Disclaimer: All rights belong to the writers and creators of Yugioh

It's been a while and this story seems to get a little lost but I believe it still has power and I won't give in to frustration, review and let me know what you think.

Recap: Otogi smiles and watches the movement of Jonouchi's hips," life is good." In one swift movement he turns around and faces Yami. "The games are over, we both know exactly who you are and why you are here. So let's cut the bull shit, Atem. Atem of the black order!"

Ooooooooooo

Chapter Seven 4: Code of Honor

Otogi circled around Yami sizing up his position. If he was correct this could well be the most dangerous opponent he'd ever faced. "Perhaps you can enlighten the situation and clear out the cob webs in my mind. Did you find what you were looking for?"

Yami's eyes scan the room looking for an escape route; it was obvious Otogi had planned this little encounter. 'I'm still a little weak, but if I move to the left there is a window,' Yami thought, his eyes were reduced to deep crimson slits.

"Don't even think about it. I've taken the precaution of locking all the windows and doors. You aren't going anywhere until I get the truth, all of it. Maybe this will refresh your memory. Atem's code name is 'Dark Magician', known for escape and pulling off the toughest jobs as if by magic. Your weapons of choice are spears, knives, and spell casting, really. Some call you pharaoh; I heard you have a harem that stretches across two continents. Love them and leave them. Is Yugi your next victim? I won't let you have him! Say something damn it!"

"This guy sounds interesting, why I'd love to meet him," Yami quietly spoke.

"Don't screw with me," Otogi screamed out a warning and pulled out a gun which he pointed at Yami's head. The stranger moved an inch never taking his eyes off Otogi whose fingers quivered ever so slightly.

With his free hand Otogi pulled out a black wallet from his chest pocket and tossed it at the spies' feet. "Looking for this?" Yami shifted his eyes downward.

"Hell I don't know what side you're working for with all these damn passports and I don't give a damn. You're a dead man either way. . . . ."

"Kill me and you kill your precious friends. Besides they'll only send another to replace me," Yami smirked.

"That's' bullshit, no one follows your trails. Your record is flawless." Otogi kept a watchful eye on the dangerous spy. He was known for tricks.

"Yeah so explain how I ended up under a bridge and now I'm standing in a kitchen with a gun to my head," Yami laughed. He shifted his weight and Otogi pushed the gun against his skin. He could smell the sweat on his brow.

"Listen Otogi or whatever you name is you've got it all wrong."

"Otogi pulls the trigger, I'm running out of time, cut the bullshit," Otogi's voice deepens to a whisper. "I will pull the trigger to protect what belong to me."

Yami respected his opponent they were equal in strength and determination, both had something to protect. "My name is Atem and you were sent to Egypt to retrieve an ancient artifact. Yet the trail went cold and you disappeared over two years ago. It appears after repeated attempts of locating the artifact evidence of your death was reported and the treasure was trace to Japan. I've always been intrigue by magic so I took the case. Lots of strange activity and some magic always excited my nature. Finding you was purely accidental."

"But you know what they want to do. I can't let that happen. It's not the puzzle they really want it's the boy. You just can't take the puzzle without endangering his life."

"That information is classified," Atem spoke. He turned towards Otogi who had by now lowered the gun. What did either really have to lose at this point?

"I was just used as a rat to find the boy Yugi. He's the magic the treasure. After I found the professor in Egypt I followed him home. He'd given the last pieces to his grandson and a year before that he'd given him the puzzle. At the time I was prepared to steal the puzzle and go, but my spies uncovered the real truth. They'll cut him up in little pieces. I hid his identify, so if you really have magic then protect him."

"I have a mission." Atem growled.

"I didn't sign up to kill babies. He's just a sweet boy who's looking for his first love, an old man who never hurt anyone, and a friend who would give up his life to protect his friends. I can't kill them, I won't do this shit anymore," Otogi pulls up a chair and slumps down. "So I staged my own death and buried all the evidence and leads. I got a good life here, man just walk away."

"I can't"

"Can you turn him over to the organization, and kill everyone here? What kind of devil are you?"

" -"

"You'll die by my hand first!"

"You're not the only fool in this game. I found Yugi one week ago and sent word I'd be closing the case. But his beauty even from afar captivated my heart. I thought touching him would cure my wild obsession and I could figure out a way to do my job and keep him for myself. Time is an enemy for men in our profession and I realized I was being watched, my mistake. Yugi consumed my days and I watched him at school and play and the moment my cover was blown I was beaten down, memory confused, and my mission in trouble."

"So you want to protect him," Otogi felt a glimmer of hope.

"It's too late."

"Look take the puzzle and my worthless life. I'll do whatever you ask. I don't deserve Jou after all the pain I've caused in the business. It was only a dream."

Atem thought it over, "Maybe there is a way out of this shit. Ok tomorrow midnight we'll leave make a deal, but you'll have to leave them all behind, forever."

"Forever "

"Maybe I can help you escape, but you can never come back to Japan, they'll have to run always moving. It's the only way."

"I want a blood oath," Otogi whispered.

Otogi went to his car and returned with a few items which included Atem's blade. "If the tales are true this is not an ordinary blade."

"It has been in my family for generations."

Otogi held out his arms and watch as Atem slit his wrist and allowed the blood to flow into two small capsules. Atem did the same. They mixed their essences and made oath each binding their faiths in blood. Atem seals it with a special curse and marks in the form of a small dark magician appears and the slits disappear. It was an unbreakable bond broken only by death. Yugi and Jou would be protected at all cost.

Otogi wept realizing he'd never see his sweet Jou again. Life had gone to the shit box. He had until midnight to save everything he'd come to love.

R/r