MP: Hello again readers! So sorry it took so dang long to get this chappie up. I was on vacation for a while. Plus there was some minor writer's block. Heheh...sorry. Anyway, there is a little twist in this story. I know the preview for this chapter probably got you guys anxious. Sorry, I just love keeping people on the edge of their seats. It's really the only thing that keeps you all coming back for more of the story! Anyway, enough rambling. Time for reading!

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Seal of Fears

Chapter 6

Joey ran through the streets. He had no direction, and no idea. All he knew was that he had to make this evil jerk pay. A hope filled him as he thought up what he might do. A surprise attack might be the best way. Yeah, I'll jump him. A nice tackle from behind should do. Then a punch in the face, and a knee to the stomach, yeah, yeah. He grinned as he thought up the scene.

And what about after he beat him? That would be great. He will have taken the bad guy down all by himself. For once, he'll be the hero. And then all his friends would wake up. Yes, life would be good. All he had to do was pound the guy into the ground. And pounding was his specialty.

He was laughing to himself when he realized he had no idea where he was. He stopped running and looked around. He didn't recognize anything. "Aw man, I shoulda paid more attention to the street." he scolded himself. He sighed. "Well,I guess it dosen't matter. All I gotta do is find this stupid creep. He's in this city somewhere."

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a cloaked figure. He turned to check what it was, but no one was there. He blinked and scratched his head. He could have sworn he saw someone. It must have been his imagenation. He turned around again and scanned the area with his eyes. Nothing was there. Not a trace of life.

He shrugged and started walking. Maybe he would find the person he was looking for further down the street. He could only hope so. He had to track this guy down. Unknown to him, he was the one being tracked.

After what seemed like forever, the elevator stopped. The doors opened and Yugi burst through them. He ran through the lobby, catching the eye of everyone in it. He ignored the strange looks and shot through the doors to the outside. He looked around, hoping to see Joey. But the blonde was nowhere to be found.

The teen dashed off in a desperate search. unwanted images of what might happen to his best friend kept popping into his head. He tried to shake them out, but they wouldn't go. Finally he just let his fear consume him and ran even faster. He had to find Joey before it was too late.

Joey started feeling more and more discouraged as he walked along. He didn't know exactly how long he had been searching, but it felt like hours. Then again, the blonde tended to be impatient, so it was probably just a few minutes. Either way, there was still no sign of anyone.

Joey stopped walking and decided to try and think this out. He leaned against a wall and closed his eyes. How can I find dis guy? I don't even know what he looks like. Maybe I should have tried to get in contact with Sumi and Kiko before I ran off. That probably would have helped. Well, dosen't make any difference now. I'm already out here, so I guess I'll just keep looking.

He opened his eyes and prepared to walk again, when he noticed that there was something very wrong. Everything around him was black. Thick smoke surrounded him, leaving no view of the outside. What's goin' on? he asked in his head. A red circle glowed from the ground. Joey recognized it as the symbol that was on his friends' hands. That wasn't a good sign.

"Oh boy," Joey said nervously, "this won't be fun." An evil cackle echoed around him. He looked around, still not seeing anything. "Who's there?" he called into the blackness. No response. "Come on! Come out and fight like a man!" Joey yelled. No response. This silence was staring to tick him off.

Without warning, the scenery around him changed into a purple haze. When the blonde realized what had happened, he found himself in an eerie looking graveyard. Tombstones stuck out everywhere and unknown sounds echoed in the darkness. It looked like a scene from a horror movie.

"Hello?" Joey called out, "Hey, anyone here?" No one answered. This dead silence was irritating. Speaking of dead. Joey looked around at the old gravestones. They had cracked edges and moss growing on them. They had been there for a long time. Joey felt more uncomfortable by the second.

Out of nowhere, a laughed pierced the silence in the air. Joey looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever had thought this was so darn funny. No one was there. A rumble came from the ground. The blonde looked down. The dead earth under him shook violently. "W-what's goin' on?" he yelped.

Suddenly, a hand shot from the ground and grabbed the teen's leg. It was rotting and brown. From what Joey knew, it was a..."Zombie!" Joey screamed in horror. He yelled at the top of his lungs and tried to pull away. "Ah! Zombie! Zombie!" The hand pulled harder, and a decaying body came out of the ground. It's face was rotting, with an eyeball hanging out, and skin that looked as if it were melting right off it's skull.

Joey screamed louder and pulled harder. He finally managed to get free from the zombie's grasp. He ran through the graveyard, fear overwhelming his common sense. As he ran, multiple hands and bodies rose from the earth. It was like a horror movie. The blonde felt like he was trapped in the scariest zombie movie ever, and couldn't escape.

Without thinking, Joey had run around in no particular direction. So he ended up with his back against a tree, staring at the most fearful sight he had seen. The zombies advanced on him. He could hear their groans and footsteps. Their undead bodies were getting closer with each passing second. The blonde felt like screaming, but couldn't find his voice.

He knew this was it. This was where it would all end. It was too bad. He had so much to live for. And because of his own stupidness, he had taken off and would now be killed by zombies. He certainly didn't see that coming. Although he had died once, he'd rather not go through it again. And he didn't think he'd get another chance at life, like he did last time. And then how would everyone else feel? Would his friends and sister ever recover? Would this evil madman ever be stopped? What would happen to Yugi and Yami? Questions swirled in his mind. The zombies got closer. Looks like he wouldn't get to find the answers.

For what might just be the last time, the blonde closed his eyes. He braced for whatever the zombies might do. He decided to think some more. It put him a little at ease. Hm, kinda ironic ain't it? I can see ghosts now. And I'm annoyed by them. And yet, I'm afraid of these zombies. Weird. Wait, where did this graveyard come from in the first place? Why are my fears coming true? Could it be?

Joey had a strange feeling that he might have figured this out. But there was no time. He could feel the zombies' breath on him. It smelled like an old slice of pizza he had found behind the fridge one time. Joey didn't dare open his eyes. If he was going to die, he wanted the last thing he saw to be happy.

He imagened Himself with Serenity, Yugi, Tristan, Tea, Grandpa, and all the others he cared about. He imagined the most peaceful picture he could. He found his memory floating back to when He and Yugi told everyone that he had come back to life, and how joyful they looked when they say him. That was one of the happiest moments ever. He cemented that picture into his mind. At that moment, all fear drained out of him. He felt the zombies grab him, and drag him down to the ground. But he kept a peaceful look on his face. His fears disappeared, and he was at ease. At least, if nothing else, he could die feeling happy.

Yugi continued to run through the streets. He was breathing heavily. He couldn't tell what it was from. The overwhelming fear he had, or the fact that he had been running around for almost an hour. He had talked with some people that said they had seen a blonde teenager run down the street he was currently on. Yugi hoped that he could find Joey. But he had an awful feeling in the pit of his stomach. He hoped it was just from how worried he was.

He kept traveling the street, looking in every alley way, turning every corner. Finally, he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned into an alley. His eyes took a few minutes to adjust to the darkness. Once he realized the surroundings, he gasped. He felt his heart wrench out of his chest and jump into his throat. He felt as though he might suffocate. No...no, this...this can't be happening... Yugi trembled and dropped to his knees.

Joey lay, flat on his back, on the cold ground. He was unconcious. He had an odd, blissful look, but it was clear to Yugi what had happened. The attacker had struck yet again. And this time, he had claimed Joey.

Yugi was in complete shock. He was shaking, choking back sobs. He had come too late. Joey was gone. When he finally snapped back to reality, a thought crossed his mind. This is all my fault. It's because of me that all this is happening. If I weren't here, everyone would still be okay.

Without a second glance at his best friend, he jumped up and darted off. He ran aimlessly through the streets. Tears streamed down hisface as he thought of all the people who had been hurt because they knew him. He brought nothing but trouble to those he cared about. He had to get away. He had to go so far away that he could never hurt them again.

Aibou! What's wrong? I'm sensing you're in pain. Yami suddenly chimed in.

Everything's wrong Yami! Yugi cried. I tried to find Joey, I really did! But I was too late! Now he's gone, just like the others!

What? That can't be true!

It is! And it's all my fault! Whoever is behind all this is after me, and he's targeting people I care about! First Serenity, then Grandpa, then Tea, then Tristan, and now...Joey. I don't want anyone hurt anymore!

Aibou, it's not your fault...

Yes it is! Think about it Yami! If none of them knew me, none of them would be in danger every freaking day!

Yugi...

Shut up! Just shut up! Stop trying to be nice and comforting! Don't sugar coat this! I know it's my fault and that's all there is to it!

Yami was taken aback by Yugi yelling at him. It wasn't something he did often. It worried him. When Yugi got mad, especially at him, the small duelist tended to be drastic and dramatic.

Please, calm down.

Don't worry Yami. Everything is gonna be fine.

Yami had no idea what that was suppose to mean. Yugi didn't even seem to be talking to him.

What are you saying?

I'm saying, I'm the problem. So, I've come up with a solution.

And what is that?

I'm leaving. I'm leaving my family, my friends, my enemies. I'm leaving Domino...forever.

Joey opened his eyes. He found himself staring up at the sky. He felt a cold concrete ground under him. Where was he? What just happened? He remembered something about zombies. Was that all a dream? Or, more fitting, a nightmare.

He sat up and rubbed his head, trying to remember what was going on. Something shot through his mind like a lightning bolt. He heard someone speaking. But it wasn't to him. I'm leaving. I'm leaving my family, my friends, my enemies. I'm leaving Domino...forever.

Wait a second, Joey thought, that sounded like... He sprang to his feet and looked around, hoping to get some answers to the questions that filled his head. What happened? Where was he? What did Yugi mean? What should he do? He suddenly noticed that he had taken off in a run. He was heading in the direction of Yugi's house. Apparently he was going there. Hopefully, he could find some answers.

A cloaked figure stood atop a small building. He looked down at the busy streets below. A scowl was plastered on his face. "Curse that stupid kid." Takesha growled. "He escaped. How could he possibly have done that? He was somehow able to conquer his fears at the last minute."

Takesha groaned. "Well, at least I can finally get the pharaoh and his host alone. That brat served some purpose after all." He glanced down at the sidewalk as a small teenage boy ran by. He had spiky, multi-colored hair and a golden pyramid necklace. He rushed frantically, tears streaming down his face. A wicked smile spread on Takesha's face. "Ah. Speak of the devil." He jumped from the ledge and landed on the next building over. If he followed the boy long enough, he was sure to get him alone.

Yugi stopped running to catch his breath. He didn't know how long he had been running like this, or how far he had gone. He didn't really care. Thinking back, Yugi thought, maybe I should have gotten Joey's body to a hospital or something...instead of leaving it out like that. Who knows what could happen? The teen looked behind him. Well, I'm too far away now. He looked around to get an idea of where he was.

He noticed that he was infront of his house. That was odd. He guessed he had run in circles a few times. An idea popped into his head. Someone might wonder where he was, since he was leaving without telling anyone. Yugi decided to write a little good bye note. Though he wasn't sure who exactly would read it. All his friends and family were in comas. Oh well. If they ever came out of it, they might want to know where he was.

He fished his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door. He sighed and went inside. He looked around the empty store. Everything was silent. He missed his Grandpa greeting him when he came home. He missed surprise visits from his friends when they would drop by without a heads up. He even missed the random costumers coming in and out of the store.

All that remained now was a dark, quiet house. It was dusty from not being swept or cleaned since Grandpa had gone to the hospital. Even if that wasn't too long ago. Yugi sighed and went to the drawer to get a peice of paper and a pen. He pulled them out and wrote down a note. After he finished, he stuck the note to the front door with a peice of tape. After locking the place up, he took a final glance at his home. This might be the last time I ever see this place again... he thought. He turned away and sadly started off towards the harbor. Or should he go to the airport? Or perhaps he could hitch hike. He shook his head. It didn't matter. Either way, he had to get out of this place.

Joey was breathing heavily by the time he reached Yugi's house. He stopped to catch his breath, then walked up to the front door. He was about to knock, when he saw the note. He looked at it curiously, reading it over. His eyes widened and he grew more worried with each word.

To whoever it may concern,

I'm hoping that this is read by someone I know. Otherwise this might be kinda awkward. I have found myself alone in this world. My grandpa and my best friends were taken away from me a while ago. I can't take this anymore! It was because of ME that they are hurt. If one of them is reading this, I'm so sorry. I hope everyone is okay and that you are all happier now. I'm such a terrible friend for putting you all in danger. That's why I'm going to make sure I can't hurt any of you again. Don't worry, I'm not gonna kill myself. I learned my lesson when Joey died. (a/n: check Friendship Beyond the Grave chapters 3 and 4 for details) I'm leaving Domino for good. Where I'm going exactly, I can't say. Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell anyone. Someone might try to bring me back. Anyway, enough rambling. I need to go before Yami can take over and stop me. Good bye everyone. Please take care of yourselves.

Sincerely, Yugi Mutou

Joey was silent for a moment. He stood in shock, not exactly registering what was going on. Yugi ran away? No, it couldn't be. Yugi wouldn't just up and leave! Or would he? Agh! No time to think about that! Joey needed to get his butt moving if he was going to find his pal in time.

The blonde boy dashed off in a random direction. He had no time to think where Yugi might have went. Airport, harbor, taxi, anyone could take him away. But one thing was certain. That cloaked freak was after Yugi and the fleeing duelist was alone. That to Joey meant Yugi was in big danger! Darn it Yugi! How could you do this? How could you take off? I thought you were smart! The bad guy is gonna follow you wherever you go! An idea shot into the teen's head. Unless...that's what you wanted... Upon this thought he ran faster. Yugi, you freaking idiot! You're gonna get yourself killed! He felt his feet get heavier. He had been running too much today. He stopped for a second to catch his breath again.

There has to be some way I can find him! But how? He dosen't even know where he's going! Man, does fate hate me!

At that moment, Joey heard a screech of what sounded like tires, followed by a loud honking sound. He looked in the direction of the noise and saw a black limo stopped infront of him. It was then that he realized he was in the middle of the street. He instinctively yelped and jumped away from the car. Taking a look at it, he noticed it looked familiar. Oh no. Please tell me it isn't--

"Wheeler, you mutt! Get out of the street before I turn you into road kill!"

Yup. Fate hates me...

MP: Yep, you guessed it! Time for everyone's favorite stuck-up CEO to make his appearence! And if you don't know who I'm talking about, you need to see more Yu-Gi-Oh...Seto Kaiba comes into the picture, at last! So that's something for all you Kaiba fans to looked forward to. Plus Mokuba is featured aswell. So keep checking back for updates! Until next chapter, Read and Review!

Preview for Chapter 7

Takesha happened to catch a glimpse of Joey and Kaiba in the KaibaCorp building. He cursed under his breath. That stupid blonde really had survived. And now he had teamed up with the one person who had the most advanced technology in Domino, if not the world. At this rate, his plan might just be ruined. And that would mean all his careful time and effort went down the drain.

He wasn't about to let that happen. He spent too much energy on this for it to be messed up by some stupid teenager. In order to make sure the boy couldn't get help, he'd have to cut off his resources. Namely, one source, who's technology could prove to be a real thorn in his side.

Seto Kaiba.