Burning Sea

Burning Sea

hato-chiisai

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh.

YAIO WARNING Ryou/Bakura, Yami/Yugi, Malik/Marik, Seto/Otogi, Joey/Tristan, Mai/Ishizu, Mikado/Ahmose

Chapter 10

Killing Time

“I accept your challenge.” Ryou said, and raised the sword. Yami grinned, and placed his right hand on his hip, and took up a ready stance. Ryou put his hand in the air behind him, pointing his sword at Yami. Bakura took a seat in the arm chair, while MArik sat between Yugi and Malik.

“Lay on!” Bakura called, and Yami leapt forwards, just barely tapping Ryou’s sword with the side of his blade. Ryou jerked, but held his ground. Ryou made the first move, and lunged at Yami, who knocked his blade aside. The two began moving quickly, and Ryou finally got Yami backing down. They fenced like they lived to fence, until Ryou had Yami backed into a wall. Yami smirked.

“Well done. I’m impressed.” HE said. “Time to take it up a notch.” And to Ryou’s shock, he transferred his rapier into his right hand, which had formerly been on his hip. Yami’s eyes flashed, as did his blade, and Ryou soon found himself being forced backwards, at the mercy of Yami’s superb swordsmanship. Ryou began to sweat as he went completely on the defense. Yami was toying with him, and he knew it. Yami looked as though he was having the time of his life as he backed Ryou into the table. But Ryou wasn’t done yet. To Yami’s surprise, the boy dropped to the floor, and scrambled under the table. Yami blinked when Ryou popped up, and seized a dagger from a table, that matched the sword he held in his hand. Yami grinned.

“You are knowledgeable in the Spanish sword and dagger?” Yami asked. Ryou smirked.

“Come find out.” He panted, and Yami picked up his own dagger.

“With pleasure.” He said, and attacked. They sparred back and forth, using the swords to attack, and daggers to block. Yami was thrilled; he had never had a sparring partner who knew how to use the Spanish sword and dagger. But even with his lack of practice, his skills were superior to Ryou’s, and in a flash, he disarmed the boy. Ryou fell to one knee, dropping the dagger, and gripping his wrist. Yami stared, and dropped his own blades when he saw the blood soaking the bandages on Ryou’s hands.

“Oh, how could I be so stupid!” He berated himself. “I forgot about your hands.” Bakura was there in a flash, and removed the soaking bandages and held some cloths to Ryou’s hands to stop the bleeding.

“I’m okay.” Ryou gasped as he fought to catch his breath.

“Ryou!” Malik gasped. “That was amazing!”

“When did you learn to do that?” Yugi demanded, and Ryou smiled, slightly.

“You knew my father.” He said. “He always had those tutors for me, and one was a man from Spain. He taught me to fence, and we would spar while he lectured me on history.” Yugi frowned.

“Lucky....” Ryou smiled at the pouty tone in his friend’s voice.

“You did very well.” Yami said, smiling. “When the rain stops, and your hands heal, I would like a rematch outside. There’s more room out there. And if you can hold your own against me, you will earn the men’s respect.” Ryou nodded.

“I’d like that, sir.” He said, and looked up when Yami put a hand on his shoulder.

“Yami. Call me Yami, Ryou. Not sir.”

“All right, Yami.” Ryou said, and blushed when the pirate kissed his cheek. Bakura elbowed Yami.

“Hey! He’s mine!” The boy said. “You play with your own little guy.” Yami grinned at Bakura.

“Taking a liking to your little friend?”

“No!” Bakura scoffed, and Ryou looked down. “He just saved my life, that’s all. I owe him, and I, I, I......”

“You like him.” Marik said, crossing his arms over his chest, and grinning. Bakura stood and glared.

“I do not!” Bakura snapped. “How could I like such a pitiful, weak–“

“That ‘weak’ boy was all that kept you from drowning!” Yami scolded.

“Whatever! I do NOT like him!” And with that, BAkura stormed into his bed, and slammed the door. Ryou looked at his feet, trying to fight back tears. He felt fingers and lifted his eyes to meet Yami’s crimson orbs. He smiled, and laughed at Ryou.

“He likes you.” He said. “He’s just too stubborn to admit it. But believe me. I’ve known Bakura for a long time, and I know him very well. And he is most DEFINITELY attracted to you. Give him time. He’s the most stubborn ass on the whole damn ship. Give him time, little one. He’ll come around.” Ryou smiled slightly, and nodded. Yami smiled back and stroked his cheek, gently, before turning and picking up the dropped swords and daggers while Marik took over seeing to Ryou’s hands.

“No more sparring while you have these on. Wait until you’re healed. Can you do that for me, little one?” Ryou nodded, wondering what made the pirates give him the nickname of ‘little one.’ After all, Yugi was much smaller than he. At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Yami frowned, and picked up a dagger.

“ENTER!” He called. Mako came in, trying to balance a large bowl, and a lot of smaller ones. Yami ran to help him, relieving him of the smaller bowls and spoons. “What’s this?”

“Bakura requested lunch in the cabin, sir.” Mako said, and Marik cleared the big map off of the table allowing Mako to set the large bowl down before removing the cloth covering it. “Seafood soup this afternoon. And...” He pulled a large loaf of bread from the pocket on his apron. “Fresh bread.”

“What’s in the soup?” Bakura said, bursting from his room, making Yami and Marik snort in an attempt to keep from laughing out loud. Mako grinned.

“Lobster, shrimp, crab, shark, and the swordfish from the other day.”

“Excellent!” Yami said, quickly sitting himself at the table, and motioning for the three prisoners to join him. Marik pulled out a chair for Malik who blushed and sat, and blushed even harder when Marik kissed his cheek. Mako pulled a ladle out from seemingly nowhere and began to spoon the soup into the bowls, and gave the first to Yami who passed it to Yugi, making him blush like Malik. The soup was passed around, followed by the bread, and Mako returned to the galley after producing a jug of cider, and serving that as well. All six boys began to gobble the soup ravenously, dipping their bread into the creamy broth. Yami grinned as he washed his mouth with the cider.

“One thing is for sure.” He said. “You three will never have to worry about going hungry. The sea provides everything, and Mako can do amazing things with the most bizarre things.” Yugi ate so fast he began to choke, and Yami had to slap him on the back. Ryou ate with a lot less dignity than usual. At the first bite of the soup, his stomach felt so empty that he was suddenly famished even though he had eaten not long ago. Malik moaned about how if all the food was this good, he’d get fat, and Marik teased him saying that on Yami’s ship, that wasn’t possible.

“True...” Yami said, thoughtfully. “Everyone on this ship does their fair share of work.”

“Not Tea.” Marik grunted.

“She has her purposes.” Yami said. “How would you like an entire crew of sexually frustrated men?” Marik shuddered at the thought.

“Yeah. You’re bad enough.” Bakura teased Marik, who threw a chunk of bread at him.

“Well, if you hadn’t have been so stubborn–“

“MARIK!” Yami snapped. “Not now. We do not need to know of your sex life at the dinner table.”

“It’s lunch......” Marik muttered, making Malik, Ryou and Yugi giggle. Yami sighed, and rolled his eyes.

“WHO’S stubborn?” Bakura growled, and this time, it was Yami who threw a chunk of bread at him. “What do I look like, a seagull?!” Bakura demanded. (AN: Have you seen ‘Finding Nemo’? Those seagulls are the greatest! “Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine........” *giggle* )

“Yes.” Marik and Yami said, flatly, and Bakura glared at his soup, muttering under his breath. Ryou caught a bit of it, and giggled. Bakura looked at him, and Ryou, in an attempt to improve their relationship, gave him a gentle smile. Bakura looked quite startled, but glanced away briefly, then slowly, he smiled back and gave Ryou a little wink, which made Ryou’s smile widen, making Bakura’s widen in turn. Marik and Yami watched this silent exchange, and discreetly met each other’s glance, and smiled. There was another knock at the door, but the knocker didn’t wait for permission to enter. Tris burst in, looking very pleased.

“Hate to interrupt your lunch, but I’ve got great news!” He gushed, and Yami smiled, amused.

“Oh? Well, what is it? Don’t keep us in suspense!”

“The storm is blowing us straight towards home, sir! We should be there day after tomorrow!” Yami’s eyes widened, and he grinned.

“That’s wonderful! How do you think Kurama can fare in this weather?”

“He’s strong, sir. I think he could make it. In fact, I know he can.”

“Excellent. Bring him here.” Yami said, and Tris disappeared.

“Who’s Kurama?” Yugi asked, and Yami leapt up, grabbing some paper, and his feather quill, and scribbled something. “What are you doing?”

“Writing to Ahmose, to let him know we’re coming.”

“How will he get it?” Yugi asked.

“Kurama.”

“Again, who’s Kurama?” Tris entered again.

“THIS is Kurama.” He said, and they all turned to look. A young red Sea Hawk sat on his arm, looking very calm and proud. Yami put his letter in a small leather tube, and tied it to his leg, taking him from Tris. He opened the door, and tossed him into the ear. With a shrill call, he beat his wings against the wind, dis disappeared.

“He should make it by nightfall if the winds are with him.” Yami said. Yugi blinked, as he closed the door.

“Are you sure he can make it?”

“He has never failed us.” Yami said with a smile. “And he’s older than he looks. He knows what he’s doing. He belonged to Ahmose, and no matter where he is, he can find him. And somehow, he never has trouble finding us. He has never failed to deliver a message. We keep him, and Ahmose has his brother, Hiei. Through them, we are always in touch.” (AN: Kurama, and Hiei. Sorry, I couldn’t help it, and for those who don’t know, they are from Yu-Yu Hakusho (Don’t own it) and they totally kick ass. I’ve debated writing a crossover, cuz I can DEFINITELY see a Bakura/Kurama)

Everyone jumped when Marik let out a huge belch, and Yami gave him a dirty look. But that look was replaced with surprise, when Malik let one out just as big. Bakura started laughing while Ryou made a face at Malik, who grinned, and shrugged.

“So....” Yugi said, looking at Yami. “Now what do we do? What time is it?” Yami checked the clock.

“Two fifteen.” He said, and sighed.

“I’m bored.” MArik said, and looked at Bakura.

“Don’t look at me! I’m not in the mood to fuck!”

“I never said I wanted to!”

“No, but you were thinking it!” Everyone laughed at the two boys’ bickering. Yami rolled his eyes and went to the corner of the room where something was covered by a sheet. He tossed the sheet off revealing an easel and canvas. Yugi and Ryou blinked, and went to investigate, while Malik got involved with the bantering.

“Wow!” Yugi gasped. It was a large painting of the cabin. It looked finished to Yugi, so he had no idea why it was covered. Yami glared at the arguing boys.

“If you must argue, could you relocate to the sofa, please?” He asked. Bakura and Marik looked, and noticed what Yami wanted.

“I thought you wanted us to look nice.” Bakura said.

“When I actually paint, I do. But for now, I’m only sketching you in.” He said. “Now go. And, you know what, why don’t you three go too.” He herded Ryou and Yugi over to the sofa. He sat Marik and Bakura on it, and began arranging them, while they continued their argument. He got their positions right, and then dragged Yugi over.

“Now, I will be in the finished piece, and I will be sitting between Bakura and Marik. You, will be sitting on the floor at my feet. Here, sit down, now, tuck this leg under you, there, now, put one hand here, now, Malik, you sit here, and yes, I like that. Yugi, put you hand on his knee. Excellent. Malik, tilt your head a bit more, and yes, perfect. Ryou, sit in front of Bakura. No, face the side more, and you know what, drape your arm over Bakura’s legs. There you go. Now, rest you head on your arm. Beautiful, Bakura, put your hand on his head, and, yes! That’s it! Perfect! Now! Don’t you dare move, or I’ll have your hide!” Yami dashed back to the easel, and picked up some charcoal. Quickly, he began sketching the group, commenting ever now and then on how cute they looked like that. Ryou smiled slightly as Bakura began to gently massage his scalp with his fingers, and Marik’s fingers made little circles on Malik’s back. Yami sketched himself in, followed by Yugi, then Marik and Bakura, then Ryou, and finally, Malik. Then, he frowned, and on a random impulse, sketched Mikado and AHmose standing behind the sofa. He was pleased that he managed to show their different personalities in their body posture, Mikado, light hearted and playful, and Ahmose, stern, and formidable. He grinned.

“Done!”

“Oh... About time!” Malik moaned. “I am so stiff!”

“Well, you’ve been sitting there for nearly two and a half hours.” Yami said, and all five boys voice their annoyance.

“When’s dinner?” Bakura asked, and MArik slapped him upside the head.

“You just had lunch!!!” He said, exasperated, and Bakura laughed. Ryou moaned as he stretched stiff muscles, and smiled at Yugi and Malik.

“Hey...” Yugi said, suddenly. “Is it just me, or has it gotten really quiet.....” Marik and Bakura listened, as did the others.

“We must be in the eye of the storm.” Yami said, and grinned. He, Marik and Bakura ran to the door. Ryou looked at Malik, who shrugged. “C’mon!”

“Uh, okay...” Yugi said, and followed. The three boys followed the pirates out onto the deck of the ship, and to the very back of the boat, getting a wave from Mai, who was at the helm. There, they found not only Yami, MArik and Bakura, but Jono, Otogi, Tris and Seto, all soaking wet from their shift in the rain. Thy were all sitting on the railing with their legs dangling over the edge of the ship as it was lifted and dropped by the large swells. Bakura turned back to look at the three boys.

“Hop up!” He said, and held out a hand to Ryou, who shyly took it, and Bakura helped him onto the railing next to him, and put an arm around him. Ryou looked at Bakura, wondering why he was holding him, and Bakura shrugged.

“Don’t want you to fall overboard...” He said, with a smile as Yugi and Malik clambered onto the rail.

“Ooh! Here it comes!” Otogi said, suddenly, and Seto smiled, putting an arm around him, while Jono put his head on Tris’ shoulder. Yami and MArik put an arm around Yugi and Malik, and stared at the clouds, eager looks on their faces. Suddenly, the clouds broke, and the sun peeked through. Yugi smiled at the breathtaking sight, and snuggled closer to Yami, who gave him an affectionate squeeze. As they watched, more blue sky could be seen, and suddenly, a black figure darted into view, circling over head, only to plummet down towards the ship.

“Hey! It’s Hiei!” Otogi said.

“No way Kurama has already made it.” Tris said.

“Ahmose must have news.” Yami said, and gave a shrill whistle. The hawk cried out a response, an arrowed down towards Yami, then back winged to land on his outstretched arm. Yami smiled, and took the message from the bird’s leg, and Hiei moved to perch on the Pharaoh’s shoulder. Yami opened the message and read.

“Hmmm..... Bad news.” He said, looking very grim. “It seems that they have already been through this storm, and so did part of the Spanish Armada. A ship got lost, and came upon our home. A savage battle was fought, but the Shadow Ghoul and the Relinquished were victorious.”

“Pegasus is back?” Marik asked.

“Apparently so. But there were casualties. Eight men died.” The pirates all looked down in sorrow. “Pegasus received minor injuries, but Mikado was badly wounded. He’ll pull through, thank Ra, but the Spaniards were killed, and their ship taken.”

“That’s good.” Seto said, nodding. “But let’s enjoy the sun while we have it.” The other agreed and they swat on the back of this ship, enjoying the sunlight until the ship continued back into the storm.

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

Next chapter, they all go to the galley for dinner, and it proves to be a very interesting experience for the hikaris. See ya then! ^_^

Next Chapter: Malik’s Performance