~ ~ ~ These chappies are taking too long...@_@ Homework, karate, projects,
CAPTS, and finals were taking up too much of my time. I apologize to
everyone who was waiting. *bows to readers* You guys are awesome!!! ^_^
Also, I WILL admit I had no idea where this story was going from here. ^_^;
*sees angry readers* AAAAHHHH!!!!! Don't get mad at me now - I know what I'm doing, I know what I'm doing!! O.O
*sighs as readers calm down* Arigatou. Anyways, taking the CAPTs for two weeks and studying for finals have inspired me for the ultimate event. The event that so many people have been complaining about. But I won't tell you what it is! You have to keep reading. ^_-
I know I'm evil. ^_^ Proud of it, too!!! (Just kidding!!) I don't own anything, except for the plotline and the new characters - I'm too lazy to list them now.
Too much talking!! Hope you enjoy this chappie!! ~ ~ ~ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Yugi stirred his cereal and milk together as he looked at his friends. It was ten o'clock in the morning, and the gang was having breakfast in Kaiba's kitchen. While eating, Yugi had told them about the online conversation from the previous night. Anzu and Jou looked puzzled, Kaiba was wide-eyed, and Yami looked deep in thought.
"So, let me get this straight," Kaiba said slowly as he finished munching his French toast. "You had a guardian angel named Seika, but when you solved the Millennium Puzzle she left."
Yugi nodded.
"And she left because Yami appeared, and according to some rule, a person can only have ONE guardian."
"Hai," Yugi replied.
"And Yami's the second guardian?"
"It's confusing you as much as it is confusing me, Kaiba," Yami said. "I know I'm a Pharaoh from Egypt with dark magical powers, but I didn't know that made me an angel-!"
"Yugi said that Shinigami called you a daemon, Yami," Anzu piped up, swallowing the last of her milk.
"You get the idea," Yami concluded. Turning to Yugi, he said, "Look, I'm sorry, Yugi, if I forced your friend to go away. I had no idea-!!"
Yugi smiled. "It's all right," he said, though his tone revealed a little sadness. "I know it's not your fault. Your arrival was...unexpected, that's all."
"So..." Jou said slowly, "in order to get your angel back, you have to find the Mon no Rei."
Yugi nodded again.
The blonde grinned and flashed the peace sign at Yugi. "Then, I guess we're going with you!!"
"NANI?!?" Yugi was shocked. "B-But, you don't HAVE to-!"
Anzu smiled and stood up with the others to clear away their dishes. "Don't worry," she said reassuringly. "We're your friends, so we care about how you feel." She smiled kindly. "So you can't change our minds, ne?"
Yugi bowed his head, unsure of what to say. Yami walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Their eyes met, violet to violet. One set was concerned, the other worried.
/ Yami, I don't know how to tell her that I'll-! /
// Be all right? // Yami replied silently through their mental link. // Aibou, even then, I doubt she and the others will back down. They really care about you. //
/ Still...What if something bad happens to them? I'll never forgive myself if they suffered, and it was all because of me!! /
// Yugi, you worry too much. You must have faith in your friends and believe them when they say they'll be all right. //
Yugi didn't say anything but turned his head to gaze at Jou, Kaiba, and Anzu. The three of them had been watching the boys, seeing if anything was going on. All Yugi did was smile gratefully at his loyal companions, and they all sighed in relief.
"Then, it's settled," Kaiba announced. "We'll all go with Yugi and Yami to find this Spirit Gate. Jou, Anzu - you guys go home and pack enough clothes and items for three days. Yugi, Yami - stay here. We'll all go to Yugi's house together in case...Anyway, I'll call Mokuba and find him a place to stay while I'm gone."
Yami nodded in agreement. "We can help you with food and beverages, as well," he pointed out.
Kaiba nodded, but Jou's interjection of "WWWAAAIIIIITTT!!!!" made everyone stop in their tracks.
"What now, Jou?" Anzu asked dully, annoyed with Jou's interruption.
"Why does Mr. Hotshot have to give all da orders around here?! I've gotta mind of my own, ya know!!" Jou retorted angrily, glaring daggers at the brunette.
Kaiba just smirked in response and replied, "You can't handle anything, Jounouchi. Even if your life depended on it...puppy-dog."
"WHY YOU-!?!"
"Jou, let's go!!" Anzu said as she pulled the angry blonde out by the ear. "We've got packing to do."
Yugi and Yami sweatdropped as Jou's screams and insults were carried to their ears. After they died down in the distance, Kaiba turned to the two and said, "So, shall we begin our preparations for this trip?"
Yami just looked at Yugi. The smaller figure was busy wiping his eyes of fresh tears as he replied, "A-Arigatou...everyone. I don't know what I'd-!"
Kaiba raised his hand to silence him. "It's all right," he said. "That's what friends are for."
Yugi nodded. "Right," he agreed.
"Now, let's pack the food and beverages before the puppy-dog gets back! He's got too big of an appetite for all of us to handle."
* * * * * * *
"Is dat all?" Jou asked in an annoyed tone as he set down his backpack in the living room. He and Anzu had packed their things in less than two hours and hurried back to the mansion. Yugi and Yami had kept their word and helped Kaiba with the food and drinks. They had finished packing them away when Jou had walked in.
"Hai," Kaiba replied smoothly. "Now, all we have to do is get Yugi's stuff at his house, and then we can head out."
"What exactly are we using for transportation, Kaiba?" Anzu asked as she set down her own backpack and purse next to the pile of luggage.
"My personal jet. Or the limo. Take your pick - it doesn't matter to me at- !"
"JET!!"
"Nani, Jou?" Yugi asked as he turned to face his friend. "Why the jet?"
Jou winked as he flashed the peace sign with his reply. " 'Cause I absolutely LOVE the wild blue yonder!!"
Yugi laughed aloud, while Yami just shook his head. "You've got too much enthusiasm, Jou," Yugi stated laughingly, making his friend's ears turn red with embarrassment.
"Dat a good thing or a bad thing, Yug?"
"Good thing," Yugi replied.
Jou shrugged and went back to exchanging insults with Kaiba, Yami doing his best to separate the two. Yugi sighed deeply and settled into the closest armchair. The cushions smelled of incense and cinnamon, the scents surrounding the small boy quickly. As he closed his eyes and took in the smells, he heard a feminine voice ask, "How are you doing over here, Yugi?"
Yugi opened an eye to see Anzu take a seat on an armrest. Her pink T-shirt hung somewhat loosely on her upper body, while denim shorts surrounded the tops of her thighs. A pair of Nike sneakers adorned her feet, while a set of diamond studs highlighted her ears. "All right," he said quietly, turning his gaze to some vague spot on the wall.
Anzu frowned slightly. "Nan desu ka, Yugi-chan?" she asked gently, placing a hand on his left shoulder.
Yugi twitched from the touch as he replied, "N-Nothing, Anzu-chan. Nothing's wrong, why do you ask?"
"Yugi, please look at me."
Hearing her hurt voice, Yugi obediently turned to face her. Brown hair was hanging over her eyes, but that did not stop him from seeing her sad blue eyes. "Please don't lie to me," she said softly. "I'm your friend, and lying to a friend is like hurting a loved one, you know? So, please - please tell me what's wrong."
Yugi didn't say a word as he tore his gaze from her. After a moment, he began to speak. "I guess it's nerves, but...I don't want you guys to come with me to my house. It's...It's too bad over there for any of my friends to see at all. It's just-!!" Yugi stopped talking as tears began to sting his eyes.
Anzu's grip on his shoulder became harder as she replied, "But, Yugi - that doesn't matter to us. You don't have to be scared."
"But I am," Yugi stated in a matter-of-fact tone. When he faced Anzu, she noticed his soft violet eyes and the tears that threatened to spill onto his cheeks. "I'm still afraid, Anzu. And that can never change."
"What if your angel - Seika, ne? What if she comes back? THEN will you be afraid?"
Yugi paused and bit his lower lip as the tears finally fell. "H-Hai," he whispered. "I would still be afraid."
"Doushite?"
"Because she's an angel. I...I don't want to see an angel get hurt."
"Yugi...are you lying again?"
"Iie!! Why would you-?"
"No offense, Yugi, but you lied to me about your parents and about your feelings just now. I just...Gomen, Yugi." With that said, Anzu leaned over and wrapped Yugi into a brief yet warm hug. After a moment, she released him, a light blush spreading over her cheeks.
"Listen," she said slowly, "we'll stay with you until the end. No matter what you go through, we're going to help you through it. Understand, Yugi? Because that's what friends are for."
Yugi smiled sadly as he wiped away his tears. "I understand, Anzu. Arigatou," he thanked as he finally rose from the chair. Turning to face the rest of the gang, he asked loudly, "S-So when are we going to my house?"
Kaiba stopped trying to strangle Jou as he thought over his answer. "Whenever you are, I guess," he said after a while.
Yami's hard gaze met Yugi's soft one. "You're ready?" he asked gently.
Yugi nodded firmly. "It's now or n-never," he pointed out.
"Dat's da spirit!!" Jou said excitedly, running over to pat Yugi on the back. "Now, let's go on a road trip to Yug's house!!" He ran towards the front door as he called out, "I mean, why not see what's waiting for us over there?"
Yugi grinned as he walked with the rest of his friends towards Jou. "Yeah," he said softly, "what surprise is in store for us at home?"
"Don't worry, Yugi," Anzu said reassuringly. Kaiba nodded in agreement as he said in a carefree, nonchalant tone:
"Yeah, what's going to be waiting for us over there - a daemon?"
* * * * * * *
"AAUUUGGGHHH!!!!"
Akuyo screamed as his back connected with the wall. Running out of energy, the man collapsed to the cold floor and began gasping for breath. His outstretched arms and legs were covered with cuts and bruises, and his clothes were torn in many places. =(Goddamn it,)= he thought as he placed his bloody cheek on the ground, sighing in quick relief at the coolness against his skin.
"You're not supposed to be enjoying this," a cold voice stated from above his head.
Akuyo looked up from the floor, wincing in pain as he moved. A teenage boy was standing above him, arms crossed over his chest. He looked about seventeen or eighteen years old with spiky red-orange hair and slanted golden eyes. He wore a tight, sleeveless red shirt, tight black pants and matching boots completing the outfit. A set of flame-shaped earrings studded his ears, and a small hoop with a ruby in the center was attached to the top of his left one. Short black gloves with the fingers cut off adorned his hands, and a simple golden chain was wrapped around his neck.
"You don't look so tough now, Akuyo," the boy said coldly, his golden eyes glinting in triumph at the man's humiliation and pain.
"Shut the fuck up, boy," Akuyo snapped as he forced himself to sit up with his back to the wall for support. "I don't listen to punk fools who just come barging in here."
The boy's eyes narrowed as he clenched his hands into tight fists. "Shall I remind you of the consequences when you reprimand me?" he asked sarcastically, giving Akuyo the impression that he wasn't going to listen to him.
The boy was about to raise his fist in anger at Akuyo when a gentle voice called out, "Yamete, Damien!! He's had enough."
Damien turned sharply to see a small girl standing behind him. She wore a pair of blue capris with a tight silvery-blue T-shirt. Black Chinese platform sandals were on her feet, blue beads with Chinese symbols stitched onto the straps by her toes. A single silver stud was in her left ear, and a silver chain hung around her neck. Three bracelets clinked at her wrists - two on her right wrist, one on her left. Her dark brown hair was loosely dangling down her back, fluttering as the result of a passing breeze.
"What do you mean by that?" Damien snarled as he curled his upper lip to reveal a set of fangs (like Tasuki!!) in his mouth. His hair caught the sunlight from a crack in a window, transforming his hair into a mass of flames. "I am NOT letting him get away with his crimes."
The girl's dark blue eyes narrowed. "Still, that is for Anubis and Hades to decide, not us," she pointed out subtly.
"Yeah..." Akuyo growled weakly. His red eyes fell on the girl, and he smirked as he spat at the ground in front of him. "Boy, you'd better listen to the bitch if you know-!!"
He never got to finish his sentence. In the blink of an eye, Damien had thrust one of his fists at Akuyo, opening it at the last instant. Yugi's father was suddenly thrust into the wall by an unseen force, the result being a cry of pain and frustration. Before he could fall to the ground, Damien was in front of him in an flash. His left hand shot towards Akuyo's chest and kept him pinned to the wall, while his right one moved towards his throat. The injured man's eyes widened in fear at the object pressed against his throat - a knife with a six-inch blade, its black hilt encrusted with rubies and amber.
"You see?!" Damien told the girl harshly. "He is nothing but a lowlife asshole who doesn't give a damn about anyone but himself. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't end his life here and now!"
"Damien," the girl began softly, and as she spoke a little fairy flew out from behind her. The fairy was only three inches tall with bare feet, a pale blue dress with puffy sleeves that reached her knees, short crimson hair with long bangs, pointed ears, and brilliant green eyes. A green-leaf collar and set of pearly-colored wings completed the fairy's appearance. (Duelists, looky!! It's a Dancing Fairy!! ^_^)
Before the girl could continue, the fairy flew towards Damien and landed on his left shoulder. Damien's golden eyes turned to look at it as the sprite began to speak in a saddened voice that reminded Akuyo of a flute.
"Please, Damien," the fairy pleaded. "Mistress knows what's best for him. She might not be able to do anything now, but she can always tell if something bad will happen. That is why she was the-!!"
"Chuchu," Damien interrupted the fairy quietly, his tone soft and easy. "I know that. But, don't you remember what happened? Remember what forced her away from here?"
Chuchu frowned prettily, her eyes threatening to produce tears. "Hai, but- !!" the fairy began.
"No, I HAVE to do this, Chuchu," Damien said forcefully, and once again his full attention was on the fearful Akuyo. "I am going to make this bastard pay for his crimes. Hades and Anubis can put me on probation if they want to, but at least this will be done and over with."
"What if this man turns out to be a restless soul, Damien?" the girl asked him suddenly. "Then, it won't matter if he is dead or not."
Damien met the girl's gaze. "Then, I will make sure he is tortured by the Erinyes themselves before he gets loose!!"
The girl said nothing. Instead, she turned around and began to walk away. Damien and Chuchu continued to watch her as she approached the front door and opened it to leave. As the door clicked shut, Akuyo's scornful voice could once again be heard.
"Heh...She's a real fool to stand up for me. When I meet her up there," he said as he flicked his eyes up to the ceiling, "I'll see if she feels as nice as she appears to be."
With this comment, Damien snapped his head back towards Akuyo and pressed his hand harder into the man's chest. The edge of the knife pressed harder into his neck, drawing out a thin line of blood. His silky voice countered, "Who says you're going up there?"
Akuyo's face twisted into an expression of fear and confusion as Damien raised his voice a little and called out, "Kowaru!!"
A small figure flew out from behind the boy and settled down on Damien's right wrist. Three inches tall, the miniature sprite had black wings (like a bat's), wild green-blond hair, and amber eyes. Black pants, ebony shoes, and a dull-yellow T-shirt made up his outfit.
"Hai, Master?" the daemon piped up in a childish voice that was laced with mischief.
"Would you mind helping me show Akuyo what happens to those who have sins on their heads?" Damien's fanged grin widened as Akuyo began twitching in his panicked attempt to escape.
"Not at all, Master," Kowaru said happily as he rubbed his tiny hands together and laughed evilly.
Chuchu only shook her head sadly as she flew away, not wanting to see the torturing methods the two boys were using on Akuyo. The only thing she heard as she disappeared around a corner was Kowaru's voice as he announced:
"Let the games begin!!"
* * * * * * *
Jou began to twiddle his thumbs as he, Yugi, Anzu, Kaiba, and Yami walked down the sidewalk towards Yugi's house. He was a little nervous about seeing his friend's house and family. Memories of his own life flooded back to him, making the blonde shudder slightly in disgust. =(Jeez, I never knew how similar Yugi and I are,)= he thought as he shot a glance at the small boy next to him.
"Are we there yet?" Jou whined out loud as he stretched his arms high above his head.
Yami chuckled as Yugi pointed up ahead of them. "It's only a few more houses, Jou," the little boy said. "It'll take less than five minutes to get there."
"So, stop complaining, Jounouchi," Kaiba said loudly, winking at Yugi to show that he was kidding.
"HEY!!"
"Calm down, you two," Anzu said wearily as she raised a hand to stop them. "You know, I'm beginning to wonder if making you two friends was a good idea or not."
Yami chuckled in agreement. "I'd say it was a bad one...unless they actually LIKE insulting each other," he told her.
"Yami..." Yugi said warningly as he playfully hit the spirit's arm with the back of his hand. "You'd better watch out-Nani?"
Jou's chocolate eyes peeked over at Yugi. "Nan desu ka, Yug?" he asked, but his question was answered as he continued to watch his friend.
Yugi was staring with awe at a small fairy that had flown out in front of him. Luckily, the fairy had stopped, as well, and she was currently gazing at Yugi in a similar way. She had brown hair that reached her shoulder blades, light brown eyes, and pearl-colored wings. She wore a pale blue dress with a pointed dark-blue collar and large matching sleeves, a line of white trim outlining both sections of the outfit. Her pointed ears were barely visible, poking out from underneath two long bangs that reached her chest.
"Hello," Yugi said softly as the fairy cocked her head from side to side. "Don't worry - we won't hurt you."
Anzu, Kaiba, Jou, and Yami were also paying close attention to the fairy before Yugi. Their conversations had stopped, and Anzu's eyes even had stars in them. "So kawaii," she murmured as the fairy began to notice and observe Yugi's friends.
"Do you like them?" Yugi asked as he turned to follow the fairy's movements around his friends. He was puzzled, though, when the fairy stopped at Yami and began to look at him up and down.
"Is something wrong?" Yami asked gently, but the fairy only jerked her head up to meet Yami's gaze. Before he could say anything else, the fairy had turned around and sped away.
Yugi and Yami glanced at each other, both puzzled. / Did you scare her, Yami? / he asked the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle.
// I don't see how I could have, // he replied. // But that behavior is certainly peculiar... //
"Hey!!" Jou said loudly, snapping Yami and Yugi out of their mental link. "Should we start chasin' dat fairy or what?"
"Don't scare it away!!" Anzu said cautiously as she followed Jou down the sidewalk.
Obliged to follow, Yugi ran ahead of Anzu and the rest of his friends and kept Jou's pace as the two continued to track the mysterious sprite. =(I wonder why she reacted that way around Yami,)= he thought as he ran beside his friend. =(Was it something he said? Something he had? Or...)=
=(...Or was it because he was there?)=
* * * * * * *
The girl walked out onto the steps as she closed the door behind her. Kicking a loose stone nearby, she crossed her arms over her chest, thinking back to Akuyo and Damien. She was not used to Damien's harsh reactions whenever a person, soul, or sinner snapped back at him. =(Why does he have to be so cruel?)= she thought sadly as she remembered how badly Akuyo had been treated.
"I have to get Chuchu," the girl murmured as she began to head back into the house. "It was unfair to leave her in there-Eh?"
Her thought was cut short by the sight of a small fairy about the same size as Chuchu flying at full speed towards her. Her brow furrowed as she watched the fairy get closer and closer with every breath.
"Oro," she said in a puzzled tone as the fairy floated down into her outstretched palm, panting for breath since she flew so fast. "Oro, what's wrong? What are you-?"
"Mistress," Oro said between deep breaths, her voice as playful and innocent as a child's. "Mistress...He is here."
"Who are you speaking of, Oro?"
But the girl only had to look into Oro's amber eyes to realize who was coming her way. Her blue eyes instantly became panicked and sad at the same time, and holding Oro gently in her cupped palm she headed back to the house.
"I have to warn him..." she told Oro softly as she re-entered the house. "We need to get out of here."
* * * * * * *
"Fool," Damien snarled as he prodded Akuyo's still form with the tip of his boot. "At least he can pay for his sins now."
"I must agree, Master," Kowaru said gleefully as he did a little dance of happiness and satisfaction in midair. "This man can now prepare to suffer in Hell, thanks to your...gentle persuasion." He let out a toothy grin that mimicked Damien's, but no further comment was made.
"Daijoubu, Chuchu," Damien called out to the empty house. "We're done in here."
"A-Are you sure it-it's over, D-Damien?" a meek voice asked nervously. Damien turned to see Chuchu peeking out from behind the broken couch, her tearstained eyes still shining with unhappiness.
Damien didn't say a word. Instead, he walked over to Chuchu and gently scooped her up in his hands. Turning around again, he sat down on the floor, leaning his back against the couch and keeping his hands cupped to support Chuchu.
"I-I'm so s-sorry, Damien," Chuchu murmured. "I just...I just don't like it when you...when you..." She couldn't finish her sentence, since her body was shaking from fright. When she realized that tears were beginning to fall from her eyes, she began stammering apologies to the boy. "I-I'm really sorry, D-Damien - I'm n-not used to y-your w-ways of t-t-treating souls-!!"
"Shh," Damien said softly as he gently stroked Chuchu's hair with his fingertips. "I understand, little child. You're an angelic sprite - it's not your nature to be cruel towards souls."
"Yeah," Kowaru piped up as he swooped down next to the fairy. "It's not your fault, so please." The sprite quickly enveloped Chuchu in a comforting embrace. (So kawaii!! *^_^*) "Please don't cry, Chuchu."
Damien smiled kindly down at the pair as they continued to talk and hug. =(Now, if only...Nah, forget it. It won't happen. Ever.)= He shook those thoughts from his mind as a gentle voice helped bring him back to reality.
"Damien."
The teenager looked up to see the girl leaning against the doorframe to the living room, watching him and the sprites. She seemed relaxed and comfortable, but even the warm smile on her face couldn't hide the worry embedded in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked as he stood up from his seat. The sprites, disturbed by the movement, took to the air again and began hovering around the two teens. "And don't say nothing's wrong, 'cause I know you have a habit of-!"
"He's here."
Damien stopped speaking and peered at her seriously. "Which one?" he asked, puzzled by the response he had received.
"Both," the girl murmured. "We have to leave now."
"Then, they're heading this way?"
"I SAW them, Damien," a soft voice piped up, and Damien saw Oro poke out from behind the girl's shoulder. "I don't want Mistress to cry again, so I told her they were coming. And they'll be here soon."
Damien's smile was pure. "Then I'd better clean up," he stated. Turning back to the living room, he snapped his fingers twice in a row. In the blink of an eye, the room was normal - as it had been before Damien's arrival. The only thing that was out of place was Akuyo's body, which lay bloody and cut up on the floor.
The girl flinched as she eyed the body. "You know you have to take that, as well," she pointed out, averting her gaze to the far wall near the kitchen.
"I know what I'm doing," Damien reassured her as he waved his hand towards Akuyo and snapped his fingers. In an instant, Akuyo's body had disappeared into nothing but the air around them.
"Well, he's off to Hell now," Damien said, satisfied with the results of the visit. "And I'm all done here." He turned back to the girl, offering his hand in a friendly gesture. "Shall we leave?"
The female only smiled, relieved that this part of her day was over. Taking his hand gently, she nodded in acceptance. Oro and Chuchu perched on one shoulder, while Kowaru sat on one of Damien's. The boy nodded and led the way out of the house into the sunlight...
...and the gaze of two visitors.
* * * * * * *
"W-Who are they?" Yugi said as he stopped with Jou right before his house. He and his blond friend had chased the sprite to his house, but as soon as they reached it two figures had emerged from the front door. This, of course, made Jou and Yugi recoil in shock.
"Who knows?" Jou said after a while. "They probably came by for some tea, ya know?"
"Iie," Yugi said firmly. "Otousan RARELY has visitors over, and if he does it's only for business purposes."
Jou nodded as he listened to Yugi, and he changed the subject by saying, "Jeez, those two look comfy. Especially the girl - she's hot actually."
"JOU!!" Yugi said quietly, his ears burning with embarrassment at Jou's words. "Well, that doesn't explain why they were in my house-Wait!! Look!!"
The boy had waved goodbye to the girl as she headed away from the house. Yugi shivered as he felt as though he had seen her somewhere before, but the feeling soon passed as he saw a familiar-looking sprite sitting on her shoulder with a second one.
=(So THAT'S where the sprite went,)= Yugi thought, and it looked like Jou had seen it, too. The boy watched her turn the corner, and then he turned and headed right towards them. As he got closer, Yugi could see a small figure sitting on his shoulder and three earrings in his ears.
"Ah," the boy said suddenly, startling both Yugi and Jou. "So you've arrived." He turned to look at Yugi, his golden eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yugi Mouto, I presume?"
"H-Hai," the small boy replied as he stared at the stranger. He was dressed as though he was going to a club, which was strange for this time of day. "C-Could I ask you why you were in my house?"
At this request, the boy's eyes narrowed and lost their warmth. Instead, a coldness had enveloped them. "I shouldn't," he stated simply. "It wouldn't do you any good right now."
"Hey, HEY!!" Jou retorted angrily as he took a step towards the boy. "It's Yug's house, so he has da right ta know!! So, tell him!!"
The boy only gazed at him before turning back to Yugi. "I'm sorry I can't tell you why I was here, but," he paused and reached into his pocket, "I can give you a useful item instead."
"Not fair!!" the sprite on his shoulder wailed. "You can't do that!! What would...Well, what would he say when he finds out what you've done?"
"He can't do a thing, since I'm his best," the boy muttered as he held out an object to Yugi. It was a medallion strung on a fine gold-link and silver- link chain. One side was golden with the picture of a flame engraved on it, while the other side was silver with an ice crystal on the surface.
"Take it," the boy commanded sternly. "It'll help you on your journey."
"Ariga-Wait a minute!!" Yugi said fiercely as he glared up at the young man. "Why are you giving me this? How do you know I'm on a journey?"
The boy just smiled mysteriously and turned to walk away. He took a few steps then turned back around to face him, saying, "That medallion will help you find what you're looking for. And, as to how I know about your journey - let's just say this was foreseen years ago, and we've only been waiting for the time to come."
"Nani? What're ya talkin' about?" Jou asked, his hands clenched into fists.
The boy only grinned and winked at the boys. "Take it easy, you two," he called out as he waked past them towards a sharp corner. As Yugi was about to follow him, the medallion's edge caught the light, temporarily blinding both him and Jou from seeing anything. All they heard as they tried to regain their sight was the boy's voice:
"Yugi, my sprites and I will see you in heaven...or hell!!" ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
~ ~ ~ Well!! That's all done - the Akuyo-torture has ended!! ^_- Thought you guys would like that...
Oh yeah!! How do you guys like Damien? I'm going to tell you right now - when I was creating his character, I didn't expect him to be so goddamn hot!! He really is - just imagine it!! *_* I also think you guys will like his three daemonic sprites, and the girl's (guess who!) three angelic sprites.
...It's...too...hot...'@_@'
*sees audience groan* Well, it's true!! Okay, so are you ready for more questions? You bet you are!!
Who was that girl? (Stupid question...) What use will the medallion be for Yugi and Jou? Will Kaiba ever fail to throw insults at Jou? (Duh!!) How far will the group's journey take them?
All of these answers, and so much more...next time!! Now, I'm going to go draw a picture of Damien with his three sprites. Damn, he's so hot!! *^_^* Ja ne!! ~ ~ ~
Also, I WILL admit I had no idea where this story was going from here. ^_^;
*sees angry readers* AAAAHHHH!!!!! Don't get mad at me now - I know what I'm doing, I know what I'm doing!! O.O
*sighs as readers calm down* Arigatou. Anyways, taking the CAPTs for two weeks and studying for finals have inspired me for the ultimate event. The event that so many people have been complaining about. But I won't tell you what it is! You have to keep reading. ^_-
I know I'm evil. ^_^ Proud of it, too!!! (Just kidding!!) I don't own anything, except for the plotline and the new characters - I'm too lazy to list them now.
Too much talking!! Hope you enjoy this chappie!! ~ ~ ~ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Yugi stirred his cereal and milk together as he looked at his friends. It was ten o'clock in the morning, and the gang was having breakfast in Kaiba's kitchen. While eating, Yugi had told them about the online conversation from the previous night. Anzu and Jou looked puzzled, Kaiba was wide-eyed, and Yami looked deep in thought.
"So, let me get this straight," Kaiba said slowly as he finished munching his French toast. "You had a guardian angel named Seika, but when you solved the Millennium Puzzle she left."
Yugi nodded.
"And she left because Yami appeared, and according to some rule, a person can only have ONE guardian."
"Hai," Yugi replied.
"And Yami's the second guardian?"
"It's confusing you as much as it is confusing me, Kaiba," Yami said. "I know I'm a Pharaoh from Egypt with dark magical powers, but I didn't know that made me an angel-!"
"Yugi said that Shinigami called you a daemon, Yami," Anzu piped up, swallowing the last of her milk.
"You get the idea," Yami concluded. Turning to Yugi, he said, "Look, I'm sorry, Yugi, if I forced your friend to go away. I had no idea-!!"
Yugi smiled. "It's all right," he said, though his tone revealed a little sadness. "I know it's not your fault. Your arrival was...unexpected, that's all."
"So..." Jou said slowly, "in order to get your angel back, you have to find the Mon no Rei."
Yugi nodded again.
The blonde grinned and flashed the peace sign at Yugi. "Then, I guess we're going with you!!"
"NANI?!?" Yugi was shocked. "B-But, you don't HAVE to-!"
Anzu smiled and stood up with the others to clear away their dishes. "Don't worry," she said reassuringly. "We're your friends, so we care about how you feel." She smiled kindly. "So you can't change our minds, ne?"
Yugi bowed his head, unsure of what to say. Yami walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Their eyes met, violet to violet. One set was concerned, the other worried.
/ Yami, I don't know how to tell her that I'll-! /
// Be all right? // Yami replied silently through their mental link. // Aibou, even then, I doubt she and the others will back down. They really care about you. //
/ Still...What if something bad happens to them? I'll never forgive myself if they suffered, and it was all because of me!! /
// Yugi, you worry too much. You must have faith in your friends and believe them when they say they'll be all right. //
Yugi didn't say anything but turned his head to gaze at Jou, Kaiba, and Anzu. The three of them had been watching the boys, seeing if anything was going on. All Yugi did was smile gratefully at his loyal companions, and they all sighed in relief.
"Then, it's settled," Kaiba announced. "We'll all go with Yugi and Yami to find this Spirit Gate. Jou, Anzu - you guys go home and pack enough clothes and items for three days. Yugi, Yami - stay here. We'll all go to Yugi's house together in case...Anyway, I'll call Mokuba and find him a place to stay while I'm gone."
Yami nodded in agreement. "We can help you with food and beverages, as well," he pointed out.
Kaiba nodded, but Jou's interjection of "WWWAAAIIIIITTT!!!!" made everyone stop in their tracks.
"What now, Jou?" Anzu asked dully, annoyed with Jou's interruption.
"Why does Mr. Hotshot have to give all da orders around here?! I've gotta mind of my own, ya know!!" Jou retorted angrily, glaring daggers at the brunette.
Kaiba just smirked in response and replied, "You can't handle anything, Jounouchi. Even if your life depended on it...puppy-dog."
"WHY YOU-!?!"
"Jou, let's go!!" Anzu said as she pulled the angry blonde out by the ear. "We've got packing to do."
Yugi and Yami sweatdropped as Jou's screams and insults were carried to their ears. After they died down in the distance, Kaiba turned to the two and said, "So, shall we begin our preparations for this trip?"
Yami just looked at Yugi. The smaller figure was busy wiping his eyes of fresh tears as he replied, "A-Arigatou...everyone. I don't know what I'd-!"
Kaiba raised his hand to silence him. "It's all right," he said. "That's what friends are for."
Yugi nodded. "Right," he agreed.
"Now, let's pack the food and beverages before the puppy-dog gets back! He's got too big of an appetite for all of us to handle."
* * * * * * *
"Is dat all?" Jou asked in an annoyed tone as he set down his backpack in the living room. He and Anzu had packed their things in less than two hours and hurried back to the mansion. Yugi and Yami had kept their word and helped Kaiba with the food and drinks. They had finished packing them away when Jou had walked in.
"Hai," Kaiba replied smoothly. "Now, all we have to do is get Yugi's stuff at his house, and then we can head out."
"What exactly are we using for transportation, Kaiba?" Anzu asked as she set down her own backpack and purse next to the pile of luggage.
"My personal jet. Or the limo. Take your pick - it doesn't matter to me at- !"
"JET!!"
"Nani, Jou?" Yugi asked as he turned to face his friend. "Why the jet?"
Jou winked as he flashed the peace sign with his reply. " 'Cause I absolutely LOVE the wild blue yonder!!"
Yugi laughed aloud, while Yami just shook his head. "You've got too much enthusiasm, Jou," Yugi stated laughingly, making his friend's ears turn red with embarrassment.
"Dat a good thing or a bad thing, Yug?"
"Good thing," Yugi replied.
Jou shrugged and went back to exchanging insults with Kaiba, Yami doing his best to separate the two. Yugi sighed deeply and settled into the closest armchair. The cushions smelled of incense and cinnamon, the scents surrounding the small boy quickly. As he closed his eyes and took in the smells, he heard a feminine voice ask, "How are you doing over here, Yugi?"
Yugi opened an eye to see Anzu take a seat on an armrest. Her pink T-shirt hung somewhat loosely on her upper body, while denim shorts surrounded the tops of her thighs. A pair of Nike sneakers adorned her feet, while a set of diamond studs highlighted her ears. "All right," he said quietly, turning his gaze to some vague spot on the wall.
Anzu frowned slightly. "Nan desu ka, Yugi-chan?" she asked gently, placing a hand on his left shoulder.
Yugi twitched from the touch as he replied, "N-Nothing, Anzu-chan. Nothing's wrong, why do you ask?"
"Yugi, please look at me."
Hearing her hurt voice, Yugi obediently turned to face her. Brown hair was hanging over her eyes, but that did not stop him from seeing her sad blue eyes. "Please don't lie to me," she said softly. "I'm your friend, and lying to a friend is like hurting a loved one, you know? So, please - please tell me what's wrong."
Yugi didn't say a word as he tore his gaze from her. After a moment, he began to speak. "I guess it's nerves, but...I don't want you guys to come with me to my house. It's...It's too bad over there for any of my friends to see at all. It's just-!!" Yugi stopped talking as tears began to sting his eyes.
Anzu's grip on his shoulder became harder as she replied, "But, Yugi - that doesn't matter to us. You don't have to be scared."
"But I am," Yugi stated in a matter-of-fact tone. When he faced Anzu, she noticed his soft violet eyes and the tears that threatened to spill onto his cheeks. "I'm still afraid, Anzu. And that can never change."
"What if your angel - Seika, ne? What if she comes back? THEN will you be afraid?"
Yugi paused and bit his lower lip as the tears finally fell. "H-Hai," he whispered. "I would still be afraid."
"Doushite?"
"Because she's an angel. I...I don't want to see an angel get hurt."
"Yugi...are you lying again?"
"Iie!! Why would you-?"
"No offense, Yugi, but you lied to me about your parents and about your feelings just now. I just...Gomen, Yugi." With that said, Anzu leaned over and wrapped Yugi into a brief yet warm hug. After a moment, she released him, a light blush spreading over her cheeks.
"Listen," she said slowly, "we'll stay with you until the end. No matter what you go through, we're going to help you through it. Understand, Yugi? Because that's what friends are for."
Yugi smiled sadly as he wiped away his tears. "I understand, Anzu. Arigatou," he thanked as he finally rose from the chair. Turning to face the rest of the gang, he asked loudly, "S-So when are we going to my house?"
Kaiba stopped trying to strangle Jou as he thought over his answer. "Whenever you are, I guess," he said after a while.
Yami's hard gaze met Yugi's soft one. "You're ready?" he asked gently.
Yugi nodded firmly. "It's now or n-never," he pointed out.
"Dat's da spirit!!" Jou said excitedly, running over to pat Yugi on the back. "Now, let's go on a road trip to Yug's house!!" He ran towards the front door as he called out, "I mean, why not see what's waiting for us over there?"
Yugi grinned as he walked with the rest of his friends towards Jou. "Yeah," he said softly, "what surprise is in store for us at home?"
"Don't worry, Yugi," Anzu said reassuringly. Kaiba nodded in agreement as he said in a carefree, nonchalant tone:
"Yeah, what's going to be waiting for us over there - a daemon?"
* * * * * * *
"AAUUUGGGHHH!!!!"
Akuyo screamed as his back connected with the wall. Running out of energy, the man collapsed to the cold floor and began gasping for breath. His outstretched arms and legs were covered with cuts and bruises, and his clothes were torn in many places. =(Goddamn it,)= he thought as he placed his bloody cheek on the ground, sighing in quick relief at the coolness against his skin.
"You're not supposed to be enjoying this," a cold voice stated from above his head.
Akuyo looked up from the floor, wincing in pain as he moved. A teenage boy was standing above him, arms crossed over his chest. He looked about seventeen or eighteen years old with spiky red-orange hair and slanted golden eyes. He wore a tight, sleeveless red shirt, tight black pants and matching boots completing the outfit. A set of flame-shaped earrings studded his ears, and a small hoop with a ruby in the center was attached to the top of his left one. Short black gloves with the fingers cut off adorned his hands, and a simple golden chain was wrapped around his neck.
"You don't look so tough now, Akuyo," the boy said coldly, his golden eyes glinting in triumph at the man's humiliation and pain.
"Shut the fuck up, boy," Akuyo snapped as he forced himself to sit up with his back to the wall for support. "I don't listen to punk fools who just come barging in here."
The boy's eyes narrowed as he clenched his hands into tight fists. "Shall I remind you of the consequences when you reprimand me?" he asked sarcastically, giving Akuyo the impression that he wasn't going to listen to him.
The boy was about to raise his fist in anger at Akuyo when a gentle voice called out, "Yamete, Damien!! He's had enough."
Damien turned sharply to see a small girl standing behind him. She wore a pair of blue capris with a tight silvery-blue T-shirt. Black Chinese platform sandals were on her feet, blue beads with Chinese symbols stitched onto the straps by her toes. A single silver stud was in her left ear, and a silver chain hung around her neck. Three bracelets clinked at her wrists - two on her right wrist, one on her left. Her dark brown hair was loosely dangling down her back, fluttering as the result of a passing breeze.
"What do you mean by that?" Damien snarled as he curled his upper lip to reveal a set of fangs (like Tasuki!!) in his mouth. His hair caught the sunlight from a crack in a window, transforming his hair into a mass of flames. "I am NOT letting him get away with his crimes."
The girl's dark blue eyes narrowed. "Still, that is for Anubis and Hades to decide, not us," she pointed out subtly.
"Yeah..." Akuyo growled weakly. His red eyes fell on the girl, and he smirked as he spat at the ground in front of him. "Boy, you'd better listen to the bitch if you know-!!"
He never got to finish his sentence. In the blink of an eye, Damien had thrust one of his fists at Akuyo, opening it at the last instant. Yugi's father was suddenly thrust into the wall by an unseen force, the result being a cry of pain and frustration. Before he could fall to the ground, Damien was in front of him in an flash. His left hand shot towards Akuyo's chest and kept him pinned to the wall, while his right one moved towards his throat. The injured man's eyes widened in fear at the object pressed against his throat - a knife with a six-inch blade, its black hilt encrusted with rubies and amber.
"You see?!" Damien told the girl harshly. "He is nothing but a lowlife asshole who doesn't give a damn about anyone but himself. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't end his life here and now!"
"Damien," the girl began softly, and as she spoke a little fairy flew out from behind her. The fairy was only three inches tall with bare feet, a pale blue dress with puffy sleeves that reached her knees, short crimson hair with long bangs, pointed ears, and brilliant green eyes. A green-leaf collar and set of pearly-colored wings completed the fairy's appearance. (Duelists, looky!! It's a Dancing Fairy!! ^_^)
Before the girl could continue, the fairy flew towards Damien and landed on his left shoulder. Damien's golden eyes turned to look at it as the sprite began to speak in a saddened voice that reminded Akuyo of a flute.
"Please, Damien," the fairy pleaded. "Mistress knows what's best for him. She might not be able to do anything now, but she can always tell if something bad will happen. That is why she was the-!!"
"Chuchu," Damien interrupted the fairy quietly, his tone soft and easy. "I know that. But, don't you remember what happened? Remember what forced her away from here?"
Chuchu frowned prettily, her eyes threatening to produce tears. "Hai, but- !!" the fairy began.
"No, I HAVE to do this, Chuchu," Damien said forcefully, and once again his full attention was on the fearful Akuyo. "I am going to make this bastard pay for his crimes. Hades and Anubis can put me on probation if they want to, but at least this will be done and over with."
"What if this man turns out to be a restless soul, Damien?" the girl asked him suddenly. "Then, it won't matter if he is dead or not."
Damien met the girl's gaze. "Then, I will make sure he is tortured by the Erinyes themselves before he gets loose!!"
The girl said nothing. Instead, she turned around and began to walk away. Damien and Chuchu continued to watch her as she approached the front door and opened it to leave. As the door clicked shut, Akuyo's scornful voice could once again be heard.
"Heh...She's a real fool to stand up for me. When I meet her up there," he said as he flicked his eyes up to the ceiling, "I'll see if she feels as nice as she appears to be."
With this comment, Damien snapped his head back towards Akuyo and pressed his hand harder into the man's chest. The edge of the knife pressed harder into his neck, drawing out a thin line of blood. His silky voice countered, "Who says you're going up there?"
Akuyo's face twisted into an expression of fear and confusion as Damien raised his voice a little and called out, "Kowaru!!"
A small figure flew out from behind the boy and settled down on Damien's right wrist. Three inches tall, the miniature sprite had black wings (like a bat's), wild green-blond hair, and amber eyes. Black pants, ebony shoes, and a dull-yellow T-shirt made up his outfit.
"Hai, Master?" the daemon piped up in a childish voice that was laced with mischief.
"Would you mind helping me show Akuyo what happens to those who have sins on their heads?" Damien's fanged grin widened as Akuyo began twitching in his panicked attempt to escape.
"Not at all, Master," Kowaru said happily as he rubbed his tiny hands together and laughed evilly.
Chuchu only shook her head sadly as she flew away, not wanting to see the torturing methods the two boys were using on Akuyo. The only thing she heard as she disappeared around a corner was Kowaru's voice as he announced:
"Let the games begin!!"
* * * * * * *
Jou began to twiddle his thumbs as he, Yugi, Anzu, Kaiba, and Yami walked down the sidewalk towards Yugi's house. He was a little nervous about seeing his friend's house and family. Memories of his own life flooded back to him, making the blonde shudder slightly in disgust. =(Jeez, I never knew how similar Yugi and I are,)= he thought as he shot a glance at the small boy next to him.
"Are we there yet?" Jou whined out loud as he stretched his arms high above his head.
Yami chuckled as Yugi pointed up ahead of them. "It's only a few more houses, Jou," the little boy said. "It'll take less than five minutes to get there."
"So, stop complaining, Jounouchi," Kaiba said loudly, winking at Yugi to show that he was kidding.
"HEY!!"
"Calm down, you two," Anzu said wearily as she raised a hand to stop them. "You know, I'm beginning to wonder if making you two friends was a good idea or not."
Yami chuckled in agreement. "I'd say it was a bad one...unless they actually LIKE insulting each other," he told her.
"Yami..." Yugi said warningly as he playfully hit the spirit's arm with the back of his hand. "You'd better watch out-Nani?"
Jou's chocolate eyes peeked over at Yugi. "Nan desu ka, Yug?" he asked, but his question was answered as he continued to watch his friend.
Yugi was staring with awe at a small fairy that had flown out in front of him. Luckily, the fairy had stopped, as well, and she was currently gazing at Yugi in a similar way. She had brown hair that reached her shoulder blades, light brown eyes, and pearl-colored wings. She wore a pale blue dress with a pointed dark-blue collar and large matching sleeves, a line of white trim outlining both sections of the outfit. Her pointed ears were barely visible, poking out from underneath two long bangs that reached her chest.
"Hello," Yugi said softly as the fairy cocked her head from side to side. "Don't worry - we won't hurt you."
Anzu, Kaiba, Jou, and Yami were also paying close attention to the fairy before Yugi. Their conversations had stopped, and Anzu's eyes even had stars in them. "So kawaii," she murmured as the fairy began to notice and observe Yugi's friends.
"Do you like them?" Yugi asked as he turned to follow the fairy's movements around his friends. He was puzzled, though, when the fairy stopped at Yami and began to look at him up and down.
"Is something wrong?" Yami asked gently, but the fairy only jerked her head up to meet Yami's gaze. Before he could say anything else, the fairy had turned around and sped away.
Yugi and Yami glanced at each other, both puzzled. / Did you scare her, Yami? / he asked the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle.
// I don't see how I could have, // he replied. // But that behavior is certainly peculiar... //
"Hey!!" Jou said loudly, snapping Yami and Yugi out of their mental link. "Should we start chasin' dat fairy or what?"
"Don't scare it away!!" Anzu said cautiously as she followed Jou down the sidewalk.
Obliged to follow, Yugi ran ahead of Anzu and the rest of his friends and kept Jou's pace as the two continued to track the mysterious sprite. =(I wonder why she reacted that way around Yami,)= he thought as he ran beside his friend. =(Was it something he said? Something he had? Or...)=
=(...Or was it because he was there?)=
* * * * * * *
The girl walked out onto the steps as she closed the door behind her. Kicking a loose stone nearby, she crossed her arms over her chest, thinking back to Akuyo and Damien. She was not used to Damien's harsh reactions whenever a person, soul, or sinner snapped back at him. =(Why does he have to be so cruel?)= she thought sadly as she remembered how badly Akuyo had been treated.
"I have to get Chuchu," the girl murmured as she began to head back into the house. "It was unfair to leave her in there-Eh?"
Her thought was cut short by the sight of a small fairy about the same size as Chuchu flying at full speed towards her. Her brow furrowed as she watched the fairy get closer and closer with every breath.
"Oro," she said in a puzzled tone as the fairy floated down into her outstretched palm, panting for breath since she flew so fast. "Oro, what's wrong? What are you-?"
"Mistress," Oro said between deep breaths, her voice as playful and innocent as a child's. "Mistress...He is here."
"Who are you speaking of, Oro?"
But the girl only had to look into Oro's amber eyes to realize who was coming her way. Her blue eyes instantly became panicked and sad at the same time, and holding Oro gently in her cupped palm she headed back to the house.
"I have to warn him..." she told Oro softly as she re-entered the house. "We need to get out of here."
* * * * * * *
"Fool," Damien snarled as he prodded Akuyo's still form with the tip of his boot. "At least he can pay for his sins now."
"I must agree, Master," Kowaru said gleefully as he did a little dance of happiness and satisfaction in midair. "This man can now prepare to suffer in Hell, thanks to your...gentle persuasion." He let out a toothy grin that mimicked Damien's, but no further comment was made.
"Daijoubu, Chuchu," Damien called out to the empty house. "We're done in here."
"A-Are you sure it-it's over, D-Damien?" a meek voice asked nervously. Damien turned to see Chuchu peeking out from behind the broken couch, her tearstained eyes still shining with unhappiness.
Damien didn't say a word. Instead, he walked over to Chuchu and gently scooped her up in his hands. Turning around again, he sat down on the floor, leaning his back against the couch and keeping his hands cupped to support Chuchu.
"I-I'm so s-sorry, Damien," Chuchu murmured. "I just...I just don't like it when you...when you..." She couldn't finish her sentence, since her body was shaking from fright. When she realized that tears were beginning to fall from her eyes, she began stammering apologies to the boy. "I-I'm really sorry, D-Damien - I'm n-not used to y-your w-ways of t-t-treating souls-!!"
"Shh," Damien said softly as he gently stroked Chuchu's hair with his fingertips. "I understand, little child. You're an angelic sprite - it's not your nature to be cruel towards souls."
"Yeah," Kowaru piped up as he swooped down next to the fairy. "It's not your fault, so please." The sprite quickly enveloped Chuchu in a comforting embrace. (So kawaii!! *^_^*) "Please don't cry, Chuchu."
Damien smiled kindly down at the pair as they continued to talk and hug. =(Now, if only...Nah, forget it. It won't happen. Ever.)= He shook those thoughts from his mind as a gentle voice helped bring him back to reality.
"Damien."
The teenager looked up to see the girl leaning against the doorframe to the living room, watching him and the sprites. She seemed relaxed and comfortable, but even the warm smile on her face couldn't hide the worry embedded in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked as he stood up from his seat. The sprites, disturbed by the movement, took to the air again and began hovering around the two teens. "And don't say nothing's wrong, 'cause I know you have a habit of-!"
"He's here."
Damien stopped speaking and peered at her seriously. "Which one?" he asked, puzzled by the response he had received.
"Both," the girl murmured. "We have to leave now."
"Then, they're heading this way?"
"I SAW them, Damien," a soft voice piped up, and Damien saw Oro poke out from behind the girl's shoulder. "I don't want Mistress to cry again, so I told her they were coming. And they'll be here soon."
Damien's smile was pure. "Then I'd better clean up," he stated. Turning back to the living room, he snapped his fingers twice in a row. In the blink of an eye, the room was normal - as it had been before Damien's arrival. The only thing that was out of place was Akuyo's body, which lay bloody and cut up on the floor.
The girl flinched as she eyed the body. "You know you have to take that, as well," she pointed out, averting her gaze to the far wall near the kitchen.
"I know what I'm doing," Damien reassured her as he waved his hand towards Akuyo and snapped his fingers. In an instant, Akuyo's body had disappeared into nothing but the air around them.
"Well, he's off to Hell now," Damien said, satisfied with the results of the visit. "And I'm all done here." He turned back to the girl, offering his hand in a friendly gesture. "Shall we leave?"
The female only smiled, relieved that this part of her day was over. Taking his hand gently, she nodded in acceptance. Oro and Chuchu perched on one shoulder, while Kowaru sat on one of Damien's. The boy nodded and led the way out of the house into the sunlight...
...and the gaze of two visitors.
* * * * * * *
"W-Who are they?" Yugi said as he stopped with Jou right before his house. He and his blond friend had chased the sprite to his house, but as soon as they reached it two figures had emerged from the front door. This, of course, made Jou and Yugi recoil in shock.
"Who knows?" Jou said after a while. "They probably came by for some tea, ya know?"
"Iie," Yugi said firmly. "Otousan RARELY has visitors over, and if he does it's only for business purposes."
Jou nodded as he listened to Yugi, and he changed the subject by saying, "Jeez, those two look comfy. Especially the girl - she's hot actually."
"JOU!!" Yugi said quietly, his ears burning with embarrassment at Jou's words. "Well, that doesn't explain why they were in my house-Wait!! Look!!"
The boy had waved goodbye to the girl as she headed away from the house. Yugi shivered as he felt as though he had seen her somewhere before, but the feeling soon passed as he saw a familiar-looking sprite sitting on her shoulder with a second one.
=(So THAT'S where the sprite went,)= Yugi thought, and it looked like Jou had seen it, too. The boy watched her turn the corner, and then he turned and headed right towards them. As he got closer, Yugi could see a small figure sitting on his shoulder and three earrings in his ears.
"Ah," the boy said suddenly, startling both Yugi and Jou. "So you've arrived." He turned to look at Yugi, his golden eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yugi Mouto, I presume?"
"H-Hai," the small boy replied as he stared at the stranger. He was dressed as though he was going to a club, which was strange for this time of day. "C-Could I ask you why you were in my house?"
At this request, the boy's eyes narrowed and lost their warmth. Instead, a coldness had enveloped them. "I shouldn't," he stated simply. "It wouldn't do you any good right now."
"Hey, HEY!!" Jou retorted angrily as he took a step towards the boy. "It's Yug's house, so he has da right ta know!! So, tell him!!"
The boy only gazed at him before turning back to Yugi. "I'm sorry I can't tell you why I was here, but," he paused and reached into his pocket, "I can give you a useful item instead."
"Not fair!!" the sprite on his shoulder wailed. "You can't do that!! What would...Well, what would he say when he finds out what you've done?"
"He can't do a thing, since I'm his best," the boy muttered as he held out an object to Yugi. It was a medallion strung on a fine gold-link and silver- link chain. One side was golden with the picture of a flame engraved on it, while the other side was silver with an ice crystal on the surface.
"Take it," the boy commanded sternly. "It'll help you on your journey."
"Ariga-Wait a minute!!" Yugi said fiercely as he glared up at the young man. "Why are you giving me this? How do you know I'm on a journey?"
The boy just smiled mysteriously and turned to walk away. He took a few steps then turned back around to face him, saying, "That medallion will help you find what you're looking for. And, as to how I know about your journey - let's just say this was foreseen years ago, and we've only been waiting for the time to come."
"Nani? What're ya talkin' about?" Jou asked, his hands clenched into fists.
The boy only grinned and winked at the boys. "Take it easy, you two," he called out as he waked past them towards a sharp corner. As Yugi was about to follow him, the medallion's edge caught the light, temporarily blinding both him and Jou from seeing anything. All they heard as they tried to regain their sight was the boy's voice:
"Yugi, my sprites and I will see you in heaven...or hell!!" ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
~ ~ ~ Well!! That's all done - the Akuyo-torture has ended!! ^_- Thought you guys would like that...
Oh yeah!! How do you guys like Damien? I'm going to tell you right now - when I was creating his character, I didn't expect him to be so goddamn hot!! He really is - just imagine it!! *_* I also think you guys will like his three daemonic sprites, and the girl's (guess who!) three angelic sprites.
...It's...too...hot...'@_@'
*sees audience groan* Well, it's true!! Okay, so are you ready for more questions? You bet you are!!
Who was that girl? (Stupid question...) What use will the medallion be for Yugi and Jou? Will Kaiba ever fail to throw insults at Jou? (Duh!!) How far will the group's journey take them?
All of these answers, and so much more...next time!! Now, I'm going to go draw a picture of Damien with his three sprites. Damn, he's so hot!! *^_^* Ja ne!! ~ ~ ~