Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Return To Paradise ❯ The Devil's Lies ( Chapter 7 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Iced Mini Wheats cereal.

 

//…..//-Yami Aten

/……//-Aten to Yami Aten

 

The Devil's Lies

 

**** Dream Sequence****

Aten looked around at the empty hospital hallway. “Hello? Is anyone here?”

Aten walked down the hallway slowly, hearing the faint sound of a heart monitor. The rooms were empty as he walked down the hall. Every door was open and the rooms unoccupied.

The sound of the beeping monitor slowed as he advanced down the hallway.

“Can anyone hear me? Mom? Father? Robbie? Can anyone hear me?! Hello!”

Aten turned quickly as he heard voices speaking around him.

“We're losing him!”

“Doctor, it's lodged in there! I can't release the pressure!”

“Begin cardiac resuscitation, stat!”

Aten swallowed hard as he strained hard to see anyone or anything in the hallway. “I'm here!”

“Doctor, we're losing him!”

The monitor's beeping stopped and it became steady.

“Doctor, we lost him.”

“I'M RIGHT HERE!” Aten screamed as he ran down the hallway towards the sound of the beep.

“Cardiac death was reported at 9:30 p.m.”

Aten saw a light at the end of the hallway. “I'm not dead, I'm right here!”

Aten opened the doors to the room and all the masked people turned and looked at him blankly. Aten panted heavily. “I'm not dead, I'm right here.”

Dr. Zira removed his mask. “Aten, what are you doing here?”

“I'm…… not…… dead,” he panted.

“Aten, I'm very sorry. I couldn't save him.”

“Save who?”

Dr. Zira stepped back as Aten walked towards the covered body. The sheets were soaked with blood over the chest of the person.

“Who is this?” Aten asked.

Dr. Zira grabbed the sheet and pulled back revealing Robbie's eyes fixed on the ceiling wide. His mouth hung open as dried blood clung to the sides. Aten covered his mouth as he saw Robbie's chest torn to pieces.

“ROBBIE!” Aten cried out. He slowly approached the body, tears welling in his eyes. “What---what happened to him?”

“Murder.”

Aten turned to Dr. Zira. “Who killed him?! I'll make them pay for what they did!”

Dr. Zira pointed at Aten's chest. “You killed him.”

Aten shook his head. “No….I wouldn't kill him! I love Robbie! We've been friends since we were three years old! Why would I do that to him?!”

“He worked himself to death taking care of you, Aten. It became too much for Robbie. You were too much of a burden.”

“I am not a burden to him!”

Dr. Zira stepped back. “You killed him. It's your fault Robbie is dead.”

Aten rubbed his eyes free of tears. “No….I won't accept that!”

“You are aware of the code, Aten. We must take your life in return for Robbie's life.”

Aten watched as the doctors reached under the bed and remove shotguns.

Dr. Zira removed a pistol from his gown. “Time to die, Aten.”

Aten burst through the doors and ran down the hall.

“You'll die soon, Aten! Why fight it?!” Zira called, firing two rounds towards him.

Aten turned the corner and found more doctors running towards him with machetes. He ran down the hallway and pressed the elevator button wildly. “Come on! Come on!”

The elevator doors opened and he ran inside. The door closed as the doctors opened fire on the door. Aten pressed to go to the Ground Floor when he fell to his knees. “Robbie's dead…..Robbie's dead…..I've got to get out of here…”

“You are not getting out of here so easily.”

Aten jumped to his feet and turned, seeing his yami behind him. “Yami!”

The dark creature grabbed him by the collar. “Why are you running? You're going to die soon. You will have to acknowledge it sooner or later.”

Aten tried to pull himself away. “I'm not going to be shot dead by a bunch of doctors wielding weaponry! This is a dream….it's only a dream….remember what Dr. Chapman said…..dreams are not real. They make you think they are real…but they're not.”

The creature holding onto him laughed. “Do you seriously believe him? He's a doctor, too, you know. He's out to kill you, too. I'm sure he's around here with a good dagger and is waiting to hear you gag out your last breath in fear and pain.”

“Dr. Chapman…..has always been good to me.”

Yami Aten grinned. “I disagree.”

“He's not out to kill me!” Aten screamed angrily.

The elevator door opened and Aten pulled away from his yami. He ran towards the front door. “I have to get out of here! I have to go!”

Aten gripped his chest as he continued to run.

Dr. Chapman stepped from behind a plant by the door and Aten ran into the blade.

Yami Aten calmly walked out of the elevator and advanced towards the teen who had fallen to his knees, the blade penetrating his neck front to back.

“How does it feel to die?”

********End*******

Robbie jumped out of bed as he heard a blood-curdling scream beside him. Aten was clawing at his neck in his sleep, screaming in horror. Robbie kneeled beside Aten and turned on the light by the bed.

He grabbed Aten's wrists as tightly as he could. “Aten! Wake up! ATEN!”

Miranda and Daniel ran into the room and saw Aten screaming and kicking. “What in the world is going on?!”

“He's having a nightmare again, dad!” Robbie exclaimed over Aten's screaming. He shook Aten. “ATEN, WAKE UP!”

Aten sat up quickly, his eyes open and his body trembling. He grabbed Robbie quickly and clasped onto him, panting heavily.

“Aten, you were having a nightmare. You're okay now. You're awake. It's really me.”

“Is it you? How do I know?”

Robbie hugged Aten tightly and kissed the top of his head. “I'm right here.”

“What a horrible dream,” Aten whispered.

“It's over now, Aten.”

Robbie pet Aten's hair and turned his head to look over his shoulder. I got things taken care of here, mom and dad. Sorry for waking you up.”

“If you need anything son, let us know,” Daniel said, shutting the door.

Aten's fingers dug into Robbie. “Awful nightmare….”

“I know, Aten. It's going to be okay.”

Robbie heard the alarm buzzer go off. He reached for his cane and turned it off. “I'll stay here for a few minutes, Aten, then I have to get ready for work. You've been having a lot of these nightmares lately. Are you okay?”

Aten swallowed hard and nodded. “I don't know why, but the dreams have become worse.”

“Maybe you should talk to Chapman when you see him next?”

“I had to move my appointment with Chapman to Friday because I have to get a blood test for my medications on Thursday.”

Robbie nodded. “Do you still have your Physical Therapy Thursday morning?”

“Yes. And I have to get my Digoxin filled. I'm almost out.”

“Okay. I should be able to take you to see your Nutritionist tomorrow.”

“It's today.”

“What?! I already requested off tomorrow to take you.”

“Wait….is today Wednesday?”

“No, Tuesday.”

Aten groaned. “I forgot to tell you that the Nutritionist appointment was moved to today. I'm sorry, Robbie. I completely forgot.”

“That's okay. Try to remember to mark it down on the calendar when these things change. There's so many doctors to see and appointments to keep that I can't remember them all the time. See if dad can take you today to the Nutritionist, unless you want to walk.”

Aten shrugged. “I'll see how I feel. I'm feeling pretty stiff. Yesterday's Physical Therapy was very draining.”

“Keep up with it, Aten. It will benefit you in the long run.”

Aten sighed. “I'm sorry I forgot to mark the change on the calendar.”

“It's not a big deal, Aten. I just want to keep things in order. I don't want you to miss an important appointment.”

Robbie continued to rub Aten's hair as Aten's breathing and pulse started to calm. `He's been forgetful lately…Maybe I should call Dr. Zira and tell him about Aten's lethargy and forgetfulness.'

“Here, Aten, lay back down and try to rest, okay? I have to get ready for work.”

Aten nodded and slipped under the covers as Robbie limped out of the room.

The Egyptian closed his eyes and took a series of deep breaths.

//Scared by that dream, were you?//

/No…I wasn't./

//You're lucky you didn't piss the bed!//

/I wasn't that afraid./

//You were. You still are! Your pulse is racing as if you ran a marathon!”

Aten growled and covered his ears. “I am not afraid! I'm not! I'm not! I'm not!””

The Egyptian laid on his side and kept his ears covered until he felt a hand on his arm. He opened his eyes and saw Robbie standing there in his robe.

“Are you okay?”

Aten uncovered his ears and sighed. “Yeah, I'm okay.”

Miranda knocked on the door to the bedroom. “Robbie? Did you get Marik's message from yesterday? He can't take you to work today, so I'll take you. I've got to get some groceries while I'm out.”

“Okay, mom! Thanks! Do you want anything from the store, Aten?”

Aten yawned and relaxed on the pillow. “I'm not sure. I know I need more of my medications. I forget which ones, though.”

“I'll look into it, Aten. Come downstairs for a little breakfast?”

“I feel nauseous. I can't eat right now.”

“Alright. Stay here and relax, then. Want me to bring you up some tea?”

Aten shook his head. “No, I don't wanna puke it up.”

“That bad, hmm? Just relax, Aten. When you feel good enough, I'll see you downstairs.”

Robbie kissed Aten's cheek and limped out of the room with the cane.

Robbie limped downstairs into the kitchen. He opened Aten's medicine cabinet and examined the different medicine bottles. “Aten needs a refill on some of his medications, mom. If I call them in, can you pick them up for me? The pharmacy closes by the time I get out of work.”

Miranda nodded. “Sure, I can do that. Just let the pharmacist know that I'll pick them up.”

Daniel flipped through the paper. “Aten's not hungry again?”

“Nope, he's feeling nauseous again.”

“Maybe it's all those pills the doctors have him on. If I was on more than ten pills a day, I'd have an upset stomach, too.”

Robbie nodded. “I'm going to call the doctor today and see what I can do for him.” Robbie looked at the calendar. “Aten has an appointment with Chapman tomorrow. Aten's got a test on Wednesday for blood work. I have a meeting with Seto on Friday.” He sat down at the table. “So much to try and remember.”

“Take it day by day, Rob,” Daniel said. “If you look at the big picture, you'll wear yourself out.”

“Too late. I'm already worn out.”

“Just take a deep breath and relax.”

Robbie nodded and took a deep breath. “One day at a time…..”

 

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

 

“BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!” the alarm sounded by Marik's ear.

The yami groaned and rolled over hitting the button to turn off the buzzer. “One of these days, that thing is going to find itself in pieces,” he grumbled.

His arm hung limp off the bed. “I don't know what's worse: having to get out of a nice, warm, soft, comfortable bed….or going outside and dealing with the crowd of vultures outside our home.”

Malik rolled over and put his arm around Marik, pulling him close. “The morning comes too fast.”

“Yeah, I know, tenshi. Well, I have to do this to get this all straightened out.”

“Do you think it will work?”

Marik shrugged. “I don't know. I can use my Millennium Rod on him, but that won't erase his memory or his mind….just control it.”

“Can't you change what he thinks, though?”

Marik groaned. “I can just control minds with this thing. I can't change what this loser thinks. Besides, the damage has been done and our faces are plastered all over print! Just leave everything to Itemri and I, Malik. We'll be able to talk some sense into this nutcase. If not, we'll have to find another approach.”

“This approach wouldn't happen to involve explosives and loud bangs, would it?”

The yami snickered. “Who? Me? What makes you think I would think of such a thing?!”

“I know you. You are my dark. I wouldn't put it past you OR Bakura doing anything like that. You're both nuts.”

Marik grinned. “I'm innocent.”

“Innocent, my ass, Marik Jibade Ishtar.”

“I was innocent at one time, Malik.”

“Oh yeah? When?”

Marik grinned. “I suckled from my mom's teat just like you did, you know.”

Malik groaned. “Gross! I didn't need to hear that!”

Marik rolled over and pushed the covers off of him with a groan. “I really wish I didn't have to go deal with people today.”

“I'll make you and Bakura a really kick-ass dinner tonight for when you come home.”

“You went shopping?”

Malik nodded. “I managed to sneak out when they were having lunch outside.”

“How did you do it?”

Malik grinned. “Nope. I'm not telling. I have my secrets.”

“You've got guts braving that crowd outside.”

“Well, if I heard `Did you get any string cheese yet?' from Bakura one more time, I would have deafened myself intentionally.”

“Bakura and his infatuation with dairy products,” the blond sighed.

Malik stood up and wrapped his robe around himself. “Tell me about it. If I don't keep a constant, ample supply of cheese and chicken in this house, Ryou and I have pouty yamis. And we can't have that, can we?”

The blond yami gave his Light a slap on his ass. “You like it.”

Malik descended the stairs and saw Ryou digging in the refrigerator. “Morning, Ry. Looking for something?”

“I was going to make Bakura some eggs and I can't find them.”

“Hmm…I know I bought them.”

Ryou straightened his back and winced. “Ow, note to self: don't bend that way.”

“Bakura get you last night, Ryou?”

Ryou snickered. “Soulroom.”

Malik laughed. “YOU GO, RY!”

“Well, we couldn't have the `peeping toms' outside watching us….and we had to check on our rooms.”

“I don't really go in mine anymore. I'm happier out here. Marik will probably do some soulroom maintenance once he and Bakura get back from the Herald.”

Ryou poured himself a cup of tea and tapped the countertop with his finger. “So Marik and Bakura will be gone for a while?”

“Oh yeah, they'll be occupied. Damn it, I can't find the eggs! I know I bought them! Maybe I forgot them at the store like a dumbass!”

Ryou turned to Malik. “I'll get them for you, Malik.”

“Are you sure? The guys can pick them up from the store on their way home.”

“Bakura and Marik will be in no mood to stop at the store and pick up groceries after going to that paper. They'll be worked up and ready to kill something.”

“Hmm…You might have a point there…. I told Marik that I would have a good dinner for he and Bakura when they get back.”

Ryou sipped his tea. “I'll pick up the eggs myself.”

“I should go with you. I can always put the food in the slow cooker.”

“I can handle it, Malik.”

“But Marik didn't want any of us going off alone. I don't think it's a good idea, you going out by yourself.”

Ryou shrugged. “I need some time by myself, Malik.”

Malik turned back to the refrigerator, not convinced that Ryou was making the right decision. The crowd outside was becoming ruthless in its pursuits to get any information from any visitors to the house or the family members.

Bakura walked into the kitchen and gave Malik's ass a spank. “Good morning, sunshine.” He walked up to Ryou and kissed his Light's neck. “Good morning, sexy.”

“Morning, Bakura. Sorry, Bakura, I can't find the eggs I meant to make you for breakfast. I'll have to get more today.”

“Aww…damn. Oh well, what else do we have?” Bakura asked, searching through the cabinets.

Marik entered the kitchen with a yawn. “I'm not gonna have any breakfast, Bakura. I'm trying to get my strategy ready for this meeting.”

“As long as it doesn't entail making things worse, or me having to fight off a bunch of armed guards with firesticks, that's fine,” Bakura said, pulling out a box of wheat cereal.

“Malik, what the hell is this?” Bakura asked, holding up a box of wheat cereal.

“It's Iced Mini Wheats cereal, Bakura. It's good for your colon,” Malik said with a giggle.

Bakura narrowed his eyes at Malik. “Why do I need to give a crap about my colon?”

“A clean colon is a happy colon, `Kura,” Malik snickered.

Bakura put the cereal box on the counter. “Okay. Answer me this: How come Ishtars have an infatuation…even an unhealthy obsession….with what goes in and comes out of the ass?”

Malik laughed loudy and shrugged. “I don't know, Bakura. I'm just concerned about your colon health.”

Bakura rolled his eyes and replaced the box on the shelf. “I don't understand you sometimes, Malik Ramses Ishtar.

“That cereal is actually for the kids when they come over. Kai actually likes that stuff. I keep it here for him when he comes over.”

“Dead people don't have to worry about their colons.”

“Well, Bakura, I know that you and Marik are up there in age and I figured that old people need a lot of fiber in their diet.”

Bakura turned his head partially around. “Old? You think I am old?”

“Well, five thousand years old is a little on the old side.”

“Ishtar, are you listening to your other half?”

Marik remained in the chair looking down at the table in front of him. His arms were crossed as he scowled at the wood.

Bakura reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a handful of ketchup packets.. “Fine. This will have to do. This is what I'm reduced to…condiment packets.”

“Condoms?”

Marik's head popped up. “Are we talking about condoms?”

Bakura shook his head. “Ishtars are insane.”

“We'll get some more food in today. ”

“I'd rather you wait until we come home, Malik.”

Ryou sat beside Marik. “I'm going to go shopping today, `Kura.”

“You? Alone? Ryou, that is not a good idea.”

“I can take care of myself.”

Bakura pulled apart the piece of string cheese and began to nibble lightly. “Where are you going shopping?”

“I'm not sure. Somewhere nearby, though.”

“Can't you wait until Marik and I come back from our meeting? I'll feel better if someone is with you.”

Ryou gave his yami a little smile. “Trust me.”

“I trust you….but I don't trust everyone else on this planet as far as I can throw them. Please wait until we come home.”

Ryou sighed. “Okay, yami.”

Bakura looked at the clock. “Marik, we best be going.”

Marik continued to look at the table, his eyes narrowed, and a little growl coming from his throat.

“Hey! Rod-Boy! It's time for us to split!” Bakura exclaimed, shoving Marik.

“This better work,” Marik growled.

Malik hugged Marik tightly and kissed his cheek. “I'll have something good for you when you come home.”

Bakura hugged Ryou. “Stay here until we get back. Please, hikari.”

Ryou nodded. “Okay, yami.”

Bakura opened the door and he began the morning ritual of pushing through the crowd.

Ryou watched Bakura and Marik as they left.

“Are you really going to wait, Ry?”

“I don't know.”

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

Marik and Bakura walked to the front desk. The receptionist looked up at the imposing yamis. “We're here to see Araqiel Tillmann. Now.”

“Your names?”

“Jibade Ishtar and---.”

“Bakura Itemri.”

“Okay, sirs. Just sign this register and you may go up to his office on the eighteenth floor, Room 1807.”

Marik signed the book, followed by Bakura. Marik gripped the Millennium Rod in his hand tightly as they walked towards the elevator. “I'll try not to punch this guy's face in when we see him.”

“Don't fly off the handle too quickly, Ishtar. Remember….this guy may just be a puppet. I'm betting Yami fed this guy all the information he knows. Who knows how badly Yami twisted his story!”

“Very true,” Marik said as he pushed the button to go to the eighteenth floor.

“The best thing we can do is be firm with this guy. The media already thinks we're dangerous. Let's not add to that rumor and make it fact.”

Marik shrugged. “We are dangerous, Bakura.”

“Well, I know we are….you know we are. Our hikaris know we are. The rest of the country does not need to know that. Before this, we were just another face in the crowd. Nobody knew anything about us and we APPEARED normal. That is what we need to get people to believe again…that we are normal people.”

“Normal people who can summon deadly creatures.”

“No, no! We can't do anything this guy claims we can!”

Marik crossed his arms. “This guy has actual pictures of us! He has pictures of me summoning monsters! He has pictures of you, too, with your eyes all glow-y and shit! This guy won't fall for our story.”

Bakura grinned, his canines showing. “Then, we play hardball, Marik. That will be our only chance. Just follow my lead. I can try to talk some kind of reason into this guy without having to resort to flying off the handle.”

“If reasoning doesn't work, THEN we can play.”

Bakura nodded. “Exactly.”

The elevator doors opened and the two yamis stepped out. They walked to Room 1807 and opened the door. A woman was typing on her computer and looked up when she saw them. “Can I help----? You're the guy from the newspaper!” the woman gasped, pointing at Marik. “Are you Jibade?”

Bakura shook his head and pointed to Marik, who locked the door. “That is Jibade. I'm Bakura.”

“What can I do for you gentlemen?”

Bakura crossed his arms. “We're here to see Araqiel.”

“Please have a seat and he will be with you shortly.”

Bakura and Marik sat on a leather couch and looked around. “It looks like this guy is moving up in the world, doesn't it?”

“How so?”

“I have read these tabloids before and he never had a title to be worthy of having a private office. Now he has? Doesn't that strike you as odd?”

Marik grunted and picked up a paper which was sitting on the table. `Bloody Spirit!' A picture of Marik covered in blood was on the front cover.

“What the hell is this?!” Marik snarled.

Bakura leaned over and looked at the picture. “How could they have taken THAT picture?!”

“It was night when I came home! It was dark!”

“When did you come looking like that?!”

Marik tossed the paper on the table. “They must have taken a picture of me when I came home from work.”

Bakura picked up the paper and opened the tabloid to the page of the article. “Do you remember coming home looking like that?”

Marik's lip curled in fury and his eye twitched.

Bakura read the article quietly to himself. `The Ancient Spirits, who have taken up residence in Domino, continue to be local celebrities. Camera crews have kept a constant vigil outside of the homes where it is reported the Ancient Spirits, along with two other people, reside. Could these spirits, ghosts, whatever you wish to call them-pose a potential threat to Domino's citizens? Recently, we have obtained proof that these Ancient Spirits are engaged in activity involving blood! Human blood? Animal blood? Nothing is known as to the source of the blood.' Bakura wrinkled his nose.

“Animal blood is not as sweet as human blood….and not as filling,” Bakura said aloud.

“What the hell is that article saying? That we drink blood?!” Marik snarled.

“No,no. It's trying to decipher where that blood on you was coming from.”

Marik's eye twitched more in fury. “This guy is going to be lucky if he has any blood left in him when I get through with him.”

“Remember what I said, Ishtar. Take a deep breath and calm down.”

Marik continued snarling quietly as Bakura continued to read.

`It is unknown if these spirits engage in some blood sport. Could the blood be human? If so, do they require human blood to keep their powers?'

Bakura snickered. `What do they think we are? Vampires?'

`If these spirits have an affinity for human blood, what can we do to protect our citizens? The chief of police has issued a statement: “We have no proof that these people are involved in any illegal activity. We do not have any photographs or any warrants for their arrest.' Bakura snickered. `We have placed the house under observation and are keeping a close eye for any suspicious activity.'

“Mr. Tillmann will see you now,” the woman said.

“It's about damn time,” Marik grumbled.

`Time for me to try and work my magic,' Bakura said, folding up the paper and putting it under his arm.

Bakura stepped in front of Marik and entered Araqiel's office. Araqiel was sitting behind his desk, typing on a computer.

“I'll be with you in a moment, gentlemen, have a seat.”

Marik reached behind himself and locked the door behind him quietly. He leaned against the door, his arms crossed. His eyes narrowed angrily at the object of his fury. Bakura perched himself on the corner of the desk and grabbed an apple off of the desk. He tossed it up in the air and took a large bite out of it with his sharp canines.

“Juicy,” he grinned, letting some of the apple's juice slip down the corner of his mouth.

“I like to keep something to snack on nearby,” the typing man said.

“Mr. Tillmann, I have taken time out of my busy day to come here and discuss some……issues I have with your articles,” Bakura said, leaning into his prey and narrowing his eyes. He turned the computer monitor around.

Araqiel stopped typing and leaned back in his chair. “Quite so. I'm fascinated to see the subjects of my--.”

“We are not test subjects, Mr. Tillmann…..nor do my accomplice and I enjoy being under such close supervision.”

Araqiel looked at Marik in the corner, gripping the Millennium Rod tightly. “Is that one of those legendary Millennium Items?”

“Yes…it comes in quite handy in dealing with liars such as yourself,” Marik snarled.

“My articles are real! They are not lies, sir.”

Marik grinned and chuckled. “You are ignorant.”

“I am not going to stand here and---.”

Bakura hopped off the desk. “My partner is right, Mr. Tillmann. Your articles are lies. Your lies began at the first publication.”

“What do you mean? I did extensive research!”

Marik grinned as he slowly approached the desk. “You said in your first article that there were two spirits with ancient magic. You are wrong about that.”

Bakura crossed his arms and glared down at Araqiel. “Who is giving you all the information you believe you know about our family?”

Araqiel folded his hands together over his belt. “I am not at liberty to give names. I must protect my informant.”

“Your informant wouldn't happen to have spiky tri-colored hair with the Millennium Puzzle around his neck….along with an attitude the size of the Pyramids of Giza, would he?” Marik asked.

Araqiel shook his head. “As I said before, I cannot disclose any of my sources. I must protect their confidentiality.”

Bakura rolled his eyes. “You are protecting the wrong one, Mr. Tillmann. You have been suckered into Yami's lies.”

Araqiel swallowed hard as his vision shifted from Bakura to Marik. “That is not his name.”

“What name is he going by this time????” Marik asked with a growl.

“I know Yami gave you all the information you have, Mr. Tillmann. I'm a very intelligent person…..no matter what….living or dead. All I can say, Mr. Tillmann, is that your so-called confidant….is nothing more than one of us. He is very cunning and can trick you into believing that he is genuine. Take it from me, Mr. Tillmann….dealing with Yami is nothing but trouble. He cares not for who he harms in his pursuit to get what he wants. He cares not if his ally is friend or foe. All that matters to him is power,” Bakura said, putting his hands on the desk and leaning forward. “Take it from somebody who knows all about him, Mr. Tillmann. Yami. Is. Bad. News. It can destroy you……..even kill you in the long run. If you value your health, I suggest you sever all ties with him. If you do not, it will be you who will suffer in the long run.”

“How do you know all about him?”

Bakura's lip curled into a sneer. “Personal experience. Trust me. You are attacking the innocent here in these articles. You are punishing people who seek not to put the world in danger, but who are just trying to survive, like you and me. Yami is the real threat. You do not know him like we know him, Mr. Tillmann. It will get you killed if you continue to see him. It will be hazardous to your health.”

Araqiel sat up straight in his chair. “The people of Domino have a right to news.”

“What you have printed is nothing but lies,” Marik said.

“The people of Domino are not in danger. We do not seek to destroy Domino City.”

`Not anymore, anyway,' Marik thought.

Bakura held up the paper under his arm. “And as far as that blood was concerned, I am not a vampire! I don't fly out of my window at night and eat little children and drink their blood! I don't murder people in cold blood. Marik and I are not a danger to this city. It is Yami who is the danger.”

“Gentlemen, this is news!” Araqiel said, standing up. “This city is a bustling metropolis, filled with exciting stories and curious readers!”

“So choose someone else to annoy with your dribble!” Marik snarled. “If this city is so damn interesting and exciting, go find someone else's ass to ride!”

“People in Domino are curious about news such as this! It's out of the ordinary!”

Bakura crossed his arms and sat at the corner of the desk. “I find that hard to believe. I would think that the FEAR you are spreading is nothing new. The Crusaders are doing the same thing in Domino….living off of people's fear and ignorance. And, Mr. Tillmann, you are no better than they are if you are doing this all for show.”

Araqiel stopped and straightened his tie. “I am not a member of the Crusaders.”

“No, but you are spreading hate with these articles and you are spreading fear! My family cannot even leave the house anymore and feel safe! We are kept under constant surveillance because of you and your message of ignorance! People fear that which they do not understand, Mr. Tillmann. You are preying on that. You can't tell me you aren't. Look me in the eyes and tell me you are not doing this just to get your lousy article sold and your name in Lights.”

Bakura looked at Araqiel's eyes. Blazing brown eyes narrowed at Araqiel's.

“I am reporting news to Domino. Nothing more.”

Bakura took a deep breath and stood up. “Fine. And I am telling you right here and now that Yami is feeding you a bunch of lies. Nothing more. If you continue to listen to him and his lies, then you are the one that is going to pay. When you deal with the Devil, my friend, you get burned.”

Marik turned and unlocked the door. He turned back to Araqiel. “Do you have a family, Mr. Tillmann?”

“No, I don't.”

“I love my family, Mr. Tillmann….and I'll do anything to protect my family from harm……anything.”

Bakura turned and looked back at Araqiel. “Watch your ass if Yami's behind you. He's known to stab people in the back if it works to his benefit.”

Bakura and Marik shut the door behind them. Araqiel turned and looked outside the window of his office.

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

Ryou opened the jewelry box and pulled out ten dollars. He placed the money in his pocket.
”Ryou, is this a good idea? I don't think Marik or Bakura will be too happy about this.”

Ryou closed the jewelry box. ”I have to do this, Malik. I'm tired of being a prisoner in my own home.”

“What if something happens?
Ryou placed Bakura's dagger in his belt. “I have protection, Malik. Don't worry.”

Malik looked uneasy as he leaned against the doorway. “I should have asked Marik to leave his cell phone. This way you'd have a way to call up in case of trouble.”

Ryou grabbed Malik's arm with a smile. “I'll be fine.” Ryou kissed Malik's lips softly and hugged him tightly. “Love you, Malik. I'll be home soon.”

Ryou walked downstairs and grabbed his jacket. He walked out of the house and pushed his way through the crowd.

“Are you having an affair with Seto Kaiba?”

“What is your relationship with Seto Kaiba?”

“What caused the blood on the front step?”

“Can I get a statement regarding the accusation that you practice dark magic?”

Ryou pushed his way through the crowd. “There is nothing between Seto Kaiba and myself! Considering how hard you all shove, you could have cut someone and the blood fell on the concrete!”

“How does that explain your family member who was covered in blood?”

“That was all a lie!” Ryou pushed through. “You are all spreading lies!” Ryou exclaimed, breaking free of the crowd.

He ran down the street, the crowd quickly abandoning their pursuit. Ryou turned the corner and caught his breath, rubbing his chest. He looked around the corner and glad to see that nobody was following him. He passed an electronics store and stopped as he saw Seto on the screen, dressed in a blue suit and black tie.

Cameras were flashing as Seto stood beside Donny and Kendall. Below the screen was the caption reading `KaibaCorp Press Conference.'

Ryou stopped and watched the largest television screen.

“Mr. Kaiba, is it true that you know the Ancient Spirits who reside in Domino?”

Seto narrowed his eyes. “My personal affiliations are none of the media's concern.”

“But is it true that you have had an affair with one of them?” another reporter asked.

“As I have stated before, my personal affairs are none of the public's concern.”

One man held up a microphone. “Did you begin this affair before your partner became ill?”

Seto narrowed his eyes. Ryou could tell from Seto's body language that Seto was becoming annoyed.

“I will not discuss my partner's condition. All that I will state is that he is getting the best possible medical treatments available. I have called this conference to discuss KaibaCorp's new product, available next year in stores across the nation!” Behind Seto, a picture of a visor could be seen, along with a diagram. “This is a Virtual Dueling Simulator. It is designed to fit over the duelist's eyes and proceed with a duel.”

“How is this different from the KaibaCorp arenas worldwide?”

“The duelist can interact with any duel monster. Imagine being able to touch a Blue Eyes White Dragon! Imagine feeling the heat of the Fire Princess! This is twenty first century dueling technology today!”

Ryou watched more cameras flash.

“The duelist will also be able to become one's favorite duel monster in the duel.”

“Mr. Kaiba, will the duelist get harmed if he or she is one of the duel monsters in the game?”

“The safety of the duelist is absolutely assured.”

“Did the spirit who works for your company give you this idea?”

Ryou sighed and rolled his eyes. “This is not going to bode well.”

Seto narrowed his eyes. “I will not discuss that. Next question.”

“Did the spirit who works with you make this simulator appear like magic?”

Seto gripped the sides of the podium. Ryou could see Seto was beginning to lose his temper.

“Next question.”

“Does this device run on Shadow Magic?”

Seto growled. “This conference is concluded!”

Ryou watched Seto walk off the stage, his fists clenched and his teeth grinding in fury. “Poor Seto.”

Ryou put his hands in his pockets and walked down the street. [They are all in danger….and it's all because you couldn't keep your legs together.]

Yami's voice whispered in his head as he walked down the street, his long, white hair flying in the breeze. `Yami's wrong…..I am not a slut. I didn't go around sleeping with everyone in sight. But……still……is it me that caused all this?'

Ryou entered a florist shop and inhaled deeply. The sweet smell made him smile a little. Malik loved coming to this little florist shop, filled with common and exotic flowers. Ryou walked over to a display of flowers called `Love Lies Bleeding'. Malik enjoyed those flowers. Bakura would wander around the Bleeding Hearts. Ryou always enjoyed Carnations.

He walked towards the roses, knowing that his mother enjoyed roses. He grabbed a red rose and stood by the cash register waiting to pay. He looked over and gasped when he saw a picture of he and Seto locked in a kiss. He picked up the paper and gawked at it.

“How--? Where--?!”

The cashier walked to the register. “Ready to pay?”

Ryou placed the paper on the counter. “This, too.”

The cashier looked at the cover. “Hey! You're the guy in this picture! Are you really with Seto Kaiba?!”

“No! That's not me at all! I hope Bakura and Marik can straighten this out.”

Ryou paid for the paper and the rose and walked out of the store, reading the paper as he walked.

“'Seto Kaiba, CEO of KaibaCorp, is shown above engaging in a kiss with his long-time lover, Ryou Bakura.'” Ryou's eyes widened. “Oh my god! This isn't possible!”

Ryou continued to read. “'Could it be that Seto Kaiba is having an affair with Mr. Bakura, even as his Life Partner, Joseph Wheeler-Kaiba is ill with liver disease? KaibaCorp couldn't be reached for comment at the time of this publication. Seto Kaiba became CEO of KaibaCorp after the untimely death of Gozuboro Kaiba over twenty years ago. Since then, Seto Kaiba has expanded KaibaCorp's production line of Duel Monsters products and accessories and terminated many programs of which Gozuboro implemented, including medical testing on animals and manufacturing tanks and planes for the armed forces.'”

Ryou shook his head. “If only they knew the real truth about Gozuboro's cruelty, they wouldn't have given Seto such a difficult time.”

“'Why would Seto Kaiba engage in an affair while his partner is alive? Seto Kaiba could not be reached for comment.'”

“Seto loves Joey. Why would these people try to make this worse for him?”

Ryou walked towards the cemetery and tucked the paper under his arm. “This is going to make Seto's life even harder.” Ryou sighed. “I don't know what I can do about this.”

Ryou walked through the gate and towards his mother's grave. He stopped and looked around, hoping nobody was following him. He continued slowly, walking along the trail. When he arrived at his mother's grave, he kneeled in front of it and placed the rose on her grave.

“Hello, mother. I came to wish you Happy Anniversary. It's been such a long time since I've had the chance to come around this way.” Ryou looked at the gravestone. Rhea's name and dates were carved in the stone. Ryou's eyes wandered to his father's name: Steven. He shuddered. The chill came from just muttering the name. Steven's body was no longer in the ground. Ryou knew that. But it didn't make visiting the grave and seeing his name any easier.

“I've missed you a lot over the years, mother. I hope I was a good mother to my children as you were to me. I wanted to be like you in so many ways. I wanted to be a good mother to my own children. I think I succeeded, though. Aten and Aria are happy. Aria has a new baby, his name is Rhett. He's such a cutie. I can see a lot of Aria in him. And Aten……well….Aten's still with us. We're lucky to still have him here. I don't know for how much longer, though. But still….I am very thankful that he is still among the living.”

Ryou leaned over and brushed some dirt off of the stone. “Bakura and Marik are alright, too. They just got their powers back after not having them for so long.”

Ryou looked around at the empty cemetery. He was grateful nobody was around, but he never knew when that would change. “I hope this whole scandal thing blows over quick, mom. I was barely able to leave the house before I was mobbed.” Ryou sighed. “Well, whatever doesn't kill us will make us stronger, right? As long as our family sticks together, we'll be able to make it.”

A twig snapped behind him and he turned around. Nobody was there.

Ryou stood up. “I have to go now, mom. I love you. I'll be back soon.”

Ryou started walking away when he heard another twig snap. He walked faster through the cemetery and looked over his shoulder to see people filing out of the nearby woods. He walked faster as the crowd was gaining momentum.

Ryou moved slightly faster as the crowd, armed with cameras and microphones, advanced on him.

He began to run.

The crowd began coming towards him from the sides.

“They won't give up!”

Ryou jumped over the fence of the cemetery and landed on the sidewalk. He looked behind him as he ran down the street towards home. People were following him.

A white van stopped short and several men jumped out.

“GRAB HIM!”

The men grabbed Ryou and opened the side door of the van. Ryou reached for his dagger, but two men grabbed his arms. He struggled, pulling back hard. One of the men's fingernails scratched Ryou `s arm and made him bleed.

“QUICKLY!”

Ryou held the sides of the van preventing him from being shoved inside. “HELP!”

Ryou stared in terror inside the van, not knowing who these people were or what they wanted with him. He heard the two men holding him scream and release their grips on him.

Ryou turned and saw Miranda kicking one of the men and punching him in the face. “Miranda!”

Miranda grabbed Ryou's arm. “My home!”

The driver of the van sped after them, driving onto the sidewalk. Ryou pulled Miranda aside to avoid getting hit by the van. People scurried away from the van driving on the sidewalk. Miranda crossed the street with Ryou, the van following close behind.

“What did you do to piss these people off, Ry?!” Miranda asked.

“Normally…I wouldn't say this…..but….How the hell should I know?!”

Miranda pulled Ryou into an alley and ran through to the other side. The white van was too large to fit through the alley. Miranda and Ryou emerged from the other side, panting.

“Am I glad to see you….”

Miranda nodded and took a deep breath. “You were lucky you weren't pushed into that van. Did they say what they wanted with you?”

“No. They just grabbed me and tried pulling me in.”

Miranda nodded and wiped her forehead. “Come to my house. We'll take care of that scratch.”

“It's only a scratch.”

“You never know, Ryou. I'm sure Aten will be glad to see you.”

“Okay. What were you doing out?”

“I was picking up Aten's meds. He needed some refills and by the time Robbie gets out of work, the pharmacy is closed.” Miranda pulled Ryou. “We better get going before our friend comes back.”

 

 

Updates: 3/6