Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Return To Paradise ❯ Crowded Spaces ( Chapter 3 )

//………//=Yami Marik through Mindlink

/………./=Malik through Mindlink

 

Crowded Spaces

 

Bakura rubbed his eyes as the crews flashed their cameras outside. “Damn their flashing boxes!”

“They're called cameras, Bakura,” Malik said.

“They can be called whatever they want right now, but they still suck. Fuck, I'm blind!” Bakura growled, rubbing his sore eyes. “I smell a rat, alright. When I get my hands on that rat, he'll be dead…..again.”

Malik opened up the paper and sat on the couch. “'Thousands of years ago, Ancient Magic wasn't just in the hands of magicians and wizards. Magic was commonly used to protect one's property against evil or theft. `Shadow Magic,' as this ancient magic was called, possessed energies a thousand times greater than pure alchemy. Shadow Magic was once feared due to its deadly capabilities. It was once believed that Shadow Magic would permit its user to control the elements and even the power of life and death.'”

Bakura nodded. “It's very true. Ishtar can control the elements. Yami was given the power of life and death with his Item. Myself, I control the Shadow Realm.”

“Marik told me that he can control the elements with his Item, which I found interesting since it is not written in the Ancient Scriptures I read as a child.”

“Some important details were left out of the Ancient Scriptures for a reason. It was thought that if the scribe wrote everything down on parchment, it jeopardized the Item's safety. Being able to control minds with the Millennium Items, but imagine being capable of starting a sandstorm and wiping out Cairo and all the other Egyptian cities with a flick of the wrist. Such power would be greatly coveted by Yami's enemies. Marik had to discover that capability all by himself.” Bakura chuckled. “It doesn't surprise me that he mastered his Rod quickly and all of the powers which it was capable.”

Malik nodded. “Marik's the Rod-Master.”

The thief chuckled. “If there wasn't a throng of people outside trying to bust our doors down, I'd gladly fall on my ass laughing.”

“'Ancient Magic that belonged to the Ancients are now possessed by two individuals here in Domino City. These two individuals who possess such awesome magic, are not living people, but are actually spirits from the past who inhabit pieces of jewelry called Millennium Items. These spirits also possess these Shadow Powers and fight for supremacy.'”

Bakura opened his mouth and raised an eyebrow. “Hold on a minute. Repeat that, Malik.”

Malik looked back down at the paper. “' 'Ancient Magic that belonged to the Ancients are now possessed by two individuals here in Domino City. These two individuals who possess such awesome magic--.”

“Two?”

Malik looked closer at the paper. “Yes, it says two. T-W-O.”

Bakura narrowed his eyes and shook his head. “Son of a bitch.”
”What is it?”

“Two individuals?????? Malik, there are three Yamis. Yami Marik, Yami Yugi, and Yami Me.”

Malik snickered. “Yami Me?”

“Yami Bakura! There are three! 1-2-3. How come this dickhole is saying that there are only two of us?”

“Sounds like he's a little confused.”

Bakura shook his head. “I don't think this is an issue of being a little confused, but misled.”

Malik nodded as he reached for the phone. “I'm going to call Yugi. I wanna see if there is a crowd by his place by any chance.”

“I doubt it,” the thief said, entering the kitchen, and returning with a piece of cheese.

Malik dialed Yugi's number as Bakura nibbled on his cheese.

[Hello, Kame Game Shop. Yugi Motou speaking.]

“Hi, Yugi! It's Malik.”

[Hi, Malik! What's up?]

“Umm…this is gonna sound odd, but how are things over there?”

[Umm……fine. Why?]

“You don't happen to have a crowd knocking down your door, do you?”

[Not that I'm aware of. Glenn's talking to me…….uh huh………yeah, he said it's been quiet today.]

“Oh, okay. I'm just checking.”

[You sound upset. Anything wrong?]

“Well, there's a huge crowd out here asking questions about Shadow Magic and if our yamis are really dead.”

[Shadow Magic?!]

“Yeah, these people around here are crazy….and Yugi, you know I've seen a lot of crazy shit in my life.”

[Yeah, I know you've been around. Have you told them anything?]

“Hell no! Ryou is upstairs with Kai and Rhett. Bakura's here with me now. I'm waiting for Marik to get here and he's taking his good ol' time!”

Bakura shook his head. “If he's having the commute we were, he's busy running away from newscasters in pursuit and people firing guns at him.”

“Guns?!”

“Long story.”

[I'll try to come over when we close the shop.]

“No, no, Yugi! If you come here, your shop will be over-run by these people! They'll never leave you alone.”

[I'll check up on you guys later then.]

“Thanks, Yugi. We may need to recruit you for babysitting sometime.”

[Glenn and I won't mind. If Glenn's working, then it will just be me here, but I don't mind taking care of the kids.]

“Thanks again, Yugi. Bye bye.”

[Goodbye.]

Malik hung up the phone. “Yugi said that nobody is by his place.”

“It's only a matter of time before they get there, Malik,” Bakura said. “It's only a matter of time.”

 

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

 

Marik tapped his fingers on the steering wheel impatiently as he cursed the stop light ahead of him. His body was tensed, keeping his mindlink open for Malik's voice.

//Malik, how are you holding up?//

/More have arrived and some people from the neighborhood are coming out of their homes to see what is going on./

Marik growled under his breath as Linkin Park played loudly in the car. //Did Itemri and Ryou return from the doctor?//

/Yes, they are home now. Bakura said that he and Ryou were fired at and chased./

//Holy fuck! Are they alright?//

/Yeah, they came home okay. Ryou is upstairs with the kids. Bakura is keeping an eye out with me downstairs./

//I'm driving as fast as I can.//

Marik looked beside him and saw the people beside him pointing fingers at him. //Ever since I got on the road, people are acting fucking insane. I must entertain them or something.//

/I know why, but you've gotta get home before I tell you! Whatever you do, Marik, don't answer any questions when you get home!/

Marik turned the car and looked behind him. //This news van is riding my ass….//

“HEY! STOP RIDING MY ASS!” Marik screamed out the window.

/News van?! Yami, get away from them!/

//What are you talking about?//

/Just do it! Lose them!/

Marik made a sharp left and made a U-turn at the intersection illegally. The screeching of tires behind him told him the van had also made the illegal U-Turn. //Fuckers are following me!//

/Lose them!/
Marik narrowed his eyes. “You wanna play? Fine! Two can play at that game!”

The yami made a sharp right into a residential area and was followed by the van.

//What the hell do they want with me?!//

/Yami, something was published about Shadow Magic in the newspapers and now people are right outside our door begging for answers!/

//How the hell can that be?!//

/Just lose the van, Marik Jibade!/

//I'm doin' it! These are skinny backstreets. It takes good maneuvering to get a truck through this district.//

/Good thinking!/

//It's a damn good thing I have good depth perception. I know Itemri wouldn't be able to drive this place as well as I can. He'd have a harder time judging the turning distance in this neighborhood.//

Marik looked in his rear-view mirror and saw the van slowing down. He made a sharp left and the van became stuck on the turn.

//That's it! It's official! I kick ass!//

/You lost them?!/

//Sure did, tenshi! It's too bad you're not here right now. Otherwise, I'd pull you into the back seat to celebrate our daring escape together.//

/You'd grope me./

//Like you've never been groped before!//

The yami turned right and continued home.

//Did you say there's a crowd of people?//

/Sure did. Do you see them?/

//……………………… ………//

/Yami? Marik?/

//I haven't seen so many people since the last public hanging I saw back in Cairo five thousand years ago! I can't pull up to the house. I'll park by Miranda's house. It will give me a good reason to harass her before I go to work.//

/Then you'll come home and grope me again!/

//I never hear you complaining.// the yami snickered.

/Well, no. I'd never complain about that!/

Marik parked in front of Miranda's house and stepped out of the car looking at the crowd of people. He slammed his car door, making some of the news crews turn their heads towards him.

//This is not going to be pretty.//

/Yami, try not to make things worse!/

Marik narrowed his eyes as a crowd of reporters flocked to him asking questions that sounded jumbled.

“What are all of you doing in front of my home?”

“Is it true you are a poltergeist?”

“Is it true that you have superpowers?”

“Are you immortal?”

Marik growled low in his throat. “You ARE aware that this is harassment, aren't you? Now get away from my home and my family!”

“If you would please just answer one question--.”

“NO! I'm not answering any of your questions! Now go away!”

Marik walked towards his home with the crowd following him. As he approached, the crowd became denser. He could feel himself becoming angrier as it became difficult to walk.

“ALL OF YOU GO AWAY BEFORE I LOSE MY TEMPER!” he snarled angrily.

The crowd parted slightly for him to get through. He made it up to his door and Malik opened it quickly.

Marik closed the door behind him and leaned against it. Malik hugged Marik tightly.

“I'm glad you're home!”

Marik looked at Bakura sitting on the steps, finishing his piece of cheese. “Hey, Mouse-Boy. Tell me what the fuck is going on.”

Bakura stood up and tossed the newspaper to him. “That is what the fuck is going on.”

Marik looked at the front cover and his eyes narrowed. He opened up the paper and read the next part of the article. “'These `spirits' are similar to ghosts, but they have assumed the guise of living mortals to gain acceptance and assimilate into Domino's culture. Thereby settling into the community without being detected. These spirits inhabit the legendary Millennium Items and have the capability to possess living mortals. Don't let your guard down, Domino! These spirits can possess anytime, anywhere, and anyone at will!' What is this garbage?!”

“Somebody's attempt at a bad joke. Read the paragraph before that.”

“'Ancient Magic that belonged to the Ancients are now possessed by two individuals here in Domino City. These two individuals who possess such awesome magic--.' Wait…only two? What the hell happened to the third?”

Bakura swallowed the rest of his snack. “That's what I asked Malik. Apparently, the third individual is not counted. I don't know about you, Jibade, but I smell a rat.”

Marik nodded. “I smell one, too. It's too busy around here for us to do much about it now, though. We can't leave Malik and Ryou unprotected.”

Bakura nodded. “Very true….especially with kids. Aria and Umi will be here later, too. I'm not going to give that crowd a chance to get close to my daughter!”

“Do you think they will bother her?”

“They'll bother anyone who tries to come here,” Malik said.

“I don't doubt that,” Bakura said.

Marik looked upstairs. “I'm going to check on Ryou. Hold down the fort here.”

The blond yami walked up the stairs and found Ryou tucking Rhett and Kai down for a nap.

“Ryou?” Marik asked as he entered the kids' room. “Are you alright?” Marik pulled Ryou into his arms and kissed his cheek.

“Yes, I'm okay. Just getting the little ones tucked in for their nap.”

Marik looked down at Rhett and smiled. “He looks just like Aria when she used to take her naps.”

Ryou nodded. “Like mother, like son.”

Ryou walked out of the room and Marik stepped behind him.

“What's this about getting shot at?”

Ryou turned. “Well, I pulled Bakura out before the man could shoot us.”

“Why did he aim a gun at you?”

“He said he didn't want us in there and that his store was for those who were living only.”

Marik rolled his eyes. “So infantile.”

“I told the man Bakura and I were sorry for running in like we did, but I couldn't finish the sentence before he pulled the pistol on us.”

Marik took Ryou by the shoulders. “I'm glad you are both okay.”

“Yeah, we're fine. I was a little shaken up, but Bakura was pissed.”

“Don't worry, Ry. That man will get what's coming to him.”

Ryou sighed. “When Bakura and I got home, the kids were very scared. I had to bring them up here to calm them down.”

“Well, Bakura and I will take care of all this.”

“I don't know why these people are after us.”

Marik narrowed his eyes. “I know why. Itemri knows why. This is another of Yami's plans. It has to be!”

Ryou sighed and leaned against the hallway walls. “Not again.”

“Don't you worry about it, Ryou. Itemri and I will handle this. You and Malik just keep up the Sexy.”

Ryou snickered. “Only you can think of Sexy during times of trouble.”

“Sexy is good,” the yami grinned.

Marik lead Ryou downstairs. Bakura continued to sit on the steps staring at the door ahead of him. Marik peeked out the window and was flashed at by the cameras.

“Fuck, I'm blind!”

Bakura nodded. “Yeah, that's why I stopped looking out there.”

Marik groped around. “I can't see! I'm blind!”

Ryou and Bakura watched Marik walk towards Malik and grope him.

“Ohhh…I'm blind and I like what I see!”

Malik giggled. “See??? You can see fine!”

The blond yami snickered and opened his eyes. “Yeah, I just needed a reason for a random grope.”

Bakura shook his head. “Jibade, focus on the task at hand.”

Marik shrugged. “I am. I'm just taking a moment to grope my other half and think.”

Ryou took the paper from Marik's hand and opened to the next page of the article. “There's pictures of you summoning something in Domino Park!”

Bakura looked over his husband's shoulder. “That's the creature that poisoned me!”

Ryou nodded and scratched his head. “I remember tripping over something that night. I turned and saw someone running away.”

“I remember you telling me that, Ryou,” Malik said.

Bakura wrapped his arms around Ryou from behind and looked at the paper. “'These spirits who possess this magic pose a threat to Domino's safety. The ability to summon powerful creatures capable of wide-spread destruction can mean doom for our city.' These people are jumping to conclusions, don't you think?”

Ryou shrugged. “They don't understand, yami. That is why they are afraid.”

Marik crossed his arms. “Yami wanted us to get caught.”

“That is why I have always warned Aria not to summon creatures in public. That is why when she summoned her Nightmare Dragon in view of thousands of people, I scolded her. Mortals cannot understand our powers, Marik. They don't know what they are capable of.”

Marik picked up the Millennium Rod off of the coffee table. “They are right about one thing, though, Itemri. Our Items can cause destruction. If anyone wields all of the Items, there is no limit to their powers.”

Bakura nodded. “That is very true. I can wipe out a whole city with my ability to capture human souls.”

“I can drown, incinerate, and starve people to death.”

“That pharaoh is like the Reaper….able to save a life or take it in the blink of an eye.”

Malik sat on the couch. “I'm amazed Yami hasn't killed Ryou and I off.”

“That is because you are our other halves. Yami's magic can't touch you,” Marik said. “If his powers could touch you, Ryou would have been dead the moment Yami discovered Ryou was pregnant with Aria and Aten. Malik, you would have been dead the instant he discovered Marik was your other half. Marik keeps you alive and safe, Malik.”

Marik stood beside his other half. “I wouldn't let anything happen to you, tenshi.”

“So what are we going to do about this? We can't just sit in here hoping it all works out.”

Marik looked towards the window. “I must go later and take care of some business for KaibaCorp. I can't guarantee when I will be home.”

“I have to go back to that shopkeeper that pulled a gun on Ryou and myself. I'm gonna kick his ass.”

“Bakura, you are going to stay here and take care of Malik and Ryou. I don't want them alone in the house. Got your trusty piece?”

The white-haired yami pulled a dagger from his hip. “I always have this thing on me. A thief never goes anywhere unarmed. That's like committing suicide.”

“I will take care of the shopkeeper. Which store?”

“The chocolate shop on seventh,” Ryou replied. “Don't kill him, Marik. That's not going to look good if you do that.”

“Ryou's right, Marik. No killing anyone.”

Marik snickered. “Okay, I won't kill him. I'll make him shit his pants a little, though.”

The four men lifted their heads as they heard car doors slam and the crowd become loud.

“Mom!” Ryou heard Aria calling to him from outside.

“Aria's here!” Ryou exclaimed, standing up.

Ryou ran to the door and opened it up.

“RYOU!” Bakura called after him.

Ryou pushed through the crowd as Aria pushed her way towards her mother.

“Are you the daughter of one of the spirits?”

“Are you mortal?”

“Do you have powers like your parents?”

“Who the hell are you?!” Aria asked angrily. “Get away from me!”

Ryou reached for Aria. “Don't answer questions, dear! Come inside!”

“Mom! What is going on?!”

Ryou closed his eyes as the cameras snapped pictures of Aria and Ryou.

“He is a guy! How can he be your mother?!”

“Are you really a man?”

“How did you give birth?”

Ryou winced as an elbow caught him in the ribs. “No comment!”

Aria pushed the reporters aside angrily as her eyesight was blinded by the snapping of cameras with flashes.

Bakura jumped into the crowd and grabbed a hold of Ryou's arm. “I got you, Ry!”

“Yami, I can't see! Too many flashes!”

Bakura snarled. “DAMN CAMERAS! GO AWAY!”

Ryou winced as reporters stepped on his feet and microphones banged into his jaw.

“Dad, what is going on?!” Aria asked.

“Just get inside!” Bakura barked.

The yami kept his eyes focused on the door where Marik was standing guard. Marik's hand grabbed his collar and yanked him inside. Malik shut the door behind them.

Aria and Ryou panted as they rearranged their clothes. Aria smoothed down her dress.

“What the hell was that all about?!” Aria asked.

Marik held up the paper for her to see the headline. “This is what is up, Missy.”

Aria grabbed the paper and her eyes widened. “Holy Shit!” She opened up the paper and read. “I don't believe this!..........Oh please…………….How would they know that?!”

“We think it's Yami up to his old tricks.”

Aria looked at the name of the author. “Araqiel Tillmann. I never heard of him.”

“Do you think Yami wrote that article using that name?” Malik asked.

“Yami's a bastard. I wouldn't doubt it, but it would be wise to call the paper up and see if they do have a reporter by that name.”

Bakura looked at the clock. “The paper is closed now.”

Aria sighed. “I hope this bunch of assholes didn't bother my kids.”

“Malik took good care of them. They're upstairs sleeping right now. I just tucked them in a little while ago.”

Aria sat on the couch and continued to read the article. “This is amazing. I'm amazed everyone is taking this so seriously.”

“When it comes to the possible destruction of an entire city, people take that very seriously. Besides, they are suddenly faced with something out of the ordinary. That makes them scared and unpredictable.”

Bakura nodded. “I agree with Marik on that one. People can get scared and unpredictable when they don't understand something. Therefore, I don't think it's a good idea that anyone goes anywhere alone.”

Ryou nodded. “Sounds reasonable.”

“We have to set up precautions.
Ryou rubbed his ribcage. “That crowd is getting more rough.”

“Are there even people around back?”

Malik nodded. “The entire house is surrounded.”

“So how are we going to get them away from here?”

The phone rang.

Marik picked up the phone. “Ishtar-Itemri Residence.”

[Marik, are you still home?]

“Yes, Kaiba. I'm still here.”

[It's time for you to go and……conduct KaibaCorp business with Karl. He's waiting for you here.]

“Okay, moneybags. I'll be there as soon as I plow through the multitude in front of my house.”

[Multitude?]

“Yes, there's a shitload of reporters and crew out here demanding to know more about Shadow Magic.”

[Where did all that come from?]

“You have to read more than just the Business and Money section of the paper, chief. This is in the tabloids.”

[Who takes them seriously?]

“Apparently these people who are standing in front of my house, trying to knock down my door are taking this pretty fucking seriously! I'll bring the paper with me. I'll show it to you when Karl and I get back from working our magic.”

[Very well.]

Marik hung up the phone and turned to the others. “I have to get back to work now. Itemri, you are in charge here.”

Bakura nodded and twirled the dagger in his hand. “I'll be ready.”

Marik grinned and licked Bakura's lips. “Good boy.”

The blond yami went up to Ryou and pat his ass. “See you when I get home.”

Marik walked up to Malik and pulled him into a hungry kiss. He backed Malik against the wall, moaning and grinding up against him.
”It's good to see things haven't changed around here,” Aria said with a snicker.

Marik's hand reached under Malik's shirt and rubbed his nipple. “I haven't forgotten what you started this morning,” Marik grinned. “I'll get you back.”

Malik giggled. “Looking forward to it.”

“Oh, you won't know when I will strike. You could be awake…you could be asleep.”

“I'm a light sleeper.”

Marik grinned. “You won't know what is going on until it is too late for you to do anything about it.”

“We'll see,” Malik grinned, licking Marik's lips.

Marik broke the kiss and opened the door where the cameras flashed again. “Everyone, we are not commenting on anything! We only wish to be left alone. If you are looking for answers, you will not get any from anyone here. That is my last word on the subject.”

Marik walked towards his car. Before opening the door, he turned back to the crowd. “If you do not leave, I consider that harassment, and appropriate action will be taken.”

Marik climbed into his car and growled. “GET AWAY FROM MY CAR!”

He turned on the car and revved up the engine. The crowd ran from the car as he accelerated away.

Bakura watched his partner speed away. “Ra, please protect Marik….oh….and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid.”

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

Marik met Karl at KaibaCorp saying goodbye to his partner. He watched Karl and Jay kiss each other on the lips hungrily.

Marik grinned. “I'll give you five bucks to watch you guys make out.”

Jay crossed his arms. “No deal.”

“You're no fun, you know.”

“Be careful, both of you. Rocher's place is fortified well.”

Marik shrugged and gripped the Millennium Rod in his hand. “This thing isn't just for decoration, you know, Jayden. I can kick some serious ass with it.”

“I can pick locks just as good as Jay here,” Karl said.

“Yeah, and I know exactly what you do with your expertise in knots, right, Jay?”

Jay blushed. “I haven't a clue what you are talking about.”

“Bullcrap.”

“We better get going, Marik. Seto will be waiting for our report when we return.”

Marik nodded and grabbed some tools from his desk. He grabbed his gun. “I got our toys.”

Karl hugged Jay again. “I'll be home soon.”

“See you when you come home.”

Marik and Karl walked out of the side-door and into the underground garage of KaibaCorp. “Have you seen MagnaTech's building?”

Marik shook his head. “No. I'll drive.”

Karl sat beside Marik in the car. “MagnaTech's building is not as fortified as KaibaCorp, but it is still a challenge.”

“Does Rocher keep his guards nearby?”

“No, but after tonight he will,” Karl said, loading his Glock. “I checked it out earlier. Seto said you had something you had to attend to at home, so I took a ride over there. It's got ten floors and a gate surrounding it. Storage facilities outside will be good places for us to hide in the shadows from the guards….Take a left and a right.”

Marik turned the car and growled. “Were there a lot of lookouts?”

“I didn't see many, but again, that will change after we are done. Is your gun loaded?”

Marik grinned. “I did see Malik just a little bit ago and imagined him naked. You better bet it's loaded and ready to fire.”

Karl shook his head. “Naughty.”

“I'm your partner tonight, Karl, enjoy it.”

Karl sighed. “Is your firearm loaded?”

“Yes, my firestick is loaded.”

“Gun, Marik. Gun.”

“Firestick.”

“Gun.”

“Firestick.”

“Fine.”

Marik grinned. “I enjoy pressing your buttons.”

“Go down three lights and turn left. Yes, I can see that.”

“Modern weaponry is still amazing compared to the old weapons Itemri and I first encountered. Bows, arrows, daggers, and spears are quite a change from guns, missles, and bombs.”

“I can imagine.”

Marik shrugged. “We're learning.”

“I see cars are parked outside MagnaTech. People must still be working.”

Marik turned the car right. “We can hide our car here. We're not that far away from Aria and Umi's home, you know.”

“We didn't come here for a family reunion.”

“I know we didn't. The better we kept hidden, the better chance that they won't get caught in any crossfire.”

Karl and Marik waited in the shadows. “There's two guards by the gates.”

Marik looked around. “There's gotta be a way around them.”

Karl looked over to a fire escape. “Maybe we can use that. It only goes to the fifth floor, though.”

“We can make it. Follow me.”

Marik lead Karl through the shadows and stopped when a guard was looking their direction.

“He saw us,” Karl whispered.

“No he didn't….keep quiet.”

The guard walked past them.

The yami lead them towards the gate. `If only my Rod could grant me the power of Invisibility. That would be cool…..and helpful in times like this.'

Marik saw a padlock on the gate. “It's locked….but that won't stop us.”

Marik held the Rod up to the lock. “Millennium Rod, break this lock.”

The lock snapped and he removed it quietly and carefully as not to draw attention.

“Let's hope this thing doesn't squeak when I open it. Get ready.”

Karl clicked his weapon and slipped through the gate that Marik opened. Marik slipped through and dangled the lock on the chainlink fence. He ran to Karl. “Climb.”

Karl lead Marik up the steps, keeping his eye on the patrolmen below. Karl reached the fifth floor and looked inside the window. Karl reached into Marik's bag of tools and slipped the crowbar under the window. Marik kept an eye on the people below.

“I'm glad there's not a lot of men down there.”

“That makes two of us. That will make our job easier.”

Karl pried the window open and Marik slipped through. Marik reached into his bag and opened the door a crack.

“Nobody looks they're in here.”

“Yeah, the place looks deserted. “

“As we said, that will change after tonight.”

“The elevators may be secured like KaibaCorp's. We would do better to take the stairs instead.”

Karl nodded. “Good idea. This way we can't get cornered.”

Marik lead Karl up the stairs. They kept their weapons drawn, waiting for an ambush.

When they reached the top, Marik peeked his eye out of the door.

“Two guards are stationed at Rocher's office.”

Karl attached a silencer to his weapon.

Marik growled. “Those men are looking head. Sneaking up on them will be tricky. Let me sneak down one level. I'll radio to you when I'm ready and in position.”

“What are you--?”

“Attach your radio to your collar. I'll signal you when ready.”

The yami attached a small pin to his collar and ran down the stairs to the floor below and ran to the end of the hallway. `If Karl can get one shot in, I can take down the other guy.' He opened the door and looked up at the ceiling. Rocher was just above him-he could hear his footsteps.

The yami crawled out of the window below Rocher's room and jumped, holding onto the window ledge. He pulled himself up and stood on the ledge.

Rocher was facing away from him in his office.

Marik whispered into the radio on his collar. “Karl, get ready.”

[I'm ready, Marik.]

The yami gripped the Millennium Rod in one hand and the gun in the other.

“When the guards hear Rocher screaming, they will turn their backs and that is when you play target practice.”

[Got it.]

Marik lifted the Millennium Rod and whacked the window with it, making the glass shatter into tiny shards.

“WHAT THE--?!” Rocher exclaimed, standing up.

Marik hid the Millennium Rod behind his back and jumped through the window, pointing his gun at Rocher. “Stop right there!”

Rocher turned as he heard an exchange of gunfire outside. “What do you want?!”

Marik chuckled and grabbed Rocher's collar. “Sit down, pal.” Marik threw Rocher into his chair.

“Who are you?!”

Marik grinned. “We just want a friendly chat, that's all.”

Karl opened up the door and entered, his pistol trained on his adversary.

“I'm calling the cops!”

Marik held the phone on the receiver. “Now, now……we don't need to bring them into our mess, do we? Like I said, we are here for a friendly chat.”

“I don't have any idea what you would want from me.”

Marik grinned and grabbed the man's face. “Word on the street is that you are attempting to acquire KaibaCorp secrets at any price. Now, why would you go and try to do that?”

Rocher narrowed his eyes. “KaibaCorp is a rival! Why wouldn't I want to get all the knowledge I can about their operation?”

Marik shook his head. “That makes me very sad to hear, Mr. Rocher, because all it would take is a phone call and you are out on the streets singin' for your supper. Do you know what that is like, Mr. Rocher? Of course not. You were probably born with a silver spoon up your ass like Seto Kaiba.”

Karl grabbed Rocher's hair and pulled back. “You wouldn't happen to have received any information about KaibaCorp's secrets, would you?”

“Why should I tell you anything? I can have you both arrested for aggravated assault!”

Marik chuckled. “I don't think it will come to that, Mr. Rocher.”

“What makes you think so?”

Marik grinned. “Because you won't remember anything except what we told you.”

“Oh? And how can you make that happen?”

“I have my ways, Mr. Rocher. Now….you can either stop meddling in KaibaCorp's affairs or we can make an example of you right here and now!” Marik growled, removing a dagger from his hip and pointing it at Rocher's throat.

Karl pressed his gun against Rocher's temple. “I won't hesitate to use this, Mr. Rocher.”

The prey trembled in his seat. “I haven't received any information as of yet! I just started my campaign to get any new info from KaibaCorp and its competition!”

Marik looked into his prey's frightened eyes. “You better not be lying to me. I cut up people who lie to me.”

“And I strangle those who get on my bad side, Mr. Rocher,” Karl glared at the man. “I can tie you up and cut off your circulation before you can say `Mississippi.'”

The man swallowed hard. “You are not going to get away with this!”

“I beg to differ,” Marik grinned. “We don't appreciate the games you are playing with KaibaCorp. If you don't stop, I promise you will find yourself in a body bag.”

Rocher swallowed hard.

Marik pulled the Millennium Rod out from behind him and held it in front of Rocher. The item glowed brightly. “You will not interfere with KaibaCorp.”

“I will not interfere in KaibaCorp.”

“You will not reveal we were here.”

“I will not reveal you were here.”

“You will cease all efforts to obtain KaibaCorp secrets.”

“I will cease all efforts to obtain KaibaCorp secrets.”

“Good boy,” Marik grinned. “Our work here is done.”

Karl turned his head as he heard footsteps. “They must have seen the light from the Millennium Rod!” Karl locked the door to prevent the men from entering.

Marik growled and punched Rocher, sending him falling to the floor unconscious.

Marik ran to the window. “I'll help you get to the level below!”

“I can't do that!”

“Get your ass over here and let me lower you down!”

Karl ran to Marik and held his hands.

“I'll lower you down. Get into the window.”

Marik lowered Karl down to the next ledge. Karl slipped into the window below.

The men opened the door and pointed their weapons at Marik.

“Your firesticks can't hurt me!” Marik grinned, slipping out of the window and jumping to the level below.

Marik grabbed onto the ledge and pulled himself into the level below.

“Marik, you are a crazy son of a bitch!” Karl exclaimed.
”We'll both be crazy if we don't get out of here!” Marik pulled Karl down the hall and stopped short as three guards fired at them from their escape stairs.

Karl and Marik hid behind the corners and winced as the bullets flew by them.

“This isn't good,” Marik growled. “They're blocking our way.”

“If we can get to the fifth floor, we'll be good!”

Marik shook his head. “That escape would most likely be blocked! We need another way!”

Marik took the Millennium Rod in his hand. “Protect me, precious.” Marik kissed the Rod and turned to Karl. “Get ready to run.”

“What?! They're shooting at us!”

“Trust me.”

Marik closed his eyes. “Now or never.”

The yami jumped from hiding spot and fired down the hall. He ran next to Karl.

“One down.”

“If Jay were here, he'd throw one of his Molotov Cocktails.”

“But he's not here.” Marik turned around the corner and fired again.

“Run!”

Marik and Karl ran down the hall and opened fire at the guards which arrived. The men fell lifelessly as Marik and Karl entered the stairwell and scurried down the steps.”

“Go all the way, Karl! To the first floor!”

An automatic rifle's fire rained down on them from above.

The yami winced as a bullet barely missed his shoulder.

“Keep going! Don't look up, Karl!”

Karl ran out the exit door and towards the gate where they entered. Six guards came out of the shadows and fired. Marik pulled Karl behind some boxes and growled, holding his hand.

“Fuck!” Marik cursed loudly.

“Were you hurt?!”

Marik looked at his hand. “Damn near it. Just raked the skin.”

Karl loaded his gun. “Sounds like we are surrounded.”

Marik nodded. “That's a bitch.”

Karl peeked around the boxes which shielded them from the rain of bullets. “They're heavily armed.”

“Now this is when Jay would come in handy.”

Karl nodded. “True.”

Marik crawled up on two boxes.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting a better shot.”

Marik aimed his weapon and fired. The men fired at him and he fell back. He landed in front of Karl. “Two down.”

Karl peeked his head out and fired at the men, who fanned out.

“Hold it right there!” a man growled, pointing a gun at Marik's head.

The yami grinned and stood up. “So you think you're gonna stop me with that thing? Don't make me laugh.”

Marik quickly grabbed the man's wrist and twisted it as the man fired his weapon. Two other men fell. The yami turned the man's wrist again as he fired and a bullet shot out of the man's chest.

Karl watched as Marik grinned, his eyes becoming darker. The remaining soldier fired and Marik quickly turned, using the dead man as a shield. Karl fired at the remaining soldier and watched the man drop.

Marik chuckled as his eyes seemed to cover with a fog. He turned the body around and grinned. “What a nice human shield….” Marik licked the man's cheek where a trickle of blood flowed.

“Come on, Marik! We have to get out of here!”

Marik dropped the body and grinned down at it. His eyes glowed red as he turned to Karl. “That blood was sweet.”

Karl's eyes widened and he stepped back. “Marik? Are---Are you okay?”

Marik licked his lips. “Never better.”

The yami followed Karl to the car. “You drive.”

Karl nodded and jumped into the driver seat. He sped away, periodically looking at his mission partner. Marik's shirt was covered in blood. Some droplets of hair splattered into Marik's blond hair. The yami's finger was covered in blood and Marik was licking it off as if it were a tasty treat.

“Marik, how is your hand?”

Marik grinned. “Sexy.”

Karl hurried towards Marik, whose eyes were still glowing. “Marik, seriously, are you okay?”

Marik grinned. “I need Malik….”

“Umm…I'll drive you home, Marik. You don't look like you can drive.”

Marik moaned, rubbing his chest. “Blood…..warm.”

“Now I know you're a crazy bastard.”

Karl and Marik arrived at KaibaCorp and entered.

Maxine's eyes widened when she saw Marik. “Marik, are you okay?!”

Marik licked his lips and grinned at her. “Hello, Sexy Girl.”

“He's not himself, Maxine.”

“I can see that,” Maxine said, watching Marik lick his lips and rub his chest.

“Malik,” Marik moaned.

“We have to report to Seto first, Marik. Then I will drive you home.”

Karl lead Marik into the elevator. “Password: Blazer189.”

Marik snickered. “My password is FluffyBunny12. I keep telling Seto it should be DeadAndSexy77.or ReachAround69.” Marik giggled.

Karl shook his head and leaned forward so the computer could read his retina. He also had the computer read his fingerprints.

The elevator rose slowly as Marik started to giggle.

“We'll get you home and then you can go to bed, Marik.”

Marik snickered. “That's not my plan.”

“What do you plan to do?”

“Pound my hot, throbbing goodness into my Light until dawn.”

Karl shook his head. “Good god.”

“I'll make him moan for it. Make him enjoy me taking him hard and long. My Light is so sexy……Maybe I'll even hump you.”

Karl stepped back. “No, thank you! I've got Jay for that!”

Marik giggled. “I wouldn't hump you, Karl. Don't worry.”

“If you start humping the elevator pad, I will really be concerned.”

“I won't hump technology. Malik is much more fun.”

The elevator rose to the top of the building. Karl and Marik left and walked towards Kaiba's office.

They knocked and Seto didn't answer.

They walked to the living room and found Seto sitting in the room with Joey.

“Sir, we have returned.”

Joey's eyes widened. “Marik, you look awful! You okay?!”

Marik giggled. “I'm horny.”

Seto groaned. “Great. He's blood-lusted now.”

Joey stood up. “Let's get you out of those clothes.”

Marik shook his head. “No, I'm good.”

“You look like you just bathed in blood, Marik,” Seto said.

“I'll be fine. I just need to get home.”

“The mission was a success, Mr. Kaiba. We were ambushed leaving, but we managed to escape.”

Seto stood up and took Marik's hand. “You got burned a little.”

“I'll live.”

“You need to go home and get some sleep.”

Marik shook his head. “No, must give my Light a hot-meat-injection.”

Seto shook his head. “I think you should clean up before going outside.”

“I'll be fine. I need to get home before I hump the couch.”

“Karl, can you take him home before he tries making babies with anyone and anything in here?”

“Trying to make babies is fun! Maybe I can try to make babies with my Light! That's a good idea”

Seto shook his head. “Get him out of here, Karl….and watch your own ass.”

Marik giggled as he stumbled out of the room.

“Are you sure he's going to be okay, Seto?” Joey asked.

“He'll be fine as long as Karl doesn't bend over.”

“Hmm….I guess so. At least he doesn't get vicious like Bakura.”

Seto nodded. “That is a good thing…I'd rather have him giggly than trying to slaughter the rest of my staff.”

Joey nodded. “Yeah, I can see that.” Joey coughed hard and Seto lifted his head.

“Are you okay, Joey?”

Joey nodded. “Yeah, you know, I'm really tired. I think I'm going to bed early.”

Seto watched Joey stand up and noticed the blond wince. “Anyone call from the hospital?”

Joey shook his head. “No.”

Seto sighed. “Joey, come here.”

Seto put down his paper and Joey sat on Seto's lap. The CEO wrapped his arms around Joey and held him close. “Maybe tomorrow.”

Joey nodded quietly. `I hope they find someone soon who is a match.'

Seto pet Joey's blond hair and kissed the blond's forehead. “So do I, puppy.”

“What if they don't find someone, Seto?”

“They will find someone who can give you a liver, Joey.”

Joey's eyes started to close. “So tired….”

“Shhh…..close your eyes, baby.”

Joey rested his head on Seto's shoulder and let his eyes close.

Seto rocked Joey slowly in his arms and nuzzled his cheek against Joey's hair.

“Don't give up hope, puppy.”

 

Updates: Jan. 3rd (the library is closed where I update until Jan.2nd. Happy Holidays to all!)

Next chappie: MARIK X MALIK LEMON! (yes, I'll have a Marik x Malik lemon waiting for you guys after the holidays!