YA: *wilts* Sorry about the last chapter. It was stupid and so short but then again it was my block. But I'm not blocked anymore and this chapter will be tons longer just to make up for the last one. And as for Malik, that will not be the last time you see him. Thanks all for the suggestions, in fact, some of them sparked some new ideas.

Ryou: Yay! This story isn't dead!

Bakura: *ahem* Your shout outs…

YA: Er, right.

Naomi Chang: More Malik…er…Marik in this chappy! No worries!

DarkStar: You know, I feel that most of this is my fault. *cries* But I made up for the last chapter this one. It's long.

Crayon: LOL! You are too funny. Thanks for the compliment and I'm glad you like this story. And yes, the pleasurable sugar dots will be coming back. ^_~

R Amythest: Don't worry about not replying right on the dot. It's my fault for taking so long in the first place. School, blocks, they are no fun at all.

PanDora: Maybe he did, maybe he didn't. Professor could have been blushing from the drinks they had, I dunno. I think Ryou was overreacting.

MatrixAngel: Ohh wee! Thanks so much for the compliment. I'm trying to put Ryou's dad in the story as much as possible. I'll try harder to give him more appearances.

Kely: Ryou/Bakura it shall stay.

Yami Krissy: Yeah, weird chapter that was, huh. Like I said, it was the only way I could end the block. Besides, it took me weeks to get that chapter up. Oye!

Immortal Memories: Does that mean that you like it? *puppy dog eyes*

Ancient-Saki: You're not getting carried away, that was my entire fault.

Airethia: Um…I'm hoping to get some spicy scenes soon. If Bakura doesn't kill me first that is.

Seventh Sage: Yay! You reviewed! My favorite authoress!! *dances* Well, Malik will be appearing more in this story…so ya…

GokuVegeta447: I know that was a very weird chapter. I was just getting over my block so I'm sorry it had to be that way. Oish, I feel uber stupid for even writing that chapter. Most of those things were so unnecessary!

Neo Star: Yep, that was it for then. More in this chappy, although I can't say that this will be better. *hides*

Firedraygon97: It's all Ryou! No Bakura and Malik. No, no no! And I'm glad for updating as well.

Bakura: So where is it?

YA: Where is what?

Bakura: Don't be stupid! My spicy scene!

YA: Onward! Onward!

*~*~*~*~*~ Dawn of a new Night *~*~*~*~

Though his pajamas were the only thing he was wearing, running away from the cold house he was sitting in was warming him up. So sad it wasn't in a good way. Where Ryou was running to was known to him, for he just wanted to get away. Away from his father and away from Bakura. More tears, warm, slid down his cold cheeks and dropping off into the air behind him. It was late and all was silent except the pounding footsteps of Ryou's feet and the crunching noise they make when he steps into snow. His soft panting was also heard, along with a trail of frost coming from his breath.

He ran a great distance before stopping. Hunched over, Ryou tried to catch his breath. Between crying and running, it proved very hard to breathe. Through the silence, his panting was loud along with heavy sobs of confusion and whines of frustrations. Before him, a building he couldn't make out in the darkness, shone some lights and the door opened with a small creak.

"Ryou? Is that you?" a small voice was heard. "Yes it is! What's the matter??" Ryou looked up from his hunched position, staring into the warm eyes of a good natured friend. The eyes, large with youth, lavender and full of care was staring right into the cold russet eyes of his own, full of concern and consideration. Yugi felt the cold breeze of the midnight cold stinging his cheeks and wrapping around his small figure, making him grab at his small pajamas to keep his own warmth from escaping. Feeling that amount of cold could have been nothing compared to what Ryou was feeling that moment, for he was already drenched from the mixtures of the small snowfall and his own sweat. "Don't stand there! Come in!"

Agonized from the cold and his own personal pain, Ryou stumbled over to Yugi reaching the door and nearly falling into the small boy. Yugi guided Ryou to the living room couch, closing the front door behind him. Carefully, he peeled Ryou's coat from him and tossed it aside to dry. He debated of whether he should remove his pajamas as well.

"T-thank-y-you." Ryou shivered. "I-I-know it's l-late…"

"I had a hard time sleeping anyway." Yugi smiled. "Sometimes late at night when I can't sleep, I look out my window into the stars. But tonight, I saw you running down my street exhausted. I knew something was wrong." Yugi handed Ryou a black wool blanket from the end of the couch. "Something is wrong…right?" Ryou lowered his head, hesitant about giving an answer. He was more confused than troubled, or was it the other way around? "You don't have to tell me now." Silently, Ryou nodded thanks but still there was one thing that was concerning him. Ryou rubbed his hands in a nervous manner, a manner he hated, for it gave away his unnerving concern. Yugi sensed the questions rising within him, waiting to burst forth and spill his torturing troubles. The small starting contest between the two remained for a great while until Ryou decided to break the annoying silence.

"My father is seeing another woman!!" Ryou suddenly blurted out. Yugi reclined, remained calm and showed no emotion.

"And this is bothering you?" he asked sedately. Gathering further thoughts of Professor and Josephine together ripped Ryou's soul and caused commotion in his heart, making him swim in a heart wrenching emotions.

"I don't want a new mother!" he cried. "She could never replace my mother! There's no competition! So why is dad melting into her arms as he does?" Ryou pounded the coffee table, furthering his frustration. "He doesn't need her, he has me but already he's forgotten about me…for…her…" Ryou buried his face into his shaky hands, still cold, but cold from the harsh reality, not longer relating from the frigid winter weather outside. There he wept, pouring out his soul into his hands. Crying quietly, a song of remorse and heart, Yugi was unsure of what to do. He could only help in comforting Ryou by stroking his back and softly whisper words of encouragement.

"I am alone." Ryou started, as if he suddenly came to an unanswered conclusion.

"I felt that way too before I solved my puzzle." Yugi answered. His small hand cupped the golden, miniature model of a pyramid into his hand. Yugi's smile grew on his face, unknown to Ryou, for inside he could feel the warmth of his other holding him protectively. "After I met Yami, I haven't been as lonely anymore. Especially when Grandpa has to handle his business." Over that statement, Ryou's eyes widened but narrowed quickly, in a fierce manner.

"It's different for my Yugi. You even witnessed it for yourself!" Ryou's head jerked up and stared sharply as Yugi, making the small boy tremble some. "Must you gloat near me about your dark half?!"

"Honestly, I didn't mean it that way!" Yugi protested. "I was just stating that although your father isn't there—"Another sharp glare attacked Yugi. Yugi quickly clasped his hand over his mouth to correct himself.

"—Although you FEEL that your father isn't there for you, you still have the presence of your darker half." Almost with each word, Yugi scooted away from Ryou, hoping to escape the evil glint in his eyes. Ryou turned his gaze away from Yugi and let out a tired sigh.

"What am I thinking?" he laughed while smoothing loose strands of frosted white hair away from his eyes. "It's passed midnight! You can't possibly say a sentence without it coming out strangely." Yugi gave a crooked smile, agreeing to the ridiculous statement. "Call me jealous, Yugi. That's all I am."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Heh. I'm jealous of my father for choosing another woman instead of his own son. I'm jealous of you for having a kind and pleasant dark side. Jealous of Bakura…" Ryou voice trailed off to hide the demanding waver that's often followed by tears. "…for having someone to be in love with." Yugi was now confused at Ryou's last statement. Perhaps Ryou was suffering from lack of sleep and mumbling incoherently was one of the symptoms. What confused Yugi more was the quick laughter that followed. "Boy I can be such a baby sometimes."

Sorrowfully, Yugi reached out to Ryou to comfort him more but Ryou waved a hand of dismissal. Standing, Ryou removed the wool blanket that was draped across his shoulders.

"You're leaving?" Yugi asked sadly, mauve eyes downcast.

"I should get back and talk things out with dad." Ryou reached out for the door knob. Random questions fumbled in his mind along with a sudden sense of danger. He realized that his hand was floating just inches before the knob as if afraid of what's on the other side. Without further waiting, he reached out and grabbed the knob, swinging the door wide opened.

"Hello there, little Ryou!"

"GAH!" Ryou slammed the door behind him and pressed his body against it.

"Who was that?" Yugi asked.

"Not sure…"Ryou whispered. "He looked like Malik. Only different." There was a shot pause before the window beside Ryou shattered into pieces while a person jumped inside. Ryou pressed himself harder against the door in fear. Yugi jumped to his feet from near shock.

"Correction. I'm Marik." Marik looked around the dim room, licking his lips like a hungry dog in search of red meat. "Killing two birds with one stone in the cold night!" he recited while crawling towards Yugi.

/Marik?/ Ryou asked himself. /Could this be Malik's dark side? He look different, yet the same. Unlike Malik, Marik looks as if he's been shocked by electricity as well! His hair ignores the law of gravity and his facial features are much more mature than Malik's. Not to mention his eyes carry a look of a crazed maniac, yet they look as if they could hypnotize his opponents. Frighten them, allowing them to freeze to the spot!/

"Ryou's thoughts were diminished by Yugi's shriek of terror. Marik was already near him, his dark hands wrapped around Yugi's puzzle.

"Let go! It's mine!" Yugi cried.

"You don't know what to do with it!" Marik responded pulling harder. "So just give it to me. Bakura's orders!"

"Bakura's?" Ryou questioned.

"You heard me well." Marik said, still pulling. "He wants all the Sennen Items to do some heavy duty world controlling. I'm working with him so I can get…my…fair…share…LET GO KID!!!"

"NOOOO!"

/So Shadi was right!/ Ryou thought. /Bakura is ruining the balance by collecting all the Sennen Items to rule the world. And he never told me. Things are starting to become clear./

"Harness the power of the light…" Ryou nodded at the sound of Shadi's voice. Without warning, the Ring appeared around his neck.

"Playtime is over Marik!" Ryou shouted. No longer was his voice soft, or carried a sound of femininity as it usually was, but it was much more firm and full of vigor. Marik ignored his first warning, still fighting with Yugi over the puzzle. Ryou became quickly annoyed and grabbed the neck of Marik's robe, throwing him backwards. Marik rolled backwards with a surprised scream.

"You okay, Yugi?" Ryou asked. Yugi looked at Ryou reassuringly but his face quickly paled. Marik was already advancing at Ryou with great speed. He launched himself forward and knocked Ryou down into the coffee table, such force shattered the glass into many pieces.

"Mortal! You don't know who you're dealing with!"

"Yes I do!" Ryou replied. "A maniac! And I can be just as crazy!" With much effort, Ryou tried to push the crazed yami off him. Despite being held down to the floor, Ryou's right knee was free and was his only way of breaking loose. With a swift move, Ryou rammed his knee into Marik's chest, repeating several times until he rolled off.

"You'll pay for that mortal!" Marik hissed. Ryou stood confidently if front of Yugi, his ring glowing and providing him with more confidence. Ryou's fawn eyes were glazed with morale and sparked with certitude, like cutting diamonds! His stature was now perked with an attitude, set on protecting Yugi at all costs.

"No. He won't pay, Marik." A voice all too familiar and all too late. Bakura jumped through the shattered window and entered into the main room, now in shambles. "I'll handle him. He'll listen to me." Not a second did Ryou falter, although Bakura's words sunk in. Instead of feeling hurt as he normally would, Ryou decided to counter it.

"I'm not a dog in which you could own." He said. "You need not label me in such a degrading manner." Bakura's head tilted as if he was outstanding by Ryou's words. "You also don't need to show off in front of your lover!"

"That's enough Ryou!" Bakura said calmly.

"Don't shut me up. You used to listen to what I had to say."

"I don't have time."

"We'll make more time!" Bakura's eyes once more lowered into a fright filled glare, hoping it would break Ryou and make him cower. To his amazement, Ryou not only didn't become filled with fear, but returned the scowl.

//You are embarrassing me!// Bakura was now showing his nicer side, as if begging Ryou to back down before the fight carried on.

/People can learn to control their dark obsessions, even Tomb Robbers!/ Bakura eyes widened and his jaw dropped slightly. /Yes Bakura! I know about your plans for power. With me being your SMARTER half, there is nothing you can keep from me!/ Angered, Bakura launched himself at Ryou in the same manner as Malik, only stopping in front of him to land a punch to Ryou's delicate face. The force of his fist sent Ryou sprawling backwards into Yugi and sending chills along Bakura's own arm.

This had crossed the lone! I hurt him again with such strength, filled with hatred and spite. Oh Ryou! Why do you have to be against me?

"Okay, Yugi?" Ryou asked, while helping Yugi to his feet. A small groan escaped the smaller boy.

"Just peachy." He answered. Ryou in turn gave Bakura another gaze of crossness, once again sparking Bakura's own set of anger. Ryou rose from his fallen position only to be attacked by Bakura again. Bakura's hands wrapped around Ryou's fragile neck, squeezing like a constrictor, the grasp getting tighter as Ryou as Ryou tried to gasp for air. The look of hated never left Bakura, even as Ryou's vision became blurry from lack of oxygen. Last minute decision resulted in having Ryou ram his head into Bakura's. Bakura groaned in a mix of surprise and pain. His grip loosened a little and Ryou repeated the process until Bakura released him and stumbled backwards, rubbing his bruised head.

Ryou, being frailer than Bakura, suffered breakage of the skin on his forehead. Hot blood trickled down Ryou's face from his newly created wound. Dark red mixed with the whitest of skin, triggered abnormalities within Bakura. Once again, his eyes flashed numerous shades of red, a.k.a battle mode, shrinking the pupils of his eyes giving him a demented look. A malicious laugh developed inside as he lifted his hand up in the air. Ryou immediately felt a tightening in his chest as if Bakura was pulling his light energy from the ring and converting it into darkness.

Dark energy formed in his palm, growing bigger with each second and each second Ryou felt his energy leave him. Suddenly, he remembered his conversation with Shadi.

"Remember that the light can outshine the darkness!"

"But the dark can smite even the brightest of lights!"

"You won't smite me, Bakura!" Ryou said gathering his strength.

"We'll see about that." Bakura replied. With a smile, Bakura pulled back and released the dark energy he's collected. The force of the incoming attack was strong, so much that Ryou could feel the wind of its path before the impact. Seconds before the collision, Ryou felt Yugi's hands lay upon his shoulders and his energy returned. The force of light and dark force striking against each other sent damaged eaves throughout the game shop, shattering other windows, cracking walls and sending a painful chill to everyone in the room.

The attack died down and Ryou proved victorious, still standing but exhausted. Yugi collapsed behind him after assisting Ryou in the battle of Light and Dark. Panting, Ryou had just a small amount of energy left in him to defend himself. Another attack like that would devastate him.

"He…absorbed it…" Marik stammered.

"I foresaw this with the Tauk." Bakura muttered. "The fight against the darkness and the light…" Marik placed a hand on Bakura's shoulder.

"I can summon the shadow realm to make this easier." He stated. "You'll fair better in that dimension. You barely have any energy left!"

"Let's save that for later." Bakura responded while folding his arms. "I still want to spar with him. I bet I have more energy than him anyway."

Marik playfully urged for Bakura to continue. Focused, Bakura leaped high in the air to perform a flying kick. Ryou was able to block it with his arms, although the contact with Bakura's attack caused him to lose more energy. The sparring continued until Ryou knelt down in exhaustion. Bakura was ready for a final strike when Yami launched himself at Bakura, knocking him over.

"Pharaoh!" Bakura growled. "This is our fight stay out of it!!" Without a word, Yami outstretched his palm towards Bakura's direction.

"This has gone far enough! Mind Cr—"

"Do it and he's dead!"

Yami blinked, suddenly started to see Bakura quickly grabbing the weary Ryou and using him as a shield.

"Curse you, Tomb Robber! Don't use your hikari that way!"

"Never mind that! If you still want to mind crush me go ahead! You'll just hit him first!" Yami snarled, frustrated. Any time he moved, Bakura would move Ryou in the same direction, making it impossible for him to get a clear shot. After a while, Yami gave up in defeat. Bakura smile gloriously and pulled Ryou closer.

"I thought you'd see it my way! Come Marik! Let's go!" Both the tomb robber and the crazed yami left with Ryou, leaving Yami frustrated in conquest.  

TBC

YA: Finished!! *puff puff* It's done!

Ryou: Yay! But still, I got beaten! Why can't I ever win the fight?

Bakura: Forget winning a fight, how come I still didn't get my spicy scene.

YA: *groans* Leave me alone…

Bakura: *shakes YA* NO! I want my spicy scene.

YA: Maybe later, Bakura, I'm not feeling well.

Bakura: I can tell by how you wrote this crappy chapter.

YA: Fah!

Ryou: Please review and give your thanks for such an action filled chapter! If you continue to cheer her on I bet she'll give you all a nice spicy scene!

YA: Don't you start too!

Ryou: review please! *grins*