Star: Hola people! How is you today?
Yami: 'How is you?'
Star: Don't comment on my grammatical errors today! I'm slightly hyper from Skittles, and I can't wait till tomorrow so I can play Infected on my friend's PSP. INFECTED KICKS BUTT!
Yugi: But you only got to level 9.
Star: BECAUSE SANTA AND FAT CHINESE MEN KEPT KILLING ME! DEATH TO THEM ALL! But seriously, everyone should go play Infected. You'll get addicted.
Anyway, here is chapter 7 of Bright Shadows. I hope you guys didn't get too annoyed waiting for an update. Hope you like it!
P.S. check the bottom author notes for a special request from me.
Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue
"Speech"
'thoughts'
"shadow language'
-----------The Day After----------
In a certain country, in a certain city, in a certain palace, in a certain bedroom lay a certain man who was currently sleeping on his stomach, a bit of drool falling from his mouth. His large, black, feathered wings lay spread on top of his back, the left wing covered in a few glowing talismans as their magic slowly healed the wounded appendage. Sunlight started to stream in from the windows, lighting up the room that belonged to the King of Shadows.
The room was incredibly well furnished. A king sized bed with four posts was on the left when one entered the room, with red and white silk sheets and large, matching pillows. A bedside table was on each side of the bed, and a lamp hung from the wall above them. A beautiful oriental rug was in front of the bed, reaching to the other side of the room, while the rest of the floor was dark wood. A small glass table was in the middle of the room, surrounded by two white chairs and a white couch. On the other side of the room was a cherry wood dresser, a glass case that held weapons and trophies, and a bookcase. To the right was a door that led to a large walk in closet, and on the left was a door that led to a bathroom. Above the two dressers was a large mirror, a few pictures and a painting of him, his mother, and his father. The mirror shone with light that came from the three ceiling to floor windows that were across the room from the entrance. The windows were covered by crimson velvet curtains. To the left of the windows, right next to the bed, was a large entertainment system with CD cases and videogames littered about, and a red bean bag chair right in the middle of the mess. A room fit for the teenage King, Yami.
Yami let out a soft groan as he twisted his head to the other side to avoid the sunlight that was beginning to shine on the bed from the mirror's reflection. As he did that the bed sheets slid down his body, revealing his bare torso which shone like bronze in the light. Shifting again when he felt someone enter the room, he reached down and pulled the sheets back up as far as he could without covering his wings. He really didn't want to move from the bed, as he was incredibly comfortable. It was warm in there, and the sheets were so soft against his skin. There was no way he was going to get up for anything or anyone.
But whoever entered the room seemed to have different plans for the Shadow King as they pulled open the curtains the whole way, allowing the accursed sun to burst in and ruin his happiness. Yami squeezed his eyes shut and tried to curl up in a ball as best he could. "Damnit," he groaned out, "Go away, Yugi. It's too early and I'm tired."
"Yugi, huh?" said a deep voice from behind him. At hearing the person speak, Yami sat up and turned around to meet teasing, green eyes. "Isn't that the name of the kid you were staying with?"
"Otogi? What are you doing here?" Yami asked in confusion before he looked around the room. Wait…this wasn't Yugi's room. This was his room. Which meant that he really was back at the palace. How could he have forgotten last nights events?
"Well, that's a fine way to greet someone after you haven't seen them in five months," said the other. This male that was standing in front of him was eighteen, about as tall as Seto with pitch black hair that he always kept in a ponytail, bright green eyes that glowed like emeralds, and a dice earring in his left ear. He wore a black shirt and a red jacket with white swirls over it, tan pants and black boots. A white and black bead necklace completed his outfit. "Well, aren't you going to say something?"
"Sorry. It's just I'm still getting used to being back here," Yami said as he glanced at his wings. They definitely felt better now that proper healing magic was being used. Not that they didn't feel good when Yugi treated them. Yami was a bit sad at that, because he had enjoyed teasing Yugi whenever he had to loop his arms around Yami's waist to wrap them. And he really missed the feeling of Yugi petting his wings. Actually, he just plain missed Yugi.
"Didn't think you'd ever come back? Just be glad you came back in one piece. Who knows what could have happened if you had stayed any longer," Otogi said as he sat on the bed beside the young king. He had not known Yami as long as the others had, but he was very good friends with him, which is why he could be so informal towards him.
"Nothing would have happened to me."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Yugi wouldn't have let me get hurt," the King said with a smile.
"You never know. He might have been planning to sell you to some lab, or something."
"Yugi would never do that. He isn't like the other humans. He's kind."
"It was probably an act. You know trusting a human is the stupidest thing one can do."
"So I'm stupid for trusting him?" Yami asked, glaring at the other Shadow teen who held up his hands in defense.
"I'm not saying you are stupid. But you know best that no human in this world can be trusted. How do you know that kid wasn't in league with others who would experiment on you then attack our cities."
"Because Yugi is a good person! I know he would never do that, because he doesn't want anyone to get hurt."
"It was probably a lie."
"That's enough!" Yami growled. "I will not hear anyone speak badly about Yugi! That boy saved my life, then took care of me for three weeks. To hear you talk about him like that is despicable!"
"Ok, ok! I got it. I'm sorry, my Lord," said Otogi, getting up and backing away from the enraged teen. "I won't say anything bad about him anymore. Promise. Now calm down, and stop moving that wing or it'll never heal."
Yami calmed down slightly, but kept sending glares at the other. He did need to stop stressing out so much. Too much movement will put his wing back in the same state it was when he first broke it, and he didn't feel like going through all that trouble again. But at least the first time, Yugi had been there to help take his mind off of it. The Shadow King sighed and leaned back slightly. 'I wonder what Yugi is doing now.' "By the way, Otogi. When did you get back?"
"A week ago," the teen said, grabbing a chair and sitting next to the bed. "I told those delegates that looking for you was more important than listening to their nonsensical bickering."
"I bet they were real happy to hear you say that," Yami said with a snicker.
"Well, you know how the French are," Otogi said with a smile. "But they understood and let me go without too much trouble. After all, the whole world was worried about you."
"Does anyone know that I have been found yet?"
"Are you kidding me? There are about three hundred camera crews from all around the world here. They all want to talk to you, but the guards are holding them back saying you need your rest. But don't worry. If they storm the palace, I have a helicopter on standby, and a few Mimic clones ready to distract them."
"A brilliant plan. It's no wonder Bakura made you general of his Special Ops. squad," Yami replied with a chuckle.
"Might wanna stop before you inflate his ego anymore," a voice said from the door way. The two turned to see Bakura and Marik standing there with smirks on their faces.
"No one is as egotistical as you two," Otogi spat at them.
"I second that," Yami said with a nod.
"Hahaha. Very funny," said Bakura. "But just remember who is above you."
"And you remember who is above you," Yami commented, earning him a glare from the silver haired teen. "How is everything?"
"Hectic now that the whole world knows you are back and relatively unharmed," Marik said, sighing as he ran his hand through his unruly blonde locks. "Those reporters are insane. They keep asking to talk to you, and won't listen to us when we tell them to calm down. They might really storm the palace just to get an interview from you."
"But I'm sure Seto is handling everything well," Yami said.
"Sure, if you call threatening to gas the crowd handling it well. But I think they are too scared of getting on his bad side to actually storm the place."
"But how are you feeling now?" Bakura asked.
"I can't really say. I'm not in pain, but it's not the best I've ever been. But at least all that's left is my wing. I can't wait till I can make these damn things disappear again. They've been such a pain."
"Well, you are lucky we found you when we did. If you had left it untreated for much longer, you might have had some serious damage. And all that wrapping that human did wasn't the best thing for it."
"Yugi did fine," Yami said with a glare. He was getting tired of hearing everyone talk about Yugi as if he was just another human. Just because they didn't know Yugi like he did, didn't mean they couldn't trust his judgment. Yugi wasn't another human, and Yami would try to get them to think of him a little differently. The least they could do was say his name.
"It was fine for holding it still, but it did nothing to help heal it. At least now you have healing talismans and doctors to help," Marik added.
"Yugi did help a lot! If he hadn't found me, I wouldn't be here right now trying to make you guys understand that he is a good person."
"Yea, well. Let's get off this subject before a fight starts," interrupted Otogi. Yami sighed and nodded. He really didn't want to start an argument about a person he would never see again. And no matter how many times he told himself it was for the best, he just couldn't help but want to see the young human again. He missed his friend, and had been extremely sad to leave. Though he didn't have a choice. Seto and the others had come to take him home, and he couldn't send them back. He had a duty as king to rule his people, and that came before his personal life. It was a great sacrifice, but it needed to be done. But now it felt as if there was a giant hole in his heart that throbbed with loneliness.
'I wonder if Yugi misses me as much as I miss him.'
-------------------------
Back in the town of Domino young Yugi lay sleeping in his bed, the bed sheets curled around his body in a cocoon. On his cheeks were dried tear tracks, and his pillow was damp from said tears. A gentle breeze came in through the open window and brushed against his face and, in reaction, Yugi sighed softly and opened his eyes. The usually bright amethyst orbs were now dull and filled with sadness, his eyes still a little red and puffy from all the crying he did last night.
He slowly sat up with a yawn, the sheets pooling at his waist, revealing that he had never changed into pajamas. Yugi rubbed at his cheeks when he felt the stiffness of the skin where the tears had run and groaned. He didn't want to wake up. He didn't want to have to remove traces of his sorrow. He just wanted Yami back.
Watching the other leave last night was one of the hardest things he had ever had to endure. He had made a wonderful friend during that week, a friend for whom he harbored feelings for. But like everything else precious to him, Yami was taken away by a cruel twist of fate. That was just his luck. And to add to his bad luck, he would never see Yami again.
'I knew he would have to leave eventually, but I never knew it would be so soon. I wish I could have spent more time with him. No, I wish I hadn't fallen in love with him. Then it wouldn't be so painful to have him gone.'
Yugi groaned and got up, slowly walking out of his room to the bathroom. He needed a long, hot shower. 'But,' he continued to think as he turned on the faucet, 'at least now he is safe. Now he can get the care he needs for his wing. I hope it gets better soon. I could tell he was becoming stressed with not being able to fly.'
Yugi then took off his clothes, looking at himself in the mirror. He no longer had bandages covering his body thanks to Yami's healing powers. But he did have a few cuts and bruises from his last encounter with Ushio. But at least he had gotten away with just that. If he didn't have that bracelet…well…it was best not to think of what might have happened. No need to pile more things on his bad mood. 'Hopefully none of these will scar. Then it will be impossible for someone not to notice.'
'But enough about me. I just hope everything is fine with Yami. He must be so happy to be back home after all that time. Hopefully, he won't have to deal with those bad people again. Yami doesn't deserve that trouble. For now, though, I just want him to get better. For his wing to heal.' Yugi stepped into the shower and sighed happily when the warm water touched his skin, and he felt slightly better. 'Now that I think about it, he promised to take me flying when his wing healed. Guess he'll have to go back on that promise. But, I'm glad that I got the chance to feel them.'
The teen shook his head, spraying water around. 'I shouldn't dwell on the past. I need to move on, and aim for things in my future. It won't do me any good to pine for things that will never be.' But he still felt empty inside. As if a part of him had been taken away the second Yami went through that window. No matter how much he told himself Yami had to leave, deep down he wanted the Shadow to stay forever. To be with him forever, and maybe one day think of him as more than a friend.
Yugi rolled his eyes, and ran a hand through his hair. Yea, that'll happen. As soon as pigs fly. 'What am I thinking? I must be the biggest fool in the world, if I believe in that dribble. We will never be together, even if Yami hadn't left. He'd only think of me as a friend.' Yugi reached down and turned off the water, then stepped out of the bath. He looked at the foggy mirror over the sink and saw his outline. With the reflection clouded, it was hard to tell who was standing in front of the mirror. Yugi blinked, then walked up to the skink and leaned close to the mirror. He still could barely make out his features.
His left hand moved slightly, and when Yugi heard a clink, he looked down. He smiled when he saw the silver bracelet on his wrist. He brought his wrist up to his eyes, and gazed at the bracelet. It was so beautiful and delicate. There were about ten thin strands that looped over and under each other. Kind of like a braid, only none of the strands touched each other. And there was no point where it started. No beginning and no end. It was amazing, and Yugi absolutely loved it.
The teen then lifted his gaze back to the mirror. It was still completely fogged over, not a single detail to be seen. For all the world, the person in front of him could be Yami. Yugi closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. 'Yami,' was his one fleeting thought before he leaned in closer and pressed his lips against the mirror. After a few seconds, he pulled back and looked at the mirror. It was still steamed up, every part except where he touched his lips to those of his reflection.
Looking at what he had done he suddenly felt anger flow through him, and he placed his hand on the spot and smeared it away. Turning away, the teen grabbed his towel and started to dry himself off. 'Damnit, get over it. It wasn't even anything serious. Just a little crush. What was I thinking, falling in love with him. Since when have I ever believed in love?' Yugi had never really believed in love at first sight, nor did he fall for the 'happily-ever-after' fairy tales that passed love off as something wonderful. He found love completely pointless, and always told himself he would never be dragged into it. And then Yami came and changed him completely.
'Just forget it. Loving someone only leads to heartache in the end. And me crying over Yami's departure just proves me right. Leave love alone, and I'll be fine.' Although while he thought that, he had to bite his lip to keep the tears from streaming down his face. Shaking his head vigorously, he wrapped the towel around his waist and walked back to his room to get dressed. He was going to get over it. He would miss Yami as a friend, but he refused to mope over a lost love. After all, love was stupid. Though no one would think he thought that way, since he was always so happy and kind to others.
"Today, I'm going to have fun. I will not sit here and mope. I will move on, and that's final! I'm going to get over Yami." But deep down, Yugi knew he would never get over the Shadow. He knew that Yami had captured his heart, and nothing he could do would make him forget that amazing person. 'Damnit, Yami. What have you done to me? Now I can't stop thinking of you. I guess I really do love you.'
"Hear me, Yami?" he whispered to the quiet house, feeling his heart break more in the silence. "I really love you. I can't stop myself, and I can't deny it. Are you happy? You stole my heart, and took it with you. You should be ashamed, making me cry so much over you. Stupid, spoiled, lazy King. How dare you make me love you."
Yugi covered his eyes with his hand, and took a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm his pounding heart. He then grabbed his cell phone and headed downstairs to the living room. Pressing a number on the key pad, he watched as the phone automatically dialed Jou's number.
"Moshi Moshi," came Jou's sleepy voice.
"Ohayo Jou," Yugi replied, trying very hard to keep his voice steady. He was just so drained emotionally.
"Yug'? What's wrong? Why ya calling so early?"
Looking over at the clock, Yugi's eyes widened when he realized that it was only 7:19 in the morning. "Gomen, Jou. I didn't know it was so early. I'll call later."
"No, wait. It's fine, really. But what's wrong? Ya sound…I dunno…sad, or something'."
"I guess I'm just a little…lonely," Yugi replied, bringing his left wrist up to his chest, and placing the bracelet against his heart.
"Ah. Well, gramps has been gone for almost a month. It's natural for ya ta feel lonely."
"Yea, I guess." 'But grandpa isn't the reason why I feel like this.'
"By the way, how are you feeling?"
"Huh? Oh, I'm better, but I'm completely bored."
"Really? I would think ya would be sleeping," Jou said with a chuckle.
"Yea, sorry for calling so early. I know how you love to sleep late."
"It's fine, man. Don't worry, ok. Now about you being bored. If ya want I'll come ova."
"No, it's ok. You can go back to sleep," Yugi said as he sat down on the couch, only to feel something hard under him. He got back up and reached under the pillow to see the baby picture of him that Yami was so obsessed over.
"Naw, I can't sleep anymore anyway. Too hot."
Yugi didn't answer because he was thinking back on the times that he and Yami had fought over the picture. 'He was crazy for this picture. Maybe I should have given it to him. That way, he wouldn't…he wouldn't forget me.'
"Yug'? Hey, Yugi…Yugi, you dere?"
"Huh? Oh. S-sorry, Jou. I was j-just thinking of so-something." 'Damnit, why the hell am I crying again?'
"Yugi, are you crying?"
"No, I'm just…I'm fine."
"Liar! Why are ya crying? Did something happen? Did someone hurt ya?"
"Jou, I'm fine, I swear. I'm just…a little exhausted. Grandpa has been gone for so long, and then things always seem to go wrong, and I just really need time to clear my head, you know?"
"Yea I do. Which is why I'm gonna come over right now."
"But…why?"
"What better way to get rid of all your troubles than by spending time with your friends? I'll call the others, and we'll spend the whole day with you."
"Jou, you really don't have to. I'm sure the others have plans," Yugi said, sitting back down on the couch while holding the picture frame to his chest.
"Well, I don't. So either way, you'll be spending the whole day with a friend. And don't try to get out of it, because you can't."
"Jou…" Yugi was touched. Jou wasn't his best friend for no reason. Under that tough, stubborn exterior was a kind soul.
"Aw, come on! Don't start wit dat sentimental stuff, Yug'," said Jou with laughter in his voice. "Ya know dat embarrasses me."
Yugi chuckled and lay down on his back. "Alright, I won't. So when can I expect you guys to show up and bother me?"
"I'm gonna call da guys right now, and I'll be ova as soon as I get done."
"Ok, I'll see you then." Yugi then hung up, and dropped the cell on his stomach. 'Ok, I won't think of Yami anymore today. I'm going to enjoy myself, and not bother with him. I just hope I can do it.'
-----------------------
"Yami, are you sure you want to do this?" Bakura asked as he helped Yami pull a sleeveless, black, leather shirt over his head and wings. He was already wearing black pants, and black combat boots. On both upper arms was a silver band, and studded bracelets were dangling from his wrists. His eyes were outlined in black, and a silver earring was dangling from his right ear.
"Of course. If I don't then they will never leave, and they will keep being a pest," Yami replied as he walked to his dresser and picked up a brush, drawing it through his locks. "Besides, I want to get this over with."
"Ok, but I'm warning you, they won't settle for simple answers," Marik said, bringing Yami a crown. The crown was a golden band with a large eye in the center, and a golden wing on each side of the crown. Yami took it and stared at the eye, before sighing and placing it on his head.
"I know," he said, turning around and walking out of the room, his three friends following.
"They will probably keep asking the most annoying questions," Otogi added.
"They always do," was Yami's simple reply as the three walked down the halls.
"They might ask where you were," Marik continued.
"I realize that."
"They might ask why you have the scent of humans all around you," Bakura said calmly.
Yami faltered in his step for a second, before resuming his stride. "I know."
"And what will your answer be?"
"That I had been on the border of a human city for three weeks, so the scent stayed with me."
"You won't be able to mention that boy, or else it will cause a great scandal," Otogi said as they neared the throne room. And as soon as they entered the room, a great cheer went up and cameras started to go off. The flashing and all the noises made Yami long for the quiet of Yugi's house.
"I know that. I wouldn't mention him anyway." Yami then walked to the middle of the room where a press table had been set up, and sat down in the middle chair. He sighed when he saw the amount of microphones littering the table, and all the cameras set up. It really seemed as if every news station in the world had come. Marik then sat on his left and Bakura sat two chairs from his right, and both gave him a thumbs up. Yami then looked to Otogi who was standing near the entrance and he too gave a thumbs up.
"You ready to do this?" asked Seto when he walked up to him.
"No, but what choice do I have?" Yami said. "I'm just glad there are bodyguards surrounding the table. I don't feel like having fanatics jump at me today."
Seto chuckled his head and stood behind the chair to the right of Yami. "You brought this on yourself," Seto whispered to Yami with a smirk, before addressing the crowd. "Attention! The King shall answer your questions one at a time, so be patient. He is also still drained from his ordeal, so don't try to pressure him into answering." The reporters immediately started asking questions, and again Yami wanted to be back with Yugi where it was quiet. Seto pointed at a man to start asking questions.
"Your Highness, what did you do the whole time you were gone?"
"I tried to avoid the humans as much as possible," Yami answered. "The whole time I was trying to heal myself so that I would be able to get further from the border to contact someone."
"Why did it take three weeks? Couldn't you have healed yourself faster?"
"I was incredibly weakened from the battle. I would always fall unconscious if I moved too much or if I used too much magic to heal myself."
"Was there a moment when you believed you would never be found, Master?" asked a female reporter.
"Not really. I knew that eventually someone would find me. I just had to make sure they could pick up my scent."
"Was there a time when a human almost found you?"
"Many times. I had somehow landed near a park, where the forest was the border."
"Is that why there are human scents on you."
"…Yes. That is why. Sadly, I can't get the horrible stink off."
"What are you planning to do now that you are back?"
"I don't need much rest, seeing as how the only thing that is still wounded is my wing. I plan to get back to my duties immediately. Right now, my priority is finding the group that attacked and arresting them."
"Master, is there any knowledge of this group or of their reason for attacking?"
"No," interrupted Seto. "The group has been in hiding, and we have gathered very little information on them. But we have been working on it."
"Are there any leads, or any people you suspect of being involved with the group?"
"That information is classified."
Yami sighed at hearing that. He knew what that sentence really meant. It meant that they had no leads and no suspects. They only had the prisoners who had not been killed in the battle, and Yami knew very well that prisoners never gave up information easily. Things would be tough now. He knew that eventually the rebels would act again. For the umpteenth time since he woke up he wished he was back at Yugi's where he didn't have to worry about being attacked.
And at least with Yugi, he didn't have to lie.
---------------------------
Yugi was still lying on the couch with an arm over his head when he heard the doorbell ring. He blinked and shifted, but refused to get up. The others would enter with or without him opening the door. And sure enough, a minute later Jou, Ryou, Malik, and Honda burst into the living room and surrounded him. Yugi smiled at them and was about to sit up when Malik tackled him, pushing him back on the couch.
"You're alive!" the Egyptian said happily.
"Of course I am. You didn't think an upset stomach would kill me, did you?" Yugi asked with a chuckle while petting Malik's head.
"No, but Jou was worried to tears."
"I was not! I mean, I was worried, but I knew you'd be ok," the other blonde said.
"Well that makes me happy."
"But are you ok?" asked Ryou, kneeling down next to the couch since there was no more room for him to sit on it, what with Malik and Yugi tangled up on top of it.
"I'm fine, why?"
"Well, when Jou called us all at such an early time saying you were crying your eyes out we got kinda worried."
"Jou!" cried Yugi.
"What? I neva said ya were crying your eyes out! I said dat ya were sad 'cause ya were lonely. If dey can't understand me, dat's not my problem."
"No, I specifically remember you saying that Yugi was depressed and a blubbering mass," said Honda.
"Jou, if I wasn't pinned down by Malik, I would so kill you now!"
"Would you like me to get off so that you can?" asked Malik with a smile.
"I did not say that! Honda is a liar!" Jou said, glaring at the other teen. "But that's not the point. We are here because Yug' needs to have fun and not be all alone."
"Right!" said Malik, jumping off Yugi. "Today is now officially 'Yugi's Day of Fun'."
"Does it really need a title?" asked Ryou.
"Of course it needs a title! What wrong with you?"
"Ok, fine," the British teen said with a shake of his head. "So, Yugi. What do you want to do first?"
"I can pick anything?" Yugi asked.
"Anything that doesn't end with us in jail."
"Damn! There go my plans of robbing the mall."
"Aw, that sounds fun," Malik said with a smile.
"As much fun as that would be," Honda interrupted, "Let's start with something small."
"Well…we could always walk around the mall," Yugi said.
"Aw'right! To the mall it is!" said Jou while grabbing one of Yugi's arms and dragging him down the stairs, the other three following. Yugi smiled as he tried to keep up with his taller friend. Today felt like it would end up in an interesting way.
"Yugi! When we get there, let's buy candy!" said Malik who was bouncing around the younger teen.
"Alright," Yugi replied with a chuckle. "I have more than enough money to waste. And because I feel generous, I'll buy you some."
Malik squealed in excitement and drew Yugi into a large hug, which caused many people to stare at them. "You are the best friend in the world!"
"I know, now please stop suffocating me."
"Sorry. But did you guys hear? Yugi is gonna buy me candy because he likes me best!" Malik said, sticking his tongue out at the others.
"Yug', do ya really think it's smart ta buy Malik candy? Ya know he's half crazy without it," Jou whispered to Yugi.
"Of course it's not smart, but it doesn't really matter, now does it?"
"Yea, it doesn't matter," Malik agreed, bouncing around again before bringing Yugi into another hug.
"Down, Marik."
"Did you just call me Marik?" Malik asked, letting go of the young teen.
"Uh…no. You were just squishing me so much, it came out like that," Yugi said quickly, hoping that would be a good excuse.
"Oh, ok." the teen said, before going off to cling to an unsuspecting Ryou.
'Damnit,' Yugi thought with a sigh, 'I just had to say Marik, didn't I? Now that's going to bring up certain thoughts that should be kept locked up. I knew I wouldn't be able to forget Yami. Not even spending time with my friends can keep my thoughts from wandering to him. And it doesn't help that Ryou and Malik look just like Bakura and Marik. Damnit, I just can't stop thinking about Yami.' Yugi lowered his head, sighed, then lightly bit his lip. He really didn't feel like crying in public. He had to try and hide his sadness from his friends. But unknown to him, the others had already seen. They exchanged looks of worry, and silently agreed to find out what was making Yugi so sad.
"Oi, Yug'! When we get to da mall we're gonna go to da arcade, and I'm gonna beat your little butt at the games, and then I shall be the greatest gamer in the world! Because I've been practicing," said Jou, placing an arm around Yugi's shoulders.
Yugi looked up and smiled at Jou. He could always make him feel better. "You're on, Jou. And loser has to buy lunch for everyone. But don't worry. I'll lend you some money. But remember I want pepperoni."
"I want a burger," said Ryou.
"Nachos for me!" Malik said.
"I want a pepperoni pizza too," Honda said.
"What? You people don't think I can beat Yugi?" Jou asked, and in reply everyone shook their heads. "Damn you all!"
"Jou, you suck compared to Yugi," Honda said.
"Now, that's not true," Yugi commented. "Jou is a very good gamer."
"Compared to a three year old," Malik said with a laugh.
"I swear I'll force ya ta eat meat if ya don't shut up!" Jou said, glaring at Malik.
"Eep! Yugi, Jou is being mean to me! Make him stop!" cried the Egyptian as he ran and hid behind the amethyst eyed teen. "He threatened me with meat!" Malik said as he pretended to cry.
"Now, Jou. You know better than to threaten a vegetarian with meat," Yugi scolded. "Now apologize."
"But-"
"Apologize."
"Fine!" Jou said with a pout, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm sorry, Malik." 'Sorry Yugi won't let me kick your ass.'
"Some great gamer," Honda whispered to Ryou who chuckled. Jou then turned around and tackled Honda.
"I'll teach ya ta insult me, ya bastard!"
"They're at it again," Ryou sighed.
"Leave them," Malik said. "They'll either be arrested or give up when they get hungry." The other two nodded and kept walking.
--------------------
Yami sighed as he exited the throne room. After a two hour conference and another hour of meeting with his representatives for every other country, he was exhausted. He was just glad that he didn't have to deal with any work today. That's what he had his representatives for. Like little drone bees that worked for the queen…king, leaving him with nothing to do but sit back and hope that his hive didn't fall apart. If only he could just sit back and be lazy, but sadly that was never an option.
'Damn, now my wings feel stiff,' he thought as he walked out to the gardens, and sat down on a bench that was before a hedge maze. As gently as he could, he flexed them before lying down on the warm bench. 'I don't want to move ever again. And damn to hell those who bother me.'
"Yami!" called Bakura as he walked up to him.
"Damn you to hell!"
"I love you too," the other Shadow replied with a smirk. "What are you doing?"
"Planning ways to kill you in your sleep for bothering me."
"Temper, temper, Yami. You really need to learn to be more caring towards other."
"Oh, shut up," the King said as he turned to lay on his side. "What do you want?"
"You know you shouldn't wander off alone," Bakura replied while sitting on the ground in front of Yami.
"This is my palace, and I can do what I want."
"But you never know. There could be another attack."
"There shouldn't have been a first one," Yami replied with a growl. "How the hell did they get through the barrier around the castle? It's up specifically to make sure things like that don't happen."
"The barrier was still up…sort of. It was as if someone had opened a hole in it. But who has magic strong enough to do that besides you, Seto, Marik, and I is a mystery. But it couldn't have been a group effort, because the guards would have noticed all that magic."
"So you are saying that it was one person who opened the hole? And couldn't anyone find where it started from?"
"No. It was as if it appeared out of no where. No one knows where it originated, who cast the spell, or how it got to the barrier. Which is why you shouldn't go anywhere without a guard," the silver haired teen said seriously.
"This is bad. If there is someone out there who has that much magic, then the situation is worse than I thought. And most likely that person is the leader of the rebel groups." Yami then sighed and sat up, running a hand through his hair and placing the hand over the eye on his crown. "Damnit, I'm not even safe in my palace anymore. We need to stop these people before something else happens."
"Don't worry. You know you can count on me," Bakura said.
"That makes me worry even more."
"Oi! I'm trying to comfort you, and you go and say things like that. What the hell kind of person are you?" Bakura said, glaring at Yami.
"I'm just saying what I think," Yami said with a smirk, stretching his arms above his head. A breeze came by and made his wings flutter slightly, and he was filled with a great urge to go flying. But the doctors said he couldn't fly for another week till the talismans completed their work. Damn stupid talismans and their slowness.
"Well, keep those thoughts to yourself," Bakura said, smacking Yami on the head. Yami yelped and held his head, glaring at the other Shadow who smiled triumphantly.
"You bastard!" Yami yelled, kicking Bakura in the knee. "How dare you hit the King?"
"You short freak!" Bakura yelled back, grabbing Yami in a head lock and giving him and pulling his hair. "Don't you kick me!"
"I'll kill you! I swear, I'll kill you if you don't let go!" Yami yelled, chewing on Bakura's arm. "I'll have you thrown in the dungeons for hurting me!"
"And I'll let the world know their King is an inconsiderate bastard who wet the bed till he was 7!" Bakura screeched while stepping on Yami's foot.
"I'll rip your head off before you can!" Yami cried as he kicked Bakura in the shin.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING!" a voice cried out, and the two turned to spot a very angry Seto in front of them, a laughing Marik behind him.
"He started it!" Bakura and Yami yelled out at the same time. They then bared their fangs at each other and continued to argue.
"ENOUGH, BOTH OF YOU!" Seto yelled, pulling them away from each other. "You are worse than children! Just because you two are the youngest of us four doesn't mean you have to act like it!"
"At least they didn't do serious damage to each other this time," Marik said with a chuckle.
"'No serious damage' my ass!" Bakura yelled, holding up his arm for the other to see. "He bit me! Look at this! He even used his fangs!"
"You ripped out my hair!" Yami retorted, holding his head as he tried to stop the pain.
"I'll rip out your heart if you bite me again!"
"If both of you don't shut up," Seto said angrily, his eyes ablaze, "I will rip your tongues out and staple them to the wall!" Bakura and Yami's eyes widened as they hid behind Marik, and clamped their mouths shut.
"You are scary sometimes, Seto," Marik said with a shake of his head.
"These two need to grow up. But now I need to speak with Yami alone, so both of you go away." Bakura and Marik nodded and started to walk away, but not before Bakura hit Yami on the head again. Seto growled at him and Bakura ran away with a laugh.
"Bastard," Yami mumbled as he rubbed his sore head. "What do you want to talk about, Seto?"
"Bakura told you about what happened with the barrier, right?"
"Yes. I just don't know how someone that powerful could have been near and no one felt it."
"Maybe the reason they didn't react to that much power was because they were used to it."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that maybe…maybe it was someone in the castle who let the barrier down," Seto said, closing his sapphire eyes whilst he sighed.
"Are you saying there is a traitor here?" Yami asked, glaring at the other while crossing his arms over his chest. "Be careful in who you accuse, Seto. Because wrongly blaming someone can have serious repercussions."
"I realize that, but there is no other way that the guards couldn't have been alarmed at that power unless they were accustomed to feeling it. They only noticed something was wrong when they sensed the attackers approaching. They were unprepared for the attackers to break inside."
"And I assume you are already searching the grounds for anyone who might have had the power to do such a thing. Fine then, continue your search, but any suspect you may come across must be brought to me first. I will not have anyone punished unless I know for a fact that they are guilty. And any information must be brought to me immediately."
"Yes, Master," Seto said with a short bow. "Now, another thing we must talk about. That human boy."
Yami stiffened when he heard that. "What about Yugi?"
"We can't let him go on knowing of our existence."
"Yugi will not reveal us to the world."
"But, Yami, you don't know that. And besides, it is against the law for a human to know of us. You know Marik was right when he said you should have killed him."
"I realize it is against the laws, but I absolutely refuse to harm him, and I have told you that you are not allowed to hurt him either."
"But, Yami-"
"I hope you are not planning to go against my orders," Yami said sternly. "You know what happens when you disobey an order from the King."
"Yami, friend or no, he can't continue to know of us! We can erase his memories of the past month, and that wouldn't be a problem."
"But…" Yami trailed off. 'I don't want him to forget me. I'm fine knowing that he still thinks of me and still considers me a friend. But it would hurt even more if he forgot I existed completely.'
"Yami, you cannot put your friendship with the boy before the safety of your people! You are the ruler of an entire species! The humans have forgotten we exist and that is what keeps us safe. If it were to leak to the humans that we are still on this earth, they would start trying to kill our people again. As the King, it is your job to prevent that!" Seto said, looking Yami squarely in the eyes, cool sapphire locking onto fiery crimson.
"I know damn well what my job is, Seto!" Yami responded, narrowing his eyes in a glare. "Do not think that you have the authority to tell me what to do!"
Seto just glared right back. "Well, as your advisor, it is my job to tell you what would be the best thing to do! You know, give you ADVICE. And right now, the best ADVICE is to make sure that human doesn't know of us."
"I will decide what will happen, Seto. You may be my advisor, but in the end it is me who makes the decisions. And I will handle the situation with Yugi the way I see fit. And I am seriously tired of having the same conversation with everyone!
"Yami, you-"
"We are through talking, Seto! Leave!" Yami yelled.
"Fine then," Seto said, turning around and walking away. "I just hope that your feelings for the boy won't cloud your judgment."
'Feelings?' Yami thought as he sat back down on the bench. 'What feelings is he talking about? The only thing I feel for Yugi is friendship…I think.'
---------------------
"Yugi, lets play ice hockey," Ryou said while the group walked into the arcade in the mall. The amethyst eyed boy smiled and nodded, and the two friends raced off towards the hockey table. Malik and Jou hopped into a racing game while Honda played a fighting game. The three were determined to take the top high score which was held by Yugi who had the high score in every game in the whole arcade.
Over at the hockey table the score was 3-2 in Yugi's favor. Even though he was winning, it didn't seem as if Yugi was really paying attention. This Ryou noticed quickly. 'Something's wrong with him,' he though as he scored another point. This wasn't typical Yugi behavior. Missing school, calling Jou then crying on the phone, being very quiet, sighing a lot, and looking for the whole world as if he was tearing apart inside. Ryou could see it in his eyes. They were missing the energy and light, and looked completely empty, dull even. Like someone had snuffed the flame that made him shine so brightly. 'I have to find out.'
"Yugi?" Ryou called as he watched the puck fly into his goal, the score changing to 4-3. "Is everything ok?"
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine," Yugi replied with a smile. "You better pay attention or I'm going to win."
"I could say the same to you," Ryou responded, scoring another goal. "You are distracted by something, and it doesn't seem to be anything good."
"Ryou, I'm fine," Yugi said again as he knocked the puck to the other side only to have it bounce back towards him. "I'm just taking it easy. You know, so I don't get sick again."
"I have to wonder if you really were sick," Ryou said, which caused Yugi to look up at him, a mixture of alarm and confusion in his eyes. Ryou just stared back, his light chocolate eyes unwavering and completely serious. They stared at each other for a bit before Yugi broke the gaze by looking down at the black puck that was slowly gliding across the field.
"Why would you say something like that?" Yugi asked quietly.
"Because you aren't the type to skip school for something as simple as a stomach ache," Ryou replied. "So the reason must be much bigger."
"Even if it was, I can't see why it would matter so much," Yugi said as he hit the puck again, sending it flying across the table.
"Because as your friends, we are allowed to worry about you. Things like this are completely opposite of your normal self, which means something happened. So what is it?" Ryou asked, hitting the puck away from his goal in a straight line towards Yugi's, giving him another point to make it 4-4.
"Nothing happened to me. If I say I didn't feel well, I didn't feel well."
"Did you know that Ushio and all his friends are unconscious in the hospital?" Ryou asked. Yugi gasped and looked up, leaving his goal wide open for the puck to fly in. Red flashing lights came on, indicating that Ryou had won, but he wasn't paying attention. He was looking at Yugi, the red lights illuminating his terrified face.
"W…what?" Yugi whispered.
"They have been in the hospital since Thursday. No one knows what happened to them, and the doctors can't figure it out. They just won't wake up, even though none of them are hurt. They didn't come to school yesterday. And neither did you."
Yugi could only stand there with his mouth agape, trying to find something to say but failing. 'They are unconscious? Yami's magic put them in the hospital. I…I didn't know that would happen to them. What if the magic had killed them? What if it hurts someone else? I…I didn't…I didn't know that would happen! How…how can I go on wearing this? I don't want people to get hurt.' Yugi reached down and clutched the bracelet tightly in his hand, wanting to rip it off but knowing he could never.
"That's a pretty bracelet you're wearing," Ryou said, walking up to Yugi and pulling his hand away so that he could see it. "Where did you get it?"
Yugi jerked his hand away and hid it behind his back. 'I can't let the others get close to it. What if it thinks they are a threat? What if they get hurt too?' "It…it belonged to my mom," Yugi lied, hoping that Ryou wouldn't ask anymore.
"I see," Ryou said, but the look in his eyes told Yugi that he didn't believe him for a second. "So why did you start wearing it Thursday?"
Yugi inwardly cringed. He hadn't thought that anyone had noticed his new accessory. He always wore bracelets, so why did this one stand out to the British teen? "Because I felt like it," he responded, turning to walk away.
"Where did you get it, Yugi?" Ryou asked again. "Or better yet, who gave it to you?"
"I don't have to tell you everything, Ryou," Yugi replied angrily. "My answer should satisfy you."
"Well it doesn't," the silver haired teen said, grabbing Yugi's arm and spinning him around. "You have been acting strangely this week. Monday you are normal. Tuesday you're incredibly happy. Wednesday you start to act a little weird. Thursday you start to become quiet, Friday you skip school. And today you are even more quiet and extremely defensive."
"I am not being defensive!"
"What made you skip school yesterday? Why are Ushio and his friends in the hospital? Who gave this to you? And why do you look as if your heart has been broken?" Ryou asked softly, his eyes pleading Yugi to trust him. Yugi sighed and looked away, wanting to cry for the rest of his life. Why was Ryou asking him all these questions? Wasn't it bad enough that he had lost Yami? Why was he forced to endure such hardships? Did the gods hate him that much?
"I can't answer you, Ryou," Yugi whispered. "Please don't ask me anymore."
"But, Yugi," Ryou said, stepping closer and placing a hand on Yugi's shoulder.
"It's not just for me that I ask that of you. I…I can't tell you. I can't tell anyone."
"But why?"
"I made a promise," the teen replied, walking off. "I gave him my word."
Ryou watched sadly, his heart going out to his friend. It seemed as if bad things always happened to Yugi. His parents, the bullying, and now this new thing. What could it be that could cause such a change in Yugi. More like who. Who was this new mysterious male in Yugi's life? What did he do to Yugi? 'Yugi,' Ryou thought. 'Be careful. I don't want to see you get hurt even more. Don't give him your heart so easily.'
-----
Yugi walked into a bathroom and into a stall, leaning against the door. He gave a soft, shuddering sigh and covered his eyes with his hands. Why did these things happen to him? Why did everything good in his life have to end badly? Was he not allowed to be happy like other people? His parents, his first love; they had all left him. An emptiness seemed to be growing in his heart, one that would probably never be filled. He just didn't seem to have anything to hold on to anymore.
He moved his left hand and felt the cool metal bracelet tap against his forehead. With a growl he moved his hands away and glared at the bracelet. 'I knew this saved me,' he thought. 'I knew that this helped me, but I didn't realize the damage it could cause. Had I know that this bracelet had the power to hurt people like that, I never would have worn it. This is supposed to protect me, but at what cost? I don't want people to get hurt.'
With a determined stare, he began to slowly pull the bracelet off his wrist. But for some reason it felt as if the hole in his heart was getting bigger with each tug. As if he was being separated yet again from something precious. Which was true. This bracelet was the last thing that connected him to Yami. He didn't want to loose this last line he had with the King. Loosing this bracelet meant more than loosing a life. That was the sad truth. That he cared more for a piece of jewelry than someone's life.
'I can't do it. I can't take it off. It's the last thing I have of him. The only thing to prove that he really did exist, and that he really does think of me as a friend. If…if I took this off, I would no longer be able to love him. And I want to love him forever. Even if he forgets me, I never want to forget how much I love him.' He then slipped the bracelet back on his wrist, and walked out of the bathroom. 'I want to love him forever, no matter how much it hurts.'
The teen then walked back to the arcade where he spotted his friends at the entrance. Planting a smile upon his face, he approached them and tried to pretend that everything was fine. Jou spotted him first and waved at him. "There you are," the blonde said. "Want to have our match now?"
"Sure," Yugi replied, and the group walked back inside, and headed towards one of the games. He fell a little behind as did Ryou.
The two walked in silence for a minute, before Ryou looked over at him and said, "I didn't tell them anything. I'll wait till you are ready. But don't think the others will be as patient. They'll try more than I did to get you to tell."
"Thank you. And I know they will try, but I can't say anything. A promise is a promise," the boy said quietly.
"Well, whoever he is, I hope he he's special to you."
"…Yea. He is."
----------------
After a few hours of being pestered and constantly watched over, Yami decided to go up to his room where he could be by himself. He hadn't had a moment of peace since he woke up, and he was becoming annoyed. Yami didn't want to see anyone for the rest of the night. He needed sleep and bad. So he climbed up the stairs, and walked down the halls, and finally made it to his room where he happily collapsed on the bed.
He curled up in a ball on top of the sheets, content to just lay there on the cool silk. It really felt good against his warm skin and even better on his wings. Like tiny, soft caresses against them…sort of like when Yugi would pet his wings. Soft, gentle, comforting. Extremely pleasurable. Just thinking of it made his wings twitch with need. They ached to be touched again by those delicate hands. To be pet and stroked for ever and ever.
Yami groaned and rolled to his stomach. Great, now he couldn't stop thinking of Yugi petting his wings. Which meant he would be thinking about and craving for that wonderful feeling he was given. But he would never be able to feel like that again, since he was no longer with Yugi. Life just sucked that way.
The teenage King let out a long sigh, the air gently blowing his bangs away from his eyes before they landed softly on his cheeks. He wasn't up to brushing them away, so he just let the hair stay where it fell. Letting out another sigh, Yami rolled to his left side to stare out the window and up at the afternoon sky. 'I wonder what Yugi is up to now,' he thought, and a lonely feeling crept over him. He had nothing to do, no one to talk to. Sure he was surrounded by people who would give their right arms just to have a private conversation with him, and sure he had great friends who would spend time with him, but it wasn't the same. Nothing seemed the same anymore now after leaving Yugi.
'Who would've thought that I would miss him so much,' thought Yami as he got up, and opened the middle window and walked out to a large balcony. Leaning against the rail he looked out at the gardens, and could catch the sun shining off of the lake. The sky was slowly turning pink as it neared mid afternoon. A gentle breeze came by, blowing the sweet scent of flowers to Yami. The Shadow closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling a bit more relaxed than before. But the feeling of loneliness didn't disappear. 'I wish I could go back and see him one more time, but that'll never happen. Even if this wing was working properly, going to see him would just bring trouble to us both. And I don't want him caught up in anything that is going on with my people. Leaving him was for the best…I guess.'
"But I really want to see him again," he whispered. With a sigh he sat on the ground and placed his forehead against the cool metal bars. "I want to make sure he's happy, and that he's safe. I just…I don't understand this. Why do I want to be with him so much? Why does it feel as if my heart has been ripped in half? I care for him, but…just how much? Do I like him as more than just a friend? Do I…could I be in…no! I can't! I can't have these feelings for him!" With a groan he banged his head against the metal bars. He then turned around and placed his back on the bars, and curled up in a ball, bringing his knees to his chest, and wrapping his arms around his legs. His right wing curled around his body, and his left rested gently against the railing.
'This is tearing me up inside! What do I feel for him? He is my friend, but I…I want more. I want so much more than friendship from him.' Looking up at the sky, he spotted a few faint stars in the darkening sky, and groaned again. Covering his eyes with his right hand, he whispered, "Yugi, I think…I think that…I might actually…love you. What do I do? Yugi, please tell me. What should I do?"
--------------------
"Yugi!" Jou called, running up to the shorter teen. "What are you looking at?"
"Huh? Oh, just this," Yugi said, pointing to a figurine in a window of a store.
"I didn't think you liked this kind of stuff," the blonde said, looking at the statue. It was a male demon with large, black, feathered wings. The male was very handsome, with pale white skin, long, black hair, and dark blue eyes. A long, black robe covered it's body, and it's right arm was raised to the sky, a saddened look on it's face.
"I think it's nice," Yugi replied. "I especially love the wings."
"But why would you want a statue of a demon? Demons are evil monsters. Their wings are black from the ashes of the fires of Hell, you know."
"I think black wings are beautiful," Yugi said, narrowing his eyes. "Just because he's a demon doesn't mean he's evil. And it doesn't mean he is a monster."
"All right, all right. Don't get so worked up over a statue," Jou said with a laugh. "Now come on. Let's get to the food court so that I can spend all my money buying you guys food."
"I'll lend you some money if you need it," Yugi replied.
"No way! Because then I'll feel the need to pay you back, and then you will say, 'No, Jou. I don't want you to pay me back. I did it because you are my friend.' And then I'll feel even worse about not paying you back."
"But, Jou-"
"No! I'm paying, and that's final! Though…you might have to lend me five bucks."
Yugi rolled his eyes and smiled, then pulled out his wallet and grabbed a few bills. "Will this cover it?"
"Yup! And I swear, I'll pay you back." Jou then ran off to stand in a line for one place, and Yugi walked over to the table where the rest of his friends were sitting.
"Hey, Yugi! Took you long enough to get here," Honda teased.
"Sorry, I was looking at something," Yugi replied, sitting next to Ryou. "And…I'm feeling a bit tired."
"Really? But we've only been here a few hours," Malik said. He then placed a hand on Yugi's forehead. "Maybe you are still a bit sick."
"No, I'm fine. And it was just a stomach ache," Yugi replied, pulling away. He caught Ryou's gaze from the corner of his eye, then quickly looked away. He really couldn't deal with this topic again. He was worried enough with just Ryou knowing that he really wasn't sick, and that he was keeping a big secret from everyone.
"Then you shouldn't be eating something like pizza," Honda added. "That'll make it worse."
"Well…I…I just-"
"Malik," Ryou quickly interrupted. "Didn't you say something about your sister coming here?"
"Oh ya!" the Egyptian teen said, bouncing around happily. "Isis is coming to visit in a week. I'm glad because I haven't seen her in four months."
"How long will she be staying?" Yugi asked, extremely grateful that Ryou had changed the subject.
"Two weeks."
"Who is staying two weeks?" Jou asked as he came up to them, carrying a tray of nachos, two pizza slices, and three drinks.
"Isis," Malik said.
"Really? That's cool. Now I'm off to get the rest," Jou said, leaving them once again.
"I can't wait till she gets here," Malik said, dipping some nachos in the cheese and eating them. "And I can't wait till summer comes, because I'll be going back to Egypt."
"You'll be gone the whole time?" Yugi asked, taking a sip from his drink.
"If you're going to miss me so much, why don't you come?" Malik asked. "That way we can have a bit of privacy, if you know what I mean," he added with a wink.
"Wouldn't that be a bit like eloping?" Honda asked. "Leaving everyone for some distant place where you would be alone."
"Aw, and here I was planning a big wedding for us," Yugi said with a sigh. "And Ryou would have been my Maid of Honor."
"As long as I don't have to wear a dress," the British teen said with a chuckle. Jou then came back with three hamburgers and placed one in front of Ryou, the other two being for himself.
"Oh, you're talking about Yugi and Malik's wedding?" Jou asked, giving Ryou his fries and drink. "Did they decide to elope?"
"You know, it's not really eloping if everyone comes along," Malik commented.
"Not to mention my grandpa and your sister will have to come as well," Yugi added. "Grandpa would kill me if he wasn't invited."
"When is he coming back?" Honda asked.
"Monday, and I'm glad. I don't want to be alone in that house anymore," Yugi said, the last part coming out a bit sad.
"But you aren't alone," Jou said. "You know I would have stayed with you the whole three weeks if you had asked." The other three nodded in agreement.
"No, I was fine, until…I guess I just want some company again. It's been really quiet…since he left," the amethyst eyed teen said softly.
His friends all looked at each other worriedly, and a single thought flew through their minds, 'Who's 'he'?' An uncomfortable silence took over, and for a few minutes no one said anything. Finally Honda broke the silence, unable to stand the tense atmosphere anymore.
"Oi! Jou, you got me the wrong drink!"
"Like hell I did! You got what you asked for!"
"I wanted Coke, not root beer! I hate root beer! Go get me a new drink!"
"I ain't your servant, you lazy pig! Get it yourself!"
"Don't make me get Yugi to tell you off!" Honda threatened, which made Yugi smile.
"I'm not getting involved," the shorter teen said.
"Yugi, make him get me a new drink!" Honda said.
"Yugi, tell him to go shove his head up his ass!" Jou yelled.
"Poor you, Yugi," Malik whispered into Yugi's ear. "You have to be always stuck in the middle."
"Eh, I get good perks," Yugi responded with a shrug.
"Yugi, if you make Jou get me a new drink, I'll give you all my pepperoni!"
"Yugi, if you tell Honda to fuck off, I'll give you half my fries."
"See?" Yugi said, and Malik and Ryou started to laugh. 'I'm glad I can spend time like this with my friends. If I didn't have them, I don't think I could ever get over this sadness. I'm so glad I have friends like these.'
A while later, the group decided it was time to head home, so they all grabbed whatever purchases they had made and headed for the exit. Walking outside, they noticed that it was late. Ryou checked his watch and announced that it was already after eight. The sky was already dark, and as there was no moon, it looked more like a thick, black blanket had been draped everywhere.
'Yami said the moon gave him strength. I wonder what he does when there is no moon. Or is that only when he is hurt or weakened?' Yugi turned when he heard Malik call his name, and he apologized for not listening.
"I asked if you wanted me to give you a ride home," the tan blonde asked.
Yugi just shook his head, and said, "No thanks. I'd rather walk."
"Are you sure?" Malik asked. "You know you shouldn't go off alone at night."
"I'll be fine," Yugi said. "Thanks for everything today, guys. It meant a lot. Goodnight." The he turned and walked away, leaving the others standing there watching him.
"Someone should go with him," Honda said.
"I don't think he wants anyone to follow," Jou replied. "He seemed really off today."
"He says he misses his grandpa. But that isn't the whole deal," Malik added.
"It's best that we don't pry into his life too much. If he wants to tell us something, he will tell us in time. Don't try to pressure him into doing things," said Ryou as he ran his fingers through his silver locks.
"Something happened to him this week," Jou said. "And if it affected him like this, then I want to know more."
"Let's give him time to get back to normal," Malik said. "And if that isn't enough, I'll have Isis talk to him. She might be able to help him."
"So we wait a week?" asked Honda. "That sounds fine to me. A week should do it…hopefully. Until then, I'll see you guys on Monday." The rest of the group exchanged goodbyes and went their separate ways, hoping that their friend would sort everything out soon.
-------------
Yami was still sitting on the balcony when his watch beeped ten. He shifted slightly, then lifted his head from it's position of laying on his arms, and looked up at the sky. It was so dark up there, yet at the same time it was shining from the lights of the city, the palace, and the bright stars. It couldn't be described as dark anymore. The light had entwined with the dark, and they were coexisting beautifully in the sky. Light and dark. Hikari and yami.
"If I am the dark, who is my light?" the teen King asked out loud. "Could he be my light?" With a sigh he removed his arms from around his legs and stretched out, a groan escaping when he felt his stiff limbs move. "It's late," he said, looking at his watch. "I should get to bed. I just know tomorrow will be extremely busy."
'Yugi should be getting to bed now as well. I hope he had a good day.' Yami then turned and walked back inside, taking his shirt off in the process. He then took off the rest of his clothes and walked to the bathroom where he decided to take a long, hot shower. He didn't have to worry about his wings getting wet, as he used a special magic to keep the water from reaching the feathers. 'Hopefully this shower will help me clear my mind.' He walked to the shower where he slid the glass door back and stepped inside. He turned on the two silver shower heads, which were opposite each other, and stood in the middle and let the spray hit him. Yami moaned in pleasure when he felt the hot water touch his skin, the water trickling down his smooth, tan body to pool at his feet then run down the drain. 'That feels so much better,' the thought, shaking his wet hair from his face. 'I should have done this from the beginning.'
A while later he stepped from the bathroom clad only in a fluffy white towel that hung loosely from his hips. He then stepped out onto the balcony again, and looked once more at the sky. It was half past eleven now, and Yugi should already be asleep, or on the verge of sleeping. 'I hate not knowing what he is doing. How will I know if he is safe or not?' "I've got it!" Yami cried, happy that he finally found a solution to his problem. "I'll just have him under surveillance."
Yami then closed his eyes and stretched his arms in front of him, palms facing upwards. He then began to quietly chant a spell, and his body was surrounded by a black glow. Dark, shadowy tendrils began to crawl up his body and towards his hands, where they formed into two black balls. Once the balls had become the size of softballs, they exploded and in their places were two black birds. Yami opened his eyes and smiled at his work. The birds looked like black doves, with two very long tail feathers and crimson eyes. They were his messenger birds (1) but now he would use them for a different purpose.
"How have you two been?" he asked them, gently stroking their chests. The two birds cooed and rubbed their cheeks against Yami's. The King laughed and let them perch on his arm. "It's been a while since I've used you, huh? But now I have a very important mission for you two." The birds cooed again and cocked their heads, as if to indicate they were listening. "See, there is this boy. He is very important to me, but I can no longer be with him to make sure that he is ok. I want you two to follow him and make sure that he stays safe. If anything should happen, come to me immediately."
The two birds nodded, and nipped lightly at his fingers as he continued to pet them. "Good to know you understand," Yami chuckled. "This boy is more important to me than anything, so watch over him." The doves chirped angrily and bit him harder. "Ouch! You two are still important to me, so don't be jealous. Now go find him. His name is Yugi Mouto, and he looks a lot like me." The doves nodded again, and then took off into the night, on a search to find the one their creator cared for.
Yami smiled softly as he watched his birds fly away, wishing he could fly along side them. At least now he didn't have to worry about whether or not Yugi was safe. His messenger birds would find him immediately and follow him wherever he went. So he would know immediately if something was wrong. It was the closest he could get to being beside Yugi, and he would do anything to make sure the boy stayed safe.
The crimson eyed King yawned then walked back inside towards his bed. He let the towel drop to the floor, revealing his nude body. The starlight shone into the room and bounced of the mirror, hitting his body in a way that made his golden skin glow. Climbing on top of the sheets and laying on his back, his wings spread under him, he lay there and stared at the ceiling. He didn't care that he was completely naked, because no one would dare enter his room uninvited.
Turning his head to the left, he buried his face in his pillows and took a deep breath, and frowned. 'Yugi's pillows always smelled of strawberries. How I miss that scent.' Shifting slightly, he draped his right arm across his chest, and placed his left near his head. He shivered lightly when a cool draft entered the room and softly ghosted over his body. Like tiny caresses all over his skin, sending chills down his spine. Yami gasped and arched his back slightly, the starlight glistening over his smooth chest, sculpted abdomen, and strong legs.
"Cold," he whispered, and pulled the sheets from under him and covered himself with it. A contented sigh passed his lips and he closed his eyes, wishing to bask forever in the warmth that had enveloped his body. Opening his eyes a crack, he looked up to the sky once more. Locking his eyes on the brightest star in the sky, he smiled softly and said, "Goodnight, Yugi," before closing his eyes and drifting off to the land of dreams.
------TBC-----
(1) The idea for the messenger birds came from Yami no Matsuei (American name: Descendants of Darkness) If any of you have read/seen the anime or manga, you should know about Tsuzuki's messenger birds made from fuda paper. For those of you who don't know the series (go check it out!) the birds are made from paper. They start out as origami birds, but when Tsuzuki blows air into it, they turn into real birds. They look exactly like the ones I used here, except the ones in Yami no Matsuei are white. I'm not sure about the eye color though. Don't own Yami no Matsuei. (p.s. Hisoka is the greatest! So is Tatsumi! Muraki must die! And Dan Green does Tsuzuki's voice! dies Dan Green does Yami's, Yugi's, AND Tsuzuki's voice! That's just great!)
Star: Yay, I'm finished chapter 7! But I am very disappointed in how long it took me to get here. Granted I had that horrible summer with no internet, and then Hurricane Katrina came a week after I got back, but I was hoping to have at least more than ten chapters up.
But I'm going to work hard to get more chapters up before summer. I'm going to aim for three more, maybe four before the end of May. But that all depends on how much time I have.
Anyway, I have thought of a new story idea, but I don't know if I should put it up or not. The summary shall be posted in my profile, so please check it out. If people like the summary, then I'll start writing it. I just don't want to do something that will take time away from this, if people find it horrible or something. (Yes, I still criticize my writing. Wanna fight about it? Joke!)
I hope everyone liked this chapter! It took me half a month to finish only because I procrastinated, yet again. But anyway, I'll see you guys later! Please review!
Check out my profile for info on my new fic idea.
