Eyes on Fire
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Chapter Fourteen
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The pain was enough to make anyone, even someone strong of heart scream. The searing pain of losing humanity tore through Jou's body. He felt his last bit of humanity disappear. His senses slowly grew; his sense of hearing intensified, vision grew in multitudes of color. Screams erupted from his throat as the final moments of his transformation took place. His heart pounded heavily in his chest. It felt as if it would break through his ribcage. Yet, the pain grew in his mouth, his gums pounding with pain as something sought to break through the soft skin.
Growling low in his throat, Jou writhed on the floor, clutching at his chest. A pair of canines broke through the skin of his mouth, protruding past his soft lips. A hiss escaped his lips as he opened his mouth revealing his newly acquired pair of fangs. The pain began to dull as his heartbeat faded slowly. Eventually as time passed the heavy, thrumming of his heart ended all together, leaving Jou as a newly created vampire.
Jou blinked from his position on the floor, eyes open wide. He took in his surroundings, noticing vivid differences in color and vision. His sense of hearing had also grown in distance. He could hear the thudding of the mortal's heart behind the locked door. The clock ticked in the background as the padding of boots was heard.
Jou's newly acquired instincts kicked in. He jumped up, feet landing on the ground with ease. He glared with narrowed crimson eyes at the person standing before him. Amused cobalt eyes watched him carefully.
Seto crossed his arms, gazing at his fledgling with a stony expression. He rolled his eyes at the fledgling's defensive nature. He walked forward again, hearing a growl from Jou.
Annoyed Seto spoke, only agitating the vampire further.
"Calm down, Mutt. I created you. Why the hell would I attempt to harm you when I sired you as my newest fledgling?"
The gears in Jou's scrambled mind began to turn. He felt disoriented, barely taking a moment to take in the changes of his new form. He lowered his arms from his defensive stance, allowing his body to relax somewhat. He gazed at Seto with a stony expression. He did not speak as the cobalt-eyed elder demon walked around, taking in his fledgling's appearance. The only sound heard was that of the brunet's coat tails swishing in the air.
After a few moments, Seto stopped his inspection. He gazed at Jou with a smirk, nodding his head in approval.
"I'm impressed. Becoming a vampire has made you even more attractive than you already were. I am greatly surprised."
Jou's teeth gritted, fangs lengthening as anger began to set in. He was not sure if the statement was a compliment or an insult. With Kaiba, the true answer was hard to come by.
"Why the hell did you turn me?"
Cobalt eyes locked onto crimson. Seto shook his head, gazing at the new vampire with an icy glare.
"I must settle the defiance Yuugi has sought out, Jou. You are going to take down Yuugi and kill his little human."
Jou glared hard, eyes narrowing.
"If I refuse?"
"You won't have a choice in the matter. As my creation you have a forged bond that allows me to control your actions." He paused and walked towards Jou, gazing at him from only an inch apart. Their foreheads were almost touching as he continued. "Face it; you have no choice but to do as I command."
Jou was stunned with this information. He knew Seto had these abilities but never thought he would use them to extract revenge on Yuugi and Yami. The elder vampire held such hatred towards Yuugi. Yet, why didn't he just force Yuugi to kill Yami in the end?
This thought burst into his mind, causing a smirk to form across his newly pale features.
"Kaiba, why don't you just force Yuugi to do it himself? I'm sure he cannot back down from your control as he is your first sired vampire."
'Take the bait, take the bait.' Jou thought, waiting for any type of response.
Moments later, Seto growled low in his throat, turning his hardened eyes onto Jou's crimson.
"Because I cannot force him to do something of that nature that often. His millennium puzzle shields him from most of that power. Besides, I do not wish to kill him that easily. I rather watch him endure the pain of watching his human die."
Jou took in this bit of information, nodding absently. That is until a strange burning sensation struck his throat. It began softly, merely reminding him of an itchy throat. However, the pain intensified quickly. He balled hands into fists, gritting his teeth. He was close to falling on the floor.
Seto watched Jou struggle. He knew why his fledgling was in pain. All the while, he watched with knowing eyes, shaking his head. Moments later, Jou fell to his knees, groaning in pain.
Seto rolled his eyes. He gazed down at the vampire and spoke quickly. "Get up. You're suffering from blood lust. You need to feed before you lose control and kill someone."
Jou shook his head, grasping his throat in agony. "N-no…"
"You cannot fight this, Mutt. You must feed or otherwise fall into the depths of insanity."
The blond shook his head again, groaning. He closed his eyes, face contorted in a painful expression. His fangs lengthened almost splitting his lip from the pain of their growth.
"Fuck off, Kaiba! I didn't ask for this! Why the fuck did, you do this to me. I fucking hate you!"
Seto merely watched, the words searing into his dead heart. These were fairly close to the same thing that Yuugi said during his first moments as a vampire. Hell, he spoke it to him on a daily basis. He had hoped Jou would not act this way. Seto planned to turn Jou for more than simple revenge. He could use the mutt for other things…
Nightfall came quickly. Yuugi left the hotel, taking advantage of his vampiric powers. He dashed quickly through the darkness, searching for the bar he knew of. He searched for a few minutes, using his speed as an advantage. He stopped in front of the supposed building. He blinked his now crimson eyes, narrowing them as he caught the scent of his sire and his lover amongst others. He walked into the building, finding no one in sight. He walked in further, cautiously scanning through the small bar, looking beneath booths and behind the bar itself.
His nerves stood on end, taking in the familiar scent of his sire. He gritted his teeth, ears perking at the spark of a sound to his side. Yuugi grew alert, jumping back towards the bar behind him. He hissed loudly, his pendant sparking to life. His ancient relic gave off an iridescent glow, waves of light magnifying from the item's eye of Ra. A similar insignia formed on top of Yuugi's forehead, glowing brightly. His crimson eyes glowed in the foreign light, his golden bangs lifting from his face as his item's power surged through his immortal body.
A chuckle echoed through the small building, a set of heavy footfalls echoing across tiled flooring.
Yuugi waited for his sire to step forward, taking on a defensive position. His crimson eyes narrowed, locked onto the area in front of him. He noticed the scent automatically, anger rising in recognition of his sire.
Seto stepped forward, smirking. He clapped his hands a few times, staring down at his eldest fledgling.
"You made it here, and you've tapped into your shadow magic. I'm quite impressed."
The words were coated in ice, leaving Yuugi to wonder what his sire was planning. His eyes widened, gazing at the man intently.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Don't play dumb, Yuugi. I know about your millennium puzzle and the shadow magic you possess from solving it."
Yuugi cursed under his breath, refraining from his defensive position. He stood still, arms at his sides.
"What does it matter to you, Seto? It's not even important! I'm only here to get Yami."
Seto smirked, arms crossed at his chest. He shook his head, laughing despite the tension in the air.
"Your puzzle and your shadow magic are the reason for everything, Yuugi. Have you ever wondered why I chose you out of millions to be my fledgling eleven years ago?"
Yuugi didn't move. He merely blinked, a glint of annoyance flashing through his eyes.
"Because I defeated you in a game of chess. You wanted to keep me around to defeat me. You wouldn't have been able to do so since I was practically on my death bed."
"You're wrong. You obviously have no idea of your value. You, the puzzle, and the power that lies dormant within your body make you worth more than a priceless jewel."
"……"
Yuugi merely stared dumbfounded, gazing at his creator in angered confusion. He vaguely noticed a shadow standing off to the side, eyes piercing through the bar's darkness. The being studied the notions of the vampires with curiosity. A low growl echoed through the small building, alerting Yuugi of its presence.
"What the hell?"
Seto grinned in an evil-manner, motioning towards the shadowed figure as Yuugi stood, observing the scene with little fear.
Thudded footsteps echoed across the tiled floor, a set of crimson eyes bore deeply into Yuugi's own crimson. A mop of shaggy blond hair framed the person's face, showing off who the person was with ease.
Yuugi's eyes widened, taking in the form of his lover's best friend. The usually upbeat blond stood, growling low in his throat. His normally warm and vibrant chocolate eyes glittered in the weak light of the bar, a startling crimson. Once tan skin now glowed pale white.
"You turned him?! Why the hell did you do that?!"
Seto's grin grew larger. He rested his hand on top of the blond's shoulder.
"Yes, I did. Why? Because I have the power to do just that. Jou is a valuable source of friendship and he has always been loyal to me. Besides… He will help me gain what I want."
Yuugi blinked the gears in his head turning. He began to understand what the man wanted, causing a growl to rumble deep within his throat.
"You want to kill Yami. By doing so, you will have to kill me first."
"That's where you are wrong, Yuugi."
Crimson eyes narrowed, confusion settling in.
"What are your intentions?"
Seto shook his head, gesturing towards Yuugi's puzzle.
Looking down, Yuugi noticed where the elder's attention was drawn.
"What does my puzzle have to do with this?"
"Everything, Yuugi. Your power, Yami, and even you… All three of these components make my greed grow. You and Yami must live for what I want."
Realization struck.
Yuugi gasped, realizing the truth behind his sire's intentions.
"You want to turn him in order to gain control of him for the power."
"Precisely."
Yuugi cursed, angered over his lack of knowledge. The puzzle was important, this he knew. However, knowing that his lover was also related to this mess made his insides boil. What role of this situation did Yami fall under?
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Mahad groaned, his body growing weak. Forcing himself on the diet of animal blood wasn't easy. He could not bring himself to kill a human being. He could not stand being a vampire in the first place. Drawing in a shaky breath, the Egyptian vampire turned his attention upon the limp form of Yami.
The human had lost consciousness not long before the voices echoed through his bar's building. He shook his head, wondering if the teen would survive. The scent of blood wafted through the air… Yami's gash on the head caused blood to pool… The intoxicating scent drove Mahad wild. His vampiric instincts burst to life, fangs lengthening and eyes turning a vivid crimson. His attention was divided in half. One half maintaining control and the other on the problem at hand.
He knew Yuugi was in the building. The scent of his friend was apparent. However, another scent confused him. He knew Seto was around, but another mingled with the other two.
'Who the hell is the other person in the building?' He thought, pulling himself off the ground. He left the patch of light, concern growing quickly. He carefully picked the unconscious teen up, leaning his body against the wall.
Carefully he checked Yami's injuries, worriedly. The gash in his head was rather deep, blood caking in his overly spiky tresses.
Sighing regretfully, Mahad sat next to the comatose body, fighting the need to drink from the human. He hated being weak. He was forced to be in the darkness with the teen, unable to do anything other than protect him.
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Jou and Yuugi stared at one another. Neither made any movement. The battle was beginning to brew as the newest fledgling studied Yuugi's small body, waiting for any sign of movement.
The blond held little concern over the situation physically. Mentally, he fought tooth and nail for freedom. He did not want to interfere with Yuugi and Yami's safety. Hell, hurting his best friend was not an option. Sadly, with Seto's control over his actions, he couldn't do anything.
While with Yuugi, the vampire simply gazed up at his creator, eyes narrowed. His fangs lengthened, hair standing on end as the puzzle glowed faintly around his neck. He felt his body succumb to filtering shadow magic of his item. Anger fueled the rage inside his heart.
"Where are Yami and Mahad? Tell me now before I rip you and your newest fledgling from limb-to-limb."
Seto rolled his eyes at the threat, knowing it was empty in use. Yuugi hated violence, always had.
"You wouldn't intentionally harm me, Yuugi. I know you. As for your friends… They're in this building. If you can manage to get to Yami and Mahad, then we'll see how things occur." He paused, smirking. "Besides, killing me wouldn't help. There are others out there who wish to hold your power."
At that very moment, Yuugi growled, his senses running wild. He took a breath, which was rare for him during conversation with his creator. His eyes widened, senses of vampiric nature taking form. His puzzle fought to contain the strength of his instincts. Although, the battle seemed futile as Yuugi fell to his knees, fangs dripping in saliva.
Jou was almost in the same state of pain as blood lust took over. He hadn't fed yet and was slowly losing his sanity. All the while, Seto watched, taking in the scene with ease.
He knew Yami's blood was spilling once again from his wound. The smell of Yami's split blood drove Yuugi's mind and body wild. The blood sang to his soul, causing the vampire to lash out, and his instincts taking full control.
Yuugi growled, using his sense of smell to locate his lover with ease. He dodged Jou's pressing form, dashing away from the booths he had been standing near. Jou's quick movements matched his own. Yuugi dodged a fist to the face, jumping onto the bar top in lightening speed.
He knocked off countless bottles of liquor, glasses breaking on impact with his body. Jou chased him, jumping after him.
Yuugi jumped down from the counter, finding a gash on his side. He growled as pain shook through his small form. The puzzle continued to shine brightly, Yuugi's power growing as the rage built upon his anger.
He landed on the ground, running across the tiled floor. He glared at Seto, noticing the knowing smirk on his face. The brunet knew Yuugi would not last long from the state of his eye color. Yuugi had not fed in weeks… Exhaustion would eventually take its toll.
Yuugi leapt around, eyes falling upon a door behind the bar. He sniffed the air, finding Yami and Mahad's scent flitting from there. A smirk crossed his features as he pushed Jou out of the way, sending him hurdling into a wall.
With this single chance, Yuugi busted the door open, barreling into the room. He sought through the darkness finding his friend and lover.
Mahad's eyes widened, taking in Yuugi's entrance. He stood weakly, smiling at his old friend.
"Yuugi… You must save him… I do not think he will make it."
Yuugi's anger lessened at the sight of his unconscious beloved. His dead heart melted, worry setting in.
"What happened?"
Mahad frowned, explaining the incident.
"He's been out for a while. He has a deep head wound that will not bleeding." Mahad paused and spoke softly. "His blood will not clot…."
"What?!"
Mahad stood up, wobbling slightly. He started to walk off,
"Yuugi I will keep Seto and his newest creation busy. You need to turn Yami. I do not think he will survive."
Turning Yami? The mere thought sent fear coursing through his small body. Yami did not deserve to suffer such a fate. He needed to live the life of a human as he was meant to. Turning him was out of the question.
"Yuugi do not fight this. Would you rather suffer the loss of your love for all eternity or would you rather be happy and finally enjoy this life?"
Mahad ran out of the room with what little strength he still had, keeping the duo at bay.
Yuugi began to weigh options. By turning Yami he would be condemning his lover to a hellish existence spent on drinking blood and living forever with blood lust. Yet, on the other hand, Yami would finally be with him forever and would not have the fear of Yuugi on edge of killing him.
Yami was the only reason he continued to live. Losing that stubborn love of his, would not suffice.
Biting back his regret, Yuugi squatted down, brushing his fingers through Yami's unruly hair. He brushed back the messy hair, exposing the elegant neck of his lover. Yuugi placed a kiss on the exposed flesh.
"I'm sorry."
His fangs lengthened, piercing the supple flesh. He began to drain Yami's body, taking in the blood. His eyes rolled back into his head. The taste was intoxicating and sweet. Yami's blood was his ambrosia of the gods. Yuugi forced himself to pull away, blood dripping from his fangs.
His eyes regained their usual amethyst color with the blood flowing through his undead body. Using his fangs, Yuugi pierced the skin of his pale wrist, forcing the blood into his lover's mouth. He willed it down his throat, watching with a pained frown as Yami's body began to convulse in pain.
The change was beginning and Yuugi could do little other than watch with sad eyes as the love of his life suffered the loss of his humanity. He watched for a few moments, attention slipping from the pained body, to that of the now broken door. His eyes met those of cobalt as Seto entered the room, glaring at him.
"You ruined my plans. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean I cannot still take the prize, Yuugi. Jou is close to killing your friend out there. Mahad will never walk this earth again."
The timing was bad. Yuugi's concentration was divided between Yami and Seto. His worry for Yami's safety was gone as Seto had no way of getting to him. Yet, he knew that he could not save himself from his creator alone. The vampire was more than enough of a fight for two people.
Yuugi took a deep breath, pulling himself from the ground. He crossed his arms, defiant amethyst eyes meeting those of cobalt.
"Let's end this, Seto. You no longer have any way of controlling me. I will end this once and for all with my own magic."
The puzzle glowed brightly around his neck, a scream erupting from his throat as it began to shake, light filling the room. Yuugi's eyes closed, the eye of Ra glowing brightly on his forehead.
Seto watched in horror as the item glowed brightly. He knew never to mess with the item's magic. In the end, it would be his downfall.
Light flooded through the room, encasing Yuugi's body and surprisingly enough, Yami's own. Yuugi screamed once again, the light dying moments later. Yuugi stood there, eye glowing on his forehead. He opened his now violet-crimson eyes, a sense of magic hovering through the air. A confident smirk graced Yuugi's face as he stepped forward, right hand drawn out in front of Seto's still form.
"For all the pain you have caused on myself and Yami you have defiled our souls. You are unworthy as the depths of hell. The darkness that encompasses your soul has grown. For that you shall suffer a penalty game!"
Yuugi lifted his extended hand higher into the air, screaming at the top of his lungs.
"Penalty Game, MIND CRUSH!"
The words left his lips, eyes closing moments later. Yuugi's small body collapsed onto the ground next to Yami.
Seto's screams echoed through the bar, matching those of Yami's. He collapsed onto his knees, hands holding onto his head in pain.
Everything was black in his vision, mind weary. Nothing made sense. He did the only thing he knew of; he succumbed to the inviting darkness.
The only sounds in the bar were those of Yami's pain-filled screams.
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One chapter left…