Spiritual Guidance

by SublimeEspoir

What happens when you put together a puzzle and fall in love with someone who no one else can see? You can't exactly ask him out. Does it mean your relationship isn't even real? And what happens when they like Yami No Games a little bit too much? YY x Y

7. Rescuing 'Anzu Chan'

Disclaimer: I in no way, living or dead, own Yu-Gi-Oh! Or any of the characters, situations, places, or scenarios contained therein. That honour belongs to Kazuki Takahashi and he would probably be very upset if he ever read this perversion of all his innocent ideas. Well, not quite so innocent until that silly studio got their claws into it. Damn you, 4kids, tainting the evil soul at the heart of the original Yami-no Games…

This charming chapter is dedicated to cousin Emma, who secretly loves Yaoi, and of course Yami too.

To all my 'loyal fans,' if you're still reading this garbage…

Ok, so, no, I have not forgotten you all, or this fanfic. I have just been very bad about updating. So I apologise with all my corrupt, evil little soul. My excuse is that I was going to update, but I had to go on holiday (lame lame lame, I know), and it just wasn't ready… you know how it is. Then I spent all holiday feeling really impatient and cackling sadistically about my sadistic plans and how I'm going to make all the characters suffer. I feel really bad too, because I've had so many wonderful reviews for chapter 6 (the most ever: please keep them coming despite my poor payback!) and just left it all unsettled. And you were all really supportive despite the fact that my story is developing really slowly. Well, given my update speed. It wouldn't be so slow if I didn't take so very long writing. However, fear not, I shall finish this, even if it takes another hundred years.

Oh, and this chapter is extra looong. Hope you like it…

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Otogi sat that Monday lunchtime in a Buddhist stance of blissed out contemplation. He was studiously ignoring the gathering of simpering girls that had come to shadow him as per their habit, and was instead focusing solely on the one and only question, the now focus of his life, that he had been mulling over for almost a week now.

The question of how to get Anzu creaming over Yuugi, to put it bluntly in Otogi speak.

He'd had an almost perfect idea. This being in Otogi land, where perfect ideas were like Dungeon Dice Monsters. Dungeon Dice Monsters being the most lucid, and lucrative idea to date. (Perhaps not so promising if you lived in the real world, but hey).

Actually, it was more Jonouchi's idea, really. Otogi liked to credit it to him.

Jonouchi had said that Yuugi had seemed completely different the night when he had stood up to Ushio. Jonouchi claimed he'd changed from the normal wussy Yuugi, who Jonouchi could never be caught dead associating with in a million years, into some sort of vengeful God. It had given the tall blonde shivers. A rare occurrence given the number of fights that Jonouchi had taken part in and consequently turned into legend.

That, apparently, was the reason why Jonouchi had decided to give Yuugi a chance to join the gang… that and the fact that he'd stood up for him despite everything. After all, Otogi had begun to think that Jonouchi had been smashed in the head, the way he was running a fucking charity. But still.

Jonouchi hadn't seen everything that Yuugi had done to Ushio, as he'd eventually succumbed to the beating he'd suffered and passed out, but he'd seen enough to pique his and Otogi's interest alike. Jonouchi had seen without doubt the way that Yuugi's face had changed, the way he'd seemed to gain height, and then heard that voice, cold yet sensual, so much like Yuugi's and yet again so much not. Then, as if he'd needed any confirmation that little Yuugi-kun had been holding out on him, he'd seen Ushio the next day. That had cinched it. Now Jonouchi wanted Otogi to push Yuugi until he became the person he'd seen a mere glimpse of that night. Just so he could believe what his senses had told him. So he could know it wasn't a dream. Otogi wanted to push it further. Get the split personality, or whatever the fuck it was, to turn into the main 'all the time Yuugi.' That pushing started with getting him a date with Anzu Mazaki. He would do it by sending Yuugi over the edge. It was well known to anyone with even a shadow of Otogi's skill with the ladies that Anzu couldn't resist aloof bastards.

And he couldn't help being curious about things like this. It was like a social experiment, and social experiments were in his nature. It was also imperative to his plan that he got Yuugi to act like the avenging hero if Anzu was ever going to fall for him, which, quite frankly, was the whole point of the challenge. Anzu was never going to fall for the weak, pathetic little Yuugi who currently induced the Florence Nightingale complex, not the Anzu, 'fuck me hard and break my heart' complex, except in Otogi's mind Yuugi was too pathetic even for that to work as a pulling technique. But, Otogi was going to get her to fall for the weak side of Yuugi who cried when he forgot his pen for class too. That was the end goal. He just needed to use the cool side of the little shrimp's schizophrenia to get Anzu hooked first.

This was a matter of pride. Otogi's pride.

If it was as Jonouchi claimed, and that Yuugi did have some kind of sexy split personality, one that would definitely appeal to a girl like Anzu, plan A could proceed.

Anzu: the girl who clearly got turned on by unreachable, cold, Seto Kaibasorts, would love someone like the Yuugi who had completely mind-crushed Ushio. Ooh yes, Otogi knew all about that one. Too bad Kaiba was the sort of fucker who had a stick wedged up his arse so far he had never once considered it. After all, that Anzu chic wasn't half bad, now that he got round thinking about it. Maybe Otogi could even give her a once over after this whole business was done…

He smirked inwardly.

Hmm, now all we need is to get little Yuugi to turn that attitude on for Anzu… Hmm indeed…

He finally stirred and looked up as Jonouchi came over and raised an eyebrow at him.

'What's up man?' It was Jonouchi who started the conversation. Otogi blinked in slow motion and smirked upwards lazily.

'Oh,' he replied easily, 'I was just thinking about our little friend Yuugi.'

'Had an idea how to get it on for 'im with Anzu, then, huh, bud? You're a genius when it comes to relationships. Always said it, always will, mate.'

'Yeah… I was thinking… you like totally sure he comes over all… the cold hero? I mean, really… 'cause I just don't see it so much myself.' Otogi was testing Jonouchi about this one for probably the thousandth time, and each time, Jonouchi got less sure of himself. Especially as with each passing hour the incident with Ushio became older.

'Er, yeah, well pretty sure. At least he did that time.' Jonouchi scuffed his feet slightly and looked awkward. If Otogi hadn't have know better he would have suspected that Jonouchi was growing a conscience about Yuugi, 'Hey, Devlin, listen, don't do anything, too… dodgy, yeah? Like, don't get him beat up again or anything. I don't like that.' Otogi spread his arms wide and smiled innocently back at him.

'Would I ever?'

'Uh - yeah, yeah you would.'

'Well, whatever, I won't.' The duke answered shortly, 'Now listen. I need to know just one more thing. Does Anzu definitely still have an illegal job up at that disgusting new burger bar or wherever?'

'Otogi! I can't believe you still have this stupid thing against burgers!'

'I'm a vegan for fuck's sake! Of course I hate burgers. Just answer the damned question dude.'

'Uh…Yea, yeah, she does.' Jonouchi scowled at him and shoved his hands in his pockets sulkily, 'Sheesh. Remind me not ter ever spend time with ya when you're plottin' things again.'

'Ok, right, good.' Otogi ignored Jonouchi's reaction: he didn't have time for this right now, not when the Anzu plan was so close to completion. 'Now please, get Yuugi to go to that burger bar after school tonight somehow…'

Jonouchi grunted his assent mulishly.

'And sorry man, just couldn't help it,' Otogi eventually sighed back, running a stressed hand through his long black locks, 'after all, you were being a turd.'

Honda had taken that moment to wander over, and it seemed he'd only caught the end of the last comment. He glared over at Otogi menacingly, cracking his knuckles.

'Why you callin' Jonouchi a turd?'

'Because he is one, why d'you think, brains?'

'Hey! As a member of the beautification committee for this school, I can have you taken down for that, Duke or no Duke!'

Otogi raised an eyebrow and snickered lightly, 'I'd like to see you try.' Honda looked like he was going to spontaneously combust.

'You get here now and say that again, punk,' he scowled, raising his fists confrontationally. Otogi responded elegantly to the physical challenge, sliding off the desk he'd been sitting on, in a way that might remind the onlooker of a slinky black cat, and dusting invisible flecks off his tight black jeans with a masculine affection, much to his surrounding fan girls' delight. Every time a muscle flexed beneath Otogi's all too-tight trousers, indrawn gasps of breath were more than audible. The Duke knew how to work an audience. There came a chorus of faint squeals as Otogi squared off facing Honda and got into a loose martial-arts stance, giving the 'come get me' signal nonchalantly using two tanned fingers. Throughout the performance Honda's face had turned steadily very red. He seemed to resent the attention Otogi was receiving for his display more than the fact that he'd been insulting his friend. With a feral yell he launched himself across the space between them in a bull headed attack at the offending Duke.

Jonouchi, deciding things had gone far enough, leapt up and stepped between them.

'Alright, alright, dammit! Just cool down.' He yelled in frustration, 'For a start, I'm the only one allowed to fight with Honda, and for another thing, Otogi didn't mean it, so jus' quit it.'

Honda looked down, slightly ashamed about the squabble, and the Duke smirked and flicked his fringe back, listening with his head cocked to the faint sighs he was rewarded with, before reinstating himself on top of the table. Jonouchi frowned, as if struck by a sudden thought.

'Hey… hang on a minute… where's Yuug?'

'Dunno, he didn't look too well today to be honest. His eyes were all glazed over in English… didn't you see?' Otogi answered.

'Well, yeah, but I just assumed… English… ya know…' Jonouchi shrugged, 'Makes my eyes glaze over every time.'

'Yeah, but you're not a swot like little Yuugi-kun, now, are you?' Otogi growled back frustrated, 'I swear, he looks like he's had an argument with someone, though the Gods know who. I'd say his girlfriend, 'cept he hasn't got one. Maybe he and his Granddad had some sorta bust up. Maybe a relative DIED.'

'Maybe…'

'Oh, don't be so morbid. I was just saying… He's probably got the wrong gym shorts or something. You know what he's like.'

'I think he may have said something' bout goin' to the bathroom actually,' Honda remembered, 'maybe we should go check he's alright.'

It was true that Yuugi was currently residing in the boy's toilets, splashing his face with cold water for the umpteenth time. It was a vain attempt at revival, and it wasn't working. He'd already taken two aspirins too many in a vain attempt to get rid of his throbbing headache. And he couldn't for the life of him understand what was wrong. Well, he knew where the headache had come from - he hadn't had a wink of sleep all night, and all he could do was keep going over the way Yami had shut him out of the soul rooms in that abrupt and frigid fashion. What he couldn't understand was why Yami could - well - fuck him up so completely and utterly. Si vous pardonnez l'expression.

What, just what was it he had done wrong? And why had Yami's reaction to it all upset him so much anyway? He was used to getting beaten up, and this, this was nothing. A few cold words shouldn't be enough to cause a completely sleepless night. I mean, he got that from bullies all the time.

For all Yuugi knew Yami was some sort of strange psychopath who was simply biding his time for the opportune moment in which to kill him. So why should it matter so much if Yami was acting weirdly around him? He somehow really didn't get the impression that Yami wanted to hurt him though. For all of Yami's dangerous, dark aura, Yuugi felt strangely safe around him. It was like the aura was built to shield Yuugi instead of harm him. And with the feeling came the odd certainty that Yami would destroy anyone who tried to get at him. Yuugi physically attempted to shrug the thoughts off. After all, they couldn't help him right now. Yami was still pissed. Si vous pouvez pardonner l'expression encore une fois…

Why am I swearing all the time now… is it you, Yami, have you done this to me?

'Yami, Yami… why?' he whispered softly, reaching out to touch his own haunted reflection in the cracked mirror above the taps. There were deep shadows beneath his eyes, which he traced with a trembling finger. He wasn't happy about them. Nor was he happy about the way in which his usually alabaster skin was at present more similar in colour to that of paper white. The death look had never been good for Yuugi. People noticed, and he hated that. He let out a soft sigh to add to the countless many he had made before. He seemed to be doing it more and more often these days.

'Hey, who's Yami, eh Yuug?'

'Yaaaaah!' Yuugi started at the sudden apparition of Jonouchi standing behind him in the mirror, and also, further back, a grinning Otogi and an inquisitive looking Honda. His cheeks at once flooded with colour. He hadn't noticed their approach at all, and what was worse, they had caught him muttering about Yami.

Oh ye Gods, no, Oh Gods no…

'Uh- uh- uh… I, that is to say, he…' Yuugi's stutter was back full force.

'Oh?' Otogi raised his eyebrows as Jonouchi lowered his in concern.

'He's not another bully you 'aven't told us 'bout, is he, Yuug?' Jonouchi demanded, seemingly fearing the worst. Otogi on the other hand had narrowed his eyes, and was staring Yuugi down intently. Yuugi really did not like the way Duke Devlin was looking at him. It was like he… suspected…

'N-No… he's just… someone I k-know a-and we had a fight and well…'

'What?!' Jonouchi exclaimed, ' Just tell me where to find him, and I'll come over to give him a piece o' my mind, Yuug! No one has the right ter beat ya up!' Otogi rolled his eyes and Honda goggled at Jonouchi behind his back.

Yuugi couldn't help giving a small ironic smile at that one. Honda was still shooting Jonouchi disturbed looks. He was acting completely out of character.

Demo… as if Jonouchi could find Yami… much less beat him up! And if only he had heard himself a few weeks before… then HE was the one doing the beating up!

'No, Jonouchi… Not that kind of fight. It was just an argument. Not even that. It upset me a little that's all.'

'And who would Yami be to you, Yuugi?' Otogi questioned closely. Yuugi didn't like the way those green cat-eyes were gleaming.

'He, uh, he's just… uh… a distant relative that I met recently for the first time… and we don't really understand each other so much. That's all. Really. Honestly.'

'Hmm…' Was all Otogi said, but he let it slide. Jonouchi and Honda didn't seem to have noticed anything untoward. They made their way back to classroom together, slowly, a comfortable silence enveloping the group.

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Meanwhile, down in a special part of the city the people of Domino prefer not to talk about…

'Officer, you do realise that you have caused Domino city jail severe embarrassment with your show of incompetence whilst dealing with prisoner 777, don't you? You are facing serious disciplinary action for the negligence suffered on your post.'

The young man in uniform stood before his superiors and shivered, icy sweat running down his face, in well, buckets. More than his job was on the line here if he came out badly.

'H-h-he just d-d-disappeared… I looked round and-'

'Sir, we haven't had a single jailbreak in over 40 years, and you expect me to believe that this half-baked prisoner is entirely to blame, and that he has received no outside help at all?' The tone was harsh and the unfortunate officer winced, shrinking down further at the accusation. Nevertheless, his answer was righteously indignant.

'W-What are you suggesting, sir? T-t-that I just let him escape… or worse, helped him?! It's not true! And you know it. I have been a loyal officer to this gaol for over 24 years now. T-That man is a master at disguise a-and confusion. I d-did my best to do my d-duty under very difficult circumstances and now I'm being penalised for having m-met m-my match. I am sorry if my efforts were not good enough for this establishment, but even so, that d-does not m-make me a turncoat!'

'Well. It's too bad he's not a master at hiding his tracks then, along with everything else. He's left a trail of stolen valuables, along with a fake Marie Antoinette necklace, along the way. The media are in a frenzy, whipping up public hysteria in the whole of Domino and further afield. We hold you responsible for our embarrassment. Give us one good reason why we shouldn't organise a full court enquiry concerning your conduct?'

'P-p-please… I told you…'

'Well, you're surprisingly lucky, one could say you lead a charmed life; as it happens, we are very close to apprehending this criminal due to his rusty, inept manner at conducting and concealing himself. If he is indeed taken in by the end of the week, we should be able to look more kindly on you in your incompetence. I suggest that you pray hard to every God you know that he is brought in swiftly. Perhaps you should also make an outside contribution to the acquisition of information.'

'Y-y-yes, sir.'

'You are dismissed - for now.'

'Thank you, sir.'

'Oh and officer…'

'Y-yes, sir?'

'Do something about that ridiculous stutter before our next meeting. Comprende?'

'V-very good sir.'

The unfortunate man somehow managed to leave the room without passing out, but with his nerves completely frazzled. He just hoped with all his heart that 'Tetsu the hedgehog' wasn't going to cause any serious damage before he was taken down.

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Drrriiiiing!

'Ahhh…' Jonouchi stretched contentedly,' It's finally over. School is so dull…' He glanced over towards Yuugi who was looking flustered, hastily shoving his things away in his oversized backpack. Otogi gave the blonde a shove with his elbow and glanced meaningfully towards Yuugi's bent over back.

'I don't care how,' he hissed intimately in his ear, 'Just sort it. Five o'clock. No later.'

Jonouchi didn't need telling twice - he knew how to take a hint. He meandered up to Yuugi and handed him a book before beginning his assault. Out of the corner of his eye he could make out Otogi slipping out of the room.

Miserable bastard, giving me the grunt work and then buggering off...

'Hey, Yuug… Wanna go get something to eat on the way home?'

'Yeah! That sounds good,' Yuugi answered, perking up a little and peering over his obscenely stuffed, yet finally fully packed bag. Jonouchi couldn't understand it. He just left all his stuff in his desk all year round. Then again, he did have a knack for not doing his homework.

'How about the new Burger World that opened?' Yuugi sounded animated for the first time that day, 'Everyone says that their burgers are great!'

Jonouchi eyes widened in shock and delight. This was too easy.

'You really like burgers, don't you?'

'Yup!' Yuugi laughed back, dodging Jonouchi's hand as he attempted to ruffle the infamous tri-coloured crown of hair.

'Awright! Burger World it is!'

'Yay!' Yuugi yelled punching the air and leaping up, swinging his rucksack in a fit of high spirits. Jonouchi couldn't help but wonder how the poor boy could even lift such a weight in the first place.

Heh, must be tougher than he looks… man I sure hope so… whatever Otogi's got planned… sure to be, if not fatal, at least life threatening. I've seen that look in his eye before. Should never have let the maniac loose… what was I thinking?

Another, less familiar, lingering presence made itself apparent, intruding on the conversation.

'Ah… Um… Yuugi…. About that burger world…' Anzu seemed to have been listening in on their conversation and her voice was hesitant.

'Are you coming too, Anzu?!' Yuugi asked. His heart fluttered strangely. He couldn't believe he'd dared to ask her that. Yet somehow, right now, he felt like he was confident enough to do anything, including trying to get Anzu to date him - especially if a certain, stupid spirit was watching. Yami had to learn that he didn't own Yuugi… after all; maybe he was jealous that Yuugi had other friends? Or was that what Yuugi hoped it might be?

Got to stop thinking about that psycho… that extremely tight leather, PVC wearing psycho… Oh Curses!

'NO WAY!' Anzu was yelling in response to the outing. Yuugi felt his heart stop fluttering and instead clutch with horror, 'I've heard that place is terrible! Really! People started getting sick there the day they opened and everything…. You absolutely can't go there!'

'Huh… really?' Yuugi started to breathe again, surprised but also extremely relieved that the turn down wasn't because his company was so very awful, 'I guess we won't then.' Relieved Anzu didn't think him repulsive.

But that was because he liked being popular. Not because he liked Anzu… right? After all… that heart thing… he'd always been attracted to guys… Always, always.

Yuugi's downcast mood suddenly returned to him full force as the repercussions of not going out that evening hit him. The thought of going home to an eerily silent bedroom; one completely devoid of a certain spirit's now oddly familiar strange speeches, was not pleasant. Not pleasant at all. The air just seemed frosty, despite the absence of a certain someone. Often, Yuugi suspected that he was being watched and that Yami was there, glaring at him without allowing himself to be seen. It made him angry, because not only was he powerless to do anything about it, but he wasn't even sure whether or not he was imagining it.

Yuugi guessed he'd have to go and watch TV or help in the shop or something, to take his mind off it. Or he could…

'I know! Then let's go to the calorie burger in front of the station!' Yuugi piped up. Why should he be shat on just because the original idea was flawed? Yuugi had no time for moody spirits.

'Sorry!' And she sounded it too, but Yuugi couldn't help but fear the worst.

It's because of me, isn't it? You really do think I'm lame. I think I'm going to go and kill myself.

'I have chores to do today. And anyway… There's an escaped convict running around. We have to go straight home! Didn't you hear the teacher?'

'Ack! That's right! The jail-break! I forgot!' Yuugi's panic about the convict over shadowed his self-pity in an instant. And he started biting his nails, thinking that going home might not be such a bad idea after all. The newsreaders were being really serious about the terrible risk to public safety.

Jonouchi had looked very unimpressed throughout this exchange. He was even more unimpressed that Otogi had disappeared rather than stayed to back him up. After all, he would run into trouble getting Yuugi to do a simple thing like go to a specific burger bar, wouldn't he? It was just typical.

'What? Are you scared, Yuug, man? You have no guts! None at all.' Jonouchi crossed his arms and scowled disapprovingly.

'But he has a GUN! A GUN! Jonouchi!' Yuugi was acting like a child again.

Anzu giggled at Yuugi's antics, relaxing as she felt secure that she had achieved her aims and slinking towards the door softly. She was going to be late…

'Later then!' She burbled hurriedly, before taking the fastest route out of the school. When she got out to the streets with the public she let a sigh of relief… 'that was close…' She murmured softly to herself and started making her way towards Burger World.

Jonouchi decided the time had come for desperate measures.

'Yuugi… Hasn't Anzu been acting strange lately?' Yuugi made a face.

'Now that you mention it, she hasn't walked home with us or Ribbon recently, and she always comes our way…'

'Mmm,' Jonouchi agreed, 'and if my suspicions are correct, I think Anzu's doing "escort service" after school…'

'Huh?!' Yuugi's expression was merely curious, not what Jonouchi had been expecting for a reaction. The next question explained why. '"Escort service?!" What, uh, what is that?'

'You know… Going on dates with rich old men! Then having sex with 'em for money if they ask. Damn, how old are you again Yuug? Haven't they taught ya the facts of life yet?' Yuugi's face was moving through shades of peony, ochre and crimson as the realisation of Jonouchi's words hit him, but the taller boy simply carried on, 'Some of the more slutty girls from the other classes do it for spending money… pays well you know… Guys do it too, but I-'

'JONOUCHI! ANZU ISN'T THAT KIND OF GIRL!' Yuugi managed to splutter, his face burning even hotter. In fact, the whole of him felt strangely hot, and he couldn't understand it. Did he, did he, really have some feeling for Anzu, or had he just convinced himself that he had? It made his still painful head begin to throb more terribly again. What with the whole strange Yami thing, his life was getting way complicated, way too fast. He really should not be attracted to Yami at all. Anzu was a much better option. A much safer, much more advantageous option. Sexuality could be changed, right? This was good.

Feelings for Anzu Good, Yuugi, Remember that, Remember that…

'Whoa Ho!' Jonouchi was delighted that he had finally got a rise out of Yuugi, 'What's your problem? Your face is really red! Could it be… you feeling insecure about…?!

'THAT'S NOT IT!'

Jonouchi snickered as they sauntered out of the building, but kept close tabs on his smaller partner.

'Hey, we're gonna tail Anzu, right?' Yuugi suddenly found that he had been collared with no choice but to allow Jonouchi to drag him after Anzu's distant figure, which was disappearing around a corner heading in completely the opposite direction to the Kame Game Shop.

I really don't want to do this…

'Oh, oh, look Yuug, she's wandering towards the red light district!' Yuugi let out a small, sick little groan at that statement and as if she had heard it, Anzu glanced back behind her. Jonouchi grabbed a frozen Yuugi by the collar once more and shoved him behind a dumpster, diving headfirst after, as if he was doing an action sequence for some Hollywood film. The action was overly flamboyant, as if he was playing up to a role, and he was only just in time.

'Whoops! That was so close,' he muttered, 'But this intrepid reporter will continue to follow "The Illicit Activities Of A High School Girl!"'

'Jonouchi, that sounds like one of your silly American movies!' Yuugi snorted in disgust.

'Shhhh!' Jonouchi put a hand over Yuugi's mouth to silence his protests before once again dragging the poor boy along by a now very dishevelled shirt collar in order to stalk Anzu. It seemed a lifetime ambition of the blonde's, but Yuugi really did NOT want to see Anzu with a perverted old man. Unfortunately, he had more pressing matters to worry about, like his current lack of oxygen.

'Jonouchi,' he choked out, 'you could, just, let go… I can walk myself.' Jonouchi chose to completely ignore him and continue on with his commentary. Yuugi began to see black spots swimming behind his eyelids.

'"Anzu has just entered a building! Is that where her sugar daddy is waiting?" Hey wait a-'

Jonouchi fortunately dropped the collar and raised an eyebrow at Yuugi who had collapsed on the ground coughing in lungfuls of air.

'Burger World.'

'Why…?' Yuugi managed say eventually, when he had regained enough air to speak. He stared up at Jonouchi who had pursed his lips to hide a sardonic smile, and he shrugged innocently back.

Yuugi fell for it, and it wasn't long before Jonouchi managed to actually coax him toward the sliding doors of the building. Anzu greeted them, as Otogi had planned that she would.

'Hello! Welcome to Burger World! Let me show you to … your… seats…' Anzu's voice trailed off in shock as she realised who she was addressing.

Yuugi gulped in terror at the thunderous expression on her face. She looked appalled. He had a very bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. Girls should not look that angry. For the longest time the two parties stood there looking at each other without moving. Jonouchi was seriously hoping that Otogi made this venture worth it to him - Anzu's expression was more than scary. Yuugi was feeling his insides shrivel at the way Anzu's eyes were staring him down. Anzu was in terror for her job and the fact that she was going to get in more trouble than she could handle for trying to earn a bit of cash to finance her dancing aspirations - people got expelled for less. How else was she ever going to get to America without it? Jonouchi was sure to tell and ruin all her chances. Jonouchi was the biggest blabbermouth in the school!

Anzu showed them in with a plastic smile and glassy eyes. She led them to a table in a corner and went to fetch the burgers Yuugi half-heartedly ordered from the laminated menu. Yuugi sat there awkwardly, completely out of his depth. Waiting. Jonouchi lounged moodily across the entire four-person sofa opposite.

'Jonouchi, we shouldn't have come here… Anzu's mad….' Yuugi's voice tailed off miserably. Jonouchi just grinned.

Excellent. I've done my bit. Lets see you work your magic now… Otogi-san.

Yuugi's thoughts had now taken a different, and for him, slightly alarming route.

But… She looked cute in that costume…

Anzu returned before the thoughts could mutate into anything more sinister.

'PLEASE ENJOY OUR BURGERS WITH PLENTY OF OUR FAMOUS KETCHUP!' Anzu's voice was far too loud as she used the squeezy tube to draw threatening Kanji across what would have been a tasty junk meal.

'Anzu…' Yuugi moaned softly.

The letters read: Tell and you die! Jonouchi looked like he was a bit worried too. Anzu made a 'humph' noise and began to stomp off, her toned legs causing the skirt to flutter seductively over her derrière as she made her retreat.

'Hey Anzu, cool it!' Jonouchi yelled after her in an attempt to make peace. She turned round and smiled sadly.

'Well… Now that you know I'm working here… I have nothing else to hide. I'm saving up my money! I'm going to America when I graduate!' She smiled her face softening at their shocked expressions. 'I'm going to study dance in New York! It's my dream. Don't you dare laugh!'

'W…W….We would never laugh! Right?' Yuugi turned to Jonouchi for confirmation, 'Right, Jonouchi?'

'Right.' Jonouchi answered calmly, then he winked. 'Don't worry, Anzu! We won't tell on you! I'll eat 10,000 of these burgers if I tell!' Then he paused, adding almost ruefully, 'But this restaurant makes you pay for hamburgers drowned in ketchup?! This stuff's nasty!'

Anzu's smile spread in relief.

'Don't worry! Those are on me.' She wandered off to serve other customers.

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'K, so, you understand what I want you to do, right? What I'm paying you to do.' A boy with raven hair and cat like eyes of an intense emerald colour was standing opposite a dishevelled looking man with bleached blonde hair and what looked like several years worth of stubble.

'Uh, yeah. But. Jus' so's you know. I think you're insane.' The former ignored the comment.

'Good. We have an understanding then.'

'Yeah. But I swear. This goes wrong. You help me get out again, or I swear, I come looking for you… this life or the next. Whichever. I swear. You'll have it on your head.'

'Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get it, 'you swear.' I'll get you out. Right, here's the arrangement. Half now. Half when the job is done to my satisfaction.' The dishevelled man leered at the other, baring yellowing teeth, clearly a symptom of a heavy nicotine addiction.

'You know how to play, don't you, cat?'

'Yeah, I do,' the 'cat' wrinkled his nose in distaste at the smell his companion was emitting in his filthy state. 'Hey, just do me a favour when you get your money. Clean yourself up. Get some breath mints.' He held out a wad of cash at arms length, to avoid contact. It was snatched up without hesitation. And the dishevelled man hocked up and spat on the ground like a pro.

'Whatever, you ignorant little brat. You'd better watch your back. Someday, someone less tolerant than me is going to get you for that attitude.' The other's smirk merely broadened at that comment.

'Just do your job. I'll settle with you as agreed.'

'Fine.'

Prisoner number 777 stomped off, following the directions he had been given to the new Burger World that had been set up in Domino city. He had to admit, his throat was parched for a real drink and he needed his cigarettes. He had gone too long without. And he could get all he craved where he was headed. This was too fortunate.

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Luck is definitely on my side…he thought, as he pushed his way in through the sliding doors.

Anzu greeted him.

'Welcome! Are you by yourself?' She began, the cheerful hostess.

'Oh… I'm by myself all right… that's why I'm so lonely…' She knew something was wrong from the answer and the way he was leering at her, but she could never have foreseen what was about to happen next.

The unsavoury man made a lunge for her pressing the cold barrel of a gun to her temple as his thick, greasy digits closed over her mouth. Anzu panicked, breathing in the smell of something that seemed like a mix of body odour and the scent of a dead racoon, fear stealing her willpower as she heard, as if through a thick sheet of glass or perhaps from underwater, harsh words bellowed out to the rest of the restaurant from somewhere above her head.

'AWRIGHT! ANYONE MAKES A SOUND AND THIS GIRL DIES!'

Anzu let out a small squeak from beneath the restricting hand and he jerked her head sharply. She caught her breath and the sound petered out, becoming a small whimper. She was left, frozen in place by fear. Nothing and no one was going to move her. Anzu Mazaki, the confident seventeen year old, had never been so scared in all her short life.

Am I going to die here?

Yuugi and Jonouchi had been alerted to the situation, along with the other customers, by the sound the prisoner's harsh bellowing. Realising who he held hostage, Yuugi had let out the sharp cry of 'Anzu!' Easily terrified by the events unfolding at the other side of the diner.

But now there was only a terrible silence, broken up by the sound of the man's heavy breathing and small grunts as he dragged Anzu over to an empty table opposite the bar.

No one seemed to know how to react, so the world had descended into a type of paralysis. The tension was unbearable, like a pressure building up behind a damn that was sure to burst at any moment. The question was only when, and in what way.

Suddenly someone cracked.

'It's the escaped prisoner!' A short woman in her forties screamed hysterically, and she was answered by a chorus of yells and high pitched screams, as people began to move, the instinct to flee taking over.

'Shaddup all of you!' The convict bawled, swinging his weapon around his head threateningly. An instant stillness came down and the silence returned. When the prisoner spoke into it, his words sharp and distinct.

'I'm not staying here long! As soon as I fill my belly, I'm gone!' He turned his head down towards Anzu, nuzzling her face before muttering quietly so that only she could hear, 'But until then, you stay with me!'

Anzu let out a small moan from behind the fingers smothering her mouth.

'Not a peep from you, or you die!' He hissed aggressively, pushing a finger further back into Anzu's mouth so that she had no choice but to choke on the sourness of the digit. 'Now, blindfold yourself with this ribbon!' He used the hand holding the gun to draw out a clean blue ribbon from his otherwise sordid pocket.

'I hear when humans can't see, they're so terrified they can't make a sound. They do the same to prisoners right before they execute them! I should know, I'm on death row…' His voice trailed off into a sadistic chuckling. It sounded like a hacking cough.

Anzu trembled beneath his grip.

I've had this dream since I was really little… I won't say Broadway, but I'd like to dance on a small stage at least. Ahh… Is everything going to end here?! Somebody help me!

The escaped prisoner relaxed himself as he slid into his seat.

Luck is on my side…

Yuugi was panicking, with no idea what to do. He hated being so helpless. Somehow he felt responsible, because he was the one who had wanted to take her to this burger place, even though she worked here anyway.

Anzu… Anzu… What should I do? Yami… Please, if you're listening, tell me what to do… Help me! Help her! Please… I'll do anything…

Why was he praying to Yami? Yami had abandoned him long ago.

'Now, someone's gotta take my orders… Who should I choose?' The Prisoner pretended to think about it, but he had already spotted Yuugi. The hair was impossible to mistake, just like his dark haired contact had said… 'You, boy - the wussy little one! You're the one!' He pointed directly at the quivering wreck that had been Yuugi. He stood up, but failed to move any further. He was trembling in fear, but something, somewhere deep in the back of his mind, was asking for it.

Who really cares if I die here? Who really cares. People say a gunshot to the head is painless…

Yuugi heard a small agonised sound somewhere to his right. He glanced across. He was astonished to see Jonouchi's normally devil may care expression gone, replaced by a white pallor and a look of concern.

'Yuugi…!' He seemed terrified… for Yuugi's own, safety? Was it possible. Yuugi gulped. He could survive this. Life was getting better. He just had to do what the prisoner said.

He took a few cautious footsteps towards the source of the terror. He was still barking orders.

'Everyone else get down on the floor and close your eyes! If any one of you moves, an inch, this girl is dead!' Yuugi felt icy sweat begin to collect at the back of his neck.

I can do this…

Jonouchi was having other concerns. Had Otogi somehow organised this? Was it possible? Jonouchi felt sick to the stomach and more than angry. If the Duke Devlin HAD done this, Jonouchi was going to rip him to shreds… well, that was if he actually survived.

What was that senile bastard thinking…? This is NOT possible. No WAY. Otogi couldn't have…

The prisoner was shouting something at Yuugi, but Jonouchi couldn't see, because he was down on his knees behind a table.

'First off, give me some booze! Then cigarettes! Lucky Stripes! The perfect brand for a lucky guy like me! Ha Ha Ha!'

Yuugi did as he was told, his hands shaking and his heart pounding as he carried the small tray over towards the Prisoner and Anzu. Yuugi's wrists were shuddering so badly he was afraid he might actually spill the vodka he had picked up all over the floor.

Jonouchi murmured, 'Yuugi,' anxiously again, but he was too far away to hear it. Anzu too, had made some quick calculations in her mind. She might not be able to see, but someone described as 'wussy little one,' meant only one thing to her.

Yuugi! Poor little Yuugi… Oh Gods, he mustn't come any closer, he's just an innocent…

Suddenly she was standing up screaming hysterically.

'Yuugi, Yuugi… It's you, isn't it?! Stay back, Yuugi! It's too dangerous-' She didn't get any further. The convict, enraged by the lack of acquiescence to his demands, whacked Anzu round the head so hard that she fell, her body bending like that of a rag doll.

'SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH!' It wasn't a request.

'ANZU!' Yuugi yelled but he couldn't see, black fog descending before his eyes. He struggled to retain consciousness. Yami had finally decided to act. Yuugi slipped into blackness.

When he looked up, it was Yami's eyes that glared with an inhuman menace at the petty convict, his mind made up that today, that man's luck ran out.

Your luck ran out when you chose ME!

Yami strolled the length of the Burger Bar and slammed the tray down in front of the prisoner with a loud thump! Then he crashed down into the sofa seat opposite as if it was his own settee.

'You,' the prisoner screamed in fury, 'Who said you could sit down?!'

Yami chuckled easily, his exotic accent punctuating his words and giving him a strange authority, despite the fact that he wasn't the one holding the gun, '… I've brought you what you asked for!'

He lifted a finger, showing the cigarette lighter he was holding, his dark eyes sparkling with an upcoming challenge.

'I just thought I'd help you pass the time… Let's play a game… If you've got any guts, that is…' Yami sighed and flicked imaginary dust away from Yuugi's sleeve, at the same time taking note of how tatty the uniform was and how he was going to have words with his young host about it later.

How was he supposed to act with decorum if Yuugi insisted on dressing like a tramp?

The prisoner was looking at the boy with an odd bug eyed expression. All he kept thinking was, this isn't in the job description… that boy never mentioned this… Is this REALLY the same wimp I called out?

Anzu too was thinking deeply, her head bowed low. Something didn't quite add up.

This voice… Yuugi?!…?! No! It sounds similar, but, it's different. It can't be!

This confident voice can't be Yuugi!

I don't know who it is, but he's crazy to talk like that to someone holding a gun!

The convict was chuckling now, deciding that he enjoyed a challenge.

'Well… A game… This could be fun…'

Yami glanced at him with an eerie smirk.

'However… the one to lose this game will die.' The prisoner had now come to the conclusion that this Yuugi kid, or whoever he was, had some sort of severe mental disorder. He was the one with the weapon, not the spike haired punk.

One twitch of my finger on the trigger and he's done for…

'Isn't that interesting… Let's hear the rules.'

Jonouchi meanwhile, was stuck kneeling behind some obese kid who was trembling like a jelly. It was seriously pissing him off.

Damn… this guy's big butt is in the way! I can't see anything! But it's so quiet… what's going on? Hang in there, Yuugi! Damn I'm gonna kill you Otogi. You just wait. Your tight ass is going in the waste disposal.

Yami was still busy reeling in the bait.

'This game has just one rule.'

'Let's hear it then!' The prisoner was getting impatient. Yami complied with his wishes.

'As long as we sit at this table facing each other… We may each move only one of our ten fingers. And once the game starts that finger cannot change! But we are free to choose any finger that we like.' Yami thought for a moment, 'Or the thumb, should you so desire.'

Yami then stared him down for a minute or so. 'Which finger do you choose?'

The prisoner laughed. This one was too easy.

'I choose my index finger, of course, you little moron. This finger is all I need to pull the trigger and blow you away!'

'As you wish,' Yami purred back, as if this was the most natural thing in the world and they were just having a not so friendly game of cards, 'I choose my thumb.'

Anzu had been listening to the exchange in a certain sort of horror, but now she was left completely bewildered. Why would this mysterious stranger choose his thumb in a life or death battle? It didn't make any sense at all. The prisoner just seemed to think that Yami was completely unhinged.

This kid is an idiot! What can he do with one thumb?! I'll send him to hell in an instant!

'After the signal to start, we are free to do anything.' Yami's voice was continuing on, seductively self-assured. Anzu could feel the hair on the backs of her arms prickling at the sound of his words. 'You can even pull the trigger. So… let's go… GAME START!'

Yami became silent, his eyes intent. The prisoner was cackling, 'And in one instant, it's GAME OVER!' He raised his gun and pointed it at Yami's head. Yami merely flicked his thumb back to spark the lighter he had been holding and offered the light to the prisoner, who had been chewing on an unlit cigarette end throughout their entire conversation.

Tch, right! I forgot to ask for a lighter. I wasn't allowed to smoke on the inside. Slipped my mind totally. Okay, the last thing you can do is use your thumb to light my cigarette. Then I'm going to kill you.

The prisoner leaned in towards the lighter and reached out for his bottle of Vodka with his free hand, beginning to pour it into his glass as Yami held the flame up to the tip of the cigarette. Yami moved back slowly and in one sleek movement dropped the lighter on the prisoner's hand. It somehow balanced there upright and lit, as if ordered to by some kind of devilish command. The prisoner couldn't comprehend what he was seeing.

'What the fuck?' He glanced down, realising he was still pouring the vodka out, his glass overflowing onto the table and running down to his leg.

Yami smirked. 'You can keep the lighter! Take it with you… to hell, as you so charmingly put it.'

The prisoner had begun to sweat. He had finally realised what was going on.

I-I can't move! If I drop the lighter I'll set the vodka on fire…! I'll go up in flames!

'Just try firing your gun,' Yami's voice was smirking now. It was the voice of the winner, the voice of the man walking away alive, 'The recoil will make you drop the lighter for sure.' Then he added almost as an afterthought…

'And by the way, that's Russian neat vodka…180 proof… 90 percent alcohol!'

The prisoner let out a small, pathetic little groan. Anzu sat forgotten on the seat beside him, unable to believe what was going on. All she could do was hear the horror unfolding beside her. Yami grabbed her by the arm and walked her out around the table.

'Let's go, Anzu.' It was a voice you didn't argue with.

As he walked away with her the prisoner started to moan and yell. Anzu shuddered and automatically lent in towards Yami's comforting presence.

'B-But my luck!' Tetsu the hedgehog finally let his aching wrist slip and seemingly watched in slow motion as the lighter descended into the glass of vodka, burning it, and him, up in a fiery conflagration within milliseconds. The heat of the fireball scorched Anzu's prone back and she felt the hand that had been nestled in the small of it, leading her away from danger disappear.

She instantly began tugging the blindfold off, desperate to catch a glimpse of her rescuer, however, by the time she had struggled out of her bonds, all she was left facing was a very relieved looking Yuugi. Where had her rescuer gone?! He'd disappeared! She couldn't help feeling disappointed as Yuugi jabbered away at her full speed. No, it had definitely NOT been his voice taunting the madman who had kidnapped her. He was too unsure, too young.

'Anzu! I'm so glad you're safe, Anzu!'

'Yuugi…' She mumbled back, completely out of it and still scanning the burger place for her saviour. Yuugi was quite sweet, the way he was so worried about her, but he was no comparison to the one she was searching for. Where was the owner of that lovely voice?

'Yuugi… who was that man? The one who saved me?'

Yuugi was saved from answering as Jonouchi rushed up, gibbering excitedly.

'Yo, you made it! What an idiot! The prisoner set himself on fire…! Never known anyone so retarded! Someone's calling the police, I think…'

'Jonouchi!' Yuugi yelled. Anzu was still murmuring to herself, and he glanced up at her worriedly.

'I'll never forger that voice… hmm… let's play a game.' She sighed wistfully.

'A-Anzu?' Yuugi questioned, a sudden, very nasty thought hitting him.

'After all, I think I've fallen in love with its owner!' It was said playfully, as if in jest, and she was smiling at him cheerfully, but Yuugi knew deep in his gut it was true. He knew it without doubt. How could she not be? How well he knew that the owner of that voice was irresistible. It was worse than Yuugi could ever have imagined.

Anzu was in love with Yami.

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Please review! I know that this chapter isn't the most Yami x Yuugi dramatic ever, but it needs to be there for the story to develop! Besides… It's all happening next chapter. It's going to be drama drama drama…

Translations:

Chan - term of affection used for Japanese girls.

San - honorary label like Mr/Mrs whatever, used commonly to be polite in Japan. (or so I'm told).

Kun - Term of affection used for close male friends/males you are close to but outrank in status. (they are below whoever dubs them kun).

Si vous pardonnez l'expression - If you pardon the expression (excuse my French!)

Si vous pouvez pardonner l'expression encore une fois - if you can pardon the expression again one more time… don't ask me how my mind works when I write that sort of thing…

Demo - but

I think that is it. Just ask if I've missed anything you have a burning desire to know.