To the Victor Go the Spoils

Sorry about the long wait...I just started my new job, and things have gotten really busy really quickly! So my updates will be coming a lot slower than before. Thanks to those of you who have stuck with this story so far and reviewed...it's going to get much more intense after this!

Some Puzzleshipping cuteness in this chapter. Plus the epic press conference.

Plot: Seto is obsessed with beating the King of Games, no matter what the cost. However, he doesn't stop to think just what that cost might be.

Timeline: A few months to a year after the end of the series. Yugi and Yami are fully separated following the Ceremonial Duel, which Yugi wins, but Yami chooses to stay and remain separate, rather than continue to the afterlife. I'm calling him Yami instead of Atem…just for my own preference.

Rating: T for dark themes: insanity, violence, language.

Disclaimer: If I owned Yu-Gi-Oh, only I would be able to screw the rules. Because I'd have a crapton of money. ^_~

Italics indicate thoughts or emphasis.

Yami helped his other half into bed, gently easing him under the covers. Clean and warm, with his help, Yugi looked a lot less miserable than he had in the Kaiba mansion. His injuries were mostly bruises – countless numbers of them, all nasty-looking – plus a sprained ankle and a few nasty bumps on his head; Yami had gotten a good look at them all when helping him bathe. He couldn't do anything except wrap the swollen ankle, which frustrated him; Yugi would have to stay in bed for a couple of days until his body healed. At least it wasn't anything life-threatening.

Yugi's head settled back onto the pillows, tired amethyst eyes meeting Yami's own red-violet. Yami smiled softly, sitting at his side and brushing aside the bright yellow bangs, so like his own, that fell across his hikari's face. "Feel better?" he asked.

"Much," Yugi smiled. "Thank you, Yami."

"It was the least I could do, considering…" he frowned slightly, guilt rearing its ugly head within him.

Yugi caught his look and sighed. "Please, Yami, don't blame yourself for this."

"How can I not? Every time you get hurt, it's because of me." Yami closed his eyes, ashamed of himself. Some protector he'd turned out to be.

To his surprise, Yugi snorted. He looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "You can't control the world, my other half," he said gently. "It's not your fault that Kaiba's gone completely crazy. Besides," his tone turned carefully neutral, "I wouldn't look like this if I'd given him what he wanted."

Yami swallowed. "Which was…?"

"Information on how to beat you." Yugi shrugged. Yami sighed. It figures. What else? "Your weaknesses, your strengths." He paused, looking into Yami's eyes, his tone becoming soft. "I didn't tell him anything. Not one thing, outside that you're the King of Games and he'd never defeat you." He smiled. "I'd never betray you like that, my other self."

Warmth spread through Yami, and he took his partner's hand. "I know you wouldn't. Though, you can't use that argument anymore. I'm no longer the King of Games." It felt very strange to say that. He'd been the King of Games for how long? Years, now.

Yugi stared, mouth agape. "What? You mean he actually defeated you? Dear Ra, Yami, why didn't you-?"

Yami cut him off. "He didn't defeat me in a duel, Yugi." He smiled sadly at him. "For all his interrogation, he knew he had already found a weakness of mine," he gestured at Yugi's bruises. "I won't stand to see you hurt on my account. I," he placed his other hand on top of Yugi's, "will not betray you, either."

Yugi's expression showed a mix of gratitude and puzzlement. "But, then…how…?" he trailed off, tilting his head to one side.

Yami shrugged. "I relinquished my title to him. And I am not to challenge him to win it back. Kaiba also wants me to hold a press conference with him tomorrow morning to publicize it, no doubt because he wants me publicly humiliated." He smirked, feeling slightly amused. "Too bad he can't humiliate someone who isn't truly defeated."

"So wait, he wanted you to give up your title and publicly announce it…and that's all? In exchange for me?" Yugi's expression made Yami grin in amusement. He knew Yugi would take it like this. "I'm not sure whether to be insulted or just plain confused."

Yami laughed. "Obviously, it's a huge deal to him, aibou."

"Yeah, but not to you! Or me, for that matter. You'd think Kaiba would know that by now."

Yami had thought the same thing, but today's events had proven him wrong…and showed him just how dangerous his rival had become. "Kaiba's lost his mind, Yugi…"

"Yeah, I gathered that," Yugi muttered, glowering at the sheets in front of him.

"…he's clearly got a different idea of what's important now. For the record, though," Yami's expression turned solemn, "I would've given him anything in return for you. Anything," he emphasized when Yugi looked back up at him. "I had no idea what he wanted, but even if it meant giving myself up, I was fully prepared to do so." Yugi was quiet, staring up at him, eyes misting over. Yami blushed slightly; Yugi knew how much he meant to him, but he didn't often say it aloud. "You are everything to me, hikari," he whispered. "Everything."

Yugi smiled, sniffling a bit, and he reached his free arm up towards his other half. Yami complied with the unspoken request and lay down next to Yugi, wrapping him in his arms. "You're everything to me, too," Yugi whispered softly. "My other half."

Yami felt the burning in his eyes again. This time, he didn't care. "Aibou…you've always meant the world to me. Didn't you know?"

"Of course I did," his other half whispered. "But after yesterday…it…it means a lot to hear you say it."

Yami felt himself relax, contented to stay where he was. As he drifted off to sleep, his last thought was that he'd have to remember to say it out loud more often.

...

"Now, you're sure you've got everything down?" Seto sneered, sitting back in his office chair, thoroughly enjoying the irritated look on his rival's face.

"I have just repeated it all verbatim to you for the third time, have I not?" Yami glowered at him across the desk, arms crossed. "I'll hand it to you, though, at least you came up with a plausible strategy to win." He smirked. "It would be sad indeed if your story fell through because you couldn't come up with one that was good enough."

Oooh, so you're not going to come quietly today, my dear pharaoh? Such a shame, such a shame…especially when the hounds outside start barking and laughing at you…you won't be so arrogant THEN, oh no, oh no, we'll see who'll leave this standing tall. Seto glared at him. "I didn't get this far by being stupid, you arrogant bastard," he growled. "I've dueled you enough times to know your deck inside and out. Don't think that a little thing like creative thinking could cause me trouble." Heh…standing TALL. He can't stand tall ANYWAY, the little shrimp. "And by the way," he smiled silkily at the spiky-haired duelist. "How's your precious counterpart doing?"

Yami suddenly looked furious, and Seto snickered. A low blow, but the former King of Games had to remember just who was in charge. He couldn't let him start acting like he still owned the world. "Remember, you're on my turf, playing my game by my rules. You're not king of anything anymore, so I suggest you start acting a little more…humble, shall we say."

Yami opened his mouth to retort, when the door behind him opened. Seto watched the former King of Games school his features into his usual serious-neutral expression as his secretary stepped in. "Mr. Kaiba, sir? It's time to go down."

Seto stood and moved toward the door. Yami rose as well, getting to the door at the same time as he did. Seto glared and raised an eyebrow. Rolling his eyes, Yami allowed him to go first. That's right, my dear pharaoh, you'll be two steps behind me from now on. Get used to it.

...

The crowd of reporters had gathered on the steps of the KaibaCorp building, just as he'd planned. It was quite large; almost every major newspaper in the city had sent a journalist or two to hear the news. It was no doubt surprising that the King of Games – he failed to suppress a snort – and the CEO of KaibaCorp, long known to be rivals, were making a joint statement. He hadn't told them what it was about; he'd counted on their names to draw the crowd. Looks like I've succeeded, once again, he thought in smug satisfaction. My dear pharaoh, welcome to round two of my little game, my dark little game that will have you sweating and squirming for all the world to see.

He paused before the glass doors that led outside, glancing back at the spiky-haired bastard who'd so long been on top, who'd haunted his dreams and his mind for the past few months…and who would finally be pulled off his pedestal for good today. He didn't look worried. He had his game face on…good. Hopefully that was hiding nerves, hopefully his nerve would crumble under the barrage of questions that he would no doubt have a hard time handling, hopefully he'd be exposed as weak and humbled before the crowd's very eyes, while he, Seto Kaiba, would remain calm, calm and cool and calm as always…like ice, he was, calm and cool…

He pushed open the doors. Game on, he smirked to himself.

The crowd quieted immediately when they saw the two duelists emerge. Seto risked another glance at his now-former rival as he made his way to the small podium. He looked a bit uncomfortable under the lights and camera flashes. Good. And now…I shall make the first move. Surprise, surprise…

He stepped to the side, turning towards Yami and motioning for him to come forward, inviting him to speak first. He noted with glee that the former King of Games could not mask his look of surprise. Did you really think I'd announce your defeat for you, my dear pharaoh? Oh no, oh no…so much better if you do so yourself, so much better…it makes the humiliation SO much more enjoyable…

Taking a breath, Yami stepped up to the podium. He wasn't prepared. Surely he would falter, surely, surely he would lose his nerve…

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his deep baritone smooth and assured. "I'm sure you're all curious as to why my…esteemed rival called this conference today.

"For the last few years, he and I have been engaged in dueling tournaments that placed both of us at the top. I, as you know, have continuously bested him; however, he has always been a worthy challenge." Yami turned his head to look at Seto, the challenge in his eyes making him irritated. Just get on with it already, he thought, keeping his features neutral and merely nodding in reply. "Well, yesterday changed everything. It is now my duty to inform you all that I am no longer the King of Games." Gasps from the crowd interrupted him. "Yes, that's right. Seto Kaiba has defeated me and I proudly and honorably"–here he looked askance at Seto, who merely smiled—"hand the title I have borne for so long to him. And I will not be seeking to gain it back."

Seto stepped up amidst the flurry of shocked chatter that buzzed through the crowd. "We have agreed," he declared, "to set aside our old rivalry now that it has been proven once and for all who is on top. For years, I have tried to prove that the King of Games is not unbeatable, and finally I have succeeded! And now…here we stand. I am the new King of Games. Yami is now second to me. Though of course, he remains," Seto sneered slightly, "a worthy challenge." He continued to outline the points of the duel they'd rehearsed, sketching the strategy he'd worked out on his simulator the night before. When he'd finished, he smiled at the crowd. "We will now take your questions." He reached into the podium and pulled out a mic for Yami, who took it and stood to the left of the podium.

The reaction was instantaneous. Immediately, the reporters began shouting, jostling forward as Seto had known they would. Yami looked surprised at the commotion. Seto smirked and pointed to a young woman near the front. "You there, go ahead." The journalists quieted.

"Yami, in all your years of dueling, you've gone virtually undefeated and Mr. Kaiba has never defeated you. What changed?"

A look of amusement flickered across his face and was replaced by his usual stoic expression. "You could say that Kaiba finally found my weakness," he said, shooting a thinly disguised glare at the brunet. Indeed, he thought nastily. And you're FINISHED because of it.

The same woman spoke again. "And what is that?"

Yami laughed, appearing to relax. "Now what fun is there in telling you that?" he said amiably, smiling to show his humor. "It took Kaiba years to figure me out; it'd be highly unfair if everyone else knew, too. Though I can tell you that he hasn't learned everything." Appreciative laughs from the crowd. Seto frowned. They should be laughing at him, not with him!

Yami began to take charge. He called on another journalist to his left.

"Why won't you be challenging Mr. Kaiba to win back your title?"

"Well, it wouldn't be nice if he only wore it for a day or so," Yami smirked. More laughter. This wasn't going the way Seto wanted it at all. "Kaiba and I…discussed things yesterday," he raised his eyebrow slightly and glanced at Seto, "and in the end, well…I found I couldn't refuse." Couldn't refuse, indeed, pharaoh…I DO wonder why…Seto had to keep himself from snickering.

"Kaiba, what will you do now that you've finally won?"

Happy to have the spotlight, Seto replied dryly, "Sit back and relax." Some laughter. Good, so not all the reporters were enamored with the pint-sized bastard next to him. "I'll keep running KaibaCorp as usual. But I am more than willing to accept any challenges for my title. It's only fair, after all."

"And I, of course, am happy to answer any challenges as well," Yami added. "Just because Kaiba has beaten me doesn't mean that I'm done dueling forever. Just done dueling him."

"That was my next question!" someone shouted, and Yami favored him with an apologetic smile. Seto was greatly annoyed that the attention was once again diverted to his rival.

"My apologies, sir," he said. "Next question?"

"What exactly were the terms of this duel?"

Seto jumped in. This was the opportunity he'd been hoping for, to further pull his rival down. "Well, apart from the obvious – the King of Games title – we agreed that the loser would not challenge the winner for the title afterward. Friendly duels, of course, would be just fine." Let the almighty pharaoh chew on that one. "And also…we each put up a rare card or two. Which reminds me," he turned to Yami, a nasty smirk on his face, "You owe me a couple of God Cards, my friend."

Yami's face wore a furious expression for a split second before changing to mild surprise. Seto crowed with victory internally, seeing his free hand clench into an angry fist. That's it, pharaoh, lose control…try to deny me in front of the entire world! The crowd quieted, sensing that this was an unexpected development, watching Yami's reaction closely. Finally, the violet-eyed duelist spoke. "Ah, yes, so I do." He reached into the small pouch he carried his deck in and pulled out three cards. "Good thing I always bring my deck with me; I nearly forgot. My three most powerful cards," he drew out the three God Cards and presented them to Seto with a sardonic smile. "Take good care of them. They have certainly served me well."

Disappointed, Seto took them, matching Yami's smile as he pocketed them. "I'll take excellent care of them, don't you worry."

After a moment of quiet murmuring, a tall reporter near Seto called out, "After so many years of not beating you, Mr. Motou, do you think that Mr. Kaiba's victory is a sign that you've lost your touch?" Finally, the question he'd been waiting for! Hopefully, the tide would turn against him; reporters could be quite fickle in their opinions.

Yami considered for a moment. "That is always a possibility," he said calmly. "I do not believe so, but it is possible. Once again, though, I welcome any challenges. Perhaps some new ones will keep me on my toes."

A shout from the back of the crowd. "You're taking this awfully well, Mr. Mutou. Does defeat not phase you at all?"

Yami's smile belied the sudden intensity of his gaze. "Yes and no. I've been proud to be the King of Games for so long, so it was quite shocking to lose that title. However, it has always been the fun of dueling that keeps me in the game, not a need to stay on top. If someone defeated me honorably, I would be happy to hand him or her the proverbial crown. Also," he glanced at Seto again, "I have friends and family who support me no matter what, and they are worth much more to me than a gaming title. If it came to it," he now looked directly at him, "I would gladly give up my title, and even dueling at all, for them."

Seto noticed a flurry of comments, sounding curious and appreciative, buzzing near him, and it made him annoyed and angry. Not only was Yami standing smack in the virtual spotlight, he seemed as though he was just fine with it! And those pathetic worms who called themselves journalists weren't tearing him apart at all. Where were the jeers, the tough questions designed to make him trip? Why did they not see that the King of Games was knocked off his throne into the common crowd? And why the hell were they still acting as though the "proverbial crown" still rested on his head?

The question-and-answer session continued, with the majority of questions directed to the now-former King of Games. Yami fielded them all gracefully, to Seto's utter annoyance, though there were times when he'd say something or do something that got some reporters scribbling harder than usual…and it was usually to Seto's own disadvantage.

"Mr. Motou, where's your partner? Your protégé? Should he not be here to support you?"

Yami hesitated. "Yugi is…not well," he replied, narrowing his eyes at Seto, who glared back. Do NOT blow my cover, you son of a bitch, he thought furiously. I'll fucking kill you and your precious hikari if you do. He didn't notice that a few observant journalists had carefully watched the silent exchange and had noted it. "He's staying home today and resting, and should be back on his feet soon."

He was all politeness, all amiable charm, and it looked as though he wasn't even trying. Seto felt his anger growing, his desire to grab the other duelist by the hair and drag him to the ground where he belonged…no, no, he must stay focused, stay controlled…but it was so hard, so, so hard when he was doing so well, when he was making a mockery of what Seto had been dreaming of for weeks. How often had reporters hounded him, throwing uncomfortable question after question at him until he'd finally had enough and made them leave? But with that spiky-haired bastard, they were laid-back, asking some tough questions but looking satisfied with their answers…and all the while, ignoring him! HE was the King of Games now, this was HIS GAME, and that ridiculous-looking midget next to him was stealing his show, warping his field to suit his own needs, taking command of something he should have no control over! He should be begging Seto to help him deal with the questions, not taking them all as though he'd been born to a life of public speaking! Seto burned, burned with hatred for the bastard next to him, burned with the desire to see him suffer…

He'd had enough. He would not sit here and let Yami destroy his own game! He WOULD NOT let his precious game, his glorious game that had started out so well, be torn down by the very person it sought to destroy.

"All right," he said, trying to sound neutral. "I think we've had enough questions…both of us," he couldn't resist adding, a reminder to the idiots standing before him that this was supposed to be his victory parade. "Any follow-ups may be directed to the Game Shop for Mr. Motou or KaibaCorp for myself." He switched off the podium mic, and then took Yami's and did the same, placing it back inside the podium's shelf. Turning, he entered the KaibaCorp building once more, glancing back to make sure Yami followed him.

As soon as the doors closed behind them, Yami spoke. "That was low, Kaiba," his voice was a low, angry growl. "If you'd wanted the God Cards, you should've asked me yesterday, not in public. Good thing I had my deck with me just in case."

"Now, my dear ex-King of Games, what fun would that have been? I do enjoy keeping you on your toes…Are you saying you're not up for my challenges?"

Yami stopped and turned, facing him directly, allowing his anger to show. "No. I'm saying that you don't have a shred of honor in your entire being."

"Oh dear. I'm hurt." His mind rang with his silent laughter. Oh yes, oh yes, he had everything now, everything and everything, and Yami could go to hell with his ideas of honor for all he cared.

"Hm," Yami snorted as he turned and walked toward the back exit. After a few steps, he stopped and looked back over his shoulder. Seto raised an eyebrow at him, hoping to irritate him further. But Yami only smirked and said, "You may think you've won a victory today, Kaiba, but you couldn't be more wrong. I am far from beaten." And he strode toward the back exit, chin held high…as though the last couple of days had never happened. The King of Games, proud, dignified and undefeated – and Seto realized, with a flash of pure hatred, that it was, in fact, completely true.

Serves ya right, Seto. *shakes finger at him* :P

I'm afraid the chapters are going to be long like this from here on out. Hope you all don't mind ^.^;

Next chapter...Seto's obsession is growing and mutating, and people are starting to ask questions.

Thanks for reading, and please review! ^_^