Author's Note:
Heart: Hello again! We've finally got chapter 10 online! Sorry for the wait guys, we had a vacation right after we updated chapter nine and didn't get started until 7-14-12 for chapter ten. ^-^"
Evil: Yeah sorry guys…. Oh and thanks you for all your sweet comments to those who reviewed. Honestly, we weren't expecting that many having good feedback.
Heart: When we uploaded that chapter, I was seriously scared. I thought it was good then I though 'oh my Ra it sucked' and I got really insecure. Then your reviews came in and saved me from a total breakdown. *Hugs all reviewers* Thank you so much!
Evil: Now, if you can continue reviewing it would be much appreciated. Opinions, suggestions, anything. We'd love to know. Heart, take it away!
Heart: We do not own YuGiOh nor the songs used. They belong to their respective owners and deserve credit for their work. We partially own the plot but other than that, ENJOY!
Evil: Thank you especially to YamiToMangaka who helped us with a certain aspect within this chapter that will be unknown to all of you until you read. *smirk evilly* Byes!
Chapter 10: Nightmares and Daydreams
An eerie silence plagued the Motou household. No sound could be heard anywhere in the confines of the witch's hour. Anywhere except Yugi's room. The stepsibling's giggles couldn't breach the barrier that protected them from the rest of the house. 'It was the best night of our lives!' both reminisce that night and any other. For now, however; they were content with their laughter.
"I can't believe Ryou chased you into the pool! Haha! You almost got beaten up by a girl!" Yugi laughed hysterically.
"It's not funny!"
"You're right! It's not funny," Yugi claimed with pretended seriousness. "It's hilarious!" In a fit of uncharacteristic rage, Ryou chased the younger Motou around the backyard and into the pool. This resulted in a soaking Jaden and a clearly satisfied keyboard player. Needless to say, the night had gone well especially since none of the band members suspected Yugi's disability.
"But I did notice you and Yami holding hands!" Jaden returned with a coy grin, his eyes twinkling mischievously. Expecting Yugi to respond excitedly, he sat back on the bed arms crossed in a fake superior manner. "You're so daring sis! First you write a song he adores, then, he asks you to write the band's songs, and only half an hour ago you traveled to where no obsessed fan girl ever went! His hand!"
"WHAT?! WHO was holding my hand?" A beet-red Yugi screamed causing Jaden to jump at her sudden outburst.
"I thought you would've memorized his voice by now considering you listen to them like every freaking day! Yes it was Yami!" An amused little brother teased.
'He was holding my hand?' Yugi thought rapidly. 'Bu- but I didn't hear his voice! I thought he was somewhere else…. Oh!" Flabbergasted, Yugi ceased speaking and dropped her head in her hands blushing into a deeper, indescribable red.
Jaden watched his step-sister very carefully. Her reaction was one he hadn't expected and judging by her obvious embarrassment, there was something more than 'not knowing' who held her hand. "Yugi…? Do you LIKE like Yami?" He questioned bringing an unwelcome silence between the two.
"Well…. I-" Yugi started.
"Lady Yugi! A phone call for you!" Solomon appeared out of thin air, saving Yugi from farther embarrassment.
"O- Ok. Who is it?" She said turning to Solomon's general direction. 'I have got to thank him more often! The nice old man may not know it, but he rescued me!'
"I think you know him." Solomon replied with a wink handing Yugi the phone and turning to leave afterwards. Observing the exchange, the young brunette smiled, thinking the rock star was on the other side of the phone call.
"Hello? This is Yugi. Who may I ask is speaking?"
"Hey, it's me Duke." Replied a voice with noticeable confidence.
"Duke?!" A confused Yugi yelped.
"Tell him you're busy!" Jaden yelled. The black-haired fiancé of his sister gave him an awful feeling every time he was around and did not like that he was making midnight calls like a stalker to his sister.
"At three in the morning? Yeah right! Tell your bro he's on speaker." Duke laughed.
After a few minutes of arguing, the tri-color haired girl managed to drive her brother out of her room and into the grand hallway. Sinking back to her bed, she felt around for the phone and returned to Duke. "So how did you know I was awake? Are you a wizard now?" She teased tiredly.
"It's not hard to tell when the light in your room is on."
Sitting straight up, she held the phone tightly. "Wait, what?! Are you a stalker?" Her voice as hard as her grip questioned.
"Haha NO! I'm just kidding. I saw you at the Millennium concert and assumed you were still awake because you couldn't sleep. Anyways, that's beside the point. I was wondering if I could come over tomorrow or today as the case may be." He chuckled.
"SAY NO!" Yugi's door swung open with a loud crash as Jaden burst into the room looking Olympic ready to race.
"Still on speaker buddy!" A muffled voice said trying to fight off laughter.
"Damnit! Fuck you man!" An outraged Jaden yelled.
Appalled at her brother's outburst Yugi came to Duke's defense. "Language! And begone! I banish thee to thy room!" she commanded half-heartily as she watched Jaden stalking out of the room quicker than he last entered the room. She returned to the call immediately after she made sure her little Kuriboh wasn't snooping again. 'I wonder why he doesn't like Duke. He's been nothing but nice to us.'
"Well that was amusing." Finally, he released his contagious laugh. Smiling, Yugi followed suit, feeling oddly comforted at his easy-going attitude. "So can I come over?"
Hesitantly, Yugi tried to think of a reason why he shouldn't come. He was her fiancé and she had to obey her parents no matter what she wanted for herself. 'Maybe if he came over, my parents will be off my back for a while. Plus, he is nice so I wouldn't mind it.' Happily she replied, "Sounds like you don't take no for an answer."
"Nope!"
With pretended exasperation, the girl retorted, "Fine! Since I can't seem to be rid of this engagement! No pun intended. … But you're cooking!"
Playing along, Duke voiced with complete accuracy the accent of an English butler, "Is there anything else you require my lady?"
Laughing, Yugi fell back into the bed thinking of a smart-alec response that would please her and her funny friend. "Yes! I request that you wear a frilly apron!"
"Hell NO!" He said seeing the error in his choice of words.
"Hell yes!" Yugi chuckled. She enjoyed his dread even if she couldn't see the look on his face or the apron on him. "You asked if I had any requirements and that is what I require. Take it or leave it!"
"….. Fine! You enjoy my misery don't you!" Duke mocked.
"Of course! How else would I get my entertainment? I'll sit here, twirl my hair, and hear your groans of dread as I demand another humiliating task out of you."
"You little bas- why are the short ones always so evil? Anyway, you might want to go to sleep soon, I don't want to keep you up late. It's four thirty in case you were wondering."
Yugi was shocked to hear it was already very late. "Holy Ra! It's that time already? Ok, well good night Duke, See ya in the morning!"
"Haha, good night my little one!" He said gently before hanging up.
"My little one? Duke- Crap he hung up."
Dropping the phone beside her, she climbed under the covers. Taking deep breaths she tried to sleep, but it wouldn't come. Voices filled her mind, keeping her from falling into yet another abyss called slumber. Thoughts of Yami, Duke, and sorrowfully like every other night, Atemu forced her to stay conscious. It wouldn't be for a while until the girl fell asleep, falling into merciless nightmares that kept her tossing and turning. In her dreams, she was running, running through an endless forest away from the same faces that looked at her with hatred, who spoke to her with nothing but scorn. Dashing wildly, she spotted a flash of light and sprinted towards it.
"Yugi help me!"
"Atemu? Atemu!"
"HELP ME!"
The horrendous sound of metal hitting metal filled the air as fear choked screams resounded through her ears. "Wait for me Atemu, I'm coming!" Up ahead, the light grew brighter as she surged forward. Tearing through the forest, she fought branches and bushes to find her blood brother, to silence his screams. Nothing could stop her, she flew out of the forest and into a garbage ridden street that held the mess of a car accident. She skidded to a stop, sure that her brother was here, looking to her for safety. Frightened, she glanced quickly at the scene in front of her, quickly regretting it. Bloodied bodies and ruined cars surrounded her, causing her to choke on her own breath. Slowly she staggered into the wreckage and continued onward with a sick feeling in her stomach with wide amethyst eyes searching.
"Yugi…. I'm sorry."
Freezing to a stop, Yugi clutched at her chest, knowing that voice was the one she was searching for. Gathering her courage, she called trying not to waver, "Atemu?"
"Behind you, Yugi….. I'm here."
Turning slowly, she looked to the ground at a sight that made her blood run into an icy river coursing through her body. He was lying on his side in a pool of his own crimson blood, gashes across his body openly bleeding, as he struggled to Yugi.
"Atemu No!" Yugi cried as she raced towards her brother and collapsed next to him. Gabbing his hand she sobbed, tears running down her face onto Atemu. "Please don't leave me. Not like this, PLEASE!" Her body trembled violently with sorrow, with guilt, wanting somehow to save him from inevitable death.
Suddenly, Atemu's gentle bloodied hand reached up and stroked Yugi's cheek. "I'm sorry… But there is someone else who will take my place. I must leave-" he stopped short coughing up more blood.
"Who Atemu? Who could ever take your place?" She said gazing into his deep crimson eyes. As soon as she looked into them, her vision blurred, slowly returning to black. "Noo!"
"Relax Yugi, he will help, his name is-"
I have nothing left to give,
I have found the perfect end,
You were made to make it hurt.
Disappear into the dirt.
Carry me to heaven's arms,
Light the way and let me go
Take the time to take my breath,
I will end where I began.
"You liked this song didn't you, Yugi. 'Dear Agony' is its name right?" Atemu said, his voice becoming faint. Trying to meet his eyes through the fog, Yugi held her brother close not caring whether the blood got on her and stained her skin. All she wanted was her brother, nothing more.
Dear Agony,
Just let go of me.
Is this the way its gotta be?
Don't bury me faceless enemy.
I'm so sorry,
Is this the way its gotta be?
Dear Agony.
Leave me alone,
God let me go,
I'm blue and cold,
Black sky will burn.
Love pull me down,
Hate lift me up.
Just turn around,
There's nothing left.
"Millennium wrote this." Yugi whispered though steady tears. Waiting for the solemn song to end, she turned her blind attention to Atemu once more. "You loved them too remember?" As Atemu closed his eyes, her own vision faded to black, leaving nothing but the memory of her blood soaked brother smiling at her.
Faintly she heard through the dark, "He will take care of you. His name is-"
"Yugi wake up!" A very loud and very close voice shouted in frustrated tone.
"Waaah!" Startled, the sleepy girl lurched and fell off the bed with a loud thump. "Owww! Jaden, can't you find a safer way to wake up a blind girl!?" Yugi sighed, rubbing her now sore butt.
"Sorry but it's ten already and I thought you should get up. Besides, you started kicking in your sleep again and it's scaring the hell out of everyone." The brunette chuckled.
"Fine, fine, fine! Do me a favor and hand me my glasses will you? They're in my drawer."
"Alrighty! Hey, I'm heading out soon. Me and Chazz are meeting up again. I can't wait!" he squealed suddenly as he helped his sister put on her sunglasses.
"Hey chill! You sound like a Millennium fan girl. Haha ok, see ya later then bro."
After she was certain her brother's footsteps were long gone, she sat back into the bed, listening to the beckoning silence. Once more it was quiet; the unbreakable stillness that could frighten even the bravest enveloped the young girl as she reminisced in yet another nightmare that haunted her for the past five years. 'When will I be forgiven?'
Finally, disgusted by herself, she fled the room down the stairs with the wall as her guide. Hoping to find Solomon for comfort, she stalked towards the kitchen where a wonderful smell of pancakes and sausage assaulted her nose. "Solomon, that smells good!"
"Glad you think so my lady! Is there anything else thou requirest?" An old man's voice said who was obviously NOT Solomon.
Shocked, the girl screamed. "Who the hell are you?!" Yugi jumped, crashing into the counter beside her.
"I'm hurt Yugi! You've forgotten our planned engagement. No pun intended of course. It's me Duke you dork!" Duke laughed, unfazed by Yugi's forgetfulness. Somehow, he could never hold anything against the sweet girl whom he started to love.
Relieved, Yugi moved forward to greet Duke with a hug. "Oh Duke!" Feeling frilly fabric beneath her fingertips, she laughed. "You're wearing the apron! How are you feeling with it on?"
"I'm alright. You know, besides the public humiliation and the awkward stares your family and maids gave me, I'm just peachy. Though I think Jaden was having more fun out of it than I am. C'mon little one, let's eat!"
Allowing Duke to lead her to the table, Yugi forgot all that ailed her. For the moment as they chatted and ate, there was no worry. No one forcing her into marriage, no one pressuring her to sing, not even the time passing by bothered her. It was as if she were listening to music itself as Duke spoke animatedly at his new gaming project. He never wavered, or left any awkward air between them and made the girl feel welcome for once. 'I could listen to him talk for hours. I like him but I don't want to marry him.' Yugi thought sadly. When it was safe to interrupt Duke, she cried, "I'm stuffed!"
Duke, sitting back while patting his stomach, could do nothing but agree with the girl. "You could say that again! Hey wanna go for a walk and be rid of our growing bellies?" A hopeful gleam shined in the black haired youth's eyes, as if he was desperate to say something weighing on his thoughts. 'I really want to tell her…..'
"Sure I guess. I don't have anything planned for today." Yugi said with a smile that took Duke's breath away. Dazed, the gamer stood and helped Yugi out of her seat.
"Great! Go get dressed because we are spending the day at the park. Now…. Can I take off this frilly death trap before we leave?"
Hearing the agitated edge in his speech Yugi laughed softly. "Sure go right ahead my maid! I'll be down in a minute." Quietly heading back towards the way she came, leaving Duke in silence.
Watching her depart, he noticed subtle grace of a dancer in her step, the noiselessness in the way she moved, and how her hair flowed like curtains dancing with the sea breeze. Yugi herself was the incarnation of beauty even if she was scarred. Waiting as her footfalls faded, he spoke so softly that even a feather wouldn't shy away, "Hopefully from now on, I'll be your eyes little one."
At the Park
Arriving at Domino Park, the duo glanced around at their surrounding before resting at a park bench underneath the shade of pink cherry blossom trees. The park was unusually empty for a sunny Saturday. Without the comforting sounds of children screaming in delight, and the loud chatter from strolling families, the place was practically a ghost town save for the rustling trees. They both listened; hearing the voice of nature at her prime as she gently touched their skin and smiled at them with her warm sunshine. Duke lost in thought, gazed out into the abandoned jungle gyms and play grounds patiently awaiting the arrival of their playmates. Yugi, however, was in pure bliss. The caress of the wind, the steady touch of sunshine, and the rustle of the grass sent her back to her own personal Wonderland.
"Yugi, you in there?"
Breaking from her dreamland, she turned back to her companion. "Oh sorry! It's been a while since I've been to the park. I think since the- " She broke off suddenly, not wanting more painful memories to demolish her barricade that guarded her happiness. "Um, you were at the concert right?"
"Yes! They were great!" Ignoring the girl's abrupt change of subject and instead, brought a new conversation of the music they both loved. The two continued to speak frivolously of the band and how they were introduced to them. But, as Yugi was getting to her adventure with the band last night, she noticed Duke was losing interest rapidly. His demeanor changed like he carried the weight of a heavy burden laid on his shoulders.
Carefully, the girl spoke, "Duke…? Is there something wrong? You're awfully quiet at the moment."
"Ah. Sorry…. It's just…. The other night you shared something so personal with me so… so since you opened your heart to me, I want to open mine to you." Gently, he took both of her hands and gazed at her face.
'Oh my Ra, what's going on?' Yugi thought fearfully. The feeling of Duke confessing his love to her immediately passed through her mind making her blush. 'Bu- but I don't like him that way!' Suddenly Yami's voice and the feel of his hands pierced her confusion and brought a river of a new emotion she had never felt before. Compelled, she compared both hands. Yami's was one of safety, like she could be anywhere and feel at home, but Duke's was different. He felt constant, like the stars in the night sky, always supportive.
"Yugi. I'm gay!"
Author's Note:
Heart: Didn't expect that one did ya!
Evil: So… You're wondering who in the world thought of this… Well, I did!
Heart: First we asked YamiToMangaka her opinion, and once it was approved, we went all out!
Evil: Just so you know, some of these scenes we actually had to act out to get it right, like the Ryou chasing Jaden scene.
Heart: Ahhh so much fun in that particular one. *smiles evilly*
Evil: O.O…. ANYWAYS! Tell us what you think! Any ideas or comments you can review or PM us. Let's hope they don't kill us for doing this specific plot twist. *scoots away*
Heart: O.o I agree. BYEEE!