Summary: Post-series. As graduation arrives some are trying to move forward while others hold onto the past. People collide as a new danger threatens the one thing linking them all – memory. S/J, Y/YY, Y/B, D/S, T/S
Warnings: Language, smut, violence. Oh, and children's card games.
Disclaimer: I don't own YGO or any of its characters, and I am not profiting from this fan work.
Forward momentum
Prologue
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"One last tournament."
There was silence on the other end of the line before a voice scratched out tinnily, interrupted by static. Bad service on a bad night.
"But Mr. Kaiba, surely this isn't the most opportune time… if we could just wait long enough to coordinate with the release of the new expansion…"
"It's non-negotiable."
Kaiba's voice was harsh and inflexible in the silence of the limousine. The dim overhead lights threw shadows across the private compartment as the rain drummed steadily against the darkened windows.
"…I understand, sir, but if we could just…"
"Don't bother. I own Kaiba Corporation and it will be hosting this tournament. Schedule a meeting of the Board so the project can move forward as soon as possible. I expect approval by Friday and a target start date of July 1st."
Domino street lights flashed by in the darkness, illuminating Kaiba's face in a stark contrast of light and shadow. All the unasked questions echoed down the empty, rain-swept streets as his car rolled through the darkness, headlights one of the only beacons in the gloom.
Why does it have to be now? There will be other tournaments. He'll play in other tournaments. He'll win other tournaments. Why is it different? Why now?
There would be no more tournaments like this one. The cell phone in Seto Kaiba's hand crackled to life again.
"…yes, sir."
"Good. I'll see you tomorrow morning at eight."
With a brush of his thumb the phone went dark, leaving him in silence again with only the lights of street signs and billboards pressing against the downpour for company. Turning to the window, Kaiba watched a dark and luminescent Domino go by through glass with unreadable eyes.
There would be no more tournaments like this one.
One last time.
A/N: I know, I'm crazy. Starting two big multi-chapters at once before making much progress on either? Probably a terrible idea! But I'm hoping that this way, when I'm tired of one I can work on the other and I'll always have something I'm excited to write.
Although both fics are primarily S/J, they are going to be extremely different, even aside from the universe in which they take place. This one's going to be rougher, maybe darker, and definitely more plot-driven. It'll also hopefully be more of an ensemble fic than Break, which is going to principally revolve around Joey and Kaiba. So let's see what happens, shall we? Even I'm not sure on this one. :D