I can't imagine this ending in the next or so chapter because you've built up this world of horrors and only now are we seeing some of the creatures that you've been hinting at constantly throughout the story. Yes, there was that one scene where Malik was fending off some unseen bat creature and then there was that hunched over shadow in the maze (and the 'siren' calls) but other than that, I've been kind of waiting for the stuff nightmares are made of to come to life here. Although Shizuka's situation is a nightmare in of itself, it's just that you've been building up this atmosphere that I feel it needs to be reinforced now. It's not like I expect you to sit down and think up some grotesque looking monsters - since that kind of stuff is sort of subjective but the thing is I just didn't feel like they were ever in the throes of danger, other than Shizuka for obvious reasons. While in every chapter it's been insisted that there are terrible things creeping around, their journey has been pretty tame - besides the voices that tried to take Shizuka away here.

Everything else though, I have really enjoyed. Your characterization of them are spot on except Bakura's strange penchant for pecking Shizuka's lips - I believe he did that twice or thrice now? The first time he did it, I just blinked because where did that come from suddenly? And we didn't get to see Shizuka's reaction to it, making me think that she was okay with it or something - which I'm sure she wasn't. Sure, it could be a mocking gesture but it doesn't seem like something Yami Bakura would do, at least right now, because nowhere it has been hinted that he felt 'those' kind of feelings towards her. Besides a couple instances where he gave her his coat and where upon waking, Shizuka saw something in his eyes that was strangely close to affection (although all of these uncharacteristic gestures are making me wonder if they are remnants of light Ryou's feelings because if not, I - and probably the rest of the audience along with Shizuka - am wondering why he came back for her - because you had also hinted that he didn't know she is the Key until Malik's revelation).

Anyways, back to the actual praising though. When you delved into Shizuka's head, I liked how you showed her trying to deny all of these inexplicable happenings and even if they were thoroughly undeniable, she has come to this stage of mixed grief and hope. 'Maybe some of her friends are still alive, perhaps that had just been a mirage of her brother, the human instinct to keep on living...' But at the end of it all, I truly wonder what is making her endure this abusive experience because that must be one big mental wall she has built. I anticipate your muse's return though because despite what I had said in my critiquing, there is so much potential in these two's dynamics, especially in this kind of environment, waiting to burst forth even if the shipping is a background element to the actual horror genre.

This fic is amazing. I think you are one of the best YGO writers on this site and your work is just really awesome. Keep up the great writing!

Oh you MUST continue this story! It's awesome! XD

PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE FINISH THIS STORY!

Not much of any substance in this chapter, but it was still nice to see an update. Just as dark as always. I loved it. I wonder what will happen next? If, of course, you do choose to return to this eventually.

Regardless of whether or not you ever actually finish it, this fic will always be my all-time favorite chapter story. You've colored Yami Malik as the very monster he is, and that's a breath of fresh air.

Thanks for sharing this!

What a lovely tale you spun. Every thread of phrases leaving me wondering for answers. Oh, I hope you finish this. :3

oh no who wants shizuka...

Wow, I'm so glad you updated. :) The topiary animals remind me of The Shining, very nice. I had all but forgotten this story. *lol* You are one of my favorite Yu-Gi-Oh! authors, and I'm glad you didn't quit on this story. Dark Bakura is my favorite. :) I hope for an update soon.

Oh wow, Im glad you updated! Awesome chapter! I love how its so dark- it actually scares me a bit lol. Cant wait to see that happens! Death by unicorn?

OHHHHHHH! You updated finally!:D I was so saddened when I saw no more of your chapters! I may not be in the yu-gi-oh fandom for quite a quile, but I had always love this story so much. It has so much potential and mystery and horror (what else with malik and Bakura... hum...:P)

thanks for this one! It was a pleasant surprise!:D

It has been AGES since you updated this, but I sincerely hope you will. It's the best Screamshipping fic I've ever read and puts Yami no Bakura in a heroic role without taking him out of character. Which is awesome.

Please continue! You must! It would be cruel not to! Please? With sugar on top?

I do hope you update soon. I absolutely love Yami no Bakura and Shizuka together, even if it's not exactly 'togetherness'. *lol* Update please.

AHH! This is crazy! Please update, I NEED to know what happens! Will she survive through all this? If so what will happen to her and Bakura?

This is a really good story :)...can't wait for the next chapter.