Yami to Hikari (Darkness and Light)

Yami to Hikari 6: Tsukinukete Wa Yorunotobari (Piercing the Veil of Darkness)

Yami to Hikari 6: Tsukinukete Wa Yorunotobari
(Piercing the Veil of Darkness)
By Sunsinger and Heather MacCloud
 
Translations:
Asim- Protector
Shin- Heart
Tsuki- Moon
 
 
 
"You will never keep me there. I have an ally who is more powerful than you 'dear brother'. He knows the value of my skill."
 
"More powerful than me? And who would this ‘ally’ of yours be?"
 
Bakura laughed and stood. "Do you think I am so stupid that I would come out and tell you? Then again, you are rather... mentally deficient. You always were rather slow at school."
 
"At least I was there, unlike you, who spent his time roaming the city. Stealing from people when you had more than enough already."
 
"It was a skill, ever heard of it? I at least perfected a skill other than just standing around looking pretty and eating. Father was a terrible pharaoh and he taught you the same ways. You governed, yet your people couldn't stand you, they often wished you dead. I of course am a servant of the people." Bakura smirked.
 
"Servant? You were a thief, nothing more. How many times did I save you from the wrath of our father? Or from the dungeons?"
 
Shebi-ib growled, "Who was it that told him to send me to the army?! Who later tried to destroy me? You!"
 
"I never meant for you all to be there. I warned you to stay away!"
 
"You did that knowing we wouldn't. You did that knowing that of course we would be there... you set us up. We shall never forgive you!" Shebi backed up, keeping an eye on Yami as he walked around the couch.
 
Yami turned as Shebi walked, keeping his brother in front of him. "No, I thought you'd stay away. I told you all. I thought Mes-enkha would talk you out of going if nothing else. By the time I found you there, it was too late. I'd started the spell, I couldn't stop it."
 
"Excuses, Kekewy. Excuses. Like Father, you duck your responsibilities. Excuses and Lies!" Shebi stood against a cabinet along on the wall.
 
"Have you been so corrupted by the Shadow Realm, Shebi? Have all those years in the Ring hardened your heart so much?"
 
"The only thing I learned in the Realm was that our little brother, our baby brother was almost destroyed by you sealing him. He resided in the eye. Pegasus met him and said he wasn't real. Then crushed him. Our baby brother is gone! You killed him! I can not forgive you for that." Shebi-ib stepped forward, pulling a drawer out as he did. Brandishing a knife, he attacked Yami
 
Yami jumped the railing, narrowly missing the knife. "Our brother? That can't be, the items protected our souls. He should've been able to regain his strength!"
 
Shebi-ib snarled. "He's gone. My baby brother is gone!"
 
"How do you know? Maybe he joined with his Hikari, like Mes-enkha. She and Isis Ishtar are one now. Maybe that's what our brother did."
 
"I know because when I confronted that idiot, I used my ring to seek our brother...there is nothing left of him. If he had joined, I could have seen it. I know what it looks like...one of our other brothers has done it too. He's gone. I'll never forgive you this." Shebi-ib grabbed a small statue and threw it at Yami's head.
 
Yami ducked the statue, looking for something to defend himself with. "One other? Who?"
 
"You don't need to know yet...traitor." Shebi tossed a powder at Yami's face.
 
Yami rubbed his eyes, muffling a cry as the powder burned his face. He wiped his eyes, trying to clear them as they teared up. Yugi! Aibou, hide!
 
Shebi turned his head and started towards the stairs. "I have the eye. I can hear you. So... he survived. Good, I want to kill him again. Maybe you'll understand what it's like loosing those you love." He ran for the stairs.
 
Yami ran after him, cursing himself and wiping at his eyes. Tears blurred his vision as he chased after his brother.
 
Shebi ran, cursing his brother catching up with him
 
Yami ran faster as Shebi neared the attic stairs. His sprint got him just close enough to wrap his arms around his brother's legs, tripping him. Then he scrambled up to pin him.
 
Shebi growled and tried to push Yami down the stairs. Wiggling, he tried to claw his brother's face. "Let me go Kekewy!"
 
Yami pinned his arms, holding him. "No, Brother, I can't let you hurt my light."
 
"But they love it so... Ryou makes such pleasant sounds when I hit him and he keeps coming back for more. He loves it. You should take a firmer hand with yours... after all he was so badly behaved, he tripped and fell into the waters." Shebi teased cruelly. "Want me to teach you how?"
 
Yami glared down at his brother. "You have changed, Shebi. Tell me, is there anything of the brother I once knew inside you?"
 
"I am what you made me, Brother. I have spent millennia trapped in the Realm. What did you expect? For me to thank you for robbing my life?"
 
Yami sighed, he realized this fight have to continue another day, without Yugi there. "Forgive me, Brother." He took both Bakura's hands in one, gently stroking his hair for a brief moment, before slamming the heel of his hand into the back of his head.
 
Shebi felt his brother stroke his hair, how long has it been since someone had done that with such tenderness, thendarkness came up and swallowed him.
 
Yami stood up, sighing sadly. He nudged his brother gently with one foot, seeing he didn't wake, walked up the stairs and tried to open the attic door.
 
"Aibou, open the door. It's me."
 
Who?
 
Yami, It's Yami, Hikari.
 
Ah... one minute, Yugi walked slowly over to the door and pushed a trunk from behind it. Promise me, you won't laugh.
 
I promise, Aibou.
 
Yugi sighed and opened the door. He wore what was possibly the only thing to fit him. A summer kimono of peach silk. It had cherry blossoms and wolves embroidered all over it. "Do we have time for me to clean off the blood under this?"
 
Yami shook his head. "No Aibou, put your clothes back on, Ryou doesn't live far from the Game shop."
 
"Hai." Yugi slipped off the kimono and put on his pants. "The shirt is a wreck, if you let me borrow yours, it can hide the blood stains on my pants.
 
Yami stripped out of his shirt and jacket, tossing them both to Yugi. "Put those on, Ryou shouldn't mind me borrowing one of his shirts."
 
"Hai, koi." Yugi sniffed them and sighed before he put them on. Both of them came below his knees. Walking a bit unsteadily he stepped up by Yami.
 
Yami picked him up easily, carrying him down the stairs, carefully stepping over his brother's unconscious form.
 
Yugi looked at the unconscious boy. "So he's our enemy. I'm sorry...poor Ryou."
 
"We'll save him..." Yami walked into Ryou's room, quickly pulling a shirt over his head, frowning at the pale purple.
 
"It's a nice color..." Yugi stared at him with violet eyes.
 
"On you, it would be fitting." He lifted the boy again. "It brings out your eyes."
 
Yugi blushed and nuzzled into Yami's shoulder.
 
Yami smiled, then looked out the doorway to see if his brother was still out. Seeing the still form on the stairs, he left the house quickly.
 
Koi? Yugi yawned and got comfortable.
 
Yes, Hikari?
 
Not that I mind but what is it you have with carrying me?
 
Yami blinked rapidly, looking down at Yugi. The question took him aback to say the least. I don't know...I guess after so long being trapped in the puzzle, not being able to feel, see, or hear anything. I just like to feel you. It reminds me that this isn't just a dream.
 
Yugi placed both hands on Yami's cheeks and kissed him. Ahh...ok. Let's go home.
 
Yami nodded, taking the boy to the Game Shop. He opened the door and went inside, locking it tightly before taking Yugi to his room.
 
Yami?
 
Yes, Aibou? Yami sat Yugi on the bed, pulling Ryou's shirt off.
 
You talked to him...what about?
 
"He hates me. He blames me because he was sealed in the Ring."
&nb "K "Koi...I'm sorry...it's not enough but I am." Yugi hugged Yami close.
 
Yami leaned into him, sighing deeply. "He also told me... Our baby brother...."
 
Yugi kissed his forehead and brushed his hair back. "Aa?"
 
"He's gone, Aibou, forever. His soul, Pegasus rejected him and it destr him him." The Pharaoh's voice was barely a whisper, shoulders shaking slightly
 
"No... don't say that… how?!" Yugi held him tight, tears coming to his eyes at the memory. "Aibou, when my parent's died it hurt... but I can't imagine losing a brother... I can't. I wish you hadn't. Maybe one day, I’ll take to see my parents."
 
Yami hugged the boy tightly, crying into his shoulder. "I warned them, Aibou, I told them to stay away from the Games."
 
"I know, love, I know." Yugi stroked his lover's hair. "I know."
 
"They didn't listen. I was weak from fighting the Priest. I'd already started the spell when I heard them. Ahmose shouted something, then there was this pain in my shoulder. I looked up and they all were there. I couldn't stop the spell, I didn't have the strength."
 
Yugi stroked his lover's hair and sighed. "Oh Nushi."
 
Yami lifted his head to look at Yugi, crimson eyes full of sorrow, tears silently trailing down his cheeks. "We were supposed to be safe inside the items. We were supposed to be protected."
 
Nushi, did you do all you could to protect them?
 
I did all I knew to. I told them to run, to get out before the gates sealed, but there just wasn't time.
 
Then, beloved, it's not your fault. If you failed it's because you didn't know how to do better, not because you didn't try.
 
Yami nodded andhed.hed. "I don't remember his name, Aibou. I remember details about his personality, how he looked, but I can't remember his name."
 
"Isis remembers. Can't we call her? Maybe she can help stir the memories of them?"
 
"She never left a number. How will we find her? Call every hotel in Domino?"
 
Yugi shook his head. No. She always calls when we need her, hai? Let's go lie down by the phone.
 
Yami nodded, wrapping his arms around Yugi and laying down with him Yes, she'll call.
 
Yugi got one hand free and stroked Yami's hair and face until his eyes closed. Hai, until then. Rest, Nushi, rest.
 
The Spirit sighed, settling against his small lover. Just stay here, Aibou. Let me feel you in my arms.
 
Forever. I'll be here.
 
Yami nodded, hugging the boy tight before falling asleep.
 
Yugi stroked his hair, humming quietly. He waited until Yami’s breath evened out and lay there wondering what was go happen next, how could he protect Yami from it. The ringing phone made him jump. Snatching it before it could ring again, he answered quietly. "Hello."
 
"Yugi? Are you okay?" Isis’ voice came over the line.
 
"Hai. Yami-" Yugi whimpered. "Is it true about your little brother? Couldn’t Shebi-ib have been lying to him?" Yugi asked as he left the room quietly.
 
"No, I too examined Pegasus. He has destroyed Nebwbaa-henw. ho who was the Golden Soul of Joy." Isis’s voice faded.
 
"I’m sorry. I..."
 
"Who told him?! I was going to tell him but not while you and he were having...discussions." She demanded.
 
"Shebi-ib. Our enemy. He’s...in Ryou." Yugi whispered, cracking the door open to check on his sleepy kihou.
 
"Oh...I see. Shebi-ib was cruel. No matter what Kekewy did for him. After our father died, Kekewy tried his best to keep us together, to take care of us. If Shebi got in trouble, Kekewy thought it was because he didn’t spend enough time with Shebi. He blames himself for so much. He wasn’t god on earth, he’s just our brother."
 
"Was Neb-nebaw... Was he a good brother?" Yugi asked stng tng the comforter that lay over his lover.
 
"Nebwbaa-henw. We called him Henw. Our father had only five wives who survived the plague. And only six children survived. Us and our brothers. Then like a miracle, father’s youngest wife got pregnant. She gave birth to a little boy. We thought he would soon die like the other newborns but the plague had burned itself out. He lived and was given the name, Nebwbaa-henw, The Golden Soul of Joy. We all loved him, especially Kekewy. He was the baby." Isis’ voice grew soft.
 
"Wow. He’s angry now... can you talk with him?" Yugi asked softly.
 
"Of course, give him the phone."
 
Yugi climbed up and kissed Yami’s neck. "Yami, love, Yami... wake up... Isis... your sister wants to talk to you about, Shebi-ib and Nebwbaa-henw
 
Yami opened eyes slowly and blinked at Yugi. His crimson eyes were still full of pain and heartbreak. "Hmmmm?"
 
"Isis... she wants to talk to you."
 
Yugi held out the phone
 
Yami gave him a soft smile and took the phone. "Hello?"
 
"Brother... I'm sorry you found out that way. I meant to tell you when things weren't so... volatile."
 
Yami sat up, wiping his eyes. "It's all right sister. Better I found out sooner than later."
 
"Poor Kekewy. You try so hard to take care of all of us. I'm disappointed by Shebi-ib, yet this is much like him. He had great anger after our father died."
 
"I know, Sister. I remember how he was."
 
"But know this... you must not blame yourself for what he did." Isis whispered.
 
"I don't blame myself for what he did."
 
"Yes, you are... you always do. Whenever he got in trouble, you said it was because you didn't spend enough time with him. Or you made other excuses. You aren't his keeper... only his brother. "
 
"It was my responsibility to take care of you all after our father died. I promised him I would protect you all."
 
"From ourselves? You are not perfect. You can not be everyone's salvation."
 
Yami sighed deeply. "There had to have been something else I could've done. If I haven't been in such a hurry. If I'd only checked before I started the spell."
 
"You warned them, so did I but Kekewy if we had left them there... oh the destruction that would have come."
 
Yami whispered, barely audible, then sighed. "Mes-enkha, I can't... I don't... I can't talk to you now, like this."
 
"Yes, you will! Keke. I am your sister and I love you so I demand you listen to me and give me the right of sister. I know where the shop is. Will you permit me to visit you?" Isis pressed.
 
"One moment," Yami lowered the phone from his mouth and looked over at Yugi. "Aibou, do you mind if Isis came over, so her and I could talk in person?"
 
"Of course not. Bring her over... and Yami?"
 
"Yes, Aibou?"
 
"After she leaves or while she's here, if you need me." Yugi lifted his Yami's hand and kissed the knuckles, Yami smiled and nodded. "I know, Yugi, thank you." He lifted the phone back to his face. "Yes, sister, you may come over."
 
"Good. I'll be there soon." Isis hung up.
 
Yami hung up the phone and lay back on the bed. Then he looked over at Yugi. "She said she'd be here soon."
 
"Good." Yugi pushed Yami down to the bed. "Rest, I'll bring her up when she gets here."
 
Yami nodded, sighing deeply.
 
Yugi left and ran downstairs.
 
Yami sighed again, turning on his side and drawing his legs up to his chest.
 
* * *
 
A tinkle from the bell over the door announced a visitor. Yugi peeked out to see Isis. "You're here. Wonderful. Yami's upstairs in our room."
 
Yami sat up, wiping his eyes as he heard Yugi talk to his sister.
 
Yugi took her hand and led her upstairs. "I know you can help."
 
Yugi left Isis at the door, "I'll be downstairs."
 
"Thank you, you are a good boy." Isis opened the door and went in. Shutting the door she sat on the bed.
 
"Hello, sister." Yami looked up at her, despite all the times he'd wiped his eyes, they were still red and shiny with tears.
 
"Kekewy. I heard that our brother hurt you. You and your love." Isis brushed the tears from her brother's cheek.
 
Yami nodded slightly. "He tried to kill us both."
 
"Ah... did you... kill..."
 
"No, I couldn't... can't kill him."
 
"Good. I expect nothing less from you. He's a very... angry soul, Keke. He has been trouble from the time your mother died in the plague. When the child she had given birth to died 2 days later he got worse. When Father died, he was out of control... yet you blamed yourself. You said tha was was because you didn't spend enough time with him. That is not so. If you had spent as much time with him as you thought you had needed you wouldn't have ruled at all. His anger led the Realm to corrupt him worse than you. This warped his personality. This is also why he hurts his Hikari." Isis rubbed his hands.
 
"I know he's not himself and I know he's corrupted, but I still can't hurt him. I can't fight him. He nearly killed Yugi, tried to kill but but all I could do was knock him out, and all I wanted to do was hold him and pet his hair until he stopped this like I did when he'd throw a tantrum as a child."
 
"He loves you. I know it did not appear to be so but he loves you so much. He would rather believe you are demonic rather than you would willingly imprison them in there. Someone once said, 'Every murderer believes they are right.' He believes he is right, that you aren't really his brother cause he could no more raise his hand in anger to you than you to him. He thinks that something has happened to you to change you and he will drive it out of you by whatever means necessary. He loves you and if you want to helou, ou, you must heal him first and there I can't help you." She sighed and brushed his hair back. "As for Nebwbaa-henw, he was a good child. Loving..."
 
"And now he's gone... Because I locked you all in the Sennen items."
 
"No! Not because of that. If you want to blame anyone blame Pegasus!" She grabbed his chin and forced him to look up. "Henw, went to him as his Yami and Pegasus who would let no one in his mind, would let no one tell him how the items work, crushed his mind. That was Pegasus! Not you. Even the knowledge that Pegasus is the rest of Henw's soul reincarnated is not enough to make me forgive him!"
 
"Pegasus would never have touched him if I hadn't locked him in the Eye. If wasn't weak from the Shadow Realm...reshresh tears trailed down his cheeks, as he looked his sister in the eyes.
 
Isis leaned forward and kissed her brother's forehead. "No, he never was the strongest player. He wasn't very good but he played because we did."
 
"I know, which is why he shouldn't've been locked in the Shadow Realm. None of you should have."
 
"I have always had the ability to prophesize. Kekewy, listen to me. IT WAS DESTINED. If any of us who had been tainted had remained in the world... we would have destroyed it. I thank you for saving my children."
 
Yami blinked at her. "I don't care if it was destined. I'd rather the world have been destroyed. Henw is dead; forever his very soul is gone. Shebi hates me; Nefert thinks I'm some kind of monster, and you... You tell me I have to go through it all again. I either have to destroy my brother, or damn myself to eternity in the Puzzle. I can't do it Mes, I can't do it again."
 
"Brother. No one is perfect. I have foreseen very few options but that doesn't mean you can't find another. Pps tps together with your Hikari you will find another way. Perhaps this time, your Hikari goes with you. You are strong enough to protect him and build a home there for him. I don't know, Keke, but I promise I'll look for another way." Isis hugged Yami to her. "I promise."
 
"I couldn't do that to him, I know he loves me and I love him. I can't stane the thought of us being separate, but I can't imprison him like that. The novelty will wear off; the happiness of being alone with me will fade eventually. He'll grow to see it as a prison."
 
"Perhaps. Maybe what really is needed is a someone who will willingly be the guardians of the Shadow Realm." Isis rubbed her brotherbackback.
 
Yami leaned into her and looked up. "What? How? Even the strongest people succumb to its power eventually."
 
"If I knew, I'd do it so that you would be able to spend the rest of your life with him." She stroked his hair back. "What are we going to do?"
 
"I don't know, Mes. I want to save him. I want to set things right..."
 
"We will find a way. Will you believe that?"
 
"But every time I try to fix it, things only get worse."
 
"I think you are fighting the war, not the le. le. Instead of trying to fix them, work on the real problem. Why are the shadow realm games so addictive?"
 
"Because it feeds off of us. It takes our energy, our anger, our pain and feeds off it. In return, it gives us power. But it's limited, we can use it up, and when we do, we feel the emptiness the Shadow Realm has left in us, so we need the power to fill it again."
 
"How does it feed of us? Is there something else we can feed it?" Isis pressed.
 
"I don't know. I didn't have time to find out, I don't think anyone knows how it really works."
 
"The shadow realm is chaotic perhaps there is a way to tame it."
 
"Tame the entire thing? Impossible, it's limitless."
 
"True but I'm not giving this up. We will find ways please don’t despair. As much as I hate to put this on you. We look to you for inspiration." Isis stood up. "I'll have to check some of the old writings. I'll see you again. Here is a number that can reach me anytime." Isis held out a card with a number written on it. Smiling, she turned and opened the door.
 
"I will, Mes, I will." He said as she walked out the door.
 
Yugi rushed into the room and hugged Yami. "How do you feel?"
 
Yami hugged the boy back, resting his cheek against Yugi's head. "I'm feeling a little better."nbspnbsp;
"Good." Yugi closed his eyes. "Can we sleep more? I'm still tired."
 
Yami smiled and lay down, tucking the boy close. "Yes, Aibou, we can sleep more."
 
Yugi snuggled into Yami's arms and gave a jaw-cracking yawn before closing his eyes. After a few moments his breathing evened out.
 
* * *
 
Yugi turned the corner quickly and skidded to a stop next to Ryou. "I hate PE. It's necessary though. You don't look to well, are you ok?
 
Ryou nodded, turning to face Yugi, there was a trace of purple hidden under the collar of his uniform shirt. "I'm fine, Yugi."
 
"It's him... your Yami. Shebi-ib." Yugi reached up and brushed the collar back. "Why?"
 
Ryou pulled back, wincing slightly. "He wasn't happy you and Yami got away yesterday."
 
Yugi drew back, his face sad. Yami, Shebi-ib hurt him! Because we escaped. Talk to Ryou. Yugi pushed up the sleeve of the uniform, noticing no bruion hon his wrists. He pulled Ryou out of sight.
 
Is he okay, Aibou?
 
He's bruised. And he's wincing. He's been beaten. Yugi sat down and tugged Ryou down beside him. "Ryou... Shebi-ib shouldn't do this to you. I hate the thought that someone, especially your Yami is beating you. Now I understand why you said you wished he loved you."
 
Ryou smiled sadly. "It's okay, Yugi. He was just angry, he usually doesn't hurt me."
 
"No! Anytime he hurts you is too much!"
 
"It's alright, Yugi, really. It's only happened once or twice before."
 
"It's not right. He's your Yami. He's supposed to love you." Yugi frowned.
 
Yami appeared behind Yugi, wrapping his arms around the boy. "Love isn't mandatory, Aibou, but that's no excuse for my brother hurting you, Ryou."
 
"Hai! Well at least he should be nicer." Yugi argued
 
Yami sighed. "He wasn't always like this, the Games changed him."
 
"I know," Ryou answered softly. "I can feel it when he talks to me in my head or when he takes over. It's buried deep but somewhere inside, he feels hurt, betrayed, scared almost."
 
"Yami how old was he when you were trapped in the Shadow Realm?" Yugi asked, leaning back.
 
Yami thought for a moment. "Not much older than yol, hl, he was only 17."
 
"The shadow realms scared me, I could barely stand the strain. Maybe... he was scared?"
 
"They were all probably scared, Yugi. I was, inside the Puzzle was nothingness, no sight, no sound, no touch, nothing."
 
"Can being scared change someone to be this mean?" Yugi reached over and took Ryou's hand.
 
"It was the Shadow Realm that made him "mean", Yugi."
 
Ryou looked down at Yugi's hand holding his, then up at Yugi and Yami.
 
Yugi squeezed Ryou's hand and turned to Yami. "You know we'll always help you right?"
 
Ryou smiled. "I know, Yugi."
 
"If you ever need us to... talk to him or listen to you, we will." Yugi promised.
 
Ryou smiled brighter. "Thank you, Yugi, Yami."
 
Yugi leaned over and kissed Ryou on his cheek before standing up. "Let's get back before the coach comes looking for us."
 
Ryou blinked in confusion, then looked down. "You go on, Yugi."
 
Yugi bit his lip and looked down, "I'll tell coach you aren't feeling well. You go in and lay down. Get some uninterrupted sleep."
 
"He might ask me what's wrong. I don't want to lie, I'm not good at it."
 
"I know. Just go in, I'll tell him you twisted your ankle and fell. He'll believe me." Yugi said and stroked the puzzle.
 
"Alright." Ryou sounded a bit uncertain as he stood up.
 
"Yami, take him in? I'll go talk to the coach."
 
Yami nodded, standing also.
 
Yugi squeezed Ryou’s hand again and kissed Yami before running off.
 
* * *
 
Ryou opened the door and leaned against it. Finally school was over. It was hard, especially PE. Ryou felt his mouth turn up with a smile. It was rather sweet of Yami and Yugi to say that. In a better mood, he climbed the steps and entered his room.
 
Feeling his Yami behind him, he turned with a smile. "I'm home."
 
"What are YOU so happy about?" Bakura hissed.
 
"I'm home. That's all. Ummm... will you tell me about your life before? Yugi mentioned you by another name and I just wondered..." Ryou trailed off and hung his head.
 
The Spirit backhanded the boy sharply. "You were talking to Keke's light?"
 
"Yes, we have PE together." Ryou turned and put his book bag down and sat on the bed.
 
He grabbed his light by the collar, twisting the fabric into the already bruised flesh. "I wasn't done talking to you."
 
Ryou lowered his eyes. "I was just putting the bag down, Yami. I wanted to get something out of it for you."
 
Bakura let go of Ryou's collar. "What is it?" he snapped.
 
Ryou knelt next to his bed, and opened his bag. He pulled out three new packs of cards. "As I was passing the game store on the way here, I saw they have a new issue of cards. So I got a few. I thought you might like them." Ryou offered them from his kneeling position, hope shining in his eyes.
 
Bakura reached down and pulled them roughly from his light's hand.
 
"They said they would have more tomorrow. Since I don't have school tomorrow, maybe we can go pick some more up." Ryou got up and sat on the bed. Pushing his hair back and tucking it behind his ear, he lay back. "There are supposed to be some very powerful magic cards released in this issue."
 
Bakura nodded, sat down on the bed and started to open one of the packs.
 
Ryou smile widened. Moving slowly he managed to get his head on his Yami's lap. Letting his breath out slowly, he nuzzled his Yami’s stomach and wrapped one arm around his Yami’s waist. When a slap didn't come, he slipped the hand up the back of his Yami’s shirt. He felt so warm.
 
Without warning, Ryou was knocked flat on his back on the floor, both of his wrists held in a painfully tight grip by his Yami. The bones in one wrist ground together as the spirit twisted it slightly. "Who told you that you could touch me?"
 
Tears of pain welled up in his eyes. Ryou closed them, "No one. I... you... I just wanted to hold you. I wanted to feel you, that's all. You were happy and I like it when you're happy. I'm sorry."
 
Bakura twisted one wrist more. "I thought I told you never to touch me without permission."
 
"Hai... but you didn't mind when I laid my head in your lap. I thought you... would want," Ryou couldn't hold back a wince. "I'm sorry, I won't do it again. I'm sorry."
 
He let the boy's wrists go. "This is what happens when you talk to my brother and his light."
 
Tears seeped out from under his lowered lids. Ryou didn't move. He didn't know if his Yami was finished. It was safer to stay right where he was. Not moving more than to breathe.
 
A fist connected hard and fast with his gut. "You forget, little light, who's in charge here. You do what I tell you when I tell you and I did not tell you to touch ME!" The last word was accented by another blow.
 
Ryou's eye flew open at the first punch. Trying not to cry out, he pulled himself into a fetal position and tried to move out of the way.
 
Scrambling into a corner, he shook. "Why? Why can't I touch you? I'm your Hikari. I care about you? Why do you look so sad before you hit me?"
 
He stalked over, kicking the boy hard. "Shut UP!"
 
With a whimper, Ryou bent over and let the tears come. Damn, that hurts. I won't be able to go to school tomorrow without help. Why doesn't my Yami... Yami! Yugi! With a roar, he jumped up and pushed his Yami back. Not stopping to see what happened, he ran out his room and down the hall to his father's. Sliding on the hardwood floors, he scrabbled into his dad's room. Looking around, he saw an old trunk. Pulling it from the corner, he put it in front of the door and locked the door. Shivering, he headed for the bathroom. Inside he ran some water and washed his face. He could see that it would bruise soon. Crying, he stepped back into the bedroom. Damn. He's gonna go ballistic when he catches me. I shouldn't have run. On shaky legs, he walked over to the bed and sat down. Turning his head, he could see the phone. Rolling over painfully, he picked it up. Maybe it's time to call for help. Ryou dialed the Turtle Game Shop and asked for Yugi. After a few seconds, Yugi answered.
 
Bakura stumbled, falling hard. He growled and climbed to his feet and stalked down the hall, looking for his light. "Ryou?! Come out here, NOW!"
 
Ryou heard his Yami calling him. "Yugi... he's angry. I'm scared. You said you would help. Please?!"
 
"Of course, talk to Yami, tell him what's wrong. We're on our way." Yugi grabbed a shirt.
 
"Yami? Why won't he let me touch him? It was good. I bought him so new cards. He liked them. I laid my head on his lap, I rubbed his back and he started yelling and..."
 
"He's hurt, Ryou. He's not himself. I don't think he really knows what he's doing."
 
Ryou cried, holding the phone to his ear. "It was... so good. He was happy."
 
"Shhh, Ryou, we'll be there soon. Where are you? Are you still in the house?"
 
"Y-y-yes, in f-f-father’s bedroom. Down the hall from m-mine." Ryou tried not to hiccup too much.
 
"All right, I want to move as much furniture in front of that door as you can. Then get as far from the door as you can and stay quiet."
 
"Y-yes. Hurry please!" Ryou begged.
 
"Quiet, Ryou, I'm on the way. I'm going to hand the phone to Yugi now, I want you to go block the door. When you're done, talk to him until I get there, understand?"
 
Ryou nodded, "Uh huh. I'm going to move things now."
 
"Good boy, hurry." Yami handed the phone to Yugi. "Aibou, talk to him. Keep halm.alm."
 
"Hai." One look at Yami's face told him not to argue so Yugi took the phone and started talking about a new shipment of cards supposed to be coming in.
 
Yami nodded and ran out of the Shop to Ryou's.
 
* * *
 
Ryou pushed the trunk from in front of the door, so he could put the dresser there.
 
Bakura heard his light's voice and the movement of the furniture. He turned in that direction, glaring.
 
Ryou grabbed the trunk and put it behind the dresser. Remember something, he ducked into the closet until he came out with a broken clothes rod. Nodding, he wedged it between the wall and the stuff in front of the door. Scared, he took the phone and went back into the bathroom and locked the door. "Yugi?"
 
"Hai. He's on his way, he could be there in a couple minutes. So did you see the new cards yet?"
 
Bakura stopped in front of Ryou's father's room and tried the door. It didn't move. He pounded on it hard. "Ryou! Open this door!"
 
Ryou shook and lowered his voice. "He's out there. Yugi he's so angry. He'll kill me."
 
"No, Yami won't let him. Did I tell you that Shigeru asked me about starting a Duel Monsters club? He wants to invite all those who made it into the tournament, to teach the others to play."
 
Bakura threw himself at the door, the furniture shaking under the force. "RYOU!!!"
 
Ryou whined low in his throat and moved into the tub.
 
"Ryou! What did you say? Hmmm, as a Duel Monsters Master, you would get to teach the younger ones. I think you'd like that. Ummm... Ryou?"
 
"H-hai, that would fun Yugi-kun. I’m so scared."
 
Yami opened the door quietly. He could hear his brother shouting all the way outside. He walked quickly and cautiously up the stairs, seeing his brother throwing himself against a door. The Pharaoh felt a hint of relief; he hadn't gotten to Ryou yet.
 
"Open this door you little bitch! If you don't, you don't want to know what you will look like when I'm done with you!" Bakura threw himself against the door again.
 
Yami ran over, tackling Bakura to the ground. "Leave him alone, Shebi!"
 
Bakura looked at the door. "Oh that was a mistake, pet." Turning to face his brother. "Well hello, brother. You really should keep yourself out of my business."
 
"I will not let you hurt him. He's a child! Shebi, all he wants is your affection!"
 
"He doesn't deserve to touch me. Besides he has to learn to obey. I refuse to be dominated." Bakura sneered.
 
"He doesn't want to dominate you, he wants you to touch him. He wants you to hold him and love him."
 
"Weakness. He hasn't earned the right to touch me. He's so weak, he can't even play the game well." Bakura sneered.
 
"Neither could Henw. He played only to be with us. Was our little brother undeserving of love? Was he too weak for you affection?"
 
"Don't speak his name! Because of you, he's dead. My baby brother is dead." Bakura screamed and bucked.
 
Yami fought hard to keep his brother pinned. "Shebi, how is your Hikari any different from our brother? Why does he deserve your love, but your Hikari, who's begging you for it, doesn't?"
 
"He's family! This little twerp isn't! It's bad enough being forced to obey; this imposter will not force me. " Bakura wailed.
 
"He doesn't want you to obey him, Shebi!"
 
"They all want me to obey, I refuse. And when I get my hands on him... I'll make him pay so dearly in blood!"
 
"Shebi, LISTEN to yourself. He's a boy! He's a child!"
 
Bakura tried to buck his brother off again. "Stop trying to save that little slave. I'll whip him bloody for this!"
 
Yami drew Bakura's hands together, twisting his wrists; he quickly shifted his grip so he was holding both Bakura's hands on one of his. "He's not a slave, Shebi. He's your Hikari, your light half."
 
"Or what brother? Maybe I’ll just kick him into a coma. Oh how I can drain him then." Bakura laughed. "Or perhaps I'll just chain him in his room, and use him. It's been so long since I had a good release. All thanks to you, brother."
 
Yami shook his head, shutting his eyes so his brother wouldn't see the pain there. "I can't let you hurt him anymore, Shebi. He doesn't deserve it. Yami lifted his free hand in a tight fist, and brought it down hard for Bakura's face.
 
Bakura smirked. That fool won't actually kill me. Laughing, he rose up to meet the hand.
 
Yami's hand stopped millimeters from Bakura's face and opened, blocking his view for a moment. Then he brought his hand up and started to gently pet his brother's hair.
 
Bakura froze, "What are you doing?!"
 
Yami didn't say anything. He only stroked his brother's hair, brushing his cheek lightly.
 
Bakura fumed. Staring at his insane brother, he softened his features and turned towards the hand. The next time it brushed past, he bit it.
 
Yami didn't pull his hand away, instead he rested it on his brother's cheek so he couldn't bite him again. "Shebi, calm down. You've gotten yourself too angry again." Yami couldn't help but smile softly as he remembered all the times he'd forced his brother to calm in the past.
 
"You camel dung eater. Don't you ever ever mention that again. You lost all right to do this when you locked me in the deep dark for millennia! Get OFF!" Bakura tried to buck him off again.
 
Yami held him down firmly. He started petting his hair again, running his fingers through it so they brushed his scalp as petted. "No, Shebi. I'm not getting off of you, not until you calm down."
 
Bakura thumped his head back onto the floor. "Let me go."
 
Yami slid his hand back to keep Bakura from hitting his head on the floor. "No, I'm not letting you go until you calm down."
 
"Fine, I'll wait. The minute you slacken, I'll attack, and you know this. I can wait. I've waited 5000 years for your death, I can wait another day." Bakura closed his eyes and lay back.
 
"I won't slacken, Shebi. You know I can out wait you." Yami pulled his hand forward, starting to pet his hair again.
 
"You think so? You slept for those 5000 years. I've had years more practice than you. Sorry brother, but I'll wait you out." Bakura laughed.
 
"We'll see, Brother."
 
Bakura growled and turned his head away.
 
Yugi? Yami asked, running the back of his fingers down Bakura's cheek.
 
Hai? Umm why are you doing that? Yugi asked, still chattering to Ryou.
 
This is how I calmed him down when he was young. He's my brother, Yugi. Maybe if he's calm he'll see how much I still love him. Now, tell Ryou go to the game shop, and tell me when he gets there.
 
* * *
 
Yugi called Ryou’s name. "Ryou-kun? Is there another way out of your father’s room?"
 
"N-no... wait when I was little, I used to climb down the sakura out of his father’s room." Ryou remembered.
 
"Ok, Climb down that now, and run over here to the Game shop."
 
"What if he hears me?" Ryou whispered.
 
"Yami’s distracting him, run now."
 
"Yes, Yugi-kun." Ryou ran over to the window and slipped out. Not looking back, he ran as fast as he could to the Turtle Game Shop.
 
* * *
 
"You are not my brother! My brother loves me, you are just some demon in his form. Get off me, I'll kill that little whore and yours too!" Bakura closed his eyes and started slamming his head into the floor. Tears seeped from under his eyes
 
Yami slid his hand behind his brother's head again, shielding it from the hardwood floor.
 
He's not my brother. He acts it well, but my brother wouldn't hurt me like this. I can't wait to kill him. Bakura stared into Yami's eyes hatred filled them.
 
Yami looked back, his own crimson eyes filled with sorrow and love for his brother. "Stop, Shebi, you'll hurt yourself."
 
Bakura closed his eyes and still. The tears still seeped out, but his body was relaxed.
 
Yami pulled his hand out from behind Bakura's head, brushing away the tears.
 
Bakura rubbed his face into Yami's hand. A whine came from deep inside his throat
 
He loosened his grip on Bakura's wrists slightly, still able to tighten it if need be. His free hand stroked his brother's cheek. "It's alright, Shebi."
 
"Keke..." Bakura rubbed his face into Yami's hand.
 
Yugi, is Ryou there yet?
 
Hai. He's on my bed, since my rhas has the most wards. He's still crying. Oh Nushi, he's hurting so much.
 
Try to comfort him. Yami took a deep breath Ryou was gone. He was alone with his brother, now. He rested his free hand on his brother's cheek, watching him closely. Then he let go of his wrists, scooting back and pulling him up into his arms. "Yes, Shebi, yes, it's me."
 
Bakura stopped sniffling and pushed Yami back. "Demon, be gone!"
 
Yami gasped, his hand coming up and slamming into his brother's temple.
 
Bakura fell backwards, banging his head on the hardwood floor. Slipping into unconsciousness he heard Yami leaving.
 
Yami ran his hand through his brother's hair one more timeforefore leaving the house, running back to the Game Shop.
 
After the sun has set, Bakura awoke. Seeing the house empty, he screamed. He ran into Ryou's room, I know that brat has to have the address of that damn game shop. Not finding anything, he sat on the bed. Feeling something jabbing in his back, he pulled it from under him. The card decks. Sitting up, he looked out the window. "KEKEWY. RYOU!" Lowering his head, he let the tears fall.
 
* * *
 
Yami ran into the Game Shop, locking the door behind him and up to Yugi's room. "Yugi? Ryou?"
 
Up here. He keeps asking about Shebi-ib. Yugi replied. He lay next to Ryou, stroking his hair and rubbing his back.
 
Yami opened to the door and walked into the room, closing it behind him. What's he saying?
 
He wants to know what happened. ‘Did you hurt him? It's his fault he shouldn't have touched him’.
 
"Ryou, he's unconscious." Yami sat on the bed, putting one hand on the boy's shoulder. "I didn't hurt him and this isn't your fault."
 
Ryou turned his face towards Yami. "Yes, it is. Everything was going well, and then I had to touch him. I should have remembered to keep my hands to myself."
 
"No, Ryou, he shouldn't have hit you for just touching him."
 
Ryou whimpered and turn his face away from Yami. Tears running down his face.
 
Yami pulled Ryou up, into his arms and rubbed his back. "Don't blame yourself for this, Ryou. You didn't do anything wrong."
 
"Ryou... Yami said the games corrupted people. Including him and that he managed to break free of the games. If we find out how he did that, then we can do the same for Shebi, I mean Bakura." Yugi scooted closer and nuzzled Ryou's shoulder. "I promise we'll try."
 
Ryou smile wavered. "Thank you, but I made the mess. I guess I should find a way to fix it." Ryou leaned against Yami and tried to stop shaking.
 
"You didn't do anything that needs fixing, Ryou. You didn't make a mess of things. My brother is sick, he's not acting like himself."
 
"I told him that I saw Yugi earlier and that he called him 'shebybib'. I asked him to tell me about that. Maybe I shouldn't have." Ryou fought not to yawn.
 
"His name is Shebi-ib, Ryou. Would you like to hear about him? As he used to be?"
 
Ryou looked up at him and nodded. "Please." He whispered. On his other side, Yugi was curled into his arm and holding him tight.
 
"Well, he was my youngest full brother. I was 5 when he was born. He was happy, most of the time, but oh did he have a temper. My father had us together with him almost all the time, up until our mother died. I was the oldest and he was my father's favorite."
 
"You loved him a lot?" Ryou murmured sleepily.
 
"Yes, I was closer to him than my other brothers. When our mother died, something changed in him. He was young still it hurt him deeply. She died giving birth, the baby followed shortly after. He became distant after that, he started to escape from the palace and do who knows what at all hours. Our father was infuriated. He'd send the guards out after him a lot. If they caught him, they'd lock him in the dungeon for the night. My father thought that it would straighten him out. But it only made him angry, made him feel he wasn't loved anymore."
 
"My poor Yami." Ryou hugged Yugi tighter and closed his eyes.
 
"We were there for him, my brothers and sister, and myself. Father would always tell me when he was caught. The guards knew me; they'd let me in. Night's he was supposed to spend in the dungeon, he usually spenth meh me, hiding him my room. Then after out father died, he just snapped. We'd all started to play the Games by then, all but our littlest brother. The Shadow Realm affects people differently and it made him angry. Sometimes he'd just lash out at people, things, for no reason. Something would just set him off and he'd loose control."
 
Yugi lifted his head from Ryou's shoulder and got up. "Like today, with Ryou? I'm going to get another blanket."
 
Yami nodded. "Yes like today. I tried to make him calm down again, but it didn't work this time."
 
Yugi came back in and started tugging on Ryou's feet to make him lay flat on the bed. Watching Yami follow him, he placed the blanket at the foot of the bed and went to change into one of Yami's overlarge shirts.
 
Yami sighed. " I used to pet his hair. He loved it."
 
Yugi climbed into bed and wrapped himself around Ryou. "He was trying to calm him down while I was on the phone with you. He really does love his brother and he likes you."
 
Yami nodded in agreement.
 
"Hmmm, so if this was ancient Egypt and Shebi-ib was dating Ryou, would you let them get married?" Yugi asked, slyly.
 
"Married? Yes, if they'd wanted."
 
"Hmmm, then we will just have to cure him so it can happen." Yugi decided and pulled the cover over them. "Tomorrow we start looking, though you should check that scroll. If it's a letter from you to you, it might help. "
 
Yami nodded. "Any piece of information could be helpful."
 
Ryou murmured sleepily and laid his head on top of Yugi's hair. "Uh huh."
 
Yami shifted so his arms were around both boys. The hand he'd used to shield his brother's hand not touching either of them. 
 
* * *
 
Ryou blinked, stunned. When they said they'd help, he didn't expect this. "You really don't have to."
 
Yami looked over Ryou's wrists and face. "You can't run around bruised and battered, now take off your shirt."
 
Ryou blushed. "Umm must I?" He whispered.
 
"Yes, Ryou. I need to see how bad it is. It'll only be for a minute." Yami tried to calm the nervous boy down.
 
Ryou nodded unhappily and took off his shirt. There were dark bruises covering his chest and ribs with older faded bruises on his neck and back.
 
Yami gently ran his hand over the bruises, feeling for any sign of breaks.
 
Ryou winced as the spirit's fingers brushed over his ribs. Turning to Yugi, he smiled wryly, "He has a penchant for ribs... I think." Wincing, he lay back on the bed.
 
Yami put his hand on the boy's chest, careful not to cause him too much pain, and shut his eyes. He took the puzzle and started to chant in Egyptian.
 
Yugi shook his head at the bruises and sat on the bed next to Ryou. "Don't worry. Yami will fix everything.
 
Yami seem oblivious to what Yugi was saying, the puzzle started to glow and the Sennen Eye appeared on his forehead.
 
Warmth tickled his ribs and rushed through his system. For the first time in months Ryou was able to take a real deep breath. The warmth felt so familiar as it filled him. It felt... like love. Love that he could never have. Leaning his head back, he started to cry.
 
Yami opened his eyes, noticing the boy crying. "Ryou? Are you alright?"
 
"I just wanted him to love me." Ryou whispered. "I just wanted to hold him. He'll never love me."
 
"He will, Ryou, when he's better. He'll love you."
 
Ryou shook his head and stayed still.
 
Yami took his chin gently, making him look at him. "Just wait and see Ryou. When the corruption of the Shadow Realm is gone, he'll love you."
 
Yugi poked his head in the room. Seeing that Yami had finished the healing. Coming in he sat on the bed and took one of Ryou's hands. "I found the scroll."
 
Yami took it, and then pulled Ryou's head into his lap.
 
Ryou relaxed into Yami's lap. Tugging Yugi down to him, he hugged the smaller boy and looked up at the scroll.
 
Yami unrolled the scroll, careful not to let it hit Ryou in the face and started to read silently. One hand falling to Ryou's head and playing with his hair absently.
 
Yugi lay on Ryou's shoulder drowsing. It was a good day Ryou was here and safe. Yami was being cute, and no one was fighting. All in all a good day, Yugi decided before he wrapped his arms around Ryou.
 
Yami smiled down at the two boys and continued reading. A few minutes pasted before his hand froze on Ryou's head and he gasped.
 
"Nani?" Ryou asked quietly, trying to move too much and wake up Yugi.
 
"I think I found it, Ryou. I think I found my brother's salvation."
 
Ryou looked up with a fragile sliver of hope in his eyes.
 
Yami looked down at him, smiling. "I was corrupted by the Shadow Realm too, Ryou. But I couldn't seal the Shadow Realm unless I was free of that corruption. I had to purify myself, and I wrote down the spell I used to do it."
 
"You can use it on him?" Ryou asked softly.
 
"I can try. We have to wait until the full moon, though."
 
"That's a week away, Nushi." Yugi pointed out. "How are we going to protect him until then? He has to go to school and I don't want him unprotected."
 
"Where's my ring, Yugi, the one we found at the museum?"
 
Yugi sat up and stretched. "Anou... I think I put it in the millennium box." Sliding off Ryou, he went and got it, tossing it to Yami, "Here you are."
 
Yami caught it and pressed it into Ryou's hand. "This'll protect you."
 
Ryou looked at it and hung his head in shame. "It has the same inscription as the necklace. I shouldn't have given that to you."
 
"You didn't know he'd done anything to it, Ryou."
 
"But it trapped you. Allowed him to hurt Yugi."
 
"I'm not trapped anymore am I?"
 
Ryou shook his head and looked at Yugi.
 
Yugi smiled at him and climbed back on top. "It hurts still. I remember he stabbed me. I remember thinking I was going to die. I have nightmares but it did clear up one thing for me, and that's I will not mistrust Yami again. He loves me. I know it. I won't doubt. So something good came of it."
 
Yami smiled, putting one arm around Yugi. "See Ryou? You have nothing to feel guilty about."
 
Ryou blushed and slipped the ring on his thumb. "Thank you."
 
Yami took Ryou's hand with rin ring on it. "Now let me enchant it."
 
Yugi poked Ryou's side. Giving Yami a mischievous look. "This time watch him. That Sennen eye glowy thing is really cool!"
 
Yami shook his head and started to chant in Egyptian over the ring. The Sennen Eye did the "glowy thing" as he chanted.
 
Ryou laughed and stared at Yugi. Sometimes he wondered what it would be like to be so happy.
 
Yami opened his eyes a few minutes later. "There, he can't touch you now."
 
Ryou lowered his eyes and took Yami's hand. Kissing the back, he spoke softly, "Arigatou gozimazu, Yami-sama."
 
Yami smiled, lifting Ryou's head. "You're welcome, Ryou. But you don't have to be so formal."
 
Ryou blushed and moved his head back to Yami's lap. He was safe and content.
 
* * *
 
Bakura watched the three of them walking home from school. Damn it. It has been four days since he last saw the brat. Stepping out in front of him, he waited for them to notice him. Seeing the look on Ryou's face, he stepped forwaracinacing Yami, he spoke, "I want to talk to him alone.
 
Yami stepped in front of Ryou, shielding him. "Maybe he doesn't want to talk to you."
 
"I didn't ask you, Kekewy. I told him." Bakura pointed to a bench away from the others.
 
Yami looked at the bench, then to Ryou. "Ryou, do you want to talk to him?"
 
Ryou looked at Bakura and nodded. "I'll talk to him..."
 
Bakura smirked and walked over to the bench. He sat down and waited for Ryou to come over.
 
Yami put both his hands on Ryou's shoulders. "Remember, can't touch you as long as you wear that ring." Ryou smiled and nodded, then walked over to Bakura.
 
"Well, well and how long are you planning on staying with them, little one?" Bakura asked.
 
"Until Yami can save you."
 
"Save me?! I don't need saving. Though I do wonder what lies, Kekewy told you. I just came to return some trash you left in the house." Bakura stood up and dropped two decks of cards on the bench. "I already went through them. You should have bought better ones."
 
Ryou bit is lip, tears welling in his eyes.
 
Bakura laughed cruelly and walked off. He sneered at the idiot and his light as he passed them.
 
"I see you're protecting him, though you shouldn't have used my ring for it."
 
"I thought it was fitting, to protect your light with a gift you gave me."
 
A flicker of emotion crossed his face before he pushed past them. "What do I need with a Hikari."
 
Yami reached out and brushed his brother's shoulder. "You'll see soon, brother."
 
Bakura slapped Yami's hand away. "I told you not to touch me with your filthy hands. Pervert."
 
Yami only shook his head, reminding himself that his brother wasn't himself as Ryou walked over, holding the two packs of cards.
 
Yugi looked at the card packs. "Wow, those are the new cards. Did he give those to you?"
 
"He returned them," Ryou corrected.
 
"Oh. I'm sor" Yu" Yugi put his arm around Ryou and hugged him.
 
Ryou hugged him back tightly.
 
"But he must've liked one, I gave him three," Ryou sounded hopeful.
 
"Wow. So that means he kept a whole deck. Which cards did he leave you?" Yugi asked.
 
"I don't know." Ryou handed the cards over. "Here, you look."
 
Yugi opened the cards. "Wow. I think you two may be getting to him. The first one is the Change of Heart and the other one is the Soul Release. Both very powerful and rare." Yugi handed both decks back to him, smiling.
 
"He said they were trash..."
 
Yugi turned and smiled at Yami. Taking Yami's hand, he dropped a kiss in the palm. "The spell said that he couldn't be fully corrupted or it wouldn't work. The spell will work. You will get your brother back. Ryou will get a Yami who loves him."
 
Yami nodded. "Just three more days."
 
Ryou smiled and hugged both of them happily.
 
Yugi laughed and looked up at Yami.
 
* * *
 
Shebi-ib knocked on the door. When one of the Hunters opened the door, he pushed his way past them. Snatching the robe from another Hunter, he threw it on and burst into the throne room. Growling, he kicked the Hunters out of his way.
 
Bunching the golden fabric in his fists. He walked over to his ally. Sitting on the floor beside him, Shebi-ib leaned his head on his ally's knee. A low growling came from his throat.
 
A robed figure lifted his head, a mixture of false and true concern flitted across his face. "Shebi, what troubles you?"
 
"Nothing has gone right this month. Kekewy and his damn Hikari, have spoiled every plan. And Nefert, that whore!"
 
He lifted Shebi-ib's chin, brushing his cheek. "Tell me all about it, Shin,"
 
Shebi-ib nuzzled the warm hand. "Tsuki... I tried to use Nefert to disrupt Yami. For a while it worked. His stupid Hikari tried to kill himself but then She stepped in. She made sure they made up." 
 
He frowned eyes darkening, "She always interferes, I think her only purpose is to interfere. I should have killed her when I had the chance."
 
"Yeah, you should have. Every time I get Keke ready to self-destruct. She stops him." Shebi-ib sighed and looked up into Tsuki’s eyes.
 
"We'll stop him yet, Shin, Just be patient."
 
Shebi-ib took his hand and laid it on his cheek. "Hai... you'll come up with something. I know you will."
 
"Of course, I will. I'll take care of you, like the real Keke used to."
 
"Thank you. He tried to pretend he was the same, stroking my hair, touching…me." Shebi-ib whispered.
 
He put his hands on Shebi-ib's shoulders, pulling him up level with his face. He looked into the other's eyes, their noses almost touched, and they could feel each other's breath. Then he blinked and pushed Shebi-ib down, so his head was resting on his chest. "I won't let him touch you again, I won't let him corrupt you too."
 
Shebi-ib smiled and wrapped his arms around his Tsuki's waist. Squeezing him tight, Shebi-ib let his hands rest on the gentle sloping curve above his ass. "I know. You love me. You told me that."
 
"Yes, Shin, I love you, unlike that vile thing that killed Henw, and tried to destroy us all in the Shadow Realm." He rubbed slow circles on Shebi-ib's back.
 
"I know. I trust you. You'll never hurt me." Shebi-ib turned his face into Tsuki's chest, and took a deep breath. "What are you wearing, you smell," Shebi-ib licked his lips, "delicious."
 
"Such a sweet complement, but you know I don't wear any other fragrance." He ran his hand down Shebi-ib's cheek and neck.
 
Shebi-ib purred and pushed himself up, tucking his face in the crook of Tsuki's neck. Taking a deep breath, he blew a stream of warm air onto his neck. "True... do you still love me, even though I failed to get rid of Keke or his Hikari."
 
Tsuki pulled Shebi-ib away from him, looking him in the face. "I'll always love you, Shin..." He drew his hand back and backhanded the other hard enough to knock him to the floor.
 
Shebi-ib picked himself up and wiped his face. Sucking his lip into his mouth, he sucked on it until it stopped bleeding. Sighie kne kneeled down and bowed his head. "I'm sorry."
 
He pulled him so Shebi-ib up so his head rested against his chest again. "I only do it because I love you, and I don't want that monster that claims to be Keke to hurt you."
 
"I know. You promised to protect me. When he changed, you promised and you keep your promise." Shebi-ib tilted his head up and smiled. He held out his hand palm up to Tsuki.
 
He took it, wrapping his arm around Shebi-ib and pulling him closer. "That's right, I'll protect you, no matter what."
 
Shebi-ib relaxed against Tsuki's arm. Laying his head on Tsuki's shoulder, he wrapped his arms around Tsuki's waist. "I love you, thank you for caring."
 
Tsuki ran his hand over the filmy silk robe, finding a small row snaps and slipped his hand inside. His fingers gently trailed along the other's ribs.
 
Shebi-ib shivered and tilted his head up, his lips almost brushed Tsuki's jaw line..."May I kiss you, love?" He whispered.
 
"Yes, once."
 
Shebi-ib smiled and turned around to face Tsuki, placing his hands on Tsuki's neck, he opened the collar of his robe. First his licked the gentle depression at the base of that smooth throat, then he nipped it. Looking up at Tsuki from under his lashes, he places a long slow kiss there. "Thank you, beloved."
 
He ran his fingers through the soft silvery hair, stopping at the base of his neck. This thumb ran gently along the hairline.
 
Shebi-ib closed his eyes and purred. "Asim."
 
He squeezed the back of his neck lightly and pulled his hand back, so Shebi-ib would follow.
 
Shebi-ib relaxed his body and let Tsuki do as he wished. Slowly, he slid his hands down Tsuki's front.
 
He lifted Shebi-ib's chin slightly, and teasingly brushed his lips against the others. He gently nipped at the bottom lip, sucking at it.
 
Shebi moaned and opened his lips. He tried to show with his entire body, his complete and utter submission to his protector.
 
He kissed him full on the lips, pressing Shebi to him and pressed his tongue against the full, lush sweetness of his lips. His tongue brushed his split his hand had created earlier, biting sharply he reopened the wound, sucking at the blood that seeped from it.
 
Shebi felt the wound reopen and pulled Tsuki closer. Sliding his hands around Tsuki's back, he trailed his nails across the fabric. When Tsuki pulled back, he whined.
 
Tsukihed hed him back forcefully, then picked up a paper from a nearby table and started reading it.
 
Shebi-ib stared up stunned. "I'm sorry. Whatever I did, I'm sorry."
 
A knock on the door and one of the Hunters' entered. "Master, I have the report from the eastern team."
 
"Bring it to me," he stated, blatantly ignoring Shebi-ib.
 
"Yes, Master." He walked over and placed the report down. Bowing, he left.
 
Shebi-ib watched his Asim for a few moments, then turned on his back. Slowly, his hand crept up and unsnapped the first four buttons. Gently he pulled the robe down.
 
He didn't bother to look up in acknowledgment, he only snapped his fingers and pointed behind the throne.
 
Shebi-ib whined and bit his lip. Trying not to cry, he crawled across the floor until he was behind Tsuki's throne. He pressed himself up against the very back and kept quiet.
 
He left him there, reading the report. When he finished he sat the paper down, listening.
 
Shebi-ib waited, he wouldn't give his Asim another reason to punish him. He really should be more obedient.
 
Tsuki scowled and snapped his fingers sharply.
 
Shebi crawled out from behind the throne and kneeled before his Asim. Head bowed, he waited.
 
He grabbed the others chin roughly and forced him to look up. His eyes were narrowed, glaring fiercely. "You moved me."
 
"I'm sorry, Asim Tsuki. I... I need you so. You take such good care of me, I wanted to make it delightful for you." Shebi lowered his eyes.
 
He loosened his grip and stroked his cheek with his thumb, before pulling Shebi-ib into his lap. "I know, now sit here quietly while I finish this, then it'll be just you and me."
 
"Thank you, Tsuki." Shebi turned around and sat with his back against Tsuki's chest. I love him.
 
Tsuki ed ued up the papers and started to read, his free hand sliding inside Shebi's robe.
 
Shebi purred and sighed.
 
His hand pulled open the buttons of Shebi's shirt, teasing one of his nipples.
 
Shebi relaxed. "May I touch you, please? I want to please you."
 
"No, that's a privilege you have to earn."
 
"How may I do so?" Shebi turned to face him, eyes shining with joy.