There's more to life than Duel Monsters Chapter 5: Calm Before the Storm, a yu-gi-oh fanfic

There's more to life than Duel Monsters.

Ch5: Calm Before the Storm.

F L A S H B A C K

Several weeks ago, Sunday night

Ryou Bakura's apartment.

Bakura stared at the fish swimming in his TV.

It was so late that you could say it was really early.

He looked at the table in front of him, which was littered with empty bottles. Bakura frowned. He could have sworn they were full five minutes ago.

There was country music playing in the background. If Bakura was sober, he would have muted the TV, but he wasn't and so was past the point of caring.

Through the haze, he studied the Duel Monsters Deck in his hands. Bakura knew he had been celebrating... something. He smirked.

What was it? I can't remember.

Bakura shrugged. There was an uncomfortable itch in his chest. He knew it plagued Ryou and that the boy called it loneliness. But this was the first time it had ever bothered Bakura.

As much as he loathed to admit it, even in the relative privacy of his own mind, Bakura knew he missed Marik. He sighed. It was a weakness and even if he could afford it, he would still strive to overcome it.

But that's the whole point. I can't afford distractions now. Ah, so that's what I was celebrating - a lead on the location of the Senn Scale and Tauk.

Bakura drained the dregs of the last vodka bottle, smiling. The job was far from finished, and this Shadi who kept the items was by all accounts pretty sharp. But it was progress, after years of nothing this was worth a night of heavy drinking.

And once I have the seven Senn Items, I can take what I want, play the games I love and never lose. I can gamble on any stakes I wish, pull off any coup I want.

I will be all powerful, unstoppable.

Safe.

Bakura frowned at the cards in his hands. Then he laid them out in a reading. It could never hurt to know the future.

You will be betrayed by someone you trust. This will force you on a long journey that will ultimately reshape your life. After, there is a chance you will be involved in a felony.

Bakura swore. This was bad. Except for the felony.

F L A S H B A C K

Yugi Moto stared at the ceiling of his room as he lay in bed. He was grinning. He couldn't stop himself.

Even the loss of Exodia didn't bother him much. Well, he couldn't do anything about it and his grandfather hadn't been upset, preferring to see it as fate. He was sure and so was Yugi that he could beat Weevil next time they duelled without the help of Exodia.

Yugi thought back to the finals of the tournament. Him versus Jounochi, and Yugi had come out on top. No matter how much he liked his friend, first place was infinitely better than second.

He wondered why he had felt that someone had been playing for him. Yugi shrugged. Just nerves I guess.

It was Friday. Yugi had recieved special attention all week at school. Everybody knew he was the kid that beat Seto Kaiba.

Yugi frowned. Kaiba hadn't been at school all week. I hope nothing is wrong.

But all thought flew out of his head the instant he glanced down at his clock. Yugi was late! In his daydream, he hadn't heard the alarm go off.

Well, I'll have to do without a shower today. He thought as he leaped out of bed and began dressing.

Seto Kaiba sat in front of the computer in his work room. He was running a few last minute simulations.

The programming seems sound, but you never know.

He hadn't left his office since the duel with Yugi Moto. The loss still stung, but only when he thought about it, and engrossed as he was with his duelling disk, there really wasn't room to think about anything else.

There. No more Kareebo. Seto thought gleefully.

He allowed himself a satisfied smirk, and a minute of respite before he would go and test the new prototype.

Mokuba is probably worried. Seto thought as he considered how little he had seen of anybody. He checked his mobile for the day. Friday already!

Automatically, he dialed Mokuba's mobile.

"Uh, hello?" Came the sound of a sleepy Mokuba, after several rings.

"Mokuba." Said Seto.

"Big brother, is that you!" Mokuba sounded overjoyed.

"Yes" Seto couldn't help smiling.

"You haven't been home all week, I was beginning to get worried. Where have you been?"

"Working."

"I don't want to interrupt if you're buisy Seto, it's just that Otogi has to start school some time and we thought he'd go next week, but he needs someone to show him around."

Seto groaned inwardly. "I'll pick him up on Monday." He decided.

"Oh!" Mokuba exclaimed. "ThanksforwakingmeupI'mlateforschoolbyeSeto!" He blurted out and then pausing for a breath, added, "SeeyouMondaybigbrother!" before hanging up.

Seto replaced the phone and looked at the specs on his computer. His minute was up.

Ryou Bakura awoke with a pang of nervousness. He quickly rolled over and switched off his alarm clock before it could interrupt the sleep of the man beside him.

Is this what love is like then? I mean I wouldn't know, never having been in love myself. Well, I know you are meant to feel nervous, and I do. I suppose that does mean I'm in love.

Ryou mused as he walked silently into the bathroom, automatically locking the door so he could have an uninterrupted shower. He brushed his teeth and hair, then stepped into the stream of hot spray.

It feels strange that I should love a guy but then again isn't the whole point of love the lack of choice? Besides it wasn't like he hadn't seen it coming; there had been that incident with Malik.

That reminder still being full of confusing emotions, Ryou shook his head, spraying water droplets onto the fogged up glass and went back to his earlier train of thought. Back to Keith.

Well, I do have someone to talk to, even if we talk about nothing most of the time. I do get practically no blackouts and am too tired to get nightmares. So what if he gets angry sometimes? Everybody has arguments.

Ryou took stock of the contents of his schoolbag as he dried himself gently. He put on his uniform, careful to cover the multiple bruises and cuts that covered his body.

He checked his face in the mirror and sighed as he saw that all traces of the black eye and cut lip were gone. He didn't have to use his mum's old compact today. Ryou didn't like having to wear concealer - he was raides with all the common values against boys wearing makeup. But it really saved a lot of unnecessary notice and questions.

He just does not know his own strength. I fell safe with him I guess. Safe from everyone except for him. But that makes sense, doesn't it. The people that love us are the ones that can hurt us the most.

And with that philosophic thought, Ryou grabbed his schoolbag. His deck had locked itself inside a pocket with a combination lock when Bandit Keith first arrived, and since Ryou didn't know the combination, he let it be.

Ryou ate an apple for breakfast as he walked to school - He didn't want to wake Keith who preferred to arise and breakfast in the afternoon. It tended to make Keith a little cranky and Ryou prefferred not wearing makeup and being able to sit down without wincing.

Marik Ishtar sighed as the Senn Rod vanished.

He was pleased. Neglecting his operation in the last few weeks had been unavoidable, what with the move in country and then meeting Bakura. But now everything was back on track and running smoothly.

The only minor annoyance were the five Hunters who vanished without a trace, and after an exhaustive search had been found in the Shadow Realm graveyard. A place of no return for anyone that did not posess a Senn Item. They had of course been duly replaced but it was still a pain.

It had been Bakura's handiwork, he was sure. It had his scent. That had necessitated a lecture on going after a certain boy with white hair. Marik hated restating the obvious to those buffoons but it was better than losing agents every week and far better than a vengeful Bakura. Even though he could get out, Marik still didn't enjoy the Shadow Realm.

Marik sat and massaged his temples. The headache was still there, his constant companion for a week now, ever since the tournament. He had an inkling as to it's origin and now that business was over, it could be attended to.

Bakura. Marik smirked as his eyes flashed angrily. Who does that thief think he is, avoiding me for a week?

But his heart wasn't in it. Marik's sad deep blue eyes surveyed his bed longingly. He had just woken up and really did not relish the idea of school, not that he ever had. Pointless invention.

Why is he avoiding me? The Rare Hunters? Of course! Marik shook his head at his own blindness. The only alternative would be Bakura prefferring the company of Ryou. Or him wanting to protect Ryou from my Rare Hunters.

He felt a stab of jealousy at the thought of Bakura protecting Ryou, but quickly shook it off as pure nonsense.

He must be mad at me. Marik reflected, as his headache lifted, only to be replaced by a harassed guilt. He thinks I gave him the card, only to try and take it back. But what can be done now to repair matters? Nothing.

If only I hadn't... Well it was done now. Marik smiled as he dressed for school. No apologies and no regrets. I need the Rare Hunters to get the three Egyptian God Cards. Then I will rule the world as the new pharaoh! Then, I can do what I like when I want with nobody to say otherwise! I will be free.

Yes, freedom is worth Bakura a hundred times over.

Marik laughed, his eyes flashing madly. Funny, I almost believed it that time.

Yugi sat outside the school with Mai and Anzu, waiting for Jounochi and Honda to get out of detention.

Malik had gone off early, saying he had lots of stuff to do. What that stuff was, Yugi had not asked, but it sounded pretty urgent.

I hope it's nothing bad. Yugi smiled and shook his head. No use worrying about it now.

Mai was talking to Anzu, and as soon as Yugi tuned into the conversation, he wished he hadn't.

"You're not really missing much there Anzu. He isn't exactly the best kisser, from what I can remember." Mai was stating matter-of-factly.

Anzu shook her head. "That's not all that counts Mai. You shouldn't have scared off Maco."

"I know that's not all that counts Anzu." Mai replied. "But he doesn't have any money either, seriously why go out with a guy if he can't even take you to a decent restaurant?"

Anzu sighed and shook her head.

"I know what i'm talking about, Anzu, listen." Mai pressed. "I've dated plenty of those hard luck stories and believe me, after the novelty wears off, all you have is a bum with a sad story. Really, you can only pity them so much before it gets boring."

Anzu smiled weakly. "You could let me find this out for myself."

Mai looked surprised. "And have you waste your best years on some bum? No way! Youth and beauty aren't forever Anzu. Enjoy them."

Anzu smirked. "And how do you propose I do that? Every guy that comes along, you find some flaw with. At this rate, there'll be nobody I can date."

"What do you expect, Anzu? Men are swine, pure and simple. Oh, there are a few exceptions to be sure, but those are usually already taken by a life's pursuit. Do you want to come second to a pack of cards or a microscope all the time?"

"Of course not Mai!" Anzu excaimed, frustrated. "But what am I supposed to do?"

"Well," Mai said thoughtfully smirking, "There's always girls."

"Mai!" Anzu exclaimed.

"I'm serious Anzu, don't knock it till you've tried it."

At this point, Yugi sweatdropped and was relieved to see Honda and a furious Jounochi approach.

"You were late too, Yugi!" Jounochi exclaimed. "So how come you didn't get detention?"

Yugi smiled pleasantly. "It was my first time, Jounochi. The teacher let me off with a warning."

"Hmph!" Jounochi was indignant.

They were inerrupted by a worried Honda. "Hey, guys let's hurry and get tho the arcade, allright? I don't want to be late for work."

Yugi and Jounochi nodded and started walking off with Honda. After a couple of steps they noticed that Anzu and Mai weren't following. Yugi and Jounochi turned.

"You guys go on," Mai said standing near a blushing Anzu who was looking at the ground. "I'm gonna take Anzu to a restaurant."

"Girls night out?" Asked a confused Jounochi.

"Something like that." Smiled Mai and winked at Yugi. Then she grabbed Anzu's hand and pulled her to the waiting purple car.

Jounochi turned to Yugi, frowning. "What's all that about, Yugi?"

Yugi sweatdropped, and smiling pushed Jounochi after the retreating figure of Honda. "Trust me Jounochi, you don't want to know."

Seto Kaiba launched the disk again, oblivious to the beautiful sunset that lit the sky.

Hmm, the release is still not as smooth as it should be. And the balance is a little off.

He had tested the disk's gaming and the holograms had been perfect, not a glitch in sight. That had taken most of the day, as every existing monster had to be tested. The cards that Seto didn't have were the biggest hurdle, but Seto had bypassed that by using a microchip.

I'll have to destroy it. He reminded himself. If anyone got a hold of that, they would have a fullproof way to get any monster they wanted to appear.

A pity nobody has the brains to think of it. Seto smirked.

He pulled the disk back and gave a satisfied sigh. Most of the manual work was over. The return was perfect. The release mechanism has to be tweaked a little and the balance changed but that was all.

Soon, every tournament will be played with these. Seto though, satisfied as he returned to his office and workroom. It wasn't the money that he would get when Kaiba Corp put this new toy on the market, it was the sheer pleasure of a hard job well done.

But of course he couldn't relax. As soon as it was finished, he had an idea about a virtual reality game involving Duel Monsters that he had been wanting to explore. Seto had a lab organised and the harware ready.

It was just a matter of thinking up the world and multiple quests. That was why he had digressed to the duelling disk. Besides, the Big Five had been on his case about the lack of new Kaiba Corp merchandise on the market.

Seto wasn't about to let them fiddle around with his idea, rush the plot and make a second rate computer game out of it. It would remain a secret until he was sure it was done the way he wanted.

The duelling disk should make them happy, that'll be enough for now.

Bakura was watching Malik from the entrance of the arcade, memorising him as he stood there, happy and smiling. A tinge of pain warmed Bakura. Malik looked away from the duelling screen for a second, and stared. Bakura smirked and motioned for Malik to come out and join him...

...Marik followed Bakura to the fountain. Bakura sat, Marik remained standing, smiling insanely.

Bakura found the silent towering Marik a little bit disconcerting. What's wrong Marik?

He kept the frown off his face. "Is there something on your mind Marik?"

Is it Ryou and Keith? Bakura smirked and gestured for Marik to sit in front of him.

Marik sat, but with his back to Bakura. "What brings you here thief?" his tone was furiously light.

Bakura put his hand on Marik's shoulder and gently pulled him back. Marik allowed himself to lean against Bakura, rigidly. Bakura snaked his arms around Marik.

"You know better than anyone Ryou Bakura is not my concern unless his life directly affects my own." Bakura whispered. He could feel that Marik was giggling quietly, and drops of moisture hit his arms.

Remembering the reading, Bakura decided to follow his instinct and threw caution to the wind. He rocked Marik in his arms. "IloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyou..." Bakura chanted into Marik's hair, holding him tightly.

"How long will you love me?" Marik whispered despondently.

"Foreverforeverforeverforever..." Bakura picked up his new chant, but Marik was still rigid in his embrace.

"What about Ryou Bakura?" Asked Marik tentatively.

Bakura's mouth formed a thin line. "What about Malik Ishtar?" He retorted.

The silence lengthened.

"Will you leave me?" resumed Marik quietly.

Bakura cursed himself for being unable to retort with a resounding NO! But readings didn't lie. He settled for the honest truth, no matter how much it cost him to say it.

"Only if I have to." He continued quickly, fearing he would be unable to start again if he stopped. "If anything happens to me, look after Ryou Bakura," adding smugly, "It would not do for me not to have a body to return to."

Before Marik could reply, because Marik would reply, Bakura stood and left.

Marik smiled and shook his head. He was relieved. Bakura seemed to know about the Rare Hunters indeed, but the incident did not seem to bother him.

No, something else was bothering him. A tinge of worry started Marik's heart beating faster at the thought. He said he loved me, something must really be wrong.

It reminded him too much of Cyprus and now that he thought about it, India. In Cyprus Bakura had escaped by the skin of his teeth though. Marik didn't want to remember India. Bakura was by far the luckier of the two of them, Marik reasoned and it was unlikely that history would repeat itself.

Marik considered going after Bakura but if the other had wanted the company, he would have stayed. Marik stood lazily, smiling like a cat who had been at the cream.

He was compromised at last, Marik could be sure of Bakura's feelings once more after the gap between lives. This was indeed progress.

But as he returned to his post, worry came over him once more.

Bakura had said he would only leave if he must, and gave directions for when he would do so. This means there is a good chance he will leave, and who knows for how long and how permanently.

What's more, he felt something would happen to him, and Bakura's instincts had always been correct.

Well, Marik smirked, all that could be done was trust the thief's skill and tact. Things that he was by no means lacking.

He will return, Marik reassured himself. His smirk deepened into an insane grin at the pain his next thought brought. If only in our next lives, I will see you again.

Please not India.

I swear to you on the secret of the pharaoh, Bakura, I will keep Ryou Bakura safe until you return, be it only from himself...

...Malik shook his head, his emotions in turmoil. He thought he had seen Ryou. I couldn't have, though it pains me to even think it, I screwed up majorly there. Ryou hadn't ackgnowledged his presence since the tournament.

Malik decided that when he was old and grey he'd laugh at his pride, which it seems, has lost him the only key he had to his madness.

Not just that, Ryou had seemed like the only person who could relate. Malik sighed and went back to work, keeping at bay the feeling that he'd lost half of himself.

This is my one chance at a life of my own and I make such a mess of it!