A/N - I really wasn't going to post this tonight but I'm on a high after getting back from my midnight screening of Revenge of the Sith (very cool movie btw, it's the best Star Wars movie since the Empire Strikes Back). Thanks goes to Elektra for coming up with this plot, Dragon for giving me a ton of ideas and Dukie cause she'd get mad if I left her out and I don't want to sleep on the couch tonight.
It had started simple enough. Both Yami and Bakura wanted bodies of their own so they put aside their differences and schemed to work together to accomplice their goal.
Finally late one night Yugi was woken up by the annoying ringing of the phone, it had been Bakura demanding to talk to the pharaoh. It turns out that the Thief King had discovered some ancient Egyptian spell and thought it was worth a try.
Immediately Yami hurried over to Ryou's apartment. Where upon walking inside the tidy apartment, Yami was surprised to find Malik sitting on the couch while stroking Bakura's pet cat Killer.
"I thought you were in Egypt," Yami said as he sat down in a chair opposite to the couch. Seeing the pharaoh, Killer jumped off Malik's lap and leaped up into Yami's. Suspiciously, as Yami did not trust anything that belonged to Bakura, he began petting the pet cat.
"Not enough hot gay boys there," Malik replied with a small shrug as he lounged backwards. Malik's reply really didn't come as a surprise to Yami. "I heard about you two's little plan so I offered to help."
Yami eyed Malik but he decided it would be best to get on with things. "So lets start."
"Patience Pharaoh," Bakura snarled. "I'm going first! Do you don how annoying it is having a goody-goody for a host? Damn Ryou won't let me have anything fun."
"Good for him," Yami quietly grumbled under his breath.
Standing up, Malik picked up the ancient book, the Book of Millennium Magic, that had been laying next to him. Speaking in the ancient tongue, Malik began reading the book.
A glowing light erupted from the Sennen Ring around Bakura's neck. The light blinded everyone in the room and in her attempt to escape Killer bit and scratched at Yami until the pharaoh released her. As the light faded, Yami was amazed to see both Bakura and Ryou standing in the middle of the living room. He really didn't think they would be able to pull it off.
Yami stood as Malik turned his attention to the pharaoh. Again Malik began reading from the book and this time the puzzle began to glow.
Yami could feel himself being separated from Yugi as his new body formed. As the light faded away Yami could sense they were not longer together. Happy, it wasn't until the light had completely disappeared that Yami heard Malik and Bakura cracking up.
"What's wrong? What did you two do?" he demanded to know with a frown upon his face. His ears were flat against his head and his tail twitched as he suspiciously looked at the psychos.
"Other Me…" Yugi quietly began and one of Yami's ears cocked towards Yugi's' voice so he could hear better without having to take his eyes off the two laughing individuals. Even Ryou had a smile on his face and was attempting to cover his mouth with a hand to hide his chuckling. "I think you should go looking a in a mirror."
Crossing his arms over his chest Yami glared at Malik and Bakura who were now on the floor because they had been laughing so hard. Yami stormed by them as he head towards the bathroom wondering what the hell was going on.
Reaching the bathroom, Yami looked into the mirror. Same crimson eyes, same tri-colored hair, his skin wasn't bronze like it had been when he'd been alive but that didn't matter, Bakura didn't get his original body either. Same black cat ears, same leather outfit he always wore.
Yami's eyes widen in alarm as he realized what was wrong. A strangled meow escaped his lips as he gasped in shock. In horror he watched his ears flicker around before turning his head to look at his black tail. Looking down at his hands he saw he also had claws instead of fingernails.
"Other Me?" Yugi asked sticking his head inside the bathroom. "Are you okay?"
"How could this happen?"
"We think some DNA of Killer's mixed in with my own, either from the scratch, bite or fur that was shed onto you. We already called Isis for help but she wont' be able to get away from work for at least a month. So it looks like you're stuck for a while."
"Why'd it have to be me and not the thief?" Yam moaned as he sank down onto the toilet. "Those two probably planned this. I knew something was up as soon as I saw Malik here."
"I doubt it," Yugi replied. "Ryou said they were both shocked for a few minutes while the glow was fading. Then they started cracking up once it sunk in. Speaking of them it's safe to come out. They retreated to Bakura's room and Ryou said they will be occupied for a while. Apparently the hot gay boy Malik was after was Bakura."
"Really? I would have figured Otogi."
"Or both," Yugi added with a roll of his eyes. "Anyway it's safe to go home now. Fortunately Jii-chan will understand and mom's still off visiting her sister helping with the new twins."
"At least something has finally gone my way tonight," Yami said with a sad sigh.
Saying goodbye to Ryou, Yugi and Yami head home under the safety of the darkness. Arriving there they found Yugi's grandfather waiting up for them. After a quick explanation, the two tri-haired teens headed to bed for some much needed sleep.
A week passed with no improvements from Yami. Unfortunately the half cat, half human pharaoh had to stay inside because of his unusual form. Despite Jounouchi, Anzu and Honda visiting each day Yami quickly found himself being bored from having to stay inside all the time. It didn't help matters that Bakura and Malik would often stop by and make out on the street in plain view of Yami.
The weekend rolled around and Jii-chan left on a trip to America to visit Arthur Hopkins. The shop would be closed down while the eldest Mutou was away so fortunately they wouldn't have to worry about the game shop.
There was however a bigger problem they would have to deal with. Yugi's school break would be starting in another week and his mother already requested him to join her and his father in Tokyo. Yami could tell Yugi badly wanted to go, as it wasn't often he got to spend free time with his parents. At the same time however Yugi didn't want to leave Yami all alone.
"I'll be fine!" Yami told him for the hundredth time. "It'll only be two weeks until Isis gets here to help me out."
"But that's two weeks you'll have to spend locked up here!" Yugi protested. "It would be different if the others will be around but they'll be gone too. Jou's going to visit Shizuka and his mom, Anzu is going to NYC and Honda is off at pilot camp for his vacation. Even Ryou is going to Egypt to see his father. That leaves Malik and Bakura who haven't left you alone since it happened."
"Aibou, I'll be fine."
"I'll think about it," Yugi promised with a reluctant sigh. "We'll see what happens during the week."
Unfortunately for the tri-haired teens the week passed quicker then they expected and Yugi was left with the decision what to do two days before he was supposed to leave.
"I really want to go," Yugi sighed. "But I'm worried about leaving you alone."
Yami barely paid attention to Yugi as he spoke. Instead Yami's attention was drawn to the window and the bird that was flying around outside it. "Sure Aibou," Yami replied keeping his eyes trained on the bird while licking his lips.
Rolling his eyes, Yugi turned away from the young pharaoh. His eyes fell upon the TV where a commercial for Kaiba Land was playing. A smile appeared on Yugi's face as he watched the commercial. He didn't know why he didn't think of Kaiba before. Seto could be trusted with Yami's secret and Yugi knew he would be around as he no longer went to school and because he was busy building a big hug edition to Kaiba Land he wouldn't be away on business.
"Perfect," Yugi whispered to himself. Next to him on the couch Yami was now batting the window trying to get at the bird. There was a small gap between the couch and the window however making Yami have to lean across to reach the glass. Leaning too far Yami toppled onto the floor. It was then that Yugi knew he made the right decision.
"Aibou where are we going?" Yami inquired as he followed Yugi down the dark street. Waiting until after dark, Yugi suddenly announced to him they were going for a walk. Yami didn't question his aibou as he was glad to get out of the game shop but now he was beginning to worry that his aibou was up to something.
"I'd just feel better if you weren't alone while I was gone," Yugi repeated. "I'm leaving tomorrow morning on the train and I don't want to worry about you the entire time."
"I don't need a babysitter Aibou," Yami replied with a sour look on his face. His hears flickered back on his head as he pouted.
"Don't think of it as a babysitter…" Yugi trailed off as he thought about it. "…think of it as your own little vacation! You'll get out of the game shop, be able to spend time a big home to roam around in and an even bigger yard with no neighbors to see you!"
"Why am I not liking the sounds of this," Yami grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. "You said it yourself the two idiots are going to be the only ones around and I'm not staying with them!"
"I had forgotten about someone," Yugi assured him with a fake cheery smile on his face. "He doesn't know yet but he can be trusted."
"Oh no…" Yami trailed off as they stopped in front of the large gates. Behind the gates was a huge white mansion. It dawned on him who Yugi had been referring too. "No way! No way Aibou! We're going home now!"
"Relax will you," Yugi replied with a roll of his eyes. "Kaiba can be trusted, you'll have more space here and company with Mokuba and Kaiba around. Besides it's too late, I already pressed the button for the intercom."
"What do you want Mutou?" Seto's silky smooth voice came through the intercom.
"How can you see us?" Yami demanded to know as he looked around. His ears were moving rapidly trying to pick up any small noises.
"Security cameras, moron. I see you're now free from Yugi but why the hell are you dressed up as a cat?"
"Kai-ba!" Yami growled, wanting to say more but Yugi jumped in.
"That's what we wanted to see you about Kaiba-kun," the tri-haired teen explained. "Could you let us in?"
Seto didn't reply but the large gates swung open. As Yami and Yugi entered the Kaiba property, the gates swung close again trapping them inside whether they liked it or not. Walking towards the front door, it opened before they could reach it and Seto's tall lanky frame blocked the doorway.
"So what is it?" he demanded to know, clearly not going to allow them inside.
Knowing it was best not to keep Seto waiting, Yugi quickly explained what had happened including his plan on having Yami to stay there while.
"Why should I?" Seto huffed. "Keeping Yami here means I'll have to give all the servants weeks off while I baby sit the kitten."
"I think we should do it! I've always wanted a cat!"
Yami scowled at the comment and flattered his ears while Yugi quietly chuckled next to him. Seto meanwhile turned his head to speak to Mokuba. "You're supposed to be in bed."
"When have I ever done what I'm told Niisama?"
"Point taken."
"Please Niisama! The staff deserves a break anyway. We can manage by ourselves for a little while."
"Fine," Seto grumbled and the younger Kaiba brother's face lit up. "Show Yami around while I drive Yugi home and get Yami's things."
"Okay Niisama!" Reaching around his brother, Mokuba grabbed Yami's wrist and dragged him inside.
Mokuba continued to quickly drag Yami throughout the mansion showing him all the many rooms and electronic gizmos they had. By the time Seto returned twenty minutes later Yami had seen the entire mansion but still had no clue where anything was as the place was so big and the tour was so quick.
"Here," Seto said tossing the light blue duffle bag at Yami. The cat pharaoh easily caught it, his claws digging into the weak material.
"Where am I to sleep?"
"Yugi didn't provide a cat bed for you. Or a litter box for that matter. Try not to go all over the place."
"Kaiba!"
"Niisama!"
"Fine…Mokuba show Yami to the room next to yours. I'll be in my office working so don't disturb me." Turning around the brunt billionaire began walking in the other direction. "That goes for you too Mokuba since you were supposed to be in bed an hour ago."
"Okay Niisama!" Mokuba yelled after his brother before turning his attention to the part human, part cat. "Come on Yami, I'll show you where you'll be staying."
The room was nice. It was decorated in rich dark purple and cream colors. Dropping his bag onto the floor, Yami plopped down on the king size bed. It was soft but firm, much nicer then his bed at home, although Yami suspected that all of Seto's guestrooms where just as nice.
Changing into boxes and an undershirt, Yami climbed into the big bed. It was pretty late since Yugi had waited until long into the night before deciding it was safe for them to head to the Kaiba Mansion. Yami closed his eyes as he settled down only sleep did not come. Ever since the incident two weeks ago, Yami had developed problems of sleeping. Often he spent the nights, prowling around the game shop trying to keep entertained.
With a frustrated sigh, Yami rolled out of the bed and padded across the room. Peeking out the door, Yami found the hallway black. Ever since the transformation, Yami was able to see well enough in the dark so lights were not a problem.
Snooping down the hallway, Yami quickly found a closed door with light streaming from under the doorframe. Curiously, Yami placed an ear up against the door to see if he could hear anything inside. Faintly he could make out the light taping of a keyboard.
Knowing Seto was inside, a smirk appeared on Yami's face. Wanting to get back for his cat comments earlier that night, Yami raised his claws to the door and began scratching at wood. Deep cuts were made into the door.
From the other side of the door, the typing halted and footsteps were heard storming forward. The door flung open and Yami was met with the angry face of a ticked off CEO.
"What the hell are you doing?" Seto tried ignoring the fact that Yami was standing in front of him half naked but was failing. He had to admit the pharaoh had a nice body despite his feline features.
"Nothing," Yami replied with a look of fake innocence on his face as he studied his claws.
"Shouldn't you be asleep Cat?"
"Jeez, I was just sharpening my claws. It's something all cats do!"
"You haven't!" Seto's eyes widen as his head spun around to look at the door. "Yami!"
"Oops."
"You're paying for this door," Seto growled as he turned his eyes back to the pharaoh and glared at him.
"How?" Yami asked with a satisfied smirk upon his face. "I have no job and not many people will be willing to hire half cat people, especially ones from 3000 years ago and who still have shadow powers…"
"You're paying for it somehow," the billionaire declared. Slamming the door shut, Seto retreated back into his office to finish up his work.
Leaving Seto's office, Yami continued his prowl through the Kaiba mansion. Heading down the stairs Yami wandered into the Kaiba's private movie theater.
Sitting down in one of the authentic movie seats, Yami head the complicated remote in his hand that he had picked up off a table on his way into the room. Not knowing what the buttons were for, the half cat began pressing many buttons at random.
Sound blared from the multiple speakers set up around the room. Frantically Yami tried to make the sound stop by pressing more buttons but he only succeeded in making the picture on the huge screen come alive.
Dropping the remote to the floor, Yami jumped to his feet and ran to the door expecting to find Seto ready to yell at him again. Instead no one was there waiting for him and as the door swung back close Yami realized it was because the theater was in a sound proof room.
With a sigh of relief, Yami continued on. His stomach was rumbling so he tired seeking out the kitchen in the general area that Mokuba showed him. A half hour later he finally arrived at his destination.
To no surprise, Seto's kitchen was state of the art. Half of the things in it, Yami had no clue what they were for. The curious side of him wanted to test some of the equipment out but after his experience with the theater Yami knew enough to leave everything alone.
Searching the refrigerator Yami found nothing that appealed to him that did not require cooking. The cupboards also turned up nothing except for a half eaten bag of chocolate chip cookies.
Yami inhaled the cookies quickly, not caring about the crumbs and empty bag he left on the counter. He then decided to move on, leaving the kitchen and wandering down the hall past a number of rooms until he reached a place that hadn't been on Mokuba's tour.
Curiosity once again over came the pharaoh and he pushed opened the door. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness an odd smell over came his senses. Wondering what the smell was, Yami took cautious steps forward he soon found the floor disappearing under his feet as he fell into the indoor pool.
Panicking, Yami's head bobbed out of the water calling for help while he continued to splash around trying to grab onto the edge of the pool.
"What the hell happened here?" Yami heard Seto say as he finally managed to stay a float as he coughed, trying to get all the water out of his mouth that he had swallowed.
Looking up Yami found Seto standing at the pool's edge with Mokuba behind him who was rubbing his eyes awake. With an annoyed growled Seto reached down to pull Yami out of the water.
"I told you to go to bed! Not go messing around my home!"
"I'm sorry! I couldn't sleep!"
Crimson and blue eyes locked as the two rivals glared at each other, neither of them giving in to the other. Finally though the cool air began to set in for Yami who began shivering from being wet. The tri-haired teen hugged himself trying to stay warm.
"Here," Seto said handing him a towel. Yami, who hadn't been paying attention do to his shivering, wondered where Seto had gotten it since Mokuba had already headed back to bed and he didn't think the brunet would have cared enough to have gotten it himself.
"Thank you Kaiba," Yami quietly replied wrapping the towel around his shoulders. His shivers soon faded away but he was still cold.
"Go get changed," Seto advised. "Then go to bed for real this time. Exploring strange places will only get you into trouble."
Seto made a hasty exit leaving Yami to stare after him wondering why Seto had turned nice all of a sudden. With a shrug of his shoulders, Yami exited the pool room as well to follow orders for once in his life.