Fic Title
By: Hyacinthus
Rating: R
Description: "Ryou and Malik, ripped away from their Yami's cling to what is remaining of their sanity. Desperately unfulfilled, to what lengths will they go to regain their Yami's? New enemies begin to gather at the horizon, awaiting the new day. WARNING: YAOI!"
AN: HEY y'all! Dis is Kar here. And this uhhh acct. thingy is a joint thingy between me and Kaede here! So yea, dis is our first joint ficcy, and we hopes you like!
Kaede: I think my fic part was crappy
Kar: Hrrm. I don think so. HSB!!!
Kaede: Shut up!
Kar: You're mean…
Kaede: We should talk more!
Kar: I'm pretty sure they don't getting sick of our blabbing
Kaede: It's their choice to read this part.
Kar: Oh ya.
Kaede: *sigh* You looked at me funny.
Kar: I did no such thing, and Yami no Yugi should die.
Kaede: Yah Yami is Daisuke's and Sasuke's kid?
Kar: Hell Yah!
Kaede: Neways, read and review.
Kar n Kaede: Oh BA~KU~RA~KUN!!!! (holds up red hot iron poker)
Bakura: (greatly disgruntled) Hrr… Kaede n Kar don't own Yugioh…but they do own this, and if you take it, den euhhh….
Ryou: (pops in outta nowhere) I get ta sick Bakura on yah!
Bakura: I am making my own Frankenstein. You have nice ears.
Pairings (for this section): ShizukaxHonda, ShizukaxOtogi, MaixJou, YugixYami, RyouxMalik
Prologue:
It was silent in the dark, shrouded room, the kind of silence that invades the corners of your mind, screaming and bitching utter profanity at you. Light sifted through slits in the shutters, creating ghostly shadows throughout the room. In the center of the room a shadow moved, out of which a pale hand slid out and hesitated, eventually resting on the telephone. Dark eyes stared out beneath a hood and glanced around the room... eyes that held betrayal, longing, sadness, and a trace of innocence behind locked bars. Smooth fingers curled and uncurled before drawing the phone up to the hooded face and pressing a few buttons with a long finger.
"Moshi Moshi, Malik Speaking."
"M-Malik?"
"MmHmm Whatcha need?"
"I need you to do a favor for me…"
/…Yami to Yugi…/
//…Yugi to Yami…//
'…thoughts…'
Episode One: And Then There Were Three
"YAMI!!!!!" screamed a boy with tri-colored hair. His fingers moved deftly to cut the vegetables before placing them in the boiling pot. Moments later, another boy, who could have passed as Yugi's twin, popped his head through the side of the kitchen and asked "Hrr, whatcha need me for aibou?"
"Ano. Dinner's almost ready. Can you set the table?"
"Hai! And that apron looks nice on you." Yami said, throwing a wink, causing Yugi to blush a bright red. /Especially with nothing else…/
"Baka Hentai Yami!" screeched Yugi, "Set the table!"
"HaiHai!" replied Yami before opening up the cupboards and grabbing the plates.
Yugi sighed before turning back to the stove. 'I don't know…' he glanced down at the ring on his right hand 'You'd think that after being married for three years, I'd let him do something…' Yugi shook his head trying to shake the tears from coming. 'But...I'm scared. He probably hates me, and regrets it…'
"Aibou?" questioned the darker one. "Are you alright?"
Yugi stood still before replying, "I'm fine." He quickly plastered on a smile, before asking, "Why do you ask?"
"Oh, nothing, it just seemed like you were a little out of it there."
Yugi smiled before sending down waves of comfort and contentment down their mindlink. "Thank you, Yami. For caring so much."
Yami grinned at his shorter counterpart, who wasn't so very short anymore, before hustling out of the kitchen. Yugi smiled softly to himself as he heard the sound of plates gently hitting the mahogany table. He added the cut vegetables to the pot before bringing the fire down to a simmer and stirred slowly. The dinner room had gotten strangely quiet in the meantime. 'I wonder what he's doing…' //Yami? // Asked Yugi.
/Yes aibou? /
//What are you doing? //
/Something special/ Yami grinned.
//If anything gets blown up…// Yugi replied warningly. Last time Yami no Yugi had planned something 'special' the fire department got involved. Yugi sighed. It was also the time that he found out that the hair gel he used was flammable. Extremely so.
Silence on the other end. /I hope not. /
//Just be careful, okay? //
/Anything for you. /
'I don't deserve him' Yugi thought quietly before ladling out two bowls of soup, and carrying them into the kitchen. He gasped as he turned the corner into the dining room. The lights were off, and the room was dark, save for two single candles, giving off a soft glow in the dark. Yugi set the two bowls on the table before reaching out a tendril of thought. //Yami? // He asked, before two strong arms enveloped him from behind. Yugi giggled childishly as he felt Yami's hot breath at the nape of his neck.
/Do you remember what day it is tonight? /
Yugi thought for a moment, scratching futilely at the dark unused corners of his mind trying to come up with an answer. 'Hrr.. I should know this!' He thought absently. //What day is it Yami? //
Yami grinned slightly before whispering in his ear "Happy Birthday Yugi!"
Yugi's eyes lit up in pure delight, two amethyst beacons shining out into the darkness.
/I'm…speechless. / He sent down the mindlink after he recovered from the initial shock. /I don't quite know what to say…/
//Well aibou, that's usually what's implied by speechless. // Yami smirked.
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much!" screamed Yugi before latching himself into his darker half's arms.
"You're welcome hikari-chan," replied Yugioh before bringing Yugi's lips to meet with his own.
Yugi giggled into the kiss, 'This', he thought, 'This, is what heaven truly is. Ra has truly graced me with a gift.' /I love you Yami. /
//Love you too 'ikari, ready to eat? //
"Hai!" replied Yugi, beaming.
Yami pulled out a chair from the side of the table and motioned for Yugi to sit. "After you." He said, gently smiling.
Yugi flushed. "A-arigato Yami-chan."
"Ya know, that red looks very becoming on you." Remarked Yami, gesturing to Yugi's red face. "It kind of reminds me of a tomato. I wonder if it tastes good…"
"YAMI!!!! Stop teasing me!" whined Yugi.
"HaiHai, lil' Yugi-chan."
"I am not little!" replied Yugi, and jutted out his chin as if to prove a point. "I'm almost as tall as you!"
"That you are, my little Yugi-chan. You've grown a lot over the years." Yami's eyes travested over Yugi's taller, lean, tanned body. "That you are."
Yugi grinned. "Aren't you going to sit?"
"Haihai. I shall do as the young master commands!" Yami said, eyes twinkling.
Yugi sighed and looked across the table at his Yami, whose face was half hidden by the candles. "Yami-chan?"
"Hnnh…?" questioned Yugioh.
"Will you stay with me?"
"Hnnh…?"
"Will you stay with me – forever?"
"Hai, aibou. Forever."
"Me too…"
"Hrr..?"
"Stay with you, forever. No matter what you do, or have done, I'll stay with you. Forever."
Yami's brilliant red eyes shone back at him with adoration. "Hai, my little Yugi-chan."
Yugi's eyes welled up suddenly. "G-Gomen ne…"
Yami looked over to his aibou in confusion. "Why are you apologizing? Yugi? What's wrong?"
Yugi sighed dejectedly. "I-it's just that, I don't think I've been a very good lover…I haven't let you do anything to me, even though…I know you want it…"
Yami looked over at his aibou, amusement clear in his eyes, before getting up and walking over to Yugi and placing a hand on the little one's cheek. "Yugi. That's not what I care about. I care more about…I care more about you, and whether or not you are happy." He snorted. "I could care less about sex."
Yugi brightened up noticeably. "D-Do you mean it?"
"Hai aibou. I mean it."
"Arigato Yami-chan!" exclaimed Yugi, wrapping his arms around Yami's neck.
"Now how about that dinner, little one?"
"Okay, Yami!"
***
"Damnit!" screamed a blue-cloaked child, before swinging his hand around and shattering the crystal ball. "How dare he…How dare he enjoy happiness. How dare that Pharaoh enjoy happiness…"
The child's eyes closed briefly, as images ran through his head. Screaming. Pain. Blood. Gone. Emptiness. Across from him, a boy with bright lavender eyes wept, drawing his gold cloak tighter around his body.
"Malik?"
The blonde male shrieked with laughter as his tears quickly dissipated. "The Pharaoh shall die soon, as his ruby crusted blood spills across the dueling arena, we shall rejoice!" He howled, before clutching his fists and shaking with uncontrollable fury. "…And then, I won't be alone any more…" A golden mark flashed on his forehead as he spoke these words, lighting the room with his anger.
"Malik?" Asked the blue-cloaked male, placing a friend on his friend's shoulder. Chocolate eyes stared out from underneath the hood. "It'll be over soon. I hope. It'll be over soon, and then it'll be back to the way it was before…" He choked up, tears coming to the corner of his eyes.
Malik stopped and lifted his lavender eyes. "Before they were taken. Before this whole thing started. Before that fucking stupid Pharoah interfered." He said quietly.
Chocolate eyes softened at that before clutching Malik's cloak and bringing the blonde boy's head down for a quick kiss. "We should get going you know…Isis 'neechan will wonder."
"Hai. But I think she'll understand. Six years is a long time to go without your other half. Ne, Ryou?"
"Let's go…" mumbled Ryou sullenly, drawing long fingers across his back, as golden light slowly faded from view.
"Let's." agreed Malik, swooping his hand down and clutching the other boy's hand firmly in his own.
***
Chocolate eyes glared at the blaring, flashing screen, as hands, greased by sweat, rapidly pounded on age-loosened buttons.
"Oh no you don't", the blonde shakily muttered, punching in the beginning of the combo. "You-" the screen flared red and white, flashing incomprehensibly quickly through the spectrum of colors. "BITCH!" He yelled, slamming his fists onto the control board.
"And how would you know that?" Mai deviously arched an eyebrow as she smiled, amused by her hotheaded boyfriend. He stopped and cocked his head sideways, looking at her.
"Um, I mean, I didn't mean you exa-" He began when Mai's soft, affectionate lips pressed into his own. Sounds of video games blasted from all directions and warm, sweating bodies filled the area. There was a brief pause. "Err, okay, I take that back. Someone is unusually affectionate and grabby today," Jounochi returned the expression to Mai, wrapping an arm around her side so they were walking closely abreast. "You wanna go grab something to eat? It seems as though Shizuka and Honda are running a bit late today."
"I guess so," Mai said, leaning her head against Jounochi's shoulder as they made their way towards the exit, deliberately giving a quick tug on his jeans as she placed her hand around his waist.
"I still don't see why you had to drag this guy along," Honda sighed in an exasperated tone as he glared at the relaxed young man standing nearby.
"Oh come on Honda!" Shizuka teased. "I really want him to come. The more the merrier right?" She begged. "You aren't going to make him go back home are you?" She pleadingly latched onto Otogi's arm, like a child to an abandoned puppy, causing Honda to blush a cherry-red hue. "Please?" She asked again. Otogi burst out laughing as Honda's eyebrows twitched in irritation and embarrassment.
"Stop that!" Honda exclaimed, jumping forward to separate the two.
"Hey, take it easy, man," Otogi sighed, stepping back with Shizuka. "What's your problem? Are you jealous or something?" Despite his words, he didn't pull away from Jounochi's sister- in fact he moved closer. Honda did not notice her subconsciously pulling Otogi's arm nearer to her.
Confused, Shizuka looked from one to the other and then asked quite plainly, though obviously confused, "Ehh? What's going on?"
"Fine, he can come along," Honda begrudgingly mumbled.
"Really? Thank you!" Shizuka exclaimed, stepping away from Otogi, she hugged her brother's furious friend." I'm so glad." She smiled, soothing the savage beast, who once more turned red, for different reasons. Minutes later Honda had cooled down, though still irritated by the presence of Otogi. Things hadn't sat well between Otogi and Jounochi since the whole dog suit fiasco, so Honda sided with his friend, not to say he didn't have other motives as well.
"Well we better get going to the mall," Honda grudgingly stated. "What time were we supposed to meet your brother and Mai anyway?"
Glancing at her watch, Shizuka gasped, "Oh no! It's already twelve! We were supposed to meet them in the arcade at ten forty-five!"
"WHAT?" Otogi and Honda each grabbed one of Shizuka's hands, practically dragging her along as they began sprinting in the general direction of the mall. "It's all Otogi's fault! If we hadn't gone to pick him up," Honda gasped between breaths, "we would have been right on time!"
"Honda! don't say that," Shizuka pleaded. "If you would have let me call him so we could have met half-way, rather than veritably drag you over there, then we wouldn't have wasted any time."
"Hey guys, don't waste your breath arguing on my behalf," Otogi grinned, pleased that Shizuka had defended him in the verbal conflict. "It will only slow us down." With a huff, Honda shut-up and continued running, while the younger girl sighed gratefully, squeezing Otogi's hand in gratitude.
Upon arrival at the mall, the trio fell into the tile benches that lined the center of the hallways. Panting, Shizuka leaned back into Otogi's extended arm, at first unaware that it was there. Leaning over his knees, Honda hardly paid them any attention. He was busy surveying the area, as if looking for something, eyes narrowed to slits as he squinted. With his free hand, Otogi fished into his pockets, pulling out a handful of dice. Clenched in his closed fist, he rolled them in his hand, out of sight. Rather abruptly, something shook his left ear, in a swinging motion.
"So I've heard you're really obsessed with these things," Shizuka said, hand hanging near his ear, indicating the die hanging from his earring chain. She smiled cheerfully, breathing normally once again, and playfully batted at the die with her index finger once more.
Opening his right palm, he expended it to Shizuka showing her the dice. "I guess you could say its a more than a hobby," he chuckled, tossing them in the air, and catching them in a closed fist. There were seven of them, each a different shape and size. Seeing her perplexsion, Otogi extended his fist, palm down, to her. "Go ahead, open your palms." Opening them, the sides together, she lifted them under Otogi's hand. Catching them, she stared, enchanted by their form.
"What are they used for? these aren't normal dice, right?" She asked, holding one between her thumb and index finger, examining it.
Smiling, Otogi pointed at each, explaining their different shapes and uses. "Dungeon Dice monsters isn't the only game I play with dice you know," he said, then whispered in her ear, "just like relations ships, I'm not just a friend to everyone." She blushed a little, and turned away a bit, slightly smiling. Grinning slyly, he withdrew his arm from behind her and ran it across the back of her head. Then something registered in their minds.
Shizuka voiced their thoughts." Where's Honda?" Standing, Otogi's crimson vest rustled about him, as though to orchestrate his irritation and curiosity as to where the other boy had gone, regardless of their quarreling.
"Hey guys, what're you doing?" Honda asked, jogging up to them. In his hands were three slush-like drinks from a nearby concession stand located in the mall. "I'm surprised you weren't hitting on her some more when I got back," he feinted, though a slight snarl backed up the statement. Otogi shrugged it off and didn't bother to tell Honda he had just been explaining the whole dice thing to her, as it would most likely irritate him more. In light of Honda's recent attitude, Otogi had begun to seriously believe Jounochi's hot-headed personality had rubbed off on the usually withdrawn Honda. Passing the drinks out, the three headed for the arcade, where they were to meet Mai and Jounochi.
"I hope we didn't worry them by coming so late," Shizuka said, almost in an apologetic tone.
"Well if they are, we can always tell them it was this guys fault." Honda jerked his thumb accusingly at Otogi.
"Don't worry, they probably enjoyed the time alone together," Otogi interjected.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Honda took the defensive side for his friend.
"Well, nothing obviously. They are a couple, right?" Otogi explained. "Besides, if they are angry I'll take the blame, so long as Shizuka doesn't get in trouble."
"Really? You'd do that for me? Wow, thank you," Shizuka beamed, easily made happy by so simple a statement.
"Of course I would," he said, giving Shizuka a soft fake punch to the shoulder. Honda fumed, infuriated by Otogi's ability to make advances at Shizuka.
Entering the arcade, they hit a wall of noise and heat, fused together by the hot, sweating bodies filling the crowded space. Darkness and blaring noise met them, contrasted by the flashing lights of video games and entertainment machines. Slowly making their way thought the crowds of people, they stared around and searched, but found no trace of Jounochi or Mai. Eventually they made their way to the exit and piled out into the cool air-conditioned halls.
"You don't think they left, do you?" She asked her two friends, eyebrows furrowing.
"No, that isn't Jounochi's style." Honda reassured her. "He's probably hanging around here somewhere, with Mai."
Glancing around and seeing no signs of them Otogi simply stated, "Then why don't we get going? We should be off looking for them, as we are the late ones, right?" Straightening up, he started off in the direction of the escalator.
"And exactly where are you headed?" Honda asked, putting on a condescending air.
Eyebrows arched in a challenging expression, Otogi answered. "To the food court. I am sure we are all hungry, and as it is around lunchtime, I'm sure we'll be likely to run into them there." Shizuka hurried after him, and Honda followed, proven wrong by Otogi again, much to his displeasure.
Catching up to Otogi and Shizuka on the escalator, Honda stepped into place behind Shizuka, pulling the rear. It used to be different, before Otogi had been around, back when it was just him, Jounochi, and Shizuka. He had had her all to himself, and Jounochi approved, he still did. Assuming things would always be that way was a mistake, and never telling Shizuka how he felt about her later in the years when they had grown was yet another. He had never gathered the courage nor confidence to tell her how he felt, and then it was all ruined. When Otogi stepped in, everything was put at stake, and all he had ever had innumerable time to do before became limited. It certainly seemed as though things were pretty equal among the two of them to Honda, but he feared Otogi was getting the upper hand. He feared Otogi would take Shizuka from him, before he could even tell her what he believed he must.
"Honda?" Startled, Honda jumped a bit, and looked up to see Shizuka looking down at him, worry scribbled across her face. Like a beloved angel above him, she seemed so unattainable, that though the words had begun to form, they did not take shape, for he was paralyzed by her beauty. Looking away, he frowned with a miniscule hint of tragedy, then turned back toward her, to wipe away the worried expression and feelings from her.
"It's nothing, don't worry," He smiled and looked up at her. "I was just wondering where Jounochi and Mai might be, as I doubt they are in the food court." His tone again communicated feelings of condescension for Otogi, even if he didn't hear him. Shizuka smiled weakly, though Honda's attitude worried her. Stepping off the escalator, they walked toward the general direction of the food court, Honda periodically glaring at the back of Otogi's head. Arriving at the food court, they saw no sign of the two in question.
"Hey, you guys want to grab something to eat?" Otogi asked, glancing around at the various restaurants and foods available.
"What?" Honda twitched. "You couldn't find them, so you decide to just abandon the task at hand in favor of feeding your stomach?" Obviously annoyed by Otogi's cool attitude, the frustrated youth glared around, twitching irritably.
"No, in fact, it is likely they will show up here as it is around lunch time. You know no one is always on time," he kindly explained, though Honda's attitude was starting to get to him. "Besides, I think we might all be getting a little irritable because of our hunger, let get a bite while we wait."
Honda snorted, jealous of Otogi's seemingly polished personality. "Listen, I'm going to go look for them, rather than sit on my lazy butt and wait around," he almost yelled in Otogi's face before storming off.
"What was that about?" Shizuka asked, worry and bewilderment beginning to creep into her voice. Then she calmed and rationalized that her brother did this a lot before, so it was probably just a fit on Honda's part. "You don't think he's in any danger right?" She asked Otogi for reassurance.
After staring in the direction to which Honda had disappeared, Otogi sighed. "Yeah, don't worry. A guy like him won't get into any trouble. Even if he does he can defend himself." He paused. "Besides I'm sure Mai and your brother will show up here sooner or later. Why don't we grab a bite, my treat?"
Breaking their hold on one another to allow easier movement, Mai regained her usual tough external composure. The relatively empty hallways of the mall still had groups of people in them, and walking abreast like Siamese twins attached at the hip didn't always allow for easy traveling with these sparse groups. That wasn't the only thing of course, for if she had really felt like it, she would have continued to latch on to her boyfriend, but that wasn't the case, in fact that wasn't at all something she would do, normally. Then again, normally she wouldn't have been all snuggly in the arcade either, she mentally fumed. Hormones are a bitch.
"What looks good to you?" Shizuka asked, unable to decide on a dish, as they stood before an Japanese fast-food place, titled Tokyo Grill.
"The curry plate looks good, I guess." He replied, though pausing.
"I guess so, but I'm not that hungry."
"Yeah, me too. Hey, why don't we share a plate?"
"Okay," she answered with a smile, though a trace of blush accented her face.
"You sure? If you don't want to I understand," he said in concern for her feelings and opinions.
"No, no, I'd really like to share a plate with you," she hurriedly stated, then stuttered, "I-I meant it seems like a good idea, to avoid wasting I mean." Amused, Otogi smiled, and put a caring hand on Shizuka's shoulder. Shizuka's eyes traveled to the hand, then Otogi's face, before deciding that it was an appropriate moment to be confused.
"Alright." And the two went to cashier and Otogi ordered. Stepping back and waiting for their number to be called, they leaned up against the wall separating the seats behind them from the restaurants. The rustle of people passing and sounds of children dragging their parents to the nearest fast-food place with a sickeningly cute mascot seemed to be the only noise in existence when Otogi broke the moment. Thinking briefly before speaking, he turned to Shizuka and asked casually, "do you like hanging out with Honda and your brother? It seems like you do it a lot."
"I guess it's okay, but it isn't always the most fun option in the universe. I mean it's much more fun to hang around here with you." She said after a moment's hesitation, holding her breath. Otogi grinned crookedly, though once more the girl was looking away. Almost feeling as though he were being humored by the kind-hearted girl, the hint of pink he could see on her cheek was all that told him her words were sincere.
Scanning the crowd at the food court, Jounochi grabbed Mai's hand and asked where she would like to eat. Looking around the area, they noticed that pretty much everyplace that was good was crowded, save for the Tokyo Grill, a place they frequented. Jounochi motioned toward the restaurant, and Mai shrugged, then nodded. Wading through the lines in front of each of the restaurants between them and their destination, Jounochi tugged on Mai's hand and pointed. Peeking over the crowd, Mai spotted Shizuka leaning against the wall in front of Tokyo Grill. She nodded and let go of Jounochi's hand so that he could go greet his sister. Running through the crowd, he approached his sister.
"Hey Shi-" he halted before the two. "What the heck are YOU doing here?!" Jounochi glared at Otogi. Then noticing his sister's pink-tinged face, he turned back to the offending boy. "And what did you say to her?"
"I invited him!" Shizuka blurted out, hoping to avoid a confrontation.
Twitching, Jounochi made an effort to appear angry at his sister. "You, what? May I even ask why you would want to?"
Not wanting a repeat of the earlier incident between Otogi and Honda, Shizuka quickly hopped over to Otogi and blurted out defensively, "I really wanted him to come because I thought it would be fun, and when Honda got angry and left, he stayed around and took care of me, ne Otogi-kun?" She grabbed his arm. "He even bought lunch for us like you said a proper gentleman should." The pleading desperate look in her eyes melted Jounochi's guise of anger toward her.
"Fine, I believe you, he can stay." He ruffled her hair as Mai showed up, giving Otogi a dirty look. Otogi just sighed and looked another way.
"Hey Jounochi, I ordered what we usually do," Mai stated, then turned toward Otogi, "hey stranger, long time no see."
Tuning toward Mai, Otogi grinned and raised a half-salute. "How're you doing?"
"Number 98, your order is ready," a voice yelled toward the crowd, cutting their conversation short. Glancing at his receipt, Otogi gave a concise, polite apology, and rushed off to grab the food. Letting out an exasperated breath, Jounochi stared at his sister and half-whispered in her ear.
"Tell me again, why did you invite him?"
Shizuka smiled and chirped "Because Otogi's nice and fun." Mai giggled, and Jounochi slumped in defeat. "What's wrong Onii-san?"
"It's nothing, nothing at all."
"Don't worry," Mai told Shizuka, "he's just having a hard time seeing you grow up."
"What did you say?" Jounochi turned from his state of self-pity towards the two girls.
"Nothing at all," Mai said, giving him the most innocent look she could manage.
"Really, I didn't hear it," Jounochi pleaded.
While they teased him the order for their food came up, and Mai left to get it. By then their moods had calmed down, and Jounochi leaned against the wall. Mai began walking back with the food and drinks carefully balanced.
"Hey! I found a table over here!" Otogi popped out from behind them and clapped a hand on Shizuka and Jounochi's shoulders. Jounochi jumped, then Shizuka and Otogi, both of whom were laugh at how easily he was frightened. When he looked to his girlfriend for help, none came, as she was practically ready to drop the tray, having almost doubled over in laughter. Grabbing the tray from Mai, he smiled, laughter being the contagious thing that it is, and led the two girls over to where Otogi was standing.
"Where the heck are they? I've searched almost the entire mall," Honda muttered to himself as he headed through the crowded department store. His better sense of logic told him it was highly improbable that he would find them here, though at the point he had reached, he was desperate enough to try anything. "I just hope Otogi doesn't find them first." He kicked a scrap of paper that lay on the linoleum flooring, hoping it would help vent his frustration. He didn't want to believe he was wrong, though it was becoming a more and more convincing case. Pushing those thoughts and doubts out of mind, Honda left the department store, heading for a nearby games shop, thinking Mai and Jounochi might have gone to upgrade their decks, however ridiculous it seemed as duelists of their caliber.
Sitting down at the table, the foursome passed out chopsticks, napkins, and straws for the drinks. Jounochi counted the dishes, and found there only to be two. There were four people and two plates, given they were large plates, but still only two plates. Mai and he were sharing one, but there was still only one plate on the other side of the table.
"Otogi, where's your food?" Jounochi asked, a half-puzzled look on his face.
"Oh, this is mine." Otogi pointed at the dish on his and Shizuka's side of the table.
"Huh?"
Seeing her brother's confusion, Shizuka cut in, "we're sharing a plate because we're both hungry, but we didn't want to waste, and this order is about right for us two." She explained as though the action were like breaking a very large cookie in half, rather than taking turns biting off of the same area.
"You're sharing a plate?" Jounochi asked, half-disbelieving and blandly monotonously. He looked from one to the other, "You can't be serious." Then giving both, together, a long stare, he asked incredulously, "You're sharing a large plate of something as watery and easy for germs to travel in, as curry and rice?"
"What's wrong with that? You and Mai are sharing noodles." Shizuka pointed out, innocently.
"But that's, it's, you see," Jounochi struggled for words for a while before Mai shoved a chopstick-full of noodles in his mouth.
"Enjoy your meal," Mai smiled at the two, winking at Otogi, whom mouthed 'thank you' to her, before the two others began eating as well. Changing the subject for Otogi's and Shizuka's sake, Mai inquired ho their day had been up until they met, as well as what had passed.
"Yeah, that reminds me, where's Honda?" Jounochi chimed in, leaving the issue of Otogi and his sister sharing a dish of food for later.
"Well, uh, you see..." Shizuka began, and told them of why they were late, taking turns with Otogi to fill in the basic gist of things. Otogi, of course, omitted any information involving him and Shizuka being alone, until it was necessary.
"Well, it looks like my lover-boy here has been a bad influence on a certain friend of his, Mai stated, giving her boyfriend a sidelong glance. Jounochi began to protest but stopped when he saw his sister begin to speak.
"Yeah, at the moment he stormed off, he really did remind me of you." She said, looking seriously at her brother. He managed a smile, though if Honda had been negatively influenced by him, he would not like to think what he might be doing at the moment.
"Well, after everyone is finished eating, I am guessing we should go look for him." Otogi stated plainly. "If his pride is as big as I think it is, he won't be coming back here without you two any time soon."
"Sounds good to me." Mai responded, giving Jounochi a look that said "Say you will help."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Honda is my friend, and if something happens to him it will be my fault, especially if I have been a bad influence on him."
Shizuka smiled. "This'll be great, it's like a big, human treasure hunt." Shizuka bobbed excitedly.
Soon thereafter, shortly after the foursome bought four ice cream cones, they headed off to the nearest clothing store in which Honda might possibly be found.
"Not here either," Honda breathed, as he left the third game shop in the mall. "Maybe I should just go back to the arcade, and hope they are there. So long as it isn't the food court. .Wherever they went, Jounochi and Mai had to be around the mall somewhere, and he knew it. He refused to believe, however, that they were in the food court with Otogi, smugly grinning at his victory. If he wanted to win Shizuka, he would have to do a far better job than he had done thus far, and it had to start soon, before Otogi got too far ahead.
***
"Mokuba." Cerulean eyes scanned the dim foliage for any sign of intruders. The wind blew the man's navy blue trenchcoat in all directions as he stood in front of his mansion. At the same spot where his little brother was taken a few hours ago. A few hours ago, and no sign of anything, not even a struggle, no fingerprints. Only a security tape, and his memory. Seto had been working in his study at that time, mindlessly poring over receipts, and bills while Mokuba played outside.
"SETO! Help!" screamed a dark-haired boy as suited men grabbed a hold of him. Russet eyes flew about wildly attempting to catch a glimpse of his brother.
"Shimatte!" cursed Seto as he swept through the tiled floors of his manor. Cobalt eyes grew wide as he saw his bodyguards in a heap by the front door. "MOKUBA!" he screamed as his the cries started to fade. 'Shit!' he thought. 'Phone or Mokuba? Phone or Mokuba?' Without a second thought he rushed outside, his attire flying behind him as he rushed through the garden toward the retreating cries. Suddenly, the cries disappeared. Seto Kaiba gradually slowed his pace, eyes darting around frantically for any sign of his little brother. He turned his head swiftly as a sharp bladed object whizzed past his head
Seto ran his hands through his hair in frustration. What the fuck did they want? No money was mentioned. Only to start a tournament where each participant loses their most prized material possession when losing a duel, and a list of required participants. He growled low in his throat. This is utter insanity! Why the hell would these people even participate? He bent down and picked up the paper again, scanning over the list of names:
Yugi Motou
Katsuya Jounochi
Kujaku Mai
Insector Haga
Bandit Keith
Maxamilion Pegasus
Ryouta Kajiki
Espa Roba
Dinosaur Ryuzaki
*6 participants specially chosen will be attending this tournament
**failure to follow these directions will result in the death of Mokuba, and a new target.
Specific tournament rules are on the back, make sure that EACH contestant is familiar with the rules.
We will await the announcement of the tournament.
"…" Seto was dumbfounded. "This is insane" he muttered. "Pegasus? Bandit Keith?" Those people…who knows where they are now. He groaned. This is impossible! He reached into his pocket and took out a pack of cigarettes. The sun had set about ten minutes ago and the skies were now filled with orange hues. Seto sighed before muttering, "Yami's gonna be here soon, I should get ready." He put away his pack of cigarettes as he disappeared back into his mansion, locking his worries away, like he did with every other thought.
***
"RINGRINGRING!"
Pegasus blinked sullenly over his plate of macaroni and cheese. With a disgusted sigh, he threw his fork down on the table, blatantly ignoring the ringing phone. "Is there any point to living anymore?" he asked dejectedly, as his answering machine started to run.
"Hello this is Maximilion Pegasus, I am not in at the moment, please leave a message leaving your name and phone number and I will try to respond back to you as soon as possible."
"Maximilion Pegasus." A soft voice crackled through the speakers. "There is a way to revive Cecelia…" Pegasus froze, and turned slowly to the offending tape recorder. The voice continued methodically, "You'll find instructions taped to the front of your door. Follow them directly and exactly, if you wish to see Cecelia again."
Pegasus howled and leapt for the phone. Picking it up he screamed desperately into the receiver. "WHO ARE YOU? HOW? WHY? WHO ARE YOU?" The only reply to his question was the sound of the dial tone.
***
"Mmmmm…Yami…" murmured Yugi as he snuggled up against his pillow. Long lashes furrowed gently as his brows wrinkled as a result from his dream.
Yami glanced at his sleeping aibou before getting out of bed. Shaking his head gently, he moved the blankets to cover Yugi's small form. Sighing, he moved towards the door without looking back. The door shut gently behind him as Yami left the Game Shop.
~End Episode 1~
A/N: NEH NEH NEH! Gomen!!! We could not find Espa's Japanese name…or Keith's…or Pegasuseseses. ^_^ Pegasuseseses that's a cool word. Anyways, hopefully you guys enjoyed it enough to review…? Please?
Ryou: For me? ^_^
YES! REVIEW FOR RYOU! ^^
Stay tuned for the next episode:
Toxin –Release Date: 12/25
Teaser: "No…" he muttered as he fingered the scarlet envelope in one hand, fingers toying with the slight opening. Carelessly, he dropped it, as a small card slid out, with the words "To My Esp" penned deliberately, with the small scrawls stretching across the paper as if the ink of the ball point pen had permanently disfigured it. Magenta eyes stared at the neat handwriting, as millions of thoughts flew through Espa's head, 'Why? Why now? Why show me your Ra be damned face now?"
Eeks! What's going on here?!?!? Will Ryou and Malik ever regain what was somewhat sanity ^_^
Pairings in the next eps: Whoooh. There's definitely gonna be some RyouxMalik action! And then some YugixYami, and whatever else we can toss up for yah ^_^.
By: Hyacinthus
Rating: R
Description: "Ryou and Malik, ripped away from their Yami's cling to what is remaining of their sanity. Desperately unfulfilled, to what lengths will they go to regain their Yami's? New enemies begin to gather at the horizon, awaiting the new day. WARNING: YAOI!"
AN: HEY y'all! Dis is Kar here. And this uhhh acct. thingy is a joint thingy between me and Kaede here! So yea, dis is our first joint ficcy, and we hopes you like!
Kaede: I think my fic part was crappy
Kar: Hrrm. I don think so. HSB!!!
Kaede: Shut up!
Kar: You're mean…
Kaede: We should talk more!
Kar: I'm pretty sure they don't getting sick of our blabbing
Kaede: It's their choice to read this part.
Kar: Oh ya.
Kaede: *sigh* You looked at me funny.
Kar: I did no such thing, and Yami no Yugi should die.
Kaede: Yah Yami is Daisuke's and Sasuke's kid?
Kar: Hell Yah!
Kaede: Neways, read and review.
Kar n Kaede: Oh BA~KU~RA~KUN!!!! (holds up red hot iron poker)
Bakura: (greatly disgruntled) Hrr… Kaede n Kar don't own Yugioh…but they do own this, and if you take it, den euhhh….
Ryou: (pops in outta nowhere) I get ta sick Bakura on yah!
Bakura: I am making my own Frankenstein. You have nice ears.
Pairings (for this section): ShizukaxHonda, ShizukaxOtogi, MaixJou, YugixYami, RyouxMalik
Prologue:
It was silent in the dark, shrouded room, the kind of silence that invades the corners of your mind, screaming and bitching utter profanity at you. Light sifted through slits in the shutters, creating ghostly shadows throughout the room. In the center of the room a shadow moved, out of which a pale hand slid out and hesitated, eventually resting on the telephone. Dark eyes stared out beneath a hood and glanced around the room... eyes that held betrayal, longing, sadness, and a trace of innocence behind locked bars. Smooth fingers curled and uncurled before drawing the phone up to the hooded face and pressing a few buttons with a long finger.
"Moshi Moshi, Malik Speaking."
"M-Malik?"
"MmHmm Whatcha need?"
"I need you to do a favor for me…"
/…Yami to Yugi…/
//…Yugi to Yami…//
'…thoughts…'
Episode One: And Then There Were Three
"YAMI!!!!!" screamed a boy with tri-colored hair. His fingers moved deftly to cut the vegetables before placing them in the boiling pot. Moments later, another boy, who could have passed as Yugi's twin, popped his head through the side of the kitchen and asked "Hrr, whatcha need me for aibou?"
"Ano. Dinner's almost ready. Can you set the table?"
"Hai! And that apron looks nice on you." Yami said, throwing a wink, causing Yugi to blush a bright red. /Especially with nothing else…/
"Baka Hentai Yami!" screeched Yugi, "Set the table!"
"HaiHai!" replied Yami before opening up the cupboards and grabbing the plates.
Yugi sighed before turning back to the stove. 'I don't know…' he glanced down at the ring on his right hand 'You'd think that after being married for three years, I'd let him do something…' Yugi shook his head trying to shake the tears from coming. 'But...I'm scared. He probably hates me, and regrets it…'
"Aibou?" questioned the darker one. "Are you alright?"
Yugi stood still before replying, "I'm fine." He quickly plastered on a smile, before asking, "Why do you ask?"
"Oh, nothing, it just seemed like you were a little out of it there."
Yugi smiled before sending down waves of comfort and contentment down their mindlink. "Thank you, Yami. For caring so much."
Yami grinned at his shorter counterpart, who wasn't so very short anymore, before hustling out of the kitchen. Yugi smiled softly to himself as he heard the sound of plates gently hitting the mahogany table. He added the cut vegetables to the pot before bringing the fire down to a simmer and stirred slowly. The dinner room had gotten strangely quiet in the meantime. 'I wonder what he's doing…' //Yami? // Asked Yugi.
/Yes aibou? /
//What are you doing? //
/Something special/ Yami grinned.
//If anything gets blown up…// Yugi replied warningly. Last time Yami no Yugi had planned something 'special' the fire department got involved. Yugi sighed. It was also the time that he found out that the hair gel he used was flammable. Extremely so.
Silence on the other end. /I hope not. /
//Just be careful, okay? //
/Anything for you. /
'I don't deserve him' Yugi thought quietly before ladling out two bowls of soup, and carrying them into the kitchen. He gasped as he turned the corner into the dining room. The lights were off, and the room was dark, save for two single candles, giving off a soft glow in the dark. Yugi set the two bowls on the table before reaching out a tendril of thought. //Yami? // He asked, before two strong arms enveloped him from behind. Yugi giggled childishly as he felt Yami's hot breath at the nape of his neck.
/Do you remember what day it is tonight? /
Yugi thought for a moment, scratching futilely at the dark unused corners of his mind trying to come up with an answer. 'Hrr.. I should know this!' He thought absently. //What day is it Yami? //
Yami grinned slightly before whispering in his ear "Happy Birthday Yugi!"
Yugi's eyes lit up in pure delight, two amethyst beacons shining out into the darkness.
/I'm…speechless. / He sent down the mindlink after he recovered from the initial shock. /I don't quite know what to say…/
//Well aibou, that's usually what's implied by speechless. // Yami smirked.
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much!" screamed Yugi before latching himself into his darker half's arms.
"You're welcome hikari-chan," replied Yugioh before bringing Yugi's lips to meet with his own.
Yugi giggled into the kiss, 'This', he thought, 'This, is what heaven truly is. Ra has truly graced me with a gift.' /I love you Yami. /
//Love you too 'ikari, ready to eat? //
"Hai!" replied Yugi, beaming.
Yami pulled out a chair from the side of the table and motioned for Yugi to sit. "After you." He said, gently smiling.
Yugi flushed. "A-arigato Yami-chan."
"Ya know, that red looks very becoming on you." Remarked Yami, gesturing to Yugi's red face. "It kind of reminds me of a tomato. I wonder if it tastes good…"
"YAMI!!!! Stop teasing me!" whined Yugi.
"HaiHai, lil' Yugi-chan."
"I am not little!" replied Yugi, and jutted out his chin as if to prove a point. "I'm almost as tall as you!"
"That you are, my little Yugi-chan. You've grown a lot over the years." Yami's eyes travested over Yugi's taller, lean, tanned body. "That you are."
Yugi grinned. "Aren't you going to sit?"
"Haihai. I shall do as the young master commands!" Yami said, eyes twinkling.
Yugi sighed and looked across the table at his Yami, whose face was half hidden by the candles. "Yami-chan?"
"Hnnh…?" questioned Yugioh.
"Will you stay with me?"
"Hnnh…?"
"Will you stay with me – forever?"
"Hai, aibou. Forever."
"Me too…"
"Hrr..?"
"Stay with you, forever. No matter what you do, or have done, I'll stay with you. Forever."
Yami's brilliant red eyes shone back at him with adoration. "Hai, my little Yugi-chan."
Yugi's eyes welled up suddenly. "G-Gomen ne…"
Yami looked over to his aibou in confusion. "Why are you apologizing? Yugi? What's wrong?"
Yugi sighed dejectedly. "I-it's just that, I don't think I've been a very good lover…I haven't let you do anything to me, even though…I know you want it…"
Yami looked over at his aibou, amusement clear in his eyes, before getting up and walking over to Yugi and placing a hand on the little one's cheek. "Yugi. That's not what I care about. I care more about…I care more about you, and whether or not you are happy." He snorted. "I could care less about sex."
Yugi brightened up noticeably. "D-Do you mean it?"
"Hai aibou. I mean it."
"Arigato Yami-chan!" exclaimed Yugi, wrapping his arms around Yami's neck.
"Now how about that dinner, little one?"
"Okay, Yami!"
***
"Damnit!" screamed a blue-cloaked child, before swinging his hand around and shattering the crystal ball. "How dare he…How dare he enjoy happiness. How dare that Pharaoh enjoy happiness…"
The child's eyes closed briefly, as images ran through his head. Screaming. Pain. Blood. Gone. Emptiness. Across from him, a boy with bright lavender eyes wept, drawing his gold cloak tighter around his body.
"Malik?"
The blonde male shrieked with laughter as his tears quickly dissipated. "The Pharaoh shall die soon, as his ruby crusted blood spills across the dueling arena, we shall rejoice!" He howled, before clutching his fists and shaking with uncontrollable fury. "…And then, I won't be alone any more…" A golden mark flashed on his forehead as he spoke these words, lighting the room with his anger.
"Malik?" Asked the blue-cloaked male, placing a friend on his friend's shoulder. Chocolate eyes stared out from underneath the hood. "It'll be over soon. I hope. It'll be over soon, and then it'll be back to the way it was before…" He choked up, tears coming to the corner of his eyes.
Malik stopped and lifted his lavender eyes. "Before they were taken. Before this whole thing started. Before that fucking stupid Pharoah interfered." He said quietly.
Chocolate eyes softened at that before clutching Malik's cloak and bringing the blonde boy's head down for a quick kiss. "We should get going you know…Isis 'neechan will wonder."
"Hai. But I think she'll understand. Six years is a long time to go without your other half. Ne, Ryou?"
"Let's go…" mumbled Ryou sullenly, drawing long fingers across his back, as golden light slowly faded from view.
"Let's." agreed Malik, swooping his hand down and clutching the other boy's hand firmly in his own.
***
Chocolate eyes glared at the blaring, flashing screen, as hands, greased by sweat, rapidly pounded on age-loosened buttons.
"Oh no you don't", the blonde shakily muttered, punching in the beginning of the combo. "You-" the screen flared red and white, flashing incomprehensibly quickly through the spectrum of colors. "BITCH!" He yelled, slamming his fists onto the control board.
"And how would you know that?" Mai deviously arched an eyebrow as she smiled, amused by her hotheaded boyfriend. He stopped and cocked his head sideways, looking at her.
"Um, I mean, I didn't mean you exa-" He began when Mai's soft, affectionate lips pressed into his own. Sounds of video games blasted from all directions and warm, sweating bodies filled the area. There was a brief pause. "Err, okay, I take that back. Someone is unusually affectionate and grabby today," Jounochi returned the expression to Mai, wrapping an arm around her side so they were walking closely abreast. "You wanna go grab something to eat? It seems as though Shizuka and Honda are running a bit late today."
"I guess so," Mai said, leaning her head against Jounochi's shoulder as they made their way towards the exit, deliberately giving a quick tug on his jeans as she placed her hand around his waist.
"I still don't see why you had to drag this guy along," Honda sighed in an exasperated tone as he glared at the relaxed young man standing nearby.
"Oh come on Honda!" Shizuka teased. "I really want him to come. The more the merrier right?" She begged. "You aren't going to make him go back home are you?" She pleadingly latched onto Otogi's arm, like a child to an abandoned puppy, causing Honda to blush a cherry-red hue. "Please?" She asked again. Otogi burst out laughing as Honda's eyebrows twitched in irritation and embarrassment.
"Stop that!" Honda exclaimed, jumping forward to separate the two.
"Hey, take it easy, man," Otogi sighed, stepping back with Shizuka. "What's your problem? Are you jealous or something?" Despite his words, he didn't pull away from Jounochi's sister- in fact he moved closer. Honda did not notice her subconsciously pulling Otogi's arm nearer to her.
Confused, Shizuka looked from one to the other and then asked quite plainly, though obviously confused, "Ehh? What's going on?"
"Fine, he can come along," Honda begrudgingly mumbled.
"Really? Thank you!" Shizuka exclaimed, stepping away from Otogi, she hugged her brother's furious friend." I'm so glad." She smiled, soothing the savage beast, who once more turned red, for different reasons. Minutes later Honda had cooled down, though still irritated by the presence of Otogi. Things hadn't sat well between Otogi and Jounochi since the whole dog suit fiasco, so Honda sided with his friend, not to say he didn't have other motives as well.
"Well we better get going to the mall," Honda grudgingly stated. "What time were we supposed to meet your brother and Mai anyway?"
Glancing at her watch, Shizuka gasped, "Oh no! It's already twelve! We were supposed to meet them in the arcade at ten forty-five!"
"WHAT?" Otogi and Honda each grabbed one of Shizuka's hands, practically dragging her along as they began sprinting in the general direction of the mall. "It's all Otogi's fault! If we hadn't gone to pick him up," Honda gasped between breaths, "we would have been right on time!"
"Honda! don't say that," Shizuka pleaded. "If you would have let me call him so we could have met half-way, rather than veritably drag you over there, then we wouldn't have wasted any time."
"Hey guys, don't waste your breath arguing on my behalf," Otogi grinned, pleased that Shizuka had defended him in the verbal conflict. "It will only slow us down." With a huff, Honda shut-up and continued running, while the younger girl sighed gratefully, squeezing Otogi's hand in gratitude.
Upon arrival at the mall, the trio fell into the tile benches that lined the center of the hallways. Panting, Shizuka leaned back into Otogi's extended arm, at first unaware that it was there. Leaning over his knees, Honda hardly paid them any attention. He was busy surveying the area, as if looking for something, eyes narrowed to slits as he squinted. With his free hand, Otogi fished into his pockets, pulling out a handful of dice. Clenched in his closed fist, he rolled them in his hand, out of sight. Rather abruptly, something shook his left ear, in a swinging motion.
"So I've heard you're really obsessed with these things," Shizuka said, hand hanging near his ear, indicating the die hanging from his earring chain. She smiled cheerfully, breathing normally once again, and playfully batted at the die with her index finger once more.
Opening his right palm, he expended it to Shizuka showing her the dice. "I guess you could say its a more than a hobby," he chuckled, tossing them in the air, and catching them in a closed fist. There were seven of them, each a different shape and size. Seeing her perplexsion, Otogi extended his fist, palm down, to her. "Go ahead, open your palms." Opening them, the sides together, she lifted them under Otogi's hand. Catching them, she stared, enchanted by their form.
"What are they used for? these aren't normal dice, right?" She asked, holding one between her thumb and index finger, examining it.
Smiling, Otogi pointed at each, explaining their different shapes and uses. "Dungeon Dice monsters isn't the only game I play with dice you know," he said, then whispered in her ear, "just like relations ships, I'm not just a friend to everyone." She blushed a little, and turned away a bit, slightly smiling. Grinning slyly, he withdrew his arm from behind her and ran it across the back of her head. Then something registered in their minds.
Shizuka voiced their thoughts." Where's Honda?" Standing, Otogi's crimson vest rustled about him, as though to orchestrate his irritation and curiosity as to where the other boy had gone, regardless of their quarreling.
"Hey guys, what're you doing?" Honda asked, jogging up to them. In his hands were three slush-like drinks from a nearby concession stand located in the mall. "I'm surprised you weren't hitting on her some more when I got back," he feinted, though a slight snarl backed up the statement. Otogi shrugged it off and didn't bother to tell Honda he had just been explaining the whole dice thing to her, as it would most likely irritate him more. In light of Honda's recent attitude, Otogi had begun to seriously believe Jounochi's hot-headed personality had rubbed off on the usually withdrawn Honda. Passing the drinks out, the three headed for the arcade, where they were to meet Mai and Jounochi.
"I hope we didn't worry them by coming so late," Shizuka said, almost in an apologetic tone.
"Well if they are, we can always tell them it was this guys fault." Honda jerked his thumb accusingly at Otogi.
"Don't worry, they probably enjoyed the time alone together," Otogi interjected.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Honda took the defensive side for his friend.
"Well, nothing obviously. They are a couple, right?" Otogi explained. "Besides, if they are angry I'll take the blame, so long as Shizuka doesn't get in trouble."
"Really? You'd do that for me? Wow, thank you," Shizuka beamed, easily made happy by so simple a statement.
"Of course I would," he said, giving Shizuka a soft fake punch to the shoulder. Honda fumed, infuriated by Otogi's ability to make advances at Shizuka.
Entering the arcade, they hit a wall of noise and heat, fused together by the hot, sweating bodies filling the crowded space. Darkness and blaring noise met them, contrasted by the flashing lights of video games and entertainment machines. Slowly making their way thought the crowds of people, they stared around and searched, but found no trace of Jounochi or Mai. Eventually they made their way to the exit and piled out into the cool air-conditioned halls.
"You don't think they left, do you?" She asked her two friends, eyebrows furrowing.
"No, that isn't Jounochi's style." Honda reassured her. "He's probably hanging around here somewhere, with Mai."
Glancing around and seeing no signs of them Otogi simply stated, "Then why don't we get going? We should be off looking for them, as we are the late ones, right?" Straightening up, he started off in the direction of the escalator.
"And exactly where are you headed?" Honda asked, putting on a condescending air.
Eyebrows arched in a challenging expression, Otogi answered. "To the food court. I am sure we are all hungry, and as it is around lunchtime, I'm sure we'll be likely to run into them there." Shizuka hurried after him, and Honda followed, proven wrong by Otogi again, much to his displeasure.
Catching up to Otogi and Shizuka on the escalator, Honda stepped into place behind Shizuka, pulling the rear. It used to be different, before Otogi had been around, back when it was just him, Jounochi, and Shizuka. He had had her all to himself, and Jounochi approved, he still did. Assuming things would always be that way was a mistake, and never telling Shizuka how he felt about her later in the years when they had grown was yet another. He had never gathered the courage nor confidence to tell her how he felt, and then it was all ruined. When Otogi stepped in, everything was put at stake, and all he had ever had innumerable time to do before became limited. It certainly seemed as though things were pretty equal among the two of them to Honda, but he feared Otogi was getting the upper hand. He feared Otogi would take Shizuka from him, before he could even tell her what he believed he must.
"Honda?" Startled, Honda jumped a bit, and looked up to see Shizuka looking down at him, worry scribbled across her face. Like a beloved angel above him, she seemed so unattainable, that though the words had begun to form, they did not take shape, for he was paralyzed by her beauty. Looking away, he frowned with a miniscule hint of tragedy, then turned back toward her, to wipe away the worried expression and feelings from her.
"It's nothing, don't worry," He smiled and looked up at her. "I was just wondering where Jounochi and Mai might be, as I doubt they are in the food court." His tone again communicated feelings of condescension for Otogi, even if he didn't hear him. Shizuka smiled weakly, though Honda's attitude worried her. Stepping off the escalator, they walked toward the general direction of the food court, Honda periodically glaring at the back of Otogi's head. Arriving at the food court, they saw no sign of the two in question.
"Hey, you guys want to grab something to eat?" Otogi asked, glancing around at the various restaurants and foods available.
"What?" Honda twitched. "You couldn't find them, so you decide to just abandon the task at hand in favor of feeding your stomach?" Obviously annoyed by Otogi's cool attitude, the frustrated youth glared around, twitching irritably.
"No, in fact, it is likely they will show up here as it is around lunch time. You know no one is always on time," he kindly explained, though Honda's attitude was starting to get to him. "Besides, I think we might all be getting a little irritable because of our hunger, let get a bite while we wait."
Honda snorted, jealous of Otogi's seemingly polished personality. "Listen, I'm going to go look for them, rather than sit on my lazy butt and wait around," he almost yelled in Otogi's face before storming off.
"What was that about?" Shizuka asked, worry and bewilderment beginning to creep into her voice. Then she calmed and rationalized that her brother did this a lot before, so it was probably just a fit on Honda's part. "You don't think he's in any danger right?" She asked Otogi for reassurance.
After staring in the direction to which Honda had disappeared, Otogi sighed. "Yeah, don't worry. A guy like him won't get into any trouble. Even if he does he can defend himself." He paused. "Besides I'm sure Mai and your brother will show up here sooner or later. Why don't we grab a bite, my treat?"
Breaking their hold on one another to allow easier movement, Mai regained her usual tough external composure. The relatively empty hallways of the mall still had groups of people in them, and walking abreast like Siamese twins attached at the hip didn't always allow for easy traveling with these sparse groups. That wasn't the only thing of course, for if she had really felt like it, she would have continued to latch on to her boyfriend, but that wasn't the case, in fact that wasn't at all something she would do, normally. Then again, normally she wouldn't have been all snuggly in the arcade either, she mentally fumed. Hormones are a bitch.
"What looks good to you?" Shizuka asked, unable to decide on a dish, as they stood before an Japanese fast-food place, titled Tokyo Grill.
"The curry plate looks good, I guess." He replied, though pausing.
"I guess so, but I'm not that hungry."
"Yeah, me too. Hey, why don't we share a plate?"
"Okay," she answered with a smile, though a trace of blush accented her face.
"You sure? If you don't want to I understand," he said in concern for her feelings and opinions.
"No, no, I'd really like to share a plate with you," she hurriedly stated, then stuttered, "I-I meant it seems like a good idea, to avoid wasting I mean." Amused, Otogi smiled, and put a caring hand on Shizuka's shoulder. Shizuka's eyes traveled to the hand, then Otogi's face, before deciding that it was an appropriate moment to be confused.
"Alright." And the two went to cashier and Otogi ordered. Stepping back and waiting for their number to be called, they leaned up against the wall separating the seats behind them from the restaurants. The rustle of people passing and sounds of children dragging their parents to the nearest fast-food place with a sickeningly cute mascot seemed to be the only noise in existence when Otogi broke the moment. Thinking briefly before speaking, he turned to Shizuka and asked casually, "do you like hanging out with Honda and your brother? It seems like you do it a lot."
"I guess it's okay, but it isn't always the most fun option in the universe. I mean it's much more fun to hang around here with you." She said after a moment's hesitation, holding her breath. Otogi grinned crookedly, though once more the girl was looking away. Almost feeling as though he were being humored by the kind-hearted girl, the hint of pink he could see on her cheek was all that told him her words were sincere.
Scanning the crowd at the food court, Jounochi grabbed Mai's hand and asked where she would like to eat. Looking around the area, they noticed that pretty much everyplace that was good was crowded, save for the Tokyo Grill, a place they frequented. Jounochi motioned toward the restaurant, and Mai shrugged, then nodded. Wading through the lines in front of each of the restaurants between them and their destination, Jounochi tugged on Mai's hand and pointed. Peeking over the crowd, Mai spotted Shizuka leaning against the wall in front of Tokyo Grill. She nodded and let go of Jounochi's hand so that he could go greet his sister. Running through the crowd, he approached his sister.
"Hey Shi-" he halted before the two. "What the heck are YOU doing here?!" Jounochi glared at Otogi. Then noticing his sister's pink-tinged face, he turned back to the offending boy. "And what did you say to her?"
"I invited him!" Shizuka blurted out, hoping to avoid a confrontation.
Twitching, Jounochi made an effort to appear angry at his sister. "You, what? May I even ask why you would want to?"
Not wanting a repeat of the earlier incident between Otogi and Honda, Shizuka quickly hopped over to Otogi and blurted out defensively, "I really wanted him to come because I thought it would be fun, and when Honda got angry and left, he stayed around and took care of me, ne Otogi-kun?" She grabbed his arm. "He even bought lunch for us like you said a proper gentleman should." The pleading desperate look in her eyes melted Jounochi's guise of anger toward her.
"Fine, I believe you, he can stay." He ruffled her hair as Mai showed up, giving Otogi a dirty look. Otogi just sighed and looked another way.
"Hey Jounochi, I ordered what we usually do," Mai stated, then turned toward Otogi, "hey stranger, long time no see."
Tuning toward Mai, Otogi grinned and raised a half-salute. "How're you doing?"
"Number 98, your order is ready," a voice yelled toward the crowd, cutting their conversation short. Glancing at his receipt, Otogi gave a concise, polite apology, and rushed off to grab the food. Letting out an exasperated breath, Jounochi stared at his sister and half-whispered in her ear.
"Tell me again, why did you invite him?"
Shizuka smiled and chirped "Because Otogi's nice and fun." Mai giggled, and Jounochi slumped in defeat. "What's wrong Onii-san?"
"It's nothing, nothing at all."
"Don't worry," Mai told Shizuka, "he's just having a hard time seeing you grow up."
"What did you say?" Jounochi turned from his state of self-pity towards the two girls.
"Nothing at all," Mai said, giving him the most innocent look she could manage.
"Really, I didn't hear it," Jounochi pleaded.
While they teased him the order for their food came up, and Mai left to get it. By then their moods had calmed down, and Jounochi leaned against the wall. Mai began walking back with the food and drinks carefully balanced.
"Hey! I found a table over here!" Otogi popped out from behind them and clapped a hand on Shizuka and Jounochi's shoulders. Jounochi jumped, then Shizuka and Otogi, both of whom were laugh at how easily he was frightened. When he looked to his girlfriend for help, none came, as she was practically ready to drop the tray, having almost doubled over in laughter. Grabbing the tray from Mai, he smiled, laughter being the contagious thing that it is, and led the two girls over to where Otogi was standing.
"Where the heck are they? I've searched almost the entire mall," Honda muttered to himself as he headed through the crowded department store. His better sense of logic told him it was highly improbable that he would find them here, though at the point he had reached, he was desperate enough to try anything. "I just hope Otogi doesn't find them first." He kicked a scrap of paper that lay on the linoleum flooring, hoping it would help vent his frustration. He didn't want to believe he was wrong, though it was becoming a more and more convincing case. Pushing those thoughts and doubts out of mind, Honda left the department store, heading for a nearby games shop, thinking Mai and Jounochi might have gone to upgrade their decks, however ridiculous it seemed as duelists of their caliber.
Sitting down at the table, the foursome passed out chopsticks, napkins, and straws for the drinks. Jounochi counted the dishes, and found there only to be two. There were four people and two plates, given they were large plates, but still only two plates. Mai and he were sharing one, but there was still only one plate on the other side of the table.
"Otogi, where's your food?" Jounochi asked, a half-puzzled look on his face.
"Oh, this is mine." Otogi pointed at the dish on his and Shizuka's side of the table.
"Huh?"
Seeing her brother's confusion, Shizuka cut in, "we're sharing a plate because we're both hungry, but we didn't want to waste, and this order is about right for us two." She explained as though the action were like breaking a very large cookie in half, rather than taking turns biting off of the same area.
"You're sharing a plate?" Jounochi asked, half-disbelieving and blandly monotonously. He looked from one to the other, "You can't be serious." Then giving both, together, a long stare, he asked incredulously, "You're sharing a large plate of something as watery and easy for germs to travel in, as curry and rice?"
"What's wrong with that? You and Mai are sharing noodles." Shizuka pointed out, innocently.
"But that's, it's, you see," Jounochi struggled for words for a while before Mai shoved a chopstick-full of noodles in his mouth.
"Enjoy your meal," Mai smiled at the two, winking at Otogi, whom mouthed 'thank you' to her, before the two others began eating as well. Changing the subject for Otogi's and Shizuka's sake, Mai inquired ho their day had been up until they met, as well as what had passed.
"Yeah, that reminds me, where's Honda?" Jounochi chimed in, leaving the issue of Otogi and his sister sharing a dish of food for later.
"Well, uh, you see..." Shizuka began, and told them of why they were late, taking turns with Otogi to fill in the basic gist of things. Otogi, of course, omitted any information involving him and Shizuka being alone, until it was necessary.
"Well, it looks like my lover-boy here has been a bad influence on a certain friend of his, Mai stated, giving her boyfriend a sidelong glance. Jounochi began to protest but stopped when he saw his sister begin to speak.
"Yeah, at the moment he stormed off, he really did remind me of you." She said, looking seriously at her brother. He managed a smile, though if Honda had been negatively influenced by him, he would not like to think what he might be doing at the moment.
"Well, after everyone is finished eating, I am guessing we should go look for him." Otogi stated plainly. "If his pride is as big as I think it is, he won't be coming back here without you two any time soon."
"Sounds good to me." Mai responded, giving Jounochi a look that said "Say you will help."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Honda is my friend, and if something happens to him it will be my fault, especially if I have been a bad influence on him."
Shizuka smiled. "This'll be great, it's like a big, human treasure hunt." Shizuka bobbed excitedly.
Soon thereafter, shortly after the foursome bought four ice cream cones, they headed off to the nearest clothing store in which Honda might possibly be found.
"Not here either," Honda breathed, as he left the third game shop in the mall. "Maybe I should just go back to the arcade, and hope they are there. So long as it isn't the food court. .Wherever they went, Jounochi and Mai had to be around the mall somewhere, and he knew it. He refused to believe, however, that they were in the food court with Otogi, smugly grinning at his victory. If he wanted to win Shizuka, he would have to do a far better job than he had done thus far, and it had to start soon, before Otogi got too far ahead.
***
"Mokuba." Cerulean eyes scanned the dim foliage for any sign of intruders. The wind blew the man's navy blue trenchcoat in all directions as he stood in front of his mansion. At the same spot where his little brother was taken a few hours ago. A few hours ago, and no sign of anything, not even a struggle, no fingerprints. Only a security tape, and his memory. Seto had been working in his study at that time, mindlessly poring over receipts, and bills while Mokuba played outside.
"SETO! Help!" screamed a dark-haired boy as suited men grabbed a hold of him. Russet eyes flew about wildly attempting to catch a glimpse of his brother.
"Shimatte!" cursed Seto as he swept through the tiled floors of his manor. Cobalt eyes grew wide as he saw his bodyguards in a heap by the front door. "MOKUBA!" he screamed as his the cries started to fade. 'Shit!' he thought. 'Phone or Mokuba? Phone or Mokuba?' Without a second thought he rushed outside, his attire flying behind him as he rushed through the garden toward the retreating cries. Suddenly, the cries disappeared. Seto Kaiba gradually slowed his pace, eyes darting around frantically for any sign of his little brother. He turned his head swiftly as a sharp bladed object whizzed past his head
Seto ran his hands through his hair in frustration. What the fuck did they want? No money was mentioned. Only to start a tournament where each participant loses their most prized material possession when losing a duel, and a list of required participants. He growled low in his throat. This is utter insanity! Why the hell would these people even participate? He bent down and picked up the paper again, scanning over the list of names:
Yugi Motou
Katsuya Jounochi
Kujaku Mai
Insector Haga
Bandit Keith
Maxamilion Pegasus
Ryouta Kajiki
Espa Roba
Dinosaur Ryuzaki
*6 participants specially chosen will be attending this tournament
**failure to follow these directions will result in the death of Mokuba, and a new target.
Specific tournament rules are on the back, make sure that EACH contestant is familiar with the rules.
We will await the announcement of the tournament.
"…" Seto was dumbfounded. "This is insane" he muttered. "Pegasus? Bandit Keith?" Those people…who knows where they are now. He groaned. This is impossible! He reached into his pocket and took out a pack of cigarettes. The sun had set about ten minutes ago and the skies were now filled with orange hues. Seto sighed before muttering, "Yami's gonna be here soon, I should get ready." He put away his pack of cigarettes as he disappeared back into his mansion, locking his worries away, like he did with every other thought.
***
"RINGRINGRING!"
Pegasus blinked sullenly over his plate of macaroni and cheese. With a disgusted sigh, he threw his fork down on the table, blatantly ignoring the ringing phone. "Is there any point to living anymore?" he asked dejectedly, as his answering machine started to run.
"Hello this is Maximilion Pegasus, I am not in at the moment, please leave a message leaving your name and phone number and I will try to respond back to you as soon as possible."
"Maximilion Pegasus." A soft voice crackled through the speakers. "There is a way to revive Cecelia…" Pegasus froze, and turned slowly to the offending tape recorder. The voice continued methodically, "You'll find instructions taped to the front of your door. Follow them directly and exactly, if you wish to see Cecelia again."
Pegasus howled and leapt for the phone. Picking it up he screamed desperately into the receiver. "WHO ARE YOU? HOW? WHY? WHO ARE YOU?" The only reply to his question was the sound of the dial tone.
***
"Mmmmm…Yami…" murmured Yugi as he snuggled up against his pillow. Long lashes furrowed gently as his brows wrinkled as a result from his dream.
Yami glanced at his sleeping aibou before getting out of bed. Shaking his head gently, he moved the blankets to cover Yugi's small form. Sighing, he moved towards the door without looking back. The door shut gently behind him as Yami left the Game Shop.
~End Episode 1~
A/N: NEH NEH NEH! Gomen!!! We could not find Espa's Japanese name…or Keith's…or Pegasuseseses. ^_^ Pegasuseseses that's a cool word. Anyways, hopefully you guys enjoyed it enough to review…? Please?
Ryou: For me? ^_^
YES! REVIEW FOR RYOU! ^^
Stay tuned for the next episode:
Toxin –Release Date: 12/25
Teaser: "No…" he muttered as he fingered the scarlet envelope in one hand, fingers toying with the slight opening. Carelessly, he dropped it, as a small card slid out, with the words "To My Esp" penned deliberately, with the small scrawls stretching across the paper as if the ink of the ball point pen had permanently disfigured it. Magenta eyes stared at the neat handwriting, as millions of thoughts flew through Espa's head, 'Why? Why now? Why show me your Ra be damned face now?"
Eeks! What's going on here?!?!? Will Ryou and Malik ever regain what was somewhat sanity ^_^
Pairings in the next eps: Whoooh. There's definitely gonna be some RyouxMalik action! And then some YugixYami, and whatever else we can toss up for yah ^_^.