Author Notes:Finale.

Bakura wants to sleep, Seto is panicking, Bakura has a gift, Mokuba snoops, Seto and Seth play chess, almost molestation, Seto goes for a kill, the White Dragon is pissed, Seto gives into the darkness. And fluff x a billion. Enjoy.

Assume: The Sennen Rod can capture souls. Atemu is understanding and is ok with everything. Something like that would actually take place between Seth and Seto.

Tamanna

A Shadow of Love

Over the past few days, Bakura could truthfully say that he’d gotten little sleep if any. True, merfolk had more endurance than most other species on the planet including humans, but a little rest and rejuvenation was always good. Especially after swimming leagues and leagues in one night to the royal palace to inform his brothers and sisters and being entrusted with some shiny magical object that the useless magician had thrust upon them through Noa’s contract. The terms of the contract were a rip-off; that Bakura still maintained. A silly golden toy in exchange for one annual tribute; the thing didn’t even look all that special. The merman stared at the object that so demanded his extra special care and attention. He wished more than anything to fling it at that sorcerer’s face and knock some sense into Seto using his own alternate methods. However, it wasn’t his choice, it was Seto’s.

Bakura frowned and used the golden thing to thwack the bristly arm of a sea star that seemed to have decided his hair was a better bed than the rocky steeps of the coral reef. Quietly, he contemplated the midmorning sky. Yes, it would be nice to have a long rest. He rather liked Seto’s part of the ocean, so pleasant compared to the vicious, rocky, whirlpools and turgid depths he controlled. Seto’s region was so tranquil and divine, sharply contrasting with the more turbulent waves and definitely the unearthly scream that resonated above the waters.

‘Brother!’

Bakura flipped over immediately as the scream pierced his mind and reverberated through his bones. In an instant, he was spiraling upward and no sooner did he break the surface before he felt desperate arms grabbing his shoulders. In a gesture of bewildered condolence, he wrapped his arms around his shaking brother.

“Seto—“

‘I was wrong.’ Seto cut him off. ‘Unknowingly, I followed in my mother’s wake and blindly continued, despite the truth. It’s time I pay the price.’

Now, Bakura only had to guess what could possibly have happened. A coil of anger flared somewhere within him, partly at the humans and partly at his stubborn brother. Despite his vast intelligence, Seto was quite mad sometimes; mad and so damn naïve. A perfect stranger to the world. The point was well illustrated in the fact that he would associate with such undependable creatures as humans.

“Seto, what did he do?”

‘Nothing. He only did what was expected of him.’ The brunette said resolutely. ‘Only I was a fool for thinking something I had no right to think. For wanting something so far beyond…’

Bakura released his brother and snapped. “Seto, will you listen to yourself? You are a prince of the ocean; there is nothing beyond our reach, certainly not a human nor some overgrown lizard.”

Seto shook his head. ‘No, Bakura, it’s over. This is how it was written, this is the end of the story.’

“Since when do you care for destiny?” Bakura’s voice had the slightest bit of disdain.

‘Since I learned it cannot be altered. Not by man, not by spirit.’ After a moment,Seto wiped away his pensive expression and replaced it with an even stranger look of desperation? Fear? ‘But I don’t want to go, not ever!’

“Seto..”

But the brunette wasn’t listening as his mind voice rose fervently. ‘How can I? For the first time, I feel what my mother must have felt...enough bliss that I don’t even feel it destroying me.’

Bakura could only stare in shock. Was it really his brother who was speaking? Seto, whose faith lay in nothing but his own will and his own power…what had these humans done to him? His stepmother, Seto’s mother, had not been any different before she was banished. She simply existed, yearning and longing with such a force that she even took an insane pleasure in exile. All at once, a terrible thought stirred in his mind. One which declared that Seto could indeed never be reclaimed.

“Seto listen!” The white merman gripped his Seto’s chin and forced an eye contact. He peered gravely, nearly terrified, into the blue depths of the other’s eyes. “You must be truthful. The human, has he…touched you?”

Seto looked perplexed for a moment. Then he whispered. ‘No, of course he has not.’

“Truly?”

‘I swear it.’

Bakura visibly relaxed and the cold fear that clenched his heart ebbed away. There was still hope after all. “Listen brother, your time is not up. You can still get what you desire.”

‘Tonight is the full moon and Seth is set to be wedded tomorrow. It’s too late, Bakura.’

“No, no it is not.” The white merman insisted and held out his gift, half marveling at the fact that it was actually useful. “It’s called the Sennen Scepter.” He explained. “It is an ancient magic that is able to control the conscience. With this, the White Dragon is yours to command.”

‘Where did you find it?’ Seto wrapped his fingers around the handle. It grew warm in his hands as if it naturally belonged there. It instantly formed a bond with the brunette and whispered delightedly of dark promises.

“That idiot sorcerer, where else?” Bakura muttered. “But Seto, there is more. The Scepter is forged of blood and shadow, so that is the sacrifice you will need to make.”

Seto looked and frowned. ‘You mean…’

“You must kill the human in order to seal the White Dragon for yourself.” Bakura stated firmly. “It is the only way.”

Seto looked doubtful as he stared at the glimmering rod. ‘You are sure?’

“Yes.” Bakura affirmed. “Think about it, Seto. It is better to live with one by your side rather than drifting away with nothing. The White Dragon is a far better choice than the human is. Sacrifices have to be made.”

‘Of course. Sacrifices.’ Seto whispered as the Scepter’s promises drove away the last of his uncertainty.

-

Mokuba’s initial intention was to borrow an inkpot, not snoop through Seto’s things. But upon scanning his new friend’s study table, the manuscripts immediately caught his eye. At first, Mokuba had decent qualms about prying, but curiosity, as always, had gotten the better of him. Besides, he knew Seto liked him, despite the huffy glances and irritated countenance. Also, he’d come to regard Seto as his second brother. Among the rough sheets of paper on which Seto practiced his writing, there were finer documents that were filled with artful, cursive alphabet. They were too organized and neat to be doodles, so they had to be writings. Perhaps it was Seto’s native language.

It is only tonight that I’ve learned of my mother. I will admit I am apprehensive, but I believe her spirit guides me and nothing else. I believe I’ve seen what she wanted me to see; raised as I was to loathe this land, I now see why she so loved it. Perhaps she and I were indeed born in the wrong place and so we longed for the forbidden. Despite her misfortune, I know she achieved a fullness in life that her birth home could not give. As for me, I believe I’ve achieved that fullness tonight. However, it can go no further for Seth is bound to the laws of his land, as I am to my silence. I fervently hope to relay my thoughts to him…

Tamanna, the name of desire, maker of wishes, smile on me.

It was safe to say Mokuba didn’t understand anything he read. But the longer he looked at it, the clearer it became. It was Seto’s native language and his own mother’s. She taught him the script long ago and most of it had faded away, but now it was intensely clear. Wherever Seto was from, his mother was from the same place.

-

Night

Seto watched neutrally as Seth, for the sixth time, moved his rukh to destroy his last remaining knight. That, of course, led to Seto moving his king to eliminate said rukh and suddenly the board was empty save for two opposing kings, blue and white, standing proud on either end of a row.

“Another tie.” Mokuba declared, disappointed. “How do you two end up like this always? It’s the same every match.”

“Perhaps we cannot yet decide who is better.” Seth began replacing the pieces back into position on the chessboard.

“But Seto only started learning.” Mokuba stated.

“And an ideal student he is.” Seth admitted and half smiled at the brunette, who looked too distracted. “Seto?”

The mer-prince glanced up into Seth’s questioning eyes.

“Are you well?”

‘Of course not. Only because tonight is farewell.’ Seto nodded and even managed to smile with a glimmer of mirth he didn’t have.

Satisfied, Seth turned away. “Mokuba, I believe it’s past your sleeping hour.”

“Well, if it’s already past, then there’s no point…”

“Mokuba!” Seth fixed a stare at the child who bowed at once.

“Goodnight, Lord Seth. And Seto.” He scampered off. After a while, wearily, Seto rose to go to his own rooms, only to be stopped.

“Seto.” Seth sounded tentative, but his eyes looked resolute. Seto pointedly refused to see the silver shade in them. He could not lose it now, he was close, so close. From somewhere in the folds of his robe, he could hear the Sennen Scepter again, relishing the thought of blood sacrifice. He pictured the blade biting into Seth’s flesh, drawing blood and slowly replacing his soul with emptiness. What thrilled him most was the prospect of commanding the White Dragon. He’d dreamt about it for so long…

“Would you like to stay here?”

Seto blinked. Seth was inviting him to… ‘Yes. It would be a joy.’

Seth grinned openly. He couldn’t stop himself at the anticipation of this last bit of bliss. To be so close to the one he loved, it certainly made the prospect of tomorrow’s wedding ceremony lighter to bear. It was what he’d been gathering all his courage for and Seto just accepted. “Come then.”

“Let me help.” Once the catches had been released, the over robe quickly slipped off Seto’s lean body. Seth felt the warmth of his skin through the night shift. He nearly gasped at the familiarity that the touch induced, the irresistible scent of the ocean and the electric stare of the blue eyes. He knew he was fighting a losing battle to control his desire , so of course, he couldn’t help his actions.

Seto’s eyes widened as he found himself in a tight circle of arms. Unlike the fair night, it wasn’t a comforting gesture. This one was of pure want and passion, he could tell by the way the other moved. Fingers curled through his hair and lips were pressed against his neck. Blindly, Seto clutched for support, but tumbled backward on to the bed, instead. He was never this close to anyone before, but it felt very pleasant, pleasurable even as Seth lay half atop him. Parts of their bare flesh still touched, so hot that it seemed to burn. Seth moved ever so slightly, and then Seto became aware of the most wonderful and delicious feelings rising in his stomach. He let himself sink into the soft mattress.

Still, Seth never did let go, he was still very tightly attached to his mute companion. He felt the cool of silk and velvet beneath him and the warm, soft body shivering slightly. He almost decided it was time to go for the prize and glanced at Seto’s lips, smooth as pink pearl, and that his mouth was open in a wordless cry. All to suddenly, reality hit and the lord sprang back instantly. What was he doing? He had almost… Well, the point of inviting Seto to his room hadn’t been to molest him.

“I’m sorry, truly sorry.” Seth said hurriedly every few seconds. Quickly, he assisted his companion into a standing position. “I do apologize, I didn’t mean…”

Seto didn’t have an ear for apologies. Rather his mind was in a requiem at the lost pleasure. Why had Seth stopped? ‘Seth, please…’ Soon enough, Seto also stopped for somewhere in Seth’s incoherent apologies, he caught Atemu’s name. ‘You are still bound to him, then. Worry not, you shall be released tonight.’

“I won’t keep you.” Seth was saying softly.

Seto shook his head and settled next to the lord on the vast bed. After a moment of surprise, Seth smiled in relief and uttered thanks.

-

He hadn’t slept, really. But it wasn’t until the bright full moon was high that he remembered his Scepter. When he eventually got to it in the dark of night, it greeted him with a glimmer of impatience. It was already thirsting and could not be denied.

Silently, he unsheathed the dagger and watched it glow faintly in the moonlight. After bracing himself, he looked over at Seth, already knowing what he would find, a blissfully ignorant, sleep soft face behind which glimmered a thousand worries and nightmares and unfulfilled wishes. Hungry gold glinted against alabaster skin. It was all Seto could do to keep his hand from trembling. No, he was a prince of the ocean, who’d spent more than enough time slaving for the humans. It was time to collect he had but a few hours.

‘Besides, he is not happy.’ The mer-prince tried to convince himself. ‘He wants freedom, release…death.’

‘And who are you to decide?’

Seto froze. He’d never heard the voice before, but he knew the power and authority behind it, just as he knew his own soul. Looking up slowly, he met eyes, deep blue eyes whose depths contained the wisdom of eons, the power of divinities. The silver-scaled body was curled comfortably around Seth like a terrifying guardian.

‘Do you enjoy playing god, water spirit?’ The disdain in the dragon’s voice was chilling.

‘No, I only…’

‘I’ve seen it from the day he laid eyes on you.’ The dragon stated blandly. ‘You are guilty of the same greed and avarice that you so despise humans for.’

Seto swallowed, a hot flush rising in his face. ‘Then you know what I wish?’

The dragon only laughed, a deep rumbling noise. ‘Know? It is in my power to instill such desires upon everyone, however only those with enough passion- or greed- work upon those desires.’

Even without the words, Seto understood the message. Seth had passion, Seto had greed. For an object of desire, he was about to destroy the only one who’d ever bought him happiness. Miserable as he felt, Seto addressed the dragon. ‘I only wanted something to remember him by, if not him. I used to hate him, but he now means the world to me…’

‘Yet again, it is all about you.’ The Dragon looked derisive. ‘Think, water fish, do you know who you were about to kill?’

Seto stared into Seth’s face, noting with a heart-wrenching realization that they looked almost the same. Subtly different, but so alike that even a mirror might mistake one for the other. Be it in life or death, they were destined to exist together and Seto had just been about to sever that cord of destiny. ‘My own soultwin.’

The dragon’s features seemed to soften, but one couldn’t be sure. ‘I have lived among the stars during my fledgling years, when the world was yet unformed and I have seen the fate of all. It is written that you will betray your other self and therefore blood brother or your soul will be lost forever.’

Seto closed his eyes shut. All at once it made sense. He was not only going to kill his beloved, but by result, his mother’s human son. Mokuba. The child who Seth protected with his life, who found him on that day at the beach, who prevented him from getting lost. ‘No, it shall not happen…’

‘What is written cannot be denied.’ The dragon mocked him now, it’s tones filling every corner and void. ‘You are not meant to live in bliss, mer-prince. Any choice you make will result in pain and shame. It is destiny.’

‘No!’ The dragon seemed taken aback, but for a fleeting moment. Seto’s hand tightened around the Scepter, ignoring it’s promises. Insanity, getting lost in his own mind, was tempting. He could escape destiny. ‘No.’ Seto declared firmly. ‘No! Destiny does not control me. I will make my own path.’

‘But the way is dark and long. Your time is up, mer-prince.’

Opening his eyes, Seto saw the truth in the dragon’s words. It was growing colder because the night air was seeping through his body. The full moon was about to set. He was fading.

‘This is your fate then?’ Contemptuous. Scathing.

‘No! It is not!’ He would not be controlled, Seto decided. This was a test, he knew. Not everyone was worthy of the White Dragon or its host. And he intended with every shred of his soul to pass this test. He could feel his body breaking up, but there was still time, no matter how little. One chance.

The Sennen Scepter went crashing through the window, disappearing into the darkness of the ocean below. Staring through the white shower of glass, Seto remembered Bakura’s words.

‘The human, has he…touched you?’

‘Yes, indeed he has.’ Seto decided. He traced his own features, his arms, the muscled outline of his legs. ‘Yes, everywhere. He reached inside me and touched my soul! ‘Seth, please!’

For an instant, the world went black and Seto found himself floating free. It was dark. He failed. There was no hope now of...

Never mind, destiny cannot be changed. It was lonely, though, and cold. So different from Seth’s warmth, and Mokuba’s -his brother’s- cheerful company. He preferred insanity. When one was lost, one did not feel. He wanted to get lost.

“Seto?”

One word and the warmth returned. No, this wasn’t right. Feeling was coming back to his body. He could smell lilies, hear soft concerned breath, taste sweet salty skin, feel immaculate closeness to another…

“Seto, are you alright?”

Opening his eyes, Seto caught a curve of honeyed skin and red gold hair. “F..fine. Just a bad dream.”

All sound seemed to stop. What was that new voice? “Seth…” It was his voice, his voice! He’d almost forgotten what it sounded like. So, his soul twin had heard him. “I can talk.”

Laugh. “And quite wonderfully, too.”

Instantly, Seto felt lips on his own. The full moment of wonder and pleasure he felt before was back, tenfold. He reveled in it as it sent shivers down his spine. It no longer felt urgent or indifferent. It was quite pleasant and worry-free.

Kiss. The word registered in his mind. A kiss is how humans express affection. A kiss is the shadow of love. Beautiful is this moment, when time is forgotten and everything melts away, placing us in the realms of a dream.

Seth broke the kiss and traced his finger along his companion’s lips. Unable to suppress a smile, he fell against Seto’s neck and pulled him down on the silk soft bed. A soft sigh mingled with the night air and in their conscience, a whisper of blue and white shifted.

‘The stars seemed to have changed tonight.’

-

Author Notes: The end. Time: 4:21 am I’m sure I’ll be shocked after reading it tomorrow..er two hr’s later.

I kinda mixed the happy and psycho endings, but eh. If the fluff didn’t make you sick now, you are a brave man/woman. So, I did try something new in here, Seth is the light and BEWD is the yami-thingy. I think it worked. And I like this story despite the fact that made it up as I went. :p I already have a new SS story in mind. Ha..hah..haaa….yea.

Thanks a million to my reviewers, for support, fun comments, encouragement and all that awesome jazz. I truly hope I didn’t disappoint anyone (I made up for that disappointing kiss last chapter) and I hope you all enjoyed reading as I’ve enjoyed writing it in the wee hours of morning. Lol.

Kurosaisei: -has Seth reconstruct fangirly goo with magic- Aw, I love you too. XD And see, Seto is doing ok…until he aggravates BEWD again. Lol, you can talk to me anytime you want, I certainly had fun last time. Thankyou for reading and reviewing.

Sapphire Siren: What was wrong with The Seven Shades? –reads over- Ok, I see your point. But I’m guessing you liked this. Yes? XD

MOG: Aren’t we all dorks? I hope you enjoyed this fic and thanks for reading. :)

TheUnlovedOutcast: Happy end. Hope you’ve enjoyed it.

Amy Johnson: Yep, it’s done. As for the honeymoon, I decided to leave that up to your imagination. Mine’s getting a great picture…

Nachzes: -stares- So lemme get this straight. You’re in France and instead of checking out the fine wine and awesomeness of everything, you’re wasting time reading my fanfics? ….I feel so loved! Thanks for reviewing and reading. You are wonderful.

Ninja Froggy: Your prayers have come true, they have hope! …and a large bed. I think Atemu got what he deserved…poor thing.