Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Virus ❯ Chapter 26

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
Just a short chappie today. I have exams this weekend and need to do some serious studying.

BTW, if you are interested in a short, intense psychological story, I suggest reading "Clean" over at FF.NET. It is written by piper. This is one of the strongest stories I have ever read, but be warned - not for Ryou fans.

Same disclaimers apply.

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Virus - Part 26

"Do we wait for Bakura, or do we try and rescue Yugi before the deadline?"

Yami considered Siji's question. If they waited for Bakura, they would be virtually guaranteeing Pegasus' reentry to the mortal world. When he was returned, he may or may not release Yugi and Kaiba unharmed. If they tried to rescue the prisoners but were unsuccessful, Kaiba would surely be killed, and Yugi would be given as a sacrifice. It was a difficult decision.

"We will wait for Bakura and Mokuba. Pegasus may be prepared for a rescue attempt. I don't want to give him any excuse to harm Yugi or go back on his word."

The Dark Magician agreed with Yami, but added, "Should we approach through the forest? We could watch the Keep until Bakura arrives. If we see an opportunity to rescue the hostages safely, we take it."

They agreed to divide their forces. The Dark Magician and Siji would make their way through the forest to the Keep. Yami and Shala would wait in sight of the Keep, so as to lull Pegasus into making a mistake. If there was a chance that the prisoners could both be rescued before the ransom was paid, Magician and Siji would do so.

Yami clasped his hands around Yugi's Millennium Puzzle. They were scheduled to meet with Pegasus in less than three hours. It would be over soon. One way or another, it would be over soon. With a nod to the other team, Yami and Shala departed for the rendezvous point.

This was the first chance Siji and Magician had to be alone since Magician's awakening. Siji wasted no time falling into his lover's arms and covering the beloved face with sweet, gentle kisses. Hands roamed and bodies leaned as the two partners became reacquainted with the other's body.

Pausing, they gripped one another in an intense embrace, then loosed the grasps and pulled back. There would be time for loving after their Little Master was safe. The two departed the Dark Citadel and made their way through the thick forest.

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They were supposed rest in the shrubs for only a few minutes, but they had fallen asleep. The sun was hanging lower in the sky, and now it was time to slink out before the Skull Servants caught up to them. Seto was nervous. He had lost track of the location of the various hunting parties scouring the woods for them. He grabbed Yugi's hand and crept from beneath the clump of bushes. Seto had been cautious, but not cautious enough. The blade of an extremely sharp sword was placed against his throat. Seto and Yugi slowly turned to view their captors.

Seto released the breath he had been holding with a whoosh. Yugi's happy scream sounded in his ears as he saw the smaller boy bound into the arms of the Celtic Guardian.

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Bakura and Mokuba appeared in the Shadow Realm near the broken wall the yamis had previously hidden behind. Bakura was feeling the puffiness on his face. Ryou had pet and pampered him while they were waiting for the others to finish the forgeries. He smiled to himself, remembering his hikari's attentions.

~ Flashback ~

Ryou waited until they were alone before he remarked on Bakura's injuries. "You look like a …"

"I know," interrupted Bakura. "I look like a disgusting raccoon, and you hate the way I look." The poor beaten up yami lowered his head so as not to inflict his horrible visage on his beautiful hikari. Ryou shouldn't be forced to look as something as ugly as he was right now.

"Actually, I was going to say you look like a big cuddly panda bear. And yami? I love the way you look." Ryou's words were filled with tenderness and understanding. Bakura dared to look into his light's eyes. The emotion in their chocolate depths took his breath away.

~ End Flashback ~

It was tempting to just dump the younger Kaiba brother and return to the mortal realm alone, but he resisted his baser instincts. One of two things would happen. They would be successful in their mission and return to the human world, or they would utterly fail. Bakura had carefully planned what he would do if the plan did not work and the Other completed the ritual. He would abandon the others in the Shadow Realm and return to his hikari. He would take Ryou in his arms, kiss him with every ounce of tenderness and love in his body, then snap his neck. He would never allow his Ryou to be taken by the Other and it's minions. Of course, once Ryou was dead Bakura would return to the Millennium Ring and find some way to end his own existence. A world without Ryou was not worth living in.

Mokuba was lost in his own thoughts. Fear and worry for his big brother and their friend Yugi were weighing on his young mind. He continually checked and rechecked the fakes he had prepared, hoping that they would pass initial inspection. He thought they were pretty good, but who could tell what Shadow Powers Pegasus still retained? Mokuba was also a little nervous standing next to Bakura. He had never spent any time alone with Ryou's yami; he had heard some disturbing things from his brother about the white-haired spirit. //He certainly doesn't talk much. But I guess I don't have much in common with a 5,000 year old Egyptian tomb robber.//

Bakura touched Mokuba's shoulder and pointed towards the horizon. Two figures appeared: one was Yami and the other Mokuba recognized as the Mystical Elf. A thrill ran through the young boy. It was exciting to see the duel monsters in real life. It was like a child's fantasy come true. Mokuba was young enough to delight in the wonder of it, but mature enough to understand that they weren't here to play games. The two rose and joined their companions.

Yami was the first to speak. "You have everything Pegasus demanded?"

"In a manner of speaking, Pharaoh. Seto Kaiba had an alternate plan in mind; one which Mokuba and I are prepared to put into action."

"What are talking about? I saw the letters. Pegasus and Kaiba were very clear on what they wanted. What have you done, tomb robber?" Yami was suspicious and becoming angrier by the moment. Had the foolish yami done something to endanger his cherished little aibou?

Mokuba handed Yami his brother's letter. The gang had underlined the letters on the margins so the meaning was clear to any reader. Yami was silent for long minutes. Blood red eyes filled with fury met the coffee-colored orbs of Yami Bakura.

"There is no time to return and fetch the true valuables, so I will go along with your little plot, but hear this, thief. If Yugi comes to any harm from your scheming, I will see that you suffer for eternity. Mokuba, I do not hold you accountable. You were only doing as your brother asked."

The Mystical Elf placed her delicate hand on her master's shoulder. Her calming touch eased the tension somewhat. The four companions made their way toward the gates of the Forbidden Keep.

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Sorry for the shortness! I will try to have a humongous chapter for you on Monday.

Reviews?