Cast The First Stone

About an hour before sunrise, Mikado, Yami and Ahmose were riding into the village.  Mikado's eyes widened.  He knew this village...  This was the Outlaw's village...  this was where he had been held prisoner by Marik and Malik in the stable... and there... the Bloodstone Tavern... where he had been the victim of a vampire feeding frenzy.  And there...  that was where Ahmose had fallen when Mikado had stabbed him in the chest, not knowing that he was his brother... 

Ahmose recognized this place as well...  it had grown to three times the size it was a century ago...

Yami blinked and tilted his head.  "Heeey isn't this that place where Mikado stabbed you?"  he blurted grinning.  "Oh wow, it sure has gotten bigger.  I bet the tavern has rooms...lets get one so we can dry off!"

Mikado smiled and nodded.  "Come on then..."  He said, leading them all to the stable.  He walked in, looking at the stable boy.  It was no boy.  It wasn't even human.  It was a satyr.  "Please dry and rub down the horses, and house them next to each other.  And put the hounds in a stall together near the horses please."  He said, giving the satyr a gold coin.

The satyr nodded eagerly and took the leadropes of the horses while Ahmose and Yami got off slowly.  Yami of course nearly fell for what had to be the tenth time.  "Ahh....not so easy for you things to walk is it?"  he mumbled steadying himself against Ahmose.

But Ahmose wasn't very steady himself, and both toppled over.  Mikado snickered and helped them both up.  "Lean on me."  He said, turning and helping them to the inn.  "I will need a room for my friend and brother..."  He said to the innkeeper.  "And a room for myself at the Bloodstone Tavern."

The innkeeper smiled and nodded handing Mikado the seperate keys.  "Please enjoy your stay."  the girl smiled bowing.

Yami yawned. "So tired..."

Mikado helped Yami and Ahmose up the stairs and to their room.  "Both of you get some rest.  I'll see if there are any healer's here who can see to Ahmose.  I'll also see you get food, okay?"

Yami nodded sitting on the bed and smiling.  "Sure...it's not like I can go anywhere." he flopped back against the bed before yelping in surprise.  "Oh wow...”

Ahmose and Mikado looked at him, curiously.

Yami sat up and grinned broadly.  "Did you SEE that?!  I can lay FLAT on my back and not crush anything!"  he blurted with a surprising amount of glee.  "Fucking SWEET!"

Mikado and Ahmose looked at eachother, and exchanged amused smiles.  "I'll go..."  Mikado snickered, turning and leaving the room.  He went down to the inn keeper.  "Is there a healer around here?  My brother has a bad head injury...  has a concussion..."

The girl looked thoughtful.  "I'm afraid not...but we do have a medicine man...I can send him up to look over your brother's head and care for it.  I'm sure he has some medicine to take care of the concussion, he's a druid afterall."

Mikado nodded.  "Yes, please do so.  I will take care of any expense...  if you could also send food their way?"

"Of course."  the girl said bowing and scurrying off to fulfil Mikado's requests.

Mikado then turned and headed to the Bloodstone Tavern.  When he walked in, he was surprised to see familiar faces.  And not in the good way.  Apparently, the vampires who had fed on him a hundred years ago had NO life.

However the vampires knew him as well.  "Isn't that Bakura's ex?"  one chuckled.  News traveled fast. 

"I think that's the one...  didn't he say that his ex was in the Vatican?"

Mikado's eyes narrowed and he glared, pain lancing through his heart at hearing Bakura's name.  Mikado wondered if they knew him as "Bakura's Ex", or if they even remembered him from back when he was their human drink dispenser...

"Oh yeah...  that's definatly his ex."  Another said smirking.  "Don’t you remember?  He said that he was about seventeen when he'd sired him, and he liked to wear dresses.  Clearly that's him.  Such long pretty hair, easily passable for a girl."

Mikado glared.  He would like to make them swallow their teeth, but they were all older, and possibly stronger than he, and he was still weak.  He turned and headed to the bar, hoping to get himself fed properly.

The vampire at the counter blinked.  "Mikado?  Oh hey."  he said offering Mikado a bottle of blood.  "Bakura was here earlier...  did you two have a falling out?"

Mikado froze, eyes wide.  "Bakura?  He was here?!  When?!  Which way was he heading?!  Did he say anything about where he was going?!"

The bartender nodded.  "Yeah, he was here..."  he said blinking.  "He didn't say where he was going.   He stayed one night, bought some bottled blood to take with him and loaded up his carriage with feed for his horses, then left the next night."

"When was this?!  Which way did he go?!"  Mikado gasped, trying to ignore the jeering behind him.

"About...  hmm...  maybe a week ago."  the bartender said thoughtfully.  "He was headed south."

Mikado took a deep breath, then let it out, nodding.  "Thank you."  He said, picking up the bottle and beginning to guzzle it down ravenously.  The other vampires stared.  It was obvious that Mikado was famished.

The bartending vampire stared before offering Mikado another bottle.  "You never answered...  did you and Bakura have a falling out?  He referred to you as his ex...  and had said that you owned his things now..."

Mikado blinked at that, then winced and looked down, slowly taking a seat on one of the bar stools.  "I'd...  rather not talk about it...  But...  yeah.  We... had a falling out..."  He sighed, sadly.

"I see...  and let me guess...  you are looking for him?"

Mikado sighed.  "Well...  yeah, kinda...  I mean...  I didn't come here looking for him, but..."  He smiled slightly.  "At least now I have a place from which to START looking for him."  There was sniggering behind him.  Mikado frowned, beginning to drink again.

"Well..."  The tender leaned on the counter and smiled.  "I know Bakura's temperament pretty well...  and he seemed lonely."

Mikado looked up, hopefully.  "He...  He did?"  He asked.  "Did he...  say anything about me, other than calling me his... ex?"

"Nope."  the vampire replied.  "He just sat quietly.  Having some dinner before going to sleep in the inn."  he shrugged.  "I thought you were traveling with him, so I'd asked about you."

Mikado sighed and drooped, reaching up and gently rubbing the bloodstone cross around his neck.  "...  I miss him."  the vampires behind him burst out laughing.

"He sure dont miss you kid, he's ditching this place for a land untouched by the Vatican.  A place you'll never reach."

Mikado frowned and turned, glaring.  "I can reach pretty far..."  He hissed, eyes flashing dangerously.

"Don’t mind them."  The bartender snorted.  "They enjoy making others miserable."  he smiled.  "I'm sure the other ancients know where Bakura went.  He's got a predictability to him, even if it doesn't make sense to you, it would to them."

"I don't know where the other Ancients are..."  Mikado said.  "I mean...  I know Fei Long is far to the East... in China...  But Eclipse and Rhyshu..."  He sighed and shrugged.  "I don't need them.  I'll find Bakura.  If I need help, my brother will help me."

"Well I wish you luck."  The tender said smiling.  "You two were happy together...  and nothing should come between that sort of happiness."

Mikado smiled at him.  "Thanks..."  He said, finishing off his second bottle.  "Can I get some BloodWyne this time?"

"Sure."  The vampire poured Mikado a glass and offered it to him.  "Feelin better?  You look terrible...  tough times hunting?"

Mikado sighed.  "More along the lines of just not hunting ever since Bakura and I split up."  He snorted.  "I have to admit...  I've barely been feeding enough to sustain myself and stay out of a Blood Lust..."

"Well you gotta watch out...  you can’t do that to yourself and expect to go hunting for lost love."  The bartender warned.  "Long travels are hard enough, you don’t need to be weak on top of it."

Mikado nodded.  "Yeah...  I know..."  He mumbled, rolling his eyes at the snickering behind him.  "Do they not have anything better to do?  I mean... do they even hunt for themselves, or do they just buy their meals off of you?"

"They do a little of both."  The vampire chuckled.

Mikado snorted.  "I haven't seen them feed from a human since they fed from me a hundred years ago, the lazy bastards."

"It'll be dawn soon."  The vampire said after a moment.  "I'll be closing soon.  You had enough to eat?"

Mikado sighed.  "No...  but I shouldn't have too much...  I'll feed again tomorrow night before I head out."  He said.

"Alright...  you should head to bed."  The vampire smiled taking the glass once Mikado finished and washed it quickly. 

"Alright you guys.  It's time to scat, 20 minutes before sunup!"

Mikado sighed.  "Actually... could I get a bath?"  He asked.

"There are tubs in the rooms."  The man smiled.  "Snag one before bed."

Mikado nodded.  "Thank you."  He said.  And after he had soaked himself in the tub and bathed, he collapsed into his bed, naked, and was out like a light...

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

"Ohhhh...  how about this?"  Marik asked, pointing at a demon in a book.  "Damn Latin..."  Otogi looked at the entry over Marik's shoulder, then snickered. 

"I doubt that Yami's mother was killed by a mushroom demon."  He snorted, and Ryou and Malik looked up.  Marik frowned.

"Mushroom demon?!"  He howled.  "What the hell?!"

Ryou giggled and tried to hide his laughter in a sleeve. "Dont make fun of the mushroom demon."  he said between giggles.  "You might get attacked by one someday." he shook his head, bursting into giggles.

Marik snorted and rolled his eyes.  "Fuckin' mushroom demon..."  He muttered, turning the page.

Ryou giggled and nuzzled up to Marik. "Why are you even looking?  You can’t read latin."  he teased.  "You keep pointing out silly things!"

 

Marik scowled.  "I am TRYING to help!!!"

Ryou kissed Marik.  "I know."  he smiled and flipped the page.  "It's just funny."

Marik snorted and flipped the page.  "This one looks mean..."  He said.  "Mean and big... and old..."

"Marik."  Otogi said.  "That's a cockroach demon."

Ryou burst out laughing again.

Marik groaned and let his head fall onto the book.  "I give up."

Ryou continued giggling and kissed Marik again.  "Poor Marik..."

Marik snored.  "Latin sucks."

Ryou shook his head and stood.  "Lets take a break."  he cooed. "That'll help you get your spirits up."

Marik sighed.  "Yeah..."  He said, standing.  "I'm hungry."  Otogi laughed.  "You said that an hour ago.  And we fed you."

Ryou giggled and shook his head.  "My Marik's a bottomless pit."  he said nuzzling his lover.  "C'mon you...lets get you something to chew."

"Yay!!!"  Marik cheered, trotting out of the room wagging his tail.  Otogi and Malik snorted, biting back their laughter until Marik was gone.

Ryou giggled as well before following Marik out.

Malik snorted.  "Something evil is coming."  he said after a moment. "I can hear it on the wind...You may want to tell the others."

Otogi blinked and looked at Malik.  "...  What?"  He asked.

"Something evil is coming."  Malik repeated.  "You know...disaster, death..the like."

Otogi stared.  "...  What?!  What do you mean?" 

Malik gave Otogi a look.  "I dont know more than that, the wind isn't exactly a detailed source of information."

"...  Oh..."  Otogi said softly, frowning in concern.  He sighed.  "I'll... let the council know..."

"Good."  Malik replied, returning to searching.

Marik in the meantime was sneaking into the kitchens with Ryou, sniffing around for a bone or something.

"HEY!"  The cook shouted suddenly.  "You get out of my kitchen!"  he howled waving his wooden spoon menacingly.  "I JUST FED YOU!"

Marik froze eyes wide, then yelped and scrambled under the nearest table, tail tucked in.

Ryou blinked and smiled. "I'm sorry...can I have something to eat?"  he said softly.  The cook frowned but shook his head knowingly and gave Ryou the soup bone he'd just finished with. 

"Thank you..."  Ryou said bowing and hurrying from the room.

Marik watched Ryou go, then glanced at the cook before bolting after Ryou, claws skidding on the floor.

Ryou smiled once Marik came out and offered him the bone.  "Here..." 

"Thanks!!!"  Marik barked, taking the bone and chewing it, tail wagging happily.

Ryou shook his head smiling and taking Marik's hand, leading him back to their room for a meal and a nap.

Marik was quite willing to go.  He was done making a fool of himself.  Why was it that the most scary looking demons were always the stupid ones?

That morning, Yami woke and nuzzled up to Ahmose.  "Hey..."  he whispered.  "Ahmose...hey."

Ahmose snored in response.  He was facing Yami, and once again had an arm flung posessively over his life mate.

Yami sighed and nuzzled up to Ahmose.  It was odd being human.  He had quite a few emotions he'd never felt before...and one of the more dominant ones was the feeling of submission.  He actually could entertain the idea of Ahmose being incharge for maybe a LITTLE while.  He chuckled and closed his eyes.   Just a LITTLE while.  He was still big boss in bed.

Ahmose sighed in his sleep, but then winced and groaned, sounding...  very disappointed.   And in his dreams, he was.  DAMN!!!  He had ALMOST made it... Almost...  but no dice...  Nephile had just appeared.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY SON!?"  She howled in fury.  "He's HUMAN!  HUMAN!"  she swung that massive club she'd carried in life, cracking Ahmose across the side.  "Do you even REALIZE what you've done?!"

"AHH!!"  Ahmose yelped, crashing to the ground.  "I didn't do it!!!"  He cried.  "I swear!!!  I don't know WHAT happened!!!  I was dizzy and there was fire and shouting and then Yami's hand on my chest and then the fire and shouting was gone and he was screaming... and something felt... WRONG... and then I passed out!!!  He was like that when I came to!!!"

"You've destroyed our civilization! My son's a HUMAN!"  she clubbed Ahmose again.  "He'll never want to change back!"  She hissed.  "Now that he is human, he'll want to stay with YOU, and live as a human rather than a demon king!"  Again Nephile's club met Ahmose.  "The demons will run amok in the human realm, and my son won’t even be recognized!  LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE!"

"It's...  Not like that!!!  I didn't DO it!!!  You think I turned him into a human?!  I loved him just as he was!!!  I won't tell him because it will hurt him, but I WANT him to be a demon and not a human!!!  But I love him regardless!!!  I'll do everything I can to fix it, cut it out!!!!"

Nephile snorted backing off after a moment. "You tell him.  If you let him think you like him more as a human it will give him enough reason to never return to his responsibilities, or his place as king."  She growled.  "He'd throw away an entire kingdom for you."

Ahmose groaned, getting to his feet.  "I...  I won't let him do that.  I love him.  And he loves me.  But there is more to this than just us."  He said, staring at her.  "This is about thousands of people and demons and other creatures.  This is not something to be selfish about.  I will find his demon side, I will do whatever I can to put them back together, and I will see him take back his throne."

Nephile glared, eyes flashing.  "You'd better...as it is if you dont this is the last few years of your realm's existance...the demons will wipe you out."

Ahmose sighed.  "Someone has done this deliberately.  Unrest swept through so fast...  I know there's something behind all of it.  Likely the one who killed you..."

"Of course it was."  Nephile growled.  "And it will only get worse the more time passes."

Ahmose nodded.  "I understand..."  He said with a sigh, frowning and thinking.  "...  I understand..."

Nephile glared.  "Fix it.  As soon as possible."

Ahmose nodded.  "I will.  Will Yami be able to get in contact with Greg as a human?"

"No...Greg cannot find him with his aura as it is."  She said looking a bit upset.  "He's human.  And demons recognize eacother by aura."

Ahmose sighed, drooping.  "How can I find out what's going on back in the demon realm?"

"You cant."  Nephile said softly.  "You're trapped outside of it."

"There's no way I can find out what's going on?  At all?!"  Ahmose cried, aghast.

"None."  Nephile repeated.  "You're marooned in the human world."

Ahmose nodded with a sigh.  "Well...  if that's the way it is, that's the way it is."  He said, frowning and crossing his arms, thinking.

"Dont let my son stay human Ahmose."  She warned.  "He has a duty.  Our family was the only thing between the demons and humans being at war."

Ahmose nodded.  "I understand."  He said.

"I mean it Ahmose...not just for your own world's sake.  Hundreds of demons will die for no reason.  You HAVE to make sure Atemu does what he has to do in life."  She turned away and snorted.  "And stop being so lovey to him...he's not a plush toy."

Ahmose blinked.  "...  Lovey?"

"Yeah...you're spoiling him rotten."  Nephile smirked.  "He's too happy with you."

Ahmose blinked.  "What are you TALKING about?!  for the past several weeks he's been MISERABLE!!!"

"Yes..." She turned back and smiled at Ahmose, and for once her look was kind.  "But he's always happy to be with you.  Even now."

Ahmose sighed and looked down.  "...  I don't know what to do..."  He suddenly admitted in a small voice.

"About?"  Nephile said after a moment.

"...  Anything.  Finding out who is behind all this...  Who killed you... who...  separeated Yami into two beings...  how to find the demon part that has run away.  How to CATCH it...  how to... put them back together again...  How to...  how to bring your murderer to justice.  If they killed you, and Azazel both...  I...  I don't think I can take them..."

"You'll be fine.  You already have the means to put this all to an end.  Atemu was granted that weapon."  She said smirking.

Ahmose blinked.  "...  Weapon?  Wait... that necklace thingie?!"

She smirked. "I'm sure you'll figure it out."  She disappeared.

Ahmose sighed.  "Yeah...  sure..."  He mumbled, sitting down and holding his ribs.  A few moments later, his eyes opened and he blinked at Yami in bed beside him.

Yami was cuddled up against him quite contently, the amulet around his neck glowing serenly.

Ahmose smiled, lifting his head and gently kissing Yami on the cheek.

Yami grinned and opened an eye.  "You woke up?"

"Hmmm...  yes..."  Ahmose said softly, smiling.  But a moment later, it faded.  "Yami..."

"hmm?"  Yami blinked.  "Is something wrong?"

"We have to find your demon half and merge you into one being again.  As soon as possible."  Ahmose said.

"Why?"  Yami blinked.  "I mean...I dont mind...but..."  he looked sad.  "I dont know if I want to go back to how I was.  Between what I did to you and Mikado..and the demons..."

Ahmose sighed.  "I know... but Yami...  The Yami that I fell in love with was an Incubus..."  He said, reaching out and stroking Yami's cheek.  "The Yami I bound myself to was an Incubus.  Our auras merged.  And now that half of you is gone, I... I feel like I'm missing a large peice of myself.  And...  You are King Atemu.  We MUST go back and restore order... or millions will suffer..."

Yami looked sorrowful.  "Must we?"  he sighed. "Ahmose...I...I'm not a good king.  In less than a month...my entire kingdom fell into absolute madness.  It's better off without me!"

"Yami...  I think that someone made that happen on purpose.  I think that the one who killed your mother did this to get rid of you.  Perhaps your splitting off into two creatures has to do ith it too.  In fact, I would bet it does.  Someone is after your throne.  You HAVE to get it back from them."  Ahmose said firmly.

Yami sighed.  "Alright Ahmose..."  he closed his eyes pained. "Then...I will try again, as long as you're by my side."

"I will always be by your side."  He said, then smiled.  "But I would also like your mom to stop beating me up in my dreams blaming me for everything bad that happens..."

Yami raised an eyebrow.  "Mom's dead Ahmose..."  he said giving his lover a look. "The dead dont talk to you in your dreams."

Ahmose sighed, and smiled.  "Oh...  they can.  And your mom comes to see me whenever something goes wrong and yells at me as if I were the one who fucked up.”

Yami pouted.  "I...wish she'd come see me..."  he said depressed.

Ahmose sighed.  "I dunno if she CAN.  she's got... SOME deal worked out or something...  She said something about sending Azazel to you once to comfort you..."

Yami sighed.  "i had a dream about him...but he didn't speak to me...but then again Azazel and I never spoke much."

"Oh."  Ahmose said.  "Well... your mom comes in screaming and flailing that damn club around."  He said chuckling.

"I miss mom..."  Yami mumbled after a moment.  Finally, he sat up and groaned.  "Ugh...I've got a crick in my neck..."  he rubbed it and blinked, discovering just now that half of his metal collar was gone.  "Hey!"  he said delightedly trying to pull it off.

"Oh COME ON!"  he howled.  "It's only half here!  How the hell is it staying on?!"

Ahmose blinked.  "What?"  He asked.

Yami pointed to the chain collar.  "This thing, you know, the thing that Seto put on me?"  he said exhasperated.  "Look it's half gone!"

Ahmose blinked.  "Well lookit that..."  He mused, tugging the thing.  "Hah!!!  And it's not coming off!!!"

Yami growled.  "Get it offa me!"

Ahmose tugged, snickering.  "I think it likes you, Yami!!!"

"Ahmoooose!"  Yami whined.  "Make it come off!  Please?"

Ahmose laughed.  "Yami...  I don't know how!!!" 

Yami pouted and tugged at it more.  "c'mon! This isn't fair!!  You know I wanted this thing off since Seto was defeated.  This isn't fair!  It's half gone!  What's keeping it ther---"  Yami yelped when he suddenly was yanked harshly to the left, and toppling from the bed.

Ahmose blinked.  "Yami?"  He asked, leaning over the bed and looking down.

Yami looked dazed.  "What happened just now?"

"Search me."  Ahmose said with a shrug.

Yami pouted and sat up looking befuddled.  "ok...."

Ahmose blinked.  “Okay?  Okay what?”  He asked, then thought over what he had just said a moment before.  “Oh…  Oh!  Yami!!!  NO!!!”  He yelped, scrambling away.

Yami blinked.  "Huh?"  He looked thoughtful.  "Oh...sorry Ahmose...I wasn't thinking about that."  he admitted.  "I...um...well I haven't had my mind in the gutter since we left the demon realm."

Ahmose blinked and eyed Yami suspiciously.  "Hmmm...  well...  I guess that your lust is with your demonic half..."

"I guess..." Yami pouted a bit.  "Gods...what does that leave me?  I got the cursing...that's about it."

Ahmose chuckled.  "Yep...  we DEFINTELY need to get you back to normal.  After living with you for a century I might just go insane from lack of sex..."  He teased.

Yami nodded.  "I'd pay to see it.  You tend to play hard to get."

Ahmose smiled, resting his head down on the pillow and yawning.  "I love you..."  He mumbled.

Yami grinned.  "I love you too.  so...um...how are we gonna catch me?"

Ahmose blinked.  "good question..."

Yami grinned.  "You could always go out wearing something skimpy.  That always got my attention."

Ahmose gave Yami a look.  "You want me to flaunt my body to attract your other half?"  He asked.  "The half of you that raped me and tortured and crucified my brother a hundred years ago, and then raped my brother yesterday?  Well...  I guess it COULD work...  but Yami, they may not care in your world, but prancing around showing skin in THIS world will NOT fly over well..."

Yami grinned a bit.  "I'd still enjoy the view."

Ahmose snorted.  "Oh, I don't doubt that..."  He said, walking over to the window and peering out.  "...  Still raining..."

Yami shivered a bit.  "I hate the cold..."  he mumbled.  "If I could...I'd go right now to the hottest place in your realm, and just bask in the sun!"

Ahmose chuckled.  "I hear there are some NASTY deserts to the south a cross the sea..."

Yami got a dreamy look.  "Ohhh..."  he closed his eyes.  "Now that's a place I could love...demons LOVE hot weather...it's perfect for warming the wings."  he said smiling.

"...  Um...  you don't HAVE wings..."  Ahmose pointed out.

"I used to!" Yami pouted. " And if I did, that's what I'd be doing RIGHT now!"

Ahmose sighed.  "I know..."  He said, kissing Yami's cheek.  "Come on...  let's go get something to eat.  Mikado should wake soon."

Yami grumbled and gave Ahmose a look.  "Ahmose...can we go there?"  he asked after a moment.  "To the desert?  I want to go there someday."

Ahmose sighed and smiled.  "Sure."  He said softly.  "When things have all calmed down and you are King again.  I will take you to the desert."

Yami's face lit up.  "Sounds perfect.  I'll love it!  You and I in a warm paradise....think I could get a wing massage too?"  Yami said slyly.  "That felt good..."

The sorcerer snickered.  "When you get your wings back, sure."

Yami tackled Ahmose in a hug,  "It's a date!"

Ahmose laughed.  "Come on...  let's get dressed.  I'm hungry."  He said, hugging Yami in return and gathering his clothes.  He sighed and looked over them.  "...  I won't be too popular wearing this here in the human realm..."  He muttered; it was the sexy little ensemble he had worn at Yami's coronation, showing his hips, shoulders and abdomen.

"Pleeeease?"  Yami pouted.  "I have to wear MY clothes so do you!"

Ahmose looked at Yami.  "...  This IS all I have, Yami.  Remember?  We came with only the clothes on our backs and whatever is on the horses.  Thank God my Kris were on Nakhti's saddle...  I still have THOSE at least..."  He said, dressing and pulling on the Cloak of Shadows.

Yami dressed as well.  "Least your stuff's intact...I hate this collar..."  he grumbled tugging it again. "So what now?"

Ahmose snickered.  "Food!"  He announced, leaving the room and heading downstairs to eat.

Yami hurried after, still tugging on his shirt.  "Heeey wait up Ahmose!  I want something to eat too!"  he toppled down the stairs, still very unbalanced.

Ahmose whirled, holding out his arms and catching Yami before he went face first into the floor.  Ahmose grunted and fell over backwards onto the floor, Yami landing on his chest. 

"...  Slow down..."  Ahmose whined, rubbing his head.

Yami groaned.  "You were leaving me behind again!"  he grumbled slowly pushing himself off of Ahmose.  "You know...dont leave me like this...I cant balance."

"I was NOT leaving you behind, I was just coming down to eat!!!"  Ahmose argued.

Yami gave Ahmose a worried look.  "Just...stay with me?  I feel really...vulerable like this."

Ahmose smiled and nodded.  "Of course.  But um... could you please get off of me?"

Yami grinned and shook his head.  "I'm comfy."  he ground his hips against Ahmose's slightly.  "Aren't you?"

Ahmose gave Yami a bland look.  "...  People are staring."

"An entire kingdom stared one time."  Yami pouted but got off of Ahmose.

Ahmose snorted.  "There is a big difference betweeen our worlds, Yami."  The sorcerer said, getting to his feet.  "Now come on.  I'm hungry."

Yami nodded and leaned slightly on Ahmose smiling.  "Alright.  lets eat!"

Ahmose snickered and led Ahmose over to a table and sat him down.  "Sit.  Stay."  He said, going to get the food.

Yami grumbled.  "I'm not a pet!"  he called after.  Ever since Seto he'd been very touchy about being treated like a pet, or commanded like one.

Ahmose laughed.  “I know, I know.”  He called over his shoulder, then walked up to the innkeeper.  “Dinner for two, please.”  He said.

Yami followed slowly, still not used to walking without the weight of wings on his back.    He sat down at a table and grinned as Ahmose joined him with their meals.  "Mmm...smells good."  he yawned a bit. "I wonder when Mikado's going to wake up...late sleeper."

Ahmose smiled.  "Technically, the sun is still up."

Yami grinned.  "I suppose..."  he began eating.  "I hope I'm not out doing something I'll regret..."

Ahmose blinked.  "what?"

"Demon me."  Yami said shrugging.  "I mean...  Mikado said I was evil right?  What if I'm doin something terrible right now?"

Ahmose looked down and stayed silent rather than say 'Yeah, you probably are...'

Yami sighed and shook his head.  "Are we gonna go after me?"

"Yes."  Ahmose said.  "Well... later...  I think Mikado's plan is to head to the Vatican to get some help."

Yami nodded after a moment.  "The longer we wait, the further I can travel...wings make traveling far fast."

"Yes...  but we don't know where he is.  And we very well may need help."  Ahmose pointed out.

Yami nodded slowly.  "Just what I need...my friends seeing my evil side..."

"It's okay.  They won't judge you by your evil side."  Ahmose said.  "We all have a dark side.  Your good side is stronger than your bad."

"You sure about that?"  Yami said after a moment looking down. 

Ahmose nodded.  "Of course.  Yami.  Did you ever rape anyone before Seto took control?"

"I dunno..."  Yami said after a moment.  "I never thought I did...but humans are confusing."

Ahmose smiled.  "Did you ever hurt and torture and murder?"

"No...but I'm still young."  Yami said shrugging.  "Who's to say I wont become more evil as I grow older?"

"I say so."  Ahmose said.  "Because I won't let you."

Yami laughed.  "Oh?"

"Yep.  If you act evil, no sex for a week."  Ahmose said calmly.

Yami blinked.  "If I was evil...I dont think that threat would hold any water."  Yami pointed out.  "I'd just go rape someone."

Ahmose blinked, then frowned.  "Then I'd have to kick your ass..."  He said, but smirked.  "Course...  then again, I AM a sorcerer.  I could cast an evil spell on you that prevents you from getting a hard on for anyone but me..."  He said, then grinned.  "Actually, that's a good idea.  C'mere, Yami!!!"

Yami pouted.  "Ahmose..."  he gave his lover a look.  "That's not nice...what if you died?  I'd be miserable for life!"

Ahmose laughed.  "I'm teasing."  He said, kissing Yami's cheek and running his hand through his hair.  "If...  something ever does happen to me... and I do die...  I want you to be happy.  I don't want you to find someone else and feel guilt...  if I am gone, and you fall in love with someone new...  I want you to know that you have my blessings.  I want you to be happy."

"Love?  Ahmose if I cant get it up I'd starve to death!"  Yami howled.  "Screw love!  You're the only one for me."

Ahmose blinked.  "I was JOKING!!!  I'm not REALLY gonna put a spell on you!!!"

Yami calmed down a bit at that.  "You'd better not...mom'd kill you."

Ahmose snickered.  "Well... she'd TRY."  He said.  "She'd at least beat the shit out of me in my dreams."

Yami smiled.  "I hope she is...that makes me feel better..."

Ahmose blinked.  "You hope she's beating the shit out of me?  Oh, thanks Yami."

"That means she's ok."  Yami offered smiling slightly.  "And…  well I worry."

Ahmose chuckled.  "Yes dear...  she's just fine."

Yami nodded and went back to eating.

Ahmose finished his own dinner, and waited for Yami to finish his.  "Okay... let's go find Mikado."  He said, helping Yami to his feet.  They headed over to the Bloodstone tavern and walked in.  Mikado was sitting at the bar, feeding.

Yami waved.  "Mikado!  C'mon lets go!"  he said eagerly.  "We gotta get the help we need while I still think I'm going south."

Mikado turned and looked at Yami.  "Huh?"  He asked, blinking. 

"Let's get going so we can go after Yami's evil half."  Ahmose translated.

"Oh.  Okay...  lemme finish eating."

"You're drinking."

"Feeding.  What ever."  Mikado snorted.

"South..." The bartender smirked at Mikado.  "Maybe certain vampires can...  seek more than a demon in the south."  he said nudging Mikado slightly.  "You never know."

Mikado smiled, and turned and looked at Ahmose and Yami.  "Bakura was here."  He said.  "And he headed south."  Ahmose blinked.

"Oh?  What on earth is south?  Hmmm...  Naples...  several sea ports...  so he could take a ship anywhere...  the island of Sicily..."  Ahmose thought aloud.

Yami blinked. "Sicily?  Is that warm?"  Yami asked hopefully.

Ahmose chuckled.  "Not really...  especially moving into winter..."

"Lets go to the desert then!"  Yami howled.  "I will not go somewhere cold!  I want warm!"

"Even the desert will be cold in the winter, Yami."  Ahmose pointed out.

"Don’t say that!"  Yami pouted.  "You're ruining my dream of paradise!"

Ahmose laughed and Mikado blinked.  "Since when is the desert paradise?"

"Since Yami is cold."  Ahmose snorted, and Mikado blinked again, then grinned.

"Ah."

"No!  ALL demons like hot places!"  Yami said matter-of-factly.  "We dont get many places to bask in the sun and warm our wings.  And Most demons dont have an Ahmose to warm them when I start whining that I'm cold." 

Ahmose rolled his eyes, but he looked amused.  Mikado smiled.  "Right...  well...  let's go then..."  He said, and turned to the barkeep.  "Can I get a couple of bottles to go?"  He asked with a smile.

"Sure thing."  The vampire grabbed a pair of large bottles and handed them to Mikado.  "Good luck finding Bakura, you'll need it.  If there's one thing that desert rat's good at, it's hiding."

Mikado snorted.  "Yeah...  well...  If there's one thing this Agent is good at, it's finding people."

So, the three finally began on the road back to the Vatican.  Yami sat in front of Ahmose, cuddled into his lover's cloak so Mikado could have his own cloak back. 

Nakhti was in a bit of a mood and kept nipping Geist's rump, trying to get the larger animal to play.  Ahmose had to keep an eye on his horse and make sure that the demonized Arabian/Andalusian crossbreed didn't piss off the Gypsy Cob/Unicorn crossbreed TOO much.  Abana and Enehy trotted beside the two horses, Enehy by Geist, Abana by Nakhti (proudly carrying a stick in her mouth).

Yami kept leaning down (and nearly falling every time) to get the stick and throwing it off into the woods for the playful dog, who eagerly sought it out and returned moments later.  "I love hellhounds..." Yami said trying to lean over once more.

Ahmose smiled.  "She's a good dog."  He said, and looked up at Enehy.  "Mikado trained his Phantom Hound very well..."

"Phantom hounds train easily."  He said grinning.  "Real nice fur too...  they're usually show dogs."

Ahmose snickered at that, and kissed Yami's cheek, gently.  "Your mother says I should stop loving on you so much...  I'm spoiling you..."

"Don’t listen to her.  She's a hardass."  Yami grumbled cuddling closer to Ahmose and pulling the cloak more over himself.  "I enjoy my lovings."

Ahmose chuckled.  "She's gonna be yelling at me next time I go to sleep..."  He said, running a hand up and down Yami's chest and belly, sighing.  Ahead of them, Mikado winced and drooped...  He closed his eyes.

~...  Bakura?~  He called tentatively.

Though there was no answer...it felt as if Bakura were listening.  Mikado felt no mental barriers.

Mikado chewed his lip.  ~Bakura...  where are you?~  He asked softly in a mental whimper.  ~I miss you...~

Still nothing.

Mikado sighed, drooping even more.  ~...  I love you...~  He whispered, heart aching.

~Why do you keep talking to me?~  Bakura barked suddenly. 

Mikado jumped, startled.  ~Bakura?!~  He yelped.  He hadn't expected Bakura to actually answer him... he had HOPED that he would...  but not like that...  well... at least Bakura wasn't ignoring him...  this was a good thing...  right?

~Well?  Why do you keep mewling at me?~

Mikado blinked.  ~...  I...  I miss you...~  He said softly.  ~Please...  where are you?~

~Far away.~  Was the calm response. 

Mikado frowned a bit.  ~Bakura...  please don't hate me...~  He begged.

~I don’t hate you.~  Bakura replied snorting.  ~I just don’t love you anymore.~

A sharp stabbing pain struck Mikado's heart at those words, and even seared across the telepathic link with Bakura.  Mikado closed his eyes and his head dropped.  He bit his lower lip when it started to tremble.

There was a long pause.  ~I wont sympathize for you, you're the one who left.~

~And I have regretted it ever since...  but...  I came back...~  Mikado said in a pleading tone.

~I wouldn't know.  I left a long time ago Mikado.~  Bakura said calmly.  ~The manor's been yours for weeks now.~

~...  I haven't been back there since...  since you...~  Mikado gave a shuddering sigh.  ~...  threw me out...~

~In order to have thrown you out, you would have had to have been staying there.  You left. Of your own free will I may add.~

~...  I'm sorry...~  Mikado whimpered.  ~Bakura, please...~

~Please what?~  Bakura snorted.  ~Come back so you can have another tantrum?~

~No!!~  Mikado cried.  ~Come back so we can be happy again!~

~And who says I'd be happy?~  Bakura said harshly.  ~That's very selfish to just assume I'd be happy with you after the shit you pulled.~

~Bakura...  Please...~  Mikado begged.  ~I...  I need you...~

~For what?~  Bakura said after a moment.  ~You don’t NEED me. You want me.  You're upset because you finally see what it's like to lose something special, and now you want it back.  Tough.~

~Bakura please!~  Mikado cried, desperately.  ~Please, I love you~

~Fine… you know what?  You want me back.  Come get me.~  Bakura snorted.  ~You walked out my door on me once, if you want me to come back to you, walk your ass back to me.  I'm not going back otherwise.~

Mikado was silent for a while.  ~As you wish.  I won't rest until I find you, Bakura.~

~Don’t be stupid.~  Bakura grumbled.  ~You're never going to find me.  I can assure you.~

Mikado winced at that.  ~Then never again will I rest.  Never.  Neither in life, nor in death.~

Mikado received laughter at that.  ~That is the biggest steaming pile of wishy washy shit I've ever heard spew out of your mouth.~

Mikado bit his lip again and closed his eyes tightly, trying to hold back the tears.  ~Why are you so cruel?~  He gasped.

~Because despite what you thought, I haven't gone soft.  I loved you, that's why I was kind.  But you walked out on that...  so I have no reason to be kind to you, Vatican Agent.~  Bakura hissed. 

~But...  but you don't have to be so cruel...~  Mikado whimpered.

~Oh? Was it not cruel of you to leave your ring and dagger sitting on my desk?~  Bakura snorted. 

Mikado winced.  ~It...  it was...  and I am sorry for it.  But I left them because you said you didn't want me anymore!!!  In the cellar!!!  You said you were sick of me and through with me!~

~I was sick and through with your fucking tantrums.~  Bakura growled.  ~And your response to me admitting it, is another tantrum.~

Mikado blinked, eyes wide.  ~What?  I...  but...  you...  you said you were...  sick of...  me...?  That you were... done with me...?~  He sounded very confused.

~No, I said I was sick of your childish tantrums.~  Bakura clarified.  ~Not once did I say I'm sick of YOU Mikado.~

Mikado stared ahead blankly, his eyes wide as this realization dawned on him.  And suddenly, his heart felt like lead in his chest.  ~You...  you didn't say...  you meant that...  oh...  oh God...~

~Oh God what?~ Bakura snorted.  ~Little baby make a mistake?~

Mikado didn't answer.  He was too stunned and horrified at the realization that he had left Bakura...  possibly crushed him leaving the dagger and ring behind...  all because he had misinterpreted what Bakura had said to him down in the cellar.

Bakura smirked.  ~Oh, finally getting a clue are you?  Now you know what I said.  Now who's the cruel one?~

~Oh God...~  Mikado breathed, tears finally breaching his eyes.  ~I...  I'm sorry...  Oh God...  I'm so sorry...  Bakura...  Bakura, please...~

~Please what?  Forgive you?  You were so caught up in your tantrum that breaking MY heart didn't matter to you.  You're lucky I even said I'd come back if you found me.~  Bakura growled.  ~You crushed my heart Mikado...  and I let you off easy only hurting you in return.~

Mikado closed his eyes, tears pouring down his face uncontrollably.  ~I'm so sorry...  I'm so sorry...  Oh God...~  He sobbed, doubling over in the saddle and clenching his teeth.

Yami was blinking and pressing closer to Ahmose. "Ahmose...  he's...  crying."  he whispered worriedly.  "What's wrong?"

Ahmose frowned.  "I...  I don't know..."  He murmured back.

~Is that supposed to make it ok Mikado?  Is 'I'm sorry' supposed to unbreak my heart?~  Bakura said coldly.  ~Because it's not working.  You're no closer to me than you were the instant you left.~

Mikado just continued to cry, unable to stop, and repeated it over and over...

~I'm sorry!  I'm sorry!  Bakura, I'm so sorry!  God...  I'm sorry!!!~

~It's about time.~  Bakura snorted.  ~At least now I don’t have to punish you.  Your guilt does it more than I ever could.  I'm not coming back Mikado.  If you find me I'll give you a second chance, but to me, you're not worth the trip back.  You prove your worth to me this time, and let me know that you won’t be walking out again.  Then we'll talk.~  Bakura's voice was cold.  ~Otherwise you get used to that feeling...  because of your own stupid tantrum you drove me away.~

Mikado couldn't even answer; he was crying too hard...  too upset to even form a coherent thought.  All Bakura got from the younger vampire was overwhelming guilt, anguish, heartbreak and self loathing.

Bakura smiled to himself.  ~Maybe now you'll grow up a bit and act like a more responsible person.~

Slowly, as Yami and Ahmose stared, Mikado slumped to the side, sliding off of Geist and falling to the ground, sobbing brokenly.  The animal immediately stopped and turned, nickering gently and nudging Mikado with his nose.  Enehy darted over, sniffing her master and licking his face.

Yami bit his lip.  "Mikado?"  he called worriedly.  "What's...  what's wrong?"

Mikado didn’t answer.  Ahmose sighed and slid off of Nakhti and went to his brother, pushing Enehy away so he could get to him.  He rubbed his brother’s back and talked to him, quietly.

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