moving them to the drawer in his desk.

 

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



When Mikado left the house, he was mildly surprised to see Enehy standing beside Geist, who was grazing on the lawn.  He gave her a weak smile.  "Oh...  Sorry girl, did I leave you behind?"  He asked, petting her.  "Come on... let's get out of here."  He sprang onto Geist and kicked the stallion.  The animal let out a deep neigh, pivoting around on his back legs and springing for the gate of the manor.  Out they went, tearing down the road through the small village and to the fork in the road.  One went southeast, to the Vatican.  The other went southwest, into the forest and the mountains.  Mikado and Bakura had taken that road before, just to go for a ride in the woods...  but Mikado didn't know where it ultimately led. 

 

He looked back to his right, then turned Geist to the left, heading southwest.  Mikado didn't even look back as they entered the dark woods, Enehy running behind them as Mikado pushed Geist into a full gallop.  His mind and heart was a whirl of emotions, too confusing to grasp at the moment.  He vaguely thought to himself that once he had calmed down, he would send word to his brother...  perhaps he would be able to offer some help...



But at the moment, Ahmose felt like it was HE who needed some help.  It was time for the coronation, and neither he nor Yami really knew what the hell was going on.

 

Yami paced shaking his head as the crowd gathered in the throne room, eager to watch the coronation of their new king. 



"I'm gonna be sick."  he mumbled after a moment. 

 

Ahmose sighed.  "Come here..."  He said, and laid a gentle hand on Yami's stomach, smiling slightly as he rubbed the bared flesh.  Ahmose's hand was warm and seemed to pulse, and Yami's stomach settled.

 

Yami groaned and nuzzled Ahmose.  "Thanks..."  he heaved a sigh.  "I missed the memo that said my world would turn upside down when I became ruler..." 

 

Ahmose gave Yami a sad smile.  "It wasn't supposed to be like this..."  He said softly, kissing the soon-to-be-king's forehead.

 

Yami grinned and leaned his head on Ahmose's shoulder.  "There's...a lot of talking going on...and I know they're doubting me....I mean hell, I doubt me."

 

"Don't worry...  there is always some doubt when someone new takes the throne.  You'll be fine."  Ahmose said with an encouraging smile.

 

Yami smiled and nodded.  That's when the trumpets sounded.  It was 'time'.  Yami took a deep stabalizing breath, before trotting off to begin the ceremony. 



He met the Prime Minister and they bowed to each other before the demon began his speech of Yami pledging his loyalty to the demons of his kingdom, and his oaths to lead in wisdom and strength.  All of which Yami agreed to solemnly.  Then, the circlet (surprisingly not crown...but then again Yami's wildly spiked hair hardly permitted for a crown.) was placed on Yami's head, the center bearing the mark of the royal family.

 

Ahmose stood nearby, being discreet so as not to REALLY be noticed, but close enough to make his presence and protection over the new king known.

 

"Let it be known throughout the land, that King Atemu's rule has begun!"  The Prime Minister said loudly and all the demons cheered loudly.  Then, the familiar Alchemist stepped forward, opening the box for Yami.  Within was a pool of liquid silver, hints of green flowing among the metal.  "Your highness...  as tradition keeps, I've brought your weapon."  He said eagerly. 



Yami blinked and nodded slowly giving Ahmose a nervous look.  The weapon most suited to him?  Oh boy...

 

Ahmose moved a bit closer, reaching out to Yami with his aura.  'I just hope it doesn't turn into one of those new infernal contraptions you call vibrators.'  He teased, trying to lighten Yami's mood and get him to relax a bit.

 

Yami snorted softly and reached into the box.  The goo seemed to quiver and began glowing.  Though once the glow died down, Yami tilted his head to the side in confusion.  The Alchemist looked rather surprised as well.  "Oh my..."

 

Ahmose blinked and craned his head slightly to see.

 

Yami slowly reached into the box and pulled out a glowing amulet with his crest in the center.  He smirked slightly.  "Well lets hope this means my reign will be peaceful, and in high fashion."  he chuckled softly.



The crowd gasped in awe.  This hadn't happened in memorable history!

 

Ahmose blinked and cocked his own head, walking over and looking at it more closely.

 

Yami offered it to Ahmose and grinned sheepishly.  'Does this mean I can bludgeon the baddies off with my good looks?'  his aura chuckled.

 

‘Very funny.’  Ahmose said, reaching out and taking it to inspect.

 

The amulet itself was glowing with energy, and was shelled, ready to house a jewel of any color.  It was strong and sturdy and as Ahmose held it, he felt a deep sense of peace.

 

But a moment later, the metal began to shine, and his own amulet began to glow brightly, their auras spiking and swirling around the pair.  Yami's aura began to collect in the empty shell of the amulet, and when all died down, there was a deep, blood red stone set into it.  Ahmose released it, startled, and touched his own amulet, only to feel something engraved on the back.  He turned it over.  And there, just as on Yami's amulet, was Yami's personal crest.  Ahmose blinked and slowly looked up at Yami.

 

Yami shrugged.  "I dunno."  he said blinking. 

 

Ahmose turned and looked at the Alchemist.

 

The alchemist shrugged as well.  "I've never seen this sort of reaction before."  he admitted sheepishly.  "But for whatever reason…  that amulet is Atemu's best weapon."  he said coughing in embarrassment.

 

Ahmose blinked and looked at Yami again.

 

Yami crossed his arms.  "What?  I don’t like fighting!  I TOLD you that."  He snorted. 



All the while, the crowd was murmuring eagerly amongst themselves.

 

Ahmose glanced at the crowd, wondering what they were saying.  "Nonetheless...  you need to learn."  Ahmose said.  "And I will teach you.  No more getting out of it, Prince Atemu."

 

The alchemist coughed at that.  "King."  He corrected.



"I do NOT need to learn!"  Yami howled.

 

Ahmose blinked.  "Yes you do, and yes, you're right.  King."  He smiled.  "That's going to take some getting used to."

 

Yami grumbled and crossed his arms.  "We'll discuss it later..."  he nodded towards the crowd.

 

Ahmose nodded.  "Indeed we will."

 

...Later that night...



"I DONT WANNA!"  Yami whined loudly.  The crowd and celebration had long since dispersed, and the king and his lover were retiring to their 'new' room.  Yami would have complained, but the maids had left his mother's pillows in the room, and they smelled of her, so he felt a bit better.

 

"Yami, you have to be able to defend yourself!"  Ahmose insisted.

 

"Nuh uh!"  Yami said flopping into the bed and burying his face in his mother's pillows.  "You cant make me!"

 

Ahmose folded his arms.  "Oh no?"

 

"You cant make me!"  Yami insisted once more.  "I'm king, I dont have to if I dont want to.  So there."

 

Ahmose smirked.  "We'll just see about that..."  He said, grinning down at Yami, hiding in the pillows.

 

Yami snorted and peeked out at Ahmose.  "Oh?"

 

"Mm-hmm."  Ahmose assured him, laying back on the bed beside him, scratching his exposed stomach, lightly.

 

"Sure."  Yami snorted laughing.  "You can really make ME do anything I dont want to."

 

Ahmose rolled onto his side and reached out, turning Yami's face towards him.  "I'm worried about you..."  He said softly, pressing their foreheads together.

 

Yami sighed and nuzzled Ahmose, kissing him.  "Ahmose...I have you.  I KNOW I'll be fine.  There's no one better in this world for me."

 

"But I cannot be by your side every moment..."  Ahmose said.  "And...  I'm not invincible.  I'm only human."

 

Yami sighed.  "Ahmose...  I don’t like fighting..."

 

"I know."  Ahmose said.  "Ryou doesn't like to fight.  But he does when it is necessary.  And someday, it may be necessary for YOU to fight.  And I want you to be able to defend yourself...  or at least hold on until I can get to you....

 

Yami sighed and curled up next to Ahmose.  "I can do that much..."

 

Ahmose smiled.  "I won't teach you how to fight, as much as teach you how to DEFEND yourself."  He said, wrapping an arm around Yami.

 

"Alright..."  Yami grumbled but cuddled up to his lover and yawned.  "sleepy...'

 

Ahmose smiled.  "You know...  perhaps, as King...  you should go to the Vatican.  Possibly... negotiate a treaty and alliance with them..."

 

"As much as I'd love that Ahmose...it's too soon.  No demon in this kingdom trusts the Vatican.  It would be a poor choice of action right now...especially since I'm already doubted."

 

Ahmose nodded.  "I understand.  Perhaps I could go on your behalf, in secret...  and start paving the way for you to go in."  He suggested.

 

Yami frowned.  "I dont think it's a good idea...especially leaving me alone..."

 

Ahmose smiled.  "Well, there is no rush on it.  We can wait until things calm down and you have a firm hold on your nation."  He said, kissing Yami's forehead.

 

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



Mikado sighed, looking out at the rain.  He had left Bakura last night.  And already, his heart was aching for his lover.  Mikado was stroking Geist’s nose, and scratching Enehy’s ears with his other hand.



”…  I can’t do this…”  He finally said to his two companions.  “I love him… I can’t just walk out on…  on…”  He laughed.  “On a hundred year long relationship…”  He looked up at Geist.  “Can I?”

 

Enehy nuzzled her owner and wagged her tail eagerly while Geist snorted and looked out at the rain in distaste.  He made a soft grumbling sound and turned away from it as if to say 'I'm not going in the rain, you can walk.'

 

Mikado chuckled.  "Don't wanna get wet?"  He asked, turning and looking out at the rain.  "I don't either."  He sighed, and moved back deeper into the cave where he had a small fire.  "We'll go back tomorrow...  give Bakura more time to miss me..."  He said, then frowned.  "...  I...  I hope he misses me..."  He murmured softly.  "...  I miss him..."



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* 



Lillith ran into Bakura's study.  "Master!!!"  She cried.

 

Bakura blinked and looked up from his desk.  "Yes?"  He said standing.  "What is it?"

 

"Someone is here to see you!!!"  She gasped, eyes wide and sparkly.  Bakura eyed her, noting her flushed appearence and fluttery behavior.  Ah...  whoever was here, Lillith had the hots for them...

 

Bakura laughed.  "Lilith for Ra's sake get ahold of yourself."  he said walking over and patting her head.  "You're acting like a lovestruck schoolgirl."

 

She stared up at Bakura, eyes wide in almost disbeleif.  "But...  oh...  he's gorgeous..."  She swooned.  "Who is he?!  How old is he?!  Is he single?!"

 

Bakura burst into laughter and nodded.  "If it's who I think it is, yes he's single, he's about my age...  annnnd..."  he peered out.  "Yup.  It's Fei Long."  he pat her head.  "He's also homosexual."

 

Lillith blinked, then drooped significantly.  FeiLong turned and looked at Bakura, and smirked, walking over.  As he did, every girl in the house from age ten to thirty peeked around doors and over the banister of the stairs, staring at this elegant visitor in foreign Oriental garb.  FeiLong's eyes sparkled in amusement; he knew exactly what was going on behind him.

 

Bakura chuckled and pat Lilith's head once more.  "He may change his mind someday."  he said softly, hating to have killed her girlish fantasies.

 

Lillith flushed, turning and hurrying away.



"Are they always like this when you have visitors?"  FeiLong asked, lips twitching when the girls squealed quietly at his accent.

 

Bakura snickered and stepped aside to allow Fei Long into the comforts of his study.  "Only when the visitor is sexy."  he teased.

 

FeiLong smiled.  "I have a feeling that you would cause a similar disturbance should you ever show up on the doorstep of my home."  He said, taking a seat in an arm chair and crossing his legs while Bakura closed the door to give them some privacy.

 

Bakura snorted.  "I'm not the sexy type anymore..."  he grumbled rubbing the bridge of his nose.  "Ever since Itemri's death, I've been feeling more and more...  ugh."  He sat down as well and shook his head.  "So I take it you had a fine time traveling?"

 

FeiLong nodded.  "I was shocked to hear of Itemri's demise.  And even more shocked when I heard it was your infant fledgling who had killed him.  He certainly was the reason that so many elder vampires attended that next Christmas Ball.  Everyone wanted to see the child who had killed a Timeless.  Do you feel responsible for your sire's death?"

 

Bakura made a face.  "I don’t care that he's dead, I tried a few times to kill him myself."  he said crossing his arms.  "In fact, the fact that he's dead has set my heart at ease."

 

"So why do you attribute your...  depression to his demise?"  FeiLong asked.

 

"I have nothing to do anymore!"  Bakura howled.  "I used to spend my days hating him and plotting his demise, and taking joy in knowing I wasn't doing what he wanted me to do!"  Bakura grumbled and pouted slightly.  "Now I cant do that.  Dead men dont give a shit."

 

FeiLong blinked.  "You mean to tell me that you spent nearly a thousand years doing nothing but plotting against him?"

 

"And stealing shit."  Bakura chuckled.

 

FeiLong sighed.  "You needed a more productive hobby, my friend."  He chuckled.  "Surely you have a new purpose in life now.  What of your childe?  Are you not happy with him?  He is most certainly happy with you."

 

Bakura winced.  "Happy enough to walk out."  he said after a moment.

 

FeiLong blinked, eyes wide.  "Walk out?!"

 

Bakura nodded.  "Yeah...  we've been having rocky times.  Finally we both got fed up, and he walked out."

 

FeiLong looked stunned.  "When?!  How?!  Why?!"

 

"Not long ago, uh...how?"  Bakura said raising an eyebrow.  "And because he was mad.  Mikado's always been a hot-headed youth."  he sighed miserably.  "But I suppose it's better this way.  I can’t stand him working for the Vatican, so now he can do what he wants."

 

"Why was he angry?"  FeiLong asked.  "I never thought you and he would...  I thought you had finally found yourself a Life Mate..."

 

"He was angry because I told him off for being so damn...  indecisive!"  Bakura growled. "Whenever I wanted to have sex, he didn't, or he'd play hard to get."  Bakura glared into the fireplace.  "I finally got so sick of it that I started playing his little game back at him.  He got to see how annoying it was, and tried to tell ME off."  Bakura snorted.  "And I had NONE of that."

 

FeiLong blinked, then burst out laughing.  "You both sound so CHILDISH!!!"  He cried.  "Really, Bakura... I would expect more from you.  You just...  let him leave?  Do you know when he'll be back?  Do you know where he went?"

 

"Oh shut up Fei..."  Bakura grumbled.  "It's harder having a teenager for a lover than you'd think!  It's like living through those years all over again...  EVERY fucking day!"  he threw his hands up.  "And no, I dont know where he went, or if he'll come back.  I didn't chase him."

 

Fei Long frowned, thinking.  "You should go after him."   He said softly after a moment.  "Your problem can be worked out.  And I know you love him.  And he loves you."

 

"No."  Bakura snorted.  "I'm not the one who left, and I'll not be the one who goes crawling to the other."  he crossed his arms firmly.  "I am NOT playing these idiot childish games.  He broke up with me, he LEFT his ring here.  That's not an 'oh I'll be back when I'm done pouting' situation."  He closed his eyes.  "That, my friend is a complete 'I'm leaving'.  He left, and I'm not letting him back into my life."

 

Fei Long frowned.  "So...  you truly do not want him anymore..."

 

"I'm not a young fledgling anymore, nor a young man.  I dont like playing the dating game.  I want a life mate who isn't going to run off and pout at the drop of a fucking hat."

 

Fei Long sighed and nodded.  "I see."  He said.  "Well... here's hoping that he feels the same way.  If he comes back he'll be crushed."

 

"It will serve him a good lesson."  Bakura said calmly.  "Surely you've learned in all your years that you don’t act like that unless you want to lose what you had."

 

FeiLong smirked slightly.  "I have hardly been in a relationship of this magnitude.  The longest I have ever been with someone was seven years."  He said.  "And I have never acted like that."

 

Bakura chuckled.  "I should have known...  even when I had been with you, you never acted rashly."

 

FeiLong raised an elegant eyebrow.  "Indeed.  YOU were always the childish one..."

 

Bakura snorted.  "Oh come now."  he said giving Fei Long a look.  "I was hardly THAT childish, and we were BOTH younger vampires at the time."

 

Fei Long chuckled.  "Oh really?  You could be QUITE the spoiled brat sometimes."

 

"I've outgrown it."  Bakura said with a sigh. 

 

FeiLong laughed.  "You know what struck me about your fledgling?  He reminded me so much of you when you were younger."

 

Bakura nodded.  "I can see why."  He relaxed.  "But enough of that...  how are things in your homeland?" 

 

Fei Long nodded.  "Things are... quite well."  He said.  "I do miss the Emperors of the Ming Dynasty, but the Qing emperors have been...  tolerable...  but Emperor Yongzheng died many years ago, perhaps a full decade ago, and his son is now the Qianlong Emperor...  He seems to be a capable Military leader, but I am beginning to notice...  corruption in the Forbidden City .  Certainly more now than there was during the reign of his father.  I will wait it out and see what happens."

 

Bakura chuckled.  "It's been a long time...I should visit your home sometime."  He said after a moment.  "I'm sure it's just as beautiful as you."

 

Fei Long raised his eyebrows.  "My my... quite a compliment."  He chuckled.

 

"Oh please."  Bakura laughed.  "As if you didn't gather it from all my servants ogling you like horny teenagers."

 

FeiLong grinned.  "I do beleive that most of them ARE horny teenagers."

 

Bakura nodded.  "Touche.  But I'm sure you know I speak of fact.  You're beautiful."

 

"Indeed.  I hear that at least once a day."  Fei Long said.  "So...  why have you summoned me?  And have you summoned others?"

 

"Yes.  It'll probably take them longer to arrive."  Bakura said boredly.  "But apparently Ahmose is seeking your timeless sires."  he stood and paced a bit.  "A demon single handedly killed the royal family, and half of it's court not long ago, forcing Yami to throne.  A single demon....with very sharp claws."

 

Fei Long's eyes widened.  "...  A single demon... killed the royal family?!"  He gasped, then frowned and looked down.  "That is... truly disturbing..."

 

Bakura nodded.  "I told him I didn't think it was your sire, I never remember you speaking ill of him."

 

Fei Long nodded.  "I highly doubt my sire had anything to do with it.  He is peaceful.  As far as I know, he has not left his monastery in seven hundred years.  He simply meditates and teaches his philosophy to the monks there..."

 

Bakura nodded chuckling.  "And Rhyshu's sire, although she has a temper, wouldn't kill the royal family in cold blood.  She's obsessivly obsessed with her good looks."

 

Fei Long laughed.  "Indeed...  and Eclipse's sire is just...  not interested in anything.  He's a recluse."

 

Bakura blinked.  "Oh hey, I meant to ask, how did things go with your last lover?"  he said after a moment. Fei Long's love-luck was about as good as his.  Lousy.

 

"Hmm.  Decided I was too emotionless for him.  That and he didn't want to live as a vampire, but didn't want to have to grow old while I stayed the way I was.  Like usual."  Fei Long said.  "The main reason we do not work with mortals."

 

Bakura sighed. "It seems like we've the worst luck of them all."  he mumbled shaking his head.  "I just wish for once a relationship would work."

 

"You came the closest of us all..."  Fei Long said softly.

 

Bakura sighed.  "Like you said…  we dont work with mortals...  and even though he made the change...  he remains in the world of mortals.  Serving the Vatican."  Bakura closed his eyes and shook his head.  "He's not the one for me."

 

Fei Long frowned.  "...  You regret his leaving."  He said suddenly.  "And you do not truly beleive that he isn't the one for you.  He is the one you want.  Stop denying it just to make yourself feel better."

 

Bakura snorted.  "Fei Long, regardless of what I feel regarding his leaving, I'll not have him back."  He gave his friend a stern look.  "I am no glutton for punishment, and I have not gone soft.  YOU'D make a better lifemate than he ever could."

 

Fei Long sighed.  "Give him time to calm down.  It will take several centuries, but he'll settle eventually."

 

"I've LIVED several centuries!"  Bakura howled.  "Living alone is not a pleasurable activity."  Bakura gave Fei Long a look.  "Or do you not get lonely anymore?"

 

"I have grown used to it.  I was always a solitary creature.  As were you.  But for some reason, you feel lonliness more acutely than I."  Fei Long said.  "And now, your childe will learn the feeling of loneliness..."

 

Bakura snorted.  "Don’t feign sympathy for him Fei Long.  You don’t even know more than the boy's name."

 

Fei Long raised an eyebrow.  "Mikado Mareo Maho.  Half brother of Ahmose Inarus, Chosen of Prince, excuse me, King Atemu, and Special Elite Agent of the Vatican, a rank shared by only one other, Special Elite Agent Nikolas Stanasila."

 

"Smartass."  Bakura snorted rolling his eyes. 

 

Fei Long smiled.  "I simply see that I know things."

 

"you dont know his personality."  Bakura said smartly.  "And if you do so help me I'll toss you outside by your hair."  he added giving Fei Long a look. 

 

Fei Long chuckled.  "Very well then.  I shall keep my mouth shut."  He said, though he was obviously saying 'you BET I know his personality!'

 

Bakura marched over however and suddenly threw Fei Long over his shoulder and walked from the study grumbling.

 

Fei Long blinked.  "What are you doing?"  He growled, obviously not happy with being carried like that; Bakura knew that Fei Long HATED to look undignified.

 

"Taking you to your room."  Bakura chuckled.  "In all your dignified SMARTASS glory."  He carried Fei Long upstairs and opened a door, putting him down on the bed and smirking.  He was proud of his annoying Fei Long as much as Fei Long had just annoyed him.  "Now who has a smug sense of self righteousness mm?"

 

"And who has a smug childish sense of satisfaction?"  Fei Long asked.

 

"You did, until I put you back in your pretty little place."  Bakura teased before sitting down.  "Now let’s stop purposely pissing each other off."

 

Fei Long snorted.  "I never meant to piss you off.  I merely state the truth as I see it.  And I beleive that your rash, hot headed fledgling will return to you once he calms down and thinks things over."

 

"Good for him."  Bakura said shaking his head.  "Well...  enjoy your stay."  he stood and headed for the door.  "And try not to torment my servants too badly.  Let them pretend."

 

Fei Long raised an eyebrow.  "Come now.  I will not lead them along, Bakura."

 

"Just try not to kill their dreams."  Bakura said smirking.  "They're young."

 

"Indeed.  They are young."  Fei Long said.  "They have time."

 

Bakura shook his head and left.

 

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