Author's Notes: This is my first fic ever in the Yugioh fandom. I have become quite the crazed fan since I saw my first episode about a month ago. Unfortunately, I picked up the series right in the middle of the Duelist Kingdom storyline, and can you believe it I still haven't found out what happened to Pegasus! Either work, school, or a malfunctioning VCR has prevented me from seeing that particular episode. Aarrgghh! Hopefully I will know by soon, but I am going to post my story as is. So consider this AU.
I am using the dubbed names of our heroes (Yugi, Yami (Yugi's yami), Seto, Mokuba, Joey, Tea, Tristan, Ryou, and Bakura (Ryou's yami)) . I am also surmising (mainly from some of the other magnificent fics out there) that Bakura has the Millennium Eye and Pegasus has been banished to the Shadow Realm relatively intact. Bakura has worked through his evil, Ryou-hurting phase, but either ignores or is snotty to Ryou's friends.
I can't write lemon. I have tried and tried, and it (excuse the pun) sucks. Therefore most of the yummy parts will be left to the reader's imagination. Overall this fic is PG-13 (just to be safe). However, future chapters will contain words or descriptions that may warrant an R rating; I will advise at the beginning of those chapters.
Well, that's it for now except to say that I do not own Yugioh and am making zero money on this. As a matter of fact, I am probably losing money by spending so much time on the computer rather than working or studying. Oh well.
Praise and constructive criticism are encouraged, but flames are just plain mean. Don't send them, as they will be cried over and then ignored. Vent those negative waves by clicking the back button and reading something else.
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Virus - Chapter 1
It was deceptively simple, really. With a word or two in the right ears and an envelope of cash later, Wayne Prax's vengeance was taking shape.
The founder and CEO of PraxCo Engineering was a small, mousy fellow with wispy, mud brown hair that was quickly fading to gray. A pair of coke-bottle-thick glasses accentuated his close-set eyes. Although his looks were less than extraordinary, his mind was not. Prax was a recognized genius in micro circuitry and programming. His designs, and his ruthlessness, made PraxCo an industry leader, second only to Kaiba Corp.
Prax had been delighted with the developments over at Kaiba Corp - the board of directors' betrayal of Seto Kaiba, the kidnapping of Kaiba's brother Mokuba, and Kaiba's own somewhat shady involvement in the happenings at Duelist Kingdom. It seemed that PraxCo would easily outshine archrival Kaiba Corp, and a hostile takeover appeared imminent.
But all that went to hell, and Seto Kaiba came out smelling like a rose. Again.
Prax recalled numerous times where Kaiba had beaten him to wealthy contracts, not to mention those other times where Prax's research and development lagged behind that of Kaiba Corp. PraxCo's most recent invention, their own version of the mobile dueling disks, was distinctly inferior to Kaiba's. Sales projections were not good. One more major setback and PraxCo would fold. Wayne Prax was not going to allow that to happen.
The way he saw it, Kaiba Corp's reputation rested squarely on the shoulders of Seto Kaiba and his dueling abilities. Kaiba traded on his standing as Duel Monsters World Champion. Businesses wanted to be affiliated with the champ. And because children wanted to use the same technology as their dueling hero, Kaiba Corp Dueling Disks was going to be the number one seller. There was only one thing to do.
Destroy Kaiba's reputation, destroy Kaiba Corp.
All hail the new champion: PraxCo.
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Yugi and his friends were gathered in the back of the Turtle Game Shop. Yugi's grandfather could hear the excited conversation of the teens as he handed a customer their change. Mr. Muoto smiled graciously after his departing customer, locked the door and flipped the "We're Open" sign to its opposite "Sorry, We're Closed" side. Quietly making his way towards the buzz in the back room, Mr. Muoto observed his grandson interacting with his friends: Joey, Tristan, Tea, and Ryou. The teens were gathered around the kitchen table with the newspaper spread before them.
"What are you children looking at?" asked Grandpa.
Yugi turned his lavender eyes on his grandfather and replied, "The Duel Monsters World Championship Tournament is starting next weekend. We have to win the local championship, then district, and then regionals. The winners will go on to the World Championship game in Tokyo next month. I'm glad we all live far enough apart so that we won't have to duel each other until the regional championships."
"But I thought that you and Joey, as finalists in the Duelists Kingdom, would be granted and automatic berth." Grandpa was sure that at least his grandson, as the DK winner, would receive a special invitation.
Joey answered, "Sorry, Mr. Muoto, but no dice. They changed the rules this year, so now all duelists have to start from scratch. Even that creep Kaiba. Ha! I can't wait to see him being forced to duel a bunch of amateurs just to make it to the finals. I don't know if his ego can take it!"
As the others were making sounds of agreement with Joey's statement, the telephone rang. Yugi went to answer it.
"Hello, Muoto residence."
"Yugi. It's me."
Yugi instantly recognized the low, growling voice of Seto Kaiba. "Hi, Kaiba. We were just talking about you." Yugi made shushing motions to his friends as they gathered around to hear the conversation. "Not that I mind, but why are you calling?"
"As one of the top duelists, I thought you might like to practice with me for the upcoming tournament. None of the local talent should pose a problem for you, but I wouldn't want your skills to become dull from the 'competition'. When I defeat you in front of everyone at the World Championships, I want you at the top of your game. Come over to the mansion in the morning, and we'll use the dueling disks. They are going to be used in the tournaments, so you'll want the practice." Kaiba smirked as he heard Yugi's friends in the background.
"You can even bring the little puppy, Joey. The mutt might enjoy the sunshine, but keep him on his leash."
Kaiba hung up on Joey's usual squawk about being called a dog. He didn't care if Yugi's pals accompanied the small teen or not. They would all believe that he only wanted to beat Yugi in a duel, and while that was true to a certain point, it wasn't the only reason behind the invitation. The chance to see Yugi again, with or without an audience, would be worth it. And the tournament gave him the perfect excuse.
"Robbins! I'm having company tomorrow. Have the dueling disks ready." Saul Robbins, Kaiba's latest in a string of personal assistants, acknowledged the order and retrieved the disks from their storage case.
"All will be ready for you Mr. Kaiba." Yes, all will be ready…for your destruction.
Robbins placed the dueling disks on a table in the rear courtyard of the Kaiba mansion. Under the cover of cleaning and testing the disks, Robbins switched out the card control chip of Kaiba's disk with a chip from his pocket. A chip provided by Wayne Prax.
I don't know exactly what this thing is going to do, but whatever it is, I know the high and mighty Seto Kaiba won't enjoy it. Doesn't matter to me. With the money Prax is paying me, I can quit slaving and crawling for the rich and powerful and get out of this damned town!
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Yugi looked surprised when Kaiba abruptly disconnected the phone. As he replaced the receiver on the hook, he heard Joey telling the others of Kaiba's invitation.
"What are you going to do, Yugi?" asked Tristan. "Are you going to meet with Kaiba tomorrow?"
There was a flash of light and the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle answered Tristan's question. "Of course we'll be there. Right, Aibou?"
Yugi smiled up at Yami, "Right. We've only used those dueling disks once before. I would like to practice with them if we are going to make the finals."
"Yeah," said Joey morosely. "The only time I used them was when Kaiba beat the pants off me at Duelist Kingdom. If I'm going to stand a chance against him in the tournament, I gotta get some winning duels under my belt."
"Don't worry, Joey," encouraged Tea. "You just weren't prepared last time. This time you are facing him as one of the top duelists in the world. He won't shake your confidence again. What about you two?" Tea's question was for Tristan and Ryou. "Will you be entering the tournament as well?"
Ryou replied, "Bakura wants me to at least try. I know I probably won't make it to the finals, but I will do my utmost to make him proud." The spirit of the Millennium Ring remained quiet inside his soul room, observing through Ryou's senses.
Tristan said, "I think I'll sit this one out. I need a lot more practice before I can give Yugi a run for his money. Heck, even Joey could probably beat me!"
Silence reigned for a moment until Tristan's words sank in. "Even JOEY? What do mean 'EVEN JOEY'! Come here, you!" The young people laughed at the sight of Joey chasing Tristan out the door.
"We'll meet everyone at Kaiba's at 9:00, OK?"
Shouts of agreement followed the friends out the door. Yami helped Yugi and Grandpa finish their nightly chores. Afterwards, Yami sat on Yugi's bed and watched as his little hikari bounded about the room, chattering eagerly about tomorrow's activities while preparing for bed.
//By Ra, he is beautiful. The gods have blessed me by allowing me to escape the puzzle, and by granting me the ability to defeat Pegasus. But if I had one wish, oh, it would be for Yugi to love me as I love him.//
"I do, Yami." Yugi's voice intruded on Yami's thoughts.
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Virus - Chapter 2
"You, you do, my hikari?" Yami's voice asked with quiet wonder. //Had he allowed his thoughts to drift across his mind shield?//
"Sure I do! It won't be easy, but I believe he will fight honorably this time. It won't be like when he dueled Grandpa, or when we met at Pegasus' castle." Yugi didn't notice as Yami's face fell. Reviewing what his hikari had been talking about, he realized that Yugi's 'I do' was saying he believed that Kaiba would not resort to cheating in their upcoming duel.
"Yes, of course you are correct. He has learned much since that time. And speaking of time, it is time for all good little aibou's to be in bed." Yami's light tone was for his hikari's benefit.
Yugi gave Yami a beatific smile, hugged his darker half, and tumbled into bed. "Goodnight, Yami."
"Goodnight, Yugi." And with that, Yami retreated to his soul room within the puzzle. It was here that he could allow his emotions free reign. Here, his dreams could be made into reality, if only for a brief time. His lover, his Yugi, would be gone come sunrise. At dawn's light, the dream lover would disappear and Yami would have to face another day of longing and loneliness - another day of watching his aibou, but not touching him the way he wanted to touch.
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The next morning found the friends gathered outside the Kaiba mansion. The last to show up were Ryou and his yami. The two were arguing over whose fault it was that the alarm clock didn't wake them in time for Ryou to have breakfast before meeting his friends.
Yami narrowed his eyes and frowned at Bakura. "Why have you come out, Tomb Robber? Ryou's friends are here to support his dueling efforts. He has no need of your badgering this day."
Bakura returned Yami's glare with one of his own. "You overstep your bounds, Pharaoh. Ryou is mine and I shall deal with him as I please. If I want to watch his pathetic display of dueling prowess, then I shall do so."
"Fool."
"Ass."
"Simpleton."
"Idiot."
As the yami's traded insults, Mokuba Kaiba opened the front door and greeted everyone; his big brother was close behind. Seto watched the embittered spirits then turned his gaze to Yugi. The others faded into the background as Seto looked upon the boy who had been haunting his dreams. Yugi was dressed in his usual leather and buckles. His tri-colored hair that Seto yearned to stroke was shining in the early morning sunlight.
"Moron."
Before Bakura could respond to the latest jibe, he glanced at the open door. Seeing the look of hunger on Kaiba's face, a look directed at the stupid Pharaoh's stupid light, he goaded Yami. "Instead of sticking your nose into MY hikari's business, you should work harder at keeping things from sticking into YOUR hikari's …um… business."
Yami stared open-mouthed at Bakura, wondering what nonsense the other spirit was spouting. He followed Bakura's gaze to Kaiba and immediately understood what the other was talking about. Yugi, bless his pure little heart, was talking with Kaiba, a happy smile on his face that was reflected in his lovely eyes. Kaiba's gaze was anything but pure. It showed want and need. Yami instantly disappeared into his soul room, and then quickly took over Yugi's body. He nearly laughed aloud at the look on Kaiba's face as he realized the ancient spirit now controlled the one he had been drooling over.
"We're here, Kaiba. It's time to duel."
Kaiba grimaced as his greatest rival appeared, replacing the form of his greatest wet dream. Obviously, Yami could read his thoughts concerning Yugi. Stepping back, he waved the group into the mansion and led the way to the rear courtyard. The dueling disks were sitting on a cloth-covered table in the center of the yard.
"All right," said Kaiba. "Who wants to go first?"
"Me and Yugi! Then you guys can challenge the winner." Joey hopped over the railing separating the house from the grounds and jogged over to the table. "Are these the same ones you used in the Duelist Kingdom?"
"The very same. Here, Yami. You and Yugi can use my disk." Kaiba led the other to the table and helped strap on the wrist device. When the strap was in place, Yami relinquished control to Yugi and materialized beside his hikari. Yami gave a smile to Yugi then returned to Tea, Tristan, and Ryou, but not before giving a warning glare to Kaiba. Kaiba was a little put out about not dueling Yugi first, but at least he could stare at the boy for a while without anyone other than Yami thinking anything of it.
Spying from the second story, Robbins got a bad feeling. Kaiba was supposed to use the disk first. Prax was very specific - the virus embedded in the bogus card control chip would only affect the first few cards Kaiba activated. If that Yugi kid used the disk first, then it would be his cards that would become infected. Damn! Whatever Prax had planned depended on Kaiba being the initial user. Double damn!
"I'm not sticking around in case this gets messy. I changed the chips. I've got the money. It's not like Prax can sue me or anything!" Robbins whispered as he sneaked downstairs and out of the house, unseen except for a pair of fierce eyes belonging to a certain tomb robber.
"Hmm. I wonder what that was about. So long as it doesn't involve Ryou, I don't really care." Bakura continued on his mission to steal food from the Kaiba kitchen for his hikari. He had finally relented and admitted to Ryou that it was his fault they woke late. The alarm had gone off, but one Maneater Bug later and the clock was history. Now not only did he have to claim food for Ryou, but also he had to get a new alarm clock. Grinning evilly, Bakura ran up to the elder Kaiba's room. When he came back downstairs, there was a suspicious bulge under his sweater. Come Monday morning, Kaiba would find it a little difficult to get to work on time. Hee-hee-hee.
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Virus - Chapter 3
"You ready, Yug?" asked Joey.
"Ready," replied Yugi. Both duelists drew their first cards; Yugi smiled as he watched Joey furrow his brow in concentration. No one noticed the storm clouds moving in.
Joey looked over his hand, placed his first card, and threw the holo-disk like a Frisbee. "I play Red Eyes Black Dragon in attack mode!" All watched as the elegant dragon appeared in holograph form.
"Wow!" exclaimed Tea. "Joey's not wasting any time. He's going after Yugi right away."
Yugi gazed up at the dragon, which returned his stare with blazing eyes. Yugi then turned his attention to Joey and played two cards of his own. The first was played face down. The second, "Dark Magician, attack the Red Eyes Black Dragon!"
"Oh no! I can't believe you got the Dark Magician in your first draw! Rats, there goes one of my best cards!" Joey shook his head and watched as his dragon was destroyed in a Black Magic Attack. He should have known better than to leave his dragon out there with nothing to protect it. I mean, look at Yugi! He's got a kick-ass monster like Dark Magician, but he placed another card as well, just in case. Guess that's why he's the champ. He doesn't make silly mistakes…Yami's not even helping him. Ah, crap! Look at Kaiba over there, laughing his fool head off and making stupid whimpering puppy sounds at me. Great. I'm never gonna live this down.
As Yugi's monster began its attack, Yami felt something…strange, like a surge of magical energy. In the kitchen, Bakura turned quickly from the open refrigerator, hands full of foodstuffs, and a half-eaten celery stalk was protruding from his mouth. His eyes widened as he too felt the power flow. Dropping the food items he had collected, Bakura rushed to the back of the house with his dueling deck in hand. He hadn't destroyed anyone in weeks; if Ryou were in danger, he would gladly banish the enemy to the Shadow Realm.
Joey was about to draw his next card when a clap of thunder announced a sudden downpour. Yami, Tristan, Tea, and Ryou retreated to the safety of the house where they met Bakura coming the other way. Bakura grabbed Ryou, took him off to a corner, and began checking him for damage.
"Are you injured? What has happened?" The company stared at Bakura, as his words were uttered in a desperate but caring manner, and his hands were gentle with Ryou. /I'm fine, yami. You're starting to frighten me though. What's going on?/
"Pharaoh, you felt the power?"
Yami replied, "Yes, Bakura. A sudden surge of magical energy, but I could not tell from whence it came." Just then, the door to the courtyard burst open; Mokuba ran inside screaming about blood and monsters.
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Virus - Chapter 4
"Duel's over! Get those things off and get them inside before they short circuit!" Kaiba scrambled to retrieve the disks. Finishing with Joey, he stepped up to Yugi to remove the device. A large form blocked his path. The Dark Magician had moved from the holographic emitter and had placed himself in a defensive position in front of his master. Uncertain, Kaiba moved around the duel monster. Taking Kaiba's movements as a threat to Yugi, Dark Magician struck the young man with his staff, rendering Kaiba unconscious.
"Kaiba!" Yugi knelt beside Kaiba's still form and was relieved to find a strong pulse and only a little blood. He looked up at Mokuba and tried to alleviate the boy's fear with a slight smile. Standing to face the Dark Magician, Yugi instructed Mokuba to go inside and fetch Yami. "Dark Magician?" Yugi asked a bit uneasily. "What are you still doing here? The hologram has been shut off! And why did you hurt Kaiba?"
Dark Magician looked down into the face of his master and saw the emotions flitting across the honest visage. Responding to the fear he sensed, Dark Magician reached down and gathered a struggling Yugi into his arms. Yugi saw Yami and his friends erupt from the house and stop in shock at the sight of the Dark Magician. Yami reacted and sprinted towards his light.
Yugi, unable to break free from the Dark Magician's grip, held out his arms. "Help me, Yami!"
"You will be safe with me, Little One. I will allow no one to harm you again." With those words, Dark Magician and Yugi vanished.
"NNnnnooooooo! Yugi! Yugi!" Yami's cries received no response. He dropped to his knees where Dark Magician had stood. His sorrow-filled form quickly became drenched in the sheets of rain. The bright morning had turned as dark as his empty soul. His Yugi was gone.
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Yugi's trip to the Shadow Realm was less jolting than his previous visits. He closed his eyes and tensed in preparation of the expected pain. It did not occur. He felt…fine. Scared and lost and pretty much helpless, but physically he was OK.
Dark Magician looked at Yugi and smiled. "You are safe here. So long as you are under my protection, the dark forces of the Shadow Realm cannot tear at your soul."
"What have you done, Magician? Why have you taken me from Yami?"
"The Pharaoh was granted a noble task when you solved the Millennium Puzzle. It was his duty and honor to protect you from all who would seek to harm you. He has failed again and again in that responsibility." Yugi's head was suddenly filled with images of recent painful events: the destruction of his grandfather's Blue Eyes White Dragon and the subsequent loss of his grandfather's soul to Pegasus; the loss of Exodia; the duel with Kaiba on the battlements of Pegasus' castle; and finally, the danger he had faced while dueling in the Shadow Realm. The Dark Magician ended the visions and said, "When you called upon me to serve in this latest duel, I felt great strength and power flow into me. I realized then that the Pharaoh was not capable of adequately protecting you. I chose to step in."
As the Dark Magician answered Yugi's questions, he carried the boy towards a large stone structure that Yugi could barely discern in the dark mists of the Shadow Realm. The structure soon revealed itself to be a great castle adorned with gold, black, and crimson banners.
"Please, Magician, please take me back. Yami is a wonderful protector." Yugi opened his amethyst eyes as wide as possible. /This usually works with Yami./
Dark Magician felt himself being drawn into Yugi's eyes. His resolve wavered, but he steeled himself and shook his head no. "I am your protector now, Little One. You will stay with us in the castle. You will never be hurt again." With that, Dark Magician carried Yugi over the castle threshold.
I am using the dubbed names of our heroes (Yugi, Yami (Yugi's yami), Seto, Mokuba, Joey, Tea, Tristan, Ryou, and Bakura (Ryou's yami)) . I am also surmising (mainly from some of the other magnificent fics out there) that Bakura has the Millennium Eye and Pegasus has been banished to the Shadow Realm relatively intact. Bakura has worked through his evil, Ryou-hurting phase, but either ignores or is snotty to Ryou's friends.
I can't write lemon. I have tried and tried, and it (excuse the pun) sucks. Therefore most of the yummy parts will be left to the reader's imagination. Overall this fic is PG-13 (just to be safe). However, future chapters will contain words or descriptions that may warrant an R rating; I will advise at the beginning of those chapters.
Well, that's it for now except to say that I do not own Yugioh and am making zero money on this. As a matter of fact, I am probably losing money by spending so much time on the computer rather than working or studying. Oh well.
Praise and constructive criticism are encouraged, but flames are just plain mean. Don't send them, as they will be cried over and then ignored. Vent those negative waves by clicking the back button and reading something else.
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Virus - Chapter 1
It was deceptively simple, really. With a word or two in the right ears and an envelope of cash later, Wayne Prax's vengeance was taking shape.
The founder and CEO of PraxCo Engineering was a small, mousy fellow with wispy, mud brown hair that was quickly fading to gray. A pair of coke-bottle-thick glasses accentuated his close-set eyes. Although his looks were less than extraordinary, his mind was not. Prax was a recognized genius in micro circuitry and programming. His designs, and his ruthlessness, made PraxCo an industry leader, second only to Kaiba Corp.
Prax had been delighted with the developments over at Kaiba Corp - the board of directors' betrayal of Seto Kaiba, the kidnapping of Kaiba's brother Mokuba, and Kaiba's own somewhat shady involvement in the happenings at Duelist Kingdom. It seemed that PraxCo would easily outshine archrival Kaiba Corp, and a hostile takeover appeared imminent.
But all that went to hell, and Seto Kaiba came out smelling like a rose. Again.
Prax recalled numerous times where Kaiba had beaten him to wealthy contracts, not to mention those other times where Prax's research and development lagged behind that of Kaiba Corp. PraxCo's most recent invention, their own version of the mobile dueling disks, was distinctly inferior to Kaiba's. Sales projections were not good. One more major setback and PraxCo would fold. Wayne Prax was not going to allow that to happen.
The way he saw it, Kaiba Corp's reputation rested squarely on the shoulders of Seto Kaiba and his dueling abilities. Kaiba traded on his standing as Duel Monsters World Champion. Businesses wanted to be affiliated with the champ. And because children wanted to use the same technology as their dueling hero, Kaiba Corp Dueling Disks was going to be the number one seller. There was only one thing to do.
Destroy Kaiba's reputation, destroy Kaiba Corp.
All hail the new champion: PraxCo.
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Yugi and his friends were gathered in the back of the Turtle Game Shop. Yugi's grandfather could hear the excited conversation of the teens as he handed a customer their change. Mr. Muoto smiled graciously after his departing customer, locked the door and flipped the "We're Open" sign to its opposite "Sorry, We're Closed" side. Quietly making his way towards the buzz in the back room, Mr. Muoto observed his grandson interacting with his friends: Joey, Tristan, Tea, and Ryou. The teens were gathered around the kitchen table with the newspaper spread before them.
"What are you children looking at?" asked Grandpa.
Yugi turned his lavender eyes on his grandfather and replied, "The Duel Monsters World Championship Tournament is starting next weekend. We have to win the local championship, then district, and then regionals. The winners will go on to the World Championship game in Tokyo next month. I'm glad we all live far enough apart so that we won't have to duel each other until the regional championships."
"But I thought that you and Joey, as finalists in the Duelists Kingdom, would be granted and automatic berth." Grandpa was sure that at least his grandson, as the DK winner, would receive a special invitation.
Joey answered, "Sorry, Mr. Muoto, but no dice. They changed the rules this year, so now all duelists have to start from scratch. Even that creep Kaiba. Ha! I can't wait to see him being forced to duel a bunch of amateurs just to make it to the finals. I don't know if his ego can take it!"
As the others were making sounds of agreement with Joey's statement, the telephone rang. Yugi went to answer it.
"Hello, Muoto residence."
"Yugi. It's me."
Yugi instantly recognized the low, growling voice of Seto Kaiba. "Hi, Kaiba. We were just talking about you." Yugi made shushing motions to his friends as they gathered around to hear the conversation. "Not that I mind, but why are you calling?"
"As one of the top duelists, I thought you might like to practice with me for the upcoming tournament. None of the local talent should pose a problem for you, but I wouldn't want your skills to become dull from the 'competition'. When I defeat you in front of everyone at the World Championships, I want you at the top of your game. Come over to the mansion in the morning, and we'll use the dueling disks. They are going to be used in the tournaments, so you'll want the practice." Kaiba smirked as he heard Yugi's friends in the background.
"You can even bring the little puppy, Joey. The mutt might enjoy the sunshine, but keep him on his leash."
Kaiba hung up on Joey's usual squawk about being called a dog. He didn't care if Yugi's pals accompanied the small teen or not. They would all believe that he only wanted to beat Yugi in a duel, and while that was true to a certain point, it wasn't the only reason behind the invitation. The chance to see Yugi again, with or without an audience, would be worth it. And the tournament gave him the perfect excuse.
"Robbins! I'm having company tomorrow. Have the dueling disks ready." Saul Robbins, Kaiba's latest in a string of personal assistants, acknowledged the order and retrieved the disks from their storage case.
"All will be ready for you Mr. Kaiba." Yes, all will be ready…for your destruction.
Robbins placed the dueling disks on a table in the rear courtyard of the Kaiba mansion. Under the cover of cleaning and testing the disks, Robbins switched out the card control chip of Kaiba's disk with a chip from his pocket. A chip provided by Wayne Prax.
I don't know exactly what this thing is going to do, but whatever it is, I know the high and mighty Seto Kaiba won't enjoy it. Doesn't matter to me. With the money Prax is paying me, I can quit slaving and crawling for the rich and powerful and get out of this damned town!
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Yugi looked surprised when Kaiba abruptly disconnected the phone. As he replaced the receiver on the hook, he heard Joey telling the others of Kaiba's invitation.
"What are you going to do, Yugi?" asked Tristan. "Are you going to meet with Kaiba tomorrow?"
There was a flash of light and the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle answered Tristan's question. "Of course we'll be there. Right, Aibou?"
Yugi smiled up at Yami, "Right. We've only used those dueling disks once before. I would like to practice with them if we are going to make the finals."
"Yeah," said Joey morosely. "The only time I used them was when Kaiba beat the pants off me at Duelist Kingdom. If I'm going to stand a chance against him in the tournament, I gotta get some winning duels under my belt."
"Don't worry, Joey," encouraged Tea. "You just weren't prepared last time. This time you are facing him as one of the top duelists in the world. He won't shake your confidence again. What about you two?" Tea's question was for Tristan and Ryou. "Will you be entering the tournament as well?"
Ryou replied, "Bakura wants me to at least try. I know I probably won't make it to the finals, but I will do my utmost to make him proud." The spirit of the Millennium Ring remained quiet inside his soul room, observing through Ryou's senses.
Tristan said, "I think I'll sit this one out. I need a lot more practice before I can give Yugi a run for his money. Heck, even Joey could probably beat me!"
Silence reigned for a moment until Tristan's words sank in. "Even JOEY? What do mean 'EVEN JOEY'! Come here, you!" The young people laughed at the sight of Joey chasing Tristan out the door.
"We'll meet everyone at Kaiba's at 9:00, OK?"
Shouts of agreement followed the friends out the door. Yami helped Yugi and Grandpa finish their nightly chores. Afterwards, Yami sat on Yugi's bed and watched as his little hikari bounded about the room, chattering eagerly about tomorrow's activities while preparing for bed.
//By Ra, he is beautiful. The gods have blessed me by allowing me to escape the puzzle, and by granting me the ability to defeat Pegasus. But if I had one wish, oh, it would be for Yugi to love me as I love him.//
"I do, Yami." Yugi's voice intruded on Yami's thoughts.
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Virus - Chapter 2
"You, you do, my hikari?" Yami's voice asked with quiet wonder. //Had he allowed his thoughts to drift across his mind shield?//
"Sure I do! It won't be easy, but I believe he will fight honorably this time. It won't be like when he dueled Grandpa, or when we met at Pegasus' castle." Yugi didn't notice as Yami's face fell. Reviewing what his hikari had been talking about, he realized that Yugi's 'I do' was saying he believed that Kaiba would not resort to cheating in their upcoming duel.
"Yes, of course you are correct. He has learned much since that time. And speaking of time, it is time for all good little aibou's to be in bed." Yami's light tone was for his hikari's benefit.
Yugi gave Yami a beatific smile, hugged his darker half, and tumbled into bed. "Goodnight, Yami."
"Goodnight, Yugi." And with that, Yami retreated to his soul room within the puzzle. It was here that he could allow his emotions free reign. Here, his dreams could be made into reality, if only for a brief time. His lover, his Yugi, would be gone come sunrise. At dawn's light, the dream lover would disappear and Yami would have to face another day of longing and loneliness - another day of watching his aibou, but not touching him the way he wanted to touch.
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The next morning found the friends gathered outside the Kaiba mansion. The last to show up were Ryou and his yami. The two were arguing over whose fault it was that the alarm clock didn't wake them in time for Ryou to have breakfast before meeting his friends.
Yami narrowed his eyes and frowned at Bakura. "Why have you come out, Tomb Robber? Ryou's friends are here to support his dueling efforts. He has no need of your badgering this day."
Bakura returned Yami's glare with one of his own. "You overstep your bounds, Pharaoh. Ryou is mine and I shall deal with him as I please. If I want to watch his pathetic display of dueling prowess, then I shall do so."
"Fool."
"Ass."
"Simpleton."
"Idiot."
As the yami's traded insults, Mokuba Kaiba opened the front door and greeted everyone; his big brother was close behind. Seto watched the embittered spirits then turned his gaze to Yugi. The others faded into the background as Seto looked upon the boy who had been haunting his dreams. Yugi was dressed in his usual leather and buckles. His tri-colored hair that Seto yearned to stroke was shining in the early morning sunlight.
"Moron."
Before Bakura could respond to the latest jibe, he glanced at the open door. Seeing the look of hunger on Kaiba's face, a look directed at the stupid Pharaoh's stupid light, he goaded Yami. "Instead of sticking your nose into MY hikari's business, you should work harder at keeping things from sticking into YOUR hikari's …um… business."
Yami stared open-mouthed at Bakura, wondering what nonsense the other spirit was spouting. He followed Bakura's gaze to Kaiba and immediately understood what the other was talking about. Yugi, bless his pure little heart, was talking with Kaiba, a happy smile on his face that was reflected in his lovely eyes. Kaiba's gaze was anything but pure. It showed want and need. Yami instantly disappeared into his soul room, and then quickly took over Yugi's body. He nearly laughed aloud at the look on Kaiba's face as he realized the ancient spirit now controlled the one he had been drooling over.
"We're here, Kaiba. It's time to duel."
Kaiba grimaced as his greatest rival appeared, replacing the form of his greatest wet dream. Obviously, Yami could read his thoughts concerning Yugi. Stepping back, he waved the group into the mansion and led the way to the rear courtyard. The dueling disks were sitting on a cloth-covered table in the center of the yard.
"All right," said Kaiba. "Who wants to go first?"
"Me and Yugi! Then you guys can challenge the winner." Joey hopped over the railing separating the house from the grounds and jogged over to the table. "Are these the same ones you used in the Duelist Kingdom?"
"The very same. Here, Yami. You and Yugi can use my disk." Kaiba led the other to the table and helped strap on the wrist device. When the strap was in place, Yami relinquished control to Yugi and materialized beside his hikari. Yami gave a smile to Yugi then returned to Tea, Tristan, and Ryou, but not before giving a warning glare to Kaiba. Kaiba was a little put out about not dueling Yugi first, but at least he could stare at the boy for a while without anyone other than Yami thinking anything of it.
Spying from the second story, Robbins got a bad feeling. Kaiba was supposed to use the disk first. Prax was very specific - the virus embedded in the bogus card control chip would only affect the first few cards Kaiba activated. If that Yugi kid used the disk first, then it would be his cards that would become infected. Damn! Whatever Prax had planned depended on Kaiba being the initial user. Double damn!
"I'm not sticking around in case this gets messy. I changed the chips. I've got the money. It's not like Prax can sue me or anything!" Robbins whispered as he sneaked downstairs and out of the house, unseen except for a pair of fierce eyes belonging to a certain tomb robber.
"Hmm. I wonder what that was about. So long as it doesn't involve Ryou, I don't really care." Bakura continued on his mission to steal food from the Kaiba kitchen for his hikari. He had finally relented and admitted to Ryou that it was his fault they woke late. The alarm had gone off, but one Maneater Bug later and the clock was history. Now not only did he have to claim food for Ryou, but also he had to get a new alarm clock. Grinning evilly, Bakura ran up to the elder Kaiba's room. When he came back downstairs, there was a suspicious bulge under his sweater. Come Monday morning, Kaiba would find it a little difficult to get to work on time. Hee-hee-hee.
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Virus - Chapter 3
"You ready, Yug?" asked Joey.
"Ready," replied Yugi. Both duelists drew their first cards; Yugi smiled as he watched Joey furrow his brow in concentration. No one noticed the storm clouds moving in.
Joey looked over his hand, placed his first card, and threw the holo-disk like a Frisbee. "I play Red Eyes Black Dragon in attack mode!" All watched as the elegant dragon appeared in holograph form.
"Wow!" exclaimed Tea. "Joey's not wasting any time. He's going after Yugi right away."
Yugi gazed up at the dragon, which returned his stare with blazing eyes. Yugi then turned his attention to Joey and played two cards of his own. The first was played face down. The second, "Dark Magician, attack the Red Eyes Black Dragon!"
"Oh no! I can't believe you got the Dark Magician in your first draw! Rats, there goes one of my best cards!" Joey shook his head and watched as his dragon was destroyed in a Black Magic Attack. He should have known better than to leave his dragon out there with nothing to protect it. I mean, look at Yugi! He's got a kick-ass monster like Dark Magician, but he placed another card as well, just in case. Guess that's why he's the champ. He doesn't make silly mistakes…Yami's not even helping him. Ah, crap! Look at Kaiba over there, laughing his fool head off and making stupid whimpering puppy sounds at me. Great. I'm never gonna live this down.
As Yugi's monster began its attack, Yami felt something…strange, like a surge of magical energy. In the kitchen, Bakura turned quickly from the open refrigerator, hands full of foodstuffs, and a half-eaten celery stalk was protruding from his mouth. His eyes widened as he too felt the power flow. Dropping the food items he had collected, Bakura rushed to the back of the house with his dueling deck in hand. He hadn't destroyed anyone in weeks; if Ryou were in danger, he would gladly banish the enemy to the Shadow Realm.
Joey was about to draw his next card when a clap of thunder announced a sudden downpour. Yami, Tristan, Tea, and Ryou retreated to the safety of the house where they met Bakura coming the other way. Bakura grabbed Ryou, took him off to a corner, and began checking him for damage.
"Are you injured? What has happened?" The company stared at Bakura, as his words were uttered in a desperate but caring manner, and his hands were gentle with Ryou. /I'm fine, yami. You're starting to frighten me though. What's going on?/
"Pharaoh, you felt the power?"
Yami replied, "Yes, Bakura. A sudden surge of magical energy, but I could not tell from whence it came." Just then, the door to the courtyard burst open; Mokuba ran inside screaming about blood and monsters.
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Virus - Chapter 4
"Duel's over! Get those things off and get them inside before they short circuit!" Kaiba scrambled to retrieve the disks. Finishing with Joey, he stepped up to Yugi to remove the device. A large form blocked his path. The Dark Magician had moved from the holographic emitter and had placed himself in a defensive position in front of his master. Uncertain, Kaiba moved around the duel monster. Taking Kaiba's movements as a threat to Yugi, Dark Magician struck the young man with his staff, rendering Kaiba unconscious.
"Kaiba!" Yugi knelt beside Kaiba's still form and was relieved to find a strong pulse and only a little blood. He looked up at Mokuba and tried to alleviate the boy's fear with a slight smile. Standing to face the Dark Magician, Yugi instructed Mokuba to go inside and fetch Yami. "Dark Magician?" Yugi asked a bit uneasily. "What are you still doing here? The hologram has been shut off! And why did you hurt Kaiba?"
Dark Magician looked down into the face of his master and saw the emotions flitting across the honest visage. Responding to the fear he sensed, Dark Magician reached down and gathered a struggling Yugi into his arms. Yugi saw Yami and his friends erupt from the house and stop in shock at the sight of the Dark Magician. Yami reacted and sprinted towards his light.
Yugi, unable to break free from the Dark Magician's grip, held out his arms. "Help me, Yami!"
"You will be safe with me, Little One. I will allow no one to harm you again." With those words, Dark Magician and Yugi vanished.
"NNnnnooooooo! Yugi! Yugi!" Yami's cries received no response. He dropped to his knees where Dark Magician had stood. His sorrow-filled form quickly became drenched in the sheets of rain. The bright morning had turned as dark as his empty soul. His Yugi was gone.
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Yugi's trip to the Shadow Realm was less jolting than his previous visits. He closed his eyes and tensed in preparation of the expected pain. It did not occur. He felt…fine. Scared and lost and pretty much helpless, but physically he was OK.
Dark Magician looked at Yugi and smiled. "You are safe here. So long as you are under my protection, the dark forces of the Shadow Realm cannot tear at your soul."
"What have you done, Magician? Why have you taken me from Yami?"
"The Pharaoh was granted a noble task when you solved the Millennium Puzzle. It was his duty and honor to protect you from all who would seek to harm you. He has failed again and again in that responsibility." Yugi's head was suddenly filled with images of recent painful events: the destruction of his grandfather's Blue Eyes White Dragon and the subsequent loss of his grandfather's soul to Pegasus; the loss of Exodia; the duel with Kaiba on the battlements of Pegasus' castle; and finally, the danger he had faced while dueling in the Shadow Realm. The Dark Magician ended the visions and said, "When you called upon me to serve in this latest duel, I felt great strength and power flow into me. I realized then that the Pharaoh was not capable of adequately protecting you. I chose to step in."
As the Dark Magician answered Yugi's questions, he carried the boy towards a large stone structure that Yugi could barely discern in the dark mists of the Shadow Realm. The structure soon revealed itself to be a great castle adorned with gold, black, and crimson banners.
"Please, Magician, please take me back. Yami is a wonderful protector." Yugi opened his amethyst eyes as wide as possible. /This usually works with Yami./
Dark Magician felt himself being drawn into Yugi's eyes. His resolve wavered, but he steeled himself and shook his head no. "I am your protector now, Little One. You will stay with us in the castle. You will never be hurt again." With that, Dark Magician carried Yugi over the castle threshold.