Due to the fact that this chapter was too long, I decided to split it in two, so now the R-rating goes for the next chapter, where I have a little surprise for all of you.
(It begins with an 'L' and ends with an 'N')
And now! On with the fic.
Chapter 8: Angel Flown Away
A huge black limo parked near Domino's Arcade with a loud screech of tires, attracting the attention of the few peasants walking down the street. Smoothing any possible wrinkle on his trench coat, Seto Kaiba got off the car, carrying his silver briefcase. He had received a strange call from his boyfriend fifteen minutes ago and, by the anxiety on Jou's voice, it seemed that the subject was very important. So important that he had to postpone three meetings for the rest of the day. Crossing the swing door, the CEO made his way to the duelling arenas, where he soon spotted the gang.
What the…? Was he seeing double? There seemed to be two albino heads instead of one, and a pair of blond Egyptians.
Damn… he knew he shouldn't have eaten that Caesar salad during his lunch break.
"Jou, what's happ-", the brunette stopped mid-sentence when his blue eyes met a familiar crimson gaze. The briefcase fell to the ground with a loud crash as the entire colour drained from his stoic face.
There were, indeed, two albinos and two blond Egyptians but now that the he was nearer, the tall CEO could make out the differences and recognize who the 'clones' were. And if it wasn't enough, a tricolour haired person, whowasnotYuugi, stood in the middle of the group with that freaky puzzle thingy hanging around his neck.
Seto Kaiba was seeing dead people… literally.
The brunette opened his mouth and… then closed it. He opened it once more, but finding his throat dry, decided to close it again. Holding his head with shaky hands and shutting his eyes, the CEO tried to recover from his shock, proceeding to 'politely' greet the newcomers.
"What the hell are you doing here! HOW COME YOU'RE ALIVE?" the tall brunette bellowed, ignoring the curious stares from the duellists on the arenas nearby.
"Well you see," Marik sighed "Once upon a time, there were three ancient spirits: a stupid 'farrow', a crazy man with no colour in his hair, and the master of…"
"Shut up Marik!" Jou interrupted while Bakura glared daggers at the dark Egyptian. "Listen Seto, what really matters is that they are here. I'll explain all the details to you later. Did you brin' it?"
Seto looked at his boyfriend. What kind of joke was this?
"Yes, I have it here in my briefcase. But what are you planning to do?"
"Don't you realize that we have another opportunity to find Yuugi? I'm sure that thanks to the bond he and Atemu used to share, thin's will be easier this time." the blond smiled.
Kaiba laughed bitterly.
"I'm sorry to disagree, but there's no way he can succeed where we have failed. Do you think he can achieve what we couldn't just because he is who he is? I thought you had realized all that magic stuff was a simple bunch of fairy tales, Jou."
Marik growled. No one called him a fairy tale and got away with it.
"They weren't fairy tales Kaiba, and you know it." Atemu stated. "Don't deny what's obvious: Pegasus' ability to trap souls, our battle against the Orichalcos, and the trip to Memory World… Do you need any more proofs?"
The CEO just frowned.
"On the other hand," the dark duellist continued, "the bond between my light and me is very powerful. It runs deep between our souls, and is too complex for me to explain and for you to understand. I'll find Yuugi, don't you ever doubt that; but any bit of information might help me in this search. Jou told me that both of you kept a record of everything you'd found out."
"What if I don't want to help you?"
Atemu shrugged.
"I'll do it on my own, but I don't think Jou will share your decision. Besides, it's the natural rivalry between us that makes you speak this way. I know that deep inside your heart; you also care for Yuugi and wish for him to come back."
Both duellists stared at each other for what seemed like ages. Finally sighing in defeat, the brunette opened his briefcase, took out a yellow folder with the name 'Yuugi Mutou' written in thick felt pen, and handed it over to Atemu. The former pharaoh had touched a soft spot and Seto Kaiba knew when it was time to surrender.
"If you're sure you can find him, you'll have all my support. Let me know if you discover anything knew. Jou, I'll wait for you in the car outside." With that, the tall duellist turned around and headed towards his limo.
"I guess we should go too," Otogi suggested, "With so many surprises, I'm not in the mood to play anymore."
"I agree. I still have some paperwork to do. It's good to have you back Yami. With you by our side, it will be easier to look for Yuugi." Honda shook the former pharaoh's hand. "Now, he has a reason to return."
Atemu could only nod, thankful for his friend's support.
"Yeah, it's great," Jou beamed, throwing punches to an imaginary person, "And once we find him, I'll challenge you both to a double duel. We'll see which duel monsters win this time, the red and blue eyed dragons or the three god cards."
Marik's left eye began to twitch at the sudden display of friendship before him while Bakura made gagging noises in the background. So much perkiness was getting the dark blond Egyptian in a bad mood. It was like having a lump on sugar in his mouth: he would surely end up with huge cavities in his teeth if the reunion lasted much longer. Besides, he was hungry, very hungry. Pushing Jou and Otogi out of his way, Marik grabbed Malik's arm and dragged his light towards the exit.
"It's time we go home too."
"WE? Who said you were coming with me?" the light Egyptian asked, struggling to get free from Marik's strong grasp.
"Now, now. Do you want me to give you the famous talk about the bond between the holders of the Millennium Items and the poor, cute, harmless, ancient spirits that were wrongly trapped inside? You, as my light, have to provide me food, house… "
"Nonsense!" Malik interrupted, his voice increasing two octaves. Atemu, Ryou, and Joey flinched. "You can go and sleep under a bridge for all I care! I'm not the holder of the Millennium Rod anymore!"
Touché
Marik froze.
Malik smirked. He had hit a nerve.
Marik turned around, looking right into his light's eyes.
Malik glared back.
Suddenly Marik grinned…
… and Malik's smirk was wiped off from his face.
Cackling evilly, Marik unhooked the Rod from the belt of his baggy pants and hooked it on the rim of his light's slacks.
"Now you are," the dark Egyptian declared with a mischievous glint in his eyes, triggering Bakura's howls of laughter.
Feeling completely fooled and with a look of apprehension upon his face, Malik bid farewell to his friends and followed his dark. Only one thought ran through the light Egyptian's mind as the headed towards the Ishtar's house.
Ishizu and Odion were so going to freak out.
"Let's go Atemu; I'm sure Seto won't mind you stayin' with us. You could…"
"I have a better suggestion," Ryou interrupted, "While you were in your soul room, I called Mr. Mutou and told him what happened. He assured me that you could go and stay at the Game Shop."
"Do you think it's a good idea?" the former pharaoh asked.
"Sure! He wouldn't have it any other way. Mr. Mutou is anxious to see you. You and Yuugi were really close, and I'm sure you'll have lot of things to talk about. I'll take you there since it's on my way home."
A loud horn was heard from the outside at the same time that Jou's cell phone started ringing insistently, which in turn made the blond blush sheepishly. It seemed that Kaiba was getting a little bit impatient.
"Then it's settled, we'll gather at the mansion tomorrow, after classes. See you guys" Jou patted Atemu's shoulder and then rushed towards his boyfriend.
"Let's go then. Are you coming, Bakura?"
The former tomb robber grunted in response, but followed Ryou and the 'farrow' outside. Bakura couldn't help but notice the changes within his light half. The shy albino he had once met, had turned into a confident and wise one. He definitely liked the change, but wondered what could have happened in his light's life to cause this change in behaviour. At least, it seemed that Ryou had taken better than Malik the news about their return.
The three of them walked down the street in a comfortable silence. Atemu was too immersed in his own thoughts to notice the glances that Bakura and Ryou stole at each other. Then a thought crept into his mind. He had seen Jou, Honda, Ryou, Malik, and Otogi. But then…
"Where's Anzu?", the former pharaoh asked aloud.
Ryou's stare grew cold and sad.
"Yuugi and Anzu had a fight when we came back to Domino, after the Ceremonial Battle. Those days, Yuugi was awfully depressed and nothing would cheer him up. He only talked about you and then, it turned out to be that Anzu knew nothing of your relationship…"
-----
"You bastard! How could I consider you my friend? You knew I loved him…and not only did you make him go away… you also stabbed me in the back."
Anzu's shrieks could be heard all over the school's yard.
"Listen, Anzu. It's not like that… "
"After all I did for you! …Yami was mine. And to think, he only needed you because he had to use your body."
Yuugi's insides flared with wild anger. No one…absolutely no one would question the bond he had shared with Yami. The duellist's eyes narrowed into slits as his voice grew deeper and dangerous.
"I loved him and he loved me back. He showed me more than once that he worshipped my whole self, and not only because we shared a body."
Anzu stared wide eyed at his friend's revelation.
"Did you sleep with him?" she hissed.
Yuugi didn't answer, but his silence spoke volumes. The next thing he knew was that he was lying on the ground with his left cheek stinging painfully…Anzu had slapped him.
"I wish it was you who were dead!"
With that, Anzu walked off crying while Yuugi's stomach sunk to the ground. Those words had sliced right through his heart. Had he really hurt his childhood friend that much?
-----
"He waited a week before trying to talk to Anzu once again, but her attitude wouldn't change. Harsher words were said; more fights…Yuugi even came to school covered in bruises, just after Anzu started to go out with the captain of the football team. Yuugi didn't give us an explanation, but it wasn't very difficult to imagine what had happened."
Atemu's eyes widened at the mention of Yuugi being bullied. His eyes turned darker and the Millennium Puzzle began to glow.
"Take it easy 'farrow'," the tomb robber snarled. "Beating the daylights out of him won't bring back the little twerp,"
"You never talked to her again?" Atemu asked.
"Well," Ryou sighed, "when I said she had changed her attitude, I really meant it. She would still be her cheerful self around everyone, but she pointedly ignored us. During our last year in high school, Anzu started to talk to Otogi and she even asked about Yuugi, but the damage was already done. The last thing I heard was that she was taking dancing lessons and lived with her boyfriend in a flat near the town centre. It seems that she's aiming to become a prima ballerina."
Just as the first stars appeared in the sky, the trio made it to the Game Shop. A yellow light shone from one of the windows, illuminating the sidewalk and contrasting greatly with the night shadows that loomed over the street. The sign on the door read 'Closed', but Ryou dismissed it and rang the doorbell. Immediately they heard a series of footsteps and the sound of keys unlocking the door, which immediately flew open and revealed an annoyed Mr. Mutou.
"I was wondering when you'd appear. All of you, young men, have a really bad habit when it comes to getting home at unholy hours of the night."
Atemu smiled. Sugoroku Mutou hadn't changed a bit. He still wore the green jumpers - he and Yuugi used to make fun of - and the orange bandana which concealed his greying hair. His smile was still as kind as the pharaoh remembered, but it held a whisper of sadness around its corners as more wrinkles had carved themselves in the old man's face.
"Would you like to come in?" the older man asked Ryou.
"Thanks, but I can't. I've got to go home and make ou-, I mean make dinner. Besides. I think Bakura is tired after the long trip. Right, Bakura?"
The former tomb robber could only stare at his double. Had Ryou been about to say they were going to make out?. He smirked…oh yes, he definitely liked the changes in his light and it would be highly amusing to get to know him once again. A million thoughts ran through the dark albino as his eyes got a mischievous spark.
His smirk wavered a bit when he met Atemu's questioning gaze.
"Yes, I'm tired. Now, home!" Bakura growled. Damn the 'farrow' and his stupid eyebrow.
"Goodbye Ryou, thanks for everything.", Atemu said.
"It's nothing. Remember we'll go to Kaiba's mansion tomorrow. I'll pick you up at 4:00 o'clock. Goodnight Mr. Mutou."
"Goodnight Ryou, Bakura. Don't stay up to late!" the old man greeted, oblivious to the blush that had appeared on both albinos' cheeks.
Stepping aside to let Atemu in, Mr. Mutou closed the door and led the former pharaoh to the living room where, apparently, he had been reading.
"So it's true, you're back." the old man chuckled. "I must say I first believed it was all a crazy joke. Please sit down while I bring some hot chocolate."
Atemu complied, getting himself comfortable in the largest couch. Mr. Mutou returned from the kitchen with two steamy cups of the brown beverage. Placing them on the little table, the old man sat down opposite from his grandson's dark. A nostalgic smile appeared on his lips as he saw Atemu grab the cup and warm his hands with it in the same way Yuugi had done on that fateful night two years ago.
"First of all, why don't you tell me how you came back?"
Nodding, the former pharaoh went, once again, through all the details involving his return; from the encounter with his father to his 'kidnapping'. When he finished, Mr. Mutou was in silence, still filtering all the information he had received.
"What was your trial like?" the old man finally asked.
"Mine was a little bit different from Bakura's or Marik's. They had to look for the items in the Shadow Realm, due to the fact that they had used their ancient power in an evil way. In my case, I was given the Puzzle but it was completely shattered. If I wanted to return, I had to put it together in less than a year. But it wasn't that easy. For every piece I fitted into the right place, a memory came rushing back to me."
"A memory?"
Atemu nodded as he took a sip of his chocolate.
"Yes. It could be a memory from my life as pharaoh or from my life as the spirit of the Puzzle. The memories appeared randomly, with no order or connection between each other. For example the first piece I fitted in, showed me my first duel with Kaiba, while the second was about me, as a child, playing in Ancient Egypt. The hard thing was that, although they were only memories, I could feel my emotions all over again. Some of them were truly beautiful and enjoyable, but others… others were just too cruel and painful."
"I'm sorry you had to go through all of that alone. But I have no doubts you successfully overcame all this by yourself." Mr. Mutou laid a hand over Yami's shoulder, offering his silent support. His eyes suddenly got a dreamy spark. "By the way, I'm curious, how many pieces does the Millennium Puzzle have?"
"Three thousand. A piece for each year I was imprisoned inside."
The old man gasped. No wonder why Yuugi had spent eight years putting it together the first time! A three-dimensional puzzle with three thousand pieces!
Atemu smiled at the other's surprise, but then the smile turned into a frown. He hated to break the mood, but it was time his own questions got some answers. He was dying to know what had happened to make his light run away.
"Mr. Mutou…"
"No Yami. You were a part of our family since the moment Yuugi put together the Puzzle. Just call me Grandpa."
Atemu couldn't help but notice the flicker of pain that had crossed Sugoroku's aged eyes at the mention of Yuugi. He was sure it was the same pain that shone in his own eyes… since they had both lost their beloved one.
"What happened to aibou after I left?"
This time, Mr. Mutou filled the pharaoh in with all the details concerning his grandson, and then told him about the scheme involving the 'Artistic Wonders' convention and Yuugi's phone call. Since that day, he had known nothing about the smaller duellist. The dark pharaoh was impressed with his light's plan. Had he been there, such subject would've forbidden or in any case, Yuugi would've gone accompanied.
But as Marik had once wisely said: there was no point in dwelling in the past; he should care about the present so as not to regret the future. And for now, the only one thing that mattered in the pharaoh's 'present' was getting his angel back.
"The day Yuugi told me he wanted to make that trip, I knew deep inside there was something else behind. So many times I was about to go back on my word and tell Yuugi not to go to that convention. And now I truly regret I didn't."
"There's no way you could have known, Grandpa. Don't place all the blame on your shoulders. Try to put yourself in Yuugi's place…", Atemu said, trying to soothe some of the pain the old man was feeling.
"I understand his emotions Yami but I don't approve his ways, and I'm sure you don't either." Mr. Motou sighed. "Just promise me one thing."
"Whatever you wish"
"Promise me you'll find him. You're the only one he would listen too. I don't know how much I'll last, but I'd love to see my grandson safe and happy before I die." Atemu looked up startled. "He loved you deeply and I'm sure he still does."
"Of course I will, Grandpa. I'll bring him back."
"Well then, now that everything's settled, let me welcome you to your new life. You've already lived here so there's no point in giving you a tour around the house, don't you think?" Sugoroku paused, a slight frown creasing his features. "Where would you like sleep? You know you can stay in Yuugi's room, but maybe it isn't the time yet."
Atemu pondered. Mr. Mutou was right; he wasn't ready to sleep in Yuugi's room. Not with the sweet memories of all the times they were together lingering in every wall. How would he conceal sleep, if the bed still smelled like his aibou?
"I'll sleep in the guest room."
"Ok then, suit yourself," the old man smiled, patting the former spirit in the back and carrying the now empty cups to the kitchen. "Goodnight Yami."
"Goodnight Grandpa."
Minutes later, Yami was lying in boxers and shirtless on the bed with the blankets drawn up to his middle chest, and both arms tucked behind his head. He was finally back home, but without Yuugi.
Absently minded, the former pharaoh fingered the eye carved on the Millennium Puzzle, remembering his trial. As he had told Grandpa Mutou, some of the memories had been really painful…the most dreaded had to do with the Orichalcos quest, where Yuugi's soul had been ripped away from him. It had been at those times when he had felt his resolution falter and depression had gripped his being, drowning his soul into the evil depths of desperation and guilt. Fortunately, Bakura and Marik had been there to put his feet back on the ground and remember the dark spirit's main goal: return to Yuugi.
By completing the Puzzle, he had not only passed the trial, but showed the Shadows he had also confronted all his doubts and fears. That was why his soul room had changed; because he had conquered the maze of his mind.
He remembered perfectly that the piece with the eye carved on it was the last one to fit in the Puzzle, because the memory that came along was the pharaoh's most cherished: the first time he and Yuugi made love.
And now I'm here, where I thought I'd found you… but this time you were the one who left.
Disillusionment fell upon Atemu. He had dreamed of this day every night of the past three years. Of all the situations he had imagined, the one with Yuugi not being there never crossed his mind. It was yesterday, just yesterday, that his heart swelled with excitement at the thought of holding Yuugi in his arms.
But now, his angel had flown away, not leaving a single feather behind.
Atemu rolled on his side, holding the Puzzle tightly to his chest. Where are you, little one? Where did the wind carried your wings to? Please… I beg you, come back to me.
And that night, for the first time in years, the former pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, who had stood against strong opponents such as Dartz, Zork and Pegasus; had rid the world of the evil darkness not once, but twice; the original owner of the Millennium Puzzle…the one whom Yuugi had fallen in love with, cried himself to sleep.
Review Responses
Pharaoh Atemu's Angel: Thanks for reviewing. I hoped you liked this chapter.
Green Phantom Queen: Don't worry, you'll know what happened to Yuugi, but not yet. I'll think I'll explain it after the next chapter is uploaded. Thanks for reviewing!
Una1: I can't wait to see it either…Now, you've really got a good prediction there: I bet for the 'Shocked-Beyond-Logical-Reason'. Poor Yuugi, I don't know how his poor heart stands all this, but that's what you get when you mess with ancient spirits and Shadow Magic. It was his choice (whistles innocently).
citrus luver: I was thinking of what you said about Yuugi staying near Domino. Could you imagine Kaiba's face if it turned out to be that the little light was living in his attic? (snickers). He'd surely get himself in a mental institution, along with the others. Just one more chapter and we'll discover what happened to Yuugi. I'm happy to hear that you solved your computer problem, (evil machines) and I'm eager to see what the new updates will bring. Thanks for adding me to your favourites!
Silver Lily aka Blood Moon: Wow! Thank you very much! You're definitely one of my favourite writers, and I feel so honoured you had reviewed! I'm glad you liked it. (bows). I hadn't had too much time to read fanfiction, but now that I have escaped an evil family reunion, I'll go and check 'Dripping Wings'. That is such an awesome fic!
i love athrun: Thanks!
Cherry Romancer : Yami had written down your request in his 'things-to-do' list (but I think he was almost deaf). Thanks for reviewing!
Strega: I was worried that Yami's speech was too polite, but it seems it fits him perfectly. I guess we all have a 'farrow' inside (snickers). A triple thank you for pointing out the mistake in the last chapter. After reading your review, I went back and checked it. And to my horror, I made the mistake three times in a row, (bangs his head continuously). I won't send an angry Yami after you. I'll give you a Yuugi plushie instead (If you hug him really tight, he'll tell you where he is).
Sansi: Thanks for reviewing! (hugs back). One day, I was lurking through the great world of fanfiction, when I found your story 'The Power of a Wish'. I really liked it, and I was in the mood to write a story myself. I wasn't sure which would be the plot, so I remembered the review you left in my other fic 'Goodbye, my Pharaoh'. The idea of writing a sequel kept running in my mind for a week, so I decided to give it a try. That is how you inspired me, not once, but twice. (smiles)
Feebeefi: Thank for reviewing! Poor Yami, he always gets the funny nicknames (snickers). I hoped you liked this chapter.
KNT: Thanks! Just one more chapter, and then we'll see what happened to Yuugi.
Yami Muraii: Thanks for the chocolate egg! Yes, there will be some Marik/Malik and Ryou/Bakura action, but not too much since the fic focus mainly on Yuugi and Yami. But I assure you Bakura and Marik will be happy after they discover what I've planned for them.
Towairaito Zoon: (hides behind a wall) Don't worry, he will, but until the time comes, you can't kill anybody.
harleydbabe222: Thanks for reviewing!
Nightmare Terror: Yami's search for Yuugi will have to wait a couple more chapters…or it won't? (smiles mysteriously)
Hikari Skysong: Thanks for reviewing twice!I hoped you liked this chapter.
Atemu Yugi Lover34: Thanks! If you wish, I can tell Bakura to send the homework to the Shadow Realm. The problem is that the teachers don't buy it when you explain it to them. (smiles)
Hikari's-dark-side-08: Fortunately, Yami will find Yuugi soon, and stop his suffering, I promise.
Destiny's Shadow: Thank you!I'm glad you like the story so far. We can just hope Yami gets too Yuugi soon, and discover what happened to his little light. And if that Earl made something to Yuugi…he'll truly regret it.
Renoirkmk: Thanks for reviewing! You'll see what happens in later chapters
Saphira's Ember: I don't intend to make this a sad fanfcition. After all the reunion of Yami and Yuugi deserves all the fluff your teeth can hold (smiles).