Cast The First Stone

Within a few days, the group finally managed to make it to the Vatican, where they were greeted by Pegasus and Ryou.

Yami was riding Nakhti alone (it was helping him improve his balance) and Ahmose rode behind Mikado on Geist (Mikado seemed to be asleep).

”Here.”  Ahmose said to Pegasus.  “Take him.”  And he lowered Mikado off of the horse.

While Pegasus graciously accepted Mikado, heading back into the Vatican, Ryou approached Ahmose and greeted him, but once glance at Yami and all thoughts of greeting his friends flew out the window and instead he blurted “What happened to Yami?!”

Ahmose sighed.  “He, uh…  he’s human.  And his evil demon half is… running loose out there somewhere.”  He explained, leading Geist and Nakhti to the stable and helping Yami off of the horse, making sure he was balanced before removing his hands from the exiled King’s shoulders.

Yami balanced himself against one of the stalls, waiting for Ahmose to finish with the horses.

“So, um…  Yeah…  you’re gonna help me inside, right?” 

Ahmose turned and looked at Yami.  “Yes.  But I ain’t carrying you up to the fourth floor.”

Yami gave Ahmose big eyes.  “Pleeeeeeease?  I hated the stairs before, I really hate them now, I’m just gonna fall down, and I don’t wanna fall down four flights of stairs, I won’t come out of it intact!!!” 

Ahmose snorted.  “Don’t worry.  We’ll take it nice and slow…”  He snickered, grinning.

“That’s even worse!!!  I don’t wanna look like an old bitty!!!”  Yami whined.

”Look on the bright side.  Most of the Agents won’t be awake for another hour or two.”  Ahmose said cheerfully.

“Well, if we take it slow they’ll wake up before we’re halfway there!!!  Can’t you carry me just this once?  I promise next time we have sex I’ll let you lead…”  Yami said temptingly. 

Ahmose gave Yami a look.  “It’s really sad when the king of demons can’t even walk up some stairs on his own.”  He said.

“The King of demons can walk up the stairs on his own just fine!  It’s this dopey human who can’t!  I hate humans…”  Yami muttered.

Ahmose snorted.  “I’ll keep that in mind next time you wake up with morning wood and want to get it on.”  He said.  “But okay.  You will walk up one flight.  I will carry you the rest of the way.  And next time we go up, you will walk up two flights before I will carry you.  Then three, and then all the way to the fourth floor.  Okay?”

“No!”  Yami blurted.  “No, that’s not okay!  I want all four flights this time, next time I’ll walk up one flight of stairs.  I’m off balance, I’m tired, I’m human, and I miss my tail…  and wings.  I miss my wings, too.”

Ahmose blinked and raised an eyebrow, looking at Ryou.

Ryou blinked and shrugged.  “He’s royalty, you gotta do what he says.  Even if he is a human, he looks dopey without his wings.”

“See?  See?!  I look dopey without my wings!  I can’t walk up stairs!  I can’t be seen like this, I absolutely NEED you to carry me up the stairs!!!”  Yami howled excitedly.  “Besides, you never carried me over the threshold!!!  Isn’t that human tradition?” 

Ahmose gave Yami a look.  “Over the threshold.  Not up four flights of stairs.”  He said.  “And I’m tired, too.  You’re walking up one flight.”

Yami gave Ahmose a look.  “I’ll remember this.  And you’ll regret it one day…”

Ahmose chuckled.  “Yes, dear.”  He said.  “You’re still walking up the stairs.”

Yami mumbled and grumbled incoherently, and Ryou burst into giggles.  “I don’t think Ahmose would appreciate it if you tried to screw him in his sleep.” 

”Too late.”  Ahmose said.  “Been there, done that.”

“Not with a candle stick.”  Yami corrected.

Ahmose stared at Yami.  “…  You are such a freak.”

“Chosen of the freak.”  Yami countered.

Ahmose snorted.  “Yeah, yeah…”  He mumbled, closing the stall doors.  “Now you get to walk up TWO flights.”

“That just means I’m going to wake you with a lit Vatican candle up your ass.  You know… one of the big ones.”  Yami said with a happy grin.

Ahmose and Ryou both stared in horror.

Yami smirked.  “Still got it…”  He announced proudly.  Ahmose sighed and shook his head, rubbing his face.

”Let’s start heading up the stairs.”  He grumbled.

Yami stumbled over to Ahmose and leaned on him.  “You gonna carry me?”  He said, smiling.

”We’ll see how you behave between here and the second floor.”  Ahmose replied, calmly.

Yami sighed.  “You’re intent on making me go upstairs covered in bruises, aren’t you?”

”I won’t carry you for that first flight…”  Ahmose said.  “But I won’t let you fall.”

“You promise?”  Yami asked, skeptically.  “You know how I hate pain.”

”Yes, Yami.  I do.”  Ahmose snickered.  “I don’t want you to be in pain.  That and your mother would kill me.”

“Damn straight.”  Yami huffed.

 Ahmose grinned.  “Come on Yami.  Let’s begin the epic climb.”  He said, heading out of the stable.

Yami sighed heavily and followed Ahmose, Ryou giggling behind them.

Luckily the climb up the stairs wasn't too problematic...Yami only almost fell 4 times, and actually DID fall twice.

Of course, Ahmose was there to catch him each and every time, laughing all the way.  They reached the second floor and looked at the next set of stairs.  Ahmose turned and grinned at Yami.  "Need a breather before you tackle the next set?"  He asked.

Yami glared daggers at Ahmose.  "You're carrying me."  he said stubbornly.  "I'm not doing that again."

Ahmose grinned.  "Okay, okay.  But next time you do TWO flights of stairs."  He said, swinging Yami up into his arms and heading up the stairs.  "Lazy bum..."

Yami grinned and nuzzled right up to Ahmose.  "Ahh.."  he said quite contently.  "I like this."

Ahmose rolled his eyes, sighing.  He glanced back at the giggling Ryou, giving him a look.

"You two are so cute!"  Ryou chirped grinning.  "I wish Marik was that romantic with me."

Yami snickered and gave Ahmose a lovestruck look.  "Oh Ahmose."  he breathed, feigning romance.

Ahmose gave Yami a look.  "I WILL make you walk the rest of the way."  He warned.

Yami wrinkled his nose and crossed his arms.  "Brat."

Ahmose raised an eyebrow.  "Oh, look at the pot calling the kettle black..."

"Huh?"  Yami blinked.  "Where?"

Ahmose gave Yami a look.

"What?"

"Nothing..."  Ahmose said, rolling his eyes.  He began heading up the third flight of stairs to the fourth floor, while Pegasus took Mikado the vampire's Elite quarters on the same floor.

Meanwhile Bakura hadn't stopped tormenting Mikado...  Mikado could FEEL his scorn.

Mikado was curled up on the bed where Pegasus had laid him, whimpering and squirming slightly as if in a nightmare...  it was making it difficult for Pegasus to remove his belt and weapons (his boots had already been tossed across the room).  The vampire was also sweating slightly.

"Mikado calm down!"  Pegasus said sternly.  "I can’t get you undressed when you're tossing and turning!"

Mikado groaned slightly, furrowing his brow in his sleep, and clutching the pillow under his head, tightly.

Pegasus sighed once he'd gotten the belt off of Mikado and decided that was good enough.  He tucked the youth in and exited, leaving Mikado to Bakura's torments.

Mikado opened his eyes once the door closed.  If Pegasus had known he was awake, he would have received a lecture...  He sat up, trying to block out Bakura's...  negative feelings towards him, but...  he had his sire had always been so close...  Mikado had never really needed to learn how to block his sire.  He had never wanted to...  until now...  whenever there was a block, it had always been Bakura who had erected it...  it had always upset Mikado, but now...  he wished it was there...

He could feel Bakura's amusement at that.  ~Want to block me out do you?  Go ahead...  once you do you'll never be able to get connected with me again.~  he taunted.  ~Not that you have much chance of finding me anyway~

Mikado winced, pausing in removing his jacket.  He closed his eyes tightly, fighting back the tears.  Bakura's cruel taunts hurt horribly...  Mikado had decided quite a while ago that he would rather go through his rape, torture and crucifixion at the hands of Itemri and the evil controlled Yami again than continue one more day with his sire hating him...

Bakura laughed harshly.  ~Poor baby.~  he snorted in amusement.  ~It must be a harsh lesson for you.~

Mikado grit his teeth, refusing to answer, hoping that if he stayed silent, Bakura would eventually get tired of taunting him and would leave him alone...

~I know you can hear me, and that you're just staying silent hoping I'll leave you alone.  You kept PRODDING me for attention, now you're getting it.~  Bakura laughed.  ~Maybe next time I leave you alone you'll think twice before bothering ME with your pathetic mewling.~

Mikado's heart ached.  It was as if he could feel the rift between Bakura and himself growing wider, and the wider it got, the more it hurt...  the more lost and alone Mikado felt...  the more young he felt, as if he were seventeen again, and not nearly one hundred twenty years of age...

~Ha!  It must ache to hear me telling you how little I care for you now.~  Bakura taunted.  ~It must hurt to think that I will be seeking a vampire more MY age...  and less of a fledgling like you.~

Mikado winced, dropping his jacket.  Unconcsiouly, he reached up and gripped his chest over his heart, the blood flowing as his claws dug into his flesh, almost as if he were trying to tear out his aching heart...  desperately trying to rip out the pain.

~And now you can go back to that idiot Otogi.~  Bakura hissed.  ~You loved him before, and you ALWAYS held a torch for him, even after he was frozen and gone.  Well you can have him.  You DESERVE him, because you sure as hell don’t deserve me.~

Mikado's eyes opened wide, the tears flowing again...  He felt that they had not stopped since Bakura threw him out of his life...  His fist tightened its hold on his chest, tearing fabric and flesh as his claws dug in deeper, cutting through skin and muscle until they were digging into the bone and cartilage of his rib cage.  His other arm was wrapped over his abdomen, his fingers digging into his side.  Enehy whined from where she was lying by the fire, warming herself.

~Or...  you could just end it all.~  Bakura said darkly.

Mikado sucked in his breath harshly, stunned.  ~...  would that please you?~  He asked, suddenly.  ~Would you mourn my passing?  Would you even care?~

~It wouldn't matter.~  Bakura replied after a moment.  ~Whatever you do right now, has no meaning to me.~

Mikado sat quietly, staring off into space.  His blood soaked into his clothes and the bed, but he didn't notice.  His mind had gone strangely blank.  He didn't move.

~There's a thin line between love and hate Mikado...  and you crossed it.~  Bakura growled finally growing silent once more, though his negative feelings were just as strong as before.

It was another hour before Mikado moved.  When he did, he slowly stood and headed for the door.  Enehy watched him go, whimpering, ears laid back.  She stood and followed her master.  Mikado went out into the hall and headed for the stairs, beginning to climb.  Down below, he could hear the activity in the kitchen.  The Agents of the Vatican were beginning to awaken and ready themselves for the day...  the sun was going to rise soon...  he wanted to see it...

Otogi was walking down the hall, still wandering around in a half-asleep daze.  He grinned when he caught sight of Mikado and walked up the stairs after him.  "Hey!  Good morning Mikado!"  he said rubbing his eyes.  "How're you doin?”

Mikado didn't answer.  His mind was still blank, as was his face...  he walked as if in a trance, his claws still gripping his chest and side.  All he could think about was the beauty of the sunrise, and his intense desire to see it...

Otogi shook his head in shock when he saw the blood.  "Mikado!" he grabbed his friend and tried to pry the claws away from the wounds.  "Stop! You're hurting yourself!"

But it was like trying to move the arms of a marble statue.  Mikado headed up another set of stairs, heading to one of the towers...  it was a tower he was familiar with.  A century ago he stood on the tower with a cross bow, taking aim at Itemri who was forcing Bakura into a Blood Rage...  And in that Blood Rage he had hurt Mikado horribly...  he had taken his ring and his BloodStone cross... he had thrown the boy out of the fourth story window, then left him there...  he had bricked Mikado up in his cellar and left him to die... 

Mikado released his side and opened the door, stepping outside into the cold air that had come in following the rain a few days ago.  Frost made Rome a dull white-gray...  Mikado vaguely thought to himself, once the sun rose the city would sparkle...  It would be a beautiful sight to behold...

Otogi hurried behind Mikado and pulled him.  "Mikado you can’t be out!  It's almost DAWN!"  he gasped.  "Stop!"

But Otogi was just dragged along with Mikado, which frightened the Journeyman...  trying to stop Mikado was like...  like trying to stop the wind!  He was so strong...

"Mikado please!"  Otogi pleaded.  "Don’t do this!"

Mikado moved to the edge of the railing, not feeling the biting cold of the wind, nor the frosty stones under his bare feet.  He just stared at the horizon, pink and orange and purple as the sun grew closer to peeking over the clouds that had formed at the horizon...  the sun had risen...  and it was only moments away from breaking out of its cloud cover...  Mikado waited, no fear or joy in him...  only emptiness....

"Mikado, what about Ahmose?!"  Otogi wailed, tears breaching his eyes.  "You can’t leave him!  You can’t leave ME!"  he sobbed into his friend's arm.  "Please don’t do this!"  He tried tugging Mikado back inside once more, pulling with all his strength.

Mikado still didn't move.  He showed no reaction to Otogi's desperate struggles and pleas.  His eyes widened slightly when a sliver of gold appeared over the clouds.  The city and the countryside beyond it seemed to awaken, sparkling brightly as if covered by millions of diamonds.  The sun continued to rise, more and more of the glowing disc emerging every second.  And Mikado just stared as his skin began to turn pink, a single red tear streaking its way down his face.

Otogi gasped and hurried to the door.  "HELP!  SOMEONE!  MIKADO'S LOST HIS MIND!"  he called hoping upon hope someone would come in time to save Mikado.  Meanwhile he kept pulling as hard as he could against Mikado, desperately trying to get him inside.

But they were six floors up, on the roof...  Everyone was down on the lower levels heading for the dining hall for breakfast...  Ahmose and Yami were both fast asleep, as was Ryou, Marik and Malik.  Otogi slowly slumped to his knees...  there was no time...  no hope...  no chance.  Mikado's skin was beginning to blister, tears still flowing down his face, his claws still embedded within his own chest.  But he was smiling lightly, a look of relief on his face...  his shirt caught fire...

Otogi yelped in shock and took off his cloak, trying to pat the fire away.  "Mikado PLEASE!  Stop!  Go inside!"

Suddenly, there was a shadow over Mikado's face.

"Cover him!!!"  Came the small cry, and Yugi darted around Mikado and Otogi.  "Cover him with your cloak!!!  I'll get help!!!"  He squeaked, and whirled, darting straight down off of the tower, heading for the courtyard.

Otogi quickly tossed his cloak over Mikado's head and pulled it down, knowing that the vampire's clothes would protect him a bit while the cloak would protect the exposed skin. 

Yugi flew through the front doors that were wide open as Agents came and went.  He flew into the dining hall, screaming on the top of his little lungs, but couldn't be heard over the noise of the Agents eating.  He headed for the head table where the Council ate.  A Scout blinked and nudged the man next to him, pointing.  But Yugi whirled when he saw Dartz and Pegasus enter.  He did an about face and charged at them, nearly flying right into Dartz's left eye.  He then began darting around their heads.

"Mikado!!!  Mikado and Otogi!!!  On the roof!!!  The sun!!  Hurry!!!"

Dartz and Pegasus' eyes widened and they scrambled up the stairs to get to Ahmose in time. 

Yami yelped when he was nearly trampled.  "GAAH!  What the hell?!" 

Yugi led the way, shouting for Dartz and Pegasus to hurry.

"Yami!!"  He squeaked.  "Mikado's trying to kill himself!!!"

Yami blinked.  "...he's wha?"  he said confused.  "HEY AHMOSE!"  he shouted.  "MIKADO'S KILLIN' HIMSELF!"

Yugi led the two elder Agents to the roof, where Otogi had dragged Mikado to the ground and was lying on top of him, covering him in the cloak.

The three agents combined were able to lift Mikado and force him inside, slamming the door shut, stopping the sun's harmful light from touching Mikado. 

Otogi was sobbing.  "Mikado!  Mikado!"

Yugi was flittering around their heads, whimpering pitifully.  Ahmoe came charging up the stairs in his pajamas, a whining Yami waiting at the bottom of the stairs rather than trying to climb on his own without Ahmose to catch him should he fall.

Pegasus uncovered Mikado and winced at the burns.  "Mikado what in heaven's name is wrong with you?!  Suicide is a SIN!"

Mikado just twitched a bit, skin blackened and cracked.  Ahmose frowned, reaching out and stroking Mikado's hair.

"...  Mikado..."

~Cant even kill yourself properly.~  Bakura's voice sneered.  ~Pathetic.~

Mikado jerked, throwing his head back and screaming.  It was high pitched and filled with such agony devastation that everyone who heard it also felt it, like a knife on raw nerves.

~Yeah, that's right.  Scream and cry like the pathetic child you are.~  Bakura growled.   ~Forever a pathetic child.~

But then, something happened that even Bakura could never anticipate.  Mikado went completely limp and silent... and so did his mind.  All of a sudden, Mikado's mind was completely blank.  There were no thoughts... no emotions...  there was nothing...

Bakura closed their link shaking his head.  Mikado must have succeeded in finally finding death.

Otogi howled with sorrow.  "Mikado!  Mikado please!"

Ahmose stared at his brother, then picked him up and quickly headed down the stairs.  "Get Nikolas!!!"  He called over his shoulder.

Otogi stood and scurried down the stairs rushing to Nikolas' chambers.  "Nikolas!  Mikado!  He's hurt!"  he howled, waking the vampire, who was just laying down to sleep. 

Nikolas grumbled, but got up and followed Otogi to Mikado's room.Ahmose had laid Mikado on his bed and slowly stripped him down, inspecting the damage.  Mikado's body was badly burned, but that was only one concern...  Mikado stared blankly at the cieling, his chest barely rising and falling with shallow breathes, and red blood tears tricklking from his glassy eyes.  Ahmose turned and looked at Yami, fear in his own face.

Yami trotted in slowly, still a bit wobbly, but improving.  "He....He'll be ok."  he whispered kneeling next to Ahmose, beside the bed.  "Mikado's really strong...he'll pull through."

Ahmose shook his head.  "Mikado is strong, yes...  like a stone wall...  hard blocks of courage and strength...  but I read that Bakura was the mortar that held him together..."

Yami frowned.  "The...only sad thing about human love...is...what happens when it dies..."

Ahmose nodded slowly.  "Yes...  because when love dies on one side...  there is another side that suddenly finds itself without it's other half...  and it flounders blindly...  desperately...  until it, too, dies...  And sometimes...  the person the love came from, dies with it..."

Yami hugged Ahmose and looked at Mikado worriedly.  "I know...he'll be ok."

Nikolas and Otogi burst in at that, and Otogi watched as Nikolas began looking Mikado over.  All eagerly waiting the 'verdict' on his condition.

Nikolas frowned.  "He needs to feed."  He said.  "And someone will need to watch over him.  Closely."

"Ahmose can watch him."  Yami said after a moment.  "It's not like you could get him to leave if you wanted."  Yami said shrugging.  "And...well I'm human.  Can he feed from me?"

Nikolas nodded.  "Yes...  but he needs a significant amount of blood..."

"S'not like I'm using it."  Yami said shrugging.  "I dont intend to do anything really strenuous and if he needs a DANGEROUS amount, then I'm sure Otogi over there would donate too." 

Otogi nodded.  "Of course."

Nikolas bit his own wrist and held it to Mikado's mouth.  The blood trickled it, but it just pooled in the back of his throat.  Mikado didn't swallow.

Yami frowned, and gently rubbed Mikado's throat.  Finally the youth unconsiously swallowed.

Nikolas sighed.  "This...  will be difficult..."  He said softly as Ahmose held Mikado's head in his lap, gently running his fingers through the vampire's hair.

Yami and the others watched worried.  "What are you gonna do?"  he asked after a moment.

"Feed him as best I can..."  Nikolas said.  Ahmose sighed and laid his hands on Mikado's head, closing his eyes.

Yami nodded, watching in silence, as did everyone else.  The 'feeding' session took nearly two hours, as Mikado had to be coaxed to swallow every mouthful.

By the end of it, everyone was exhausted.  Ahmose shook his head.  "I...  I can feel his mind..."  He said softly, pressing his forehead to Mikado's.  "But...  I can't FIND it..."

Yami blinked.  "Huh?  What do you mean?"

 

Ahmose sighed.  "I mean that Mikado's mind has retreated into itself and has hidden itself and locked itself away and...  and I can't find it..."

Yami frowned and sighed hugging Ahmose.  "Then...maybe he just needs some time to heal.  It's all we can do for right now..."

Though Mikado's mind had retreated...it continued to be haunted by images of Itemri, and now...those images were joined by an ugly ugly portrayal of his once-lover.  Both laughed evil laughs...tormenting him.

For the next week, Ahmose did not leave Mikado's side.  He ate by his brother, slept by his brother, the only time he ever left was to use the bathroom.

But Mikado never knew.  He was trapped in his own mind...and the torment had stopped not long after he'd passed out.  Infact...when he awoke...he was in his nightshirt, back home.  The wood stove was burning, the room pleasantly warming his room in Bakura's manor. 

Mikado looked around, confused.  Slowly, he slid from the bed and pulled on his robe, walking out into the hallway.

He could hear the soft giggles of the maid girls as he walked, and smell the roasting dinner.  As he walked, he noticed Bakura's study was alight, and he could smell the candlewax, and hear the light scratching of Bakura's quill.

Still confused, Mikado slowly walked into Bakura's study, heart pounding.

There sat his lover, calmly writing away on his papers.  After a moment he looked up.  "Mikado...You're up rather early aren't you?"

Mikado just stared at Bakura, eyes wide and confused, and mouth handing open.

Bakura raised an eyebrow.  "Dont stare.  It's rude."

"You...  you're back..."  Mikado breathed.

"I...never left."  Bakura said raising an eyebrow.  "Are you ok Mikado?"

Mikado blinked.  "W-What?  But...  you...  you threw me out...  like...  a month and a half, two months ago... then you left..."

Bakura let out a rich laugh.  "You must be having some terrible nightmares."

Mikado just stared, looking even MORE confused.  "How...  how did I get here?"  He asked in a tiny voice.

"Well, I'm going to go out on a limb, and say you walked downstairs from our room."  Bakura said giving Mikado an odd look and standing.  He strode across the room and pressed his wrist to Mikado's forehead, feeling for fever.  "Mikado...are you alright?"  he asked, giving his childe a worried look.

Mikado gave a tiny squeak.  "You...  hated me...  you...  you told me you didn't care whether I lived or died...  so...  so I went up to one of the towers...  to watch the sun rise..."  Mikado mumbled softly.

Bakura's eyes widened and he pulled Mikado into his arms rubbing his back.  "Mikado..."  he breathed hugging his childe firmly.  "I would NEVER hate you."

Mikado shook his head.  "NO!!!  You did!!!  I... I left, and when I came back you were kissing Fei Long!!!"  He cried.  "You told me I wasn't welcome in your life!!!  You told me to leave!!!"  Mikado flung his arms around Bakura, holding tightly to him.  "Ryou...  he came to talk to you and you had... left...  Taken the horses and...  left..."

Bakura shook his head, kissing Mikado's cheek.  "It was a nightmare..."  he purred in Mikado's ear.  "I'd never leave you...I love you."

"But...  but it happened WEEKS ago!!!  I went to Yami's realm with Ahmose and stayed there a week or so but then there was a revolt and they tried to burn us at the stake and Yami saved us and brought us bakc here but he was split into a human and a demon and the demon raped me and ran and then you started talking to me in my head and telling me I was worthless and stupid and I cried and you just laughed at me and... and..."  Mikado's hysterical rambling faded as he burst into tears, holding tightly to Bakura, digging his claws in.

Bakura gently rocked Mikado side to side, whispering loving comforts in his ear.  "Dont cry..."  he said rubbing Mikado's back.  "It was all just a nightmare...I'm here.  I'm here..."

"You...  you promised you would never leave me..."  Mikado cried, slowly dropping to his knees, his shaking legs unable to support him any longer.  "But you did...  you did..."

Bakura knelt and hugged Mikado.  "Shh...I'm here.  See?"  he said lifting Mikado's chin with his hand and smiling.  "I'm always here for you.  It's what lovers do."  he kissed Mikado slowly.  After a moment he pulled back and pulled the handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped away Mikado's tears.  "No more tears...alright?"

Mikado just shook his head, nearly hyperventilating.  He was also clutching so tightly to Bakura that his claws were digging into his sire's very bones.

Bakura winced slightly.  "Mikado..."  he pulled Mikado close and cradled him.  "Your claws."  he whispered.  "You need to calm down.  That hurts."

Mikado didn't let go...  his knuckles were white as he clung to his sire, shaking and trying to get his sobs under control.

Bakura sighed shaking his head and holding Mikado.  "Shhh...it's ok...calm down..."  he ran a hand through Mikado's hair, knowing it helped calm the youth down.  "Shhh....calm down."

Slowly, over about twenty minutes, Mikado's grip loosened, and he quieted.  But he still clung to Bakura, and still sniffled and hiccuped a bit, slumped into his sire's chest.

Bakura chuckled.  "Shh..."  he slowly stood, Mikado in his arms.  "my poor Mikado..."  he cooed kissing his forehead.  "Do you feel better?"

Mikado gave a tiny nod.  He didn't let go of Bakura, but he shifted his grip, hiding his face in Bakura's shoulder.

Bakura smiled and rubbed Mikado's back.  "What could make you feel better?"  he said kissing his cheeks.  "What can I do Mikado...to soothe you?"

"Please let this be real..."  Mikado gasped.  "Please don't let this be a dream..."

Bakura laughed and nuzzled into Mikado's hair, trailing kisses over his cheek.  "You're not dreaming."  Bakura said walking into their room and sitting on the bed, hugging Mikado and continuing to rock him.  "But I think that I'm going to have to put my foot down on feeding RIGHT before you sleep. Look how shaken you are from your nightmares."  Bakura gave Mikado a playful scolding. 

Mikado shook his head.  "N-No..."  He whimpered.  "I...  but I've hardly fed at all over the past three weeks..."

Bakrua chuckled.  "Mikado, it was a nightmare."  he said looking amused.  "You're perfectly well fed."  he snorted ruffling Mikado's hair.  "Your imagination is getting away with you."

Mikado stared at Bakura with wide eyes, shaking his head in hope, disbeleif, and skepticism.

Bakura pressed his forehead to Mikado's, giving his lips a light kiss.  "Oh?  Then how am I here, if I've run off away?" 

Mikado whimpered, and just shook his head.  "You...  you came back?  Did...  did you get me fromt the Vatican?  How long ago?  It must have been a while for my burns to have healed..."

Bakura burst into laughter.  "Mikado for the hundreth time!  You were dreaming!"  he said shaking with his laughter.  "We've been here...together.  Remember?"  he rubbed Mikado's back.  "Yesterday Ahmose and Yami came to visit...and the reaper came to get them."  he said calmly.  

Mikado blinked.  "Y-Yester... day?"

Bakura nodded.  "Yesterday."

Mikado frowned.  "So..."  He slowly looked down and at his left hand... was his ring there...?

Indeed it was, gleaming and beautiful as ever.  Bakura caught Mikado's hand, and kissed it.  "Are you ok now?"

Mikado slowly looked up at Bakura, then kissed him fiercly.

Bakura yelped before laughing into the kiss.  ~Gods Mikado, that must have been the worst nightmare ever.~  he teased kissing back, an amused sparkle in his eyes. 

~It was...  the most horrible thing in the world...  I wanted to die...  I TRIED to die...  and when I failed...  you taunted me...  telling me what a pathetic failure I was...  and then...  nothing...  it all just... faded...  I could hear Master Pegasus...  Ahmose...  Yami...  Otogi...  but...~

Bakura kissed Mikado once more.  ~Shh...it was all a nightmare.~  he stood and pat Mikado's head once he'd pulled from the kiss.  "rest Mikado...you look a mess."  he smirked.  "Lilith will be in soon, to work on your dress for the chirstmas ball."

Mikado grabbed Bakura again, staring at him with wide eyes.  "N-No..."  He whimpered.

Bakura blinked.  "No?"

"Don't leave me!!!"  The boy gasped, fear in his eyes.

Bakura blinked befoer laughing and sitting back on the bed.  "You're bound and determined to keep me from my work, you horrible scamp.'

"That...  that's why we fought in the first place..."  Mikado whispered, clutching Bakura tightly and wiggling his way into his lap.

Bakura sighed and kissed Mikado's forehead, letting his child curl up in his lap.  "Alright...this once."  he said softly.  "I'll let my work slide for you." 

Mikado looked up, sadly.  "Is your work more important to you than me?"

Bakura chuckled and kissed Mikado.  "Is your work more important than me?"  Bakura mirrored smirking. 

Mikado blinked, then pouted.  "So why can't you do your work while I do mine?  Then we can be together when I'm home..."

"I've more work than you."  Bakura said running a hand through Mikado's hair.  "As an ancient...and as a lover....I want only the best for you.  I work tirelessly...to ensure that you can live happily."

"But I'm happy when I'm with YOU.  Not when I'm sitting in the living room waiting fof you finish your work and come to me..."  Mikado said softly.

Bakura rubbed Mikado's back lovingly.  "Then...from now on...come to me."  he said pulling Mikado into a hug.  "Sometimes I forget how young you are...and that you need more attention than someone my age..."

Mikado frowned.  "I did come to you the other night... and you...  just kept working...  until I was FURIOUS.  THEN you came...  only when I...  when I didn't want to be near you..."

Bakura took Mikado's hands.  "use your words Mikado..."  Bakura said softly.  "Actions speak louder than words....but sometimes words tell someone what they really need to hear."  Bakura rested his chin in Mikado's hair.  "Tell me if I'm hurting you...so I can stop.  Tell me what you feel...so I can feel it too."

Mikado sniffled and slowly nodded, curling up in Bakura's arms.  "I love you..."  He whispered softly.  "I will always love you...  I...  I would rather die than live without you..."

Bakura nodded.  "I love you too Mikado...and I've always been dead...until I knew you."

Mikado frowned slightly, curling up even tighter.  "...  Do...  Do you love Fei Long...?"  He asked, softly.

Bakura blinked and chuckled.  "A long time ago...I thought I did."  he said softly.  "But...he and I weren't a very compatible pair...and Itemri wanted us to love eachother.  Which only made me more determined to not let it work."

Mikado sniffled.  "But Itemri is dead...  would you...  love him now?"

"I have someone far better."  Bakura said softly.  "You're more beautiful...more loving...more adventurous..."  Bakura kissed Mikado.  "Full of an eternity's worth of life...for us to live together."

"Then why did you...  cast me out of your life?"  Mikado whispered, brokenly.

Bakura chuckled.  "It was just a dream."

Mikado whimpered and shook his head.  "No... no...  it wasn't...  I...  I'm SURE of it..."  He cried.

Bakura rubbed his back.  "But you're wrong.  If that were true...I wouldn't be here now."

"You came back!"  Mikado cried, looking up at Bakura.  "You...  you came back to me..."

"Mikado...if I left you...I would not come back."  Bakura said hugging him.  "I would be too hurt...to ever consider it."

Mikado's eyes widened and he whimpered, digging his claws into Bakura again, clinging.  "...  This...  this IS a dream then..."  He mumbled.

Bakura winced.  "Mikado...your claws."

Slowly, Mikado withdrew his claws.  He slowly moved away from Bakura, sliding out of his lap and off of the bed, staring down the entire time, a look of deep sadness and disappointment on his face.

Bakura gave Mikado a sad look as well.  "Alright then..."  he said standing and walking from the room. 

Mikado listened to his sire walk down the hall, before backing into the wall and sliding to the floor, crying.

Slowly, the room grew cold...it darkened.  The lavish room slowly fell into disrepair and neglect.  The woodstove burning out, rusting and slowly falling to pices.  Just like Mikado's heart, the mansion he'd shared memories with Bakura in, was crumbling.

Seeing the rapid decay of his home, only made Mikado cry harder.  "God, please!!!"  He sobbed, rocking himself.  "Please...  take me away...  take me away from all of this!!!"

That's when he heard the neighing of the horses outside, and the beginnings of hooves against the grass.  The soft sobbing of the servants soon followed...loudest of all, was Lilith.

Slowly, he looked up.  He walked to the window, and looked outside.

He saw with his own eyes, Bakura in his cloak, directing his horses, and riding away slowly, to keep track of the foals.

Mikado stared, watching as Bakura rode away.  He sighed and looked down, slowly dropping to his knees again.

The dream was over...Bakura was gone.

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

Mikado became away of someone on either side of him, and soft voices.  A moment later, he recognized the voices of Pegasus and Nikolas, and picked up the sent of the two Agents, along with Otogi, Ryou, Ahmose and Yami in the room as well...  Marik and Malik's scents were present but they were not in the room at the moment...

"Oh Ahmose!" Yami said nudging him slightly.  "Mikado's waking up!"  he said motioning to Mikado's fluttering eyelids.  "He's ok!"

Ahmose turned and leaned over his brother, the others walking over to the bed.  Mikado moaned.  He tried to open his eyes, but he was so tired and groggy and weak...  His eyelids just fluttered more.

Yami ran a hand through Mikado's hair. 

"C'mon Mikado, wake up."  he urged.  "Ahmose's really worried.  Just open your eyes for a little while."

Mikado moaned weakly.  "....  Y-Yami?"  He mumbled in a shakey whisper, turning his head ever so slightly towards the demon.  Err...  human...  Ahmose smiled and took his brother's hand.

"Come on, Mikado..."  He encouraged, gently.

Yami nodded.  "Yeah you can do it..."  he said continuing to urge Mikado to awaken fully.  "C'mon, we need you!"

Nikolas moved closer, biting his wrist and holding it to Mikado's mouth.  "Here...  this will help..."  He said.  Mikado twitched, but turned into Nikolas, drinking slowly.

Yami sighed as Mikado slowly began to awaken, thanks to Nikolas' blood feeding.  When Mikado's eyes finally opened he sighed in relief, glad to see his brother-in-law ok. 

Mikado's eyes were still dull, but he was focusing on everyone, looking around.

"God, I'm so glad you're alright..."  Ahmose breathed, brushing Mikado's hair out of his face.

Yami nodded.  "Yeah...I was worried too."  he bit his lip and blushed a bit.  "We're brothers right?"  he said grinning sheepishly.

Mikado smiled slightly.  "Yeah..."  He whispered.  "We are..."

Yami grinned and hugged Mikado.  "Good.  So get better!  I'd look like a bad brother if you died."

Mikado smiled.  "...  I...  I wanna go find Bakura."  He said, suddenly.

Pegasus nodded.  "Well...When you're healed you can."  he said after a moment.  "The council wanted you to investigate some things while you're out though..."

"Yeah...there's been a string of villages being attacked brutally...women being raped, men being killed, and children being well..."  Otogi shivered as he spoke.  "Yeah...and the string of villages are all directly south of eachother..."

Mikado blinked.  "...  Why...  why send me?"  He asked softly.  "Why not send someone out right away rather than wait for me to recover...?"

"Because we all knew you'd want to search out Bakura...and it's pretty unanimous that he's probably returned to his homeland."  Pegasus explained.

Mikado looked at him.  "To Egypt?"  He asked softly.

Otogi nodded.  "He...was sired in Egypt...Vampires tend to go to familiar places...when they're hurt.  Like a safe haven."

Mikado sighed and nodded.  "Then I will go to Egypt."  He said.

Yami grinned.  "Sounds like a road-trip."  he said proudly.  "Cause I know you wont want to leave Ahmose and I behind!"

Ahmose smiled.  "I wouldn't let Mikado go without me."  He said.  "Maybe it's the big brother in me, but...  I want to stay near you in case you need me."

Yami nodded.  "And I want to come too!"

Ahmose looked at him.  "Uhhh...  maybe it would be best if you stayed here..."

"WHAT?!"  Yami shrieked.  "NEVER!"

Ahmose winced.  "You can come...  when you can climb all the way up the stairs...  ALL the way up to the roof...  without falling."

Yami growled at Ahmose.  "You are horrible!"

Ahmose smiled.  "If we're travelling far with dangerous purpose, I don't want you falling down at bad times."

Yami pouted.  "You're not leaving me behind.  If I'm alone, who will defend me from my parent's killers?"

Ahmose rolled his eyes.  "You'll be safe in the Vatican."  He said.

Yami whined again.  "Ahmoooose!"

"Yami, if you come with us, you need to be able to handle youself."  Ahmose said sternly.

Yami pouted and looked away glaring at a wall.

Ahmose sighed, rolling his eyes.  He laid a hand on Yami's knee.  "Yami...  this is going to be dangerous...  and if you can't even walk and run properly...  well...  you could get us ALL killed..."

Yami sighed, and drooped.  "I'm doing the best I can!"

"You have until Mikado is ready to travel."  Ahmose said, finality in his voice.

Yami gave Ahmose a heart broken look.   "But Ahmose!"

"I mean it."  Ahmose said firmly.  "Better get practicing.  I'm sure Ryou would help."

Yami glared at him and stormed (kind of.)  out.

Ahmose sighed and shook his head, then looked down at his brother again.

"...  Why did you do it, Mikado?"  He asked, softly.  Mikado frowned and turned away.

Otogi sniffled.  "Dont ever do it again."

Mikado sighed.  "I...  I'm sorry..."  He mumbled, looking sad and ashamed.

Otogi nodded.  "It's ok...but Mikado...so many people love you...dont throw away life."

Mikado sighed and nodded.  "I had a dream..."  He said.  "I was with Bakura again... at home...  like none of this had ever happened...  and...  and I was so happy...  but it was only a dream."  He sighed.  "I'll do anything to feel that again...  for real..."

"Mikado..."  Otogi looked sad.  "You might not though....and...you have to be able to accept that...if you never have Bakura's love again."

Mikado winced and looked away.  "...  I'll never stop searching for him..."

Otogi smiled.  "Then...I hope for the best."  he said brightly.

Mikado nodded.  "I hope so, too...  I... I don't know how much longer I'll last without him...  I...  I feel like I'm losing my mind..."

Otogi nodded.  "Mikado...I'll always be here for you."  he said smiling and rubbing Mikado's hand.  "Even if Bakura's not."

Mikado sighed and nodded.  "I...  I've been with him for a hundred years...  I...  I don't like being without him...  It...  it scares me...  I miss him so much..."

"Then I hope you find just what you're looking for."  Otogi smiled.  "Once you're healed, you can go."

Otogi was right, within a week Otogi was healed,  Yami had managed to climb the stairs by himself like Ahmose had wanted...but he was also being sorely neglected, since Yami was still angry at him.

But everyone was ready to go.  Marik and Malik were eager to tag along, as was Otogi.  Even Pegasus was thinking of coming along.  Seto was also joining them.

Seto of course was getting Death glares from Yami, who was none too thrilled with the memories associated with that particular agent...

Ryou nuzzled Marik, taking their seats atop the carriage Mikado would ride in and cuddling together.  Ryou had packed blankets just in case, as well as a pair of pilfered pillows.  He had to have his pillows!

Seto and Otogi were talking quietly, and Pegasus finally decided to come along as well.  And at last, everyone was ready to go.  Mikado was on Geist and Ahmose was on Nakhti.  Malik had his own elven trained horse, and Otogi, Seto and Pegasus had their Vatican horses.  Abana and Enehy were nearby, fighting over a stick.

Confetti was coming along as well, as Ryou was still wearing his jingling collar, and when Ryou wasn't riding on the carriage, he was riding Confetti and loving on him.

Yugi was fluttering around the group, finally coming to rest on Yami's shoulder.  Nikolas, Dartz and Koenma were all there to see the group off.

"Keep everyone in line, Pegasus."  Dartz said, snickering.

Pegasus rolled his eyes.  "Dont make me leave the demon's human side with you." 

Yami perked up and turned to look at Dartz smiling.  "I could live with that..."

Ahmose laughed.  "All that stair climbing for nothing, Yami?"  He asked, as Dartz GLARED at Yami.

"I love him."  Yami said giving Dartz a purr. 

"Stay away from me."  Dartz snapped.

Yami pouted.  "You're a horrible flirt."

Dartz glared.  "And you're a perverted freak.  Stay away from me."

"But I'm human now!  You gotta love me a little!"

Dartz snorted.  "No magic in the universe could make YOU human.  You're just a mutant freak with a murdering demon half running around slaughtering, raping and pillaging his was across Italy.  That is HARDLY lovable material."

Ahmose whirled, glaring.  "HEY!!!"  He snapped, glaring at Dartz.  "Do not EVER speak to him like that again, or I'll cut out your fuckin tongue!!!"

Yami blushed and sighed dreamily.  "My Ahmose..." 

Dartz snorted and looked at Pegasus.  "I do NOT envy you."  He said.  "Good luck."  Then he turned and went back inside.

Pegasus groaned.  "Can we get moving before 'mutant' there decides to dismount his horse and mount Dartz or something?"

Ryou hid his laugh behind his hand.

Even Yugi got a few giggles in at that.  Yami however pouted.  "I'm NOT a mutant!"

"No, you're not."  Ahmose said, glaring at Pegasus.  "And then next person who calls you that will be turned INTO a mutant."  He threatened.

Ryou looked at Ahmose for a moment.  "Not that I'd ever call Yami that...but what if a mutant called him a mutant?"  he asked curiously.  "Would you turn the mutant into a human..."

Yami blinked and groaned. 

Ahmose blinked.  "...  Are you asking me to turn you into a human, Ryou?"

Ryou blinked and shook his head.  "Oh heavens no...then I couldn't run with Marik."  he kissed Marik's cheek.  "I just wondered what would happen if a mutant called Yami a mutant."

Ahmose rolled his eyes.  "...  Ryou, drive the carriage."  He groaned.

Ryou giggled. "alright...Confetti!"  he called and jingled his collar.  "C'mon lets go!"

With that, the group was off.  They reached the first village by nightfall...it was eerie.  Blood was everywhere...and some of the homes were burnt to the ground.  No one would come out to greet the holy men.

Mikado stared, eyes wide, and Ahmose looked shocked.

"My God..."  Marik breathed, and Yugi whimpered.

"What happened here?"  Seto gasped.

After a few moments, the remaining men of the village began leaving their homes, holding weapons and glaring.  "Get out!"  they howled.  Even young boys holding nothing more than hoes where waving them, glaring daggers at Yami.

Mikado rode forwards.  "We mean you no harm!!!"  He called.  "Please...  what happened here?!"

The villagers continued to glare at Yami.  "Dont feign innocence! He did this!"  one man shouted, aiming his muskett at Mikado.

Mikado's eyes widened and he turned and looked at Yami.  Ahmose frowned and sighed. 

"Well...  we're on the right trail then."  He said.  Mikado looked at the men.

"Please...  We HAVE to find that demon that looks like our companion here."  He said.  "We HAVE to stop him!!!"

"He went south."  The men said after a moment.  "After raping nearly every woman and molesting every child..."

Ahmose scowled and Mikado nodded.

"Then let's not waste a moment!"  Seto cried.  "Let's GO!!!"

Yami however, looked utterly devastated.  "...I...did this?"  he said biting his lip and hanging his head looking miserable.

Ahmose wrapped his arms around Yami.  "Shhh...  It's okay..."  He whispered, kissing his cheek.

"How is this ok?!"  Yami howled.  "Look at what my demon half did to these people?!"  Yami shook his head.  "Even if it's not ME as a whole...it's still me..."

Ahmose nuzzled Yami.  "Shhhh...  You are not to blame...  this...  demon half of you is...  an evil that lay dormant in you...  because it was soundly held in place by your good, gentle soul..."

Yami gave Ahmose a sad look.  "It's half of ME Ahmose...dormant or not...it's still ME."

Ahmose kissed him gently.  "Shhh...  I love you..."

Yami calmed and sighed, leaning into Ahmose.  "Lets go...before I do something more horrible."

The group continued south over the next few days...Each village more horrible than the last.  By the time they reached the port out of Italy...the villages children were raped, then killed.  The women were raped and forced to watch eachother being raped...even the men were starting to be raped.

Ahmose had to comfort Yami at each and every stop, and both had taken to spending the day sleeping in the carriage with Mikado, who also helped Ahmose with the distraught Yami.

The sail from Italy to Cicily (for supplies also met with more carnage and rape...)

Finally the boat was nearing the mouth of the Nile river.  Egypt was nearing.

It had been a journey of several weeks, and Yami had no time to fret over what his demon half had done...  he was too busy caring for Ahmose, who still got seasick something dreadful.

Yami nuzzled Ahmose and rubbed his back, offering one of the herbal medicines Ryou had made in Cicily for the sorcerer.  "Here...I got it from Ryou."  he said softly.  "Think you can get it down?"

Ahmose groaned.  He had lost weight thanks to his inability to keep anything solid down, and sometimes he had trouble with liquids, too.

Yami sighed.  "C'mon Ahmose...we'll be at port by midnight..."

"Nnnnh..."  Ahmose groaned, turning and taking the stuff, forcing it down his throat.

Yami smiled and hugged Ahmose, rubbing his back.  "We'll be off the boat soon...when I'm a demon agian, I can teleport us back to the Vatican...rather than taking the boat..."  he purred.

Ahmose smiled and looked up at Yami.  "...  I miss...  you being a demon..."  He sighed and closed his eyes.  "I...  always feel so...  warm and content with your wings wrapped around me and your tail around my waist..."

Yami blushed.  "Thanks...I like my wings and tail too..."  he said laid next to Ahmose.  "Because then I can do just that..."

Ahmose smiled and cuddled close, clinging to Yami.  "...  I love you..."  He mumbled.

Yami grinned and yawned, covering them both up.  "Lets take a nap...that'll make the time pass faster..."  he purred, gently rubbing Ahmose's chest. 

Soon both lovers fell asleep...and the time flew by until midnight.  When they awoke the ship had already docked.

Mikado was the first one off, eager to start searching for Bakura.

There were signs Bakura had been through...One of his foals had been sold.  It was calmly prancing, pulling a small cart.

Mikado's eyes widened, and he ran over to the thing, laying a hand on his neck and stroking his nose.

The foal blinked and knickered at Ahmose looking pleased as punch.  It recognized it's master's lover.  

Mikado smiled, stroking him gently.  "Hey, you..."  He cooed.  "What are you doing here, hm?"

The owner of the cart stepped forward  "Can I help you?"

Mikado turned.  "...  The man who sold you this colt...  Where is he?"

"He left town weeks ago."  The man said patting the foal.  "He was heading into the desert.

"Which way?"  Mikado asked.

The man looked thuoghtful.  "South, along the river.”

Mikado nodded.  "Thank you..."  He said, then turned and whistled, sharply.  Giest neighed and pranced over, tossing his head.  Many people murmured in shock at the sight of the single spiral horn sprouting from the large animal's forehead.  Geist nickered and nuzzled the foal.

The foal neighed softly and pranced more, eager to see Geist.  It trotted closer to Geist, pulling the small cart behind it.

Mikado smiled, stroking Geist's neck.

The man smiled.  "They seem quite taken."  He pat the foal.  "Why are you looking for that man?"

Mikado smiled.  "Oh, they know each other."  He said.  "Geist here was a part of Bakura's herd..."

The man nodded.  "Well...he headed south along the nile.  If you hurry, you might catch him."

Mikado nodded.  "Thank you."  He said, then frowned.  "Um...  you haven't heard anything about a...  a demon... have you?"

The man frowned.  "Yes..."  he said darkly.  "A demon dwells out in the desert..."

Mikado sighed, then turned and pointed at the ship, where Yami was helping Ahmose.  "Does he look like HIM?"

The man frowned and glared.  "Exactly."

Mikado nodded.  "Good.  Thank you."  He said, then turned and after giving the foal another pat, led Geist back towards the others.

Yami was looking around nervously, getting glares.  Ryou was patting Confetti and letting him prance around in the moonlight. 

"Have you heard anything about Bakura?"  Yami asked.

Mikado nodded.  "Head south along the river... your other half is out in the desert..."  He turned and went back to the man.  "Can you point me in the direction of the demon?"  He asked.

The man shook his head.  "He never leaves in the same direction as he came....and never comes from the same direction he left."  He shivered.  "The women's screams at night..."

Mikado nodded.  "Does he...  come here every night?"  He asked.

The man nodded.  "yes."

Mikado nodded back.  "Then we shall wait for him."  He said, turning and heading back to the group.  "Prepare to meet Yami's demon half."

Yami shivered.  "I'm not sure I want to." he mumbled hugging Ahmose and looking down.  "I'm a horrible person...I dont think I could stand meeting myself like that."

But that was all that could be said before a woman's scream pierced the night.

Mikado whirled.  "If we can catch him and put you two back together, we can STOP him!!!"  He said, leaping onto Geist and kicking him, heading for the scream before anyone could move.

Yami and Ahmose were quick after him on Nakhti.  The screams came from a dark alleyway on the edge of town, and when they found Yami's demon half, the woman was laying passed out on the ground...bleeding from rape.

Mikado growled and spurred Geist towards the demon.

"In the name of God, I order you to surrender!!!"  Mikado cried angrilly.

Atemu looked up and his eyes glowed in amusement.  "Your god can kiss my ass..."  he hissed lashing his tail and launching himself at Mikado, knocking him from the horse.  The stinger of his tail was instantly at Mikado's throat.  "Well well...I seem to remember this situation..."  he hissed dragging claws sharply down Mikado's chest.  "Dont you?"

Mikado gasped and froze, but then narrowed his eyes an growled.  "It WON'T be repeated..."  He growled, then flung Atemu off of himself and into the wall.

Atemu growled catching his footing easily and charging Mikado again clubbing him harshly with the blunt of his tail before stinging him, the poison being injected quickly. 

Mikado hissed, whirling and giving Atemu a fierce kick to the head.

Yami growled, falling and quickly jumping back, tail lashing as he circled Mikado.  "I'll have you again tonight..." he hissed. 

Mikado groaned, fighting against the parilyzing venom, baring claws and fangs.

Yami chuckled.  "You cant fight it forever..."  he hissed nearing Mikado and striking him with the blunt of his tail once more, stinging him a second time.  "You'll be my fucktoy once more."

"AH!!"  Mikado yelped.  "I...  doubt it... the others are...  on their way..."  He growled, his knees buckling.

Yami growled and lunged forward, snatching Mikado around the hips and taking flight.  "I'll keep you as a pet..."  he hissed as he flew, confident that Mikado couldn't defend himself any longer.  "I will keep you envenomed...  and you will be my sex toy."

Mikado's eyes widened.  "W-Whah?!  No!!!  Put me DOWN!!!  GEIST!!!"  He cried, struggling feebly.  "AHMOSE!!!  PEGASUS!!!"

Yami chuckled, stinging Mikado once more, before slapping the youth's ass with his tail.  "Stop your pathetic mewling slave!"  he hissed landing in an oasis near the village tossing Mikado to the ground and beginning to undress him.  "I'm still hungry...and since you've interrupted my dinner tonight..."

"Nnnh!!!  G-Get... OFF!!!  You...  are NOT allowed to TOUCH ME!!!"  Mikado shouted, angrilly.

Yami rolled his eyes and slapped Mikado before yanking his pants away, using one leg as a gag for Mikado and the other as a blindfold, Mikado's shirt made for a handy rope to bind his hands.  Within seconds Atemu had rendered Mikado helpless and nude. 

Mikado growled, wriggling only just slightly.

Yami growled and positioned himself, before forcing himself upon Mikado a second time.  "No one else wants you, you should thank me."  he hissed amused with himself.

"HNNMM!!!"  Mikado cried into the gag, digging his claws into the sand.  He growled in frustration.

Atemu growled in pleasure as he continued to plunder the body below him, being not even a little gentle with the youth.  Even as he found his release he merely pulled away, having nearly drained Mikado's aura to nothing, exhausting him.

Mikado didn't move.  He just lay there, hurt and tired.  He moaned slightly, eyes closed under the blind fold.

~Pathetic.~  Mikado could hear in his mind.

Mikado immediately froze, tensing.

~Giving yourself to a demon...you make me sick.~

Mikado winced.  ~I did not GIVE myself to him!~  He snapped, suddenly not the pathetic whimpering wretch that Bakura had been taunting for the past few weeks.

Bakura laughed.  ~I'm so sure.  You didn't fight him.~

~I can't move!~  Mikado cried.  ~I'm SORRY I'm not as strong as you are!!!  I'm sorry I let that...  evil creature touch what is yours and yours alone...  I am DEEPLY sorry...~

~feh.  He can keep you.~  Bakura snorted.  ~You weren't mine the moment you took off that ring.~

~I will always be yours.~  Mikado said in a calm, firm tone.

~In your mind maybe.~  Bakura snorted.

~In my heart and soul.~  Mikado said in a soft, soothing tone.

Bakura paused for a moment.  ~You're a filthy liar.~  He finally said coldly.  ~I'm not good enough for little prince Mikado.  Prince Mikado and his precious church, his pathetic mewling and his ignorance of other people's feelings.  Little Prince and his brash reckless behavior.  You should stay with that demon.  He's just like YOU.~  he said, though for the first time since Bakura'd began speaking to him...he could sense hurt in the words, as well as the anger.

Mikado sighed.  ~...  I'm sorry...~  He whispered.  ~I'm so sorry...  I never wanted any of this to happen...  I'm sorry I hurt you...  I love you...  Bakura...  please...~

Mikado heard a sharp intake of breath, and a groan, and suddenly Atemu's weight was slumped against him.  The snort of a horse and the soft hoof prints in the sand being made. 

"Go back to your friends."  A familiar voice said harshly.  "And take your demon with you." 

 

The hooves began walking away...which lead Mikado to a choice...Stay with the dazed demon, or follow...

Mikado's entire being was suddenly overwhelmed by Bakura's presence.  He could smell him, he could hear him breathing, he could nearly taste his sweat, and his body seemed to tingle as he FELT his sire nearby.  He whimpered softly through the gag, and tried to move to get to him.  His fingers twitched, but he could do little more than that.

Bakura however did nothing to aid Mikado further,  he clicked his tongue and Mikado could hear the hooves in the sand growing fainter as Strigoi was trotting away.  Bakura was riding leisurely away as if nothing had occurred at all.

~B-Bakura?!~  He cried, half frantic.

~what?~  Bakura said calmly.

~Don't leave me...  please...~  Mikado cried.

~Oh I'm not.  You left me remember?  In order to leave you, I'd have to have been with you.~  He sneered.  ~Get up off your ass.~

~I...  I can't...  I can't move!~  Mikado whimpered.

~Not my problem.~  Bakura snorted back a cold laugh.  ~That's YOUR problem.~

Mikado was silent for a moment, but then spoke up in a quiet voice, soft, but determined.  ~...  So be it then...  Go on.  I'll see you soon enough.~

~No.  You won’t. ~  Bakura said back in a firm voice.  ~I'm going to leave Egypt...because I don’t WANT you to find me.~ 

~Wherever you go, I will follow.  If it takes me a thousand years, I WILL find you.~

Bakura let out a hard laugh at that.  ~You'll never live a thousand years to find me.  You'll be killed off by something before them I am QUITE sure.~

~Then so be it.  Only death will stop me.  And perhaps not even that...~  Mikado said, calmly.

Bakura rolled his eyes.  ~Silence yourself.  That Demon will devour you far before you can even seek me out, and if he does not...one much greater will.  You've no chance.  You would be wise to seek shelter before that happens.~

~Oh, well, I'll be sure to think about doing that when I can move again, thanks.~  Mikado said in a smart ass tone.

Atemu had recovered at this point, and pushed off of Mikado, hissing in pain and rubbing his head. 

~Looks like you'll have pleanty of time to do that thinking, while you're his bitch.~

Mikado winced and whimpered a bit, tensing.  He twitched his fingers again, and managed to move his hand a bit, but other than that, he was still paralyzed.

Atemu growled and kicked Mikado harshly in the side before picking him up.  "You will pay for this."  he hissed furiously, as he flew.