Rated M
A/N: I was trying to get this out for Halloween, but the second day of Dia De Los Muertos will have to do. Anyway this chapter was pumped out because of all the new support I have gotta from it and you all deserve to see this story continue its epic adventure! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh it belongs to Kazuki Takahashi
Chapter 3: The Metropolitian
The air was still and quiet. His ears felt full, even the silence was muffled. Each step into the darkness was slow and heavy, as if his feet were made of hard stone. Despite the lack of visibility, Atem could tell the floor was of hardwood by the faint clicking of his shoes against the surface. It took a good minute or so before he regained clarity in his hearing. The white noise was now dominating the space. Eventually a dim light illuminated a tall object in the distance. His instincts seemed to drive him closer to the light and his pace increased. Once the object had come into view, he stopped to observe its shape. Wooden legs stuck out from under the beige cloth covering it. He figured it was some sort of easel and with a swift movement of his arm, he removed the cover.
Revealed was an average sized canvas. The subject was serene, just of a plain nightly tree line. However, the vibrant greens were broken up by a single blackened tree right in the middle. It was like a mesmerizing void and his eyes were locked on the anomaly. It felt as if he was zooming into the space for a good while. But without warning a pale entity emerged from the canvas. Its oval shaped head had no eyes, ears, or nose. The only feature was an open mouth was sharp crooked teeth bared for ripping and tearing. The sight had engulfed his vision and the shock of fear jolted the Egyptian out of his slumber.
His body hit the carpeted ground with a hard thud. Landing on his right elbow, sent the electric pins and needles through his veins, earning a low groan. The door to his room burst open with a very concerned Yugi rushing to Atem's aide. His amethyst eyes slightly bugged at the straining I.V. bag. Reaching to the side of the bed where Atem had fallen over, Yugi assisted him in sitting back onto the mattress. His body was covered in a cold sweat and his breathing was slightly erratic. Fortunately, the I.V. didn't get ripped out of his arm.
"What happened?" Yugi stood in front of Atem with worry staining his gaze.
The former pharaoh took a moment to compose himself. "Yeah, I think so. Guess I was having an intense dream."
"A dream?" He raised his brows. "Must've been a hell of a nightmare. You wanna talk about it?"
The latter licked his dry lips. "Um, I don't really remember much. I'll be fine don't worry."
"If you say so. But if you suddenly reminisce about it you can always talk to me."
"Of course." Atem's gaze darted to the tube in his arm. "Is it okay if we take this off of me? I'm feeling a lot better."
Yugi smiled. "Yeah I'll give the nurse a call to see if you are good to go."
It was convenient that the medic was staying in the same building, so they did not have to wait too long. The nurse could not hold his shock in seeing Atem's burn had almost completely healed up, with only the skin being darkened in the shape of the map. All of the open flesh had closed up nicely and was no longer bleeding. He claimed to still feel pain on the sight but there was no need for any specific treatment. Just the occasional painkiller if necessary. Emerging from the bedroom, the two look-alikes were greeted by a concerned dancer.
"Hey, I heard you fell." She folded her arms, clutching herself from the room's sudden chill.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I must have reacted to something in my sleep. I didn't mean to worry everyone."
The taller blonde flicked his nose. "Nah bro you're good. You gave us enough of a scare last night." Joey pointed at the bandaged arm. "How's that feelin'?"
Atem gestured the injured arm. "It still hurts a bit but I can handle it a lot better than yesterday. I wish not to go through that again."
"Hopefully you won't have to." Yugi added.
"Can't make any promises but thanks to whatever happened to Atem , we've got our biggest lead yet." A young voice called out from behind the group.
Tristan turned his head in the direction of the voice. "Ya'll just don't knock anymore huh?"
Mobuka escorted his team into the living area as they prepared their projector system. "Nope. We don't have a lot of time to debrief you guys about the situation."
The couches were arranged in around the portable screen, which was placed in front of the room's large LED television. The white surface allowed for the projected hologram to be easier on the eyes with all the various written information. Mokuba did his best to abridge situation. Of course, the hot-headed blonde had to affirm that Atem already filled them in, as he quotes, "Kaiba's fuck up". The teenager had grown to develop a patience with other's opinions of his older sibling. No matter how similar he might feel about certain given situations, family was family right?
"Anyway." The younger Kaiba tapped his fingers together. "We had a strong reading from this area of the east coast but it wasn't until the incident last night that we were able to confirm the position of the first piece. At least that is what we hope to find."
Joey cleared his throat loudly. "Alright. Can't you have one of your goons go fetch the thing? But, considering you are telling us this shit, I can only assume that is something you are asking one of us to do."
"Trust me Joey, if there was another way we would have gladly taken that avenue, however, despite all our tech, our best method of gathering the Quantum Cube is using our own bio-sensor. And Atem is just that." He then holds up what appears to be an iPhone. "Of course, we will have him carrying this around to confirm the reading and mark the exact coordinates."
Atem raised his brows up and down. His arms were folded tightly with his loose fingers lightly tapping on his bandaged arm. "A bio-sensor. Hmm. I like how I'm finding this out now."
"It's our leading theory, but considering what happened with you and my brother; we can't leave anything to chance. I don't know if you've gotten to look at your burn but you've got a map there. A pretty detailed one at that." Mokuba tilted his head. "And not to mention you had this reaction only when you came here. Close to one of the piece locations."
"Wait a minute." The brunette woman spoke up. "If this is how he reacts just being in the area, isn't being closer to the piece going to hurt him more?"
"That is a possibility." The teenager's tone was plain.
"That's bullshit!" She stood up. "Hasn't he been through enough?"
The boys were all surprised by the dancer's reaction. Well, Yugi wasn't. The woman was very passionate. What caught Yugi off guard was Atem reaching out his head to grab her wrist.
"It's all right Tea. I knew what I was going to be involved with when I came back to this world. I'll be fine I promise." With a gentle tug he pulled the woman back onto the sofa. Although she landed close to him so that their bodies brushed against each other.
"I mean if you're up to it, you can go with him to the location. Phase one is just confirmation, once we know exactly where it is, we can send another team to retrieve it later in the day."
The Duel King shook his head. "If this whole thing is as dangerous as you claim, shouldn't I accompany him instead?"
Mobuka pursed his lips. "Actually, it's best for you out of all of us to stay here. You are too noticeable. Sure, he has the same hair but he looks different enough to dismiss people. We need this part of the mission to be as discrete as possible."
"But…"
Tea rolled her eyes. "Where the hell are we going that we have to keep it low key?"
"Oh, not that far from here. It's somewhere inside the Met." He revealed the location on the displayed hologram.
"What's with these things always being in museums?" Tristan commented.
Joey waved his hand. "Ancient shit attracts other ancient shit. You should be used this by now Tee."
"I'll go. Someone's gotta watch other him. Especially if he collapses again." Tea confirmed.
"You sure…" Yugi motioned his head so Atem wasn't blocking his view of her.
"Oh stop. You act like I haven't done crazy shit with this guy before."
Yeah, the Ferris wheel incident was such a great experience. He held up his hands. "Alright. Do as you must."
Atem tried to keep his face from making any noticeable changes as the two exchanged words. The air between them was still tense, fresh off their breakup surely. Although he was probably the only one who noticed the behavior.
Mokuba chuckled. He certainly picked up on their body language. "Look if it makes you feel any better, you can go with him during the second phase. It will be after hours."
"Yeah, I just…" The Duel King was interrupted by a shake to his shoulder.
Atem had unfolded his arms and stretched them so they grasped both Tea and Yugi's shoulder and lightly shook them. "Sounds like a plan to us. Now time is ticking, we should get ourselves ready."
The co-CEO snapped his fingers and clapped his hands together. "Yes. Excellent. You two get dressed and then speak with our med tech. He'll have something for you in case you have a repeat of last night."
Their preparation took less than a couple of hours. The dancer didn't want to go too crazy with her appearance, as it was just supposed to be a casual museum visit. And of course, some decent sneakers in case any type of running was needed. She was long past the days of fleeing the forces of evil in heels or platforms. Considering it was still summer, a pair of high-rise jean shorts and a loose yellow halter top would do the trick. Looking in her full-size mirror as she touched up the light make-up on her face, she pondered if her outfit was a little too sexy for going out with her friend on this serious occasion. Aside from her legs, she wasn't showing that much skin, and it was going to be hot out.
Why the hell am I over thinking this? She shook her head. After applying her lip balm and grabbing a medium sized purse, she excited her room.
Yugi was the first to see her. Considering everyone else was behind him and not paying attention, he decided to make a suggestive face. He silently blew a wolf whistle.
"Damn, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tad jealous." He straightened out his features. "But seriously you look nice. I really like the top."
She chuckled. "I thought we were supposed to keep things on the down-low."
"We are. Nothing wrong with me giving a compliment no?" He gestured his head to his left. "The med guy is the kitchen with our old friend. Have fun on your date."
His sly comment earned him daggers. But lucky for him, she was a tight schedule. "Fuck you." She mumbled under her breath. Not that she was trying to hide her swear against him.
He simply smiled as he walked away. "Oh, but you did."
Closing the gap between her and the room she needed to be in, the dancer caught sight of her mission partner. Clad in tight black jeans and magenta short sleeved button down, Atem was having one of the medical crew wrap his arm in a new bandage. One of a stretchy black cloth, much like the material used for sports injuries. He didn't want his injury to stand out, and matching his outfit was a plus. Her eyes were stuck on the fact that like in her dream, he had the habit of leaving his shirts fairly open. Not that she was complaining. And his choice sneakers had to be designer as well. Black Onitsuka Tigers at that. But just as she fixated on his appearance, the former pharaoh noticed her presence as well.
Wow.
His mouth was agape for a brief moment before he closed it in keeping his composure. The girl was practically all leg. He pointed at the technician.
"Um, I think he wanted to show you something before we go out." He cleared his throat. "To the museum."
Once he felt the bandage was secured with fasteners, the nurse looked in Tea's direction. "Ms. Gardener, excellent. Just out of curiosity have you ever had to administer an EpiPen for someone?"
"No but my roommate mentioned that she had one. Isn't it for allergies and such?"
He nodded. "Yes, but what I'm going to give to you works like an EpiPen. We just put in different medications specifically for him. One will have a strong painkiller in the event he goes into a similar state as he was in last night and the other is a regular shot of adrenaline to just get him moving."
"I'm guessing these are easy to use if you entrusting me to use them on him." She gave a nervous smile. "I'm sorry I didn't get your name."
"Just call me Danny. And yes, the instructions are written on the pen. They are to be administered on his thigh. And it is designed to go through the clothing so just a good jab is all that is needed."
"Joy." Atem made his lips into a thin line. "I love being the Kaiba Corp's personal pin cushion."
With all the preparations made, the two were swiftly driven to their destination. Black Escalades were spread out along the perimeter of the museum. The slightly elongated one stopped just across the street of the building. Mokuba handed the two the burner phones with the installed hardware for detecting the cube piece.
"Alright remember to slowly walk along the entire area of the first floor only. Call and text me on that phone only, it has no tracking and only we can access the GPS. Atem please pay attention to any weird feelings you have in this place, no matter how insignificant you might think it is. We can't take any chances of missing this thing."
Both Atem and Tea nodded at the instructions given before exiting the car. They were also given tiny ear pieces for monitoring and communication. As they walked toward the museum Atem spoke up.
"I could never get used to all this new technology. This thing is so itchy in my ear."
Tea laughed. "I guess you don't like earbuds then."
"Those are fine but these are like smaller and feel locked in my ear. They're not as comfortable as the ones I use for music."
Their pace sped up a bit as they went up the front stairs. "Oh, you listen to music? Anything you have found to your liking?"
Reaching the top, he held the door open for her. "Um lots. But I seem to have an affinity to jazz. Something about the sound of anything with saxophones soothes the senses."
Tea suddenly regretted not bringing a cardigan. She forgot how chilly some of these historical places could be.
"That's interesting. Lots of other genres use the saxophone too. I might have some good suggestions for you then." She was surprised that there wasn't much of line at the admission booths. "I'll go get our tickets."
"Go ahead I'll wait here." He stopped himself by a stand with maps of the museum and other informative pamphlets.
Unfortunately, it didn't take long for his upright mane to catch someone's attention.
"Oh my god! Are you THE Yugi Mutou? I'm such a huge fan dude!" The young man appeared to be in his late teens or early twenties. "Is it okay if I have a pic with you?"
Atem turned around, and the bystander was taken a back by his appearance. Surely the stark difference in skin color threw the individual off guard.
"Sorry I'm not Mr. Mutou. We just have the same hairstyle. Distant relatives perhaps. But again, sorry to disappoint."
Without saying another word, the young man lowered his cell phone and made his way into the museum. A deep sense of embarrassment was plastered on his features. The Egyptian merely shrugged, thankful that a bigger scene wasn't made. Fortunately, his friend had returned with the colored wrist bands.
"Making friends I see." She attached the item to her wrist.
He took the other and did the same. "No, just a misunderstanding is all. It is actually a little relieving to finally have people notice the difference between Yugi and I."
She directed him to start walking into the right hallway. "Makes you feel like your own person huh?"
"Yeah. Something I've been getting used to this past year." As they entered the first exhibit, a voice sounded through their ear pieces.
"Guys make sure you circle the perimeter of each room so we can get a clear reading. Please and thank you."
Atem rolled his eyes. "I guess it's a good thing we are here early then."
"For sure. But it doesn't have to be all business, I get to talk to you in private for a bit." She folded her arms in trying to rub some warmth on them.
"If you're cold you can hold onto my arm." He gestured his uninjured arm out to her.
"How's that gonna keep all of me warm?" She shivered slightly. "Should've worn leggings."
He tilted his head slightly. "I've been told I'm quite a warm person, so just give it a try. I only want you to be comfortable."
"Fine." She switched her position so she could be on his right. Hooking her arm with his, she instantly felt the rush of his body temperature surge through her. With confused eyes she looked at him. "What the fuck?"
"Told you." He gave a small smirk. "It's something my physical therapist liked to bring up a lot."
She giggled. "I'm sure it's one of the reason's she wanted to jump your bones."
"Out all the slang I have absorbed I'm still learning. But I have to assume you meant something suggestive."
"Yes, I meant she wanted to have intercourse with you." She tapped his arm. "You were mentioning about someone who was interested in you last night."
"Ah." The topic raised his temperature a bit, especially with the bare skin currently gripping his arm. "You know when you said we get to talk in private, it isn't so much with Mokuba and his crew listening in on us."
"Honestly as long as it's not the other boys I could kinda care less. I'm sure he knows about all my dirt with Yugi anyway."
The younger Kaiba's voice sounded through again. "You guys are good to talk about whatever. All we care about is the mission. And don't worry Tea I don't judge."
"Thank you!" She said aloud before continuing. "So, tell me about your horny trainer."
He gave a hearty chuckle. "I mean I guess I sort of understand the attraction. We were in close contact with the exercises and stretches she would have me do. Got me into the shape I'm in right now, which I am grateful for. I feel like my younger self, but even stronger."
"Sort of understand? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror?" She blew air through her nose. "A lot of girls would pine for you good sir."
He shrugged. "I tend to be humble about myself. Not something I think about too often. She was physically attractive herself."
"You told me you denied her advance. May I ask as to why? Other than you not feeling attraction on your end." She glanced around as they had entered the Egyptian side of the museum. "You did say she was pretty."
"I mean I thought about it for a second. I could have sought my royal oats, but honestly, I didn't want to be involved with someone who basically nursed me back to health." He bit his lip. "I also might have mentioned that I felt I would be too intense of a person for her. I don't know, the whole exchange was just awkward. I'm sure to some extent I hurt her feelings."
She gave a dry laugh. "It sure sounds awkward. I'm no stranger to thirsty dudes at my college's gym. But what did you mean by being too intense for her?"
Shit I shouldn't have mentioned that part. Atem mentally panicked as he tried to think of something to explain his words. "Uh, you know, I've had to go through all this stuff with my past and relearning my own identity."
"You were worried your baggage would affect the nightcap she was asking for."
That's one way of putting it. "Yes and no. I just feel like I'm more complicated than her. Like I need more than a physical attraction to do something like that."
Unless that person is of course you. Atem was getting irritated from the voices in his head. Shut up!
"Oh I get it. You need something more emotional." She slowly nodded. "Very interesting. I guess that kinda makes us opposites."
"I'd argue you had emotional investment with Yugi. Just you didn't feel as strongly as he did. But you surely felt at least a platonic love. It wasn't purely physical." He gestured his free hand to his chest. "Of course, that is just my opinion."
"No, no. I think you have a very valid point." She huffed. "I wish things could have been different though. He's such a great guy. I just..."
"Tea. Remember what I told you last night." He reached his left hand to pat the fingers that were wrapped around his bicep. "Let's talk about something else."
She gave his arm a light squeeze. "Yeah, like your work out regiment. You've got some guns here."
He beamed. "I'll gladly accept the compliment, but you'd have to talk to my trainer for that."
It didn't take too long for them to cover the entirety of the Egyptian exhibit; their conversing made the time fly. The former ruler made a promise to return to this museum at another date with the brunette so he can read all the hieroglyphics to her and exploit any mistranslations. From the American Wing, to the Armory, and the Medieval Art, Tea continued to explore the man she barely got to know.
Sure, they had spent four years together, but he was a mere spirit with no true identity of his own. He melded himself with Yugi's persona for so long it took those who paid real close attention to distinguish the two apart. And even then, he was an individual constantly seeking answers and making comprises with himself. But now, she had this golden opportunity to rediscover this mysterious character. He knew about his past and so much more. He was the real deal now and playing her version of twenty questions with him was quite exciting. The exoticness of his experiences was also a plus.
He's so interesting, so different. It's like I'm just getting to know him all over again. But he kept the tenderness he learned from Yugi. He was always so considerate of those close him. She found his words like a trance, absorbing every detail but also daydreaming this time with him. But she had to tame her hopes, surely, he wasn't thinking about anything else but what they were about to endure on this journey to once again keep the world from dark forces that be. To be fair, you basically broke up with Yugi because of this guy.
Despite the woman keeping what was going to herself, Atem could sense a slight change in her. Perhaps it was their physical contact.
"You all right? You seem a bit out of it."
She was taken back by his concern. Am I that obvious? "Yeah I'm okay. Maybe the lack of sleep is finally catching up with me."
"Mmm, perhaps." As they excited the medieval section, the next corridor revealed walls filled with contemporary paintings. "I think we're on the opposite side of this floor if I remember the map correctly."
He reached to his back pocket in which he had stored a copy of the museum layout. But upon retrieving the pamphlet, he felt his arm tense up. Initially he figured he twisted it in an odd way, maybe pulling a muscle. But no, as he motioned his arm back to his front, the paper object dropped to the floor. He lost the feeling in his fingers and a familiar sensation rushed through his entire left arm. Tea instantly felt him tense up. Sucking in his lips, he surveyed the area. Luckily there were several benches in the hallway.
"Tea." He spoke through gritted teeth. "Take a reading right here, I'm going to go sit down so I don't pass out."
Part of her screamed to help him get to the bench, but she remembered Mokuba's instruction to take reading the minute Atem had a reaction. Pulling out the custom smartphone, she tapped on the app demonstrated to her in the briefing. It was made fool proof with simple buttons to record the necessary data.
"You getting all this Mokuba?" She said aloud.
His voice came through again.
"Yeah this is great Tea. Is Atem okay?"
She looked in the direction he had walked away from her. He was able to reach the seat but he was definitely straining his facial expressions. His other hand was gripping the bandaged one tightly.
"I don't think so honestly. He's in sitting down right now but I can see he's in a lot of pain."
Rustling could be heard in the background. "Damn, I was hoping it wouldn't be as bad this time. Keep that application open, even if you close the phone and put it in your bag, it will continue to collect data. But feel free to go to him and give him the shots. We don't want him to make a scene. Hang tight in that area and I'll let you know when we have enough of a reading so you guys can get out of there."
"Will do." Picking the map off the floor, Tea made her way back to Atem's side.
All the while, the Egyptian sat slightly hunched over. His right hand was gripping around the site of his burn. Atem took deep breaths to keep a calm demeanor. But with each exhale in felt as if time was slowing down. Sounds became distorted. Almost warping like his vision. Repeatedly he shook his head to try and keep the clarity in his sight. But it came to no avail. The entire hallway lost its light, the people frozen in place.
This all felt familiar. A sense of dread washed over his body. Some instinct told him to look ahead of him. A large painting hung in front of him. But the subject remained blurry. Just smudges of colors and ambiguous shapes. The piercing white noise infiltrated his ears once again, almost like a hissing snake. The center of the art darkened into a blackened void.
He couldn't comprehend any coherent thought. He could only stare into the darkness. Long silver nails pierced the veil of the canvas. Attached to a pale and slender hand, the limb seemed to pull itself from the void. The dry and veiny scalp merged next. This go around its mouth was closed. From afar the entire head looked as blank as a mannequin. Despite its featureless appearance, it felt as if this being was peering through his very soul.
His limbs were locked. Stiff in fear. Only his heart's rapid pace gave him the reassurance that he was still alive. While he couldn't move his pupils from the canvas in front of him, Atem could sense the other painting around him where also opening as portals for these creatures. All of their non-existent eyes were on him. And there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it.
"Atem!" A stern feminine voice broke through. The environment snapped back into its original state.
His breathing and heart had remained accelerated. Drops of sweat covered his forehead. The panic still stained his eyes. The dancer in front of him leaned over to touch his face.
"Are you there? Atem talk to me please. You're scaring me." She tried to keep her voice low, not wanting to alarm anyone around them.
Atem closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head. He placed his right hand on the one she had cupping his cheek. Even so much as leaning into it for comfort.
"I'm sorry." He gave a soft groan; the pain was still very present. "This thing must be really getting to me. I didn't mean to frighten you."
She could feel from his face that his body temperature was elevated. "I think I should give you these shots. Can you stand up? There is a bathroom just around the corner."
"I think we got enough data from your position. Feel free to get out of there when you guys can." Mokuba sounded through their devices.
Tea breathed a sigh of relief knowing she didn't have to stall anymore with Atem in his current condition. Luckily, he nodded and responded to her question.
"Yeah, I can get up. Just uh, give me a minute."
Removing her hand from his cheek, she backed up a bit to give him some space. He flexed his hands, balling them into fists and then releasing them. Surely, any other man would be on the floor in tears with the intense burning he felt in his left arm. Yet, he was anything but ordinary. With all the strength he could muster, he rose to his feet. Looking to the right he could see the sign directing visitors to the closest restrooms. He gestured his head in that direction, indicating for Tea to start walking with him. It would have been odd to use the family restroom as there were mostly mothers and their children. Tea therefore opted into marching with Atem into the men's room. Particularly claiming the larger handicap stall. Of course, someone had to make a fuss about her presence.
An older gentleman turned around from washing his hands. "Excuse me ma'am but this is the men's room. Surely, your man here can handle himself. This is a family friendly establishment."
If she could roll her eyes any further, her eyeballs would fall out of her skull. But she stopped and turned with straight expression.
"I'm sorry sir but my man here needs assistance administering his medication." She pulled out one of the EpiPens from her purse. "You see he's diabetic and he gets shaky when his sugar gets too low. I'm just helping him out and we needed privacy. Don't want little kids seeing someone get their shots ya know."
The elder man had his mouth agape for a moment. "Oh. Uh, I didn't know. Sorry." The embarrassment in his features caused him to swiftly leave the restroom.
A hearty chuckle emerged from the handicap stall. "You've always had a way with words." He then grunted from another wave of pain.
She entered the stall with him and rolled out tuffs of paper to wipe the toilet seat. She then pointed at the thing for him to sit down.
"Well, I just don't have time for other people's bullshit so I tend to throw back some of my own." Her eyes darted around the pen's tiny instructions. "Now, I remember him saying I just jab this into your thigh. It has to go into the muscle."
Atem scrunched his features. "I'd prefer my arm but whatever. Just get it over with."
Without a warning he felt the sharp pinch in his leg, causing him to mouth an 'ow'. She rubbed the injection sight for a second.
"Gotta give this a second to kick in, the nurse said it should be almost instant for you."
Yes, he could feel the dulling of the burn. But as before, he could also feel the negative side effect of the opioid. Even in his younger years he struggled to handle the effects of that damned poppy.
"Fuck." He opened and closed his eyes several times while pinching the bridge of his nose. "I hate feeling so loopy. I'd rather be drunk."
Yet another pinch, this time on the opposite thigh.
"Ra's Disciple!" He exclaimed following several other obscenities. She assumed whatever else he said was in his ancient tongue.
"Sorry, but I was told to give you the adrenaline if you were feeling out of it." She dug into her purse again. This time taking out a bottle of water. "Here, drink some and let's get you out of here."
He took the drink from her and inhaled almost half of its contents. "Thank you. And yes please."
She walked out of the building with her arm once again hooked with his, this time offering physical support. He was stumbling a bit, but the adrenaline did help him keep a quick pace. The black vehicles had changed their locations, probably as to not arouse suspicion.
"We'll pick you up in a few minutes, I'm just arranging some stuff with my team. If anything, wait in the park for a bit."
"You got it." Tea replied. She looked around and spotted an unoccupied bench close to a food cart. "C'mon you should eat something. Have you tried halal?"
With that the two sat by the outer wall of Central Park, just across from the museum. Mobuka had repeatedly texted Tea, claiming it was taking longer than expected to finish his task. Although they didn't mind. Atem was rather enjoying his meal of halal chicken over rice. And to her luck he was kind enough to share.
"Thank you for getting me this. It's quite tasty." Atem stuffed another forkful into his mouth.
The white Styrofoam container was draped over his lap, so she had to slightly lean over to reached for another bite. "Anytime. Nothing better than good street food in the Big Apple."
Her position over the carton gave him a peek of cleavage from her loose top. It didn't help that the she also flashed him a cute smile while they ate. Oh, I can think of something better. He had to hold back an inner chuckle. Sticking my tongue down your throat…
He blinked a few times. Wow, where did that come from? The thought almost frightened him. It had to have been the drugs, again right? Surely, he wasn't objectifying his friend in such a way. And it certainly didn't help that she was literally eating out of his lap.
"Hey guys!" A car horn beeped loudly. Both of them looked in the direction of the sound and saw Mokuba waving at them from the large SUV. "Sorry for the wait! Let's go!"
Internally, he thanked the younger Kaiba for interrupting such dangerous thoughts roaming around in his head.
Once everyone was back at the suite, it was time to prepare for the next phase of the plan. Mokuba demonstrated a blueprint of the entire museum and where the guards were generally placed during the evening shift. To everyone's surprise, he had already replaced all the employees with Kaiba Corp team members. Of course, many bribes were involved.
"So unlike before, you will have a fully team standing by ready to extract you guys with the cube piece. We will have containment gear but considering the possible circumstances, the object should be safe enough to grab with our bare hands."
Yugi raised a brow. "Possible circumstances huh? Does this involve whatever attacked the laboratory?"
"Very much so. No one on the entire team has seem them. The only one we have any reference from is my brother. And from his account, I can say its not like anything we've ever encountered before."
Atem licked his lips. "I think I'm starting to see them. But I wasn't sure if it was all in my mind or not."
The teenager widened his eyes. "Well, thank you for sharing that all of the sudden. When did this start happening?"
"Oh, just at the museum. I thought I was going out of it from the pain I was experiencing, but the whole thing felt a little too real. Like it was a warning that they were there." He folded his arms. "Surely, we've got a fight ahead of us."
Mobuka sucked in his lips for a moment. "Yeah defintiely."
"Hey, how come Tee and I can't go with them? I can imagine Atem's gonna need the help." The blonde commented.
"Joey, I understand you want to help out but I don't want to have to worry about more people in an already tight space. The basement is cluttered and full of corridors. Hell, I was reluctant to even let Yugi go with him. It's just cause of the bond these two used to share. Out of everyone here Yugi is the most familiar with this supernatural shit."
"Hey, we all had to deal with that shit too!" Joey stood up. "Four years. Fours years we were out there savin' the world!"
A hand reached out to grip the side of Joey's jeans and give it a firm tug. "That's enough Joey. We have been through a lot but this particular case, the less people involved the better."
"But Yuge…"
"You gotta trust us."
Tristan was sitting silent, observing what was unfolding before him. Looking in Yugi's direction, he could see the fire in his eyes. If there was anything he had learned over the years, is when one of them was determined to do something, especially for the greater good, no one could stop them. With a sudden bit of strength, the brunette grabbed Joey's arm and yanked him back onto the sofa.
"Take a seat man. This is something they gotta do on their own." He folded his arms. "Besides, I'm sure there will be other opportunities for us to pitch in later. This is only the first piece."
The blonde huffed as he sunk into the sofa cushions. "Fine."
The hours seemed to fly by as the skies darkened into the desired color. With the constant bustling of the city it never seemed to be fully covert for this little operation. Sitting in the back of the black SUV, Yugi and Atem were conversing; unfortunately, they were stuck in a bit of a traffic jam. Mokuba was in the front with the driver, already yelling obscenities of the situation's inconvenience.
"I guess there must have been some sort of accident. All this traffic is insane." Atem tried to get a view what was going on from his window.
"So, I didn't get to ask with everyone around but uh, how was your date with Tea today?" Yugi questioned.
This caught the Egyptian off guard. "Um, I wouldn't call it a date per say, we were just doing what we were instructed."
"This is the second time you out with a very attractive woman to a museum. I'd say it's pretty much a date at this point. You guys had a good time, no? Aside from the thing with your arm of course."
"I mean yeah, I enjoyed her company. It was nice catching up with her and all." He cleared his throat. "And she is very beautiful but I wasn't really thinking about us in that way." Well that is a big lie. "We're just good friends on a very important task."
Yugi nodded. "Just thought I'd ask, you two seem to have a lot of chemistry and we're all human ya know. Not to mention you and I have similar interests."
Atem licked his lips. "I can understand your curiosity, but surely this is not the time for me to be delving into the opposite sex."
"Tis my recent experience that these things just tend to happen, even if the moment isn't always appropriate." The Duel King shrugged. "But just thought I'd make some small talk before I witness something traumatizing."
"There's an opening. Book it!" Mokuba shouted at the driver while pointing in the direction of the break in traffic.
The two in the back found themselves being slammed into their seats as the SUV accelerated to its destination. Upon arrival the location was surrounded by various undercover vehicles. Many disguised as ordinary service trucks, in reality were filled with various forms of equipment and specially trained personnel. All of them ready for whatever was about to occur tonight.
Exciting the car, both Yugi and Atem were instructed to put on Kevlar vests and other pieces of safety gear. Equip with body cameras and flash lights, the two were set on their way into the bowels of the museum. They entered through some sort of back entrance on the opposite side of the building. Through their earpieces and a special app on their phones, Mokuba gave them a detailed map of where they needed to go. As expected, crowded hallways of storage containers and fenced gates filled the lower level. The cooler temperatures and eerie sound of the ventilation system did not help in putting the boys' minds at ease. The occasional creak or oddly shaped shadow were met with thoughts of paranoia.
"I know it's easier said than done, but I'd advise not letting your mind run away with you." Atem cleared his throat as he walked ahead, following the map on his device. "These things seem to feed off on fear. Using it against us. Or at least that is what I was told."
Yugi looked all around him. "Let's hope we don't have to deal with those things you told me about. But I can't help but sense something is just not right with this place."
"I can feel it too." He grunted for a moment before stopping in his place. "And so it starts."
Yugi paused right behind him. His gaze lowered to see Atem's left arm shaking. The Egyptian was trying his damnedest to keep his composure. Atem gestured his head to his back.
"Yugi in my pack is the container for the piece. I can direct you exactly where it is but I won't be able to grab the thing."
Removing the glass and metal container, Yugi instantly felt the already cold air drop to an even lower temperature. His breath now visible in puffs of white. The hair on the back of his neck was surely standing up on end. But it was just the two of them. With a deep breath, Yugi walked ahead of Atem.
"It should be by that second door to the right." Atem groaned again, now squeezing his triggered arm. "If anything happens, I've got someone watching your back."
Yugi scrunched his brow. "Someone?"
Atem chuckled dryly. "I'm hoping I won't have to use them, but you'll see."
"Wonderful." The latter peered at the door in front of him. A digital lock prevented him from going any further. "Hey Mokuba, we're gonna need your guys to open this door."
"Already on it, give us a sec." The teens voice sounded through their ear piece.
With a beep and click, the door's latch was unlocked. Reaching out with his free hand, he gripped the metal handle. Despite wearing nylon gloves, the chill of the metal still sent a shiver down his spine. A couple of deep breaths later, he opened the door and entered the room. Various art pieces were stored on racks and other objects in air tight containers.
But what caught his eye was the golden glow coming from the back of the room. Figuring it would be best to finish the task as quickly as possible, he ran to the object and prepared the container to pick up the piece. In waiting for the sensors to fully turn on, an appendage swiped the object from his hands and took it away toward the ceiling.
Yugi froze. He could feel its gaze on him. Reluctantly he peered up, and there it was. Pale cracked skin, long clawed limbs, and a slender, sickly looking body. The face had no eyes, and no other features for that matter. All except for its fanged mouth and elongated tongue, which was wrapped around the container it stole. In a tight squeeze, the object broke into pieces, glass falling on top of him. Fortunately, he moved out of the way before the shards could cut him. To his right, the piece was within arm's length. Unlike that of the Millennium Puzzle, this thing was like just a miniature cube. Something so simple was causing so much trouble.
Yugi knew the creature was watching him. He didn't want to look back, but he could hear its claws scrapping along the ceiling, getting closer. It was now or never. He nearly lunged himself at the cube, and tightly grabbed the piece with his hand. In coming into contact with the objects, the entity let go of its grasp of the ceiling, and freefell to his prey. Time seemed to slow down, perhaps this was his demise, just like those at KC Lab 5. All he had to rely on where the feet under him to run to the door, and get to Atem. But considering this thing's long limbs, he surely stood no chance. But he HAD to try.
As the second passed, he felt nothing grab a hold of him. His feet still heading towards that exit. There was a commotion behind him. Thudding, snarls, and whacks. Was there more of them? Fighting amongst themselves? He didn't care, couldn't think. Just as he was inches from escaping this room of horror, a tanned hand grabbed his right arm and pulled him through the threshold.
"Dark Magician Girl?" Yugi spoke aloud.
The mage held the young man in place so he could regain his footing before winking at him.
"Yup. But you can call me Mana. We've met before no?" With that she pointed her gold and blue wand at the room.
"Yugi were you able to get it?" Atem rushed to his side.
"Yes, I have it." Yugi looked back at the door. "I see what you meant by you had people watching my back."
Inside the creature that threaten to take his life was no getting fended off by another taller mage clad in beige robes and golden armor. The creature moved at a greater speed than Yugi expected. Its limbs bending in unnatural means, all to try and slash and dismember whatever was in its way. Despite the thing being thrashed in the struggle, Yugi could still sense it watching him. His fist clenched harder around the cube.
"Yugi c'mon!" Atem practically had to slam into his body to get them moving. "We need to get out of here!"
"Go go!" Mana summoned a magical barrier to block the door. "We've got this covered!"
With that Yugi and Atem turned around to run back in the direction they came. Not even within a hundred feet, the scuffing of claws indicated there were more. And they were on their tail. Unearthly sounds emerged from their throats.
"Don't look Yugi. Just keep running."
"That's fine by me!" He could feel himself pushing his limbs to the limit. He had to.
This time Atem was behind Yugi, observing the pale beings racing alongside them on the walls. It didn't take long for a couple of them to attempt leaping toward his old partner. Claws like swords ready to shred flesh. Atem had to do something, he was not going to let these things harm anyone, let alone his friends. Raising his injured arm, he splayed on his hand. The Egyptian's eyes glowed with a golden light and the Eye of Horus appeared on his forehead.
Two of the creatures stopped in midair, both covered in the same golden glow. Atem continued to run with Yugi, and with a flick of his wrist he sent the monsters in the opposite direction. What he didn't account for was a third shadow coming from an intersecting corridor.
Yugi crashed onto the ground with the beast on top of him. Its jaws snapping in the direction of the hand that held the cube piece. Atem didn't have to think twice. He immediately launched his body at them. With a source of inhuman strength, arms wrapped around the lanky body and threw creature at the wall. His left arm was burning with an even stronger sensation, but he had to ignore it.
He reached out his hand and assisted Yugi back to his feet. But because his back was turned, he felt sharp razors tearing into his flesh. Atem nearly fell to his knees, but he directed Yugi to keep moving.
"I'm not leaving you behind!" Yugi shouted.
Atem turned around to hold the creature off. He was using his ability to freeze it place but whatever power he had was definitely draining him. What made things worse was he could hear the other two coming his way.
"My king!" A voice called out as a blast of dark energy hit the creature.
Mahad had raced to their aid and grabbed Atem by the waist, lifting him up. Mana then arrived and did the same with Yugi. Both of the mages had to create another barrier to keep the beasts at bay.
"We've gotta take them out of here now!" Mana darted her eyes between each struggling creature. "These things just won't die!"
"Then let's go!"
Mahad materialized what appeared to be box around both of them and they all were teleported to the outside of the museum. Mokuba and his team ran out of the cars to retrieve Yugi and Atem.
"Everybody go go go!" Mokuba pushed them inside the vehicle and urged the driver to take off. "Mahad you got this taken care of?"
The magician sighed. "I can try. Everyone stand back and get of the area! Mana with me!"
"You got it!"
They both began to chant in an ancient tongue, making coordinated hand gestures. A light seemed to glow from within the building. Quickly the brightness intensified as their chant sped up. Within a matter of second the light became a blinding flash. Gold particles floated in the air, indicating the enchantment was over. All of the vehicles full of the guards and team members had fled the scene. None of the creatures seemed to escape the building. Hopefully their spell had worked, and returned those creatures to whatever dimension they came from.
Both relaxed their arms, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Seems like it worked. For now, anyway." Mana commented.
Mahad nodded slowly. "We can't keep doing this. There has to be a way to defeat them. Something we need to figure out. And fast."
"Yeah." She folded her arms. Tapping her wand on her side. "And to think this is only the beginning."
A/N: Again thank you all for your continued support, this was all possible because you guys! Gonna do my best to work on more updates. Please leave your reviews and follow if you haven't already!