Chapter 6: Avenger

2:22 p.m.

Las Vegas Crime Lab

Las Vegas, Nevada

–

Joey felt his shoulder being shaken. He squirmed on the cot and slowly opened his brown eyes...

And looked into the face of quite possibly one of the cutest women he'd ever seen.

"Whoa. Now dat's a sight I wouldn't mind wakin' up to every now and then."

Sara smiled down at him. "Hey, there, sleepyhead. Got some good news for you."

"You mean I won the lottery an' they dropped the legal drinking age in Nevada to 17? I can't wait to visit the bars."

"Nice try, kiddo. But it looks like you're in the clear."

He sat up. "Finally found some evidence in my favor, huh? Did the videos bail me out after all?"

"Actually, no, we didn't get any footage of you. The killer did a good job of covering his tracks, but we tend to do a rather excellent job of uncovering them." She smiled again, as if what she had said carried a special significance. For all Joey knew, it did – but clearly she wasn't going to say anything more on the subject. "You're free to go."

"Well, in dat case, Miss Sidle..." He stood up and stretched. "Thanks for all your help. An' sorry if I was a little rough on you people. I know you're doin' your best."

"So do I," she responded, and she winked at him. "Your friends are out in the hall."

He nodded, then grabbed his jacket and left the room, to see Yugi, Solomon, Téa, and Tristan all waiting anxiously. He offered them a small smile. "Well, guys, looks like I'm home free."

There was a collective sigh of relief. "Finally, some good news," Téa said.

"We sure needed it," Tristan added.

"All right, kids, I think we've had enough excitement for one day," Solomon chuckled. He looked more seriously at Joey. "Please tell me you didn't give the police too much trouble. You know your record better than any of them."

"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, I didn't try to be a jerk. That Brass dude is a tough guy, though. I was tryin' to tell him the story about how we got here in the first place, an'–"

"Maybe we should continue this elsewhere, I'm sure the CSI's don't appreciate us taking up hall space," Téa remarked, noting an intern struggling to get past the group. "For all we know, we're hindering the investigation."

"Agreed," said Solomon. He looked to Joey again. "Do you want to go back to the Luxor, or would you prefer somewhere else?"

"Ehh. Right now, I'm just wantin' to get outta here," Joey answered. "After dis trip, I don't think I can say I'm a fan of the Luxor, but I'll take it over dis place."

"Understandable."

"Oh, and while we're at it... Tristan, mind if I room with ya? My room's got kind of a stigma to it now."

Tristan nodded. "Sure. And they wouldn't let you in your old room anyway. It's still a crime scene."

"Right." Joey suddenly seemed to strike on an idea. "Hey, I'm hungry. Anybody else up for chili dogs?"

3:41 a.m.

Room 1203, Luxor Hotel

–

Yugi Motou jolted awake, startled by a nightmare. Where am I? he thought wildly.

In your bedroom, aibou. You're safe.

At the sound of Yami's voice emanating from the Millennium Puzzle on the bedside table, Yugi knew that what his other half said was true, and he sank back onto his pillow, feeling exhausted.

The two-bed room was comfortable, there was little doubt of that. When they had first arrived, Yugi and Solomon had been eager to try out the jacuzzi facilities themselves – Solomon had complained of back problems and reasoned the water might be therapeutic. Yugi, on the other hand, just wanted to get in so he could splash around.

A small smile quirked his lips. Yes, there were times he could act obscenely childish for someone his age. And he was all too well-aware of his own naivete. But on the other hand, it sometimes proved to be his only escape from the abject cruelty of the world around him. On more than one occasion, he found himself wondering why the world didn't just spontaneously fall apart – the way people acted, one would think planets like this were a dime a dozen.

For all contemporary science knows, they are, Yami speculated.

Yugi smiled. Since when have you pondered the wonders of astronomy?

Since you considered it as a class course. I recall you saying you enjoy the possibilities the subject presents – and the possibilities are limitless. No one need visit the Shadow Realm to understand that fact.

Yugi nodded. It was true, the possibilities were limitless... but that was a fact that seemed to hinder recent events more than help them.

He scratched his leg absently; he'd found the black jeans he'd worn that day to still be slightly itchy, even after two cycles through the wash. Despite his friends imploring him to "live a little" and get out of the school uniform he wore even outside the halls of education, the uniform was still among the most comfortable clothes around his modest home. He didn't have all that many to begin with... although his current status as Duel Monsters world champion afforded him some perks, like companies begging him to advertise for them and offering him free stuff. Bribes, of course, but Yugi took them nonetheless, with the understanding that he wasn't obliged to participate in anything – advertising campaigns, seminars, get-togethers with "high society" – if he didn't want to.

After going through all that clothing and deciding what best suited him, Yugi had eventually decided that the blue-and-white uniform still did him the most justice where comfort was involved... and when he made that decision, Yami had wryly noted he thought he could hear the corporate world facepalming. Yugi paid him no mind in regard to that comment, but when it came time for the trip and Yugi was packing, Yami had insisted that he bring along some of his "alternate" clothing. After all, he had said, you can't wear your uniform every day.

Why not?

Because your aroma will become quite pungent if you do.

Yugi had laughed at that, and acquiesced – hence the pants. He'd still worn one of his favorite sleeveless black shirts, though, and a pair of thick wristbands. And, of course, the buckled collar that kept his neck from chafing under the Millennium Puzzle's silver chain.

He placed one hand on the Puzzle. We've been through so much, Joey and I. I don't understand why this is happening to him.

Nor do I, aibou. But I do not believe it is coincidence that we were challenged to duel the day before the murder of Henstridge's father.

How are the two related?

A duel is a clash of opposing forces. It is a focal point for combating energies. Where one man dies by the hand of another, that is a focal point of intense emotional energy – the killer overcome by rage, the victim overwhelmed with fear of death. Perhaps the intensity of Joey's duel with Henstridge was enough to drive the killer to do his deed.

So what're you saying? That Henstridge did it?

Not necessarily. The killer could have been a spectator, overcome by the energy of the battle. Or perhaps a member of the security force took umbrage at his superior. The incidents do not have to bear direct relation to each other – but the battle of emotional and spiritual forces is all around us. It is manifest in duels. And some duels have been enough to drive even the hardiest of onlookers to tears... or to madness.

Yugi had to agree, such things had happened before. He and Yami had seen it themselves. Always regrettable, but sometimes unavoidable were the duels that would move people to do some of the things they did. Well, whoever killed Henstridge's father, I hope he's brought to justice.

As do I, aibou. As do I.

At least they finally released Joey. Yugi sighed. What a strain. He brings us all here to help us stay out of trouble back home – and then this happens. Trouble just wants to follow us wherever we go. I'm beginning to think we'd be better off just sitting in my room all day long...

And have trouble follow us into it? Yami chuckled. I think not. It is not our fault that things happen as they do, Yugi. Things simply happen, and sometimes, all you can do is see them through.

How do you suggest I see things through this time, then?

Yami's hesitation was a sign that what he had in mind wasn't exactly going to please his hikari. What is it, Yami?

We have the other Millennium items with us. Perhaps now would be the time to use them.

Yugi's gaze darted to the pale blue shoulder bag sitting in the middle of his open suitcase. It had been quite an adventure convincing the customs officers that the Millennium items within that bag weren't dangerous – they had no idea how much of a lie that was – but instead simply lucky charms he brought within him on various trips. They had been particularly suspicious of the Rod, but luckily, they either didn't detect the dagger inside it or didn't care (likely it was the former, as in recent years, the United States had gotten extremely tight with airline security), because they eventually let the items through.

By using the Millennium items, we may very well be able to discover who the real culprit is.

And what would we do then? Arrest him? Yugi countered. If we find the one who killed Henstridge's father, how are we supposed to present that information to the authorities?

...I don't know, honestly. I'm only suggesting one of those limitless possibilities. But perhaps we wouldn't reveal that particular information to the authorities.

What're you suggesting?

That we search the culprit's mind with the Millennium Rod, Yami answered. If he has killed, perhaps he has committed lesser crimes, as well. Ones more easily traced. Rarely is a man's first sin the murder of another.

What would we do with the information we obtain?

We would threaten to use that information against him. But only if he isn't willing to risk exposure.

And what if he is? What if he chooses to let himself get caught for a lesser crime, so that he can cover up his greater one? What do we do then?

7:09 a.m.

–

Solomon Motou slapped at the buzzing alarm for the second time that morning, then rolled over and frowned grumpily at the clock. "You have a perfect method of interrupting a perfect sleep," he mumbled.

But it was the sight beyond the clock that caused him to pull himself into wakefulness. Yugi was sitting up in bed, looked as though he'd been that way for some time. He was turning the Millennium Puzzle over and over between his fingers. He turned to Solomon and offered a weak smile. "Good morning, ji-chan," he said.

"Ohh, don't you ji-chan me," Solomon answered. "You're using a falsely cheerful attitude in order to try to hide the fact that you're at a moment of uncertainty."

Yugi's smile didn't fade, but gained a sad quality to it. "Sometimes I think you know me better than I know myself."

"Of course I do. I'm your grandfather." Solomon sat up and folded the covers over on his legs. "What's bothering you?"

Yugi sighed. "There's a decision I have to make. A big one. And whatever decision I make, I'll have to stick with for the rest of my life. So I want to make sure it's the right one."

Solomon pursed his lips. "Yami wouldn't have put you up to such a decision, now, would he?"

At that, the Pharaoh's spirit emerged from the Puzzle – clad in Yugi's current clothing, as usual – and seated himself on Yugi's bed next to the hikari. "What makes you think that, Grandfather?" he asked.

"Well, firstly, you're not answering in your defense. Secondly, Yugi wasn't nearly that somber last night, and there's not a single nightmare I've ever heard of that would force him into making a decision about something."

"Hmph. He's onto us," Yami muttered.

"I hadn't noticed," Yugi responded idly.

Solomon crossed his arms. "So what did you put my grandson up to?"

"We were discussing the Millennium items," Yugi said, "and how we might be able to use them to find the real killer."

"I believe it's possible," Yami supplied, "to search out the killer with the combined powers of the Millennium items in our possession. Perhaps we can even bring him to justice."

The elder man pursed his lips. "I'm not going to tell you I'm happy to hear you're considering this, Yugi... and as for you, Yami, I'm even less happy to hear you suggested it in the first place. I'm well-aware of your vigilant nature, but I've never condoned what you've done to those you've brought your brand of 'justice' down upon. There's a reason investigators like Mr. Grissom are employed – they seek out the evidence and interpret it, so that there's solid proof a killer has killed, or a thief has stolen."

The yami and hikari looked chastened, but their expressions told Solomon they weren't ready to give up on making that decision yet. He decided to attempt another tack. "Yami, do you have any idea how much worry you cause me when you take my grandson's body on one of your missions of vengeance? When you first manifested, I didn't know what to think. Yugi would leave the house at all hours of the day and night, ostensibly to 'get some air' – but in reality, to call out ruthless brutes twice his size."

"And Yugi and I have prevailed every time," Yami responded. "If ever I resolved an issue, it was because the honor and integrity of my friends was on the line."

"I don't deny that your intentions are honorable, but you must understand that you aren't Pharaoh anymore. You cannot fix everything yourself. That isn't how the world works. You must let the evidence tell the story that needs to be told."

"The evidence can only tell so much," the spirit protested, "and especially in this case, since there was so little of it."

"There was enough to release Joey on," Solomon pointed out. "And if they have enough evidence to clear Joey's name, then they may soon gather enough to make someone else their prime suspect. We should just move on, until the CSI's decide to contact us again. Perhaps they won't, and we'll be so much the better for it. There are some days I can barely remember what I had for breakfast just after eating lunch, let alone every single activity I've performed for the last three days."

"Please stop bickering, you two," Yugi interjected. "Ji-chan... tell me this: if there wasn't enough evidence to find him... if using the Millennium items was the only way of finding the killer... what would you choose?"

"This question is both hypothetical and assumptive, Yugi. I don't think you can expect me to provide a fair response."

"Please... try."

Solomon sighed and stroked his beard. "Supposing there wasn't enough evidence to find him... without any concrete proof of his guilt, I don't see how I could bring myself to search him out. I need proof first." He shook his head. "I don't believe I would do this."

"Not even to find a man who has killed? Who almost certainly will kill again, once he realizes he's capable of getting away with it?" Yami asked.

"It's not my place to punish a man for the crimes he's committed," Solomon responded. "I don't believe it's Yugi's place, either, nor yours."

"Grandfather, I disagree. The killer has trespassed on Joey's soul for attempting to make everyone think he murdered that man in cold blood. You know that trespass on my soul and the souls of my friends is something I cannot abide."

"Yes, I do know that. And what you need to learn is that although you are angry, you cannot take matters into your own hands. It's not only immoral, it's illegal."

"What kind of world has laws that protect a murderer from punishment?"

"A world that judges all its inhabitants innocent until proven otherwise."

"You're bickering again." Yugi turned to both of them, looking very tired. "Is there any advice you can give me to help me make my choice, ji-chan?"

Solomon shook his head. "No, Yugi. I have told you my opinion, and that is all I can tell you. There is nothing I can say that will help you in your decision. But know this: whatever decision you make, you are still my grandson. I love you and I will stand by you."

Yugi turned the Puzzle over again, contemplating his grandfather's words, and then looped the chain over his head and around his neck. He looked to Yami. "Come with me. I want to talk with the others about this."

"They won't be able to help you make your decision, either, Yugi," said Solomon. "You have to make it yourself."

Yugi wordlessly looked his elder directly in the eye – and Solomon was struck by the determination in his grandson's violet gaze. He remembered seeing that same look in the mirror, many years ago, the day he'd chosen to give up his life of archaeology, excitement, and adventure to become a small business owner.

At that moment, he knew that Yugi wasn't going to visit the others because he wanted help making his decision.

He had already made it.

7:25 a.m.

Room 1205, Luxor Hotel

–

"I'll tell you one thing, Yug: I wouldn't mind seein' the killer behind bars. But I dunno how you plan on puttin' him there."

Yugi, Yami, and Joey were sitting on the beds, Téa in one of the corner chairs. Tristan was perched on the edge of his room's jacuzzi. All of them had just listened to Yugi's and Yami's intentions regarding the murderer still on the loose.

Joey continued. "What makes you think he's even still here in Las Vegas? For all we know, he coulda hightailed it outta here once he whacked the guy."

"If he isn't in this city, then the effort to find him will come to nothing, and we'll stop looking for him," Yami responded reasonably. "But I think he is still here, somewhere."

"How're you gonna find him?" Tristan asked, just as reasonably. "Las Vegas is one of the world's largest cities. A lot of bad things happen here. I'll bet there're hundreds of deaths in this area every year, a good percentage of those being murder. How are you gonna weed out the guy you want?"

"And for that matter, what makes us all think the killer is even a guy?" Téa inquired.

"Nothing," Yugi responded promptly, "but we'll cross the Rubicon when we come to it. Is that the saying?"

She giggled in spite of herself. "I think you mean 'cross that bridge'."

"Oh." He blushed. "Never mind, then."

Yami smiled at his hikari, but the smile vanished just as quickly as it had appeared. He looked at Tristan. "I'm sure you're right in that there are many murders here. Nevertheless, I believe we can isolate the man – person we are looking for." He glanced at Téa, who seemed mollified by the changed noun.

"How's that?" Tristan scoffed. "It's not like he left his calling card."

"Actually, he may have," Yugi offered. "Isis Ishtar looked into the future with the Millennium Tauk during her duel with Kaiba, and she predicted almost every move."

"Almost being the operative word," Joey mumbled.

"The Tauk doesn't just show its wearer the future, it can show the past, too. We think it's possible to use the Tauk's power to show us what took place at the time of Gordon Henstridge's death. Then, we can use the other items to seek out the person who has those events on his or her mind."

"Tell me you're not gonna go pickin' through the guy's head with the Millennium Rod." Joey winced. "No offense, but I really don't like dat thing."

Téa tried to avoid an identical wince, but failed to cover her apprehension. "Neither do I. I know it's safe with you, but it reminds me too much of Marik. No offense."

"None taken, but it's necessary to use all four Millennium items at our disposal to pinpoint the killer," Yami answered. A grim smile passed across his features. "Would you like to be warned when we begin the search?"

"Yes, please," Joey and Téa chorused.

Yugi smiled easily at his three friends. "Don't worry. All four items are in good hands. We only want to use them to help."

"Yugi... one thing's bugging me, something Joey mentioned earlier. What are you going to do with the killer once you've caught them? If you catch them at all?" Téa asked. "It still isn't clear to me how you're going to get this person to go to prison. I doubt they'll go quietly."

"If they don't, then we'll do what we've always done with people who've trespassed on our souls." Yugi looked up at his darker self.

Yami's face was set with grim determination.

"We'll play a game."