Disclaimer: Well, I could say that I owned 'em, but that would be lying -_-
Author's Note: Okay, I'm probably owing an apologize to all of my reviewers for almost "disappearing" again, but it's not the same excuse. I was having difficulty developing a plot, and now that I've finally figured out what to revolve my story around.*snicker* It'll be a surprise to all of you! I've decided to follow the concept of the Yamis not actually having a solid body of their own, for certain reasons, and as all of you can guess, this might a cause some slight problems for our pharaoh and his high priest *wink wink* (who still has no idea who he was during ancient Egyptian times). Well, there isn't much more that I need to say except enjoy and I hope you like this, as well as remain unconfused with my "strange" plot.
Anubus: Woah.I didn't say I wasn't going to finish it! Heh, I just said that I was having trouble with the plot ^_^ Don't worry! More on the way as soon as this tiny thing I have that resembles writer's block is gone! Hope you like-
Asashi Taiga: Glad you liked it. I wasn't sure how well this was actually going to turn out considering my mind has been wandering for quite some time. Tell me what you think of this next part. I need the inspiration. ^_~
Nastiesangel: *snicker* Don't hurt yourself running around. I've done that too many times and it isn't fun when stuff like that happens.
Mel Miyakai: *does a little curtsy* Thank you! I'm glad you didn't just up and wander off because I hadn't posted in such a LONG time! Luckily, I've kept my touch with this chapter.
Solitaire: I have to agree; I love Yugi, too, but it sometimes seems a little strange pairing him off with Yami. Not that I mind, though ^_^ He's kawaii most of the time and I just want to huggle him; plus, he's wise for his age and I can use his personality to my advantage in this fic *wink wink*
Satori Opaque: I was wondering that myself, hehe, and that's terrible, considering that I am the author *sigh* Anyway, I'm glad the title is somewhat approved; I could do better, but I'm mostly concerned with writing the actual content. Maybe I should hire someone to come up with titles for me, LOL
Kira Douji: 0_o Wow.you're a writer's dream reviewer ^_~ Okay, *draws in a breath* I'm glad that you like the way I've written this. At first, I wasn't sure I was even going to write a sequel to KA because I had just written it as a PWP-ish type thing, but I hadn't been expecting that many positive reviews and threat-like pleas for a sequel.ha. The idea of actually using premonitions and the like were always in the back of my head, and I thought it would be appropriate to write it in a fic somewhere along these lines. I also agree that many (perhaps more than half) Yu-Gi- Oh! stories are written solely for sex, masturbation, etc. and although I am a bit of a hentai myself and just like to browse through some, looking for a good story that catches my eye (Ryou and Bakura *sigh*), others are downright horrifying! ACK! Also, just because I can be a big eechi sometimes doesn't mean I like to make any of my fics that way (just for personal and public records alike, I don't like using the terms you mentioned in your review because I think they're degrading and just a little wrong when trying to write a romance of sorts) and I try to keep the sex where it's supposed to be and where it needs to be, not throwing it in anywhere for the hell of it. Glad you like the descrips to.I can be a bit wordy sometimes, but I like to try and keep it short and to the point if at all possible. I'm glad I'm not the only one who knows Seto isn't a cold- hearted bastard! I just think that's the way he is because of the way he grew up, but he can really be a normal person on the inside, just a little harder to show emotions that people normally express. Don't worry about the length of your reviews.geez.look at this reply *smiles*
Julie: Glad you liked it, and it seems like I can't appease everyone with the title of my fics *sigh* As I told Satori, I believe I'm just going to have to hire someone to create them for me. Heh, please continue to read, and I hope this part isn't a disappointment.
Blue September: *sniffle* I hope I'm not going to make you cry or anything during any part of this fic, but something tells me with the way it's going that it's going to be somewhat dark before anything gets better. And, on the note of just having Yami/Seto pairing, I was thinking of just leaving it at that, although I sometimes add Yugi in too complete things a little better, but.*shrugs shoulders* I believe I can leave Yugi out of the actual relationship between Yami and Seto because I can make it a little bit more angst-y. I don't really see Yugi as that type of person, anyway, and besides, Yami and Seto together is just hot *wipes drool from chin* Thanks for the idea as well.I'm actually trying to incorporate that into this fic somehow, in my head, of course, because I haven't written it out yet, but I'm not sure who or what the evil should be. If I do write it in somehow, you will definitely get the credit for giving me the idea because other that that, I was running a blank 0_o Keep reading and don't flood your house anymore! It's not good for the carpet or the keyboard, LOL
Yami-kun: Hehe, I see that we have something in common. I am also partial to YY/S fics, although they are my actual fav pairing (line me up for the next Ryou/Bakura fic!!!), but I love broadening my horizonings and venturing into the complicated worlds of Yami and Seto's minds. ^_^ Maybe this chappie will be just as good!
Chibi-chan: Well, I'm glad I didn't go against someone's idea, and I really hope that you like this.*sigh* it took me forever to figure out what to do, but now that I know.I'll be able to update faster. And Gomen ne about "disappearing."
Now that I've gotten all of that over with.on with the story and R&R!
Side Note: ~*~ represents flashes to the past
/./ and //.// represent Yami to Hikari thoughts to each other (or vice versa)
Dreams were infrequent to him; after all, he was a part of darkness that eluded any type of vision, but broken pieces of his past haunted him through the wandering days and empty nights within his soul room. Yami was not unfamiliar to loneliness -being locked within the Sennen Puzzle for more than five millennia dissolved what little need he required of human interaction- but his heart could surprise him at times, leaving him more confused than before. It had started from the very beginning after having been released from the confines of his prison by his Hikari -sweet, adorable, and innocent- but he had not truly understood the concept of the slight twinge in his chest; an ache that soon grew to an uncontrollable throbbing with the appearance of another Sennen Item.
The Sennen Ring.
There was no way for him to hide the slight disdain -and distaste- he held for the surviving spirit of the tomb robber inhabiting an equally innocent youth's body and mind through the Item's power, but in a way, he was almost jealous of the other's current situation. Bakura, his true name seemingly forgotten over the decay of time, shared a relationship with his Hikari that was inequitable to anything Yami had ever witnessed, albeit slightly strange. His plainly demented soul was unstable and unbalanced, frightening even the bravest, but Ryou matched his psychotic nature with a personality that almost made Yugi appear unmannered and disrespectful at times. Quiet and polite if ever spoken to, the white haired youth had such a strong influence and connection with Bakura that anyone who dared to threaten him with so much as a wrong glance would have a death wish larger than the vastness of the Shadow Realm that appeared almost endless because the tomb robber would mercilessly torture until he was positive he'd rung every ounce of blood he could from his victim.
It was odd, but in no way unexpected. Yami and Hikari were one in mind, body, and soul. They were the essence of darkness and the spirit of light wrapped together to form a being strong against evil and succumbing to good, but sometimes-
Sometimes, Yami would wonder if that was all it meant.
It was true -he'd promised to protect his other half with his life and do anything to keep him from experiencing the grief he had in the past, even murder if need be- but was that really what being part of another was? Or was it more?
Had there been something of greater significance in the past then he had thought there was? Did the things in his previous life -the ones he could not remember- in Egypt associate itself somehow with the way he lived now? It always seemed to remain a mass of endless questions that he was unable to answer, and everything about the backwards world he had become a part of continued to confuse him almost as much as his clouded thoughts did, perhaps even more so.
/Y-Yami-/ The nearly strangled cry rippled through his mind, bringing the pharaoh from his silent reverie, crimson eyes immediately alert and examining the area for signs of danger. When he stared at the surrounding layers of thick sandstone brick, he realized he'd forgotten that he was still in his soul room, the essence of spicy incense and musty cobwebs dominant to his enhanced senses, and he concentrated on the power welling within the Sennen Item lying heavily against his chest, its bright aura cascading around him to illuminate the room before he disappeared and wavered in between realms. His body remained transparent, his fingers almost sliding through the wall as he habitually grabbed it to turn himself around the corner of the kitchen so as not to lose momentum, and Yami came face to face with a large pile of boxes with.feet?
Peering around the side, he caught a glimpse of unruly hair and a flash of violet before the containers wavered back and forth, sending his Hikari staggering back a step while he tried to balance them, and he stumbled into a counter supporting a rack of merchandise that instantly toppled over the same instant his other half fell. There was a soft whelp from beneath the heap of glossy packages, and Yami sifted through them, now on his knees for quicker access, searching for the teenager buried beneath them. His hand brushed something cold, and he instantly recognized it as the Sennen Puzzle, knowing that he wasn't too far from rescuing his Hikari from the small disaster.
//Aibou.are you alright?!// There was a quiet whimper, but small fingers soon parted two of the boxes, reaching up towards the light to verify where he was at, and Yami dove, skin meeting invisible skin as he pulled upward, retrieving his Hikari.
/Yami-/ Yugi blinked up at him as soon as his head was above the mound, hair mussed and cheeks burning a slight pink, obviously from his inept ability to carry things, but the pharaoh ignored his embarrassment and ran a fast analysis of him, checking for injures.
//You are not hurt are you, Aibou? I did not mean to distract you.// A rather large grin abruptly brightened the youthful face staring up at him.
"It wasn't your fault I tripped, Yami," Yugi explained, climbing to his feet with renewed energy as he immediately tried gathering the objects scattered across the floor, stacking them in neat columns. "I'm just clumsy."
//What are they for, Aibou?// It was difficult for the spirit to accustom himself to the different ways Yugi would communicate to him when he got excited over something; one minute he was speaking through their shared mental link and then he would switch to verbal words, almost confusing the once living pharaoh. It wasn't that he minded the alternate forms of interaction, but it was a little complex to follow it easily.
"Just some things I found in the back of the storage closet," he answered, pushing them against the back of the large card case so they had a support to lean on. Yugi straightened and turned around to face his other half, a warm smile flushing his lips as he glanced up at him. Despite having been proclaimed one half of the other, there were still physical differences that separated them; Yami, in his astral form, was slightly taller and aside from that, his face and eyes were angled more, showing a greater deal in age than Yugi himself possessed. "I was cleaning it and they were hidden under some old blankets. I think they might be Duel Monsters cards, but I'm not sure."
//Haven't you looked?// Yami asked, his eyes sweeping across the rather spotless area of the gameshop as he spoke to his light half and partially listened to him ramble. The linoleum was glistening with noticeable spotlessness, and the pharaoh thought he could almost taste a bitter flavor in the air that oddly reminded him of myrrh. Although the place never appeared to be dirty, it seemed to be particularly sanitary, and that made him wonder exactly what his light half was planning.
"No," he answered, walking over towards the door to flip over the sign that signified the Kame Game Shop was open for business. "But I was going to go through them when Mokuba-san got here. I said I was going to rearrange some of the inventory, and he offered to help.you know me.can't turn down a voluntary invitation from a friend." Yami gave him a brief nod, not really paying attention until the words sunk through to his brain, and when they did he froze, a look of disbelief coming over his usually somber features.
//Nani? Mokuba.Kaiba??// Yugi spun to glance at him, his head tilting to the side in confusion when he noticed the expression written across his dark half's face.
"Hai. You.don't have a problem with it, do you, Yami?" The pharaoh blinked, his mystified trance broken, and he took a step back to lean against the wall, his arms crossing over his chest and the thick chain connected to the Sennen Puzzle as an automatic way of protecting himself from questions he felt uneasy to answer; he would never admit that aloud, though.
//Of course not, Aibou. You know that I only care for your happiness.I was just.surprised.// A soft giggle escaped from his Hikari's covered mouth, and Yami noticed the unexpected change in his visage from relaxed and happy to solemn when it became unpredictably quiet. //Aibou-//
"You're not going to be angry that I told someone other than Mokuba-san that they could come here today as well, are you, Yami? I didn't know that it was going to shock you that much." Yami stepped over the couple of boxes Yugi had missed when he'd picked them up and strode over towards him, a hand instantly landing on the t-shirt clad shoulder of his slightly shorter and more lovable side.
//Aibou.I will never be angry with you.you have more right then I to chose what you do in this world. I'm just-//
/Here to protect me.I know, Yami. You've told me countless times./ His voice was soothing and gentle throughout the spirit's mind, and he reflexively tightened his grip on the firm shape lying against his fingers to reassure both him and his Hikari but was almost dismayed to find that they hadn't moved from the lax position they had been placed in. He wished that he could become solid, living flesh and be able to embrace, to show open affection as easily as Yugi gave them to others, but under the circumstances he was in -a soul still trapped within the imprisoning walls of a magical Sennen Item- it was just unthinkable but something he prayed for with all he was made of. Yami would never be able to explain the entire situation to his innocent Hikari, but sometimes looking just wasn't enough.
//Good,// he replied in an equally tender voice. //I don't want you to ever forget that, Aibou.// Yugi smiled up at him then.
/I won't./ There was a pause. /Yami, do you want me to tell you-/ Yami's head jerked up when a loud banging ricocheted throughout the small room, and his eyes immediately narrowed in on the vibrating glass of the entrance to the shop. Leaning against it, with pale a face resting across the surface rather heavily, was a thin body with hair incredibly unnatural in color and flying out in all directions. The pharaoh stepped away while his Hikari hurried and opened the door, both of them watching with partial horror as the person slumped against the ground, appearing dead. Yugi bent down, examining his friend's form, but just as suddenly as he had fallen over, the new arrival jumped to his feet, chocolate brown eyes scowling at the guiltless expression being directed towards him.
"Damn body," he murmured in a thick voice almost unable to understand. "Still haven't gotten used to it."
"R-Ryou-san?" Yugi gasped and took a retreating step back when a hate- filled glare was sent towards him, and Yami immediately knew that the youth standing before them wasn't the kind and polite Ryou.
//Aibou, get away from him,// Yami ordered, using a more private link to channel his thoughts to his other half before stepping forward, his hands lying against his thighs in a pretense of defense. He raised his tone, aiming his words towards the white haired teen who just stared at him with an amused smirk on his face. //What are you doing here-//
"Yugi-san.Yugi." A hushed shout echoed into the room even as a pant of air followed, bringing their attention to the boy doubled over, gasping for breath as he clutched at his thighs. His pale hair shimmered brightly in the early morning sun, as it had just begun to rise, and warmth filled brownish green eyes flickered up to glance at them as his lungs found peace from the heavy sprint he'd just completed. "Th-that's not.me.I t-tried to." He stopped speaking as his near twin stalked towards him, anger flaring up in hellish orbs of black mocha.
"Worthless Hikari!" The other raised a hand, seeming to ready himself for an attack, but Yami ground his teeth and moved forward, trying to grab the light sweater clinging to his back, but the material just appeared to slide between his fingers.
//Tomb robber,// he snarled, unable to hide the disgust in his voice. It was one thing to find a threatening presence standing in front of him, planning to hit his Hikari, the one he was supposed to protect with his life, but it was another to be.real?!
"Well, if it isn't the pharaoh," he mocked, lowering his loosened fist before moving to stand beside a still huffing Ryou; the boy was obviously not made for athletics. "Descending from on high to mingle with the commoners? How beseeching of you." He snarled what was supposed to be a sarcastic laugh, and Yami closed his eyes, refusing to be instigated by the mere phantom of a thief.
//Unlike you, Bakura,// he spat the name with vile loathing. //I chose to interact without having to abuse something.// A quick glance to Ryou revealed that an ever darkening blush was spreading across his face, and Yugi remained quiet, partially confused at the entire ordeal taking place.
"Are you accusing me of something, pharaoh?!" Bakura was inches from taking a swing at the apparition before him, but he knew that if he did, there would be more than Hell to pay for trying to attack the once noble sovereign. His power would undoubtly send him to the Shadow Realm, and returning from that place was a task he wished not to perform; three times had been enough.
//Only what you deserve to be accused of. What exactly are you trying to prove coming here like that?!// The white haired spirit of the Sennen Ring glanced around himself.
"Like what?! Quit talking in damn riddles and speak straight!" Yami caught the smirk before it appeared on his face.
//In that body, tomb robber. What fool are you trying to trick? You will not find one here.// Slowly, the realization seeped into Bakura's brain as a smile slid across his lips.
"Jealous, pharaoh?" he asked, taking the opportunity to step away and spread his arms, turning full circle to show off the form he possessed; if it hadn't been for the wing-spiked albino hair, angled black eyes, and slightly more compacted muscle mass, he would have looked exactly like Ryou, but he was attractive and that put others who would find him alluring to a disadvantage. Bakura was a hellcat. "I've taken certain precautions to obtain this, but it's a wonderful thing.I'm no longer inhibited to a weak and worthless thing like him." Bakura jerked a thumb towards his Hikari who was just staring dumbfounded at both of them.
//Are you trying to accomplish something with this ploy of yours, tomb robber?! It's-//
YAMI!" Yugi, who had been repeatedly trying to get the pharaoh's attention for the past few minutes, screamed out his name, startling all of them; he was usually quite unless something disturbed him, and it was shocking to hear him raise his voice higher than a loud whisper. Yami's face, if in all possibility, drained of color, and the pharaoh arched an eyebrow while staring at his Hikari. He couldn't believe he'd lost control of himself; it was one thing to be angry, but to express it the way he had-
//Aibou, I apologize.// He frowned at Bakura, who was staring at his hands while he flexed them, not paying attention to what was going on. //And, you, tomb robber-//
"Oh, please.it's not like you enjoy calling me that," he taunted, snickering manically. "It's the same with 'pharaoh.' What kind of title is that anyway, and why should *I* be calling *you* that?" Yami bit down on his tongue, and he swore he could taste blood.
//Some things are better left unsaid for certain reasons,// he replied almost calmly, glancing to both Yugi and Ryou, one of which was beginning to get mad.
"Yami-"
"Yugi-san, would you like to show me." Ryou trailed off when he realized that his other half wasn't standing beside him, his presence undetected. Yami glanced around and knew that he *had* disappeared without having left a trace; he was good at what he did, the pharaoh would give him that much credit.
"That's what I was going to tell you," the shorter youth explained, lifting a finger to point towards the corridor which led to the steps to the second floor from where he was standing beside the flung open entrance of the store "Bakura went that way when you were-" There was a flash of silver as Ryou ran past them, long hair flying behind him and a frantic look on his face.
"Forgive me.I'll make sure he doesn't try to take anything," he called back, leaving Yugi and his Yami alone at the entry of the Kame Game Shop. The shorter boy glanced up at his other half, whose face was wrinkled with concentration.
"Yami.are you.angry with me?" The pharaoh's resolve broke, and he smiled wearily.
//Iie, Aibou. I am not.I'm just concerned.//
"About what?" Yugi gently shut the door and busied himself with tidying the already clean store. Yami moved towards the back part of the shop, a shoulder digging into the wall as he leaned against it with habitually crossed arms.
//Bakura's "newly" found power.I'm confused as to how he can draw himself into an entity other than that of Ryou's.I'm sure I would have known about it if there had been any.// He trailed off, unable to truly confuse what he thought. It was difficult to see someone he disliked with an ability that he would do anything to have, and it tore at him, deep down.
/Maybe you should ask him how he did it,/ Yugi suggested, walking behind the counter to stare into the glass case full of Duel Monsters cards. /That way, you'd be able to move around a little more freely without being in my-/ The small bell attached to the door rattled, interrupting his thoughts before he could finish, and a mop of black hair bounded in, a large smile, with both sets of teeth shining, present. Yugi turned away from Yami, knowing that it would look strange for him to be talking to the wall; no one other than himself and those that possessed either a sixth sense or other Sennen Item could detect Yami's presence since he did not have a solid body.
"Ohayo, Mokuba-kun." The teen stopped short when he realized that someone else was standing behind him, and his mouth almost dropped open when he noticed who it was. Chestnut hair, cool azure eyes, a tall and lean frame- ".and Kaiba-san.how are you this morning?" Seto's gaze downcast itself, giving him the appearance of being bored, but the younger Kaiba chattered to him brightly, excited over the fact that he was going to spend the entire day with him. When he inconspicuously glanced over his shoulder to see if Yami was still in the room, he found his other half gone.
** ** **
Yami leaned against the wall of the tiny kitchen, trying to catch his breath as the faint echo of his heart pounding against his chest. He'd been frozen to the floor the moment he'd set sight on the youth who'd followed his younger brother in, and yet, he could not figure out why. Seto Kaiba, he would admit, could be extremely intimidating -that was the impression he'd gotten when he'd dueled against him at Yugi's side- but he seemed that was all he was capable of being. The pharaoh did not know enough about his personality, he hid it well from everyone, to form an exact opinion of the young billionaire, but there had been something in that moment that had scared him beyond all reason, and that sharp ache in his chest was beginning to throb again, hurting more than before.
The way he had looked at him; it was as though he had *really* seen him, stared directly into his soul, and without a body to be seen.
Those eyes-
Perhaps he should consider taking Yugi's advice and asking Bakura how he had managed to project a solid body outside of his Hikari's. Yami had a feeling that this was just the beginning of something he had yet to form words for.
~TBC~
A/N: Confused? Hate me? Um.love me? I guess those would be the main emotions I'd develop from this particular chapter, but I'm assuring you that it will get better as time goes by. I'm still experimenting with the exact details and haven't a clue as to when all of this is going to fall into place, but it will get clearer. Well, leave a review for me, and now that I have a plot, I will update quicker this time.
Oh, and one more thing. I'm having a debate on whether I should have Malik and his Yami show up just for appearance's sake or something deeper and more involved with the central conflict in the fic. If anyone and everyone would give me their thoughts on this I would greatly appreciate it. Ja ne!
Author's Note: Okay, I'm probably owing an apologize to all of my reviewers for almost "disappearing" again, but it's not the same excuse. I was having difficulty developing a plot, and now that I've finally figured out what to revolve my story around.*snicker* It'll be a surprise to all of you! I've decided to follow the concept of the Yamis not actually having a solid body of their own, for certain reasons, and as all of you can guess, this might a cause some slight problems for our pharaoh and his high priest *wink wink* (who still has no idea who he was during ancient Egyptian times). Well, there isn't much more that I need to say except enjoy and I hope you like this, as well as remain unconfused with my "strange" plot.
Anubus: Woah.I didn't say I wasn't going to finish it! Heh, I just said that I was having trouble with the plot ^_^ Don't worry! More on the way as soon as this tiny thing I have that resembles writer's block is gone! Hope you like-
Asashi Taiga: Glad you liked it. I wasn't sure how well this was actually going to turn out considering my mind has been wandering for quite some time. Tell me what you think of this next part. I need the inspiration. ^_~
Nastiesangel: *snicker* Don't hurt yourself running around. I've done that too many times and it isn't fun when stuff like that happens.
Mel Miyakai: *does a little curtsy* Thank you! I'm glad you didn't just up and wander off because I hadn't posted in such a LONG time! Luckily, I've kept my touch with this chapter.
Solitaire: I have to agree; I love Yugi, too, but it sometimes seems a little strange pairing him off with Yami. Not that I mind, though ^_^ He's kawaii most of the time and I just want to huggle him; plus, he's wise for his age and I can use his personality to my advantage in this fic *wink wink*
Satori Opaque: I was wondering that myself, hehe, and that's terrible, considering that I am the author *sigh* Anyway, I'm glad the title is somewhat approved; I could do better, but I'm mostly concerned with writing the actual content. Maybe I should hire someone to come up with titles for me, LOL
Kira Douji: 0_o Wow.you're a writer's dream reviewer ^_~ Okay, *draws in a breath* I'm glad that you like the way I've written this. At first, I wasn't sure I was even going to write a sequel to KA because I had just written it as a PWP-ish type thing, but I hadn't been expecting that many positive reviews and threat-like pleas for a sequel.ha. The idea of actually using premonitions and the like were always in the back of my head, and I thought it would be appropriate to write it in a fic somewhere along these lines. I also agree that many (perhaps more than half) Yu-Gi- Oh! stories are written solely for sex, masturbation, etc. and although I am a bit of a hentai myself and just like to browse through some, looking for a good story that catches my eye (Ryou and Bakura *sigh*), others are downright horrifying! ACK! Also, just because I can be a big eechi sometimes doesn't mean I like to make any of my fics that way (just for personal and public records alike, I don't like using the terms you mentioned in your review because I think they're degrading and just a little wrong when trying to write a romance of sorts) and I try to keep the sex where it's supposed to be and where it needs to be, not throwing it in anywhere for the hell of it. Glad you like the descrips to.I can be a bit wordy sometimes, but I like to try and keep it short and to the point if at all possible. I'm glad I'm not the only one who knows Seto isn't a cold- hearted bastard! I just think that's the way he is because of the way he grew up, but he can really be a normal person on the inside, just a little harder to show emotions that people normally express. Don't worry about the length of your reviews.geez.look at this reply *smiles*
Julie: Glad you liked it, and it seems like I can't appease everyone with the title of my fics *sigh* As I told Satori, I believe I'm just going to have to hire someone to create them for me. Heh, please continue to read, and I hope this part isn't a disappointment.
Blue September: *sniffle* I hope I'm not going to make you cry or anything during any part of this fic, but something tells me with the way it's going that it's going to be somewhat dark before anything gets better. And, on the note of just having Yami/Seto pairing, I was thinking of just leaving it at that, although I sometimes add Yugi in too complete things a little better, but.*shrugs shoulders* I believe I can leave Yugi out of the actual relationship between Yami and Seto because I can make it a little bit more angst-y. I don't really see Yugi as that type of person, anyway, and besides, Yami and Seto together is just hot *wipes drool from chin* Thanks for the idea as well.I'm actually trying to incorporate that into this fic somehow, in my head, of course, because I haven't written it out yet, but I'm not sure who or what the evil should be. If I do write it in somehow, you will definitely get the credit for giving me the idea because other that that, I was running a blank 0_o Keep reading and don't flood your house anymore! It's not good for the carpet or the keyboard, LOL
Yami-kun: Hehe, I see that we have something in common. I am also partial to YY/S fics, although they are my actual fav pairing (line me up for the next Ryou/Bakura fic!!!), but I love broadening my horizonings and venturing into the complicated worlds of Yami and Seto's minds. ^_^ Maybe this chappie will be just as good!
Chibi-chan: Well, I'm glad I didn't go against someone's idea, and I really hope that you like this.*sigh* it took me forever to figure out what to do, but now that I know.I'll be able to update faster. And Gomen ne about "disappearing."
Now that I've gotten all of that over with.on with the story and R&R!
Side Note: ~*~ represents flashes to the past
/./ and //.// represent Yami to Hikari thoughts to each other (or vice versa)
Dreams were infrequent to him; after all, he was a part of darkness that eluded any type of vision, but broken pieces of his past haunted him through the wandering days and empty nights within his soul room. Yami was not unfamiliar to loneliness -being locked within the Sennen Puzzle for more than five millennia dissolved what little need he required of human interaction- but his heart could surprise him at times, leaving him more confused than before. It had started from the very beginning after having been released from the confines of his prison by his Hikari -sweet, adorable, and innocent- but he had not truly understood the concept of the slight twinge in his chest; an ache that soon grew to an uncontrollable throbbing with the appearance of another Sennen Item.
The Sennen Ring.
There was no way for him to hide the slight disdain -and distaste- he held for the surviving spirit of the tomb robber inhabiting an equally innocent youth's body and mind through the Item's power, but in a way, he was almost jealous of the other's current situation. Bakura, his true name seemingly forgotten over the decay of time, shared a relationship with his Hikari that was inequitable to anything Yami had ever witnessed, albeit slightly strange. His plainly demented soul was unstable and unbalanced, frightening even the bravest, but Ryou matched his psychotic nature with a personality that almost made Yugi appear unmannered and disrespectful at times. Quiet and polite if ever spoken to, the white haired youth had such a strong influence and connection with Bakura that anyone who dared to threaten him with so much as a wrong glance would have a death wish larger than the vastness of the Shadow Realm that appeared almost endless because the tomb robber would mercilessly torture until he was positive he'd rung every ounce of blood he could from his victim.
It was odd, but in no way unexpected. Yami and Hikari were one in mind, body, and soul. They were the essence of darkness and the spirit of light wrapped together to form a being strong against evil and succumbing to good, but sometimes-
Sometimes, Yami would wonder if that was all it meant.
It was true -he'd promised to protect his other half with his life and do anything to keep him from experiencing the grief he had in the past, even murder if need be- but was that really what being part of another was? Or was it more?
Had there been something of greater significance in the past then he had thought there was? Did the things in his previous life -the ones he could not remember- in Egypt associate itself somehow with the way he lived now? It always seemed to remain a mass of endless questions that he was unable to answer, and everything about the backwards world he had become a part of continued to confuse him almost as much as his clouded thoughts did, perhaps even more so.
/Y-Yami-/ The nearly strangled cry rippled through his mind, bringing the pharaoh from his silent reverie, crimson eyes immediately alert and examining the area for signs of danger. When he stared at the surrounding layers of thick sandstone brick, he realized he'd forgotten that he was still in his soul room, the essence of spicy incense and musty cobwebs dominant to his enhanced senses, and he concentrated on the power welling within the Sennen Item lying heavily against his chest, its bright aura cascading around him to illuminate the room before he disappeared and wavered in between realms. His body remained transparent, his fingers almost sliding through the wall as he habitually grabbed it to turn himself around the corner of the kitchen so as not to lose momentum, and Yami came face to face with a large pile of boxes with.feet?
Peering around the side, he caught a glimpse of unruly hair and a flash of violet before the containers wavered back and forth, sending his Hikari staggering back a step while he tried to balance them, and he stumbled into a counter supporting a rack of merchandise that instantly toppled over the same instant his other half fell. There was a soft whelp from beneath the heap of glossy packages, and Yami sifted through them, now on his knees for quicker access, searching for the teenager buried beneath them. His hand brushed something cold, and he instantly recognized it as the Sennen Puzzle, knowing that he wasn't too far from rescuing his Hikari from the small disaster.
//Aibou.are you alright?!// There was a quiet whimper, but small fingers soon parted two of the boxes, reaching up towards the light to verify where he was at, and Yami dove, skin meeting invisible skin as he pulled upward, retrieving his Hikari.
/Yami-/ Yugi blinked up at him as soon as his head was above the mound, hair mussed and cheeks burning a slight pink, obviously from his inept ability to carry things, but the pharaoh ignored his embarrassment and ran a fast analysis of him, checking for injures.
//You are not hurt are you, Aibou? I did not mean to distract you.// A rather large grin abruptly brightened the youthful face staring up at him.
"It wasn't your fault I tripped, Yami," Yugi explained, climbing to his feet with renewed energy as he immediately tried gathering the objects scattered across the floor, stacking them in neat columns. "I'm just clumsy."
//What are they for, Aibou?// It was difficult for the spirit to accustom himself to the different ways Yugi would communicate to him when he got excited over something; one minute he was speaking through their shared mental link and then he would switch to verbal words, almost confusing the once living pharaoh. It wasn't that he minded the alternate forms of interaction, but it was a little complex to follow it easily.
"Just some things I found in the back of the storage closet," he answered, pushing them against the back of the large card case so they had a support to lean on. Yugi straightened and turned around to face his other half, a warm smile flushing his lips as he glanced up at him. Despite having been proclaimed one half of the other, there were still physical differences that separated them; Yami, in his astral form, was slightly taller and aside from that, his face and eyes were angled more, showing a greater deal in age than Yugi himself possessed. "I was cleaning it and they were hidden under some old blankets. I think they might be Duel Monsters cards, but I'm not sure."
//Haven't you looked?// Yami asked, his eyes sweeping across the rather spotless area of the gameshop as he spoke to his light half and partially listened to him ramble. The linoleum was glistening with noticeable spotlessness, and the pharaoh thought he could almost taste a bitter flavor in the air that oddly reminded him of myrrh. Although the place never appeared to be dirty, it seemed to be particularly sanitary, and that made him wonder exactly what his light half was planning.
"No," he answered, walking over towards the door to flip over the sign that signified the Kame Game Shop was open for business. "But I was going to go through them when Mokuba-san got here. I said I was going to rearrange some of the inventory, and he offered to help.you know me.can't turn down a voluntary invitation from a friend." Yami gave him a brief nod, not really paying attention until the words sunk through to his brain, and when they did he froze, a look of disbelief coming over his usually somber features.
//Nani? Mokuba.Kaiba??// Yugi spun to glance at him, his head tilting to the side in confusion when he noticed the expression written across his dark half's face.
"Hai. You.don't have a problem with it, do you, Yami?" The pharaoh blinked, his mystified trance broken, and he took a step back to lean against the wall, his arms crossing over his chest and the thick chain connected to the Sennen Puzzle as an automatic way of protecting himself from questions he felt uneasy to answer; he would never admit that aloud, though.
//Of course not, Aibou. You know that I only care for your happiness.I was just.surprised.// A soft giggle escaped from his Hikari's covered mouth, and Yami noticed the unexpected change in his visage from relaxed and happy to solemn when it became unpredictably quiet. //Aibou-//
"You're not going to be angry that I told someone other than Mokuba-san that they could come here today as well, are you, Yami? I didn't know that it was going to shock you that much." Yami stepped over the couple of boxes Yugi had missed when he'd picked them up and strode over towards him, a hand instantly landing on the t-shirt clad shoulder of his slightly shorter and more lovable side.
//Aibou.I will never be angry with you.you have more right then I to chose what you do in this world. I'm just-//
/Here to protect me.I know, Yami. You've told me countless times./ His voice was soothing and gentle throughout the spirit's mind, and he reflexively tightened his grip on the firm shape lying against his fingers to reassure both him and his Hikari but was almost dismayed to find that they hadn't moved from the lax position they had been placed in. He wished that he could become solid, living flesh and be able to embrace, to show open affection as easily as Yugi gave them to others, but under the circumstances he was in -a soul still trapped within the imprisoning walls of a magical Sennen Item- it was just unthinkable but something he prayed for with all he was made of. Yami would never be able to explain the entire situation to his innocent Hikari, but sometimes looking just wasn't enough.
//Good,// he replied in an equally tender voice. //I don't want you to ever forget that, Aibou.// Yugi smiled up at him then.
/I won't./ There was a pause. /Yami, do you want me to tell you-/ Yami's head jerked up when a loud banging ricocheted throughout the small room, and his eyes immediately narrowed in on the vibrating glass of the entrance to the shop. Leaning against it, with pale a face resting across the surface rather heavily, was a thin body with hair incredibly unnatural in color and flying out in all directions. The pharaoh stepped away while his Hikari hurried and opened the door, both of them watching with partial horror as the person slumped against the ground, appearing dead. Yugi bent down, examining his friend's form, but just as suddenly as he had fallen over, the new arrival jumped to his feet, chocolate brown eyes scowling at the guiltless expression being directed towards him.
"Damn body," he murmured in a thick voice almost unable to understand. "Still haven't gotten used to it."
"R-Ryou-san?" Yugi gasped and took a retreating step back when a hate- filled glare was sent towards him, and Yami immediately knew that the youth standing before them wasn't the kind and polite Ryou.
//Aibou, get away from him,// Yami ordered, using a more private link to channel his thoughts to his other half before stepping forward, his hands lying against his thighs in a pretense of defense. He raised his tone, aiming his words towards the white haired teen who just stared at him with an amused smirk on his face. //What are you doing here-//
"Yugi-san.Yugi." A hushed shout echoed into the room even as a pant of air followed, bringing their attention to the boy doubled over, gasping for breath as he clutched at his thighs. His pale hair shimmered brightly in the early morning sun, as it had just begun to rise, and warmth filled brownish green eyes flickered up to glance at them as his lungs found peace from the heavy sprint he'd just completed. "Th-that's not.me.I t-tried to." He stopped speaking as his near twin stalked towards him, anger flaring up in hellish orbs of black mocha.
"Worthless Hikari!" The other raised a hand, seeming to ready himself for an attack, but Yami ground his teeth and moved forward, trying to grab the light sweater clinging to his back, but the material just appeared to slide between his fingers.
//Tomb robber,// he snarled, unable to hide the disgust in his voice. It was one thing to find a threatening presence standing in front of him, planning to hit his Hikari, the one he was supposed to protect with his life, but it was another to be.real?!
"Well, if it isn't the pharaoh," he mocked, lowering his loosened fist before moving to stand beside a still huffing Ryou; the boy was obviously not made for athletics. "Descending from on high to mingle with the commoners? How beseeching of you." He snarled what was supposed to be a sarcastic laugh, and Yami closed his eyes, refusing to be instigated by the mere phantom of a thief.
//Unlike you, Bakura,// he spat the name with vile loathing. //I chose to interact without having to abuse something.// A quick glance to Ryou revealed that an ever darkening blush was spreading across his face, and Yugi remained quiet, partially confused at the entire ordeal taking place.
"Are you accusing me of something, pharaoh?!" Bakura was inches from taking a swing at the apparition before him, but he knew that if he did, there would be more than Hell to pay for trying to attack the once noble sovereign. His power would undoubtly send him to the Shadow Realm, and returning from that place was a task he wished not to perform; three times had been enough.
//Only what you deserve to be accused of. What exactly are you trying to prove coming here like that?!// The white haired spirit of the Sennen Ring glanced around himself.
"Like what?! Quit talking in damn riddles and speak straight!" Yami caught the smirk before it appeared on his face.
//In that body, tomb robber. What fool are you trying to trick? You will not find one here.// Slowly, the realization seeped into Bakura's brain as a smile slid across his lips.
"Jealous, pharaoh?" he asked, taking the opportunity to step away and spread his arms, turning full circle to show off the form he possessed; if it hadn't been for the wing-spiked albino hair, angled black eyes, and slightly more compacted muscle mass, he would have looked exactly like Ryou, but he was attractive and that put others who would find him alluring to a disadvantage. Bakura was a hellcat. "I've taken certain precautions to obtain this, but it's a wonderful thing.I'm no longer inhibited to a weak and worthless thing like him." Bakura jerked a thumb towards his Hikari who was just staring dumbfounded at both of them.
//Are you trying to accomplish something with this ploy of yours, tomb robber?! It's-//
YAMI!" Yugi, who had been repeatedly trying to get the pharaoh's attention for the past few minutes, screamed out his name, startling all of them; he was usually quite unless something disturbed him, and it was shocking to hear him raise his voice higher than a loud whisper. Yami's face, if in all possibility, drained of color, and the pharaoh arched an eyebrow while staring at his Hikari. He couldn't believe he'd lost control of himself; it was one thing to be angry, but to express it the way he had-
//Aibou, I apologize.// He frowned at Bakura, who was staring at his hands while he flexed them, not paying attention to what was going on. //And, you, tomb robber-//
"Oh, please.it's not like you enjoy calling me that," he taunted, snickering manically. "It's the same with 'pharaoh.' What kind of title is that anyway, and why should *I* be calling *you* that?" Yami bit down on his tongue, and he swore he could taste blood.
//Some things are better left unsaid for certain reasons,// he replied almost calmly, glancing to both Yugi and Ryou, one of which was beginning to get mad.
"Yami-"
"Yugi-san, would you like to show me." Ryou trailed off when he realized that his other half wasn't standing beside him, his presence undetected. Yami glanced around and knew that he *had* disappeared without having left a trace; he was good at what he did, the pharaoh would give him that much credit.
"That's what I was going to tell you," the shorter youth explained, lifting a finger to point towards the corridor which led to the steps to the second floor from where he was standing beside the flung open entrance of the store "Bakura went that way when you were-" There was a flash of silver as Ryou ran past them, long hair flying behind him and a frantic look on his face.
"Forgive me.I'll make sure he doesn't try to take anything," he called back, leaving Yugi and his Yami alone at the entry of the Kame Game Shop. The shorter boy glanced up at his other half, whose face was wrinkled with concentration.
"Yami.are you.angry with me?" The pharaoh's resolve broke, and he smiled wearily.
//Iie, Aibou. I am not.I'm just concerned.//
"About what?" Yugi gently shut the door and busied himself with tidying the already clean store. Yami moved towards the back part of the shop, a shoulder digging into the wall as he leaned against it with habitually crossed arms.
//Bakura's "newly" found power.I'm confused as to how he can draw himself into an entity other than that of Ryou's.I'm sure I would have known about it if there had been any.// He trailed off, unable to truly confuse what he thought. It was difficult to see someone he disliked with an ability that he would do anything to have, and it tore at him, deep down.
/Maybe you should ask him how he did it,/ Yugi suggested, walking behind the counter to stare into the glass case full of Duel Monsters cards. /That way, you'd be able to move around a little more freely without being in my-/ The small bell attached to the door rattled, interrupting his thoughts before he could finish, and a mop of black hair bounded in, a large smile, with both sets of teeth shining, present. Yugi turned away from Yami, knowing that it would look strange for him to be talking to the wall; no one other than himself and those that possessed either a sixth sense or other Sennen Item could detect Yami's presence since he did not have a solid body.
"Ohayo, Mokuba-kun." The teen stopped short when he realized that someone else was standing behind him, and his mouth almost dropped open when he noticed who it was. Chestnut hair, cool azure eyes, a tall and lean frame- ".and Kaiba-san.how are you this morning?" Seto's gaze downcast itself, giving him the appearance of being bored, but the younger Kaiba chattered to him brightly, excited over the fact that he was going to spend the entire day with him. When he inconspicuously glanced over his shoulder to see if Yami was still in the room, he found his other half gone.
** ** **
Yami leaned against the wall of the tiny kitchen, trying to catch his breath as the faint echo of his heart pounding against his chest. He'd been frozen to the floor the moment he'd set sight on the youth who'd followed his younger brother in, and yet, he could not figure out why. Seto Kaiba, he would admit, could be extremely intimidating -that was the impression he'd gotten when he'd dueled against him at Yugi's side- but he seemed that was all he was capable of being. The pharaoh did not know enough about his personality, he hid it well from everyone, to form an exact opinion of the young billionaire, but there had been something in that moment that had scared him beyond all reason, and that sharp ache in his chest was beginning to throb again, hurting more than before.
The way he had looked at him; it was as though he had *really* seen him, stared directly into his soul, and without a body to be seen.
Those eyes-
Perhaps he should consider taking Yugi's advice and asking Bakura how he had managed to project a solid body outside of his Hikari's. Yami had a feeling that this was just the beginning of something he had yet to form words for.
~TBC~
A/N: Confused? Hate me? Um.love me? I guess those would be the main emotions I'd develop from this particular chapter, but I'm assuring you that it will get better as time goes by. I'm still experimenting with the exact details and haven't a clue as to when all of this is going to fall into place, but it will get clearer. Well, leave a review for me, and now that I have a plot, I will update quicker this time.
Oh, and one more thing. I'm having a debate on whether I should have Malik and his Yami show up just for appearance's sake or something deeper and more involved with the central conflict in the fic. If anyone and everyone would give me their thoughts on this I would greatly appreciate it. Ja ne!