Hey! Just wanted to thank those that reviewed, I really appreciate it. Also, a little note about this chapter. (Honestly usually I'm opposed to author's notes anymore, but I've realized that they are a benefit to writing fanfiction instead of books). A bit more of the plot is revealed, but mostly this is meant to introduce you to the characters as they will appear in my story. Thank you for reading!

Chapter Two

Yami was angry.

No. Yami was pissed off.

He grunted in frustration as he repeatedly punched his boxing bag, trying desperately to get the thought of Yuugi Moto's silky looking skin out of his mind. Sweat trailed down his bare chest and rolled into the hem of his basketball shorts. It is absolutely unfair for such an annoying brat to be so beautiful.

With a particularly violent upper cut to the bag, Yami recalled the events which had transpired after school that day.

Yami had decided to take a trip to the Kame Game Shop for a new dial to the Ouija Board he had gotten there a few years ago. Sugoroku Moto sold it to him after his parents died and he moved in with his cousins, the Kaibas. When he brought the board, Gramps made him promise to never rely solely on the answers it may present. The risk of misleading results was not enough to deter Yami from using his board nor did it stop him getting so frustrated that he threw the dial across the room and broke it in half.

The game shop was just as bright as it had always been. The exterior made no references to the death of the great man who once owned it. In fact, it was no different at all, except for the sign on the front of the store displaying the hours of operation; they were changed to accommodate Yuugi's school attendance. Yami may have fought like drowned cats with Yuugi, but he felt a great respect for him continuing Grandpa's business even while attending school. The bell above the door rang, but the jingle was drowned out by a radio and the surprisingly (to Yami, anyway) beautiful, raspy voice of Yuugi Moto singing along.

Yuugi's back was to the door; he was reaching above the counter to dust, resulting in about an inch of creamy skin showing between his shirt and the boxers peaking out of his jeans. Yami found himself caressing that the skin with his eyes, unable to look away.

"But me, I run every time." Yuugi turned around and abruptly stopped singing. His face turned red at an alarming rate from embarrassment, though his eyes narrowed as they encountered Yami's face. God, it's not fair for such an asshole to be so handsome. "Yami, what are you doing here?"

The taller boy smirked and leaned against the counter, bringing his face closer to Yuugi's.

"I need a new dial for my Ouija board, and this is the store where I bought it." Yuugi snapped his mouth shut when he discovered Yami had a perfectly valid reason for being there. He walked back into the stock room to retrieve the product and reentered the shop to ring it up for Yami, still not saying a word. Yami's smirk returned full force as he handed money over and refused the change.

"Does it really bother you so much that I'm here?" Yuugi continued to glare at Yami, wishing for the taller boy to just leave already so that he could go back to singing like a fool in peace.

"You know damn well that it does. You got your stupid dial so just leave." Yami smiled almost genuinely as he turned to exit the game shop. Yuugi was confused at first, but his eyes quickly narrowed in anger at Yami's final words before the door closed and separated them for the night.

"Well, since it bothers you so much I will just have to keep coming back every day, don't you think?"

God, why the fuck did he say that? Now his pride would force him to walk out of his way to that stupid boy's shop just to annoy him. And really, even though he quite enjoyed vexing his small rival, he didn't want to end up beating his poor punching bag to a pulp every day.

Yami yelled and spun, kicking the bag until it shook. No, his work out equipment definitely would not survive this turn of events.

"Yami, darling, I should tell you that building abs off of which you can grate cheese is only an expression." Said boy snorted and sat down next to Bakura on the long wall bench. This was their private gym, built in to the Kaiba mansion for only their use. Bakura, who had once lived with them, knew the ins and outs of the mansion and was always welcome to use the facilities.

Well….when he hadn't royally pissed off Kaiba, that is.

"Just working out some anger." Yami chugged his water, then wiped some sweat off his forehead and drying his hand on Bakura's T-shirt. He laughed slightly at the white haired boy's distaste before questioning his friend. "Why are you so jolly?"

"Jolly?"

"At least peppier than usual."

Bakura shrugged before pulling his shirt over his head to hide his grin and put his poker face back up. He stood to sit at a machine facing Yami, reaching his arms back to set the weights.

"Ryou."

Before Yami could mock Bakura's uncharacteristic happiness, their moment was interrupted by a voice entering the gym.

"I said 'no chance' and I meant it, you jackwagon."

"Malik wants you to, so you're coming."

"If that mutt is going to be there, I absolutely am not."

"Tell me, Captain Obvious, does Jou's blonde hair keep him from seeing your goo-goo eyes?"

"Fuck you."

"Uh-oh, Marik. When my cousin loses his articulacy, that means his fists are about to fly." Yami laughed at his friend's antics and tossed a cousin a bar bell. The brunette caught it with a grunt and glared at his cousin, who had taken to spotting Bakura on the machine. "Now exactly what fuckery are you attempting to engage my cousin in?"

Marik's eyes narrowed at Yami and he smirked.

"The very same thing I'm about to persuade you to join, duckie."

"I can't fucking believe you convinced me to be here."

It was a week later. Yami's face was flat as he slammed the car door shut, looking up at the large cabin where he would be spending the next four days. The sun had set already, so all he could make out of the building's exterior was the small amount illuminated by the porch light Malik had turned on.

He grunted when Yuugi slammed into his shoulder as he walked passed with Jou and Ryou in tow. Kaiba was already inside with Malik and Marik, scouring for the best bedrooms. There were only four, so Kaiba would be staying with his cousin while Ryou stayed with Yuugi, Bakura and Jou would share a room, and obviously Marik and Malik would stay together. They had fought about room assignments for almost the entire two hour drive and finally worked out a system to satisfy (nearly) everyone.

"Notaro, the less you speak this weekend the better it will be for all of us." Yuugi sassed the taller boy as he continued into the cabin. Yami licked his lips and tried in vain to avert his eyes from that perfect butt, but was dreadfully unsuccessful. He groaned when he felt Bakura's hand clamp onto his shoulder. He had been caught.

"Looks like I'm not the only one with a crush, hmm?" Yami pushed his friend, hating the laugh sent his way as the other ran inside.

"It's not a crush. I just wouldn't mind fucking him senseless, that's all."

"Everyone, get the hell in here already! It's amazing!"

Begrudgingly walking inside, Yami dropped his bag onto the floor and looked around. He could hear the others running around upstairs, choosing their bedrooms and laughing. Someone had put Blink 182 on the stereo and it nearly shook the cabin. Directly in front of him was a carpeted staircase leading to the second floor. The first floor was completely open and seemed to wrap around the stairs. The kitchen was to his right, leading in to the dining room, and then connecting to a large living room on his left with three couches and a recliner surrounding a large stone fire place. To his knowledge, the refrigerator was stocked with alcohol and there was a faint smell of weed already in the air.

"Well, at least there's that."

They spent the next twenty minutes unpacking before gathering in the living room. Everyone had a beer in their hands and was talking animatedly, completely disregarding the fact that their volume was unnecessarily boisterous. Kaiba's eyes were trained on Jou as he drank his beer, ignoring the fact that he was probably not blinking anymore. There was just something about the way the fire's glow decorated Jou's face and brought out the highlights in his hair that was completely captivating.

The others littered around the sofas drinking and passing a blunt. They were already enjoying themselves greatly, remarking at the amazing interior. But mostly letting go in the most exuberant, adolescent ways possible.

Yuugi sat next to Jou on one sofa with Ryou leaning between his legs so Yuugi could pet his hair, which was something he learned practically put his friend in a trance after he smoked. Malik was lounging across Marik's lap on another sofa while Yami and Bakura shared the last couch, leaning far away from the other. Seto took the recliner, managing to look adult-like and mature even with a cheap beer in his hand. Around an hour later, their laughter died down only slightly and the conversation lulled.

"Okay!" Malik clapped. "Now, let's get started."

Yuugi groaned and continued playing Ryou's hair. Yami tilted his head at him and was surprised when the smaller boy answered the unspoken question of what Malik meant by "get this started".

"Notaro, truth or dare?"

Bakura barked a laugh and slung an arm around Yami's shoulders. "Oh, this is what we're doing?"

"Oldie but a goodie," Malik replied. He took a swig of his beer and smirked at Yami. They were, at this point, sporting substantial beer jackets and everyone had stripped down to only pants and shirts. "Now, I do believe Yuugi asked you a question."

Yami rolled his eyes and looked at his annoyingly attractive rival. "Dare."

"Everyone hold your surprise," Jou said with a laugh. They were watching anxiously, awaiting Yuugi's dare. Yami found his heart racing from the intense stare from Yuugi. His blood seemed to be flowing south and he prayed no one noticed.

Yuugi smirked.

"I dare you to take off a piece of clothing every time you swear."

Yami shrugged, obviously unaffected and confident that he wouldn't swear. Ryou, however, had a different plan in mind. He looked into Bakura's eyes and winked, earning an understanding smirk from his fellow troublemaker. Quietly, Bakura leaned away from Yami and settled down to lull his couch partner into a false sense of security. Then, he screamed as loud as he could.

"Fuck!" The curse left Yami's startled lips before he knew it and he groaned at the cat calls as he removed his shirt.

"A++, Yuug." Jou pounded his friend's fist as he silently appreciated Yami's torso. Kaiba failed to convince himself that he wasn't jealous. Malik clapped and took a cigarette from Marik, exaggerating as if it were a post-fuck smoke.

"Fine, then. Jou."

"Dare."

The blonde leaned forward, accepting the yet unspoken challenge without hesitation. Kaiba leaned forward subtly, worried for his pup's safety when Yami was involved. The dangerous smirk on his cousin's face only furthered his anxiety.

Alright, fine. Maybe I'm a little in love with him. Whatever. Kaiba felt slight relief at his silent admission, though not enough to ever admit it to Jou. Absolutely not.

He would make do with silently protecting Jou while holding his asshole persona. Like Batman. He would be Jou's Batman.

"I dare you to twerk."

Save for Kaiba, everyone fell in to hysterics. Jou tossed back the rest of his beer and stood dramatically, walking to the stereo. He began "Get Busy" by Sean Paul and moved to the middle of the circle with his ass facing Kaiba, who could not look away if he wanted to. Jou bent his legs and stuck out his rump with a sultry bite of his lip. He shook his rear and clapped to the music, laughing and breaking character when Marik slapped butt. He bowed to their applause and slumped back into his seat. He gratefully accepted the new beer Yuugi offered him.

"Damn. Where did you learn that?" Jou shrugged at Yami, but then laughed because Yuugi was yelling at him to take off his pants for swearing.

"Okay, okay. Draw your eyes away from the man-candy and focus on me." Jou tapped a finger on his chin as he chose a victim. He smiled when his eyes landed on Ryou. "Truth or dare?"

Ryou sighed, contemplating. He couldn't twerk and he really didn't want all these buggers seeing him without his clothes.

"Truth." Jou snapped his fingers as if Ryou foiled some master plan, but continued with a truth anyway.

"Who did you lose your virginity to?" Ryou laughed and sat up straight back into Yuugi, who wrapped his arms around his friend's shoulders and giggled as well.

"Yuuuuugi!" He sang. Jaws dropped while the two laughed. They cheered to their shocked friends and drank some beer. "We were fourteen and fascinated by each other. Eventually we decided we were just best friends with awesome chemistry and should not be in a relationship with each other."

Everyone bombarded them with questions. Who was on top? (Ryou was.) Who made the first move? (Yuugi did.) Was there video? (Malik wanted.)

They spent the next few hours playing this game, resulting in Bakura kissing Kaiba, Marik singing Ave Maria, Yuugi lighting a match with his teeth, and Malik losing many staring contests. By 2am, they were all sufficiently drunk and listening to Yami rambling about stories his mom used to tell him.

"My grrrrrrrreat grandpa was a bender. He could shapeshift. And he sacrificed his life for the mans and ladies and all the babies. But demons is – hiccup – coming back. So I'm gonna beat them."

Yuugi rolled his eyes and clamped his hand over Yami's mouth. "Shut your stupid handsome face."

Malik and Marik were lying on the couch together, laughing quietly at their friends. Yuugi sat next to Yami, unabashedly staring at the still naked teen. Ryou was sandwiched between Kaiba and Bakura, watching Yami with wide eyes. The other two looked bored, having heard Yami's rants before. Jou, fascinated by what Yami was saying, scooted himself until his face was barely an inch from the other boy's.

"Yaaamii. I want to help kill all the demons. Can magic bring people back from the dead?" Not waiting for an answer, Jou crawled away to sit in a very surprised Kaiba's lap. The brunette automatically held on to his visitor's waist; being over six feet gave him the advantage of being able to handle alcohol better than the others and he was still coherent enough to make sure they all stayed safe. "Seto. I mean Kaiba. Hey. Heeey!"

Kaiba smiled a bit, knowing Jou wouldn't remember him doing so in the morning. He looked lovingly at the blonde and almost couldn't stand how cute he looked.

"Yes, Katsuya?" He shivered a little with goosebumps when Jou leaned in to whisper into Kaiba's ear.

"Do you think if I kill demons I will get my sister back?"

Kaiba's smile immediately fell. He closed his eyes and hugged Jou to him, recalling all that he knew about Shizuka Jounouchi.

She was a beautiful young girl. She held the heart of more than a few of her classmates because of her quiet, charming nature. Unfortunately, as happens far too often, the worst luck befell the least deserving. Four years ago, when Shizuka was ten and Jou thirteen, her sight began to fade. She was legally blind by the age of twelve and through the efforts of her family they raised enough money to afford Lasik sight recovery surgery. Something went very wrong, though, with a novice anesthesiologist.

Shizuka died on the table.

After the funeral, Jou's dad disappeared without a trace and his mother fell victim to her own anger, using every opportunity to beat on Jou, knowing he would never fight her back. His family's brokenness led to Jou spending nearly all his free time at Yuugi's, staying there most nights even before Grandpa died. His mother barely cared.

Kaiba knew all of this from Mokuba, who had been in Shizuka's class, and Malik, who often visited the mansion with his boyfriend. And when Kaiba found out this information, he made sure to fight extra with the boy. Jou's eyes always seemed to light up at any attention from Seto.

Speaking of attention, Jou was currently nuzzling in to Kaiba's neck, loving the comfort. He gently stroked through the soft blonde locks and tried to lull him, honestly glad that Jou would not remember telling him this in the morning. He was sure it would embarrass him.

"Yami, there is no way you can shift shapes. Circles don't just become squares, y'idgit."

"The fuck I can't, Yuuuuuugi."

"Sweet baby O'Connell please stop."

Ryou patted Bakura's head sympathetically, fully understanding the headache his friend was suffering.

"Maybe let's go to bed now." Bakura nodded, though froze when he looked around. Marik was currently asleep on the couch with Malik curled on top of him. They fell so naturally together that just one glance revealed them as soul mates.

Kaiba was awake on the armchair holding a now sleeping Jou with a sad look in his eyes. Even if Bakura had been more sober, he wouldn't have said anything; though he was curious as to what could have made Kaiba forgo his usual "silent protector" shtick.

Yami and Yuugi were sitting on the only available couch arguing with each other in heated whispers, though they probably would be asleep soon. Bakura wouldn't doubt they ended up staying on the same cushion as each other with the way they always fought. Of course, Bakura is not innocent at all and often started shit with Yami. But the sexual frustration between those two was excruciating.

"Bakura," he turned to Ryou who had begun to fall asleep on the sofa unable to make it upstairs. "What was Yami talking about?"

Bakura rolled his eyes and moved to face Ryou on the couch. They were sitting with their heads on either end and their feet touching.

"When we were younger, Yami's mom would read us old family diaries with stories about demons and benders. Each demon was different and had dangerous powers while the benders were given magical ability for spells and potions and sometimes they had unique abilities like shape-shifting or talking to animals. They were just bedtime stories, but every time Yami drinks he talks about it. You'd think he really believed it."

Ryou's eyes were closing and he shrugged.

"Maybe it is real, Kura. I would like to talk to animals." Bakura shook his head with a slight smile and closed his eyes, loving how close he was to Ryou and the way the smaller boy's legs curled around his own. "They are much better than people. I bet my best friend would be a cat."

"Goodnight, Ryou."

"…Name it Sassifrass."

"Goodnight, Ryou."

"Ryou and Sassifrass."

"Ry."

"And Kura."

"I come after the cat?"

"Goodnight, Bakura."

Malik awoke the next morning in his favorite place: snuggled against Marik's chest. He nuzzled under his love's chin and smiled when the body beneath him rumbled with laughter.

"Morning, baby." Malik sighed in content.

"Morning, handsome." They shared a kiss and a smile before Malik stretched his legs and felt something big and hard against his thigh. Marik moaned and the smaller boy smirked. "Dream of me, did you?"

Marik rolled over so he was on top and waved his hips into Malik. He leaned down and whispered against his lips before capturing them tenderly.

"Always."

Malik traced his nails up Marik's arms and buried them in his hair, arching his back to allow Marik's hands access under his shirt. He moaned deep in his throat, but pulled away with a blush when a voice interrupted them.

"If you fuck when we are all lying here hung over, I will personally punch you in to the Sun."

"I will help."

Malik leaned his head off the couch to let Marik room to turn his as well. They looked at the recliner where Jou was still curled up in Kaiba's lap. Malik bit his lip through a grin and looked at Marik.

"Well it looks like Jolly Green and the Pup finally got together."

"Weirdest couple ever."

"Says the Egyptian twins." Jou wrapped his arms around Kaiba's waist and buried his face deeper in to the boy's shoulder. Seto responded by lifting his legs off the ground and bending them so his knees blocked Jou from sight. "Besides, I don't think we're together, are we?"

"I've no idea, pup."

"I mean you haven't even bought me dinner."

"That is the standard relationship starter, Kaiba."

Jou laughed when he felt Kaiba snort. He was too tired at first to be embarrassed of his position and not remembering how he got there, but when he felt Kaiba pull him close and sigh in contentment, he was okay. This trip was definitely in his favorite things list.

"Oh my fucking Oprah, all of you shut up."

The four who had been coherent enough to converse so early began to laugh at Ryou's sudden outburst. They looked over to see him and Bakura with their legs still curled together, eyes closed. Yuugi was sprawled ass up in the cushions of another couch in the room. Yami looked uncomfortable in his position with half his body hanging off the back of Yuugi's couch. Neither they nor Bakura had shifted since the others woke.

"So much for beds."

"Shut uuuuuuup."

Malik and Marik smiled at each other as the others fell back asleep. They decided to get up and take a shower, since neither was hung over. They built up a tolerance in Egypt when drinking with Isis was the only way to relax.

As they snuck up the stairs, Marik grabbed his boyfriend's ass and drew a squeak out of him. They laughed and shared a blissful kiss.

This weekend was exactly what they needed.

Many don't know this, but the Underworld is actually very nice. If you don't mind being in fiery caves with mysterious red liquid dripping off of ceilings or massive craters leading to scorching pits of never-ending torment.

But some really did enjoy it.

For example, demons.

Demons populated the Underworld for as long as they have existed. There are as many types of demons as there are races of humans; unlike humans, though, demons shared one goal. They all believed in one thing:

That they were the one demon destine to rule over all creation.

The one demon closer than all the rest is a high-level murderer named Dax. Throughout the five hundred years of stagnation, Dax slaughtered countless lower and higher level demons, working his way through the ranks and becoming one of the most formidable forces of evil to ever exist. He has collected enough souls and powers to finally break through the crust and conquer all of humanity.

"Sir, the benders are together. Their powers will begin to awaken tonight. Midnight during the new moon."

From his position in a high backed stone chair, Dax raised his head and leered at his commanding officer. Slime oozed around his freshly grown scales and surrounded his dark blue eyes. No whites, no pupils, just solid iris. A forked tongue slithered out of his mouth to lick some of his own slime off of his interlaced, bony fingers. His officer grimaced with disgust but said nothing.

"Good."