MTP-Chapter 8

Author: Sanni York

Sorry for being so late with my updating! I don't actually know why, I'm just avoiding it. …weird girl. Well, thanx all reviewers who stick with me; you're all so sweet

And I'd like to thank Gilraen R. Luinwe for becoming my beta. She's very sweet and most helping. ..I can't believe I make those mistakes… And should there still be something off… that's just me

Some answers

Bakura was currently in the main scanning bay, absentmindedly going through his routines. Yesterday night Seto had told him to come down to the Aresian base, or more like ordered, the way he usually did. It was in the bastard's nature and you couldn't really blame him for it. Or so he was told.

Apparently they were going to have a meeting. On their way Seto had told him about his discovery. The stab on Mars Uniplex Terraforming was going to gas them with dacton.

The statement had caused uproar in the gathering hall, a room spacious enough to hold one thousand Aresians - the representatives for the people. It was lit by natural light the Aresians had stored from the time before humans had exploited Mars. The round room had four exits, two at the sides of the head table and two in the back, which was at the higher end of the slope- much like a stadium, but without the steps-, enabling all the representatives to see the head table. On the wall in front was a big screen for optic material and a holographic generator was in front of the head table that could provide three dimensional images so they could see every detail. Also every seat was able to activate a miniature holographic screen on the table in front.

The colours of the hall were dark red and green, the national colours of Mars.

Order was called and the tumult ceased to scattered mumbles. A man at the head table had made the call and was now looking over the many Aresians who felt they should go against the humans. His golden eyes gleamed dimly due to age but you could still see the sharp mind behind them, ready to strike. "We have to take action and stop the load from arriving on Mars." He said calmly, though firmly. Most Aresians agreed, except Bakura, Seto and Yami, who sat in the background, privately discussing it.

"That isn't going to work, not for long. If the Big Five wants something, they'll have it." Bakura snorted.

"I agree." Yami said. "Seto, do you know of any way to expose them? To get them off their position?" He turned to said man.

"They have great influence on media and they control all the shipping from Earth to Mars. They hold us in an iron hand and there's nothing we can do without drawing attention from the humans."

"Yeah, look at the action we took some weeks ago. They only sent more soldiers 'cause we killed their people and now they've gotten the great idea to gas us to death." Bakura said with sarcasm in his voice.

"That was one of the worse ideas our rulershad. In a long time too." Yami glanced at the five people in the front. They were listening to a debate between two representatives who had a disagreement on what was the best course of action. One wanted to sabotage the load ship, the other wanted to direct the gas into the uniplex, causing the humans' death.

"That guy is willing to chance." Yami raised a brow. The man apparently wanted to wait until the gas arrived and then sabotage the ventilation system so it would look like the humans made a mistake. It would also prevent further suspicions about alien presence. Well, alien for the humans.

"What about sabotaging the main computer then?" Bakura wanted to know. At least there had to be something to sabotage. It was his favourite thing to do. Especially in situations like these.

"MUT's computer system is safety booted for any kind of virus, even ours, strangely enough," Seto muttered darkly. "And to gain access you have to have the access codes and confirmation from a higher in command, and since the attack on the other MU:s no outer personal can get that." He looked irritated, though almost like he was pouting like a child when it couldn't get what it wanted.

"Well, then I guess we'll have to exclude that idea." Bakura huffed and crossed his arms.

"That is something that bothers me." Yami said thoughtfully, one finger across his lips.

"What, you thought the idea was so good you don't want to abandon it?" Bakura asked with a raised brow. Yami sent him a glare.

"No, I meant the fact that they know about us at all. Knew about us." He stressed the 'knew'.

"How do you mean?" Bakura sat up straighter, leaning in a bit interested since he had a good idea of where this was going. Seto sat straighter, also seeming interested.

"That they knew about us from the beginning. They already had the military with them. Come on, they've analysed Mars from afar and sent probes and small patrols here and they've never found anything. Why bring the military?"

Seto nodded while Bakura leaned his head back a little. "I see."

"Then someone must have known from the start. The question is; Who?" Seto concluded, and just in time to hear the elder ruler close the meeting. "Then the first course of action is to intercept and sabotage the cargo ship." Throughout the hall was a mostly approving mumble when they all got up from their seats, excited discussions rising in the after current. They also stood, for two of the younger rulers were coming their way, seeming interested to know what they had been doing, though it was hard to tell.

"I see you held your own meeting." The taller one said when they arrived, looking at Yami. He had black- brown jackal ears and a bushy tail in the same colours. The fur swayed like silk when he moved it. His eyes were dark brown and warm, though strong. "Mind sharing it with us?"

"We don't think the interception will matter. It will only be a delay in their plans unless we don't come up with something." Yami said straight out, meeting the other's gaze.

"I see."

"Mahado, why don't we use our Omega generator?" Bakura asked, once again crossing his arms, clearly showing where he was standing. The jackal Aresian known as Mahado shook his head.

"We don't want to cause a war and we don't want to expose ourselves to the humans. Even with your violent nature you should understand that." Bakura growled lightly at that.

"All humans aren't like the Big Five. We have seen many in our work and we've gotten to know some closer, that you already know." Yami explained, wanting Mahado to understand. Deep down he thought he did, but simply didn't want to change anything. "They look at life in a different view than Big Five and if they knew what was really going on, they would help us."

"Yami is right." The other, a woman in black long hair, said. Her eyes were narrow and brown with a golden sparkle, in whole very attentive. A long yellow tail with black circles with black dots in the middle was slowly curling above the floor; a jaguar tail. On her back were black and white wings of a swallow and her ears consisted by long black feathers. Mahado glanced at her. "But it would be hard to get to them all." She added.

"It would be worth it." Bakura stated.

"Look," Seto said in his business tone, "We all would gain in their absence, retirement, disappearing- whatever you want to do. We would continue our lives here, maybe deciding to make contact when they've matured and they could use the money on other things."

"Like developing technology, when in mean time they could improve their understanding about alien life." Yami inflicted meaning. They all waited to see what Mahado and Isis, as the woman was named, would say. If they agreed it meant they would talk with the other rulers and try to convince them. With all of them positive to the idea, it maybe would be more easily accepted by the representatives. Mahado sighed in a mix of defeat and exhaustion.

"Why does it feel like we are doing the meeting and the one before was just for show?" The three waited eagerly for his reply. Mahado looked at Isis. She said nothing but seemed to tell him something with her eyes. He turned back to them. "Let the scouts do their job first to buy us some time, then we'll see."

"Are you sure your… friends are trust worthy?" Isis asked them, her pose showing that she wanted a serious answer.

"Yes, we are. When I told Yugi about myself he didn't seem offended. And why would you have given me permission to reveal myself if you didn't think he would approve?" Yami met Mahado's gaze with his firm one.

"You know why. If he hadn't approved you would just have to make it seem like an accident. After all, we don't want them to think we're invading MUD." Mahado explained seriously. Yami slowly gritted his teeth in irritation and rebelliousness. He didn't like how Mahado looked at Yugi, as he was just some minor pawn in his plan. Still, he understood his thinking.

Mahado looked like he was contemplating something and then he looked at them all. "Well, they I guess we'll carry this out then. I want you to inform them about us, no important details, just about us. Then I want to know if they are with us and if they are, have them keeping an eye on their areas. Now, this discussion is over." He looked at Bakura and Seto.

"I want you back at your posts in MUD. Try to cut the connection with the cargo ship, though don't raise any suspicions. As for you," He looked at Yami, "I want you in the tactical team down in the base. There are some steps that have to be looked through." With that he turned around and waked to the left exit in the front. Isis nodded to them and followed, her tail softly curved behind her.

The three looked after them in silence for a moment before meeting each others' gazes.

"Well, I guess we'll have to settle with that for the moment." Bakura stated.

Seto nodded slowly. "Our discussion has to wait until later. It would be best if we didn't mention it to anyone, not even our… friends." He glanced at Yami. "We don't want to alarmthem."

"Yeah, seeing how they are, they would run head over heels into the problem while trying to help out." Bakura said, half amusedly. Yami raised a brow.

"I thought you respected Ryo."

Bakura sent him a glare and looked at some point above. "I never said I did, I just think he's bright for a human."

Yami smiled smirked. "Sure you do." He turned to Seto before Bakura could respond. "So, when do you have time tomorrow? I guess we have to go through this as soon as possible." Seto eyed him.

"In the afternoon soonest. There is a briefing and I have reports to write."

Yami nodded. "Then afternoon it is." He looked at Bakura. "I hope you'll make it too or we'll just skip you." He smirked and hurried to the left back exit with Bakura's foul words in his back. With that they had all gone to their posts and nothing more had been said. Bakura gritted his teeth at the last memory. Yami would get it sooner or later.

The current main thing was to tell Ryo about him. Now, since Yami had already told Yugi what he was Bakura guessed Ryo also knew. That would make it easier. Still, he couldn't help but be bugged about what it might have done to the trust they had shared. He knew Ryo would understand that it was an undercover mission he was on, but one still could be hurt. Not that he should care that much. Bakura shouldn't either, not about the human's feelings. He had never truly had any reason for caring for someone other than himself, and he was pretty tough.

While musing, the door opened and he glanced at it, only to see Ryo coming up to him.

"Ryo, what are you doing here?" The man said, truly surprised, when Ryo was in front of him.

"I want to talk to you. In private." He looked meaningfully at Bakura who nodded once. Stepping past him he walked to a door at the side of the room, expecting Ryo to follow. When they both were inside he closed the door and turned to the secretive man.

"What did you want to talk about then?"

Ryo took a small breath. "Well, first; I know that you are an alien- Aresian, and that you probably know that I knew. I just wanted to straighten that out."

Bakura smirked. "Well, then you beat me to it. I myself was going to tell you." Ryo looked surprised. "What? You didn't think I would? You hurt my feelings." Bakura joked, but he really did feel something at those slightly enlarged eyes.

Ryo blinked. "No, I'm sorry. I just wanted to make it easier for you-" Bakura waved it off.

"Nah, look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. Couldn't blow my cover though and I had to get an affirmation from the boss." He explained, showing the guilt away. He never was good with that feeling.

"I understand." Ryo smiled at him before turning serious again. "As for the other thing…" He trailed off, studying Bakura. He seemed to have gotten something in his mind. "How do you look for real?"

Bakura was taken aback by the sudden, not to mention bold question. He soon composed himself though. "You want to know?" Ryo nodded. "Ok then." Bakura closed his eyes as white ears with black tips emerged. A long thick tail with black rings grew from his lower back and curled to the side while at the wrists there grew fur in the same colours. Wings flapped up from the back, freeing themselves from the disguise. Also, they went in black and white. When he opened his eyes again they were a darker grey and the pupils were slightly narrowed. Ryo stared, admiration clearly seen in his eyes. Bakura smirked at that.

"I'm a snow leopard and Hoopoe bird. But don't let the fur fool you, I can be very hard when it comes to that."

Ryo didn't answer- what was there to say?- as he stepped closer, mesmerized by the features. He took the thick furry tail and let his fingers run along it. "…beautiful." He mumbled, causing Bakura to smirk even more. They were standing very close. Bakura watched Ryo's face as the other still felt his tail.

"You wanted to talk with me about something." He reminded the amazed man.

"Yes…" Ryo tore his gaze from the tail to look Bakura in the dark grey eyes. "We don't know if you know, but we've discovered some disturbing things."

"Oh?" Bakura stared right back in the warm chocolate brown eyes.

"We think that the stab's going to gas you with dacton. I don't know if you know what it is, but it is a very lethal gas." He frowned.

"We know. We found out yesterday- officially- and have already taken precautions, but we're not sure they're gonna work…" He muttered grudgingly and looked at the wall. Ryo made an 'o' with his mouth, not knowing what to say for a moment.

"What are you going to do?"

Bakura looked down at him again, his eyes slightly narrowed in contemplation. "I can't tell you. The rulers have ordered complete silence and specifically told us not to give you any details."

"So they know about us then?" Ryo asked, becoming a bit worried. What if they didn't approve and would take care of him and his friends? Bakura curled his tail in Ryo's hands in a comforting way.

"Don't worry, it seems like they're alright with it. I think they are coming up with a plan involving your position here."

"So they want us to help?"

"Maybe, I don't know yet. They haven't decided." Bakura studied Ryo's expressive face. The worry he had seen before had been reduced and thoughtfulness replaced it.

"I've wanted to talk to you too actually. Not just about what I am but also about the Aresians in average. Yesterday some of our rulers approved on letting you know about us." He could see Ryo's increasing interest. His eyes were slightly enlarged and had he had animal ears, they would have perked.

"But I won't go into any details, especially not about our military status and such. "He quickly added. Ryo nodded understanding. "There are about four billion of us, living in huge underground tunnel systems. No details about how it's powered or anything like that, but we've managed to create an environment much like the one we used to have on Mars' surface." He held up a hand to stop Ryo's question.

"I'll explain that now. Millions of years ago an asteroid from between Mars and Jupiter pulled free and headed for the centre of the system. Unfortunately Mars was in a collision course and there was nothing they could do at that time. They barely had time to get themselves into safety and bring plants ad seeds and animals with them before the asteroid collided."

"Shouldn't Mars have been destroyed by the impact?" Ryo couldn't help but ask. He was really eager to know everything.

Bakura snorted at the interruption but nevertheless answered his question. "The asteroid didn't hit Mars entirely, it more like brushed past. Still the impact was enough to send a great shock wave over the entire planet and destroy all life. The asteroid changed course and disappeared while some parts from Mars were thrown into space. One of them hit Earth and since it had contained DNA and some bacteria, life was a fact." He ended with an easy tone, like it was obvious. Ryo couldn't find anything missing in the story- yet- so he remained silent, taking in all the amazing information. Life really had originated from Mars.

"But why aren't there any Aresians on Earth?"

Bakura sighed. "That's not important, besides, I'm no expert, you are. But I guess the DNA split somehow and animals and humans evolved separately. Humans are a complex form after all, that's why it has taken so long. And there's another thing. There weren't animals like on your planet, where all the animals have evolved from the Aresian DNA. So your animals and you yourselves are really subspecies of Aresians." Bakura said triumphantly and a bit thoughtfully, like he just realised it himself.

Ryo listened attentively, not wanting to miss a bit. This was the whole story of life and its mysteries. No one had ever heard of it before, no human anyway, and even though there had been research and assumptions had been made, they would never get as detailed and accurate as this. Ryo felt triumphant, special. And he felt proud to have an Aresian to himself. Speaking of which, he had begun to feel their proximity. He swallowed.

'Tylentih. Just as Yugi said.' Though Ryo suspected he had more like warned Ryo when telling him. He understood why. 'Take it easy and nothing will happen.' Why didn't he feel satisfied with that? "So, I guess you're highly advanced in technology then?" 'Good Ryo…'

"Yes, we managed to mask our caves and bio signatures from you. But don't ask more, I can't answer it if it gets too deep on detail." He smiled and leaned closer, knowing just what effect he had on the other.

"Alright, then I won't." Ryo said, quavering a little as he did. The warmth from the other body was affecting him and the scent was deep, smelling just like Bakura; dark and enticing.

He leaned closer just a bit.

"Anything else you want to know?" Bakura asked, his voice thickened with desire.

Ryo licked his lips. "Um… not that I can think of…"

"Nothing?" Bakura's gaze was intense, making Ryo dazed. Bakura leaned down and kissed him, making sparks run through Ryo's body. He gave in immediately and leaned up, laying his arms around Bakura's neck. The kiss was slow but intense and filled with a strong passion. 'He must be doing something else to me other than the Tylentih…'

They kissed for a few moments that together created an eternity, before slowly pulling apart. "We can finish this off later." Bakura said decidedly, though deeply affectionate. "We don't want anyone walking in on us." Ryo nodded, still in a daze and slowly pulled his arms from Bakura. The Aresian's eyes became once again normal looking human eyes, though still looking at him with passion and lust. All the other animal features disappeared as well.

"Well… I better get back." Ryo said a little hesitantly under the strong gaze. With that Bakura held the door for him and they both exited.

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Sooo, another chapter done.

I watched the latest Harry Potter movie and suddenly the thought hit me. Harry and Snape. Well, I've thought about it for a while, but in the cinema it was so… real. :P omg. They alone, imagine what could happen. …or not.

I checked a few fics and suddenly I was reading about Harry and Malfoy. …again, I had already tried that couple before, but it just didn't work, until now.

And I've been listening to LOTR music. Depressing, sad, great, fantastic and beautiful.

So, feel free to review