Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Journey to Heaven ❯ Breathless ( Chapter 11 )

Amythyst eyes watched the couple approach the Game Shop.  Their hands were gripping the other's tightly.Yami's canines sharpened as his eyes darkened with fury.

Yugi and Glenn walked into the Game Shop and locked the door behind them.  Yugi removed his coat and sighed sadly as he walked into the living room. Glenn watched his lover sit on the couch.

"Yugi?  What's wrong?"

Yugi wrapped his arms around himself. "Well.....I'm worried about Aten.  He's too young to go through all of this."

Yami crept to the side of the building and listened in on their conversations.  He scanned Yugi's memories. Something had upset Yugi and he wanted to know what was happening.

****Flashback*****

Yugi and Glenn stood beside Aten's bedside. The short duelist gave Aten a smile.

"I really hope you get better, Aten.  I'm glad you're still with us."

Glenn pat Aten's arm lightly. "He's a strong kid.  This won't keep him down."

Aten turned his head Glenn weakly and opened his mouth to say something when his eyes closed slowly.

Robbie watched as Aten fell into a painkiller-induced slumber.  "He's asleep."

Yugi brushed Aten's hair behind his ear and brushed his cheek. "Oh well, at least we got to see him for a little."

*******End Flashback*****************

Glenn sat beside his lover and put his arm around the short duelist.  "Look, babe, we'll send Aten some flowers when he gets a room. I know he'll be okay."

"It's not just the fact that Aten nearly died. Yami....my other half.....he's been trying to get to Aten and Aria for years.  What if he tries to get to Aten now?  It's not like Aten could protect himself right now.  What if Yami tries to get to Aten?"

Yami grinned. "Well...well...well....Aten's in the hospital again.  I can use this to my advantage."

Glenn ran his fingers through Yugi's tri-colored hair. "I'm sure that guy wouldn't go and INTENTIONALLY hurt someone who has just had a near-fatal heart attack."

Yami wrung his hands together in satisfaction. "Oh, I can DEFINITELY use this to my advantage! Aten had a heart attack....perfect."

Yugi bit his lip. "I'm not so sure. He went after Aten before when he was in the hospital. Luckily Aria caught him."

Glenn leaned over and kissed Yugi's cheek. "Baby, Robbie is with Aten.  You know he won't let anything happen to Aten.  It's not surprising that Robbie didn't want to leave Aten."

"Robbie really cares for Aten.....Aten needs that kind of love and support."

Yami angrily kicked the wall. "Damn it! I can't get to Aten if Robbie is with him!  Robbie will protect Aten until death!....And that kid knows how to duel well. I am not playing with that boy.  No.  I had better check to see what is going on in the Ishtar-Itemri house."

******************************

 Yami walked to the window of the Ishtar-Itemri residence. He looked inside to see all four men in the living room looking deep in thought.

Marik sat growling on the living room couch. The low rumble in his throat was matched by Bakura's own irritated growl.

Malike paced the living room nervously wringing his hands. Ryou leaned against the wall, too nervous to sit down.

Marik slammed his fist against the couch angrily, making both hikaris jump in fright. "This is bullshit! How could you possibly be responsible?"

Malik shook his head. "The only think I've killed recently is the mildew in the shower. I haven't killed anyone!"

Bakura's hair twitched with deep thought. When his former lover's emotions ran wild, he tried to be the moderate. He tried to rationalize problems. It was this which helped him escape Yami's guards many times in the past.  "How could the police have possible pinned those murders and rapes on you? You haven't raped anyone lately, have you?"

Malik narrowed his eyes. "I've never raped anyone in my life, Itemri! You know that!"

Ryou looked up. "What about the kids? What if they come looking for Malik and storm the house?  What of Aten? For all they know, they may think Aten is Malik's son!"

Marik gripped the Millennium Rod and jumped to hsi feet. "Those bastards better not think of going near my son! He's too ill to protect himself!"

"Robbie's with him still," Ryou chimed in.  "Robbie won't let anyone go near Aten without a fight."

Bakura stood up and put his hand on Marik's shoulder.  "I hate to say this, Ishtar, but I don't think they'll consider anything Aten would say.  To put it frankly, he's too medicated and weak to be considered anywhere near rational."

Marik slapped Bakura's hand away. "You're a bastard, Itemri!"

"All I'm saying, Ishtar----."

"Fuck you, Itemri!" Marik said as he ran for the door.

"Marik, Bakura was trying to reassure you that they won't question Aten." Ryou said, trying to be the peacemaker.  "He's too sedated to give any type of reliable testimony."

Marik turned to the crowd. "I have to go see my son."

Marik opened the door and left slowly. Yami hid behind the bushes and smiled at Marik's departure.

Bakura sighed. "He's as stubborn as an ass sometimes."

Ryou turned to his husband. "Bakura, I seem to recall a father not too long ago who acted the same way.  We just have to decide what we have to do to protect this family."

Malik sighed and sat on the couch. "What can we possibly do?"

Bakura crossed his arms. "That settles it.   You can't leave the house."

"What?!" Malik gasped.  "I have errands to run!"

Bakura rolled his eyes. "I hardly think that going down to the store for milk and bread is worth your freedom or your safety. Marik and I had to live hand to mouth, but I promise you both that you won't have to live like that.  Ryou, Marik, or I can get anything you need at the store.  Aria is here to help, too. I wouldn't worry about Aten. I highly doubt the police will want to question a kid who's recovering from a major heart attack."

"Yami Marik is vulnerable……perfect.  Time for me to take advantage of this."

****************************

The man stood in front of Katie. "Miss, I am from the police department and I must question Aten Ishtar."

The woman spread her arms to block his path into the ICU. "Who are you?  You can't just come in here and bother a kid who's just had a heart attack!"

The man removed his police badge. "I am Seargeant Barnes, Head of the Domino Police Department.  Either you step aside, miss, or you will be arrested for obstruction of justice."

Katie's eyes shifted between the man and the teen standing beside him. "Let me get his doctor. He will authorize you."  The policewoman standing beside the teen crossed her arms sternly.

Katie dialed a number on the phone. "Hello, Dr. Zira?.......Sgt. Barnes wishes to see Aten....I know it's impossible, sir, but he won't let up....Okay."

A few moments later, the aging Dr. Zira walked to lobby. "What seems to be the problem here?"

"I am Sgt. Barnes, Head of the Police Department. I need to speak with Aten Ishtar about the fugitive."

"What fugitive?  There is nothing to discuss with the boy. He's been through enough today."

Sgt. Barnes narrowed his eyes. "I will have no problem arresting you if you do not comply."

"The safety of my patient is my highest priority.  He needs his rest."

Sgt. Barnes turned removed his handcuffs.  "Sir, you are under arrest for obstruction of justice."

Zira held out his hands. "You don't know what you are doing. You are risking that boy's life!  Only I know how to save Aten!"

"Then this is a pity, isn't it?" the teen said.  "Poor Aten....Poor baby Aten.....Going to die...Boo-Hoo," the teen mocked.

"Lt. Hurley, take Zira away.  Book him and give hiim a comfortable cell."

Katie watched in horror as Dr. Zira was lead away in handcuffs.  Sgt. Barnes and the teen walked up to Katie.

"Where is Aten Ishtar's room?" the teen asked.  "Tell us or you'll be arrested, too!"

Katie stepped back. "Room 215."

Sgt. Barnes and Eric walked up the stairs to the second floor.

"I told you he'd be here, dad.  I heard he was taken here after his little....'accident'.  I'm surprised the little faggot lived."

"So am I.  He'll be able to confess to his uncle's guilt. Then I can go arrest the lot of them. The whole bunch of gays will be in my jail...then we can take them to our little group for....'cleansing.'"

Eric smiled. "You bet!"

The man and teen arrived in Aten's room.  Aten was alone and asleep in the bed.  The beeping of the machines and the pumping of the oxygen machine sounded quietly.  Aten's fingers twitched slightly in his sleep.

Sgt. Barnes stepped up to the side of the bed and slapped Aten's arm. "Wake up."

Aten jumped and his eyes shot open. His body trembled with the abrupt consciousness and the force of the slap. 

"I need to talk to you."

Aten's head fell back on the pillow tiredly. "Can't......too......tired....pain."

Eric stood beside the bed and Aten's eyes widened. "Hello.....Aten."

A whimper escaped Aten. "No....go...away...Robbie........help......Robbie," the boy's voice squeaked lightly.

"You live with Malik Ishtar....correct?"

Aten started to cry. "Robbie.........Robbie......."

"Tell me you little ass-licker," Sgt. Barnes threatened. "Do you live with Malik Ishtar?  Where is he now?"

Aten's fingers crawled their way to the Nurse's button, but Eric grabbed it from him.  "Tell us, Aten, or we will start to unplug every machine in here....starting with your oxygen machine."

"No.....Don't....."

Eric grabbed a pillow from behind Aten's head. "Tell us, Aten......where does Malik Ishtar live?  Where can we find him?  Admit that he was the one who raped and killed those men and women!"

Aten let out a wail. "Help....please...."

Sgt. Barnes grabbed Aten's hair and pulled his head back.  "Tell me or I'll break you in half....starting with your head, you little gay boy!"

"No...please...."

The heart machines beeped wildly.

"Well, Aten, if you're not going to help, we may as well do this."

Sgt. Barnes removed the oxygen mask and Eric placed the pillow over Aten's face and pressed down. "Die, you bitch!"

Aten's body struggled to move, but Sgt. Barnes kept his hand on Aten's hair, holding his head in one place. Aten's lungs struggled to breathe air.  His heart started to fail.

The door opened suddenly.

"Okay, Aten, I ate dinner in the caf and.....OH MY GOD! SOMEBODY!  ATEN!"

Sgt. Barnes released Aten's hair and Eric threw the pillow aside.

Aten's breathing became erratic and his body twitched.

Four nurses ran into the room.

"You're not allowed in here," one nurse said. "This boy is very sick."

Robbie went up to Eric. "You were trying to kill Aten!"

"Nonsense! Aten is my best friend," Eric lied with a  smile. I was just  trying to give him an extra pillow."

"Over his face?" Robbie pushed Eric away angrily. He shoved him with fury in his eyes. "Get the hell out of here, Eric!"

Eric turned to Robbie. "You're dead, Robbie.  You're a dead man!"

Robbie pointed to the door. "Get the hell out of here!"

Sgt. Barnes pushed Robbie against the wall. "You have the right to remain silent.  Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."

Robbie felt handcuffs wrapping around his wrist. "No! I can't be arrested! You were trying to kill Aten!"

Eric held up his hand. "No, dad. Don't worry about it. We'll get even....right, Cripple-Boy?"

Sgt. Barnes removed the handcuffs.

"See you later....Limpy," Eric said before leaving with his father.

The nurses ran to Aten's aid. They replaced his oxygen mask and administered a sedative to slow the quick heart beat.

Aten reached out to Robbie, sobbing. "Robbie," the voice squeaked.

Robbie held Aten against his chest. Aten's heartbeat had become slower.  "Shhh...it's okay, Aten....shhhh....He's gone. I'm sorry. I had to go eat something. I'm glad mom gave me money before she left.  I'm really sorry, Aten...." Robbie kissed Aten's forehead and rubbed his hands over Aten's cheek comfortingly. 

"Robbie...they.....," Aten whimpered.

"Shhh....close your eyes, baby. I'm here."

Aten closed his eyes slowly. Robbie held Aten until he could feel his friend go limp. 

**********************************

Seto tapped his fingers against the mahogany desk as he shifted his gaze between the two tuxedos in front of him. "I don't like the silver buttons. Make them gold."

"What color would you like your husband's trim to be?"

"Otogi is still gathering the colors for the wedding. He said he would be here sometime this week with the colors that he picked. He told me Joey picked the colors and he hasn't told me anything about what colors he picked.  So, let's hold off on that."

"As you wish, Mr. Kaiba."

Donny entered the room.  "Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Kaiba, but your mail is here."

"How many letters today threatening me not to marry Joey?"

"Only one today," Donny said with a smile.

Seto snickered. "Slow day,  then," the CEO said taking his mail. 

"We could use a slow day around here."

Seto's phone rang and he heaved a sigh. "Seto Kaiba."

[Mr. Kaiba?] the female's voice cracked.

"Who is this?"

[Katie Johson. I work with Dr. Zira in the hospital.]

Seto leaned forward. "Is everything okay with Aten?"

[Dr. Zira was arrested by Sgt. Barnes.]

Seto jumped out of his chair angrily. "WHAT?!"

[Dr. Zira was trying to protect Aten and he arrested Zira.  Robbie told us that he came in and saw Sgt. Barnes and his son trying to smother Aten with a pillow.]

Seto's fist slammed on the desk. "THAT BASTARD! I'll take care of this, Katie. How is Aten?"

[He fell asleep after the ordeal. I'm keeping a close eye on his vital signs and Robbie is there, too.]

Seto looked up at Donny. "Go grab Asher.....he has a job to do."

***************************

Seto entered the Headquarters of the Domino Police with Donny and Asher at his side.  He stepped up to the policeman at the desk.

"I demand to see Sgt. Barnes….now."

The man slowly looked in an appointment book.  "You're name is not on the list."

Asher removed a lighter from his pocket. "Fire…..good.  Fire burn appointment book if Seto no see Mr. Barnes."

The man swallowed hard. "Y-Yes, sir. Go ahead."

Seto opened the door to Sgt. Barnes with a loud slam. The man turned quickly from the window. "What is the meaning of this?"

"I heard you were visiting Aten Ishtar this morning."

Barnes crossed his arms. "I was following a lead to help me catch Malik Ishtar.  I was within my rights."

Seto smirked and stepped towards Barnes. He grabbed the man and threw him against the wall violently.  "You were not within your rights to try to kill the kid!  What the fuck did you want to gain by smothering Aten?"

Asher flicked the lighter. "Fire….burns.  Burn down bad man for hurting Aten."

Donny lowered Asher's hand. "Not yet."

"I was getting information by any means necessary….I was doing my job."

Seto growled and punched Sgt. Barnes in the jaw.  "And I'm doing mine….Stay away from Aten."

"Or what?"

"Or you will find yourself six feet under. Now…..you will release Dr. Zira.  Immediately."

Mr. Barnes shook his head.  "He is under arrest for obstruction of justice."

Seto released Mr. Barnes and snapped his fingers. Donny handed him his checkbook.  "I already have the police on my payroll……but I'm willing to make a supplemental payment to get Zira out of jail."

"Why do you care about him?"

Seto narrowed his eyes. "He is the only one who can keep Aten alive."

Barnes grinned. "In that case, I will need one million dollars."

Asher growled and lunged at Barnes, but Donny caught the pyromaniac.  "MAN BURN NOW!" 

"No, Asher! Bad!"

Seto narrowed his eyes. "Fine.  Just don't expect a Christmas Bonus this year."

Seto tossed Barnes the check. "Now, get Zira out of jail."

Barnes pocketed the check.  "Pleasure doing business with you."

Seto narrowed. "Get him out before I have this place reduced to rubble and ash."

Asher flicked the lighter. "Fire…..good.  Burn bad man who hurt Aten."

Seto narrowed his eyes as Barnes left. "I have a feeling you will get your wish, Asher…..one of these days."

****************************************

Marik opened the door to Aten's hospital room.  Robbie was sitting on the chair by Aten's bed.  His head was resting on the mattress. 

Both boys were fast asleep.  Marik looked down at Robbie's hand covering Aten's twitching fingers. 

Marik's POV

They look….so peaceful.

So happy.

Robbie told us that he loved Aten.  I should have seen this coming since Robbie came into our lives.  It was no mystery.  However, to hear it from Robbie's lips, made it hit me.

Robbie loves my son.

Whatever happens, I want Aten to be happy. I want him to be safe.  Robbie has been a constant companion to my son.

I should have seen this coming one day.  I never knew it would be this soon.

Of course, I never thought that I would see Aten in this condition so soon.

I closed the door behind me and Robbie opened his bloodshot eyes.

"Oh…hello, Mr. Ishtar."

"Hello, Robbie.  How is he?"

Robbie looked down at my son. "Sgt. Barnes was just in here.  He was trying to hurt Aten, but I stopped him."

I narrowed my eyes. Someone trying to harm Aten? 

Someone is going to pay for this! I swear.

"You stopped them?"

Robbie nodded. "I fought them away.  I won't let anyone hurt Aten or get near him when he's like this."

I looked into Robbie's eyes and saw the sincerity. He defended my son while my son lies there…..barely alive….hardly breathing.

That's love.

"Robert…..I want to thank you for watching over my son."

Robbie looked up at me. "When I said that I loved Aten, I meant it, sir.  I really did.  I love him like you could never know."

"I feel that way towards Malik.  He is my husband. He is my other half.  And I love him more than the gods."

Robbie nodded. "When I saw Aten in danger…..when I saw him collapse…I was more afraid than I ever was in my life.  Even when those men kidnapped Aten and I, I can't remember being more afraid than I was yesterday when Aten fell into my arms. He…he didn't have a heartbeat…..I didn't know what to do."

I walked around to Robbie. "Robert….if you love my son….you have to learn to live with the reality that Aten is very ill.  Every day is a new challenge for him.  Every morning when I see him get out of bed or praying to the dawn, I thank the heavens and praise them for giving me one more day with my son."

Robbie ran his fingers through Aten's hair. "I feel the same way."

I put my hand on Robbie's shoulder. "I'm glad that you do."

I looked at my son sleeping in bed. Now was not the time to wake him.  He was sleeping and needed his rest. 

"Tell him I will return later."

I walked around to the side of the bed and kissed my son's forehead. "Sleep, Aten Bakari.  Get your rest.  May the gods watch over you, little one."

I walked away and turned back to Robbie. He was holding my son's hand and caressing his arm lovingly. 

I am no longer needed here.

It's time for me to go.

******************************

Normal POV

Marik walked out of the hospital, his eyes cast down, his mind racing with thoughts.

He sighed as he thought of Aten and Robbie.  With all that was going on, he was greatful that he had a few days off.  Tomorrow he had to report to work again, much to his regret. 

But, the hospital bill would need to be paid.

The medications would have to be paid.

Mortgage had to be paid.

Food had to be bought.

There was no option.

He thought about his son laying in a hospital bed and felt tears come to his eyes.

'I can't have people see me upset.  That won't do.  Emotions were not meant to be public…..especially from one of Noble birth.'

Marik walked to the park and walked along the nature trail.  Children were riding their bikes.  Marik looked up at a stone, which looked peculiar.

'Did that stone just move?  Nah…now I'm seeing things.'

He heard twigs snap behind him and he removed the Millennium Rod from his belt. 

"Who's there?"

………..

………..

… 230;…..

Silence.

Marik looked around nervously.  Someone…or something was watching him.

"Show yourself."

………

……..

Nothing.

Marik continued to walk, gripping the Millennium Rod in his hand.

He heard a wolf's cry and he looked up. 

Silver Fang.

"What the hell is this?!"

The wolf faced Marik and snarled at him.  He barked and seethed at the mouth.  Silver Fang's eyes glowed a deep crimson.

Marik backed away and drew the dagger from the Millennium Rod.  "Get back!"

The wolf raced towards him and he raised the dagger. He knocked into something and turned around.

The Giant Soldier of Stone rose to its feet and Marik growled.

'This only means one thing…'

Silver Fang bit his hand that was holding the Millennium Rod.  The Giant Soldier of Stone reached back and swung his fist at Marik.

The yami dodged the blow.

'Yami's around here!' he thought.

Silver Fang took the Millennium Rod and ran off with it. Marik pursued the wolf, but the ground trembled as the Giant Soldier of Stone followed him.

'This is not good!'

Marik saw a man and horse running towards him and he dodged the man's spear. 'Gaia!  He missed!'

The Giant Soldier of Stone grabbed two of his swords and slammed them onto the ground, making a sizeable earthquake below Marik's feet.

The yami fell on his stomach as Silver Fang escaped.

Marik rose to his feet and the Giant Soldier of Stone punched him, sending him flying unconscious into the air and landing on the pavement a few hundred feet away.

The Giant Soldier of Stone and Gaia approached the unconscious yami.  A small trail of blood seeped from under Marik's head.

"Yami will be proud," Gaia said.  "The Spirit of the Millennium Rod belongs to the Pharaoh once again."

Gaia jumped off of his horse and draped Marik's body over the horse. "Come, Silver Fang!"

Silver Fang dropped the Millennium Rod in the bushes and entered the portal with the other duel monsters.

****************************

Yami sat on his throne in the Shadow Realm, filing his nails with a regal smirk.

He looked up at his monsters dragging an unconscious Marik behind them.

"We've brought the Spirit of the Rod, sire."

"Good….place him on the altar….the same altar where his son was chained. Bind him well."

Gaia put Marik on the altar and bound him tightly.  "Anything else, sire?"

"You may go…"

Yami approached Marik and ran his hand over the unconscious yami's chest and stomach.  'Such a beautiful body…..'  Yami saw a trail of blood creeping down Marik's forehead from the impact to the concrete.

Yami leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Marik's lips.  He let his tongue slip between Marik's lips. 'A kiss from a Noble is sweet compared to the bitter taste of a Commoner.  Marik is sweeter compared to Itemri.  I wonder what else is sweet on him.  Time will tell.'

Yami unbuttoned Marik's shirt and peeled it open slowly.  He kissed Marik's chest and down to his belly button. 'You're mine now, Ishtar.'

The pharaoh removed Marik's belt and ran his hand over the front of Marik's jeans.

'All mine.'

Updates: Saturday

REVIEWER POLL: DO YOU GUYS WANT A YAMI X MARIK NCS?  MARIK COULD BE UNCONSCIOUS OR COULD WAKE DURING THE MIDDLE. If no, I can either do an implied later or can the idea.