D'oh! I waited for a particular reviewer and it cost me lots of time! Well, I think I'll just update again a a couple of days regardless.
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digigirl-izuma - Glad you like Nazo-chan now. You don't even the the HALF of what this girl's gone through! I swear I torture my characters!
Kuso Netaba - Oooo, wait'll you see her deck! ^_^ chapter after this one!
Kyoko-san - I'm so glad I brightened your day! That makes me feel all warm inside! Yeah, updat soon!
Jenny fish - *big hug* My college buddy!! ^_^ My great, terrific fan and an awesome reviewer!
Shibby-One - Glad you enjoyed it. I repeat, "You don't even the the HALF of what this girl's gone through!"
Keiko - NEE-CHAN!! *glomp* Everyone, please read her fic! seriously!
SerafinaMoon - Ah, my loyalist net friend! Here's for you ...
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*Fic/Author of the chapter: SerafinaMoon!! Her stories are the best of all I've read! She's got drama, action, comedy, mystery, fantasy, EVERYTHING!! Start with "Rampage of Death," wear a mysterious person finds a loophole to obtain the Puzzle without battleing Yami ... kill Yugi!! Then gor on the ROD:II, the sequal that proves girls kick ass! Then there's the awesome "Black Crystal Sacrifice" where Pegasus wants to ressurrect his fiancee by performing dark magic ... on Yugi and Yami!! Best fics of all!!
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Bardock: Guess what? Yami's still a no-show! _ What a loser, lettin' this get to 'im!
Yugi: *glares daggaers*
Bardock: Just try it, pipsqueak!
Una: Want a new chapter by the end of the year?
Bardock: 0.0 I'll be good!
Last time of Yu-Gi-Oh, Yugi finds out Jonouchi battled Nazo and lost, leaving behind scars his bud wanted left healed! And the airhea-
Yugi: *holds up an eraser* Don't you DARE call her an airhead!!
Una: -_-'
Bardock .... Anzu found out a bit of why Nazo's so bitchy. Now, the guys're gonna break into Kaiba Corp. to steal back Nazo's cards!
Chapter 6 - Mission Unbelievable!
Yugi met up with Jonouchi, Honda, and Ryou at 12:15 that night at the coffee shop. All four of them wore black clothes, with the exception of Ryou (his had white writing on his that said, "Can't sleep, clowns will eat me..." all over it.) Jonouchi and Honda also had on black gloves, black bandanas knotted under their noses,[1] and a black backpack.
"What took you so long," whispered Jonouchi to Yugi.
"Mom was sleeping at the door, trying to catch me sneaking out," Yugi answered. "Boy, she must really think I'm in seriously bad company."
Ryou tapped his shoulder. "Ano, we are sorta breaking the law now," he pointed out.
Honda got out two more black bandanas. "Put this on. Your guys' hair styles are more distinct then ours."
"Have you done this before," asked Ryou uneasily.
"Best not to ask," whispered Yugi.
"Yeah, well, this is for the good of a schoolmate," said Honda, standing up in a noble pose.
"Yoshi," said Jonouchi, copying his friend. "We do what we can for those in need!"
"To Kaiba Corp.," they both announced pointing.
Yugi and Ryou had sweat drops. "I'm stating to wish I'd got caught by Mom," muttered Yugi.
The four crept quietly across the empty parking-lot to the small hut, where a security guard watched over his monitors. The man took a sip of his coffee, clicking the channels, watching "The Three Stooges" on one monitor, but keeping an eye out on all.
When he set the mug down, Jonouchi opened a small salt shaker filled with brown powder. Honda held up a small mirror to make sure the guard was watching TV, nodded, and Jonouchi poured the powder into the mug.
Two minutes after the guard took a sip, they heard a small gurgling sound. The man groaned, got to his feet, pressed a few buttons, and ran out of the hut at top speed to the main building.
"What was that," asked Yugi.
"Five doses of Choco-Lax," grinned Jonouchi holding up the half-empty shaker. "God bless Americans and their strange ideas!"
[A/N - Thanks!]
Honda peeked over to double check the man wasn't in sight, then jumped in through the window. Jonouchi followed him. Ryou and Yugi entered through the door (left unlocked in the guard's hurry).
Jonouchi typed at the computer, whistling the Mission Impossible theme, searching for the entry codes. "Kuso," he cursed, "only accessible with ID!"
"What do you think," asked Honda.
"Well," said Jonouchi, "we can use that can of spray paint to mess up the computer. It might effect the rest of the system and shut down the security. But knowing Kaiba, he'd rig an emergency lock-down. Perhaps hot wiring it?"
"Its not a fuckin' CAR, baka! Don't you still have that disk for scrambling codes and stuff?"
"Oy," said Ryou. "Would this help?" He held up the security guard's ID.
"Bakura-kun," exclaimed Honda. "How'd you get that?"
"He left it behind. Poor guy, now he can't get in the building."
Yugi looked outside. "I think I see him! Yikes! Stay away from those bushes over there!"
Jonouchi took the card, entered the ID code, and played around with the software until he found the right area. "Got it. All laser detectors, motion sensors, and automatic artillery to prevent invasions are shut down."
"Artillery," asked Honda. "Lasers? Invasion? This is a game corporation, not a country!"
"Kaiba's got enough money and experimental technology in there that would put most countries out of business," grumbled Jonouchi. He hated to admit Kaiba was so rich and powerful.
Ryou put his palm gently to his head and slumped over. "Ite,"[2] he whispered.
Yugi rushed to him. "Bakura-kun. Are you okay?"
"I'm feeling a little dizzy, that's all. Don't tell the others."
"Un!" He added to the other two, "Guys, I think Ryou should stay here and act as look out, just in case the cops come."
"Good thinking. Here." Honda handed him a walkie-talkie. "Take this. Hopefully it'll work inside."
"KUSOTARE,"[3] Jonouchi cursed a little louder than was safe, making the other three jump. "This goddamn thing won't work!! I can't shut off the cameras! Temeo Kaiba!"[4]
"Jonouchi," Honda growled. "if you don't mind, I'd like to live to see graduation, so please don't give us all heart-attacks!"
"So now what," asked Yugi, pale as a ghost.
"We take a fast way there, and run into as few cameras as possible," said Honda.
"Good luck," said Ryou as the trio disappeared into the darkness.
Once at the building, Jonouchi slid the ID card to open the doors. Inside, they found a directory, and H. Tanaka's name up at the 6th floor. "We'll take the elevators," said Jonouchi. "That way we'll run into only one camera until the sixth floor."
Honda snuck in first, back to the doors, and right under the camera. "Paint." He held out his hand, and Jonouchi pulled out a can of green spray paint. Honda sprayed the lens so they could not be seen. "Screw driver." Jonouchi placed a screw driver in his hand, and Honda pried open the ceiling door.
"Okay, there might be lasers up there I missed," said Jonouchi, pulling out another spray can. "This is my sister's hair spray. It shouldn't be heavy enough to detect, but it'll show any beams in color. Yugi," he handed it to Yugi, "you're gonna check for us."
The small boy's pupils shrunk. "Why me," he squeaked.
"You might be short enough to miss the beams if there are any."
Jonouchi nodded. "And let's face it, Yug, you're the easiest to lift."
"But what if I hit one?"
Jonouchi paused. "Better give me the Puzzle in case you get fried."
"Haiyaku, Yugi,"[5] said Honda, stooping down and cupping his hands together to give Yugi a boost.
"But - but I-"
Jonouchi pushed him. "C'mon! Are you a man or not?"
Yugi gulped. He didn't want to be looked on as a coward. So he took off the Puzzle, stepped onto Honda's hands, and the two larger boys helped their friend up into the shaft.
Yugi looked up the tall chasm, stretching out beyond the light given off by the elevator. How far did it go? Was there really anything up there? Either way, he felt so much smaller without his Puzzle or his yami.
"Well," called Honda. "Anything?"
"Give him a sec," said Jonouchi.
Yugi held up the can and sprayed. The mist spread out, not changing color or reacting at all. "Nothing happened."
"Good. Then its safe to go up." Yugi jumped down and Honda pressed the #5 button.
"Isn't it the sixth floor?"
"You'll see," said Honda.
The trip up was uneventful. The elevator music played a Mozart piece meant for lullaby. "Strangely soothing," smirked Honda. Jonouchi eyed the button at the top with the letter "K." "Aw, can't I go up there and tag on his walls?"
Once on the fifth floor, Honda pressed the Door Close button, opened the hatch again, and bent down to lift Jonouchi up. "Here goes," the blond said. He ran, stepped as lightly as possible on Honda's hands, and jumped through the door.
Yugi clapped at his bravery. "What now?"
"I'm gonna open the door and send Mr. Cheesy out to knock out any guards up there."
"Un? *o.O* Who's that?"
Honda took a strange, wind-up cat with wheels out of the backpack and handed it to Jonouchi, who wound it up. The cat started to roll its wheels, bob its head, and squeak, "Mew .... mew ....."
Jonouchi's head disappeared into the dark and Honda explained. "Once Mr. Cheesy is picked up again, he'll spit out a powerful sleeping gas that'll knock 'em out for hours!" He folded his arms. "I came up with it! Made the gas with a recipe from the net and a toy I played with as a kid."
Jonouchi dropped back down. "Its away! Let's go up!" He pressed the #6.
As soon as the door opened to the 6th floor, Yugi had to protect his mouth and nose from the stench. "Oh man! That REAKS!!"
"It should," said Honda, pinching his own nose. "Its a combination of rotten eggs, fish guts, moldy mayonnaise, and Jonouchi's dad's sweaty socks!"
Jonouchi handed Honda the spray paint. Working quickly and carefully, they made their way across the hall, spraying cameras as they went along. At last they arrived at Mr. Tanaka's door. "I'll take care of this," said Jonouchi. He took out two paper clips, straightened them out, then proceeded to pick the lock.
"Just out of curiosity," said Yugi, "where'd you guys learn all this?"
"Ever see 'Ocean's Eleven'?"
"Yeah."
"Good movie! But we can't get fancy gadgets like that, so we also get some from 'Mr. Bean,' 'Inspector Gadget,' and a lot of trial and error."
"We actually have a prison record," muttered Jonouchi, opening the door. "Yattaze! I made it!"
They went into the fancy office, filled with antiques and artifacts from foreign lands. Honda walked straight over to the scenic painting on the far wall and lifted it off the hook. Behind it was a safe.
"Always behind the paintings," chuckled Jonouchi. "You'd think these rich bastards would learn by now. Burglars don't open drawers anymore!"
Honda got out a stethoscope, put the metal piece to the door, and tried to turn the combination lock in the right way.
"Gotta be quiet for this part, Yugi," whispered Jonouchi. "Honda's gotta ..." He stopped when he saw Yugi's look of slight disgust at what Honda was doing. "Yugi?"
Yugi shook his head and changed his face to that of curiosity. "Nani, Jonouchi-kun?"
Jonouchi scoffed. "Yugi! Don't get all high-and-mighty on us! We didn't come from the same middle-class life you did! Be glad you-" He broke off momentarily to calm down, then continued. "Yugi, we didn't tell you some things about us because, well, we ain't proud of it all. We wanted you to judge us on who we are now, and not our past. If you're really our friend, it shouldn't matter."
Yugi turned to Jonouchi completely. "Of course I'm your friend, Jonouchi! I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything!"
Jonouchi nodded. "I understand."
"Oy," hissed Honda. "Save the speeches for after we get outta here!" He finished the lock, then flung it wide open.
Inside were many artifacts, mostly those made of precious gems and metals, from all over the globe set up inside. Aztec necklaces from Central America, diamonds from South Africa, fine but ancient silk blankets from China, a painting from Switzerland, antediluvian coins from central Asia ... and a small box with an unopened Duel Monster deck on top.
"Oh ... my ... God ....," said Honda.
"What a stash," exclaimed Jonouchi.
Yugi studied the artifacts, ticking them off in his head. Because his grandfather was once an archeologist, he knew a lot about ruins himself. 'Odd,' he thought. 'None of these are Egyptian. If he doesn't go to Egypt, why did he spend money on Isis-san's exhibit?'
Electronic static suddenly came from the walkie-talkie in Honda's belt. "Mayday, mayday," said Ryou's voice from the machine. "The guard's back in the hut, and he noticed his card missing and the computer on!"
Jonouchi grabbed the cards. "Here's what we came for. Let's bolt!"
Honda picked up the device to talk to Ryou. "Bakura, where are you?"
"I'm in the *crackle* Hang on a sec. *crackle crackle* I think - *crackle*"
"What's going on," demanded Jonouchi.
Yugi held his breath. If Ryou got caught, it'd be his fault for suggesting he stay behind in the first place. 'Please, God, don't let him get caught! Not Ryou-kun!!'
"Bakura," yelled Honda into the walkie-talkie. "Bakura! What's up?"
"Relax. *crackle* - think the guard had an- *crackle* bowel movement. *crackle crackle* - not time t- *crackle* call police. *crackle* Hurry out *crackle* - the same!"
"Hai," said Honda. "You heard him! Let's get out of here!"
They ran to the elevator, rode down (Honda again liked the music), ran out the doors, and dashed out into the lot outside. "Ryou," Honda yelled into the walkie-talkie. "Where are you?"
A squishing sound made them all turn around. Ryou ran towards them, dripping wet and waving. "I'm right here!" He panted heavily when he reached them. "I *pant* had to *pant* hide *pant pant* in the fountain."
"And mess up my new walkie-talkies," Honda joked.
They all hurried out of the lot, through the gates, and back to the street corner where they had started. Ryou had to sit down to rest, while Jonouchi held up their prize. "Here it is! Nazo's wonderful cards." He stared at it. "I wonder what they-"
"Matte," cried Yugi. "Don't peek!"
"Why not?"
"I have an idea!"
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Darkness surrounded Yami. [A/N - Bad pun was not intended!] The spirit of the ancient pharaoh sat in the center of his mind room, which at the moment could not be seen. He wanted above all else to clear his mind of the last three days as much as possible, and he had not moved from his spot since he checked on Yugi. In fact, he hadn't contacted his partner at all in the last few days.
The image of Yugi's death had shaken the spirit far more then anything else he had encountered thus far in his short memory of existence. After all, for all intensive purposes, his memory actually spanned ten months, since the moment Yugi completed the Puzzle. At first, Yami believed himself to be part of Yugi, thus their lingering habit to call each other "other self" when it wasn't true. When Yami discovered he was a separate spirit, he still felt more like Yugi's "dark side." Even after Yami found out about his past and when Yugi and he separated temporarily because of Doom, they remained closer then normal best friends.
Yami shook his head. He knew he'd have to face Yugi eventually. His hikari had a habit of getting into trouble, however passive he appeared. Still, he doubted he'd ever be the same around the teen again. His vision within the game demonstrated a future in which they'd be pulled apart indefinitely. And as much as he'd promised Yugi they'd be together forever ... wouldn't Yami be a third wheel in Yugi's life? Or vice versa?
His aibou loved Anzu, but Yami did not. That alone would get in the way. Yami also took the more dangerously heroic approach while Yugi often tried to save people verbally, then got beat up himself!
`But he died saving me in the vision,' he thought.
One thing was for sure: Yami would not let such a thing happen! Separate or apart, Yami would always be Yugi's protector. Whether the vision was of the future or an illusion made by the game, he'd make sure it did not take place!
A ray of bright light suddenly hit Yami from behind. He turned around, trying to shield his eyes from the blinding light.
"Can I come in," Yugi asked tentatively.
Yami stood up, eyes finally adjusting to the light streaming in from Yugi's room. "Aibou! Of course you can come in! You needn't ask."
Yugi's eyes met the floor. "You've just been so quiet lately. I was worried that-"
"Don't trouble yourself so much, Aibou! Really, I'll be fine. I just needed some time to clear my head.
Yugi tried not to laugh. The rest of Yami's mind room still wasn't visible. "Mou hitori no boku," he asked seriously, "what happened in your Shadow Game?"
Yami paused considering Yugi carefully. "I'd rather not talk about it."
Yugi nodded. "Okay. If you want to keep secrets, that's your business."
Through their connection, Yami felt that Yugi believed the spirit didn't have faith in him. `It's safer that way,' he thought to himself. `He'll honor my privacy and never consider his own mortality. He's too young.' Hoping to keep the conversation casual, Yami lazily put his arms behind his head and asked, "So, what've you been up to, Yugi?"
Yugi shrugged. "Nothing much. Jonouchi played a Shadow Game against Nazo and lost, but he's okay now. Anzu made friends with her, but still doesn't know much more about the Bracelet. Some of us broke into Kaiba Corp. earlier and stole a bunch of Duel Monster cards." Yugi paused momentarily, chuckling, trying to capture Yami's reactions to this information. For Jonouchi, Yami's face paled. For Anzu, Yami hit his face and groaned. For Yugi's theft, his jaw dropped. But Yugi wanted to catch his reaction to the last bit in full. "Oh, and everyone knows you have a crush on Nazo."
Yami's jaw worked without words for a minute, then he burst out, "WHAT BY THE GODS HAPPENS WITHOUT ME!?!"
Yugi laughed so hard, he almost cried. Yami's face contorted with rage as he responded to each event. "Why would Jonouchi or Anzu do such FOOLISH things!? And what kind of cards would Kaiba have that would force you to steal them?! As for Nazo, I ..." Yami didn't know how to respond.
Yugi calmed down a little. "You can be so funny sometimes! Okay, you can talk to Jonouchi and Anzu yourself later."
"And what about Kaiba Corp.?!"
"Nazo's dad took her cards and was planning to sell them to Kaiba-kun. That's probably why she's so bitter. We figured that if we rescued them, she'd be our friend. Eventually, she'll tell us about the Bracelet and its powers." Yugi smiled. "Good plan, ne?"
Yami thought about it. "A gamble," he admitted, "but not without merit. Did you get caught?"
"Nope! But Mom thinks I'm involved in a gang."
This time Yami laughed. "YOU!?! Is she nuts!?"
"I know, but I'm still grounded until the next century."
"Damn! Will you still go to school tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow is Saturday."
"Really?"
"Yes." Yugi's smile faded slightly. 'He sure has been preoccupied he lost track. I hope he's okay.' "But, I'm still sneaking out tomorrow to meet the others. Well, not ME exactly. You are, cousin Yami!"
Yami blinked and tilted his head a little. "Oro?"
"Somehow, Nazo recognized the difference between us, and now, thanks to Anzu's quick thinking, she thinks you're my cousin." Yugi grinned brightly. "Everyone wants you to be the one to give her her cards back."
"Why me?"
"Because you like her!"
Yami blushed faintly. "That may not be a good idea, Aibou."
"Why not? Besides, you can duel her and win!"
At the prospect of dueling against cards that interested Kaiba, and against Nazo to boot, all worries about awkward love chains left Yami's mind. "Yoshi! I accept!"
"Great! See you tomorrow, Mou hito-"
"Yugi," interrupted Yami. He didn't know how to say this without hurting Yugi's feelings, but he knew he had to. "Can you do me a favor?"
"What?"
"Call me Yami from now on."
Yugi's eyes widened. "Why?"
"Yugi, I'm not you! I'm a different person; a trespasser in your body. I want to be treated as such."
"You're no trespasser, Yami! I know you're here, and I let you stay! You're my friend!"
Yami squeezed his eyes shut, as if losing sight of his hikari would drown out the sound. Yugi's tone was the same as in his vision. He could hear Yugi's voice from his vision. "You're not going to last much longer at this rate! Hurry, before the guards come!" Then he heard his scream as the arrows hit his body.
He opened his eyes. The voice echoed in his mind. Did Yugi hear it? He turned to Yugi, who turned to him. "What was that?"
Yami hurried to his mind door. "See you tomorrow, Yugi," he said, then he slammed it shut.
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[1] - Bandit Mask - Traditional way Japanese bandits wear bandanas over their hair and faces.
[2] - Ite = "Ouch!" or "Hurts!"
[3] - Kusotare = "Jackass"; frequently used by Jonouchi
[4] - Temeo Kaiba = "That bastard Kaiba"; Jonouchi often uses this term in respects to Kaiba or anyone else he hates
[5] - Haiyaku = "Hurry up"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yugi: Ohaiyo minna-san! Yami's back and ready for action!
Bardock: About time!
Yami: *still pretty depressed* Shut it, monkey-boy!
Yugi: Don't interrupt! In the next installment, Yami challenges Nazo to a friendly game of Duel Monsters. But what kind of cards will he be dealing with!? Next time, Yami VS Nazo part 2; Duel Monsters!
Una: And big surprise, its another long chapter!! ^_^' Hope ya don't mind!
Bardock: o.O Mr. Bean? Choco-Lax? You are twisted, Una-sama!
Una: ^_~ Review please!
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digigirl-izuma - Glad you like Nazo-chan now. You don't even the the HALF of what this girl's gone through! I swear I torture my characters!
Kuso Netaba - Oooo, wait'll you see her deck! ^_^ chapter after this one!
Kyoko-san - I'm so glad I brightened your day! That makes me feel all warm inside! Yeah, updat soon!
Jenny fish - *big hug* My college buddy!! ^_^ My great, terrific fan and an awesome reviewer!
Shibby-One - Glad you enjoyed it. I repeat, "You don't even the the HALF of what this girl's gone through!"
Keiko - NEE-CHAN!! *glomp* Everyone, please read her fic! seriously!
SerafinaMoon - Ah, my loyalist net friend! Here's for you ...
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*Fic/Author of the chapter: SerafinaMoon!! Her stories are the best of all I've read! She's got drama, action, comedy, mystery, fantasy, EVERYTHING!! Start with "Rampage of Death," wear a mysterious person finds a loophole to obtain the Puzzle without battleing Yami ... kill Yugi!! Then gor on the ROD:II, the sequal that proves girls kick ass! Then there's the awesome "Black Crystal Sacrifice" where Pegasus wants to ressurrect his fiancee by performing dark magic ... on Yugi and Yami!! Best fics of all!!
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Bardock: Guess what? Yami's still a no-show! _ What a loser, lettin' this get to 'im!
Yugi: *glares daggaers*
Bardock: Just try it, pipsqueak!
Una: Want a new chapter by the end of the year?
Bardock: 0.0 I'll be good!
Last time of Yu-Gi-Oh, Yugi finds out Jonouchi battled Nazo and lost, leaving behind scars his bud wanted left healed! And the airhea-
Yugi: *holds up an eraser* Don't you DARE call her an airhead!!
Una: -_-'
Bardock .... Anzu found out a bit of why Nazo's so bitchy. Now, the guys're gonna break into Kaiba Corp. to steal back Nazo's cards!
Chapter 6 - Mission Unbelievable!
Yugi met up with Jonouchi, Honda, and Ryou at 12:15 that night at the coffee shop. All four of them wore black clothes, with the exception of Ryou (his had white writing on his that said, "Can't sleep, clowns will eat me..." all over it.) Jonouchi and Honda also had on black gloves, black bandanas knotted under their noses,[1] and a black backpack.
"What took you so long," whispered Jonouchi to Yugi.
"Mom was sleeping at the door, trying to catch me sneaking out," Yugi answered. "Boy, she must really think I'm in seriously bad company."
Ryou tapped his shoulder. "Ano, we are sorta breaking the law now," he pointed out.
Honda got out two more black bandanas. "Put this on. Your guys' hair styles are more distinct then ours."
"Have you done this before," asked Ryou uneasily.
"Best not to ask," whispered Yugi.
"Yeah, well, this is for the good of a schoolmate," said Honda, standing up in a noble pose.
"Yoshi," said Jonouchi, copying his friend. "We do what we can for those in need!"
"To Kaiba Corp.," they both announced pointing.
Yugi and Ryou had sweat drops. "I'm stating to wish I'd got caught by Mom," muttered Yugi.
The four crept quietly across the empty parking-lot to the small hut, where a security guard watched over his monitors. The man took a sip of his coffee, clicking the channels, watching "The Three Stooges" on one monitor, but keeping an eye out on all.
When he set the mug down, Jonouchi opened a small salt shaker filled with brown powder. Honda held up a small mirror to make sure the guard was watching TV, nodded, and Jonouchi poured the powder into the mug.
Two minutes after the guard took a sip, they heard a small gurgling sound. The man groaned, got to his feet, pressed a few buttons, and ran out of the hut at top speed to the main building.
"What was that," asked Yugi.
"Five doses of Choco-Lax," grinned Jonouchi holding up the half-empty shaker. "God bless Americans and their strange ideas!"
[A/N - Thanks!]
Honda peeked over to double check the man wasn't in sight, then jumped in through the window. Jonouchi followed him. Ryou and Yugi entered through the door (left unlocked in the guard's hurry).
Jonouchi typed at the computer, whistling the Mission Impossible theme, searching for the entry codes. "Kuso," he cursed, "only accessible with ID!"
"What do you think," asked Honda.
"Well," said Jonouchi, "we can use that can of spray paint to mess up the computer. It might effect the rest of the system and shut down the security. But knowing Kaiba, he'd rig an emergency lock-down. Perhaps hot wiring it?"
"Its not a fuckin' CAR, baka! Don't you still have that disk for scrambling codes and stuff?"
"Oy," said Ryou. "Would this help?" He held up the security guard's ID.
"Bakura-kun," exclaimed Honda. "How'd you get that?"
"He left it behind. Poor guy, now he can't get in the building."
Yugi looked outside. "I think I see him! Yikes! Stay away from those bushes over there!"
Jonouchi took the card, entered the ID code, and played around with the software until he found the right area. "Got it. All laser detectors, motion sensors, and automatic artillery to prevent invasions are shut down."
"Artillery," asked Honda. "Lasers? Invasion? This is a game corporation, not a country!"
"Kaiba's got enough money and experimental technology in there that would put most countries out of business," grumbled Jonouchi. He hated to admit Kaiba was so rich and powerful.
Ryou put his palm gently to his head and slumped over. "Ite,"[2] he whispered.
Yugi rushed to him. "Bakura-kun. Are you okay?"
"I'm feeling a little dizzy, that's all. Don't tell the others."
"Un!" He added to the other two, "Guys, I think Ryou should stay here and act as look out, just in case the cops come."
"Good thinking. Here." Honda handed him a walkie-talkie. "Take this. Hopefully it'll work inside."
"KUSOTARE,"[3] Jonouchi cursed a little louder than was safe, making the other three jump. "This goddamn thing won't work!! I can't shut off the cameras! Temeo Kaiba!"[4]
"Jonouchi," Honda growled. "if you don't mind, I'd like to live to see graduation, so please don't give us all heart-attacks!"
"So now what," asked Yugi, pale as a ghost.
"We take a fast way there, and run into as few cameras as possible," said Honda.
"Good luck," said Ryou as the trio disappeared into the darkness.
Once at the building, Jonouchi slid the ID card to open the doors. Inside, they found a directory, and H. Tanaka's name up at the 6th floor. "We'll take the elevators," said Jonouchi. "That way we'll run into only one camera until the sixth floor."
Honda snuck in first, back to the doors, and right under the camera. "Paint." He held out his hand, and Jonouchi pulled out a can of green spray paint. Honda sprayed the lens so they could not be seen. "Screw driver." Jonouchi placed a screw driver in his hand, and Honda pried open the ceiling door.
"Okay, there might be lasers up there I missed," said Jonouchi, pulling out another spray can. "This is my sister's hair spray. It shouldn't be heavy enough to detect, but it'll show any beams in color. Yugi," he handed it to Yugi, "you're gonna check for us."
The small boy's pupils shrunk. "Why me," he squeaked.
"You might be short enough to miss the beams if there are any."
Jonouchi nodded. "And let's face it, Yug, you're the easiest to lift."
"But what if I hit one?"
Jonouchi paused. "Better give me the Puzzle in case you get fried."
"Haiyaku, Yugi,"[5] said Honda, stooping down and cupping his hands together to give Yugi a boost.
"But - but I-"
Jonouchi pushed him. "C'mon! Are you a man or not?"
Yugi gulped. He didn't want to be looked on as a coward. So he took off the Puzzle, stepped onto Honda's hands, and the two larger boys helped their friend up into the shaft.
Yugi looked up the tall chasm, stretching out beyond the light given off by the elevator. How far did it go? Was there really anything up there? Either way, he felt so much smaller without his Puzzle or his yami.
"Well," called Honda. "Anything?"
"Give him a sec," said Jonouchi.
Yugi held up the can and sprayed. The mist spread out, not changing color or reacting at all. "Nothing happened."
"Good. Then its safe to go up." Yugi jumped down and Honda pressed the #5 button.
"Isn't it the sixth floor?"
"You'll see," said Honda.
The trip up was uneventful. The elevator music played a Mozart piece meant for lullaby. "Strangely soothing," smirked Honda. Jonouchi eyed the button at the top with the letter "K." "Aw, can't I go up there and tag on his walls?"
Once on the fifth floor, Honda pressed the Door Close button, opened the hatch again, and bent down to lift Jonouchi up. "Here goes," the blond said. He ran, stepped as lightly as possible on Honda's hands, and jumped through the door.
Yugi clapped at his bravery. "What now?"
"I'm gonna open the door and send Mr. Cheesy out to knock out any guards up there."
"Un? *o.O* Who's that?"
Honda took a strange, wind-up cat with wheels out of the backpack and handed it to Jonouchi, who wound it up. The cat started to roll its wheels, bob its head, and squeak, "Mew .... mew ....."
Jonouchi's head disappeared into the dark and Honda explained. "Once Mr. Cheesy is picked up again, he'll spit out a powerful sleeping gas that'll knock 'em out for hours!" He folded his arms. "I came up with it! Made the gas with a recipe from the net and a toy I played with as a kid."
Jonouchi dropped back down. "Its away! Let's go up!" He pressed the #6.
As soon as the door opened to the 6th floor, Yugi had to protect his mouth and nose from the stench. "Oh man! That REAKS!!"
"It should," said Honda, pinching his own nose. "Its a combination of rotten eggs, fish guts, moldy mayonnaise, and Jonouchi's dad's sweaty socks!"
Jonouchi handed Honda the spray paint. Working quickly and carefully, they made their way across the hall, spraying cameras as they went along. At last they arrived at Mr. Tanaka's door. "I'll take care of this," said Jonouchi. He took out two paper clips, straightened them out, then proceeded to pick the lock.
"Just out of curiosity," said Yugi, "where'd you guys learn all this?"
"Ever see 'Ocean's Eleven'?"
"Yeah."
"Good movie! But we can't get fancy gadgets like that, so we also get some from 'Mr. Bean,' 'Inspector Gadget,' and a lot of trial and error."
"We actually have a prison record," muttered Jonouchi, opening the door. "Yattaze! I made it!"
They went into the fancy office, filled with antiques and artifacts from foreign lands. Honda walked straight over to the scenic painting on the far wall and lifted it off the hook. Behind it was a safe.
"Always behind the paintings," chuckled Jonouchi. "You'd think these rich bastards would learn by now. Burglars don't open drawers anymore!"
Honda got out a stethoscope, put the metal piece to the door, and tried to turn the combination lock in the right way.
"Gotta be quiet for this part, Yugi," whispered Jonouchi. "Honda's gotta ..." He stopped when he saw Yugi's look of slight disgust at what Honda was doing. "Yugi?"
Yugi shook his head and changed his face to that of curiosity. "Nani, Jonouchi-kun?"
Jonouchi scoffed. "Yugi! Don't get all high-and-mighty on us! We didn't come from the same middle-class life you did! Be glad you-" He broke off momentarily to calm down, then continued. "Yugi, we didn't tell you some things about us because, well, we ain't proud of it all. We wanted you to judge us on who we are now, and not our past. If you're really our friend, it shouldn't matter."
Yugi turned to Jonouchi completely. "Of course I'm your friend, Jonouchi! I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything!"
Jonouchi nodded. "I understand."
"Oy," hissed Honda. "Save the speeches for after we get outta here!" He finished the lock, then flung it wide open.
Inside were many artifacts, mostly those made of precious gems and metals, from all over the globe set up inside. Aztec necklaces from Central America, diamonds from South Africa, fine but ancient silk blankets from China, a painting from Switzerland, antediluvian coins from central Asia ... and a small box with an unopened Duel Monster deck on top.
"Oh ... my ... God ....," said Honda.
"What a stash," exclaimed Jonouchi.
Yugi studied the artifacts, ticking them off in his head. Because his grandfather was once an archeologist, he knew a lot about ruins himself. 'Odd,' he thought. 'None of these are Egyptian. If he doesn't go to Egypt, why did he spend money on Isis-san's exhibit?'
Electronic static suddenly came from the walkie-talkie in Honda's belt. "Mayday, mayday," said Ryou's voice from the machine. "The guard's back in the hut, and he noticed his card missing and the computer on!"
Jonouchi grabbed the cards. "Here's what we came for. Let's bolt!"
Honda picked up the device to talk to Ryou. "Bakura, where are you?"
"I'm in the *crackle* Hang on a sec. *crackle crackle* I think - *crackle*"
"What's going on," demanded Jonouchi.
Yugi held his breath. If Ryou got caught, it'd be his fault for suggesting he stay behind in the first place. 'Please, God, don't let him get caught! Not Ryou-kun!!'
"Bakura," yelled Honda into the walkie-talkie. "Bakura! What's up?"
"Relax. *crackle* - think the guard had an- *crackle* bowel movement. *crackle crackle* - not time t- *crackle* call police. *crackle* Hurry out *crackle* - the same!"
"Hai," said Honda. "You heard him! Let's get out of here!"
They ran to the elevator, rode down (Honda again liked the music), ran out the doors, and dashed out into the lot outside. "Ryou," Honda yelled into the walkie-talkie. "Where are you?"
A squishing sound made them all turn around. Ryou ran towards them, dripping wet and waving. "I'm right here!" He panted heavily when he reached them. "I *pant* had to *pant* hide *pant pant* in the fountain."
"And mess up my new walkie-talkies," Honda joked.
They all hurried out of the lot, through the gates, and back to the street corner where they had started. Ryou had to sit down to rest, while Jonouchi held up their prize. "Here it is! Nazo's wonderful cards." He stared at it. "I wonder what they-"
"Matte," cried Yugi. "Don't peek!"
"Why not?"
"I have an idea!"
.
.
Darkness surrounded Yami. [A/N - Bad pun was not intended!] The spirit of the ancient pharaoh sat in the center of his mind room, which at the moment could not be seen. He wanted above all else to clear his mind of the last three days as much as possible, and he had not moved from his spot since he checked on Yugi. In fact, he hadn't contacted his partner at all in the last few days.
The image of Yugi's death had shaken the spirit far more then anything else he had encountered thus far in his short memory of existence. After all, for all intensive purposes, his memory actually spanned ten months, since the moment Yugi completed the Puzzle. At first, Yami believed himself to be part of Yugi, thus their lingering habit to call each other "other self" when it wasn't true. When Yami discovered he was a separate spirit, he still felt more like Yugi's "dark side." Even after Yami found out about his past and when Yugi and he separated temporarily because of Doom, they remained closer then normal best friends.
Yami shook his head. He knew he'd have to face Yugi eventually. His hikari had a habit of getting into trouble, however passive he appeared. Still, he doubted he'd ever be the same around the teen again. His vision within the game demonstrated a future in which they'd be pulled apart indefinitely. And as much as he'd promised Yugi they'd be together forever ... wouldn't Yami be a third wheel in Yugi's life? Or vice versa?
His aibou loved Anzu, but Yami did not. That alone would get in the way. Yami also took the more dangerously heroic approach while Yugi often tried to save people verbally, then got beat up himself!
`But he died saving me in the vision,' he thought.
One thing was for sure: Yami would not let such a thing happen! Separate or apart, Yami would always be Yugi's protector. Whether the vision was of the future or an illusion made by the game, he'd make sure it did not take place!
A ray of bright light suddenly hit Yami from behind. He turned around, trying to shield his eyes from the blinding light.
"Can I come in," Yugi asked tentatively.
Yami stood up, eyes finally adjusting to the light streaming in from Yugi's room. "Aibou! Of course you can come in! You needn't ask."
Yugi's eyes met the floor. "You've just been so quiet lately. I was worried that-"
"Don't trouble yourself so much, Aibou! Really, I'll be fine. I just needed some time to clear my head.
Yugi tried not to laugh. The rest of Yami's mind room still wasn't visible. "Mou hitori no boku," he asked seriously, "what happened in your Shadow Game?"
Yami paused considering Yugi carefully. "I'd rather not talk about it."
Yugi nodded. "Okay. If you want to keep secrets, that's your business."
Through their connection, Yami felt that Yugi believed the spirit didn't have faith in him. `It's safer that way,' he thought to himself. `He'll honor my privacy and never consider his own mortality. He's too young.' Hoping to keep the conversation casual, Yami lazily put his arms behind his head and asked, "So, what've you been up to, Yugi?"
Yugi shrugged. "Nothing much. Jonouchi played a Shadow Game against Nazo and lost, but he's okay now. Anzu made friends with her, but still doesn't know much more about the Bracelet. Some of us broke into Kaiba Corp. earlier and stole a bunch of Duel Monster cards." Yugi paused momentarily, chuckling, trying to capture Yami's reactions to this information. For Jonouchi, Yami's face paled. For Anzu, Yami hit his face and groaned. For Yugi's theft, his jaw dropped. But Yugi wanted to catch his reaction to the last bit in full. "Oh, and everyone knows you have a crush on Nazo."
Yami's jaw worked without words for a minute, then he burst out, "WHAT BY THE GODS HAPPENS WITHOUT ME!?!"
Yugi laughed so hard, he almost cried. Yami's face contorted with rage as he responded to each event. "Why would Jonouchi or Anzu do such FOOLISH things!? And what kind of cards would Kaiba have that would force you to steal them?! As for Nazo, I ..." Yami didn't know how to respond.
Yugi calmed down a little. "You can be so funny sometimes! Okay, you can talk to Jonouchi and Anzu yourself later."
"And what about Kaiba Corp.?!"
"Nazo's dad took her cards and was planning to sell them to Kaiba-kun. That's probably why she's so bitter. We figured that if we rescued them, she'd be our friend. Eventually, she'll tell us about the Bracelet and its powers." Yugi smiled. "Good plan, ne?"
Yami thought about it. "A gamble," he admitted, "but not without merit. Did you get caught?"
"Nope! But Mom thinks I'm involved in a gang."
This time Yami laughed. "YOU!?! Is she nuts!?"
"I know, but I'm still grounded until the next century."
"Damn! Will you still go to school tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow is Saturday."
"Really?"
"Yes." Yugi's smile faded slightly. 'He sure has been preoccupied he lost track. I hope he's okay.' "But, I'm still sneaking out tomorrow to meet the others. Well, not ME exactly. You are, cousin Yami!"
Yami blinked and tilted his head a little. "Oro?"
"Somehow, Nazo recognized the difference between us, and now, thanks to Anzu's quick thinking, she thinks you're my cousin." Yugi grinned brightly. "Everyone wants you to be the one to give her her cards back."
"Why me?"
"Because you like her!"
Yami blushed faintly. "That may not be a good idea, Aibou."
"Why not? Besides, you can duel her and win!"
At the prospect of dueling against cards that interested Kaiba, and against Nazo to boot, all worries about awkward love chains left Yami's mind. "Yoshi! I accept!"
"Great! See you tomorrow, Mou hito-"
"Yugi," interrupted Yami. He didn't know how to say this without hurting Yugi's feelings, but he knew he had to. "Can you do me a favor?"
"What?"
"Call me Yami from now on."
Yugi's eyes widened. "Why?"
"Yugi, I'm not you! I'm a different person; a trespasser in your body. I want to be treated as such."
"You're no trespasser, Yami! I know you're here, and I let you stay! You're my friend!"
Yami squeezed his eyes shut, as if losing sight of his hikari would drown out the sound. Yugi's tone was the same as in his vision. He could hear Yugi's voice from his vision. "You're not going to last much longer at this rate! Hurry, before the guards come!" Then he heard his scream as the arrows hit his body.
He opened his eyes. The voice echoed in his mind. Did Yugi hear it? He turned to Yugi, who turned to him. "What was that?"
Yami hurried to his mind door. "See you tomorrow, Yugi," he said, then he slammed it shut.
.
[1] - Bandit Mask - Traditional way Japanese bandits wear bandanas over their hair and faces.
[2] - Ite = "Ouch!" or "Hurts!"
[3] - Kusotare = "Jackass"; frequently used by Jonouchi
[4] - Temeo Kaiba = "That bastard Kaiba"; Jonouchi often uses this term in respects to Kaiba or anyone else he hates
[5] - Haiyaku = "Hurry up"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yugi: Ohaiyo minna-san! Yami's back and ready for action!
Bardock: About time!
Yami: *still pretty depressed* Shut it, monkey-boy!
Yugi: Don't interrupt! In the next installment, Yami challenges Nazo to a friendly game of Duel Monsters. But what kind of cards will he be dealing with!? Next time, Yami VS Nazo part 2; Duel Monsters!
Una: And big surprise, its another long chapter!! ^_^' Hope ya don't mind!
Bardock: o.O Mr. Bean? Choco-Lax? You are twisted, Una-sama!
Una: ^_~ Review please!