Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ A Gentle Nudge ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer:

I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!, the characters are merely borrowed for the purpose of entertaining myself, I make no money from this yadda yadda yadda etc etc.

 

AN:

Woah, I am seriously on a ride with this plot bunny. I can't seem to stop writing. Good for you the reader I suppose, quick updates! Scene setting is done and now, to move the plot forward and add in a few characters. Mmm, I can't wait to see how this chapter is going to turn out.

 

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A couple of weeks had passed since Bakura had seen Marik. It seemed that Akeifa had taken pity and he was sleeping better, but still sleep did not come easy. He had managed to get a job, bartending in a club called Ikona. It was easy work, busy and noisy, the kind that kept him distracted. It was also something he was good at, his supernaturally sensitive hearing meaning that he did not have to strain to hear the drinks orders over the pounding music. He was quick and accurate, and the fact he had white hair was a novelty. He was fast becoming popular with the regulars much to his annoyance, but it pleased his boss and earned him tips. That he couldn't complain about. All in all he was earning more than enough for his keep, and was saving the spare for when he needed to move on next. It some ways he began to feel almost settled. Working nights didn't bother him since he and sleep were not the best of friends, and if anything the tiredness he felt on a morning actually helped.

 

His shift had started an hour ago and he was currently working at the main bar on the main floor of the club. The dance floor was beginning to fill up and he could see that it was going to be a busy night. He was carrying a case of bottles up from the cellar and dumped them before a fridge before straightening out his t-shirt after it had risen out of place. Stuffing the black cotton material back into his black jeans he stood and turned back to the bar.

 

“What can I get you?” He asked not looking up as he wiped his hands on a towel.

 

“Hello Bakura.”

 

Bakura managed not to flinch as recognition hit him like a steam train, the man's voice and aura washing over him, but it was hard. As he looked up sure enough his crimson eyes met lavender.

 

“Shit Marik, what the fuck are you doing here?”

 

Marik chuckled in amusement. “Caught you at a bad time?”

 

“For these little visits, there never is a good time.” He snarled in reply.

 

“Now, now, easy tiger. I'm just checking up on you. I know for a fact you are sleeping better.”

 

“Not by fucking much.”

 

“But the dreams have stopped.”

 

Damn it, he and Akeifa were definitely in cahoots. True enough the dreams had stopped for now, and he was left with more ordinary sleep issues, but they had been caused by the disturbed sleep he had been experiencing. “It seems you know everything. Trying for God's position are you now?”

 

Marik laughed aloud. Damn, in all of Hell no-one could make him laugh like the bitter angel before him. Eyes twinkling with merriment he regarded the pale immortal for a moment before continuing. “If I didn't know better I would say you had taken my advice.”

 

“Oh, suddenly you don't know at the details. What the fuck makes you say that?” He fought to keep his temper under control. Marik knew just how to try his patience.

 

“Your aura.” Marik replied smartly. Bakura's eyes narrowed. Every soul, angelic or human had an aura, and all angels, fallen or otherwise could read them. “It's calmed a little. Perhaps hope isn't quite so alien to you as you like to make out.”

 

Bakura clenched his fist and looked for a way out of this conversation, he was in serious danger of losing his temper again.

 

“Look Marik, as much as I love your company, I actually have a job to do, so this little shits and giggles session will have to wait.”

 

Without waiting for a reply he turned to see the bar filling up with thirsty customers and took an order. Marik chuckled quietly deep in his throat. Mmm, it seemed that the scene was set. There was hope in Bakura's heart yet, his aura didn't lie. He just needed to be nudged, the question was how.

 

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“C'mon Ryou. Quit dawdlin'.” Joey drawled in his Brooklyn accent.

 

Ryou looked up sheepishly from when he walked a few steps behind his friends. Yugi laughed and stopped waiting for his friend to catch up. “Don't look so nervous.” He soothed, placing a hand on the taller man's shoulder in reassurance. “Its only a night out.”

 

“I know, I know.” He replied rolling his eyes as the group of four came back together. “It's just I'm not sure I'm ready for this yet.”

 

The break up of his relationship with Duke a few months ago still stung. The feelings were complicated to say the least, but ever since then he had not really wanted to get back out there. Just the thought of meeting someone threatened to make his heart stop.

 

“Look.” Joey smiled. “Forget the prick, you're better off without him.” Ryou smiled. “The night is but young, so are we, just enjoy yourself. I'm just grateful we managed to pry you out of the library for once.”

 

Ryou smiled wryly. Okay he had buried himself in his job of late. But the quiet man loved his books, and the quiet peace and solitude of his working environment. Yes, Ryou had practically been born to be a librarian.

 

“Less of the we Joey.” Malik countered. “I don't remember you being there when me and Yugi practically had to pry his fingers from his desk.”

 

“Hey!” Ryou slapped his tanned friend on the arm playfully. “Quit over exaggerating.”

 

Malik sniggered. “You might as well have been holding onto the thing for dear life. The amount of effort it took us to get you out of there.”

 

“Then trying to get you ready to come out.” Yugi joined in the teasing. “I thought you were never going to get dressed.”

 

“Alright!” Ryou groaned exasperated. “This have been overdue, I admit it, now can we just quit it already.”

 

His tormenters laughed, the group of four walking companionably down the street unaware that they were being watched by a pair of lavender eyes.

 

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Marik had been drawn to the group for some reason. Well actually, now he thought about it, there were several obvious reasons. Firstly, three of the group bore uncanny resemblances to Fallen he knew intimately, particularly the white haired one of the group. The resemblance to Bakura that the young one had was uncanny, though he looked more like Bakura had in Heaven. But what was the real scene stealer was the aura the young man had to go with it. He grinned to himself. Surely a little nudge couldn't hurt.

 

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A couple of hours later, a more relaxed Ryou was laughing with his friends. He had to admit it, the four were having a good time. Joey was goofing off as usual, Malik was flirting shamelessly at anything remotely attractive as usual, and he and Yugi were rolling their eyes at the other two, as usual. It was like old times before Duke. Yugi and Joey were rounding up Malik and they were going to move on. Where to had not yet been decided. Laughing the four of them spilled out onto the street, Malik stopping a moment to tie a shoelace as the other wandered forward without him. Chuckling to himself Marik decided that this was perfect timing.

 

Taking a non-corporeal form he settled himself at the young blonde's side, and whispered the suggestion into his mind. Malik stiffened, his eyes glazing over for a moment as the suggestion sunk in. Marik shifted into the shadows and took on a solid form in time to see Malik shake his head and look up to his friends.

 

“Hey guys, wait up!” He cried, the three turning as he ran to catch up.

 

“What's the matter got lost in your thoughts?” Yugi asked.

 

“Yeah, not like you to think.” Joey quipped.

 

Malik was about to respond angrily but Ryou managed to get between them smoothly.

 

“So guys.” He put in. “Where to next?”

 

Malik suddenly go excited. “I know, there is this club.” He grinned as Ryou rolled his eyes. “Come on Ry' it'll be great you'll see.”

 

“Mmm. I'm sure I'll enjoy watching you try to cop off with half the inhabitants of Domino.”

 

Somehow Malik managed to look indignant.

 

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Seto landed in the darkness, firstly curling his feathered wings around him, before hiding them, his robes rippling, and forming into the modern clothing. He stepped gracefully out into the night, his tall slender presence commanding, even a little unnerving, but still he managed to slip into the club unnoticed. He used his unique abilities to shield himself from sight, most looking at him briefly, their gaze then sliding away leaving with no memory of his appearance. His cerulean eyes scanned the room. He knew that he had to be here somewhere.

 

“Well, well.” Came a deep baritone voice from his left. “If it isn't the Avenger. Marik said I should be expecting you.”

 

Seto turned to regard the owner of the voice, not that he didn't already know who it was. “Yami.” He replied smoothly. “And what may I ask are you doing here.” Not bothering to hide the annoyance in his tone.

 

The tri-colour haired Fallen approached the Avenger without fear. He was one of the few able to do so. He reasoned that he had been punished, that was in the past so why should he fear the tall Left Hand of God?

 

“Well Marik had business elsewhere, and suspected you might be dropping by. He felt it would be rude if someone were not here to meet you.”

 

“And so I am left with you.” The Avenger eyed the Fallen with cold eyes.

 

Yami on the other hand was not intimidated by the other. “Well someone had to speak for him, and make sure you are not going to interfere.” He added with a grin.

 

“What!” Seto was predictably incredulous. “How dare you suggest…”

 

“Easy now.” Yami sniggered. “Don't want to make a scene do we.” Oh it was so satisfying to get a rise out of the angel. “We both know you had come here to confront him. After all, Bakura's case is of particular interest to the Lord.”

 

“Yes, and his orders were extremely clear. No interference.”

 

“Actually, I believe that it was no direct interference to be exact.” Yami stated with satisfaction.

 

Seto actually growled, clenching his fists. He did not like being corrected. The two regarded each other for a moment, the pounding music nothing but a passing distraction to them both. Yami chuckled to himself once more.

 

“You can't deny it Seto, Marik has been very careful to stick to the rules. He gave a suggestion of a place to go to an unrelated human, nothing more. What happens beyond that is beyond anyone's control. Quite artful methinks, after all, it might not work.”

 

Seto turned from Yami now, looking towards the bar where he could see Bakura. He had carefully shielded his aura, as had Yami, so for now, Bakura would probably be ignorant of his presence. Knowing he could not win the argument he chose to change the subject instead.

 

“So why you?” He asked flatly, not bothering to look at the Fallen angel beside him.

 

Yami's eyebrows arched in surprise, so that had been out of the blue. “Well for one I don't give a damn how much you glare at me, I am not scared of you.” He smirked at Seto's snort. “Secondly I am curious as to the aura Marik thinks is going to attract Bakura's attention. And thirdly…” Now he was grinning. “If Marik is to be believed there is a double of myself and him walking around this earth. That was something I simply had to see.”

 

Seto eyed the other with ill-concealed disdain, but followed the nod the other gave him. Sure enough a group of four were entering the room. The shock of white hair was instantly noticeable. It was a rare colour in nature, and this youth's hair was obviously natural and treasured. He understood Marik's plan now, the youth was so like Bakura had been before his fall from grace, right down to the appealing brown eyes. And yes, his aura was singular. The slim youth seemed by far the quietest of the four, almost shy, moving with an unusual amount of grace.

 

“Hmm, so Marik wasn't kidding.” He heard his companion say dragging his attention from his examination of the youth.

 

True enough to the right of the object of his scrutiny stood a youth with familiar tri-colour hair. Seto smirked. “He has the innocence you lack.” He stated bluntly, never one to mince words. Indeed the young one positively radiated innocence in his aura. His features also radiated that which shone in aura. Wide amethyst eyes that revealed his emotions and wide smile meant that the otherwise small individual did not go unnoticed. The warmth that emanated him demanded attention in the quietest way.

 

Yami chuckled. “Angels of any kind do not have innocence. We are a pure race; the two are not the same.” Seto nodded, begrudgingly agreeing with the Fallen one. “And that must be Marik's double.” Yami pointed out the third of their group.

 

Indeed the platinum blond shared many features with God's Adversary. The same tanned skin, the lavender eyes, to a lesser degree the dark markings round the lavender orbs. His eyes shone with the same mirth that seemed to fill the Lord of Hell more and more often these days. These humans were definitely rubbing off on the Fallen if Marik and Yami were anything to go by. The youth's hair was the same colour as Marik's though it fell in well cared tresses, nothing like the wild spikes Seto knew all too well.

 

As he was making his assessments he was debating what to do next. It seemed a fruitless trip if he return to the Lord's side with no kind of report. Yami seemed to guess his thoughts.

 

“We might as well stay and see how this plays out. After all, if anything does you can then take back the report that everything was done by the book, according to the Lord's rules.” He stated smugly.

 

Seto sneered in distaste, thinking to go, but then his eyes slid to the last of the four. The blond was leaning on the shoulder of Yami's double, a goofy grin plastered on his face. His first thought was to discount him, until he caught sight of the youth's eyes, the colour of clear honey. Those eyes said so much more about him than everything else. In the honey orbs he saw a devotion to those he was with that was reflected in his aura, consuming the aura like a flame. This one would go to any lengths for those he cared about. Loyalty was a human emotion he understood and even respected.

 

Yami grinned at the preoccupied angel. Perhaps the Left Hand of God could learn something from humans too.

 

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“Damn!” Malik swore. We are never going to get to the bar like this.

 

Ikona was packed, well it was a Friday night after all. The four were doing their level best to make it to the bar and stick together. Not an easy task all told when crossing a busy dance floor.

 

“This was your idea.” Joey yelled at Malik straining to be heard.

 

Yugi sniggered at the resultant expression on Malik's face, while Ryou just shook his head. Eventually they managed to congregate at one side of the bar, Ryou giggling at Malik's consternation. Mmm, he'd had a few to drink and the careful exterior he usually maintained was starting to slip a little.

 

“Well we made it!” Yugi breathed in relief. “But the bar looks like murder.”

 

“Yeah, swell idea Malik!” Joey teased.

 

“Hey, I had no idea that it would be this packed. But hey this is cool right.”

 

“Yeah.” Ryou soothed. “It is, and I'll hit the bar.”

 

The others nodded gratefully. With hair like his he was bound to get noticed, not that the same wasn't true for Yugi, but due to his height he was often missed in situation.

 

“Wait here.” With a wave of his hand Ryou was gone, sliding elegantly between the crush of bodies, at each turn his white hair catching the eye of those he passed. In some ways was useful, people being more inclined to let him through so they could stare at him some more. He remembered how it used to irritated him as a teen, but at 21, he had now given up caring. He was a grown man now and it was childish to let such things bother him. Soon enough he had found a space at the bar and smiled at the small accomplishment.

 

“What can I get you?” Came the deep voice, Ryou looking up to speak when his chocolate brown eyes met crimson and his heart skipped a beat.

 

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Yami sniggered at Seto's growl of disapproval. “Now things just got interesting.” He observed. “And I am afraid, there is nothing you can do about it.”

 

Seto in return just snorted in disgust. Yami was right and that is what rankled against his pride. There was nothing more he could do here. The seeds had been sown and how they grew was now out of their control. He made his way through the club, not caring how he did so. On the way past he felt someone's shoulder jar into his.

 

“Hey, watch where you're goin!”

 

Seto turned sharply, his cerulean eyes locking with bright honey orbs that set off a strange feeling inside him. He shook the moment off and carried on his way.

 

Yami watched this little exchange with interest. “So it seems that something about this one piques your interest. Marik will be very interested to hear about this.” He chuckled to himself. Speaking of Marik, it was time to give him the good news. No matter what he said to Bakura, Marik couldn't be watching him solely. So it was with amusement he made his way out, making sure that just for an instant his eyes met those of his double. Amethyst eyes widened in shock but Yami was already gone, smiling to himself.

 

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The moment stretched out seemingly indefinitely. The music, the bar, the people all suddenly gone and all that was left was one white haired youth and one broken angel staring at each other. Both had never laid eyes on another white haired individual in their time on earth, and for Bakura that had been a long time. The sight of this boy tore at his heart. The pale skin, the chocolate eyes, the purity of the whole that stood before him. It was like looking in the mirror to see himself in the past, or rather how he would like to see himself in the mirror, returned to himself.

 

Then there was that hair, only ever seeing that natural colour on himself, even Akeifa's was a creamier version, not this soft drift of snow that made him ache with the need to touch it, to see if were real. He swallowed hard trying to calm his racing heart. And then the young one's aura washed over him and he lost the battle. The purity within this young one's soul. He radiated kindness, gentleness and grace. It was the closest he had ever sensed to angelic he had ever come across in a human.

 

For Ryou he felt his heart flutter in his chest to see the other before him. The likeness was uncanny apart from minor differences. The other was a good inch taller at least, unless the floor behind the bar was responsible. The snow white hair was more unkempt, wilder in style than his own, only serving to accentuate those eyes, the colour of blood. At first glance you would want to look away, the colour almost disturbing, but when you looked past that fear fell away when you saw what was held within them. Ryou saw a sorrow, a pain that he hoped never to feel, all concealed behind a mask of bitterness.

 

All of a sudden the two snapped back to reality the real world coming back with a roar of sound, only a couple seconds having actually passed. Ryou shook his head trying to clear it as the other stared at him expectantly.

 

“Um, four Budweiser.” He managed to force out.

 

Even as he turned away to fulfil the youth's order Bakura caught himself watching him through the corner of his eye. He seemed unable to look away, captivated by this quiet one. The uncanny appearance and unusual aura could not help but hold his attention. He smirked as he saw the other was flustered fumbling with the required notes to pay, also watching him. Taking the tops off the bottles quickly he put them on the bar and with a wink took the notes out of his hand without a word.

 

Ryou stood flabbergasted, his mouth opening and closing as with an amused smiled Bakura placed his change in his hand. In that moment their hands touched and a spark seemed to pass between them, and the look of shock in the young one's eyes confirmed that the angel was not the only one that had felt it. Ryou looked up into the crimson eyes once more, seeing a curiosity that he had not seen before. Feeling suddenly overwhelmed he rammed the coins in his pocket, grabbed the bottles and turned away quickly.

 

Bakura leaned on the bar to watch the other retreat quickly, despite his flustered state, the young one moved with an unusual grace. In that few seconds they had made a connection, if only for an instant, but the feeling stayed. It was with shock that Bakura realised that for the first time in a very long time he actually felt calm. That moment with the white haired youth had touched something inside him that he was not sure he recognised anymore. As the mane of white hair disappeared into the crowd he found himself hoping that perhaps he might catch a glimpse of him again before the night was out.

 

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In Heaven the Lord sat watching this, Gabriel and Seto beside him. He sat back thinking. He turned to the tall brunette at his left.

 

“Marik had no direct involvement in this meeting.”

 

“None.” Seto confirmed begrudgingly. “He gave the suggestion to another in the group.”

 

“Then let them be. I do want Bakura to come home. I'm not sure if this youth is the key to that, but I can hardly involve myself or you when I have forbidden Marik to do so.”

 

Seto nodded. It would be as the Lord wished.

 

Gabriel on the other hand looked down on the angel he had held on the day of his punishment and smiled.

 

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AN:

Man I have got to stop trying to write chapters all in 1 day. I wrote 4 in a weekend! Okay, updates will probably slow down but I will try and keep them regular!