Sacrifice

Sacrifice

haotchiisai & Mally-chan

YAOI WARNING

Disclaimer: Hato owns Mikado and Ahmose. Other than that, we don't own it!

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Chapter 8

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When Mikado awoke, his wounds had been tended, and bandaged. The herbs were burning steadily and next to him sat the spoon of medicine, the cup of wine, and a bowl of still-steaming oatmeal, the scent of cinnamon and spices mingling with the burning herbs.

Mikado stared at the things, but frowned and turned away from the things that had been left for him. No help, hm?

Outside, Geist neighed softly, prancing in place. He'd waited outside the whole night for Mikado to emerge from the temple when Bakura had carried him in.

"You're worrying your horse."

Mikado jumped and yelped, twisting around, which made him hiss in pain. He flopped back down.

Bakura chuckled, he was sitting by the doors calmly. "When will you stop acting like this and try giving things a chance?"

Mikado glared. "I gave YOU a chance. And I have regretted it ever since."

"No, you didn't." Bakura said giving Mikado a look. "You denied me even in dreams."

"You think I'd just lie down and spread my legs for anyone?!" Mikado cried, angrilly. "I denied you then because I didn't KNOW you!!! And I will deny you now because I DO!!!"

Bakura rolled his eyes. "I dont want between your legs." He chuckled. "You're just beautiful when you're needy."

Mikado glared. "THAT is something you will NEVER see again." He hissed.

Bakura shrugged. "No big deal. I'm attractive, and I can leave this village as I please. I'll just find someone less pathetic and childish." he stretched a bit. "I could leave you here, take my horses and build a home on the land above...leaving you stranded here alone.'

Mikado snorted. "Fine. Go ahead. I don't really give a damn."

Bakura stood dusting himself off. "Oh I know you dont care. You don’t care about anything but yourself. The gods can take you. I'll join you in not caring, not a thing on this planet is worth dealing with a brat like you."

Mikado snorted. "The gods can fuck themselves." He spat.

Bakura chuckled slightly. "Oh they dont do that. but they might fuck you a bit before devouring your soul."

Mikado rolled his eyes at that. "Right. Whatever." He grunted, and rolled over, turning his back to Bakura.

Bakura shook his head, beginnnig to pull the few feathers from his hair calmly. Once done, he put them on a shelf, with his satchel. "Alright then Mikado. Have it your way. You can take my place in this village."

Mikado snorted. "Village of the damned..." He grumbled.

"The only damned one is the one left behind." Bakura said softly, shaking his head once more. "And I wont be that one any longer. You're no more willing to work with me, than you ever were. You can be the one left behind now. You can hear their joy while you have none of your own." He pulled the clothes he wore to town out of the cabinet. "Or you can rot in this temple, and join them as their next sacrifice at the night...It doesn't matter to me anymore."

Mikado curled up tightly, closing his eyes and gritting his teeth. His eyes burned with tears. "Just go away..." He sobbed. "... I never want to see you again!"

Bakura began changing. "Should the stone ever allow you to leave...you'll still be cursed." he said as he buttoned his shirt, tossing the leather pants and moccasins aside. "Dont make Geist suffer, just because you cant feel the pain of others. He's as much a person as you are...and to make him suffer along side you is selfish."

"... Take him with you, then." Mikado mumbled.

"He's your horse." Bakura walked out. "You’re responsible for him."

"I don't want him." Mikado replied.

But Bakura had already left, and his loud whistle was heard. The thundering of hooves was heard and soon enough they were heard again fading. Mikado was sure he felt when Bakura left...the city seemed to darken, and he felt as though he were choking in the solitude.

He closed his eyes and curled up, shivering, and went to sleep.

At night he was awakened by Geist's neighing once more. The herbs had burnt to nothing...and the medicine had hardened, the wine sat forgotten, and the oatmeal was ice cold. Bakura's clothing lay forgotten on the floor...and the room was foreboding. Every painting, statue and idol seemed to be staring hatefully at Mikado, and the temperature had dropped dramatically.

Mikado shivered, rubbing his arms slightly, but he stopped soon enough... it hurt...

Outside a second whinney was heard. Mikado's mare was calling for him as well.

But his body felt like lead... slowly, he rolled over and began to climb to his feet, but he collapsed before he made it. He groaned. The floor was cold...

That's when, for the first times the shades came into the temple. They looked troubled, their eyes frantic. The whispers were loud and pain filled. Among the whispers were painfilled mournful cries.

Mikado's eyes widened and he stared at them in fear, frozen where he lay.

A hissing sound was heard behind Mikado, and when he turned, there was a massive ghostly snake, winged with glowing eyes. It looked at the ghostly figures hissing loudly, blood dripping from it's fangs, it's eyes falling on Mikado with such ferocity that it made mountain lions look like kittens.

Mikado stared in complete horror, and his already pale face went white. "Oh my God..." He gasped

The snake smirked and the shades turned to look at Mikado as well, though they obviously couldn't see him. The snake slithered closer flicking it's tongue. The snake spoke at first, in a foreign tongue...before his words seemed to melt into english. "...doomed."

Mikado swallowed thickly, and his entire body went numb in his fear. He couldn't move...

The snake stared down at Mikado. "I can go fuck myself hmm?" it hissed, eyes flaring up.

Mikado blinked several times, and then a look of comprehension crossed his face. Then, he narrowed his eyes and glared.

The god hissed and it's tail whipped forward, piercing Mikado's chest through the symbol. Mikado could feel the cold of the reptilian skin as it curled around his heart. The snake pulled his tail away, clutching a ghostly heart, still beating, ghostly blood dripping down his tail.

Mikado gasped and lay still, staring up in shock at the phantom heart.

The god merely laughed. "This is your fate..." it hissed. "I will devour your heart..." he moved the phantom heart to his lips, snapping it up, still beating. "Every night."

Mikado blinked, looking frightened and confused.

The snake laughed. "You've damned one of ours to a fate at the hand of YOUR gods...so in exchange for his soul...yours will pay the price." it hissed. "You've damned the damned."

"W-What... are you talking about?!" Mikado moaned.

"He will never see his family again, his village has forever lost the last child." The god hissed. "You were his salvation. You were the one who was to aid him, and heal his soul." The snake god's eyes glowed brightly. "But it shall not be. You will pay for his soul, and your people will pay for the pain they cause."

The temple seemed to shake and groan, the whispers and mournful cries heightening. "When you die...you will be my meal." The snake lashed forward, fangs inches from Mikado's face. "And you WILL die soon."

Mikado narrowed his eyes. "He has NEVER done anything kind to me..." He hissed. "He took me from my family, why should I help him return to his?! He has brought me nothing but pain... I fail to see why I should ease his..."

The god laughed. "It doesn't matter now. Now you bring pain to all above as well. This land will be purged of all who invade it. Death will be all that is known to this accursed place! Death to you, and to all of yours. All of yours who chased us from our lands, who chased us underground and finally out of this world. You will ALL be chased from these lands, or die." The god turned to the two other shades in the room and spoke in a commanding tone. The shades eyes widened and they hurried from the room.

Mikado blinked. "Wait... what?! What are you going to do?!"

The snake laughed. "Your people will never again touch these lands..." it hissed. The earth seemed to rumble as the snake spoke. "I will not bring dawn to these lands any longer. This will be a land of darkness where no plant will grow, where no white man may dwell. Only the ones this land belongs to will be spared.

The whispers roared into war-cries. "We will send you away ourselves this time!"

"NO!!! Please!!! don't hurt them!!!" Mikado cried, eyes wide in panic. All he could think about was his brother... had he brought ruin to the only person in this world that he loved? To his only family?

"And I will start with you!" The snake's tail lashed. "GET OUT OF MY CITY!" it roared, seeming to fade into reality and lunge for Mikado, fangs dripping with a seeming mix of blood and acidic poison. "Out of this holy land!"

Mikado yelped and jerked back, but he was still unable to move very well.

The snake slithered forward threateningly, the dripping fluid seeming to melt the floor near Mikado. "GET OUT!" it roared again, flaring it's wings and lunging forward, meaning to eat the youth.

Mikado screamed and turned, beginning to drag himself away, but he was already feeling faint... but the thought that Ahmose was in danger kept him moving. Finally, he was out of the temple... he looked for his mare, or for Geist...

Both horses were at the bottom of the temple steps looking frantic. The villagers were shrieking and bearing warpaint. They were filing out of the cave one by one, carrying torches, spears bows and arrows, tomahawks...Even women and children were painted. Wind was whipping around the city despite it being underground and the moon extinguished, leaving the only light the ghostly light of the shades and their torches as they gave cries of war.

Mikado managed to force himself to his feet and stumble down the stairs, but he ended up falling down most of them. He groaned as he lay at the bottom. "G-Gesit!!!"

The horse rushed forward and dipped it's head, helping Mikado up carefully. It snorted and looked at the angry shades worriedly, ears back.

"B-Bakura! We have to... find Bakura!!!" Mikado cried, grabbing the horse's mane and turning his head towards the exit.

The horse snorted and took off at a gallop immediatly. They passed shades as they rode, the stone gone. Once they touched the water Geist let out a frantic sound as it disappeared dropping them both into the water half way across.

Mikado yelped and clung. "Hurry!!!"

Behind them, Mikado's mare was limping along the bank, whinnying in distress. Mikado was leaving without her!

Mikado frowned, upset... but he had no choice... he couldn't slow down for the sake of a crippled mare... lives were at stake... his brother's life was at stake... He kicked Geist, urging the horse to go faster.

Geist swam quickly and once he reached the shore he panted, as Mikado urged him into a gallop. The mare's distressed sounds faded behind them.

Mikado was terrified and in pain... and he had no idea where Bakura had gone... but he wouldn't let this happen without a fight.

Meanwhile, Yami and Ahmose had been riding out looking for Mikado. But when the moon had suddenly extinguished Yami had yelped. "That's not normal!" he said pointing up. "The moon's gone!"

Ahmose looked up, eyes wide as the sky turned a deep blood red. "Neither is that..." He said softly, and looked around. "I think... we should head back into town."

Yami nodded turning his horse. "I think so too...We have to make sure Yugi and the others are ok." he kicked his horse into a gallop.

Ahmose whirled his own horse and headed back with Yami, concerned. He reached back to feel his rifle, taking comfort in its presence.

As they reached town Yami gasped. "Holy shit..." he breathed. Ghostly indians were running amok, breaking windows and catching anythnig they could on fire. "YUGI!"

Ahmose stared in shock. "What... what is this?!" He gasped. "Find Yugi! I'll get Malik!!!" He called, looking up at the burning saloon. Malik could be seen breaking a windo, trying to get out of the building.

Yami rode to the back of the saloon and burst in. "Yugi! Yugi where are you!?" Yugi came running over shaking in terror. "Yami oh god they're everywhere!" He whimpered as Yami hurried Yugi out onto the horse. "Dont worry I've got you..." Yami whispered hugging his brother.

Meanwhile Malik and Mai were scrambling out of the saloon just as the fire reached the bottles of alcohol, which caused several bursts of fire to flare up as glass went flying in every direction. "Oh god Ahmose!" Malik gasped clutching his bleeding arm. "What's going on?!"

Ahmose rode under the window. "Jump!" He called, making room for Malik to land before him into the saddle.

Once Malik was out, they both caught Mai.

"Ahmose we have to get to Ryou!" Yami called riding by as indian ghosts charged them.

Ahmose nodded, taking Mai and Malik to the stable. "Get a horse and get out of town!!!" He ordered, and Yami send Yugi with them. Then, the pair turned and headed out of town towards Ryou's farm.

Ryou was clutching his rabbits, trying to get them into a basket quickly, looking terrified. Half of his farm was on fire, and indians were advancing on his house. "Please! Into the basket!" he pleaded with his 'family' of rabbits.

Marik helped to herd them all into the basket, and Angel sat on his head with two other male bunnies, whom Ryou called Hunter and Spunky. A rabbit named Scamp was being a bit of a pain. Marik caught him and just put him into the pocket on the front of his overalls.

Ryou covered the basket and gave Marik a fearful look. “We have to get out before they try to burn my home!" he gasped as the door flew open and the enraged indians flooded in. "Ahh!"

Marik yelped and snatched up his banjo, beginning to wave it around wildly, trying to fend them off.

But the banjo didn't last long as it caught fire. Ryou whimpred and pulled Marik back, clutching the basket of bunnies. Angel squealed in fury. 'GET 'EM DADDY! KICK THEIR TAILS!' she squeaked.

Marik flung the banjo aside, then grabbed the basket of bunnies, and Ryou's hand, and RAN.

Ryou hurried to keep up with Marik looking behind and whimpering at his beautiful home. "Why is this happening?" he breathed voice shaking with fear and sorrow.

Marik skidded to a stop as hoofbeats were heard coming towards them from the road. A moment later, Yami and Ahmose rode into view.

Yami stared in horror at Ryou's burning farm. "Oh gods." He got off his horse quickly. "Take my horse, and ride out of town!" he said quickly. "Go to Ishizu. I'm sure that's where Yugi's taking the others." Yami pointed in the direction of the Comanche village. "Go!"

Ryou nodded as Marik mounted the horse. He climbed on behind Marik and took the basket back, clutching it tightly.

Yami looked at Ahmose worried.

Ahmose offered Yami his hand, and pulled him up onto the horse behind him.

"There's nothing we can do!" Ahmose called back, turning Nakhti and following Ryou and Marik.

Yami hugged Ahmose to him and gave him an upset look. "I know this aint the best time for it...but if the world's ending can we PLEASE fuck before we die?" he mumbled after a moment.

Ahmose looked back and gave Yami a look.

"What? Do you WANT to die a virgin?" Yami said giving Ahmose a look right back.

Ahmose smirked at Yami. "I do not plan to die tonight!" He announced.

"Good then lets fuck." Yami responded kissing Ahmose's cheek. "That way when we both die tomorrow, I'll have somethin to tell the folks when I meet up with em again"

Ahmose glared. "Shut up."

Yami snickered and hugged Ahmose. "Love you Ahmsoe." he purred softly enough that Ahmose could barely hear it.

Ahmose smiled and lay a hand on Yami's knee, squeezing gently in a silent 'I love you too, but I'm too shy to admit it out loud...'

The wind picked up around them, howling in fury as they ran to Comanche land. Once they stepped the bounds, the wind died down, and the red faded from the sky. The Comanche village was completly peaceful. Not a hint of the hell that was going on in the small homesteader village not far away.

Ahmose rode his horse right into town, where the Comanche people were gathering in alarm, listening to Ishizu translate the stories that the refugees were frantically telling.

Ishizu gave Ahmose and Yami a relieved look as she finished the story. "Oh thank heavens you're both ok. Pegasus and his wife and the others made it here safely not long ago." She shook her head as the two men dismounted Nakhti. "From the stories I'm hearing, you've expierenced hell tonight."

Ahmose nodded, glancing back in the direction of the town. "... I just hope my brother is alright... wherever he is..."

Said brother was also out of Aztec land, chasing the hoofprints of Bakura's horses. The thief did have one thing under his belt. All the cattle rustling he did made him more than capable of crossing vast expanses of land quickly.

Mikado groaned... his entire body was aching... he had to find Bakura soon... before he passed out.

Hopes grew however, when Mikado's eyes fell upon a small firelight on the horizon. Bakura had made camp! He'd stopped to let the colts and fillies rest. Geist was beginning to slow, tiring, but still kept running for his master.

Bakura looked up when he heard the hoof beats, and Geist trotted right into camp, stopping right next to Bakura. Mikado had been sliding off, and toppled right on top of the theif.

"OUCH!" He yelped, when Bakura's knee happened to be what his wounded side struck on the way down.

Bakura grunted at the impact and shoved Mikado off. "Gods what are you doing out?!" he howled.

"They... They're gonna kill everyone!!!" Mikado cried, fixing frantic, tear filled eyes onto Bakura. "Please!!! You have to stop them!!!"

"Who?" Bakura said looking around. "I see nothing."

"The... the shades!!! They've gone to town!!!" Mikado sobbed. "They're going to destroy everything!!!"

Bakura blinked then let out a hearty laugh. "Not my problem now is it?"

Mikado shook his head. "Don't you CARE?! Yami and Yugi and Malik and Ryou and Marik and... and my brother!!! They'll all die!!!"

"Hmm let me think about that." Bakura put a finger to his chin. "No...no....wait..." He snickered. "No, I dont care. Why should I? I'm not on that land anymore, I'm not a part of it."

"But... aren't they your friends?! Malik and Marik?!" Mikado cried.

"They'll be fine. If the shades are going to chase them off the land, that'll suck for them, but they'll be fine." Bakura said calmly. "Besides, I'm not a part of it. I left."

"But... but they'll lose everything they have..." Mikado whimpered.

"Oh? You mean like I did?" Bakura said snorting. "I lived, so will they. Why do YOU care? Is it because this time it affects you?"

Mikado just stared at Bakura, pitifully. "... I care because I care about them."

"You didn't give a shit when it was my problem." Bakura said after a moment before standing. He glared at Mikado. "You should be thankful I'm not as selfish as you..." he hissed walking over to Strigoi and patting his nose. "I'll go back...but I doubt that will do a thing to help."

Mikado looked at Bakura, then exploded. "IF YOU HAD TOLD ME THE PROBLEM, I WOULD HAVE HELPED!!!" He shouted. "If you had TALKED to me, and asked for my help, none of this would have happened!!! But you invaded my dreams, you kidnapped me, you cursed me, and you never said ANYTHING about wanting or needing my help for ANYTHING!!! I didn't know your people could come back!!! I didn't know that I could help bring them back!!! YOU NEVER TOLD ME!!! All you did was tell me that the gods had taken them, and that you loved me!!! Well, you sure didn't ACT like it!!! Did you ever think to just ASK me for my help?! To ASK me to come with you so you could show me everything and explain?! What made you think that kidnapping me and cursing me would make me want to help you?!"

Bakura gave Mikado a look. "Oh bite me." he snorted. "I dont ask for help and I wont beg you for it. I'd just as soon let the shades have it." He leaned against Strigoi. "And talk like that just makes me not want to go back even more."

Mikado shook his head in disbeleif. "So that's it then... You don't care about anyone. Not your friends, not your people, and certainly not me. I don't think you even care about yourself. Do you even WANT your people back? I am being blamed now, by YOUR gods, for damning you, me, your people... but it's YOU who damned us all."

"I did care, but you have a very irritating way of passing the ability to simply not give a damn." Bakura hissed. "I can be as hard headed and mind-blowingly careless as you can be. Now that this problem isn't directly affecting me we've switched positions. Now YOU'RE the one who lives in hell, and I get to be the selfish brat."

Mikado narrowed his eyes. "There is a BIG difference between our situations. I never knew help was needed. You KNOW your help is now needed... all I knew was that you had taken me to that horrible place and were keeping me against my will. And for what reason?! I didn't know!!! I had no IDEA why you brought me there, other than your claims that you loved me..." He stood and walked over to Bakura and stared him straight in the eyes, his own filled tears. "I would have helped you..." He whispered. "Had I known you needed help. But you had to TELL me... you had to ASK me for help... did you think I would just KNOW? SERIOUSLY! What did you hope to accomplish by keeping me there like you did? You gave me no reason to trust you... to like you... no reason for me to beleive that you needed my help for ANYTHING... So what did you expect?"

"I expected you to be a little observant." Bakura said rolling his eyes. "Come ON. A decrepit city? SHADES WALKING THE EARTH!?" he threw his hands up. "That usually sends red flags up to anyone who isn't a moron."

"Of course it threw up red flags!!! But how was I to know that they could be brought back? You never said anything! I don't KNOW anything about your people or your culture... for all I know, shades wandering around could be a regular thing!!! I asked if they were truly dead! You never gave me a straight answer!!!"

"You never CARED!" Bakura howled. "You asked questions out of curteousy." Bakura turned and walked away. "Your brother is in the Comanche village, Everyone is FINE." he growled. "Go whine to him, I have no reason to give up a life free of those problems just to help people like you. You white men are no different than the spanish men. The gods were mistaken."

Mikado shook his head. "I can't go whine to him... remember?" He said softly. "I'll never see him again, nor will he ever see me... I live in this world... but I am nothing more than a phantom. I have no place in this world anymore... and it's only a matter of time before I leave it..." He looked down then turned and walked over to Geist, laying a hand on his neck. "Stay here..." He said softly, then turned and began to head back in the direction of the hidden village. "... I would have helped..." He called back, before turning and walking away.

Geist gave Bakura a nervous look, but when the thief growled the horse neighed and turned hurrying after Mikado and nuzzling him.

Bakura grumbled patting Strigoi, who had laid next to him when he sat near the fire. "I could go anywhere I want...have a life without any of this." he grumbled into the fire. "A life free of dark caves, of shades, of gods and demons." He scratched Strigoi's ears. "The chance to forget any of this ever was. Why should I go back now...to help that infuriating whelp?”

Mikado looked at Geist. "... Go back to Bakura." He said, frowning. "You'll have to soon, anyway..." He looked down and kept walking, placing a hand over his wounded side. Falling onto Bakura's knee had reopened the thing. "I won't last much longer... I doubt I'll even make it back to that... village..."

Geist snorted and continued staying at Mikado's side, nuzzling him lovingly. He nuzzled his head under Mikado's other arm, allowing him to lean on the horse. He wasn't leaving Mikado, even if Mikado died.

Mikado frowned and moved away. "Go back to Bakura!!!" He cried.

Geist snorted loudly and tossed his head nuzzling Mikado once more. He wasn't obeying.

Mikado stared at him. "Fine." He mumbled, and moved to pull himself up onto the animal's back. "Take me back to the village. THEN go back to Bakura."

Geist however turned and took Mikado back to Bakura and snorted, flicking his ears and craning his neck, trying to see the rider on his back. If animals could speak...what he was saying was pretty clear. 'make up.'

Mikado blinked at Bakura, then at the horse. "... Oh... NOW you listen to me..." He grumbled, and turned the animal's head. "Take me BACK!!!" He kicked. It was a very weak kick... not ery effective.

Geist suddenly laid down at the kick, which in itself was rather humerous.

Mikado blinked and stared at the horse, now angry and embarassed... Bakura surely thought him a complete fool. "Fine. Be that way." He snapped, and stood, beginning to walk away again.

Geist turned and took the seat of Mikado's pants his his teeth and held fast.

Strigoi turned and flicked his ears, snorting and Bakura turned snickering back a laugh at the scene before him.

Mikado turned and glared at Bakura. "Get this God damned animal OFF of me!!!" He shouted.

Bakura full out laughed at that. "He's your horse, which makes him ALSO your problem." He said wiping his eyes.

"I NEVER WANTED THE FUCKING MULE!!!" Mikado shouted.

Geist snorted at that and tugged Mikado back, toppling the youth to his butt. "Who're you talkin about? Geist or yourself?"

Mikado yelped and clutched his side, grimacing in pain, but then turned loathing eyes on Bakura. He stood. "FUCK YOU!!!" He screamed. "I hate you!!! I hate this fuckin' horse!!!" He shoved Geist back, angrilly, trying to get him away from him. "I hate this fuckin place!!! I wish we had NEVER come here!!! We should have stayed in New Orleans!!! Far away from fucking bloodthirsty heathen ghost people and their bastard selfish survivor who cares more about his own pride than his people!!!"

Bakura rolled his eyes and sighed. "Go to your brother and get that looked at." he said once more. "You're NOT a phantom anymore. Of course you're still damned he ate your heart." He patted Strigoi once more. "C'mon old friend." he said softly. "Lets go." He gave Mikado a harsh look. "Take care of my horses." he said firmly. "I doubt I'll be coming back...so you take them, and Geist to your brother at the Comanche village. Go around, not through the land." He mounted his horse. "And when it's over. Go home."

Mikado stared at Bakura, confused.

Bakura gave Mikado a look. "Well? What are you waiting for? Go to your brother moron." he urged Strigoi into a trot, back to Aztec lands. "Dont ever say I did nuthin for you."

Mikado stared. "And the curse?" He asked, looking down at his hands apprehensively.

"Figure it out yourself." Bakura snorted. "Geist aint dead is he?" he called back. "God you're unobservant."

Mikado stared at Bakura silently. "Why leave your horses with me?" He asked.

"Figure it out yourself." Bakura kicked Strigoi into a gallop, leaving Mikado to contemplate those words.

Mikado looked at Geist and the other horses, then sighed. "I hope you know where the Comanche village is..." He said softly. "Because I sure don't."

The horses all stood and began walking. They'd been trained to go to the village when told to. Geist let go of Mikado's pants and dipped his head in invitation to ride.

Mikado sighed and looked back at Bakura, then climbed onto the horse. "... Please..." He said softly, glancing back again. "Find peace."

Geist tossed his head and began walking with the other horses. They reached the Comanche Village by dawn, and the sun was rising pleasantly.

Mikado stared at the village they were approaching, and suddenly found himself doubting whether he should return to his brother... perhaps it would be better for him to just... move on. To travel...

As the horses approached the village, there was a neigh. a long ways away two other horses were approaching the boarder of the Aztec land. Strigoi, and tied to his neck was a leadrope, with Mikado's mare.

Mikado turned and looked at Bakura. He had thought all night. And in that moment, he made his decision. He kicked Geist, and they headed for Bakura.

But as Mikado neared the far away horses, he soon found that Bakura was not riding his beloved Stallion's back. What sat on Strigoi's back, was a pack, and Bakura's hat, which he'd been wearing the night before. Strigoi nuzzled Geist tiredly when the younger horse was near enough. The older Stallion looked worn out, weary from all the running he'd done the night before.

Mikado's mare looked pleased to see Mikado, and limped forward to place her head in his lap.

Mikado gently stroked her nose. "I'm sorry I left you..." He whispered, nearly crying at the fact that she could not hear him. He hugged her head gently, nuzzling her a bit, then looked at Strigoi.

"Where is Bakura?"

Strigoi turned his head looking back from where he'd come before nuzzling the mare, who perked and nuzzled him back. Strigoi was fancying Mikado's mare...and she looked pleased as punch about the idea.

Mikado frowned slightly and took the horses' ropes. "Come on..." He said softly.

Strigoi trotted forward with Mikado, until they reached the village, where once the mare was untied from him, he laid down near the stream and began drinking as though he'd been denied for days.

Mikado sighed and slowly slid off of Geist's back. "Go on... Help him keep the others together..." He said softly. "But don't get too comfortable..."

Geist nuzzled Mikado and joined the other horses, who were finally relaxing. The colts and fillies were beginning to nap against their mothers.

Mikado turned, and went to try and find his brother.

Ryou was the first one to see Mikado, he looked a mess. He'd been curled up next to Marik and unable to sleep well from fear. "Mikado!" he said relieved. "You're ok! Oh it was terrible...these ghosts! They were everywhere! They burned down half the town..."

Ryou's bunnies all perked and looked at Mikado curiously.

Mikado nodded. "Yeah... I know..." He said in a quiet tone.

Ryou stood shakily, nearly toppling into Marik, who was sleeping soundly. "You look terrible. What happened? Where've you been? Ahmose and Yami have been worried sick about you."

"Is everyone alright?" Mikado asked, ignoring the question.

"Uh huh...everyone's alright. A few burns bumps and scrapes..but everyone's fine. Are YOU ok?" Ryou asked again, seeing Mikado's bloody side. "Oh you're bleeding! AHMOSE!" Ryou shouted loudly. "AHMOSE IT'S MIKADO!"

There was a muffled yelp, and Ahmose came FLYING out of a lodge, nearly tumbling over himself as he tried to pull on a boot.

"MIKADO!? You're alive!!! Where the hell have you been?! Are you alright?!"

"He's bleeding." Ryou said pointing. "You have to make him better!" Ryou yelped.

Ahmose ran over. "what happened to you?!" He gasped. "Where have you been?!"

"... I don't want to talk about it." Mikado said quietly. Ahmose frowned at him, concerned, but led him towards the lodge.

"Those look pretty bad... I hope they aren't infected..." He said.

As they were walking back to the lodge, Yami and Yugi were exiting. There was a loud rumbling heard and Yami and Yugi both winced. "Fires must have gotten the store..." Yami grumbled.

"I told you that the dynamite was a bad thing to have." Yugi said crossing his arms.

Yami pouted. "But....explosions GOOD!" Yugi tapped his foot.

"No! Explosions BAD!"

Ahmose stared at them. "You had DYNAMITE in the GENERAL STORE?!" He howled.

Yami grinned slightly. "I like blowing up cacti."

Yugi sighed. "Dont ask."

Ahmose just stared. "How much dynamite?!"

Yugi looked thoughtful. "I think Yami wanted me to reorder because we were down to five sticks."

Ahmose frowned. "Five sticks is enough... Your store won't be there when we get back..." He said softly. Mikado frowned.

"I don't think anything will... You... You shouldn't go back... That land is cursed..." He said.

Yami shook his head. "Cursed or not, I have to go back with anyone who does want to go back. Pegasus surely will, to collect anything of his that remains.

Yugi sighed and shook his head. "Big dumb explosion loving..." he was grumbling.

"It's not Yami's fault." Mikado said. "And if you do go back... go back only during the daylight hours."

Yami nodded. "I understand that. But you sound like you know what's going on."

Mikado frowned and looked away. "I don't want to talk about it."

Yami nodded slowly. "Alright..." he said after a moment. "But eventually I'm going to have to file some paperwork so that people like Malik and Ryou and....uh..."

Yugi was glaring. "Uh...Yugi and I can you know...get money to rebuild our lives."

Mikado nodded. "I think we will all have to rebuild... elsewhere..."

"Well...while Ahmose takes care of you, I'm going to ride back and see what's left." Yami said beginning to walk by. As he passed both Mikado and Ahmose heard a soft whine about missing 'the best explosion that prolly ever'll happen.'

Ahmose frowned. "I... I need my medical supplies to treat my brother... I'll come with you."

"I'll come too." Mikado said. "I... have to see it for myself..."

Yami nodded. "Alright...but use what you can here before we go." he said looking back at Mikado. "Ishizu has some supplies to help with Mikado's wounds.”

"No." Mikado said. "Let's go."

Yami blinked but nodded. "Uh ok..." He walked over to the horse pen, getting his horse and leading it out. He mounted up as Ahmose pulled his own horse from the pen. Once all three were mounted, they rode back to their town.

But to their utter shock and astoundment, it was as if nothing had occurred at all the night before. No signs of fire, no broken windows...just a peaceful abandoned town.

"You mean after all that glaring the store DIDN'T EXPLODE!?" Yami whined, obviously disappointed. "Oh now that's not fair! I'm in the doghouse, AND I dont get an explosion! This BLOWS!"

Mikado just stared. "... They... weren't of this world... so they couldn't... HURT this world..." He breathed.

Yami got off his horse and went into the general store and came out moments later looking confused. "Huh...hey Ahmose...do Indians usually carry around money?" he asked holding up several dollars. "Cause...well this was left on the counter...and well...there's some things missing."

Mikado's eyes widened. "What's missing!?"

"Uh..." Yami looked at the list he'd made. "Two packs, Several tins of biscuits, The vegetable seeds we usually sell to Ryou, A box of candles and lantern oil...lots of spices and herbs...and my dynamite."

Mikado frowned. "What's he going to do?" He mumbled to himself. "Dynamite...?! Oh, he wouldn't!!!" He gasped, kicking Geist "GO!!!"

Geist neighed and tossed his head prancing in place. Go?!

Yami blinked at the saloon door. "Oh hey. You got some money too." he said walking across the street and pulling the money from the door before peering in. "Indians like Tequila I guess..."

Geist was still being stubborn with Mikado, refusing to budge.

Mikado leaned over and said into Geist's ear, "We have to find Bakura!!!" He hissed.

The horse tossed his head once more before turning and galloping back to what had always been his home. When they reached the river, he remained on the bank, not daring to cross.

Across the river was a large pile of rocks, which was overgrown with moss. The cave looked as if it had long since been gone, despite the evidence otherwise.

Mikado frowned. "Go on..." He urged, kicking Geist a bit.

Geist nervously walked to the water, but when he tried to walk across, he merely walked into the water and tossed his head. The bridge was gone.

"Keep going." Mikado said.

Geist began swimming across the river, and once he reached the other side, laid down to rest, as the river was far wider than any horse should be or could be swimming.

Mikado got off and made his way to where the cave mouth should be. He reached out to touch the rock.

The stones were solid, and warm from the sun. The smell of the dynamite was still hanging softly in the air.

"Oh God..." Mikado breathed. "Oh God, he didn't..." The explosion hadn't been the General Store... it had been Bakura blowing up the mouth of the cave.

"NO!!!" Mikado cried, and began pounding on the stone, and then began trying to dig his way through.

As he dug, he found that Bakura had been proficient in his explosions. He'd lined the explosives up so that no one would ever again touch the city. The rubble had collapsed the entire tunnel. No matter how deep Mikado dug, the rubble remained, and even re-collapsed into he area he was digging.

Mikado made a frustrated noise, giving up. But NOT on getting into the village. The underground stream... it had to come from somewhere... and it had to GO somewhere! Probably into the river! He walked along the bank to about where he thought it might come out, then waded into the water and ducked under, beginning to search.

Sure enough, there was a small opening under the water, though wether or not Mikado would fit was questionable. More worrisome was if the tunnel widened or grew smaller. If Mikado tried to enter and got stuck, that would be the end of him...a watery grave.

Mikado frowned and went up for air. He took a big gulp, then dove under, and began making his way in...

The passage was narrow, frighteningly so. But as he forced himself to go on, it eventually widened and finally just as Mikado thought for sure he'd pass out, he saw light above. He'd made it!

Mikado swam desperately, chest on fire and his brain seemed to throb. His head broke the water and he gave a loud gasp as he sucked in air. He was dizzy and lightheaded and weak... he floundered to shore, and dragged himself out. He collapsed, still not all the way out, and just breathed.

The scent of incense hung heavy in the air and Mikado could see that the temple's fires were lit, and that the smokey incense was originating there. As he looked over the village, he saw that several buildings were smeared in blood.

Mikado frowned, worried. He slowly forced himself to his feet, his body screaming in protest at every move. He began to stumble towards the temple, driven, for some reason, to get to Bakura... He didn't know why... but he had to see him NOW.

The further into the city he got, the more blood was smeared over the buildings, and torches lined the streets, thick sickly sweet incense burning and filling the air to almost a choking degree.

Mikado felt ill and ready to collapse, but he didn't stop. He kept pressing onwards. When he reached the temple, the stairs seemed much... higher than usual... he was so tired. He began to climb, but he fell halfway up. He couldn't get up, so he crawled the rest of the way.

At the top, Bakura laid unconcious, blood pooling around him. He had a deep gash in his chest, a dagger in one hand his other arm bleeding, as well as his chest, his face smeared in his own blood.

Mikado's eyes widened. "No... Oh God, no..." He gasped, and crawled over to the theif, reaching out and touching his face. "Bakura...?"

Bakura's face was still warm, and his chest rose and fell with faint breaths. He'd intended to sacrifice himself, to calm the god, and had used his OWN blood to paint the symbols smeared over the village and temple.

Mikado sniffled, laying his head down on Bakura's chest. "Please... don't die..." He whimpered, tears falling. "I... I've come to help you..." He whispered, before closing his eyes and finally passing out.

The moon was high in the sky, lighting the city brightly when Mikado finally woke. The incense had burned away and the scent had died down to faint whispers in the air. The shades were once more wandering the village. Their warpaint was gone, and they seemed once more at peace. A cold wind rushed over Mikado and Bakura as Mikado slowly sat up, sticky with Bakura's drying blood.

He winced... his entire body ached horribly, and he could barely keep his balance. He blinked several times, trying to focus on Bakura.

There was a soft hissing and warm wind rushed over Mikado. The snake was back, looking at Mikado with narrowed eyes. "Still you invade our land..." it hissed. "Have you not done enough?"

Mikado slowly looked up. "I came back to help..." He said softly. "But..." He looked down at Bakura and tears came to his eyes as he rested a hand on theif's face again.

"He no longer requires your help." The snake said, coiling it's tail around Bakura's form. He lifted his tail, and Bakura's body spazmed slightly, as the thief gasped in his unconciousness. The god smirked, and there dangling from his tail was a shade, dripping in blood. His tail coiled further, the tip piercing Bakura's already wounded chest and pulling the thief's heart out.

"He offered himself in the place of the invading man. I accepted his offering to spare your people."

Mikado's eyes widened, and a moment later the tears began to fall. "Oh no..." He moaned, then let his head fall. He sniffled and curled up, closing his eyes and resting his head on Bakura's chest again.

Bakura was barely breathing beneath Mikado, his breath coming in gasps, and Mikado could hear Bakura's heart beating rapidly. Even though he wasn't concious...the thief was...afraid.

Mikado winced and wrapped his arms around Bakura. "... I'm here..." He said softly, letting the tears flow freely. "I'm here with you... just like you wanted... I... I'm sorry..."

The god laughed at Mikado suddenly. "All this because he loved you." he said laughing. "Love is ironic for you invaders..." The snake devoured the heart, which caused Bakura to gasp again, beginning to quake in fear. "You cant accept feelings until it's far beyond too late."

Mikado sniffled. "... If he did love me... he had a strange way of showing it..." He mumbled. "... I... I would have helped him if he had only asked!!!" He shook his head. "... I... I still would..."

The god's tail tightened around Bakura's waist. "Yet you love him...or you would not be here."

Mikado looked up at the god. "M-Me? LOVE him?! N-No! How could I... love him?"

"Then why are you here?" The god hissed. "Here, when you know you are unwelcome, and this child has sealed the entrance to keep you and other invaders out hmm?"

Mikado winced. "That doesn't mean I don't CARE!!!" He cried.

"Well there is nothing left here for you to care for...get out." The snake hissed at Mikado looking Bakura over before beginning to devour him.

Bakura gasped again and his quaking slowly died down as the snake ate his soul.

Mikado's eyes widened. "What?! No! STOP!!! DON'T!!!" He cried.

The god turned its eyes to Mikado, Bakura's legs and waist already down it's throat. ~Why should I stop for you? He sacrificed himself to spare your hides. You should join your own people, and leave this place.~

Mikado shook his head, eyes wide. "This isn't something I can just put behind me!!!" He cried. "Please!!! Why does anyone have to die?!"

~It is our culture, that man bleeds for the gods.~ The snake continued slowly devouring Bakura's soul. ~This child knew what was at stake. He knew what would become of him and he still returned and invoked this ritual to stop my rage from destroying the very land you dwell on.~

Bakura's breathing was beginning to slow as the snake ate, the faint color draining from his skin. ~You invaders pay no homage to the gods who created the land...pay no tribute to the very land that sustains you. Offer no thanks to the beasts you slay to feed you, clothe you and remove burdens from you...~ The snake's eyes flashed. ~This child offered the ultimate thanks, that you filthy heathen white men, can live on this land in peace.~

Mikado shook his head. "Please... spare him..." He cried. "I will gladly take his place!"

The snake continued slowly devouring Bakura now to his mid-chest. ~Why would I want you? You're a filthy heathen...get out of my city and leave this place in peace.~

Mikado stared calmly. "... No."

~Are you willing to make his sacrifice worthless by enraging me again?~ The snake hissed as it ate, slowly working it's way to his shoulders. ~What a thank you, to the only person who cared about you and your invading people.~

Mikado winced. "That is why I will not leave him..." He whimpered, and once more lay his head on Bakura's chest, curling up and closing his eyes.

The snake laughed, lashing his tail around Mikado's waist and tightening his grip, finally swallowing Bakura. "Then you may join him..." He hissed, as Bakura's body glowed brightly, before fading into nothingness.

Mikado let out a cry, staring down at the stones where Bakura's body used to lie.

The snake jerked Mikado forward, and his world filled with intense white-pain. Within seconds he was staring himself in the eyes, as his body fell to the stones, his eyes empty and wide with fear. The snake god chuckled gazing at Mikado with amusement before beginning to devour him quickly.

Mikado just sat till for a moment, stunned, before he began to scream.

The snake was wasting no time talking this time, he was well past Mikado's hips by the time Mikado had woken from his stunned daze. His throat seemed to draw him in, and Mikado could feel the saliva and the ribs of the snake grinding against his legs.

Mikado squirmed and writhed, crying in horror and disgust, but not once did he ask the snake to stop...

Once the snake had worked Mikado far enough down it's throat that his chest was consumed, Mikado found it hard to breathe, and he could feel his clothing tearing in the snake's throat as the bones and saliva were already beginning to break him down. Finally, the snake swallowed him, the jaws closing and forcing Mikado's world into darkness.

Mikado sobbed, unable to move... and the thought running through his head was ~have I brought destruction to everyone I love? Mom... Dad... grandfather... Ahmose... my friends... Ryou, Malik and Yugi... Mai and Marik... Yami...~ He whimpered. ~... Bakura... I wish I had known... I would have helped you and this never would have happened... I'm so sorry... I... I love you...~

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