DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fanfiction produced for entertainment purposes only. Yu-Gi-Oh! and all related characters are the creations of Kazuki Takahashi.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Text in bold is being emphasised.
Chapter 9: Holograms Don't Lie
By Shadow's Mirror
"You want me to do what? I always suspected that you were insane. This proves it." Kaiba shook his head and turned. "I agreed to meet with you because you said it was important. If I'd known that you were only going to waste my time, I would never have come. You know the way out." He started walking away.
"Kaiba! Wait!" Ignoring the irritated voice in his mind that was urging him to let Kaiba go, Yugi hurried after the taller boy. "I know it's a strange request, but I promise you there is a very good reason for it! Please, won't you at least hear me out?"
Kaiba sighed and paused, although he didn't turn around. "I know I'm going to regret this." He sighed again. "You have five minutes. I suggest you don't waste them."
Yugi smiled. "Thank you Kaiba!"
"Four and a half."
Yugi's mind raced. Somehow he had to convince Kaiba to do what he wanted. "Mokuba once told me that you pride yourself on the accuracy of your Duel Monster holograms."
Kaiba turned his head ever so slightly. "What of it?"
The response was encouraging. Kaiba was listening, at least. Yugi took a deep breath and plunged onward. "What would you say if I told you that one of your holograms might not be accurate?"
"Impossible." Kaiba whirled around, his brilliant blue eyes flashing with fury. "I programmed every one of them myself. They are accurate down to the last detail."
Kaiba's certainty made Yugi blink, but he knew he couldn't back down. "How do you know, Kaiba? I mean, you've never been to the Shadow Realm so you've never actually seen any of the Shadow Monsters for real. So how do you know what they all look like and how they move and attack?"
Even as he said it, Yugi wondered why he'd never thought to ask that question before. It did seem rather odd that the holograms were all so accurate. From the way Kaiba's eyes suddenly shifted, no longer willing to meet his gaze, Yugi knew it was something that Kaiba did not want to answer. He was also suddenly sure that it was important for him to know. "Kaiba?"
"Pegasus." The word was spoken in a low growl but Kaiba's anger was certainly understandable. It must be infuriating to know that the information for his holograms had been provided by the same man who had assisted Kaiba Corps' board of directors in their attempt at taking control of the company.
"I see. That makes sense. Pegasus had the Millennium Eye and he knew that the Shadow Monsters were real. It's not just the drawings on the cards that are right. The attack and defense strengths are too. He must have used the Eye in some way to 'see' them, so he knew all about them. But that doesn't explain…" Yugi trailed off, considering the possibilities.
"Two minutes." Kaiba's irritated voice cut into Yugi's thoughts. "If you have a point to make, I suggest you be quick about it."
Yugi blinked and then grinned sheepishly. "Oh! Right! Sorry, Kaiba, I was trying to figure out why Pegasus would have given you the wrong information about one of the Shadow Monsters."
Kaiba frowned. "What are you talking about? I told you, all of the holograms are accurate."
"I know of at least one that isn't." Yugi met Kaiba's gaze without hesitation.
The young CEO studied his rival for a moment before nodding abruptly. "You have my attention."
For the second time, Kaiba turned and started walking. This time though, Yugi knew that he was expected to follow. As he caught up to the taller boy, Kaiba glanced at him. "I take it this has something to do with your ridiculous request to see one of the holograms outside of a duel situation?" At Yugi's nod, he sighed.
"Give me one good reason why."
"Téa used a Fire Sorcerer card in her duel against one of the Big Five. Yami and I met the real Fire Sorcerer in the Shadow Realm last night. The thing is, Téa's description doesn't match what Yami and I saw. We're trying to work out why."
Kaiba snorted. "I said a good reason. Téa probably didn't remember the correct details. It has been a while since that… incident… after all."
Yugi shook his head, grinning. "Oh no, she remembered the details just fine. She was very sure about every single one of them." His smile faded. "But I'm just as sure about what I saw last night."
"Fine." Kaiba pushed open a door, sighing as he gave Yugi an annoyed look. "One look and then that's the last I want to hear of this. Agreed?"
Yugi's bright smile lit up his face as he nodded. "Agreed! Thank you, Kaiba!"
Kaiba grimaced. "I don't know why I'm doing this…" He and Yugi entered one of the dueling rooms.
A few minutes later, a hologram flickered to life on the playing field. On the sidelines, Yugi leaned forward to study the small figure intently. Beside him, Kaiba shifted impatiently. "There, you've seen it. Happy now?" He glared down at the smaller boy. "I told you it was accurate!"
Yugi slowly shook his head. "No Kaiba, it isn't." He didn't take his eyes off the field, where the image of a small girl in a black dress with white stockings, black shoes and a black witch's hat stood.