AN: Sorry about that. I was going strong and almost done with this chapter and then I just got distracted for a minute too long and lost my steam.

Hopefully that doesn't happen again...I really need to stop promising chapters by a certain time :p

I can't think of anything else to say right now...Other than that I drew some stuff recently and it's on my deviant art account (Mysia-Ri). I also wrote a short fic that's only on my DA if you're interested.

Guh, so brain dead today. *goes in search of brains* Thank you for reading, extra cookies for reviews and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Marik laid Malik in their temporary bed as gently as possible and carefully undressed him before covering him with a sheet. He sat on the edge of the bed, the ruined lilac top in his hands, and stared at the bloodied fabric. He couldn't help but recall how soaked Petri's cloak at felt. How much blood there had been on the ground around his hikari. The thought of blood had once been an exciting concept. During Battle City, he had wanted people to suffer and die. But just the sight of his hikari's blood made him feel weak and nauseous.

Marik balled the fabric up to hide the evidence of just how close Malik had been to dying and looked down at the teen, gingerly cupping his face in one hand. His fingers wandered to his lover's neck, seeking out his pulse point before sliding further to rest over his heart, taking a shaky breath to calm himself.

"I'll be right back...Malik," he whispered as though the teen might hear him. He got to his feet slowly as though any sudden movement might reopen the wounds that had been healed and hurried off in search of something to bathe Malik with.

"We weren't exactly expecting to be attacked by one of the "gods" when we came to your aid, Mahado," Adelais informed the mage, crossing her arms and regarding him bitterly. "Also, it seems that Marik alone could easily have handled this problem, which once again proves my point that-"

"For the love of Ra, shut the f*** up, woman," Tariq, the self-appointed spokesperson for those who had come with Rajan and Bakura, snapped. "You're here now. No one died. Get over it."

"Several were injured," Adelais snapped back. "The only reason no one died is because of that hikari."

Mahado rubbed his temples. "Please, this is no time for arguing," he insisted. "Adelais, Marik only caused so much damage because his hikari was nearly killed. From what Rajan has told me and what I witnessed today, it seems that Marik could be classified as a berserker: a warrior who can enter a trance-like state of fury(1). While I do not condone what he did in his fury, I do see that he has given us a momentary advantage over Ghede."

"And I suppose you still expect us to assist you, hmm?" Adelais questioned.

"Ghede's forces are weakened at the moment. If we move against him now, we can end this in a matter of hours," the mage explained. "Our plan is simply to distract him while Rajan and a handful of others break into the castle and confront Ghede face to face. We would appreciate your continued assistance."

"We'll come," Tariq put in before Adelais could speak. "We came out here to help. All we want in return is a way out of this damn world. I think at this point we'll take whatever options we can get."

Mahado nodded. "We can discuss those options once we have all of the Millennium Items back. They aren't the genuine items, but they still hold some power."

Adelais huffed. "I will speak with my people and see what they wish to do. I'll return to you once we have reached a decision."

"Very well," Mahado bowed slightly. As the pair departed, he felt his shoulders droop. "She will likely end up helping, despite her words," he sighed, turning to face Isis, Rishid, and Jounouchi. "I already told Kisara and Mana to begin making preparations, but we need to wait for Marik and Bakura."

"Marik likely won't leave Malik's side until he wakes up," Rishid pointed out. "I'm not certain how long that may be however..."

"I don't think any of us do," Isis sighed. It was apparent that she would rather be with his younger brother at the moment. "The important thing is that he's alive. As for Bakura, do we even know where he is?"

"Rajan went looking for him," Mahado nodded. "I doubt he's doing anything foolish, though. Perhaps he just wished some time alone to vent his frustrations."

"Question: You said that Ghede was tied to the other world somehow, right?" Jounouchi asked.

"It seems as such," the mage replied.

"So even if we beat him here, we'll still have to find him in our world and beat him there too?"

"I would assume so, though I do not know what that would entail." Mahado sighed. "I will think on it, however. Perhaps he would be as simple as beating him in Duel Monsters again..."

"If you call that simple," Jounouchi sighed, leaning back in his seat.

"Regardless, we should get ready. If it comes down to it, we will have to leave Malik here for a guardian. We can't wait too long." Mahado motioned for them to follow him and headed off to find Kisara.

"I hope Ryou's ok," Isis sighed.

Radcliffe strode through the former castle with his head held high. He carried in a small sack four of the items Ghede had wanted, uncertain of their purpose of origin. The fifth he carried in a tight grip to taunt his prisoner-slash-bargaining chip that he hoped would spare him Ghede's full wrath. He glanced back over his shoulder at the spirit, mildly irritated with how calm he seemed. His feet hovered above the ground, toes pointed downward, and his arms were crossed over his chest as he looked around seeming bored. Once he had realized that the teen's soul was somehow bound to the Rod, Radcliffe had elt him loose, certain he could handle him on his own.

"You're taking this well," the CEO finally spoke.

Ryou blinked, turning his bored gaze on Radcliffe. "Hmm?"

"I would have thought you'd be more upset that I captured you," Radcliffe shrugged.

"Oh." The teen cleared his throat, bringing his fists together under his chin and giving his captor large, innocent eyes. "Oh no, I've been captured! You'll never get away with this you...you monster! My friends will save me!" He returned to his original stance. "Is that better?"

"You do look like a girl," Radcliffe pointed out, turning away to hide a smirk.

"Story of my life," Ryou sighed. He fell silent again, continuing to let his eye roam.

Radcliffe shook his head and turned, heading down a flight of stairs into darkness. He didn't notice the moment of hesitation in his prisoner before he continued to follow, maintaining his composure. They continued in silence, a peculiar stench greeting them as they reached the bottom step. Ryou shuddered, his shoulders relaxing a bit as they continued. A fiery glow poured from a doorway ahead of them that was coupled with inhuman noises, which Radcliffe seemed familiar with though he shuddered with disgust. by the time they had reached the door, the hikari's bored-stance had transformed into nervous curiosity and he resisted to urge to cling to his captor's shoulder.

Inside the room were countless insect eggs, most as tall as Ryou. They were attended to by several adult insects who scurried about, seemingly oblivious to their presence as they fed the newly hatched and placed new eggs into one of the vacant openings. Larger insects sat stationary and the teen realized they must be the queen insects who were supplying the eggs. In the middle of the room stood a tall, imposing figure clutching a cane that bore a crystal that glowed almost defiantly. Something about the man made Ryou hide behind Radcliffe, clinging to the back of his suit as if the older man might shield him from danger.

"I have heard some unfortunate news," Ghede began, not looking towards Radcliffe. "I would ask what you were thinking, but the answer is clear." He paused a moment, Ryou daring to peek over Radcliffe's shoulder. "I will allow you one minute to give me reason not to terminate our contract this instant."

Radcliffe swallowed hard, knowing what Ghede implied. "I have five of the seven items you-"

"Another failure," Ghede interrupted him, turning toward his minion. Fearing for his life, Radcliffe turned his back to his employer, Ryou managing to let out a small squeak before releasing his death grip on Radcliffe's jacket and floating away from Ghede as far as he was able.

"I have also brought the other light," Radcliffe stated needlessly, turning around once more and holding out the Millennium Rod, the act jerking Ryou forward a bit. "His soul is bound to this item for some reason."

Ghede took the Millennium Rod, turning it in his hand thoughtfully. "This is salvageable," he nodded slightly, bringing the item to his chest where it slowly absorbed into his body. Ryou shuddered, uncertain how he had done so but knowing it meant he was now trapped within arm's reach of Ghede. The CEO glanced at the teen before returning his attention to Radcliffe. "With the loss of the third light, however, I will require more souls."

Again feeling the unpleasant thrill of fear, Radcliffe quickly reached into his jacket, producing another mirror and offering it to Ghede. "I...I have acquired more-" he stopped mid-sentence as the mirror was taken from him as well as the bag containing the other 4 Millennium Items. The taller CEO looked over the mirror thoughtfully.

"Should I learn that you are still holding out on me, simply handing them over will not be enough," Ghede informed him. "I am giving you one last chance. Do not waste it." He turned away, Radcliffe taking the act as his cue to leave.

Ryou watched Radcliffe leave, wishing desperately that he could go with him.

"You are too hard on yourself," Atem said, resting a hand on Petri's shoulder. The blond sat with his knees draw to his chest, his face hidden. He no longer wore his signature blue cloak despite Mana having offered to clean it. His sword lay on the ground before him where the former Pharaoh had laid it after finding it abandoned on the battleground.

"No. I couldn't protect Malik. He almost died protecting me. He would have died if he hadn't healed himself while I did nothing. All I could do was sit there while he bled to death." He lifted his gaze a bit to stare at his sword, nudging the wooden object with the toe of one boot. "I don't know why Obelisk is my Ka. I'm not strong enough..."

"That isn't true," Atem sighed, shifting from his crouch to sit beside the distraught blond and draped an arm over his shoulders. "There is more to being a warrior than strength."

"A warrior must be strong and wise," Petri muttered. "Rajan said something like that before. I think Marik's one of the only people who can beat Rajan in a fight. And Rajan's like...the smartest person here. Marik's smart too, in his own way."

"Malik put himself in harm's way to protect you," Atem pointed out. "But you did not hesitate to defeat the creature who attacked. And it was your quick thinking that helped Malik to live long enough to realize his light. You seem to focus so much on the qualities you admire in your siblings that you overlook the fact that you possess them as well." He paused, seeing that the other didn't believe him. "In Duel Monsters, Obelisk had a powerful ability. By drawing the strength of two other creatures, he obtained unlimited power and could crush any who stood before him. In a sense, it could mean that while alone Obelisk is strong, with the support of his allies, he is unstoppable. And you aren't alone, Petri. You have many friends who support you."

Petri sighed quietly, staring fixedly at his sword. Atem slowly got to his feet, petting the blond's hair. "Think about it, won't you? We will need your help against Ghede. If you want to talk some more, just come find me, alright?"

"Sure," Petri muttered, looking away. Atem nodded, leaving the blond to his thoughts to seek out Mahado. He hadn't gone far when he caught sight of Bakura, the thief sitting outside by himself without his shirt or trench coat. His head was bowed slightly, eyes closed and breathing slow and even.

"He's been like that for a while now," Rajan's voice startled him. The former Pharaoh looked to find the blond sitting half hidden beside a column. "He'll also growl at you if you get too close. He just wants to be alone right now."

Out of earshot and unnoticed at first, Bakura opened his eyes, slowly unfolding his legs and getting to his feet.

::I've seen enough.::

:'Kura...the Rod-: Ryou began fearfully through their mind link.

::I'll tear that bastard to pieces myself if I have to,:: the yami quickly assured him, stalking toward Rajan and Atem. ::We'll get you back. Are you alright?::

:Yeah...he seems content to just ignore me for the time being,: Ryou replied, still sounding uneasy.

::Just remember I'm here, my Ryou. I have to talk to the others so I might be quiet, but I'll be here.::

:I know...I'll tell you if anything else happens.:

"Bakura?" Atem glanced at the thief.

"We've gotta move," the thief began coolly. "Get everyone together and I'll explain."

Malik awoke with a start, disoriented by his surroundings and the memories of his previous injuries. He was immediately pulled onto his side into a tight embrace, Marik hushing him and stroking his back.

"You're safe, Malik. It's ok. It's ok," the yami whispered, the words echoed through their mind link and calming the hikari's frantic thoughts. Malik sighed, his body relaxing against the familiar warmth and his eyes falling closed as he breathed in the other's scent deeply. He wrapped his arms around Marik the best he could, nosing the other's chest.

"I'm alive," he whispered, trying to recall what had transpired.

"Yes. Yes you are," Marik reassured him, burying his face in Malik's hair before adding almost scoldingly "You aren't allowed to die."

Malik merely nodded. After a moment he tipped his head back slightly, trying to see Marik's face. "Why am I naked?"

"Your pants were dirty," Marik replied, peppering the teen's forehead with light kisses.

"And my shirt?"

Marik hesitated, not wishing to recall the ruined top. "We can get you a new one."

Malik flinched, vaguely recalling where he had been wounded. "Ah..." He closed his eyes again, his head once more resting against the other's chest. Marik rested his chin in his hair, fingers combing through it. "Wait, did you call me "Malik"?"

Marik nodded softly, seeming distracted by the other's hair.

Malik moved, wriggling in the other's embrace so he could be eye-level with him. He pressed their foreheads together. "Don't." Marik blinked, confused. "I like it when you call me "Hikari" or "Hikari-Mine". It just...I dunno, it sounds weird when you call me "Malik"."

The yami smiled, stealing a kiss from the other blond. "My Hikari-Mine," he cooed possessively.

"That's better," Malik sighed contentedly. At the moment, he didn't care about Marik's strange nicknames nor that he had addressed him by his real name. All that matter was that he was alive and safe in his lover's embrace.

Hidden from their sight, Isis watched the pair for a moment, trying to decide how she felt about their budding romance. Rajan's words from the night before came back to her and, after losing Malik, she was starting to understand. She knew it would take time before she could completely accept it, but seeing how protective and loving Marik was toward Malik, she felt that she could learn.

Rishid placed a hand on her shoulder, startling her and she looked back at him. "Come on," he urged gently, stepping past her toward the pair. She followed a step behind, taking a seat on the edge of the bed behind Malik. The older Ishtar stood by the foot of the bed.

"Marik, Mahado asked me to find you. It seems Bakura has some information."

Marik whined a bit at Rishid, kissing the tip of Malik's nose.

"I'll be fine while you're gone," the teen promised. "I think I just want to lay here a bit longer."

The yami pouted, earning a kissing from Malik as well as a gently nudge to go. He got to his feet in a swift motion, whipping his cloak off and, in one fluid motion, draped it over his hikari. "I'll come back," he promised, following after Rishid.

Malik sighed, drawing his knees up slightly and bringing the edge of the dark fabric closer to his face.

"I'm sorry, Isis," he said softly.

"Don't be," she replied, reaching down to pet her brother's hair. He smiled, closing his eyes again.

Bakura explained what he had seen and heard through his link with Ryou to the others, careful to not leave out any details. Once he had finished, he crossed his arms over his chest.

"If those eggs hatch..." Mahado trailed off, trying to imagine it.

"The real worry is how long it would take them to mature once hatched," Rajan put in. "As unnatural a being Ghede appears to be and with whatever power he is gaining from the souls he's captured, they might well hatch ready to fight, which means we need to act now."

"And there could be eggs elsewhere as well," Atem pointed out.

"After this, I never want to see another bug again," Jounouchi tsked.

"We have some advantages though. Ghede thinks Malik is dead plus his forces are weakened right now," Rajan said. "Plus Malik's light healed pretty much everyone. If we attack now, it should be easy for us to sneak in. Bakura, was that place with the eggs large enough for, say, Raa to fit in?"

"Looked it," the thief nodded.

"Then here's our plan. Atem, Petri, Marik, Bakura, Jounouchi, and myself will go in through one of the hidden passages. Raa and Diabound should be enough to handle what eggs we can find, but our main goal is still to get Atem to Ghede as quickly as possible. Are you ready to duel him, Atem?"

"Aa," the former Pharaoh nodded. "I don't have the other card Yugi had suggested, but I have faith in my deck."

"Alright. Osiris, Obelisk, and Red Eyes will fight outside with the others," Rajan said, turning away and grabbing Marik's arm. "We should finish preparations quickly and leave as soon as possible."

"Agreed," Mahado nodded. As the others began to disperse, Rajan half-dragged Marik off, seeking somewhere private.

"We need to talk," he stated.

"I know," the yami sighed, allowing himself to be led. Even though Malik hadn't died, he memories still plagued him. Once they were alone, he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the wall and met Rajan's gaze.

The crimson-eyed blond stood before him, cocking his head to one side. "What's with the nicknames?"

Marik blinked, startled. "Wait, what?"

"I've been thinking about it and it not like you," Rajan explained. "Despite the other changes, that's the one that strikes me the strangest. And Mana mentioned that as the battle was starting, she teased you about the nicknames you've given her Ka and herself and you seemed scared for a moment. I want to know why you do it."

"Don't we have more important things to worry about?" Marik half-growled, looking around.

"Maybe it is important," Rajan suggested. "Maybe it isn't. But before I even get to the other thing we need to talk about, I want to know. Petri and I are the only ones you haven't given nicknames to. Earlier you called Malik by name several times. The incident with Mana." He reach forward and grabbed Marik's forearm tightly. "The fact that you're looking for a distraction and that you have carefully avoided answering this question." Marik kept his gaze off to one side and the younger sibling moved a bit closer. "I know you can hear me this time. And you know that even if you don't answer now, I'll keep asking until I get an answer. What is it Marik?"

"Because..." Marik pushed away from the wall and turned his back to Rajan for a moment. "Because I don't want them to know how stupid I am. Now can we drop it?"

Rajan shook his head. "What?"

The older sibling let out a frustrated sigh, bringing his hands to his head. "Because I'm stupid and calling them nicknames just makes me look crazy. If they knew I was stupid, they would...laugh at me. I..." he jerked feeling Rajan's hand on his shoulder. "I don't...want them to know..."

"You aren't stupid," the younger sibling accused, trying to get Marik to face him before giving up and moving around the spiky blond. "What in Ra's name makes you think you're stupid?"

"Ever since I came back," Marik began, still not making eye contact. "I just can't...No, that's not it. I know their names. I know everyone's names. I could tell you, but we don't have time." Another frustrated sigh escaped him and he looked somewhere else. "I just can't remember who's name is who's...But I know who they are, I do! I just...can't..." He sighed once more, finally meeting Rajan's eyes. "I just can't, ok?"

Rajan regarded him a moment before asking "What about Petri and me?"

The older sibling shrugged. "Maybe it's because you're my brothers or because I spent 3000 years hating myself and wanting to kill Pharaoh. I just knew...not that I could forgive myself if I forgot..."

Rajan nodded, deciding that was acceptable. "And Malik?"

"Malik, Malik...." Marik shook his head. "That happened last night after-" he paused, looking around. "Hikari didn't want me to say, but we had sex last night. Right after, my head hurt really bad for minute and then it stopped and I felt fine."

The crimson-eyed blond rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I see..." He stopped, and put a hand on Marik's shoulder. "I don't know what's wrong, but you aren't stupid. You should tell the others. At least Malik, Isis, and Rishid. Maybe they can help?"

"It's not important," Marik tsked. "I can usually figure out who people are talking about and they can figure out who I'm talking about."

"Think about it at least?" Rajan asked, satisfied when he received a nod in reply. "Now, the other thing we need to talk about."

"Yeah...sorry about that," Marik grumbled, pouting a bit and looking away. "When I thought I lost Malik..."

"I know," Rajan assured him. "And I'm not saying you didn't have a reason to be pissed, but I thought we worked on that."

"Well after 3000 years without you nagging me to keep my temper in check-"

"Do I have to punch you again?"

"That was a good hit by the way," Marik grinned, rubbing his cheek at the memory.

"Thank you," Rajan smirked. "By the way, is your head made of limestone? I swear I broke something when I hit you..."

Marik threw his head back and laughed, moving quickly to capture Rajan in a headlock.

Malik pulled on his pants, his back to Isis as he did even though his sister was looking away. As he began replacing his bracers(2), Isis turned to watch him.

"Are you certain you want to?"

Malik nodded, grabbing his sweater and thankful he hadn't been wearing it as well earlier. "I can't just lay here when I can do something. I might not know exactly how to do it, but now I know how it feels." He looked back at his sister, offering a reassuring smile.

Isis sighed, getting to her feet and moving to his side. "I know I can't talk you out of it, but..."

"Everything will be fine," he told her, hugging her tightly. "Either that or we'll all die."

"That isn't-"

"I know," Malik chuckled dryly, tightening his embrace. "But trust Marik to keep me safe and I'll trust Mahado." He released her and motioned with his head that they should go. "Besides, I don't plan on getting killed again. Not the day before my birthday." He offered her a cocky smirk, trying to assure himself as much as her that he was alright. "Once is enough."

AN: I think that's a good place to end. Now thing will get crazy again with lots of fight and stuff. I hope it all turns out alright...I mean, what if Ghede wins? That would be a terrible birthday present for Malik!

Anyway, I'mma try and get some SideQuest up next. We'll see what actually happens...

(1) I guess he's sort of in a trance :p I actually forget what I was going to say here...I think that I looked up the definition...meh *falls over*

(2) I think that's the proper team for the bracelets on his forearms...

And now I fly away to work! Well...in a few hours anyway...

Oh right! Marik and his nickname thing. Does that make sense? Ask questions if it doesn't make sense! XP