He Among Us Without Sin

He Among Us Without Sin

Mally-chan & hatochiisai

YAOI WARNING

Disclaimer: We do not own Yugioh. Hato does own Mikado and Ahmose, though.

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Chapter 9

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Yami eventually woke up next to Ahmose and sighed. "Ahmose?"

Ahmose's eyelids fluttered. "... hnnmmm?” He blinked and raised his head, focusing on Yami. He smiled. "Mmmm... hi...”

Yami flicked his tail slightly. "Why are you in my room?"

"Because you're in it." Ahmose said with a smile, his fingers still tangled in Yami's hair and tail.

Yami sighed. "I should probably take you home...” He mumbled stretching slightly.

Ahmose blinked and frowned, tightening his hold on Yami's tail. "You sound as if you mean not to come with me...” He said softly, looking worried.

Yami pulled slightly on his tail. "Don’t do that."

"Sorry...” Ahmose whispered, and reluctantly released Yami's tail from his grip.

"You were going to pull your kris on me." Yami said after a moment.

Ahmose blinked. "What? NO!” He gasped, shaking his head. "I wasn't, Yami... I... I know it looked like it, but... I would NEVER try to hurt you...” He insisted, reaching out and stroking Yami's face. "I love you...”

Yami snorted. "You had your hand at the ready! I KNEW this would happen." he looked away. "I'm just a demon."

"Yami...” Ahmose sighed. "You were just... making me nervous... setting me on edge... I've been trained to respond to that kind of thing in a certain way, I didn't even KNOW I was doing it... Yami, I would never hurt you... don't you trust me more than this?"

"Funny... I've said the same things to you a million times, yet apparently you still get nervous." Yami huffed. "If you don’t believe me, why should I believe you?"

"I didn't think you were going to hurt me!" Ahmose cried. "I KNOW you wouldn't hurt me!!!"

Yami snorted. "Then why were you nervous? If you knew I'd never do anything to hurt you."

Ahmose threw his hands up as he sputtered. "I wasn't AFRAID of being HURT!!!"

"Then what?" Yami asked still not looking at Ahmose.

There was a long silence. "I... I don't really... know...” Ahmose mumbled.

Yami growled softly. "I see.” He sat up and folded his wings. "Like I said... I should take you home. Your brother is waiting."

Ahmose blinked and stared at Yami, silently studying him. Then he lowered his eyes and stared at the floor, still silent.

Yami stood and walked over to the wardrobe and began to dress. "Are you all ready?"

Ahmose just sighed and stood, not raising his eyes and not speaking.

Yami nodded. "Alright.” He dressed quickly. Once he was finished he walked over to Ahmose and laid a hand on him. There was a blindingly white flash, and they were standing outside the inn they'd been staying in.

Ahmose winced at the bright sun, blinking rapidly as his eyes adjusted. He turned and looked at Yami, lifting a hand and laying it on top of the demon's hand on his shoulder. "... Stay."

"Why?" Yami asked after a moment.

Ahmose stared at him, pleadingly. "Because you said that you would... because I love you...”

"You were going to draw your weapons on me." Yami said blandly. "I may not understand love... but I'm PRETTY certain that weapons are not involved in it."

"I was NOT going to DRAW them on you!!!" Ahmose shouted, throwing his hands up into the air, looking extremely frustrated.

Yami sighed. "I'm not comfortable here." Yami said after a moment. "You were right. This isn't where I should be."

Ahmose stared at Yami, a look of distress spreading over his face. "But... Yami...” He gasped.

Yami shook his head. "I don’t belong here. You made it clear when we met, your brother made it clear a few days ago... I should go home."

Ahmose shook his head, staring mournfully at Yami. "But... I don't WANT you to go...” He whimpered.

Yami shook his head. "Ahmose. I don’t belong here, and it's been made abundantly clear by you, your brother and most of the general populous."

"I can't BELEIVE you're still holding that against me!" Ahmose cried, looking very hurt. "Everyone who has said that has been uneducated! At least about YOUR kind! You are NOT a major threat Yami. Because you all don't WANT to be! Yami... please... Once my brother gets to know you, he will welcome you here too...”

"I'm not holding it against you. I'm pointing out that YOU said it." Yami said crossing his arms. "And you did! You're uneasy with me to the point of nearly drawing your weapons on me even though I've practically tattooed harmless across my forehead!" Yami turned away. "I have no trust."

"Yami!" Ahmose cried. "For God's sake! Do you really have so little trust in me?!” He shook his head, looking deeply hurt.

"I could say the same for you!" Yami howled looking pretty hurt and upset as well. "What's the point of sharing your company when we can’t even share trust?!"

"Well for God's sake, Yami! Sometimes you get so aggressive and intense towards things, ESPECIALLY screwing me, that I can't HELP but get nervous!!!" Ahmose shouted.

Yami snorted. "Oh pardon me for being the incubus I AM."

"Well why do you have to be so INSULTED when I get a bit nervous?!" Ahmose asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I don’t get insulted at nervous. I get insulted at HAND AT THE HILT!" Yami growled and looked away.

Ahmose scowled, shaking his head. "And I get insulted by you talking about leaving not two weeks after I finally let you have it your way and let you get me into your bed!!! Maybe THAT'S why you're leaving! You got what you want, so you're DONE with me!!!” He shouted.

"If THAT were the case I would have ditched your ass the same hour!" Yami shouted back. "Not taken you on the grand tour of MY home!"

Ahmose shook his head. "Don't you leave me now, Yami...” He said, his voice shaking. "Don't you dare...” Marik and Ryou blinked at the pair through the window of the inn, having been drawn there by the shouting.

Ryou shook his head softly and nuzzled into Marik's arms worriedly. "Let’s never end up like that…” He breathed softly.

Yami turned away from Ahmose. "Or what?"

Marik sighed and hugged Ryou tightly, ears perking up for the answer.

"A while ago, when you spied on that couple, you asked me several questions, Yami. About love." Ahmose said, softly. "You had asked me what the deal was when one of the couple said that they would die without the other. You asked if our life spans were really that short...” Ahmose's lips twitched in amusement at that. "Ultimately no, Yami. Our life spans are NOT that short... but they CAN be. And it has been known to happen. Humans usually mate for life... And when they loose their... beloved... the heartbreak has been known to... kill us... love is that powerful."

Yami flicked his tail. "You would definitely not die without me."

"And how do you know that?" Ahmose said softly. "Only days ago did I not make it perfectly clear that I would die FOR you? That I almost DID die for you? If that Agent had NOT been my brother, Yami... I would have died that day...”

"Then it's all the more reason to leave. Not only is it dangerous for me to be here, but it's dangerous for you to have me be here." Yami said calmly still not looking at Ahmose.

"... I don't care...” Came the whispered reply.

"I have no reason to stay." Yami replied after a moment.

Ahmose released his breath and his shoulders sagged in defeat. He nodded slowly. "... As you wish, then."

Yami nodded and disappeared without another word, the only reminder of him being his footprints in the singed dirt.

Marik sighed, kissing Ryou's head and running his clawed fingers through the boy's hair as they watched the sorcerer outside. After a moment, Ahmose turned and headed to the stable.

Ryou whimpered. "We... we should tell Mikado.” He said softly. "I-in case Ahmose means to leave. He may not see him again in a long time...” He nuzzled Marik once more, before pulling away and hurrying to Mikado's room. "Mikado? Mikado... A-Ahmose is... leaving."

Mikado blinked and looked up from where he was sitting on the floor amongst his large collection of weaponry, caring for them (how he managed to hide all of that on his person baffled Ryou).

"What?!” He gasped, jumping up. "Leaving?! Why?!"

"A-Ahmose had a fight with Yami...” Ryou said softly. "He's in the stables."

Mikado frowned and hurried from the room, running down the stairs and for the door. Marik caught him.

"Easy kid... he'll be back.” He said, and Mikado looked out the window, distressed as he saw Ahmose leading Nakhti out of the village by the reins.

"What?!"

"He didn't take anything with him. None of his saddle packs or supplies... nothing. Hell, he didn't even take the saddle. Just the bridle and the saddle blanket." Marik said. "He'll be back." Mikado stopped struggling and watched his brother disappear around the corner of a building.

"... What happened?” He asked.

Ryou hurried down to Marik and Mikado. "He and Yami had a fight.” He said softly. "They were shouting in front of the inn… and Yami left."

Mikado frowned. "Left? What were they fighting about?"

"I'm not exactly sure... about love I think." Ryou said. "They weren't shouting the whole time."

"Yami was saying that everyone said he didn't belong here and that he wasn't comfortable here and something about them not trusting each other?" Marik shrugged. "Ahmose was all but begging Yami to stay." Mikado frowned, clenching his teeth in anger.

"... I knew that demon was no good...” He hissed.

Ryou frowned. "Mikado... I think you're jumping to conclusions...” he said softly. "Your brother wouldn't have defended him so adamantly if he didn't see something good in Yami.”

"I'm sure there IS good in Yami!" Mikado cried. "Ahmose told me all about him! Yami seemed to be a great guy! He and my brother have been traveling together for over a year! But if he could abandon Ahmose so easily, then he didn't care about him as much as Ahmose thought he did... and he has certainly proved to me that he doesn't DESERVE my brother...” Mikado folded his arms and glowered out the window.

Ryou sighed. "The good lord teaches us to forgive and not to hold grudges." Ryou cooed patting Mikado's back. "And try to stay calm... I'm sure we'll see Yami again...”

Mikado grumbled. "Ahmose is probably better off without that demon...” He hissed, turning and heading back up to his room. Marik watched him go and sighed.

"He's just upset that Yami hurt his brother.” He said to Ryou. "Give him time to cool off."

Ryou sighed softly. "I know...” He hugged Marik. "I just... hate to see them hurting and angry...”

Marik nodded, hugging Ryou again. He turned and looked out the window again. "Look...” He said softly. Ryou turned. It was snowing... the first snow of the season...

Ryou grinned broadly. "Oh it's so beautiful...” he gasped before sighing contently. "And I get to share this with you...”

Marik smiled and nodded. "Come on...” He said. "Let's go for a walk...”

Ryou nodded and followed. "Ohh... "

Marik smiled, looking around. "Wait here... I'm gonna check on Malik... he loves the first snow of the season...” He said, giving Ryou a quick kiss and running off into the stable. "Malik?"

Malik groaned softly. "My head...”

Marik knelt by him. "You feeling better?"

Malik nodded a little. "I think I got hit by a wagon... what happened?"

Marik smiled. "You touched a book that Ryou had. An evil book. And it changed you. For the past few days we've had to keep you chained up in here to keep you from killing Ryou... and... from killing me."

Malik blinked. "damn...” He said blinking. "Sucks to be me I guess."

Marik smiled and chuckled. "Sucks to be you? You SHOT me TWICE with your arrows and stabbed me with a piece of WOOD!!"

"You lived." Malik chuckled.

"Thanks to Ryou." Marik snorted. "Do you still wanna kill him?"

"He IS whiney." Malik said shrugging.

Marik gave Malik a look. "You were MEAN to him!"

Malik shrugged. "So where is he then?"

Marik smiled. "Outside. Enjoying the first snow.” He said.

Malik grinned. "Ohh... must be nice.”

Marik smiled and pulled out the key, removing the cuffs from Malik's wrists. "Come on. I know you wanna see it...”

Malik rubbed his wrists lightly and stood groaning. "Oh god... kinks in back!” He whined painfully.

Marik smiled and got behind Malik, grabbing his shoulders, putting his knee into the small of his back and jerking his shoulders back. Malik's back cracked all the way up his spine. "Better?"

"yes." Malik squeaked. "God!"

Marik laughed. "Come on, Malik!” He said, taking the elf's hand and pulling him out of the stall. Bakura's stallion neighed and poked his head out of the stall, sniffing at Malik and Marik. "Awww... Strigoi is happy to see you."

"Bakura's here...?” Malik said blinking.

Marik nodded, tugging Malik outside. "Yeah. He came."

Malik sighed but smiled. "Heeey… you had a bath. Someone dump a bucket of water on you?"

Marik blinked, then laid his ears back. "No. Ryou made me bathe."

"Ryou? The priest? Well you really must have been stinking." Malik laughed.

Marik rolled his eyes. "I have to wonder... do you remember anything that happened over the past week?"

"Kinda...” Malik said softly. "But not really...”

Marik sighed and nodded. "Do you remember the Agent?"

"The... uhh...” Malik looked lost in thought. "kinda...”

Marik nodded. "I think you have a lot to catch up on. We caught an Agent who came to rescue Ryou. You nearly killed him. Ryou saved him. When we brought him and Ryou here, you threw the Agent to a mob, he was nearly beaten to death. Ryou saved him again. You threw the Agent to a feeding frenzy of vampires! Again, nearly killing him. You nearly killed me and Ryou when we took the book from you, and you've wanted to kill him since the beginning. Especially since I told you that I... love Ryou."

Malik blinked. "Oh... wow... uh." Malik frowned. "Sorry...”

Marik nodded. "Now that you're normal... I wanna ask you something again. Talk to Ryou. Get to know him, let him get to know you. Let him see that elves aren't bad. Malik, he's half elf."

"He's what?" Malik said dumbly.

"He's half elf." Marik repeated.

"That little creampuff?" Malik snorted back a laugh. "He hardly even LOOKS elf!"

Marik laughed. "He's really very nice, Malik. Please... he was taught that elves are bad... and your actions only made him believe it even more. He's ASHAMED to be part elf. And he shouldn't be. He should know that elves and good and wise and noble... he should be PROUD to be part elf. Please Malik. Teach him this...?

Malik sighed. "Maybe... but he's the dumbest elf I've ever seen.” He said shaking his head.

"Thank you, Malik...” Marik drawled sarcastically, and walked over to Ryou.

Malik followed silently, staring Ryou down. Which made the youth hide slightly behind Marik.

Marik glared at Malik. "Cut it out!"

"What? I'm just looking!" Malik whined.

"MEAN looking!" Marik howled.

"I'm sorry, I left my not mean face back on my other skull!" Malik groaned.

Marik rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Ryou... meet Malik. The NON evil Malik, even if he IS giving you an evil look."

"H-hi...” Ryou said softly, from behind Marik. "F-feeling better?"

Malik nodded. "Sure...”

"Ryou saved you, Malik." Marik said.

Malik smiled slightly. "Thanks...”

Marik grinned. "Come on. Let's take a walk. Enjoy the snow."

Ryou nodded eagerly.

Malik chuckled. "I'm going inside for a bath and some food... I'm starving."

Marik smiled and nodded. "Okay. Oh, and the Agent is in the inn... Be nice to him, huh? He's a good kid.”

Malik nodded. "Sure sure!"

Marik sighed and smiled. "God, I'm glad he's okay...” He said, draping an arm around Ryou.

Ryou smiled. "I'm glad you're happy."

Marik wagged his tail. "I'm glad YOU'RE happy."

Ryou giggled and nuzzled into Marik's arms, before sticking out his tongue, trying to catch a snowflake,

Marik chuckled. "Having fun?"

"Yes." Ryou said smiling. "Very much so."

Marik hugged him, sighing. "It's so nice out here...” He watched his breath misting on the air. "Ya know... we need to get moving... before it gets too cold. We have to get you to Rome."

Ryou nodded. "We... we can leave when Ahmose gets back."

Marik sighed. "Then we should go back and get ready.” He said. "I convinced Bakura to come with us. He's going to stay in the carriage during the day. We'll have to get him into it."

Ryou shivered and nodded. "It will be... scary to be traveling companions with a vampire...” Ryou said but smiled. "But... I know you'll take care of me."

"Bakura is a good man." Marik said, leading Ryou back to the village.

Ryou sighed and nodded. "I trust you.” He kissed Marik's cheek

Marik smiled, wagging his tail. He led Ryou across the square and into the inn. He blinked when he saw Mikado and Malik sitting across from each other, talking.

"Hey. What's goin' on? What are you two talkin about?" Marik asked, ruffling their hair. Mikado scowled.

"Stop it."

Malik sighed. "He's still kinda... pissed at me.” He said looking a bit upset. "But... I did apologize. It's really all I can offer."

"Oh, he's just mad because the demon dumped his brother." Marik said, and Mikado glared.

"Shut up."

"Where is Ahmose anyway?" Ryou asked softly. "He's been gone for a while now."

"Let him alone. He's probably upset." Marik said. He looked at Mikado. "We should head to Rome when he gets back...” Mikado sighed and nodded.

Ryou hurried to Mikado's side and hugged him. "I heard Bakura... the vampire... is coming with us.” He offered. "That's good... right?"

Mikado smiled and nodded. "Yes. I trust Bakura with my life." He said.

Ryou grinned. "He's gonna ride in the carriage...” He cooed. "So his horse can help pull it."

Mikado laughed. "Bakura's horse is too big. He won't fit with the other horses."

Ryou giggled. "We'll find something for him to do."

Marik smiled. "He likes Malik. He'll let Malik ride him.” He said.

Malik smirked. "Damn straight."

Marik chuckled. "Don't worry. We have a place for everyone."

Ryou grinned. "I'm going to ride with Marik!” He announced happily.

Marik laughed. "Okay then."

"You two ride on the carriage then." Mikado said.

Ryou nuzzled Marik. "hmmm that means we get the fur blanket for our laps!” He said eagerly.

Marik smiled. "Mmhmm...” He said, and he and Ryou sat down with Malik and Mikado for lunch.

The day passed slowly as the group made plans for their traveling tomorrow. Marik and Ryou went out for the supplies for the group.

When they returned it was sunset and Ahmose had yet to return.

Mikado paced back and forth, frowning. "God, when is he coming back?!"

"Hell if I know." Malik said as Ryou and Marik packed things. "He's YOUR brother."

Mikado frowned and looked at Malik. "Yeah... and after being separated for twelve years I was finally reunited with him two days ago. I don't... really KNOW him...”

"Guess we just gotta wait him out then...” Malik said shrugging. "He'll come back when he's ready."

Mikado frowned. "... I should go find him...” He mumbled, getting up and grabbing his cloak. "It's gotten dark out." No sooner than he finished announcing this, then the door opened and Bakura came in, awake for the night. "Oh... hey." Mikado said, blinking, his hand still reaching for the door latch that Bakura had just pulled out of his reach.

Bakura raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?” He asked.

Mikado blinked. "Going out.” He said.

"Into the night?" Bakura snorted. "This night is no place for you."

Mikado frowned. "What the hell do you mean by that?!"

"I mean." Bakura said calmly. "It's far too cold for you to be out. And the night has a thick feel to it."

Mikado frowned. "I have a CLOAK for the cold, and it's THICK because of the snow."

Bakura popped Mikado upside the head. "Evil you dunce. Evil. Something out there tonight, is not happy. I advise against it.”

Mikado howled at that. "I'm trained to FIGHT evil, damn you!!!” He shouted, stepping to the side to move around Bakura.

"Whatever reason you have to go out tonight can wait." Bakura said stepping in front of Mikado. "It is not safe."

Mikado growled. "My BROTHER is out there!"

"Then I will find him for you." Bakura said sternly.

Mikado scowled. "He's MY brother! And whatever this 'unhappy thing' is out there, it's probably him, now let me pass!"

Bakura sighed. "Fine.” He stepped aside. "As you wish."

Mikado pushed by and ran outside, heading for the stable. Marik snickered. "He's spunky AND stubborn!” He said, grinning at Bakura as the vampire came over to join him. "Heh... and his brother's stallion knocked up his mare... that's funny...”

Bakura sighed. "I don’t approve of either one of them.” He said in displeasure.

"Stubbornness isn't too good, but I approve of the spunk." Marik said, chuckling. "You just don't like it when the kids give you attitude."

"Kids.” He hissed. "How are you and your priest doing?" he asked smirking.

Marik scowled. "He made me take a bath...” He grumbled.

"Oh is that why the scent in the air is bearable today?" Bakura said smirking broadly.

Marik laid his ears back, bared his teeth and growled at Bakura, ignoring Ryou's worried look and Malik's sniggering.

Ryou giggled and kissed Marik's cheek. "I like the new smell."

Marik smiled and wagged his tail, letting Bakura know that everything was fine with him and the priest.

Bakura smiled. "Well that's good... you have that incubus to thank."

Marik sighed and looked down, nodding. "Yeah... he left.” He said. "That's why Ahmose is out there. He was dumped."

"Oh I see...” Bakura said before grinning. "Must have sucked in bed."

Marik snorted. "Well... from what I heard, Yami was too aggressive in bed and freaked Ahmose out a bit and Yami took it as an insult, and then they said something about not trusting each other? And how everyone kept saying that Yami didn't belong here...”

"Humans... Mortals...” Bakura snorted. "They always seem to think whatever is not human, does not belong here.” He glared at the fireplace. "It will be the end of us all one day."

Marik frowned. "I dunno... it was really sad, actually... Ahmose looked really broken up and Yami didn't seem to even care."

Ryou frowned. "Yami looked hurt too Marik... I think they were just misunderstanding each other... like... we did at first."

Marik sighed. "I dunno... Ahmose was trying to explain things... I dunno. We don't really know what happened, so...”

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Humans are presumptuous and rude...”

Marik turned and looked at Ryou. "There, see honey? Your human side is no better than your elven side. There's nothing wrong with being half elf."

Ryou glared. "I hate elves."

Marik blinked. "You have no reason to hate elves, Ryou. Have you ever KNOWN any elves?!” He asked. "Um... aside from Malik, I mean."

Ryou raised an eyebrow. "Oh I think Malik's more elf than I need to know."

Marik rolled his eyes. "That's it. We're helping you get to know elves." Marik snorted. "And you're gonna come to terms with your elf side!"

Ryou wrinkled his nose and crossed his arms looking away.

Marik sighed. "Ryou...” He hugged him. "You have GOT to learn that elves are NOT evil! WEREWOLVES are more evil than elves!!! God, most HUMANS are more evil than elves!!!"

Ryou shook his head. "I don’t believe you."

"Well, you'll learn." Marik said, kissing Ryou's cheek.

In the meantime, Mikado was riding his mare through the woods, a lantern in one hand as he tried to light the path ahead of him, but the snow was thick, and the wood was dark and silent.

It was true what Bakura had said. Not far out of the village the thick feeling of unease was almost enough to be cut with a knife.

Mikado narrowed his eyes, keeping alert. Stupid jerk, Bakura... treating him like a child...

The further he got from the village the worse it got.

The mare was starting to get a bit jittery.

"Easy girl...” Mikado cooed, patting her neck and urging her into a trot. "We'll find him.

Wolves were heard in the distance... howling.

Mikado smiled. "It's just some wolves, girl.” He said.

About two miles down the road, Ahmose sat on a large rock, over looking the creek. Nakhti was down on the ground behind him, dozing calmly.

Wolves were heard howling closer this time, and the wind picked up.

Ahmose blinked and looked up, and Nakhti lifted his head and snorted, stomping a hoof.

"Yeah... let's head back...” Ahmose agreed. "There's evil in the woods tonight...” He said, sliding off of the rock and mounting his horse. "Come on...” And they got back onto the path and headed back towards the village.

As they rode back they heard hoof beats and footsteps around them... though no actions were made against them. The forest was definitely unwelcoming.

Ahmose frowned, pulling one of his blades and kicking Nakhti into a gallop. The blade flashed and was consumed by black and purple fire. Ahmose's eyes narrowed on a light, bobbing through the woods up ahead.

Mikado's eyes widened when he saw an odd flame coming towards him. He frowned and drew his sword, trying to keep his mare calm, but she was prancing, frightened.

The wind howled past, and sickly eerie chanting could just faintly be heard.

Mikado took a deep breath and kicked the mare. "Go!" He hissed, and she squealed and charged forwards. The pair galloped towards one another, blades raised. Mikado's eyes were fixed on the dark flame, and Ahmose's on the ball of light. But the sound of hoof beats came to his ears, and soon after, the light was revealed as a lantern, and Ahmose saw the rider.

"Mikado?! What are you doing out here?!” He called. Mikado blinked and reined his mare to a halt.

"Ahmose! Looking for you!" Both brothers put their blades away and Ahmose rode up beside him.

"You shouldn't be out. There is evil in the woods tonight.” He said.

"Yeah, yeah... that's what Bakura said." The younger grumbled.

"And I wasn't lying." Bakura hissed from beside Mikado, giving both him and his brother heart attacks. "Next time, take my advice."

Mikado's mare whinnied and shied back, bucking. Mikado dropped his lantern with a yelp, trying to get the mare under control. When he finally did, he glared down at her. "That's it! We're going back to Rome and you're going to find yourself out of a job! You aren't suited to bear an Agent!!!"

Bakura chuckled. "She's a fine steed." he said calmly. "It's her rider who has the problem."

Mikado glared. "What are you talking about?! SHE'S the one who keeps panicking!!!"

"She panics because you're presence isn't enough to soothe her." Bakura clarified.

Mikado blinked, then scowled. "WHAT THE HELL?! I don't fuckin TRUST her!!!"

"She trusts you with her life, but when you falter, she will." Bakura explained. "Animals sense fear."

Mikado scoffed. "I've been totally calm and she's STILL panicked!!!"

"Sure." Bakura laughed. "Lets just get back to the village."

Mikado bitched under his breath when Bakura practically disappeared. Ahmose chuckled.

"He's right, you know."

"SHUT UP!!!" Mikado howled, glaring at his brother. Ahmose just smirked and the pair rode back to the village, walking into the inn about fifteen minutes after Bakura returned.

Ryou grinned "Ahmose! Oh I was so worried!” He said smiling.

Ahmose just blinked at Ryou, then turned and headed for the stairs. Mikado blinked as he hung his cloak up on one of the pegs on the wall, where everyone else put their cloaks. Marik blinked.

"Hey! Where are you going?” He called. Ahmose didn't answer.

Ryou frowned and followed. "Ahmose... a-are you ok?” He asked softly.

"Fine." Ahmose finally said, heading to his room and unlocking it.

"You don’t look fine...” Ryou murmured. "Please talk to me... I'm a priest... I... I want to help you."

"There's nothing you can do." Ahmose said, slowly removing his cloak and hanging it, before removing his weapons. His stomach growled loudly as he slowly stroked the hilt of his new Kris.

"I can soothe you at the least... to talk about one's problems if only that." Ryou said giving him a soft look.

"I doubt it." Ahmose said, sitting down and removing his boots, followed by his long tunic that he wore over his shirt and pants. He turned and flicked his fingers at the fire place, a roaring blaze leaping to life.

"Try?" Ryou pouted.

"What for?" Ahmose asked, picking up a bearskin cloak and slowly folding it, before sitting down with the thing on his lap.

"Because I can see that you're hurting." Ryou said sitting on the bed next to Ahmose. "Please... talk to me."

Ahmose shrugged. "There's nothing to say."

"About what?" Ryou asked frowning. "Don’t lie to a priest."

"And don't pretend that you don't know what's going on. I know that you and the wolf were watching." Ahmose said, staring into the fire.

"But we don’t know what's going on... no one does. What happened?" Ryou said shaking his head. "Your brother hates Yami with a passion now...”

"... He left." Ahmose said.

"Yes we gathered that. Why?" Ryou said frowning.

"... He said he wasn't happy here... He's sick of everyone saying that he doesn't belong... and... he doesn't trust me, and he thinks I don't trust him...” Ahmose said.

"Why would he think those things?" Ryou asked looking upset. "You two were in love."

"He... made me nervous... he was coming on to me... really strong and... I didn't even notice it, but... I reached for one of my Kris, and...” Ahmose sighed. "He just looked at me, and walked away...”

Ryou looked a bit upset by that. "You... probably scared him.” He said softly. "I don’t think Yami has any weapons of his own. When Mikado attacked him... he just ran. He didn't try to fight back, he just tried to get away."

"But... he didn't trust me not to hurt him...” Ahmose said softly, lowering his head and closing his eyes. "That... hurt more than anything...”

Ryou sighed. "Despite my teachings... I... think that Yami is a good soul. Sinful, but good.” He cooed. "I think that the fact that the church is after him, merely for his race... has him on edge. Humans... are... as Bakura said. Wicked creatures who only think of themselves as the masters of this world." Ryou sighed. "It's a shameful truth."

Ahmose nodded. "But... after a year together... he still doesn't trust me... he said he wouldn't leave me! But he... has...” Ahmose closed his eyes and bit his lip. "I'm sorry, Ryou. I want to be alone...” He said, flinging the out the bearskin cloak and spreading it on the floor before the fireplace and laying down on it, shivering.

"If he left you... why not go to him?" Ryou offered.

"I can't." Ahmose said.

Ryou blinked. "Well why not?"

"He's in his world. I cannot travel there." Ahmose said. "It's not within my power."

"He's an Incubus Ahmose... he cannot stay in that world forever, unless he decides to starve to death."

Ahmose sighed and turned, looking at Ryou. "So... he may come back?"

"May? It's a given Ahmose. All things need to eat and drink to survive.” He said smiling. "It's only a matter of time."

"Yes... but will he return to ME?" Ahmose asked.

"That... I can’t tell you." Ryou said softly. "That is something only Yami knows. And something you'll find out eventually."

Ahmose nodded, silently, turning to face the fire again.

"I hope... when he returns it is to you." Ryou said smiling. "Because it was easy to tell he loved you. Deeply."

“He… loves me?” Ahmose asked, looking at Ryou again. “How do you know? HE doesn’t even know what love IS!!!”

"It's easy to tell." Ryou said softly. "When Mikado stabbed you, he wouldn't let him anywhere near you to finish. He put himself in front of you...to protect you." Ryou said grinning. "He even offered to let Mikado kill him, just to get you to a doctor."

Ahmose blinked. "He did? That's what he said?! I... I could hear them... but I really couldn't understand what they were saying... Yami... he... did that?"

Ryou nodded. "Uh huh..."

Ahmose sighed. "Hmmm... maybe he will come back to me..." He mumbled softly, yawning and wrapping himself up in the bearskin, shivering.

Ryou smiled. "That's the way to think." he cooed. "He'll be back in no time."

Ahmose sighed yet again. "I hope so..." He murmured, then sighed and got up, dropping the bearskin and heading over to one of his packs, pulling out fresh clothes. "I need a bath..." He mumbled, and headed for the door.

Ryou giggled. "Alright...we're leaving tomorrow for Rome..."

"... Very well..." Ahmose said, and headed down the stairs. Bakura, Marik, Malik and Mikado looked up and watched him.

Malik frowned. "Hey...a-are you ok?" he asked offering a smile.

"Hnh." Ahmose said, and headed back to the bathing room. Marik blinked and looked at Mikado, who shrugged.

"He never was much of a talker..." the younger brother said. Marik turned and looked at Ryou.

"Well?"

"He's feeling better." Ryou said smiling. "He thinks Yami will come back." He sighed. "I hope he's right."

"Hm." Marik said. "That demon had better... the jerk..." Mikado raised an eyebrow at Marik.

Ryou rolled his eyes. "Marik...you were quite the 'jerk' to me when we first met." He said softly. "The lord teaches forgiveness. No matter HOW much of a jerk someone is."

Marik sighed and slumped back in his chair. "I guess so..." He mumbled.

Ryou smiled and sat gingerly in Marik's lap, leaning back to cuddle him. "We should all go to sleep early...we've a long journey to Rome...and this is likely the last time we'll see beds between here and there."

Marik nodded. Mikado looked at Bakura. "You should go to the carriage then, before the sun rises." He said to the vampire.

Bakura nodded. “I will. I have some...redecorating of the interior I'll be doing tonight." he said calmly, standing. "I will see you tomorrow night."

Mikado raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing to it?" He asked, looking slightly amused.

"Making it less of an eyesore." Bakura snorted, trotting out.

Mikado blinked. "Um... oookay..." He said, turning back to the table. "Whatever... crazy vampires..."

Ryou smiled and stood, taking Marik's arm. "Lets take his advice...I'm rather tired..."

Marik nodded. "Sure. Okay." He said, and Mikado yawned.

"Me too..." He mumbled. "Um... so... who is sleeping where tonight? I dunno if Ahmose will be up for my company..."

Malik grinned and stood. "You can sleep in my room." he said stretching. "Now that I'm not cursed, you might get to like me."

Mikado snickered. "Hmmm... we'll see..." He said, heading up the stairs after Ryou and Marik, eyeing Marik's tail.

Malik snickered. "He cant ever seem to stop it from wagging around Ryou." he whispered. "It's so funny."

Mikado grinned at that and giggled. "Are you serious?!" He hissed back to the elf.

Malik nodded. "He's in love."

Mikado grinned. "They're so cute..."

"I can hear you, ya know!" Marik said, suddenly. "BOTH of you!"

Ryou giggled softly. "You're whispering loudly."

"And now we're going to bed." Mikado snickered, shoving Malik down towards their room.

Ryou shoved Marik into their room giggling and kissing him. "Tomorrow...w-we're going to be traveling together..." he cooed smiling. "I cant wait."

"Behave, you..." Marik snickered, kissing Ryou's nose. "Don't get TOO frisky."

Ryou blushed darkly. "Frisky? Me? Never." Ryou said firmly. "I'm a priest."

Marik laughed. "I'm teasing you..." He said, hugging Ryou.

Ryou sighed and nuzzled into Marik's arms. "I love you..."

"I love you to..." Marik sighed, putting Ryou to bed and tucking him in, then stripping and changing to his wolf form, curling up on the rug in front of the fireplace.

Ryou blinked and yawned. "Come...sleep with me?"

Marik blinked and lifted his head, then leapt onto the bed, flopped down by Ryou and wiggled around on the blankets.

Ryou cuddled up to the wolf and sighed. "Goodnight Marik..."

Marik licked Ryou's nose in a good night kiss. This was also how he woke Ryou in the morning, making happy noises and licking his face.

Ryou squeaked giggling. "Marriiiik!" he giggled and hugged the wolf. "Good morning!"

Marik yapped and wiggled, enthusiastically smothering Ryou with licks and love.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled Marik. "Well...we should get ready to leave. We dont want to be traveling too late into the evening."

Marik barked eagerly, lowering his chest to the bed, keeping his rear in the air, wiggling with his wagging tail.

Ryou slowly got up and yawned, walking over to his robes (which he'd folded neatly once he'd undressed) and began dressing.

Marik just watched from on the bed, still wagging his tail. There was a knock on the door.

"Ryou? Marik?" Mikado called. "You all up?"

"Yes!" Ryou called cheerfully. "Marik woke me."

"Okay! Malik and me--"

"Malik and I."

"Shut up, Ahmose! Malik and me are gonna go ready the horses." Mikado called.

"Alright! Marik and I will grab breakfast for us to eat on the way." Ryou called out, continuing to dress. The robes of a priest were so tedious!

Marik finally changed to his human form and dressed, gathering their belongings.

Ryou smiled and pecked Marik on the cheek before exiting, now fully dressed. "can you load that onto the carriage? I'll get breakfast."

Marik nodded and trotted out of the room and down the stairs, heading outside. The sky was just beginning to lighten, and the snow was thick on the ground. Malik and Mikado were working together, harnessing the horses to the carriage over blankets to keep them warm in the snow. Ahmose was just walking out of the stable with Nakhti and Striogoi, both with blankets and saddles on, ready to go. Ahmose tethered them both to the back of the carriage for the time being and began loading some of his belongings onto Nakhti, while Strigoi snuffled over the carriage, smelling his master within.

Ryou came out moments later, carrying a basket which within held warm muffins and fresh cold milk. "Breakfast." he grinned. "I got you some sausage Marik...since you don’t like muffins."

"I like muffins." Marik said with a smile. "But sausage is always good." Mikado ran back to the stable and emerged with his mare, leading her to the carriage and tying her to the back.

"Do we need anything else?" He asked, after checking their supplies.

Ryou shook his head. "I have my book...and my things...I'm ready."

"I think we're all ready." Marik said. Ahmose sighed and walked over to Mikado, pulling him aside for a moment. They began talking quietly. Marik just shrugged and turned to Ryou, lifting him up to the driver's seat of the carriage and passing him the thick blanket. Malik headed back to Strigoi.

Ryou grinned and spread the blanket over them both. "Is... Ahmose ok?"

"I dunno..." Marik said as he got settled next to Ryou. They both turned and looked back at the brothers. Ahmose pulled something out of his cloak and handed it to Mikado. It was a dagger with a greenish blade. Mikado accepted it with a grin, looking it over, then hugging Ahmose tightly.

Ryou smiled. "Oh... how nice!" he ate his muffin slowly, leaning into Marik. "Thank you for coming..."

"I wouldn't let you leave with me..." Marik said with a grin as the brothers finally came back and mounted their horses.

"Malik, Mikado, take the lead. I'll take up the rear." Ahmose directed. Mikado turned his mare and pounded on the roof of the carriage.

"You ready, Bakura?" He called.

Bakura groaned. "Shut up and go." was all that was heard from the disgruntled vampire.

Mikado giggled and urged his mare ahead of the carriage, falling in line beside Malik and Strigoi. Marik got the other horses moving the carriage and Ahmose followed.

They traveled the entire length of the day... most of Ryou's day was spent napping against Marik, cuddled close to keep warm.

Mikado led the way and Malik used his keen eyes and ears for anything that might be a threat, or of interest. It was a VERY quiet day, with only the occasional bird or squirrel.

Ahmose spent the long ride with his head down, thinking about Yami. At dusk, Bakura emerged from the carriage.

Ryou and Marik had already set up camp for the night, and were nuzzled together under a tree, wrapped in a few of the fur blankets.

"You've demon on the mind." Bakura said as he walked past Ahmose.

Ahmose blinked and looked up from where he was leaning against another tree. He didn't say anything, just stared a moment before looking down again.

Bakura smirked. "And what if he never comes back? Or better... what if he does and you never know."

Ahmose scowled. "I’ll just have to deal with it, won't I?"

"You have no means of knowing at all do you?" Bakura chuckled.

"Shut up..." Ahmose grumbled, turning away from Bakura.

Bakura smirked. "For a Sorcerer... you suck." he said calmly. "Any sorcerer could conjure a way to locate someone."

"Go bother someone else, please." Ahmose snarled.

"Truth hurt the little magician too much?" Bakura sneered. "You could find him if you wanted to."

Ahmose frowned up at Bakura.

"Bakura, please be nice." Mikado called from by the fire.

"Nice is for little children and lovely ladies. Not for pouting sorcerers." Bakura said calmly.

Mikado and Ahmose gave Bakura identical glares.

"Bakura, you're just rubbing salt into the wound, let him alone." Marik called.

Bakura smirked. "It must run in the family." he said calmly. "Well... I'm going to enjoy the night... you two have fun being alone."

“Don’t go far.” Mikado said, stoking the fire as he cooked a couple of rabbits that Malik had brought back for dinner.

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Yes mommy."

Mikado snickered. "Be a good boy and play nice."

"Bite my ass." Bakura huffed, seeming to disappear into the night.

Mikado, Malik and Marik laughed. "Here." Mikado said, holding out a peice of meat on his knife to Malik. "How is that? Cooked enough?"

Malik took it and took a bite. "It's fine." he said calmly.

"Okay." Mikado said, moving the spit away from the fire. "Ryou, Marik, Ahmose. Come on. Food." He said. Marik got up and he and Ryou headed over to the fire.

Ryou pouted slightly. "poor bunnies..." he cooed, but took his potion of the dinner.

Mikado smiled at Ryou. Marik got a whole rabbit, Malik and Ryou split one, and Mikado took half of the last rabbit to his brother.

"Here."

"No thank you... I'm not hungry."

"You're lying. You haven't eaten all day. Come on, Ahmose. You know I won't leave you alone until you eat." The boy said. Ahmose eyed him, then sighed and took the rabbit meat. "Thank you!" Mikado sang and returned to the fire, letting Ahmose sulk.
Ryou frowned. "He's...still upset about Yami… isn't he?"

Mikado nodded. "Yeah... I guess... Ahmose really DOES love that de-- ummm... Yami..."

Ryou smiled. "Love is beautiful. I'm so glad Marik kidnapped me..." he nuzzled into his lover. "Otherwise I wouldn't know what love was like to share..."

Mikado laughed as Marik grinned and wagged his tail, turning and kissing Ryou's cheek. He looked up at Malik. "Hmmm..."

"You're just a pup at heart." Malik snickered as he ate. "We should turn in early tonight...there's a hard frost coming...and I don’t know about YOU, but I'd like to be well protected and cuddled up to someone's warm body."

Marik raised his eyebrows. "And whose body will you be cuddled up to?" He asked, glancing at Mikado. Mikado's eyes widened like a deer in headlights.

Malik laughed. "Clothes on." he said calmly.

"You know... it would be wise for all of you to sleep in the carriage, since Bakura is out and about." Ahmose called. "You'll stay warm."

"What about you?" Ryou called back looking worried. "You say 'all of you' as though you mean not to join us..."

"Sleeping outside in weather like this is nothing new to me." Ahmose said, standing and walking over to where the horses were standing. He stroked Nakhti's nose, then sat down. Nakhti snorted and slowly knelt, then made himself comortable on the ground, snuffling over Ahmose's hair when the sorcerer leaned against him. "Hey! Stop that!" Ahmose chuckled, pushing the stallion's nose away. The horse snorted loudly and Ahmose closed his eyes as the force of the snort blew his hair back away from his face. "Mmm... nice." He grumbled, making a face at the horse's breath.

Ryou shook his head. "There's room for you..." he offered. "The carriage is quite large inside."

Ahmose smiled. "Thanks but... I've spent every night in the woods with Nakhti since he was a colt." He said, stroking the horse's neck. "Plus, someone needs to keep watch."

"Isn't that what Bakura's doing?" Malik asked laughing. "It's all vampires do. WATCH."

“No, he’s probably gone off to check out the area, maybe hunt…” Ahmose mumbled, curling up against his horse and under his cloak.

Ryou sighed and shook his head. "Alright Ahmose... at least take a blanket." he cooed stepping into the carriage and coming out with a thick fur blanket. "It's cold."

"I'm fine." Ahmose said softly, pushing Nakhti's nose away when the horse snorted in his face again. "Stop that." The stallion snorted again but stopped bothering Ahmose, nibbling at some dry grass that was in his reach.

Ryou sighed and shook his head. "Alright..." He gave Marik a worried look, before climbing into the carriage and picking a spot on one of the soft seats.

Marik crawled in, wiggling out of his clothes as he took on his wolf form. Mikado raised his eyebrows at that as he snagged the other seat.

Ryou pat the foot of the seat and smiled, flicking the blanket over Marik as well. "Goodnight Marik..." he cooed smiling.

Marik yawned, wagging his tail, and licking Malik's pointed ear as the elf settled in.

Malik snorted and swatted lightly at Marik. "dont drool on me." he grunted pulling a blanket over himself as well.

Marik rolled his tongue out in silent laughter as if to say 'heheh... JUST you wait...'

Ryou nudged Marik lightly. "Marik dont torment Malik..." he yawned.

Marik sighed and curled up under the blanket, closing his eyes. Mikado mumbled as he got comfortable under his own cloak. Finally, all was quiet. And when Bakura returned several hours later, everyone was fast alseep (Ahmose and the horses now under an extra blanket of snow).

Bakura sighed and woke Ahmose. "Hey...." he rolled his eyes. "Wake up."

"Nnh..." Ahmose grunted, swatting at Bakura slightly. Nakhti snorted and shook the snow from his head and mane, swishing his tail a bit.

Bakura shook Ahmose again. "WAKE UP!"

"GOD!!" Ahmose yelped, poking his head out from under his cloak. "What the hell do you want?! I'm sleeping!"

"It's time to wake up. You're covered in snow and the sun will be rising soon." Bakura said calmly.

"The snow insulates and keeps me warm." Ahmose grumbled, ducking under his cloak again.

Bakura sighed. "Look you, get your friends out of the carriage or I'll be insulating you when I BURST into flame!" he growled.

Ahmose chuckled. "Go wake them yourself if you're that scared."

Bakura growled. "Fine." he stormed into the carriage in a huff.

Ahmose grumbled and closed his eyes, ready to go back to sleep.

There was a loud yelp as Marik was tossed out, followed by Malik, then Mikado, and finally Ryou.

Ahmose blinked and peeked over at them, all lying in the snow, quite confused. Mikado sat up and rubbed his head. "What the hell?! BAKURA!!!"

The carriage door slammed shut. "It's sunrise you bum!" he howled out.

Ryou blinked a bit, giggling. "Oh...poor Marik..." he cooed pulling his puppy-ish lover out from under Malik who was dazed and confused.

Marik whined and licked Ryou's chin as Mikado banged on the door of the carriage. "Not for another hour you rat bastard!!!"

"Shut up you scrawny punk!" Bakura howled out. "You're lucky I am even coming!"

Mikado growled. "FUCK YOU!!!"

"No thanks I'm abstaining!" Bakura growled back.

"Oh, bite me!" Mikado shouted back, banging on the door. Ahmose peeked out at that, eyebrows raised, and Marik cocked his head and looked at Mikado with a 'hurrr...?'

Ryou giggled again. "Mikado it's alright..." he said smiling. "We need to get moving anyway...it's cold."

Mikado blinked at his brother and Marik, then his eyes widened. "I... told him to bite me, didn't I?" He asked. Ahmose chuckled.

"You may as well have offered him a snack." He said to Mikado, who blushed and dragged his hand down his face.

Marik changed to his human form. "Next time he may take you up on it, kid." He said, dressing and chuckling. "Now let's get moving."

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

Siarene: Ahmose? Tight assed? D’uh. And yeah, Yami and Ahmose are a riot aren’t they?

Chibigeemu: XD Yeah… it’s always fun giving Marik a bath.

Drago: teehee! Yep. Yami and Ahmose are cute.

Tasha: Um…. Demon Realm? O.o