Disclaimer: I didn't own it last chapter what makes you think I own it now? Just to clarify, I don't own Yu-gi-oh. However, I now present you with chapter 2.
Warnings: AU, some OOC, eventual yaoi and het, maybe even some yuri, crude language
Again it should be noted I wrote this part months ago and it doesn't really reflect my current writing abilities (in my opinion). I still haven't decided if I'm going to make this story a priority or not, but I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed. Without you I probably wouldn't have even bothered to post this next part.
Chapter 2: Seminar
Spending more than an hour in a car was never a good idea. Spending three hours stuck in traffic was even less of one, and spending three hours in a car stuck in traffic when you really had to pee was just torture. At least that was the conclusion Jounouchi had come to ten minutes ago when, losing all hope that the Mutou car would ever move again, he had hopped out and taken a piss in the woods along the side of the road. Now that the slightly embarrassing ordeal was over (he had gotten lots of honks and yells/cheers as he ran off and then returned from the woods), he just wanted to get moving.
Yugi and his grandfather had arrived at his apartment promptly at eleven this morning, and by the time Jounouchi had finished his hasty packing they were right on time for a two-thirty arrival at Counting Blossoms. Of course, two-thirty had come and gone over an hour ago and they still had at least an hours worth of driving to go, but there was nothing to be done until traffic started moving again.
It was Sunday April 3rd and Counting Blossoms' arrival ceremony was due to start in two hours, a fact the always punctual Yugi was obsessing over in the front seat. Jounouchi, who's week had failed to improve after his fight with his father, was about to get out of the car and use his powers to move things along. Of course he knew such an action was reckless, but he was less than patient and just sitting in the backseat was driving him insane.
Perhaps if I just get out and walk ahead until I find the cause of this backup, beat up whoever caused it and return, we can finally get moving again. Letting his thoughts sink in he slapped a hand to his forehead. Great, now I've lost the ability to think rationally.
Noticing his best friend's distress, Yugi turned around and held out his hand to Jounouchi."Give me your hand."
"You don't need to use your power Yugi, I'll be fine."
"I know, but I want to. At least one of us can relax this way. Besides, I'm worrying enough for both of us." When Jounouchi still hesitated Yugi gave him a 'don't question me' look. In case that didn't work, Yugi also prepared himself to make his guilt inducing 'you hurt my feelings look' which always got Jounouchi, and practically everyone else, to give in.
Luckily, such tactics wouldn't be necessary since Jounouchi reluctantly placed his hand in Yugi's. Once again, a familiar feeling of warmth spread through his body and he suddenly found his annoyance was gone. As Yugi released his hand, Jounouchi suddenly found a renewed interest in singing along with the radio. And that was exactly how he passed the rest of the car ride.
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It was four-thirty by the time Jounouchi and Yugi stepped into the main office. Noting they were the only students in there (Jounouchi hadn't thought they arrived that late), the two walked right up to the front desk.
Jounouchi cleared his throat to get the attention of the middle aged secretary seated behind the suspiciously uncluttered desk. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a bun and her green eyes were overpowered by an unhealthy amount of blue eyeshadow. Jounouchi almost laughed as a thought of Mai's reaction to this poor lady's makeup job passed through his mind. She probably had a heart attack poor thing. Mai never was very tolerant of people who couldn't understand the simple art of applying makeup properly.
"Can I help you boys?" The secretary's tone was harsh and she made no effort to hide her annoyance. She had been dealing with what she felt were delinquent and condescending teens all day, and she'd had about enough.
Yugi, who's face barely showed above the tall desk, shot her a cheerful smile. "Yes Miss, we're here to check in and get our room assignments."
The women instantly took a liking to the shorter teen; no one had mistook her for a 'Miss' in over fifteen years at least. Perhaps she didn't look as old as she thought. Maybe that expensive makeup she had splurged on was truly worth it. The dirty blond next to him looked like a trouble maker though, and she was quite certain she had let him in to see the headmaster quite a few times last year.
"Just give me your names and I'll get that info for you sweetie."
"I'm Mutou Yugi and this is Jounouchi Katsuya."
Handing them a sign in sheet, she began searching through a small stack of manilla folders until she came across the ones with the boys' names on them. Taking back the sheet once they had both signed it, she handed them their folders.
"Your dormitory and room number are listed in there along with a handbook, schedule, campus map, electives list, and a couple of forms that you will need to read through and sign before attending class tomorrow. If you need anything else please feel free to ask any member of the staff and don't forget the entrance seminar begins at 5:30 today." She had memorized this speech after about the forth time she had to say it. Over the last two days she must have said it over 1500 times and even she would admit that it now sounded robotic.
As Yugi thanked her for all her help Jounouchi headed for the door while scanning over the info in the folder. By the time he made it outside Yugi had caught up with him.
"What dorm did they put you in this year?"
"Takagi, room 422. What about you Yugi?"
Yugi opened his folder. "Um let's see...oh here it is. Crawford, room 208."
"Guess this is where we go our separate ways then huh?"
Yugi looked up to see his grandfather approaching them from the direction of the parking lot, pulling a large wagon with the boys luggage piled into it. "I guess so, I'll see you in forty-five minutes at the seminar though."
Jounouchi grabbed his luggage and flashed the two Mutous a smile. "Yep. Thanks again for the ride, I really appreciate it."
Yugi's grandpa waved goodbye. "It wasn't a problem at all. Just make sure you at least try to stay out of trouble this year Jounouchi ok?"
Jounouchi's face fell for a moment and he almost blushed in embarrassment. Recovering quickly, he laughed it off. "Sorry gramps but I can't make any promises. My temper has a mind of it's own."
As Jounouchi walked away towards Takagi Hall he could hear Yugi getting a lecture from his grandpa on studying hard and the hazzards of teenage dating. Right before he was out of hearing range he swore he heard the old man give Yugi a pickup line to use. Somehow the thought of Yugi walking up to a stranger and using a pickup line seemed like a sign that the world was coming to an end. Then again, they would be in the eleventh grade this year so who knows what might change.
Counting Blossoms' campus was rather spread out. There were woods in the surrounding area as well as several ponds. The nearest town, Bonham, was five miles away. The campus was mostly circular in design, with the twelve dormitories (two for each grade level) forming the outer ring and then the numerous academic building of the Junior and Senior High Schools scattered within. Everything was connected by a series of pathways and sidewalks, so that from above the campus looked like an intricate spider's web. Takagi happened to be on the opposite side of the campus from the main office, so Jounouchi was stuck with the arduous task of dragging his suitcases along as he made the long walk to his assigned dorm.
By the time he reached room 422 he was about ready to collapse. He knew he had packed in a hurry, but he was starting to suspect that in his hurry he had accidentally packed bricks instead of clothes. Good thing he was strong and in shape, as anyone who had ever seen him with his shirt off could attest to.
Unlocking the door, the blond teen stepped inside to come face to face with a very standard looking dorm room. Jounouchi sighed. He had half been hoping one of the changes they had been talking about would involve the dorms but his hopes, as usual, had been in vain. Just like every other year the single room provided him with only the basics. A closet, a twin bed, a dresser, a night stand(alarmclock included), and a desk with a chair. The dorms were organized so that the bottom floor was a living space, including washers and dryers, couches, several strategically placed televisions, and gaming areas. The next four floors each contained 25 single rooms and one community bathroom. Very standard and very plain.
Opening the closet, Jounouchi found it filled with five new uniforms for him in the school's standard deep blue. Jounouchi picked one up and examined it to make sure it was the correct size, sometimes they misread the request forms and sent you the wrong size after all(Some of the more well endowed girls would swear it was a male working on this job and that they were sent tops that were too tight and skirts that were too short on purpose.). Seeing that the uniforms would fit, he placed the one he held back in the closet and quickly went about unpacking his 'normal' clothes.
As he passed by the window while putting his boxers in the dresser, the blond happened to glance out and what he saw immediately caught his interest. Down below him was the headmaster leading what appeared to be a very diverse group of six students around on what he could only guess was a tour of the campus. Professor Bradshaw was currently pointing out a series of memorial benches in front of Takagi. Some of students seemed to be listening, but others looked about ready to shoot themselves just to end the misery of this 'informative tour'.
What had caught Jounouchi's attention though, was the fact that one of the students could pass for Yugi. At first glance the blond had in fact thought it was his best friend down there. I mean how many people had that hairstyle? On second glance though, Jounouchi noticed the subtle differences between Yugi and this stranger. The stranger had several additional blond streaks in his hair, he seemed taller, and he carried himself with a confidence that Jounouchi had never seen on Yugi. Had Jounouchi had a better view he also would have noted that the stranger's eyes were a fierce crimson compared to Yugi's welcoming amethyst.
The rest of the group consisted of two blonds; one with straight platinum locks, the other with slightly darker locks that seemed to defy gravity as it was styled in numerous spikes pointing in all different directions. The only female in the group was dressed in a white linen dress and had gorgeous black hair that was shining brilliantly in the late afternoon sun. She was also the only one who seemed to actually be interested in the tour. Yugi's look alike was listening respectfully, but even from the fourth floor Jounouchi could tell he didn't really care, and the two blonds seemed to be staring off into space in the headmasters general direction.
Now seated on one of the benches that they were supposed to be learning the history of, was a boy with raven black hair that was pulled into a high ponytail and kept out of his eyes by a headband tied around his head. Jounouchi could only see the teen's back, but he appeared to be toying around with several sets of dice. Jounouchi found this to be a bit of an odd habit, but who was he to judge this kid he didn't even know? After all, if he was getting a private tour from the headmaster he must be someone important.
Noticing the raven haired boy seemed to be staring at something, Jounouchi followed his gaze and found that the teen had in fact been staring at someone. Off to the side of the group, and looking quite hostile with his arms crossed and gaze fixed on something in the groups general direction, was a brunet. Dressed in navy dress pants and a rather tight green shirt, he completed the look with a long navy duster that seemed to flap perfectly in the slight spring breeze. Jounouchi noticed that the boy's chestnut hair also seemed to shine in the sun, and with the contrast of the soft sunlight and the harshness of his stance he appeared caught between the shadows and the light. Like a demon basking in the light of the heavens he has been banished from. Jounouchi immediately scolded himself for such thoughts, all the while unable to tear his gaze away from the brunet.
As if he could feel the blond's heated stare, the brunet's gaze suddenly shifted up until he seemed to be staring directly at Jounouchi. As the wind blew his bangs out of his face, two startlingly blue eyes locked with Jounouchi's warm honey brown ones.
Jounouchi's breath caught in his throat. It was impossible. There was no way he could see him from down there, not with the sunlight reflecting off the windows and the four stories between them. Still, the brunet seemed to be looking directly at his window and Jounouchi's heart raced as a rush of thoughts, feelings, and emotions rushed through his body. His mind was screaming at him to get out of the way of that gaze but his feet seemed to be rooted to the spot. Those rich blue eyes seemed to resonate with all sorts of emotions and Jounouchi was completely captivated. Suddenly, a thought popped into his mind that seemed to contradict all the heat his body was feeling at the moment, for his blood seemed to be on fire and his skin burned. But as he stared into those blue depths, only one word came to mind.
"Ice.."
"What was that?"
Jounouchi must have jumped about two feet in the air as he finally regained the ability to move with the shock of hearing another voice. Whirling around, he found Honda standing in his doorway with a somewhat puzzled expression on his face.
"When did you get so jumpy?" He asked.
"Shut up, you just startled me is all."
"Let me guess, you were deep in thought?"Honda laughed. "The mere idea of you being 'deep in thought' over anything more complex than what you want for dinner or who you would rather sleep with seems highly unlikely."
Jounouchi rolled his eyes before shooting the teasing brunet a glare.
Honda held up his hands in mock surrender. "So what were you doing?"
"Nothing..."Casting a sidelong glance out the window, Jounouchi noticed the mysteriously intoxicating brunet and the rest of the group had moved on. "...nothing at all."
"Well, I would have knocked but you left your door partially open."
Jounouchi eyed him suspiciously. "How did you even know this was my room?"
"List down at the front desk. The dorms are coed by alternating floors this year and I wanted to see what lovely ladies were staying here. I just happened to spot your name on the list as I was flipping through it. I figured you'd forget and be late to the seminar if I didn't stop by and remind you."
Jounouchi smirked. "Coed huh? That's certainly an interesting improvement. Anyway you ass, I am perfectly capable of being on time without your help." When Honda merely raised an eyebrow at his friend's claim, Jounouchi glanced down at his watch only to realize the seminar was due to start in five minutes.
Damn!
Honda gave him a pompous grin. "Exactly."
Making sure he locked the door on his way out, the two boys took off sprinting for the auditorium.
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At exactly five thirty, the auditorium lights dimmed slightly and the curtain was pulled back to reveal the headmaster, several teachers, and about a dozen students seated on the stage. Among those on stage were the six students Jounouchi had seen earlier, one of whom was Kaiba Seto.
As the brunet sat through the opening announcements from the headmaster, Seto could only think one thing: what a waste of my time. At least at Fold's View he had been amongst an elite group of Elementals, students who at least stood a chance of presenting him with a decent challenge. Sure he had proven himself superior to all but one of them in the end, but at least the outcome had been uncertain for a time. Now he was being forced to attend a lower level school which meant lower level students. He highly doubted he would be learning anything new; it would be years until these mediocrities' powers reached a level to even pose a threat to him and the other five Level 5 Elementals who had been transferred here. He needed to master his powers and he didn't see that happening here, and this thought angered him like nothing else. He features reflected his annoyance and anger, and his hand were clenched so tightly in his lap that if he pressed any harder he was going to draw blood.
Sensing the anger radiating off the teen next to him, Yami reached over and took one of Seto's hands in his. Risking a quick glance at the taller boy, he realized Seto didn't even seem to notice his actions yet. He must really be upset if he's not objecting to physical contact. He slowly pried the brunet's fingers out of their tense position and began to softly trace patterns in Seto's palm with his index finger.
Entwining his fingers with the long pale fingers of the brunet, Yami leaned in closer to him."Relax."
His whispered word seemed to reach the brunet, as his blue eyes turned to take in the sight ofYami holding his hand. Allowing himself to enjoy the feel of the others teen's hands on his for just a moment longer, he suddenly snapped his hand away.
"Don't tell me what to do, and don't touch me." Even his whisper was harsh.
Yami however ,didn't even flinch. "I was just worried, you seemed upset about something."
Seto shot him one of his iciest glares. "Even if I was, I thought we established that you no longer cared."
"We didn't decide anything, you did. Now stop being childish and either tell me what's wrong or get over it."
Seto was slightly tempted to punch the crimson eyed teen for his words, but remembering that they were on stage before an entire auditorium full of people, he settled for shifting his chair a little farther away from the spiky haired teen. He stared out into the faces of the teens in the crowd and noticed with displeasure that none of them seemed to be anything special. To top off his already bad mood, he once again had the feeling he was being observed. The idea of being watched by someone he couldn't see was really starting to annoy him (had the auditorium lights not been slightly dimmed he might have noticed the pair of honey brown eyes that had been locked on his form ever since the curtain opened and revealed him). With nothing better to do as the class president's for each grade addressed the audience, he decided to eavesdrop on Malik and Marik's whispered conversation, hoping it wasn't going to be about anything too disturbing.
Malik seemed to be watching Marik as the other teen scanned the audience, apparently searching for something. "Do you see him yet?" Or someone.
Marik hesitated, but then suddenly his face lit up as his deep purple eyes locked onto their target. "Ah yes, the beautiful white-haired boy. I suppose since you spotted him first you think you get to try your luck with him first?"
Malik donned a predatory grin. "How could I not, he's hot and I want him. I gotta try."
"I hardly think I should be punished because my eyesight isn't as good as yours."
"You're just mad that you didn't think to scan the audience for potential dates first. By the way, there is a delectable looking blonde in the third row of the center section. She seems to have the right proportions to gain your approval."
Both Marik and Seto's eyes drifted to the blonde Malik had mentioned. From what Seto could make out, she was indeed gorgeous. Long golden blonde hair, amethyst eyes, and an ample chest that the corset she was wearing only helped to display.
"Yes, she certainly is my type," Marik agreed. "But I am much more intrigued by the white-haired angel."
"Angel? That's hardly the word I would use to describe him. Devilish is a much more accurate description."
Marik gave Malik a puzzled look. "But he looks so innocent."
"Don't you mean dangerous?"
Marik shook his head. "No. He's definitely naive."
"I don't think so," Malik disagreed, he found the mere thought of the white-haired boy being naive or innocent offensive. "He's obviously aggressive."
"Submissive!"
"Dominant!"
"Virginal!"
"Horney!"
"Sweet!"
"Rebellious!"
"What the hell Malik, are you delusional or something? Your description is completely off!" The two boys were now practically hissing at each other in whispers, and Seto was a little worried they might start throwing punches in a minute. Of course, he wasn't worried enough to say anything, but still...
"I'm delusional?" Malik shot back. "You're the one who is completely off. There is no way that boy is sweet or submissive. It's like we aren't even describing the same person."
Both boys paused as they caught each other's gaze.
It was Isis who spoke next. "Who are you two even arguing about?"
"Him." Both blonds spoke at once and pointed at the white haired boy.
Following their fingers Seto couldn't help but smirk and, had it not been completely uncharacteristic, he might even have burst out laughing. Isis was quick to suppress the giggles that threatened to erupt from her, however she was unable to stop her shoulders from shaking with silent laughter.
The blonds hated being laughed at and turning back towards each other, ready to start an all out yelling match, realized exactly what their sister found so hilarious. While they were both pointing at their white-haired boy, they were pointing to opposite ends of the auditorium.
Never ones to be concerned with proper behavior or what others thought, the two teens went into fits of laughter. All eyes in the auditorium turned to them and the poor girl who was currently speaking at the podium froze, not really sure what to do. Without the drone of her voice the only sound in the auditorium was the maniacal laughter of the two teens. Isis, who was seated next to Malik pinched him harshly on the arm in an attempt to get him to stop, but this only served to cause him to jump away from her and fall out of his chair.
The sight of the smaller blond falling on his ass caused the audience to join in the laughter as students turned to talk to those around them and comment on the what they had just witnessed. The teachers were shooting glares in Malik and Marik's direction but their scorn only caused more laughter. Finally, Professor Bradshaw rushed to the podium and attempted to regain some control of the seminar.
"Alright, alright everyone lets just settle down." The volume decreased but giggling and chatting could still be heard. "I said settle down." Still not the desired reaction. "If you don't settle down I will keep you here all night." Silence.
Malik pulled himself up off the stage and settled back into his seat, but not before he shot Isis a glare. Isis simply rolled her eyes and returned her attention to the headmaster. Had she kept her eyes on Malik she would have seen him give her the finger while pretending to scratch his face.
"I'm sorry to continue interrupting your speech Miss Shino but there is something I think I should take care of in order to prevent any future disturbances." Here he paused to look at Malik and Marik who had already gone back to talking amongst themselves. Noticing the sudden silence, they stopped and gave the headmaster what could almost be mistaken for their undivided attention.
"As some of you may have noticed, earlier I was giving six students a private tour of the campus. And you may have also heard that Fold's View suffered some damage at the end of last year, leaving the world's Level 5 Elemental students with nowhere to go. Many meetings were held the first week after graduation and it was decided that the students should be split up among the world's other top Elemental schools. So Counting Blossoms, as one of those top schools, has taken on six Level 5 Elementals as students. That is who I was showing around campus, and that is who you see seated up here on the stage. Now I realize that some of you may be intimidated at the idea of having such powerful students around, but I assure you they are not all that different from you. They are here to learn and will be expected to follow the same rules as the rest of you."
Whispers broke out among the students as they heard the headmaster confirm the rumor of Level 5 Elementals attending Counting Blossoms. The six on stage suddenly felt the scrutiny of everyone upon them. Isis and Atemu sat up straighter while Otogi put on a charming smile (the sound of swooning could be heard from the junior high sections), Seto crossed his arms over his chest, and Malik and Marik simply glared.
"I'm going to take this time to quickly introduce them so they can join you out there in the audience instead of remaining up here with the speakers. After I introduce you, you can go find yourself a seat, it doesn't really matter where."
Isis nodded in understanding on behalf of the group.
"Ok let's see," the headmaster continued. "On the far left we have Otogi Ryuuji. Otogi is a junior and while born here in Japan, he comes here from America."
At the sound of his name Otogi rose from his seat and, flicking a few loose strands of his raven hair out of his eyes, he began waving to the crowd. He was met with much applause (most of it coming from the female population) and with a final wink he headed down the steps on the side of the stage and off to find a seat.
"I suppose I will just introduce the next three together since they are related anyway," Bradshaw decided. "Isis Ishtar is a senior and her younger twin brothers, Malik and Marik Ishtar, are both juniors. The Ishtars are from Egypt, and we are very proud to have members of such a talented family here with us."
The three Ishtars rose and accepted the applause of the audience before leaving the stage. Seto noted that both Malik and Marik headed toward the white haired boys they had been admiring earlier. The sound of his own name though brought his attention back to the headmaster.
"Kaiba Seto is technically a junior, although he will be studying at a level higher than that, and his presence here is a great honor. His power is quite rare, and we hope to be able to provide a learning environment in which he will be able to complete his mastery of it." Professor Bradshaw seemed to be addressing Seto's doubts with his last sentence, but when he turned to see Seto's reaction to his, what he had hoped to be, convincingly sincere words, he found the brunet was gone. Had he been watching, he would have seen that as soon as his name was said Seto had risen and abruptly walked off the stage.
"Finally, a junior by the name of Atemu. Atemu is gifted with one of the rarest powers and we are very excited to have the opportunity to work with him."
Yami stood with the regal grace of one born to be in front of large crowds. He was greeted by thunderous applause, there were few in the auditorium who hadn't heard of him and his power. He nodded his head in acknowledgment before leaving the stage.
Seto watched him wander down the aisles looking for a place to sit, but successfully fought the urge to wave him over as Otogi had done for him. Yami finally neared the two Level 5 teens and, noticing the empty seat next to Seto, sat down.
Seto turned to give him a slightly irritated look. "That was the only empty seat you could find?"
"It was the first one I found, and I didn't feel like carting my ass all over the auditorium looking for another one."
Seto crossed his arms and turned his attention back to the speaker on stage. "Whatever."
Yami kept his eyes on the blue eyed teen seated next to him until he realized Seto was ignoring him and reluctantly returned his focus to the seminar.
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"Jounouchi! Come on man Wake Up!"
The dirty blond's eyes shot open at the increased volume of Honda's latest attempt to awaken him. Taking in his surroundings he realized the auditorium was completely empty except for the small group of his friends hovering over him.
"How long have I been out?" He asked sleepily.
"I think we lost you shortly after they introduced the Level 5 students," Honda guessed. "You were mumbling something about Bradshaw ruining your view. You didn't start snoring though until the sophomore class president started his speech."
Yugi patted Jounouchi on the shoulder. "At least you made it a few speeches longer than you did last year. Maybe next time you will make it through the whole seminar."
Jounouchi let out a laugh at the thought. "I wouldn't fall asleep if these stupid things weren't so damn boring."
"Well anyway sleeping beauty, if we don't get going now there won't be any food left for us in the dining hall." This time it was Mai who spoke up. Of course as added motivation she grabbed Jounouchi by the arm and hauled him to his feet. "Now, how about you be a gentleman and escort a lady to dinner?"
Regaining his balance, Jounouchi flashed the buxom blonde his most charming smile as he gave her a slight bow and offered his arm. Mai was quick to link her arm with his, and the two headed out of the auditorium and a few buildings down to the dining hall. Walking just behind the two friends were Yugi, Anzu, and Honda.
Once the five friends had made their way through the buffet set out in the center of the dining hall, Jounouchi and Honda both holding two plates piled down with food, they began looking for a place to sit. After a few minutes of wandering around the upper floor of the dining hall used for high school students, they were about ready to give up any hope of finding a table that could seat them all. Just as they were getting ready to go their separate ways, they heard a familiar voice call out to them.
"Yugi! Hey you guys over here!"
Seeking out the owner of the voice they found Bakura Ryou seated at a table in the back corner with only one other occupant.
"Hey there Ryou, I was wondering when we were gonna run into you." Jounouchi had seated himself next to the white-haired boy and immediately began devouring his meal. Pausing briefly between bites, he decided to greet the other white-haired boy who had been seated at the table when they arrived. "Hey Bakura." All he got in response was a grunt of acknowledgment before the addressed teen returned to his own meal. I see his personality is as charming as ever. Then again, who's ever happy to be back at school?
With his overly aggressive style of eating, Jounouchi was quick to finish and was soon engaged in listening to Mai tell him about a rich guy she had met during break who had flown her to Paris for a weekend of shopping and fine dining. All she'd had to do was pose as his devoted wife at some sort of reunion he was going to. Jounouchi was just beginning to tell her how he had spent his break, when they were interrupted by the arrival of both Ishtar boys and Atemu at their table.
"Hey there Ryou, we just thought we'd come over and say hi." Marik had pulled up a chair and seated himself next to the teen with the pale complexion. Malik quickly took the seat next to Bakura and Yami, after snapping out of the shock of seeing Yugi, pulled up a chair next to his shorter look alike.
Yugi, along with the others who now saw the resemblance between the two, was still in disbelief. "I thought I was the only one with this hairstyle."
"So did I," Yami stated. "I mean I copied it out of an old movie, and I've never once come across anyone else who has even seen the movie."
Yugi's eyes widened. "Night of the Blind Surfers and Starry Eyes?"
"Yes!" The taller of the two gasped. "People never believe me when I tell them about that movie. I was starting to think I had in fact made it up."
Yugi laughed. "Only if we are both delusional."
Yami smiled at the shorter boy and held out his hand. "I'm Atemu by the way, but I much prefer to be called Yami."
Yugi placed his hand in Yami's. "I'm Yugi, a Level 4 Spirit Elemental. And these are my friends, why don't you guys introduce yourselves?"
Mai quickly held out her hand to Yami. "Kujaku Mai, age 18, Level 4 Fire Elemental and a senior."
"Honda Hiroto, Level 3 Fire Elemental. I'm 17 and a junior."
"Bakura."
Yami raised a brow. "Just Bakura?" When Bakura didn't answer he nodded his head. "Oh, I get it. It's Bakura like Cher or Madonna. Just one name."
Bakura scoffed. "How observant for someone who only has one name himself."
Yami looked like he had a scathing retort to Bakura's words but was trying to be polite to these people he had just met. Sensing the mounting tension, Ryou spoke up.
"Don't mind him Atemu, I mean Yami. I'm Bakura Ryou, no relation. I'm 16, a junior and a Level 3 Air Elemental. Bakura there is a 17 year old junior and a Level 4 Air Elemental."
Yami took the hand Ryou offered him. Noticing the annoyed look Marik was giving him Yami gave Ryou's hand a lingering squeeze. "Nice to meet you Ryou."
There was a slight pause before Yami finally released Ryou's hand and Jounouchi spoke up.
"Jounouchi Katsuya, 17 year old junior. Level 4 Earth Elemental."
"Mazaki Anzu. I'm a Level 3 Water Elemental, and at the age of 16 I'm a junior."
"Quite an interesting little group." It was Malik who spoke up, his gaze traveling to each person at the table although it seemed to linger on Bakura.
"So, what about you three? We caught your names and grade level at the assembly," Anzu turned her gaze to Jounouchi, "those of us who were awake anyway, but what about your powers?"
"Hey! I'll have you know I was still awake for the introductions," Jounouchi corrected. I had to find out who that brunet was after all. "It was after they were out of sight that I dozed off thank you very much."
Those at the table laughed at Jounouchi's attempt to defend himself, and even he had to admit it had been a weak attempt. Recovering from the laughter, Yami properly introduced himself.
"As I said, my real name's Atemu but I'm much more used to being called Yami. Obviously I'm a Level 5, but to be exact I am a Level 5 Fire Elemental. As a 17 year old junior, I possess one of the rarest powers: the death touch."
Those at the table who hadn't made the correlation between the teen's name and his power back at the assembly widened their eyes at Yami's statement. Jounouchi, as one of the few who hadn't made the connection, felt his jaw drop, leaving him looking completely shocked.
"Are you shitting me? You have the touch of death, the ability to kill with a single touch? You're that Atemu?"
Yami nodded. "I am quite serious, although I doubt you want a demonstration to prove it."
Mai and Honda, the other two Fire Elementals at the table, were floored.
"No wonder Professor Bradshaw was so excited to have you here. There can only be one person in the entire world with that power at a time." Mai couldn't believe that someone with such a rare power was sitting at the same table.
"Yes, he does seem quite thrilled at the idea. Although truthfully, I think he is much more interested in the rare power one of the other new students possesses." An unreadable expression crossed Yami's face before it was replaced by a smile. "Anyway, that's why I go by Yami, less connection to my 'famous' power and less mobbing and hero-worship. Continuing on," Yami pointed over to Marik, "that's Marik Isht-"
"I'm perfectly capable of introducing myself Yami," the spiky haired blond cut in. "Besides, don't you know it's rude to point?"
Yami retracted his finger and shrugged his shoulders. "Suit yourself."
"Marik Ishtar, younger twin by three minutes. Currently 17 and this will be my junior year. I am a Level 5 Air Elemental." Marik dropped his voice a little and leaned in closer to the pale teen beside him. "Since we are both Air Elementals Ryou I'd be more than happy to give you some private lessons sometime if you want."
Ryou blushed, not missing what the older more powerful boy was hinting at. He was quite flattered, but at the same time knew it could only be lust that was attracting Marik to him since they didn't know each other well enough for it to be anything more. Ryou turned to face Marik, "I'll have to keep that in mind."
Bakura's eyes narrowed as he watched the pair. Seeing Ryou blush even more under the heated gaze of the Egyptian, Bakura turned his attention to the other Egyptian beside him. "And who the hell are you?"
"Malik Ishtar," the boy smiled. "Since we're twins I'm obviously 17 and a junior too. I happen to be a Level 5 Spirit Elemental though. My power is-"
"Liar."
"Excuse me?!" Malik snapped. "What the hell makes you think I am lying Bakura?"
"You can't be a Level 5 Spirit Elemental. Powers dealing with the element of spirit have to do with what's inside. You know, all that warm and fluffy shit. There's no way for them to be deadly."
Honda backed up Bakura's argument. "Not I'm not calling you a liar Malik, but I have never heard of a Level 5 Spirit Elemental. Have you Yugi? I thought Level 4 was the highest rating a Spirit Elemental could get."
All eyes turned to the group's resident Spirit Elemental. "Well, um, I've never heard of a Level 5 Spirit Elemental... and our powers certainly aren't likely to be deadly... but...but that doesn't mean it's not possible." Yugi was obviously uncomfortable having to be the deciding voice on this debate and was trying very hard to not offend or insult anyone with his answer.
Sensing his best friend's discomfort, Jounouchi shifted the focus away from Yugi. "So what is this deadly power of yours anyway Malik?"
Malik smirked. "So glad you asked, my power is-"
"Boring people to death?" Bakura laughed at his own joke before suddenly hauling off and punching himself in the face. "What the fuck?"
The entire group was stunned, with the exception of Malik and Yami, the latter of whom could only shake his head in disapproval. Marik, for his part, broke into a fit of laughter.
Recovering first, Anzu raced over to Bakura, followed quickly by Ryou and Yugi, and began inspecting the white-haired teen for damage. "What in the world did you do that for Bakura, you could have really hurt yourself?"
Bakura just brushed her hands away from his face and glared at her.
"Well? Why did you punch yourself in the face?" Anzu tried again.
"He didn't."
All attention turned back to Malik as his statement made little sense seeing as how they had all seen Bakura punch himself.
Malik only continued to smirk. "As I was saying, my power is mind control."
"Why you little bastard! I'll kill you for that little stunt." Bakura went to lunge for the blond Egyptian but Anzu and Ryou blocked his path. Ryou placed his hands on Bakura's shoulders and forced him back into his seat, of course he was only able to because Bakura complied.
"Calm down Bakura you're making a scene. Besides, you kind of deserved it for insulting him. So you'll have a shiner for a few days, it's hardly the end of the world." Ryou noted that his words didn't seem to be getting through to the other boy so he gave Yugi a pleading look.
Yugi placed a hand on Bakura's arm which was tensed up along with the rest of his body in his rage. After a few seconds he felt Bakura begin to relax and, once he was certain that he had taken the edge off the teen's anger, he removed his hand. Nodding in acknowledgment to the thankful look he received from Ryou, he returned to his seat.
As Yugi sat back down, Yami leaned in and whispered in his ear. "That was quite impressive. I bet you come in quite handy."
Yugi couldn't help but blush both from the compliment and the feel of Yami's warm breath on his ear. "Uh, thanks."
"You're quite cute when you blush you know."
Of course this comment only caused Yugi to blush a deeper shade of red, but before he could even attempt to respond they were interrupted by a commotion elsewhere in the dining hall. Yami looked in the direction of the noise. Noticing who was involved in the dispute, he instantly got a panicked look of concern in his eyes and took off.
Malik and Marik also turned to see what had caused the disturbance, and seeing Yami take off like that they both reached the same conclusion. "Kaiba." They too quickly rose and followed their friend.
Jounouchi, having heard the name of his mystery brunet, followed after them.
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Seto had been sitting at the table Otogi and Isis had found for them (Malik and Marik having gone off to find their white-haired boys with Yami tagging along), picking at what obviously passed for good food at this school and completely ignoring everything else around him when the whole thing had started.
While initially a bit intimidated by their presence, students were slowly gathering around the three. Otogi was soaking up all the attention and Isis was politely answering people's questions. Seto was mostly ignoring them, only giving short, terse answers when absolutely necessary. It was Isis' words that prompted him to step in.
"I'm going to have to insist that you don't touch me."
The muscular red haired boy that she was talking to only moved closer. "What's wrong? You said one touch and you could see my future. Now you're going to tell me what you see."
"I have no interest and in telling your future. Now kindly step back."
The redhead slammed his fist onto the table causing the plates on it to rattle. "Listen you little bitch, you are going to tell me my future and you are going to do it now."
"I'm not going to do anything you tell me to do," Isis said defiantly.
The surrounding crowd was now completely focused on the two and the tension was palpable. The redhead, Meguri Lee was a senior for the second year in a row, who was well known for causing fights and bullying just about anyone who crossed his path. He was also a rather powerful Water Elemental.
"This is your final chance," he threatened. "Tell. Me. My. Future."
"That won't be necessary. I can tell it for her." Seto had risen and was now advancing on Meguri. "I predict that if you don't leave right now your life will become a lot more painful."
Meguri stood his ground, completely unintimidated by Seto who was two inches shorter than him. "Listen Kaiba Seto, I know who you are. Your a Water Elemental too so I'm familiar with your powers. I don't care if yours are supposedly deadly. I have nothing to fear from you."
Seto was right in front of him now, raising his gaze so he was looking directly into the redhead's eyes. "Is that so?"
The brunet's stare was so harsh and empty of emotion that Meguri went to take a step back. However before he could move, Seto grabbed his arm, spun him around and covered Meguri's mouth and nose with his hand. Throwing the teen to the ground, Seto turned and walked away.
Turning to look at the boy on the ground, the crowd was shocked to find a layer of ice covering Meguri's face in the area where Seto's hand had been, effectively preventing him from breathing.
As Seto fought his way through the crowd that was trying to press forward to get a better view while staying out of his way, he stopped. Waiting for Yami to get to him, he was slightly amused by the panicked noises coming from Meguri.
Yami grabbed onto Seto's arm. "Seto! What happened? Are you ok?"
Seto freed his arm and motioned in the direction he had just come from. "I'm fine. Your powers are required back there though."
Searching Seto's eyes for any further answer but finding none, Yami pushed his way to the front of the crowd. There he found Meguri thrashing around on the ground as he tried to pry the ice off his face. Yami kneeled down beside him.
"Look, I don't know what happened here, but if you want me to help you need to calm down." Noticing that the teen was too panicked to listen he maneuvered his hand over the layer of ice. Once he had melted the ice, he stood and turned to face Isis. "What happened?"
"This jerk was trying to force me to tell him his future. I refused, so he started threatening me and Kaiba stepped in." Noticing the look of disapproval in Yami's eyes she added, "He wasn't like that for more than thirty seconds, and Kaiba saw you heading over here before he did it. This boy was never really in any danger."
"It was still reckless."
Isis couldn't really argue with that, so instead she turned to talk to her younger brothers who had just arrived and were questioning her about what happened.
Yami turned to Meguri who was still lying shocked on the ground. "I suggest you get out of here before those two learn what you did to their sister."
Meguri scrambled to his feet and tried his best to make a hasty, yet dignified retreat.
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Jounouchi's gaze had remained on Seto the entire time as he watched him head for the exit. Unfortunately, before he could get there he was intercepted by a professor who seemed to have seen what had happened and was less than thrilled about it. As the professor gave Seto what Jounouchi could only assume was the 'using your powers for good and proper behavior' speech he had heard so often himself, Seto's eyes drifted back over to the crowd.
Probably wants to make sure he didn't kill the kid. However, Jounouchi found the sapphire eyes were looking directly into his and suddenly the air in the room seemed thicker, because Jounouchi was finding it a bit harder to breath under the scrutiny of those eyes. He felt like Kaiba was scanning his soul looking for something of importance and finding all his secrets and imperfections instead. As the thought hit him, Jounouchi realized that he was also trying to read Kaiba through his eyes. Kaiba's defenses were up and although the blue depths seemed to show no emotion Jounouchi refused to back down and look away. The rest of the room seemed to slip away and he was left feeling a little dizzy and rather chilled.
Just when Jounouchi was about to cross the room (what he was going to do when he reached Kaiba wasn't really clear to him, he just felt he needed to be closer to him) Kaiba turned and followed the professor out of the room.
Released from the scrutiny of the intense gaze, reality flooded back to him and he felt Honda poking him in the side of the head. Turning, he smacked Honda's hand away from him.
"Knock it off."
"Sorry man but you totally zoned out there. What the hell happened?"
Jounouchi wasn't really sure how to answer that, partially because he wasn't sure if he had imagined what had happened between him and Kaiba just then, but also because an explanation of, 'I got lost in his eyes' sounded way too corny.
Jounouchi instead grinned sheepishly. "I was trying to remember where I put my room key."
This earned a laugh from Honda who slapped him on the back. "Oh man, what would you do without me? It's in your back pocket remember?"
"Oh yeah, same place I always keep my keys."
Honda placed his arm around Jounouchi's shoulder. "Alright genius, I think I'd better take you back to the dorm before you start walking into walls or something."
Jounouchi was about to protest when he realized how good going back to his room sounded. It would allow him to be alone with his thoughts. "Yeah ok. Let's just go say goodbye to everyone first."
"Deal."
Author's Notes (original ones from months ago)
I think I have a clearer idea of where I want to go with this, and it's almost definitely going to end up Jou/Seto, but that doesn't mean I won't throw in a few others along the way. The chapters will continue to follow only those two and whoever is around them because if I started doing things from everyone's perspective this would end up being way too long. I'm already planning to have it cover the entire school year, and that's going to take long enough.
Obviously, Night of the Blind Surfers and Starry Eyes is not a real movie. I just needed a reasonable explanation for why Yugi and Yami have the same haircut. I figure if people can copy the hairstyles of celebrities, why not actors from really obscure movies. On the same note, I made Malik and Marik twins (poor Isis) so that I could use Ishtar as both of their last names seeing as I already have two one name only characters. Plus, I guess it will force me to be a bit more creative with some of the side pairings.
Please leave a review and let me know my hard work editing and reworking this wasn't in vain. You know you want to...
