NEXT CHAPTER! I will add something else to this chapter that isn't in the manga, just because I think in reality, they'd have this in a tournament. I also want to start something with Marik. Review please!
Atem felt an extreme ice cold liquid being poured on his upper body before finding himself rolling off the bed and onto the ground. He immediately saw Seto carrying a bucket and ice cubes on his lap. Apparently, Seto had poured a bucket of ice water on Atem to wake him up in the morning for the Battle City Ceremony.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Atem yelled before snatching the bucket and whacking Seto over the head with it. He ducked right on time before letting out a punch right on Atem's stomach.
"You're the one to talk! It's time to get ready for Battle City, now get your ass up!" Seto said plainly before walking on his way toward the door. He turned his head with a slight smirk. "By the way, you should stop talking nonsense in your sleep. You sound like a homo."
"I'm so getting you for that," Atem seethed through his teeth before Seto closed the door. "Bitch."
"I thought it was funny," Yugi said before giving out a chuckle.
Atem rolled his eyes while slipping off his clothes to change into new ones. He was able to dry, dress, brush, and clean himself to prepare for Battle City. Atem knew that he had to make himself look extra nice for the Ceremony of Battle City. He straightened his black suit while glaring at himself in the mirror. He hated dressing up in a suit, especially one with a tie, which is why he didn't wear one.
Seto entered inside and showed a slight smirk.
"No tie?" Seto asked, noticing the suit Atem was wearing.
"Kill me before I wear a damn tie," Atem replied with furrowed eyebrows.
Seto dug into his pocket and retrieved a bow tie. He wrapped it around Atem's neck as Atem responded with a death glare.
"Is that better?" Seto asked.
"Not even close, but better than the tie," Atem said, still showing a death glare.
"Glad to see you're taking the bow tie okay."
"Why do we have to have a f***ing Ceremony where we dress up like some sort of rich barbie doll?"
"Every duelist needs a time to relax and enjoy a good party before dueling."
"I say we get our decks and duel instead of dressing like prima donnas."
Seto chuckled while rolling his eyes. Atem followed Seto, who wore a white suit and a black tie. The two boys walked downstairs where they met Uka, who was preparing breakfast. She eyed her son and his new outfit. She showed a cheerful smile.
"Well, don't you boys look handsome?" Uka said.
"Glad to finally get a compliment," Seto replied as Atem replied with a glare and a sigh.
"You know, I really hate you," Atem muttered as Uka chuckled, then scooped each egg and put them on a plate. Each of the plates also had a piece of toast and grits.
"Breakfast?" Uka asked as the boys sat at the table to eat the breakfast prepared for them. "Dad says you boys have a big day ahead of you."
"It's the day of Battle City, Mom," Atem replied.
"The whole town square will be the tournament until the final eight," Seto informed.
"I see. You need anything to drink?" Uka asked.
"Coffee," Seto replied.
"Same here," Atem replied.
Uka smiled cheerfully and prepared two cups of coffee. Seto came to the Moto's more often than before Duelist Kingdom. Uka had always enjoyed Atem inviting his friends over, though it surprised her when Seto started coming over. He was known for being in charge of a large company and was the Duel Monster's champion. At first, Uka felt nervous, having an important person over everyday, though she grew used to it. She learned Seto was no different than any regular teenage boy. Uka had grown fond of Seto and his friendship with Atem. Though, she never learned about the incident that happened during the Death T incident. All Uka knew was that there was something wrong with Seto and he fell into a coma.
Seto and Atem ate their breakfast and drank their coffee. They knew a healthy breakfast was important before the Ceremony. After finishing breakfast, they placed their dishes in the sink and made their way out the door.
"Good luck on the tournament. I'll be cheering you boys on!" Uka said.
"Thank you, Mrs. Moto," Seto thanked. Atem just nodded.
"Mom... I love you," Atem said.
"I love you too," Uka replied before the boys left out the door.
Atem and Seto entered into the limo and the driver drove off down the road toward the Ceremony at the Kaiba Dome that Seto built in Kaiba Land in place of the Death T tournament. During the ride, Atem kept messing with his bow tie, which felt weird around his neck. Seto let out a small chuckle as Atem adjusted his collar from messing with his bow tie.
"You're amusing, you know that?" Seto smirked.
"You're an asshole, you know that?" Atem replied annoyed.
"Yes."
"Screw you."
"We're here!" The driver announced.
"Thank you," Seto thanked the driver before him and Atem exited from the limo.
A huge crowd cheered loudly as Atem and Seto walked through the carpet pathway to the Kaiba Dome. Once they entered, they noticed many duelists with suits and ties. The women wore fancy dresses meant for a school prom. There was a buffet bar with a punch bowl, tea, some triangle sandwiches, some wraps, piggies in a blanket, and small cups and plates.
"Please tell me we're not at a tea party," Atem complained.
"That's the snack table. We have a bar, you know," Seto reminded.
"Still seems like a tea party to me."
"ATEM!" A familiar voice cried out. Atem turned his head to find Mai running up to him with a short purple dress, a black wrap around her waist and straps over her shoulders, and sparkles on the skirt of the dress. Long high heeled boots were shown on Mai's feet that echoed with every click.
"Mai!" Atem greeted before the two gave a warm hug. "It's been a while. How are ya?"
"Swell. Boy, don't you look handsome," Mai smirked while straightening Atem's bow tie.
"Is that an insult or a compliment?"
"A little bit of both."
"You can enjoy the party, but you need to at the stage in 30 minutes," Seto said.
"Aye aye captain!" Atem replied before Seto left from Atem and Mai.
"So, you're the coe-host for the tournament huh? You're lucky," Mai complimented. "How much is he paying ya?"
"I'm not getting paid. This is voluntary," Atem corrected.
"Not getting paid? What a ripoff!"
"Seto's my friend. He doesn't need to pay me a cent for helping him out."
"Whatever, I'm just saying."
"YO ATEM!" Joey cried out, running maniacally toward the two. He panted in and out with a green suit and dark green tie. "I've been looking everywhere for ya! You seem to be busier than usual."
"Sorry. At least I can be somewhat relaxed now," Atem said with a small smile. "I'm gonna get myself a drink. You wanna join along?"
"I might get myself a martini," Mai responded.
"Cool, just don't tell Ma," Atem smirked as Joey chuckled while rolling his eyes.
The trio walked to the bar and ordered one martini for Mai and two red wine glasses for Atem and Joey. The drinks were given and the three gave out their Drinking Cards. These cards assured that the duelists were allowed to drink. In order for any duelist, entering the Ceremony, to be allowed to buy a drink or two, he or she had to sign up for Drinking Cards. These cards can be given if the duelist showed his or her ID, proving that he or she was 20 or older. Atem was given this card for being the coe-host of Battle City, of course Seto didn't care that Atem was under drinking age. Joey was given his own card by showing his ID that was fixed to show he was 20 when he was really 16.
The trio saluted, then clanged their glasses before taking a sip.
"So, tell me, how's your sister doing, Joey?" Mai asked.
"The surgery started last night. I'm hoping to give her courage by playing this tournament," Joey replied.
"Same here. I also want to collect the god cards for Yugi. He says that they will help him retrieve his memories," Atem said.
"Yugi's memories?" Mai asked.
"Seto and I met this woman named Ishizu. She carries a millennium item like me, Pegasus, and Ryan. From what she said, Yugi was once a pharaoh of Egypt and saved it from some sort of destruction, I guess. He sealed his soul inside the puzzle and wiped his memory clean," Atem explained while staring at the location of his puzzle, which was inside the pocket of the black suit. Nobody would notice that there was an ancient puzzle in there.
"You mean those Egyptian god cards you and Kaiba were talking about?" Mai asked as Atem nodded in reply.
"I want to help Yugi gain his memories, though I will have to face a new enemy."
"New enemy? What's his name?" Joey asked.
"I... don't know," Atem replied, cradling his puzzle inside his coat pocket.
"Whoever he is, I'm sure we can beat 'em," Yugi said as Atem gave his brother a half smirk.
"Yugi seems to be up for it!" Atem said.
"I know you guys can take whoever this new enemy is," Joey cheered, pumping his fist up.
"All I know are the enemies I do know and those are the duelists we'll be facing," Mai said, eying the duelists she recognized from Duelist Kingdom.
"Hey, there's Ryan!" Atem said, spotting Ryan from a distance. "I'm gonna hang around with him. I'll just leave you two alone."
"Uh Atem..." Joey said, blushing cherry red.
"Later guys!"
Atem ran off, leaving Joey and Mai alone. He figured it was about time Joey got himself a girlfriend, especially since he had been dying to get one since day one. Atem greeted Ryan and gave him a guy hug.
"Ryan, so you're entering too? I'm surprised Seto let you in," Atem said.
"Since I never entered any tournament, I did play a few simulation games in Kaiba Land. It recorded me to be a level 7," Ryan explained.
"That's great! I'm glad you were able to participate."
"Thanks. Nice outfit by the way," Ryan teased as Atem sighed in annoyance. Ryan wore a dark gray suit, a silver undershirt, and a black bow tie.
"Look who's talking."
"I think both of you look ridiculous. Then again, I should be the one to talk," a new voice replied with a slight smirk up his lips. Atem and Ryan turned their heads towards this mysterious duelist. His hair was blond, but dark skinned. He held dark violet eyes and wore a white suit and a light tan tie.
"And who the hell are you?" Ryan asked rudely.
"Namu Marang. I'm from Cairo, Egypt," Namu introduced, taking out his hand to shake.
"I'm Atem and this is Ryan," Atem introduced, taking Namu's hand. "Nice to meet you."
"It's still strange for you to show up while we're talking," Ryan glared rudely.
"Sorry. I'm just new here and I'm... looking for someone," Namu replied with squinted eyes.
"Who is it?" Atem asked curiously.
"A curtain opponent I'm planning on defeating soon enough. I'm... mostly entering to get my revenge," Namu admitted.
"He must've done something bad."
"He did," Namu said, showing a dark expression. It then turned cheerful. "So, why are you guys entering, besides Spiky here creaming mop head."
"I'm just here for pure fun and to spend time with my friends," Ryan replied, eying Atem.
"I'm also here for that and to help two loved ones," Atem replied.
"I suppose that's better than my reasoning," Namu grinned happily as the three laughed aloud.
"So, what's it like in Egypt? Do you get to see pyramids?" Atem asked.
"Alot actually. I spent all my life there as a kid... at least underground," Namu said as the boys continued to listen. "Most of my life, I lived underground with my parents and sister. We always had each other."
"Wow, that really sucks, man," Ryan said. "Living underground."
"It's fine. I'm not underground anymore and I get to kick your asses," Namu smirked with crossed arms.
"In your dreams. They don't call me the King of Games for my good looks," Atem smirked, putting on a pose.
"Showoff," Ryan snorted.
Namu, for a second, narrowed his eyes a bit and scanned Ryan and Atem. He noticed a slight bump under Ryan's suit and a gold underneath the white shirt. Namu bit the corner of his lip as a slight smirk formed on his lips. The boys turned their heads back to Namu.
"I will be wishing both of you luck. I hope to duel both of you in the near future," Namu said.
"I wish to duel you too, Namu. Who knows, maybe I'll win myself a god card," Atem shrugged.
"I hear they're very hard to get. There's the Winged Dragon of Ra and Slifer the Sky Dragon."
"You mean Slifer the Executive Producer and Mega Alter Chicken."
The boys burst out laughing, so much that they began coughing. Namu was able to breathe normally again, then faced Atem with a huge smirk.
"You're funny. Maybe you could help me get my revenge," Namu smirked with each arm around his new friends.
"Sure. As long as you don't kill anyone," Atem teased as the boys laughed again.
"Nice one and thanks," Namu thanked with a devious smirk.
"I don't know about you, but I'm ditching the suit," Ryan said before taking off his coat and wrapping it over a chair.
"Same here. This thing is giving me heat stroke," Atem complained before also wrapping his coat around the back of his chair.
Namu, Ryan, and Atem walked side by side across the tiled floor before their eyes turned hallow while still walking. The three made a circle with Ryan and Atem facing Namu with hollowed eyes. Namu revealed under his coat to be a millennium item in the shape of a rod. The item was kept hidden under his suit from the sight of everyone else.
"How about starting Battle City, Atem, you find the one with the millennium puzzle and give me his location? If you ever contact with Yugi, don't destroy him. I'll be doing that," Namu smirked.
"Yes Namu," Atem said hollowly. Yugi was inside the puzzle, which was located in Atem's coat over the chair. Yugi could not feel the dark trance his brother was in. If Atem had been wearing the millennium puzzle, Yugi would've saved his brother in time, but now it was too late.
"I'll also implant my control over you just in case. In other words, I can control whatever comes out of your mouth anytime I want, even without the rod. I can also communicate to you, but I'll save that for later. For now, you and I are to be friends and I am to be Namu until I say that I am Marik Ishtar," Marik, who pretended to be Namu, said.
"Yes Namu."
Marik smirked, then faced Ryan, saying, "as for you, I would like to reveal the spirit inside the millennium ring."
Ryan's face changed to somewhat darker. Marik seemed to be expecting this.
"So, it seems you are interested in controlling my host," Yami Ryou smirked.
"I have heard about the famous thief king. We both want to destroy the pharaoh and I was thinking maybe we can work together to make this happen," Marik smirked.
"Well, I do know alot about the pharaoh and having this one to give you the location might just be your most brilliant plan yet. We just might have a deal."
"Excellent! I may not be able to control you or your pesky spirit, but I can control your host. I hope you don't mind me implanting my control over him."
"Do whatever the hell you want. He's been annoying the hell outta me anyways."
"Even more excellent," Marik smirked even more deeper. "Now my army of rare hunters is complete. With my control over this host, I can know the exact location of the pharaoh, destroy him with your help, and who knows, I just might keep Atem as my pet."
Yami Ryou smirked deeply. He knew that Marik was clueless about the fact that Atem was the pharaoh's host. Of course, it didn't matter if Marik knew or not, because he would still get Yugi's location no matter where Atem went. Both Atem and Ryan changed back to normal as if nothing happened. Marik gave his friendly smile.
"Well, let's sit down. I'll get you both a drink," Marik offered.
"That's very kind of you, Namu," Atem replied.
"Whatev," Ryan shrugged before the boys sat down.
Atem was thankful to have met a new friend in this tournament and Ryan felt the same. Little did they know, they were implanted of Marik's control. Even Yugi was clueless, since the implant was already made and Marik wasn't controlling Atem at this point. Ryou was already being controlled by Yami Ryou, so Ryan was just as clueless as Atem and Yugi.
Atem joined with Seto on the stage as everyone turned their attention to the two hosts.
"Welcome to the Ceremony of Battle City!" Seto announced as everyone cheered and clapped. "I thank you all for coming! This is not a game, this is a death match!"
"Yes, because losing a card game will mean losing your life," Atem added as everyone began laughing at the joke.
"You're hilarious," Seto muttered through the microphone. "The winners will come out victorious, while the losers will appear crying in defeat!"
"Like you did after I kicked your ass, except you were also hospitalized for almost half a year after that," Atem added as the crowd laughed even louder. Seto seemed very annoyed. "Though, I think everyone gets the idea! We both wish you all luck at the tournament! Remember, it's not about who wins or loses, it's about kicking some ass and playing till the last drop of blood! Of course, it'll be the first eternal bleeding caused by a paper cut."
Everyone laughed again as Seto asked, "do you have to add the jokes?"
"It's better than hearing a boring speech or wearing this stupid outfit that makes me look like the guy from the Tuxedo," Atem replied as a few giggles were heard.
"Anyways, LET THE BATTLE CITY BEGIN!" Seto declared as cheers were heard. "When you leave this dome, a timer will be set for one hour. When time is up, the whole town square will be officially a Battle City Tournament!" More cheers were made and Seto and Atem gave smirks at each other.
In the far distance, Ishizu was seen in the midst of the crowd as a duelist. She was watching Marik with close eyes. Her fingers tapped on her millennium necklace as a sigh escaped her breath.
"It seems that Marik has spoken with Atem, unknowingly that he is the vessel of Yugi. It was unwise of him to put away his puzzle in a room where the enemy lies," Ishizu said while glaring at Atem. She looked at her millennium necklace. "I cannot predict the future for Atem now, but I still believe in him. He is the world's only hope. Yet... I must help to save my brother. Atem will need my help, especially being under my brother's control. He is vulnerable as long as that implant is still inside him."