Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh or TBAA. Haven't you figured that out by now?
Author's Notes: Hi all! Sorry for the long wait. Been busy and stuff…you know how it goes. I haven't given up on the story...LOL! It's kind of slow this chappie…but you have to explain stuff; you can't just jump around, ya know? A special thank you goes to my beta-reader, Hyatt Insomnia!
Warnings: Mild violence and language, so far.
To Steal, Kill, and DestroyChapter Sixteen: Game Plans
Everyone sat on the couches in the Motou's living room. Everyone except Yami Bakura, that is, who paced nervously about. "So, when are going to kill the she-devil? I want my Ring back!"
Tess glared at him. "First of all, we are NOT going to kill her. Second of all, you sit that butt of yours in a chair NOW."
The Yami obediently did as he told, mumbling under his breath, "Bossy little b…"
"And you watch your language, mister!"
The while-haired former spirit glared back at her in return.
"That's better."
"Tess, thank you so much for coming and helping us out," Yugi offered.
"Yes, we really appreciate this!" Ryou pitched in. He shifted uncomfortably as he noticed his darker half was now directing his if-looks-could-kill glare at him.
Tess smiled at the two hikaris. "You're welcome, babies. The reason why I'm here is to tell you how to defeat Monique."
"Well, it's about time!!" Yami Bakura grunted.
Tess threw him a dirty look then turned back to the two hikaris. "All you have to do is to tell her to leave."
Yugi blinked. "Tell her to leave? That's it?"
"That's it," the angel smiled.
"That has got to be the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!" Yami Bakura cried, " I'd much rather douse her in gasoline and set her on fire."
Tess glared daggers at him. "Well, you either do that or do what works. It's your choice."
Yami Bakura said nothing. He simply returned her glare.
"Personally, I would rather do what works," Yami Yugi chimed in.
His white-haired counterpart rolled his eyes. "But of course you would, o holier-than-thou Pharaoh."
"Now don't think this is going to be as easy as it sounds," Tess warned, "Monique has been at this game for thousands of years. She's going to try to distract you. You'll have to stand strong, no matter what tricks she pulls."
"We can do it! I know we can!" Yugi piped up.
"I know you can, baby," Tess smiled.
"Well, then, what are we waiting for?" Yami Bakura growled, "Let's go get our Millennium items back and banish that she-devil!"
"You're forgetting something," the ex-Pharaoh pointed out, "It's late at night. The only place we know where to find her right now is the Kaiba Corporation. And she won't be there until morning."
"That's right," Solomon said, standing up, "So, I suggest that you all get a good night's sleep. Everyone is welcome to stay here until morning."
"Stay with the egotistical Pharaoh and his hyper little light? I can think of better ways to ruin an evening," snorted Yami Bakura. He grabbed Ryou roughly. "Come on, hikari, we're leaving."
Yami Yugi stood up. "Just where do you think you're going?"
The other Yami smirked back at him. "How thoughtful of you to be so concerned, Pharaoh. However, we are not homeless. We do have a place of our own to stay."
"Are you going to be all right with him, Bakura?" Yami Yugi glanced worriedly at Ryou.
"Um…Y-yes, I'm sure I'll be f-fine," he replied. He actually didn't feel very sure that he would be fine at all, but he didn't want to anger his unpredictable Yami.
"All right, then. But you had better be back here in the morning."
"Don't worry, Pharaoh," the white-haired Yami hissed, "I want to get that she-devil just as much as you do, if not more. And I don't relish another trip to the Shadow Realm. I'll be back."
"Good."
"Come on, yadonushi, (1) let's go."
"You be nice to that boy! Remember, I'll be watching you!" Tess warned.
"Fine. Can we go now?"
"Go on," Tess waved to them, "And remember, be nice!" She shook her head as they left.
Solomon cleared his throat. "Well, I certainly hope that Ryou will be alright with him."
"Me, too, Grandpa," replied Yugi.
"Well, it's been quite a night. We had all better get to bed so that we can go and defeat this…demon."
"Good idea," Tess agreed, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I had better get my angel butt on over to the Bakura's place so that I can watch out for Ryou." And with that, she walked out the door and promptly disappeared.
"Well, I suppose we had all better get to bed. We have a big day ahead of us," Solomon said as he yawned and stretched.
"Um…Grandpa?"
"Yes, Yugi?"
"Um…well…I suppose you're curious as to who this is," Yugi gestured towards Yami.
Solomon chucked. "I think I already have an idea as to who he is, Yugi,"
"You…do?" Both Yami and Yugi wore shocked looks on their faces.
"Enough chatter. It's time for bed," Solomon winked. He headed off to his bedroom.
Yugi and Yami looked at each other. "Do you think he really knows who you are, Yami?"
"It's possible, Yugi. After all, your Grandfather has been on many excavations in Egypt. And from what I've seen of him, he seems to be a very wise man."
Yugi yawned and stretched. "I just hope Bakura will be alright with that Yami of his."
"Well, if it's any comfort, he'd be a fool to kill him. After all, he'll need his body once this whole episode is over."
The smaller teen immediately looked concerned. "So, then, he can still hurt him…as long as he doesn't kill him!?"
Yami Yugi sighed. "Hopefully, Tess will keep an eye out for him, aibou. It's getting late, and we'd better get some sleep. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
"You're right, Yami. I just hope Bakura will be okay."
"Me, too, aibou," the ancient spirit replied as he pulled his hikari into a reassuring hug.
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(1) "Yadonushi" is a little "nickname" that Yami Bakura has for Ryou. It means "host" in the parasitic sense. I've heard him say it in the Japanese versions of the DVD, and in some fan fics. I think it basically means that Ryou is his property or something like that.
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