Thank you so much to those who reviewed, it means so much to me that you are willing to take time out of your day to comment on my attempt at writing.
Thankyou to: Umiko Morimoto
Lynderia
Nostawen Allesiel
Serenity Komoshiro
Dreaming Child
KuramaandHiei4ever
Liz Inc
Cleoraia
Satan's Lunch box
Candace
Téafan123
Also to Candace: Never fear. I may be following the original storyline at the moment but that is only to ground the story. Soon it moves off on to it's own happy little tangent.
I have to be honest I don't really like this chapter. So while reviews are always welcome I would be particularly grateful for comments on chapter 3. Thank you
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh
* * *
The lights of the half finished stadium were focused on the very centre leaving the rest of the grounds shrouded in darkness. Téa suppressed a shudder, it was creepy and not the sort of place that Seto Kaiba would deem worthy to host his prestigious tournament.
The small group of competitors and supporters that Téa was part of emerged from the tunnel which had granted them access to the stadium and into the harsh artificial light of the spotlights that bathed the floor of the arena. Ahead she could make out the figures of the two Kaibas, easily identifiable from the myriad of identically dressed personnel that surrounded them.
Mokuba was the first to notice them. He yelled joyfully and then sprinted across the space between them to stop in front of Téa and Yami, the frontrunners of the group.
"Hey" he cried excitedly "Téa, Yami you made it, cool!"
"Hey Mokuba" replied Téa tiredly, Yami nodded in greeting.
"Oh wow" said Mokuba eyeing Yami's locator cards "You made it. Joey and Mai too?" At the affirmative nods he continued, "That's great, you're the first finalists here, well aside from my brother anyway"
He took Téa's hand and began to pull her over to where his brother and staff waited, talking all the while. The rest of Téa's group followed.
"I'm glad you could be here Téa," chirped Mokuba "It'll be good to have someone to talk to when Big Brother is busy."
"Glad to be here Mokuba" replied Téa "Is this where the finals will be held, it doesn't look finished to me?"
"No this is just where everyone meets before we go to the location of the finals, they're being held on…" he stopped and cast a surreptitious look at his brother. "I can't tell you, it's a secret. But it will be really cool, you'll see"
"I'm sure it will be," agreed Téa. She looked over to where Yami, Joey and Mai were having their locator cards checked to receive their place in the finals. "So, do you know when the rest of the finalists get here, I was hoping to have a rest before the finals, I'm dead on my feet. I kind of had a rough day, you know" She grinned inviting him to share the joke.
Mokuba took the invitation and smiled back at her but surprisingly it was Mokuba's big brother who answered her question.
"It looks like another finalist is arriving now"
Everyone turned to the entranceway where a figure was emerging from the gloom. Téa squinted, she recognised that person, it was…
"Namu" bellowed Joey, striding forward with a hand outstretched. "You made the finals, congratulations man"
Marik looked up at Joey and took the offered hand. "Yes, it seems I'm better at duelling then I thought"
"Oh Namu" shouted Téa, hurrying up "I was so worried about you after we got attacked, I didn't know what happened to you"
"I'm fine, they didn't seem that interested in me" assured Marik, hiding his surprise. 'This girl was worried about me? But I barely know her.' He put these thoughts aside for later when he had time to think about it, right now he had to focus on his goal, becoming Pharaoh. Before either Téa or Joey could question him further about his duelling exploits a distraction appeared in the form of Bakura still masquerading as Ryou.
"Ryou!" cried Téa "What are you doing here? Why aren't you at the hospital? You shouldn't be out of bed! Get back there immediately!"
Bakura looked at her oddly. "But Téa, I'm fine and I came to enter the finals" He held up his locator cards as evidence and to distract himself from his thoughts. 'How dare she order me around, no one has ever done that to me and lived' At the back of his mind he felt a stirring. Realising it was Ryou, who had heard that last thought and was getting restless, he quickly added 'But I promised, little Light, not to harm her and I plan to honour that agreement' To forestall any arguments he turned to Joey who was explaining that he and Marik had to register for entry to the finals with the tall man in the suit standing by Seto Kaiba.
Bakura and Marik turned and began to walk toward the official with Joey beside them. Téa trailed behind, lost in her own thoughts until a collective gasp from those assembled drew her attention behind her.
A tall man was entering the arena behind her. He was still mostly hidden in shadow but Téa could make out the bizarre tattoos that adorned half of his face. 'The man from the boat' she thought panicked, backing up rapidly. 'It's Marik' Logically she should of expected this, it was only natural that he show up for the finals, however this didn't stop the overwhelming panic that was rapidly seizing control of her as she remembered their last encounter.
She continued backing up, as her knees grew weak beneath her. Stumbling into 'Namu' she almost collapsed but he took hold of both shoulders and drew her to her feet holding her steady when she wavered. He leant forward to whisper into her ear.
"Someone you know?"
Téa nodded shakily. "That's Marik, the one who sent those men to attack us" She took a deep breath and studied 'Namu's' hand on her shoulder. "Thanks Namu, I'm okay now though" At his unconvinced look she smiled "I just got a little fright, that's all"
He released her with a murmur of agreement and turned to look at Kaiba who was addressing 'Marik' in scornful tones. Téa took this opportunity to take in a few steadying breaths.
Tristan touched her arm indicating something in the air. She peered up, gasped then watched in awe as a huge blimp descended to land with a bump. She looked it over, sure what the official was saying couldn't be true, that this was the site of the finals. Téa remembered the tournament's organiser and it all suddenly made sense, of course Seto would choose somewhere as expensive and dramatic as this.
She moved forward with everyone else to board but was stopped mid way up the access ramp when it was pointed out she had no tournament entry pass. She was temporarily speechless but was saved by Mokuba who appealed to his big brother on behalf of her and the other non-competitors she was with.
Seto Kaiba barely looked up before grunting a yes to his younger brother. Permission granted Téa headed up the ramp after her friends.
* * *
A timid knock interrupted the two adolescents seated on the couch.
"Ryou?" the whisper from the other side of the door was soft, almost as timid as the knock. The occupants of the room immediately identified the voice.
Bakura glanced at Marik, and then cleared his throat calling out in a softer tone to his usual base growl. "Yes Téa? Do come in the door is open."
The door slid to the side to reveal the girl, she started when she glimpsed the Egyptian teenager seated across from her long time friend.
"Oh Namu" she said "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were here"
Marik smiled. 'Something I seem to be doing far to much of, I can't wait to be free of this accursed disguise' "Quite alright Téa, I just came in to see how Ryou was doing"
"Is that why you came Téa?" asked Bakura "To see how I was? If so, you can see that I'm fine"
Téa looked huffy "First up, the matter of wether or not you are 'fine' is debatable" She looked him up and down as if expecting him to pass out at any moment. "I still say you should be in bed, or better yet hospital" Bakura looked unconvinced.
"Oh come on," Téa cried waving her arms about to make a point. "It's just a silly Duel Monsters Tournament, it's not worth risking your health"
As Téa continued to seethe Bakura exchanged a furtive glance with Marik and smirked 'Poor little Téa there is more riding on the outcome of this then you could possibly guess' Bakura continued to watch her mock-glaring at him. 'She has such a fiery personality when she feels her friends are in danger, but at the same time she is so sweet. He may be pathetic but I can see why Ryou cares for her so much, they are very alike. Each weak in their own way but with an occasional redeeming strength' His musings were interrupted by Téa as she began to speak again.
"Actually" she started moving to sit on the couch beside Bakura. "While I am very worried about you, Ryou, I do have to admit to an ulterior motive." She took a deep breath and carried on in a rush. "I need a place to sleep. Kaiba hasn't arranged anything yet and I don't like to press in case he decides to ditch me mid air, which is something I seriously wouldn't put past him. I can't stay in Yugi's room because…" Here she deepened her voice and frowned in an obvious imitation of Yami. "Yugi needs to rest, he can't have any distractions at a time like this" Her voice returned to normal "Pah, it's not as if I planned to hold a party in there or anything, still I have to agree, it is important that Yugi is at his best. Joey's room is taken because he and Serenity are having some sort of mushy sibling reunion – and that is just too cute to intrude on. Mai's room is full with her, Duke and Tristan. Which means I get kicked out, so much for girls sticking together."
She paused to see the effect her little talk was having on her audience, both seemed slightly confused which probably had more to do with the rapid speed of her speech then with content. She gave them a moment to recover before continuing at the same speed hoping to get finished before Ryou could say no.
"Anyway this leaves me with a few options…" She clasped both hands together as if praying and swivelled to face Bakura. "I could…please, please, please…stay in your room. Or I could sleep in the corridor. Or I could ask Namu even though I don't know him very well. Or I could go ask Marik."
When no response was forthcoming she dropped her head and grinned hopefully up at Bakura through her hair. "Just so you know," she whispered "That last part was meant to shame you into saying yes, so you would say - " She cleared her throat and spoke in a passable impression of her English friend, her voice wavering as she attempted the unfamiliar accent "Oh no dear Téa, we simply can't have you anywhere near nasty evil people who might try and eat your brain, you can stay here"
Both of the boys sniggered, but for reasons other than what Téa thought.
"So" said 'Namu' "This Marik person has tried to eat your brain?"
Téa blinked. "Okay maybe not physically but…" she trailed off. "There's probably a more technical term for it"
"Like mind control?" Bakura suggested
"That may be slightly more accurate" Téa conceded. "But only slightly"
Bakura and Marik looked at each other smirking before Bakura spoke. "As to your original question Téa, of course you may stay here"
"Really?" Téa's face brightened "Oh thank-you, thank-you. I promise I'll be so quiet you won't even know that I'm here. And I won't raid your fridge or touch anything…or…or… Thank-you" She flung herself at an unsuspecting Bakura hugging him.
"That's quite alright Téa," gasped Bakura. "I don't mind." Inside he was laughing. 'Could this girl get anymore trusting? I have never meet anyone so naïve. It is no wonder Ryou thinks she needs protecting. She walks quite happily into the lion's den and doesn't even realise'
Marik stood, "I really must be going, I would like to get some rest before the duels begin" Téa and Bakura stood as well and followed him to the door.
"Goodbye" said Bakura, catching Marik's eye in an unspoken exchange.
"'Night Namu" trilled Téa "Sweet dreams"
"Good Night to you both" he replied as the door slid shut behind him.
"Boy, am I tired," announced Téa, stretching and yawning.
Bakura turned and headed back to the couch pulling out his duelling deck as he went. As he sat down he turned and announced. "You can have the bed if you would like, I plan to go over my deck seeing as we only have a few hours till the duels start."
Téa frowned, "Are you sure? I wouldn't like to impose."
He waved one hand "No really it's fine"
"Okay" she said moving over to the bed in the far corner of the open plan room. Sitting she removed her shoes and layback staring at the ceiling.
Bakura glowered at his cards without really seeing them, thinking about his involvement with Marik. 'It is working out nicely, for once I'm working with someone who thinks almost exactly like I do. Perhaps I will delay stealing the puzzle from him, see what he has planned. I may benefit more if I wait.' Téa called his attention back to the present when she spoke.
"I wasn't actually expecting you to enter this tournament" she said
"Really? Why not?" he questioned turning to look at her, her attention was still focused on the ceiling.
"Well, you never really seemed that into duelling, at least not to the same level as Yugi and the others. Mind you, you don't actually hang around us enough for me to know. "
Bakura looked thoughtful. 'She doesn't think I am as "into" duelling as the pharaoh, never fear little Téa, you will learn different soon enough' Téa peeked over at him and misinterpreted the look on his face. Rolling over to face him properly she propped herself up on one arm.
"We don't blame you, you know" at his confused look she clarified. "We know that it's not your fault that you have such a horrid Yami. You can't help it so there is no reason to hold it against you. You're nothing like him anyway, you're kind and considerate and he is so…" She waved her hands vaguely searching for a way to express her feelings "…not" She finished weakly. "I know you drew the short straw in the Yami stakes but it's okay now – he's gone. So you have to move on, let us be your friends. Please, I hate when people are sad."
Bakura remained quiet thinking about what she had said. 'Short straw in the Yami stakes? She's going to pay for that one' At this he had to suppress a malicious smile, imagining her reaction when she found out just who she had been addressing. When Bakura made no comment Téa continued talking fearing she had somehow insulted him and seeking to make it right.
"I don't think I would like to have a Yami regardless." She said "Even Yugi seems to have his work cut out for him with Yami, for an ancient ruler he can be pretty silly "
Bakura was immediately interested; anything that involved the Pharaoh could be useful. "How so?"
Happy she had got a response Téa continued, "Well awhile ago Yugi said Yami was having problems adjusting and stuff so he asked me to help out. He set us up on a date only he didn't tell Yami. The big day comes and Yugi gets to about twenty metres from me and switches places with Yami" Here she paused to catch her breath as she fought not to giggle.
"And he goes…" She swivelled her head around with an expression of confusion on her face 'What?…Where?…Yugi this is not a duel'" She glared down as if gazing at something resting on her chest "'Let me back in right now!'" She looked to Bakura to gauge his reaction, he was holding in a laugh so she kept going with her story.
"Then he sees me and he straightens up really fast and goes 'Oh hello' in this exceedingly formal voice" Giving up on containing them she collapsed in giggles. Bakura chuckled to himself; he could just picture that idiot of a pharaoh making a fool of himself. 'I knew Téa would have her uses, I could listen to stories like that all day'
Téa had calmed down sufficiently to keep talking. "I mean Yami's a real sweet guy, he was truly great, duelling this guy who was hitting on me to get him to leave. It's just you don't often get to see the Great Pharaoh throw a tantrum like that." She glanced at her watch. "I'm going to sleep now, could you wake me when we have to go to the dinner? I wouldn't want to miss the duels, they start right after don't they?"
Bakura smiled 'Gods, how does that moron manage this all the time, I think I'm going to be sick' "Certainly Téa, have a good rest"
"'Night" murmured the girl; sleep already creeping up on her in the seconds it took Bakura to answer.
* * *
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes Téa wandered into the large room that Kaiba had set aside for the banquet. Bakura was just behind her as he had offered to accompany her to the dinning room after fulfilling his obligation to wake her up. He now moved away to get something to eat from the buffet table. Seeing Joey already there she wished him a silent good luck before heading off to find Mai and Serenity.
She found them in a corner, picking at their food and idly discussing the latest gossip. Téa smiled as she slid down to gracefully seat herself beside Serenity who acknowledged her with a happy squeal and a hug. Mai nodded and then continued with her detailed description of some poor saps love life.
Téa let the conversation flow around her only murmuring an answer when she was directly addressed. This was what she needed. She was exhausted. The brief sleep she had earlier only seemed to make her more tired.
She was just nodding off when Mai hauled her to her feet and whispered that the first finalists were being announced. They joined everyone else as they moved towards the far end of the room where what looked to be a large Blue Eyes White Drago themed bingo machine stood.
The administrator explained the rules then started the machine up. For a few seconds the balls spun before one was selected. On screen a picture of the competitor appeared, it was Ryou Bakura. Téa turned to her left, caught Bakura's eye and mouthed 'Good Luck' before returning her attention to the front where his opponent was being announced. A picture of Yami appeared on screen beside Bakura.
The announcer continued to talk explaining that the competitors should come with him. He told everyone else that the duel would begin in five minutes and that there was a viewing platform available. Everyone began to move, Yami and Bakura following the official through a door near the machine used to select finalists.
Those left split into two directions, most following the official's instructions and heading down a corridor to the right while Seto led his sibling to the left down a different hallway.
Téa made to follow her friends before she remembered something she had been meaning to do. Turning she jogged after the two Kaibas calling for them to stop. In the end this only happened when Mokuba noticed her behind them and tugged on his brother's overcoat. Seto stopped walking and turned to regard her with a bored expression as she caught up with them.
Téa stopped and braced her hands on her knees. "Sheesh you guys move fast" she gasped. Straightening she looked at Seto "I know you're busy but this will only take a second" Taking a deep breath she began.
"I just want to say thank-you" she paused " for what you did on the dock" As Seto moved to say something she held up a hand. "I know, I know - you were just paying me back for Mokuba but I still want you to know I appreciate it. I would have thanked you at the time but the duel distracted me. So, thanks for listening, I'll go now"
Téa turned to go find her friends but stopped, they had obviously not noticed her missing and had left. She turned her head side to side trying to remember the directions for how to get to the duel.
For the second time that day she felt Mokuba's hand creep into her own. Seeing her distress he had come to her rescue.
"You can come with us, we're going to see the duel as well just on the other side of the duel arena. Seto says it has a better view anyway. Come on" he said tugging her toward the elevator his brother had already entered.
They made their way up in silence before a ding announced they had arrived. The doors swished open. Téa and Mokuba stepped out followed by Seto. Téa gasped, the arena for the finals was on top of the blimp bordered on two sides by viewing platforms and with an access elevator at either end. It was also very cold; winds tore at her hair and clothes immediately chilling her to the bone. She glared at the two males beside her, just noticing that they were dressed very warmly.
"A little warning would of been nice, so I could dress appropriately"
Seto turned away snorting, "Not my problem"
Mokuba just grinned sympathetically while Téa stuck her tongue out at Seto's back.
Further arguments were prevented when Téa's friends appeared on the opposite platform, Téa's enthusiastic wave was returned but any attempts to speak to each other were swept away by the harsh winds. They had to shout to make themselves heard.
Téa turned with everyone else to watch the two competitors emerge from the elevator. All was silent as Yami and Bakura stepped on to the arena and took their places. There was a grinding noise and the level that the duellists were on raised a few metres into the air while the referee explained the rules.
After all was explained the two young men drew their first cards and prepared to duel when Yami spoke.
"Why don't you stop pretending and tell us who you really are." He demanded.
"Oh no, I don't think I will"
Téa was confused. 'Who he really is? What does Yami mean?' She looked at a chuckling Ryou carefully. Abruptly it clicked. 'The eyes, and that hair. And that laugh. That's not Ryou it's Bakura. But I thought he was dead, that's what I said earlier…" Téa blanched 'Oh god. He'll kill me after what I said. I'm dead.' She realised that Bakura was watching her out of the corner of his eye, smiling evilly. If at all possible she lost more colour.
Evidently Yami also noticed where Bakura's attention was directed and started his turn to draw attention away from the girl.
Téa's mind felt numb as she watched the opening moves of the duel. 'Yami has to win this, he just has to' She watched as both players continue to throw down cards. Bakura's life points were dangerously low but he seemed unconcerned. 'I wish I knew more about what's going on, I mean I get the basics but if Bakura is so close to losing why is he smiling?'
The question seemed to be answered on Bakura's next turn as he summoned Dark Necropher to the field. He seemed immeasurably pleased with himself yet next round Yami destroyed it. Téa breathed a sigh of relief, if that was his best monster gone he should be defeated in no time. Her celebration only lasted seconds when instead of being upset Bakura laughed and explained he wanted Yami to do that. He then played a card he promised would be Yami's destroyer. Dark Sanctuary.
A mist formed, covering the immediate area. When all that could be seen was the orange tinted fog shapes began to form. They twisted then transformed into facial features – leering mouths and bulbous eyes. Beside her Mokuba shifted uncomfortably clearly frightened. In an attempt to put to rest his fears she spoke aloud.
"Wow! Kaiba Corp holograms are something else. So lifelike, your technology is outstanding"
Temporarily forgetting his fears the boy swelled with pride " Yeah it is cool, mostly Big Brother comes up with the new stuff"
"That's pretty impressive. Well one" Tea addressed the last part of her statement to Seto who regarded her with his usual stony look. That look changed when he shifted his gaze to his brother. Glancing back at Tea's face he inclined his head to indicate he understood what she was doing.
'That's the closest I'll get to a thank-you' Tea thought despairingly before looking at the duel once again as Mokuba was now settled.
Bakura had produced a spirit board and was slowly adding letters, one a turn. He announced that once he had spelt out a five-letter word Yami would automatically lose. The first three letters F, I and N already floated above the field. Tea watched Yami try to attack revealing another advantage Bakura had. The ghost that came with Dark Sanctuary, the card that caused the floating eyeballs to appear, could possess one monster per turn. Yami had mistakenly selected Dark Magician Girl, the possessed monster. A ghost erupted from her back as she moved to attack. It sped toward Yami stripping him of more of his life points. Yami ended his turn.
Laughing Bakura added another letter and sacrificed a monster allowing Dark Sanctuary to stay on the field before returning play to Yami.
'F, I, N, A' thought Téa 'He's spelling final' Yami echoed her thought out loud.
Yami smiled confidently while announcing his verdict on the word Bakura was forming. He looked at his cards and an idea presented itself. 'I only need one more card to make this work, I have to draw it on this turn or all is lost. Heart of the Cards guide me' He reached for his deck and drew a card. 'Just one more' He glimpsed the card he had drawn, his eyes widening 'And this is not it!' Frantic he turned from the cards in his hand to the field searching for a move, any move, to make. There was none.
"I end my turn," he whispered dropping his head. Bakura smirked. Drawing his victory out he slowly placed a card on to the only available place on his system. The letter L appeared on the field as a bell tolled like a death call. Moaning winds gathered on the field, meeting at a point then rushing at Yami.
Time slowed as the former Pharaoh slumped to his knees his life points also plummeting to zero.
Shouts echoed distantly in Téa's ears. She twisted her neck towards them and saw all her friends scrambling away from Namu who was laughing insanely. He reached behind him pulling out the Millennium Rod as the one they knew as Marik dropped into a low bow then knelt. 'It was all a set up' she realised still feeling strangely detached.
Namu, Marik she corrected herself, climbed onto the duelling platform meeting Bakura half way before they both advanced on the small form that Téa recognised as Yugi hunched on the ground.
In slow motion she watched Bakura reach down and remove the Puzzle from Yugi, smirk and hand it to Marik.
Marik looked in wonder at the prize in his hands then at Bakura muttering something. As if remembering his surroundings Marik rounded on the platform where her friends stood. He pointed his Millennium Rod at Tristan who was immediately covered in iridescent mist before he groaned and slumped forward. Before anyone moved Duke was hit similarly. Next was Serenity.
Téa turned to look at the two who stood triumphant. Time slowed even further as a rushing sound filled her ears. The edges of her vision clouded leaving one thing in focus – Bakura and his evil smile, now focused entirely on her, full of unwanted promises. A whimper escaped her lips as her eyes rolled back and she collapsed.
* * *
Bakura fought hard to contain his excitement; a mistake now would ruin everything. The pharaoh however was panicking. His head dropped and he whispered that he ended his turn.
'Victory is sweet, long have I waited this moment' Bakura allowed himself a small smile as he placed the last card on to the system. A large L appeared. The Pharaoh dropped to his knees. 'Yes, that is where you belong, in the dirt at my feet' Howling winds flew toward Yami stripping him of his life points.
'The Pharaoh has been defeated, my end of the bargain has been kept ' As he thought this Bakura turned to Marik who was in the process of shedding his 'Namu' disguise. As he revealed the Rod the pharaoh's pathetic friends began to scream. Casting a sly glance in Téa's direction he was pleased to note that while she looked as if her whole world had crumbled and was obviously in shock she wasn't screaming. 'Good, the last thing I need is someone wimpier then Ryou around'
'Time to claim the puzzle.' After a few steps Marik joined him as they walked toward the spot where Yugi lay. Seeing that Yami was indeed back inside the golden pyramid Bakura knelt and, with no resistance on Yugi's part, removed the Puzzle.
Bakura placed the treasure in Marik's shaking hands.
"I have waited so long to hold this" he whispered.
"I'm happy for you, really I am" drawled Bakura. "But I did what I was supposed to do, now I want what you promised me"
"Of course" agreed Marik "Just allow me to deal with the spectators fist then I will gladly hand the Rod over"
Bakura shrugged, Marik whirled pointing the Rod at each of the people clustered on the platform below them. Bored, Bakura turned away catching sight of Tea as he did so. 'That's right she's mine now, well ours I suppose if you want to get technical' Unaware of the evil twist to his expression these thoughts gave him he was mildly surprised when Tea's pupils dilated and she suddenly went limp. The tall blue-eyed boy that Bakura didn't care to remember the name of caught her and lowered her to the ground before he too was hit with a burst of power from the Rod and he also dropped to the round unconscious. He was closely followed by his brother.
Bakura traded a triumphant smile with Marik, the closest he had had to a friend in a long time 'A new era has arrived, and we are masters of it'
* * *
In his soul room Ryou wept, 'What have I done?'
* * *