Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of its characters

Claimer: I, chop4tess, own this story, its plot and any and all original characters

Hello and welcome to chapter eight of my story. I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 8: Aftermath

Yami sat huddled in an abandoned building watching the sun rise over the city. He was cold and although he had stopped bleeding some time during the night he felt weak and disorientated. Yami sighed and wrapped his arms around his body a little tighter. Yami couldn't believe the events of yesterday actually happened. It was as if it was some strange dream and the only thing convincing Yami that it did happen was the pain. Yami tilted his head to look up at the sky which was slowly turning pink. The sun peaked over the rooftops spreading warm golden light. Yami looked away. He felt lost and confused and so unsure of himself. Maybe God was right, maybe he should leave Yugi alone and return to Heaven. But Yami's heart didn't want to leave, he wanted to stay and protect Yugi from anything and everything.

Yami dropped his head in his hands and moaned softly. He couldn't remember anything of his past life as a human, who he was or what he did. Yami's memories started with waking up outside Heaven's gates to a friendly angel welcoming him into the family. There were no months or years in Heaven, no seasons or weather patterns. Yami lived from day to day in soothing sunshine and cool winds never wanting anything more. Yami had felt awkward at first, but he had still been confident in himself and his abilities. He had learnt how to control his powers and how to fly and the rules and regulations that governed Heaven. Yami had never questioned those rules; he had always felt that a society without rules would be chaos and confusion. Yami didn't know where this belief came from but he still felt it now. He still believed that people needed rules and order otherwise society would crumble. But those rules had to be just.

Yami sighed again and rubbed at a black mark on his once white uniform. He had done what many humans did without care or thought, he had disobeyed. Yami, an angel of God had disobeyed God Himself. True it was not God he had fought yesterday afternoon, but Seto and Malik had represented God's wishes. Yami should have done as they ordered him to because their orders were God's orders. But Yami had said no. This filled Yami with mixed feelings that he couldn't understand. He felt proud and elated that he had chosen to stay with Yugi. He felt horrified and guilty for going against the one who represented everything that was good and decent. Yami watched as the sky turned a soft blue and the sun, a ball of golden fire, rose up to signal the start of a new day.

-:-

I woke up relatively early for a Saturday morning. I sat up with a yawn and stretched my arms over my head. The clock beside me read 9:30am and I dropped my arms with a sigh. That feeling that something was wrong had plagued me all through class up until I left for home. The feeling that something was amiss wasn't as strong as yesterday but I still felt like I had to be somewhere, I just didn't know where.

With a groan I got out of bed and heading for a nice hot shower. After getting dressed I headed downstairs for breakfast. My grandpa had already eaten and opened the shop so I helped myself to cereal and toast before heading into the shop myself. My grandpa looked up as I walked into the game shop and smiled at me.

"Good morning Yugi how are you today?"

"Pretty good Grandpa, its very quiet for a Saturday morning isn't it?" I asked glancing around the empty shop.

"Oh the kids will be here soon enough; young people don't like to get up early these days." Grandpa winked at me and I blushed lightly.

"That's true."

"So are you going out with Joey today?" Grandpa asked me and I shook my head. I had told Grandpa about meeting Joey yesterday and he had been almost as excited as I had been at the news. I smiled at the memory.

"Joey had some things to sort out while he had some free time. He said we could go out on Monday sometime."

"Joey is being responsible?" Grandpa asked with a grin, "It must be the end of the world." I laughed and Grandpa chuckled. It was true that Joey was often forgetting important things or leaving them to the last minute. I think he wanted to prove to his father that he could manage on his own. As cheesy as it sounds, I couldn't help but feel proud of him.

"Everyone learns life's lessons at some point." I said with a grin and Grandpa nodded. "It just takes some people more time than others."

"So if Joey is busy what about going out with Yami?" I couldn't stop the blush that crept up my face at the mere mention of Yami's name. Joey's suggestion that I might have a crush on Yami was still bouncing around my head.

"I don't know what Yami's doing. I haven't seen him in a while." I frowned in thought and Grandpa raised an eyebrow.

"Really? Well why don't you give him a call?"

"I don't have a number and I have no idea where he lives." I admitted feeling foolish. I really should ask Yami for his phone number the next time I saw him. I shook my head; no that would make it seem like I was coming on to him. But friends swap phone numbers right? I sighed, life is too damn difficult.

"Oh that is a shame, maybe he'll come around here then?" I could tell Grandpa was trying to be cheerful and I did my best to smile.

"Yeah maybe he will." I doubted it though and I think Grandpa heard it in my voice.

"What's wrong Yugi? You look upset."

"Its just I feel like I have to be somewhere but I don't know where or why." I said with a sigh of frustration. "It's so annoying!"

"I see. Maybe you should go for a walk?" Grandpa suggested and I glanced at him in surprise.

"A walk?"

"Yes, just let your feet decide were to go and maybe you'll end up wherever you need to be." Grandpa took out a cloth and began wiping the counter top. I blinked several times processing that thought. Well why not? It was a nice day and I didn't have anything else to do since I finished my homework last night.

"Ok a walk it is then. Do you need me to pick anything up on my way?" I asked and Grandpa shook his head.

"Nope and remember follow your heart and it will never lead you wrong." Grandpa winked and I shook my head.

"Grandpa you have been eating way too many fortune cookies."

-:-

Joey stepped out of his small apartment making sure to lock the door firmly behind him as he left. He needed to go to the bank to make sure his new account was all set up and working before heading to the store to buy some food. Joey smiled and he stuffed his keys into his jacket pocket. It was great to be back in Domino again, he knew where all the shops were and he felt more confident in a familiar environment. His father had not liked the idea of Joey living alone but Joey was nothing if not persistent and his father had finally given in. Joey missed his younger sister Serenity but he knew that she loved the new school and had made loads of new friends and Joey hadn't wanted to take her away from that. Joey pushed the button for the lift and whistled softly as it made its way up.

Serenity had found a good friend in a girl called Mai, a beautiful blond with purple eyes and a great body. If Joey had any interest in girls then he would have been all over her. Mai was a great person though, Joey mused, very good for his timid sister since Mai was so confident and strong. Joey was hoping some of Mai's confidence and strength would rub off on his sister making her more certain of herself. In the few months they had been friends Joey had already seen some improvement in his sister. Serenity would never be bold, brash and fearless like Mai but some self-confidence and a little ego boast never hurt anyone.

Joey pushed the button for the ground floor and the lift groaned its way back down before the doors opened with a ping. Joey walked into the bright foyer towards the front doors that led out onto the street. This building was more secured then most because a key was needed to get into the building itself and another key was needed to get into the individual flats.

After opening the front door Joey walked out into the warm sunshine and smiled before heading down the street. He could take a bus into town but it was a nice day and he wanted to walk instead. After following the main road for a bit Joey turned off down a side ally to take a shortcut he remembered from when he used to live around here. Humming to himself Joey stuffed his hands in his pockets as he walked. The noise of the traffic faded to a distant hum and suddenly there were no people about. Joey didn't mind though, he knew the city well. On each side of Joey were tall fences marking off people's property and the pavement was so narrow two people would have difficulty getting past each other. The houses were surprisingly quiet for a Saturday morning, since the kids wouldn't be at school but Joey pushed that thought to the side. Not all couples had kids and maybe they had gone out someplace.

Joey turned a corner and walked right into someone. Joey stepped back in surprise and looked at the back of the guy's head. "Sorry about that," Joey started intending to carry on past but then the guy turned around. Joey felt his blood run cold then hot. It was Rob, the bully that had been tormenting Yugi for so long. Joey felt his eyes narrow as he glared at the bully responsible for hurting his best friend.

"Well look at what we got here then." Rob said as his followers crowded around him. "Looks like little Joey is back in town after all. I thought people were seeing things when they told me you were back." Rob smirked, Joey smirked right back at him.

"Since anyone associated with you is usually high on something that's a perfectly normal response." Joey said and Rob's eyes narrowed.

"You better watch yourself Wheeler or something might happen to you."

"Oh really now? I'm not afraid of you Rob." Joey sneered knowing it would make the bully angry. Joey had been in fights before and often won them but he was outnumbered and out-muscled this time around.

"Well you should be." Rob said before lunging forward and grabbing Joey by the shirt.

"Hey let go of me!" Joey shouted trying to kick Rob in the leg. He might as well of kicked a brick wall for the response he got.

"Let's move this fight someone place quieter." Rob growled his voice menacing. Joey glared right back refusing to show any fear as the thugs dragged him away.

-:-

Seto was bored. There was no other word for it. He was bored stiff. He had looked in every building and every ally way all night searching for Yami but nothing nadda zip. Seto cursed Yami and his ability to hide and cursed the city for being so big and having so many places an invisible angel could sneak into. If only Malik had been paying more attention to what Yami was doing after he had knocked him out of the sky then they wouldn't be in this mess. Seto didn't like being on Earth, he didn't like people and he didn't like the noise. In Heaven there were no cars or bikes or buses that pumped out foul smelling smoke. People didn't shove past each other or exchange rude comments and glances in Heaven. Seto was glad to no longer be a part of the never ending cycle of human existence. Seto knew some angels wondered about their human lives but Seto didn't want to know about his. What did it matter anyway?

Seto glanced around the narrow ally he was in and sighed. He was sick of seeing nothing but concrete and tarmac. Seto opened his white wings ready to take off into the blue sky and cursed when he realised the ally way was too narrow. Why did humans always make things difficult? Now he would be wandering around for ages looking for a way out. A loud exclamation caught Seto's attention and he turned his head to look down an ally opposite him. He couldn't see anyone but he knew he heard something. Seto listened hard but heard nothing more. Seto was about to walk on when something stopped him. There had been fear in the voice he had heard. There might be a person in danger, Seto had heard about muggings from other angels visiting Earth.

Seto frowned; human pain was not his concern finding Yami was. The sound of the yell echoed in Seto's mind and he groaned as his conscience battled his contempt for humans. Whatever it was it wasn't his problem but God created angels to protect humans, not to ignore them. Seto glanced down the alley and sighed. It looked like he didn't have much of a choice.

-:-

Malik wandered down the street watching the people mill around like ants. They always seemed to be rushing everywhere, never taking a moment to settle down and take things in. Children ran around under the watchful gaze of their parents while teenage couples walked hand in hand making doe eyes at each other. Humans seemed to spend their whole life making money in order to get more stuff, Malik thought. It seemed that their only way to measure worth in the current era was by how much you owned or how expensive it was.

There was no money in Heaven, you made things and traded those for other things but it was on a much lower scale than on Earth. Malik couldn't get over the amount of shops selling the same things just in different colours, sizes and prices. Malik knew he was supposed to be looking for Yami but he found humans so interesting he wanted to study them for a bit. The range of emotions in humans was quite amazing, how humans could feel so much all the time without exploding Malik didn't know.

Malik had spent most of the night watching people. He had watched families eating together, teenagers ignoring frustrated parents and young adult couples doing things that made Malik's cheeks burn. Malik knew how these things worked but, well Heaven didn't have anything like that going on. In some ways Malik found Earth and its humans to be so much richer in colour and life than Heaven was. All the angels wore various shades of white, gold and the odd black while humans wore every colour of the rainbow, sometimes all at once. They mixed and matched colours to suit themselves and sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't. Malik had seen a pretty girl wearing a blue top and dark blue jeans. The blue top brought out the blue of her eyes while the jeans made her look taller. Another woman had been wearing a red shirt with a black skirt and green tights. Malik had visibly cringed at that one.

Malik had chosen to remain invisible to the human eye. It made watching them so much easier if they didn't know they were being watched. True a few humans had looked over in his direction if he stared too long; they started getting worried and rubbing their arms so Malik left them in peace. Also, while Malik may be invisible people couldn't walk through him as if he were a ghost. Bumping into people when those people couldn't see him often had hilarious results.

Malik sighed as he stopped walking to glance around the busy street. Maybe it was time he got back to work and started looking for Yami. Malik groaned and rolled his shoulders. Yami was good at not being found if he didn't want to be found and Malik didn't like the idea of searching the whole city for Yami. Yami could easily be moving around so even after searching one place Yami could have moved on elsewhere.

Malik sighed again and turned to leave when he spotted a spiked head moving through the crowds. Malik darted forward then stopped when he realised it wasn't Yami but some kid that looked like him. Malik was about to turn away when realisation hit. Yugi! Malik turned around again but the kid was quite small and had vanished among the crowds again. Malik hurried in the direction the kid had been going in. Malik knew that Yugi was the whole reason for Yami disobeying God and if he could convince Yugi to convince Yami to leave then maybe his job would be that much easier.

-:-

Joey struggled as Rob and his goons dragged him down a narrow ally way. He knew that a large car park was coming up for the people who lived close by. Being a Saturday Joey guessed the car park would be empty which meant no witnesses. Joey wasn't weak and he knew he could beat Rob in a fair fight but Rob didn't fight fair. Also the four others with Rob would have a round with him first before Rob got his hands dirty.

They went around a bend and the car park came into view. Rob kept a tight hold on Joey's shirt preventing him from running while the other four made a circle. Joey was shoved forwards into the circle, the force making him stumble and fall on his hands and knees. The goons jeered at him and Joey ignored them while he slowly got up. His heart was pounding as adrenaline coursed through his veins. He was checking out his opponents watching them move trying to see how long he could last. It wasn't looking good.

"So Joey, where did all that tough talk go?" Rob sneered and Joey stood up tall and faced the leader.

"Why don't you fight me one on one Rob? Or are you scared you'll lose?" Joey challenged and Rob laughed.

"As if I would fight you, what did you think I have all these guys for?" Rob asked nodding at his four cronies who laughed and cracked their knuckles.

"True you have them to fight your battles for you but I wonder if you could actually beat anyone in a fight?" Rob frowned and Joey continued hoping someone, anyone, would come and stop the fight. Joey knew he was stalling for time and it wouldn't take long for Rob to figure it out too.

"I am the leader I don't need to fight." Rob sneered.

"Yes but you won't fight me will you? You're too scared I'll win and then you'll lose your place in this gang. If you aren't the leader then you are nothing at all." Joey said and the second he said it he wished he could take it back. The rage in Rob's eyes was like nothing he had ever seen. Rob lunged forward and punched Joey in the face. Joey managed to step back so most to the force had left Rob's fist before it connected to his face but it still hurt like hell. And Joey was still knocked down.

"Little brat!" Rob sneered as Joey sat up holding his left cheek. Joey carefully ran his tongue over his teeth but none of them seemed loose. "Get up and fight me!" Rob yelled and Joey slowly climbed to his feet. God, I could use a miracle right about now, Joey thought.

-:-

Seto glanced around then sighed. He had lost track of whomever it was that had called out before. He didn't know why but he felt a sense of disappointment that he hadn't helped whoever it was that was in trouble. It was as if he had let them down and he didn't even know who 'they' where. Seto rolled his eyes and turned to leave when he heard shouting and jeering just behind him. Seto followed the dark wood fence until he came to an opening. The wide expanse before Seto was covered in tarmac and painted with white lines. A few cars were dotted here and there within the white lines so Seto guessed it was someplace to keep a car. Seto glanced to the left and saw a group of six boys. One was getting up off the ground while the other five watched.

The second Seto saw the five boys he knew he didn't like then. Four had shaven heads and stupid faces and mean eyes. The fifth boy, and the biggest, had short black hair and a cruel sneer. Seto turned his attention to the boy in the middle of the circle and froze. The boy had thick golden hair that hung down his face in causal strands and bright intelligent brown eyes. The boy was wearing a dark green jacket over a light blue shirt which looked rather rumpled and blue jeans with dark blue trainers. The boy was the most beautiful human Seto had ever seen. His brown eyes were bright with challenge and although Seto could tell the boy was afraid, he was doing a good job of hiding it.

Seto watched as the boy said something to the leader who then gestured towards the other four. The thugs' body language was threatening and Seto knew the golden haired boy was in danger but in order to do anything about it Seto would have to make himself visible. He knew he wasn't supposed to have any contact with humans unless it was part of his job. This boy was not in the job description, he was none of Seto's concern. Then the biggest boy hit the golden boy in the face knocking him to the floor and Seto was striding forward before he realised he was doing it.

Yes the boy was not his concern but Seto wasn't going to stand there and watch him being beaten up. No way. The boy was standing back up looking a bit wobbly and holding his cheek. Seto muttered a quick spell and at once his body became visible and his wings vanished. A long black shadow stretched out behind him where there had been none before. The biggest boy pulled back his fist and the blond boy bravely put his own fists up but Seto could see he was outmatched.

"Excuse me!" Seto called out stopping a few paces away form the thugs. The thugs had been so intent on the blond boy they hadn't noticed him approach. The biggest one turned and glared at him.

"What the hell do you want pretty boy?" The guy sneered and Seto narrowed his blue eyes and gave the bully an icy look. Seto felt pleased when the guy flinched slightly. Few could look into his glare without feeling intimidated.

"Let the boy go, he hasn't done anything to you so leave him be." Seto said in the coldest voice he could manage. The thug took a step back before shaking himself and marching closer to Seto.

"I don't take orders from you." The thug sneered.

"That was the wrong answer." Seto said mildly but the threat was clear. The thug didn't back down but Seto knew that it was only because the thug thought he had Seto outnumbered. What the thug had yet to learn was that it wasn't brute strength that won battles.

"How about you make me leave blondie alone?" Seto smiled at the thug who pulled his arm back to hit Seto.

"Watch out!" The blond boy shouted and one of the thug's followers grabbed him. Seto easily dodged the punch then drove his knee into the soft part of the thug's stomach with as much force as he could muster. The thug went down with a loud gasp. The blond boy turned and bit the hand of the guy who was holding him making the guy yell in pain. Seto stepped in to the side as another one charged at him tripping him up as he went past. The guy's momentum sent him head over heels into a concrete wall. The blond boy had by now gotten free of the bully's hold and was watching the three remaining bullies carefully. Seto stepped forward and the one thug who hadn't done anything yet ran off with his buddies close behind him.

"Are you alright?" Seto asked glancing at the blond boy who nodded.

"Yeah, um, thanks for you know, helping and all." The boy blushed and Seto found it rather endearing, not that he would ever admit it.

"I hate those who pray on those weaker than themselves." Seto said glaring at the thug who was still gasping on the floor holding his stomach.

"I'm not weak!" The blond protested hotly, "They just outnumbered me." Seto shrugged and turned to walk away. "Hey what's your name?" The blond boy asked and Seto paused and glanced over his shoulder. The blond boy was looking at him intently and Seto found he rather liked it.

"Seto," Seto said and the boy nodded and paused as if waiting for Seto to add something. When that something wasn't forthcoming the blond stuck his hand out.

"My name is Joey, Joey Wheeler." Seto glanced at the hand before stepping closer to the boy. Seto reached out and took Joey's hand. The boy's hand was warm and his fingers rough. Seto looked into Joey's eyes and was pleased to see a light blush.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Wheeler." Seto said and Joey shook his head.

"You can call me Joey if you want to," Joey said his voice a little breathless and Seto smirked enjoying the effect he was having on the blond.

"Ok Joey, you can call me Seto." Seto said tasting Joey's name on his tongue. Joey blushed and glanced down at their hands. Seto realised he was still holding Joey's hand so he let go. Joey smiled a little nervously and Seto grinned and motioned with his head. "Shall we leave this place?" Joey nodded and the two of them walked away leaving the two thugs on the ground.

-:-

I had been walking around for a while now letting my feet take me. I was heading towards the older part of Domino where some old buildings were due to be knocked down soon. It felt a bit creepy walking past the silent empty buildings but my heart told me to go forward so I followed it. I had no idea what I was hoping to find here but something told me I should keep going.

"Hey you there!" A voice called out and I jumped and spun around expecting trouble. What I saw was a boy not much older than myself with blond hair and purple eyes. His blond was a different colour of blond than Joey's. Joey's was more golden coloured while this boy's was more silvery. The boy was wearing a white suit and black shoes that reminded me at once of what Yami wore. The boy stopped in front of me and looked me up and down.

"Um can I help you?" I asked not sure if this guy meant trouble or not.

"Yes you can actually," The blond smiled, "My name is Malik and I'm looking for someone."

"Oh?" I said for lack of anything else. Malik nodded as if I had said something profound before continuing.

"His name is Yami and he is about so tall, black and purple hair in spikes with blond spikes and violet eyes. Have you seen him anywhere?" Something about the way Malik, if that was even his real name, asked me that question made me wary.

"Um…." I paused for effect then shook my head. "Sorry no I haven't seen him. Have you tried the police station?" I asked trying to look innocent. Malik eyed me for a long time and I felt uncomfortable under his strong gaze.

"Ok well if you do see him tell him to stop being an idiot and come home." Malik smiled and it reminded me of a shark just before it gobbled up its prey.

"I think such a message would sound strange coming from a total stranger." I said and Malik's smile widened.

"Yes it would, that is why I'm asking you to deliver it. Yami is a stubborn fool but he might listen to you."

"Look pal I don't know who this 'Yami' person is and if you don't mind I have things to do." I said angrily but inside I was shaking. Who was Yami really? Who was this Malik person? What had I gotten myself into?

"Of course you do," Malik said smoothly. I took a step back but Malik stepped forward with a smile. "You see I know Yami has been to see you and as a result he is making a very bad decision. Our father is not pleased with him and I would hate to see something bad happen to Yami." Malik didn't sound at all worried to me but I said nothing. "So if you do happen to meet him do try and make him see sense. After all, you wouldn't want him to suffer for your sake would you?" Malik asked and I shook my head numbly.

"N-no," I said stuttered.

"Good boy, now have a nice day." With that Malik turned and walked away while I was left standing alone wondering what the hell was going on.

It was about midday when I started walking home still unsettled by my meeting with the strange Malik. I had no idea what he was talking about but it seemed Yami was doing something his 'father' didn't want him to because of me. The thought was sobering. I had never thought anyone but my grandpa would do something for me which could cause risk to themselves. It was why I never told my grandpa about the bullying. What if he approached the bullies and got hurt because of me?

I stared at the ground as I walked down the street that would lead me home. There was so much I didn't know about Yami, he could be part of a mafia group for all I knew. But he had seemed so nice it was hard to believe that he would be a part of something that existed to hurt people. But then again, some people just fall in with the wrong crowd and can't get out of the situation they find themselves in.

I shook my head resisting the urge to bang my head against something hard. Yami could not possibly be in a mafia family. Maybe it was a real family and Yami was going against his father's orders. You heard about these old Japanese families who were still all about tradition. Maybe Yami used me as an excuse not to follow the path his father had put down for him? I didn't know but I really wanted to find out.

I pushed the door to the game shop open. Grandpa was talking with a customer so I pointed to the roof and he nodded before turning back to the teenager. I went into the house and dragged my feet upstairs to my bedroom. I was a few paces away from my door when I heard a noise. I paused listening hard. I held my breath and waited. There it was again, a soft groan. I released my breath slowly and tiptoed to my room.

My heart was beating wildly in my chest and I wondered if whoever was inside my room could hear it. Usually my grandpa would notice if someone was close to the door leading to our private rooms but it was possible someone had snuck past him. I licked my lips and pushed the door open slowly flinching as it squeaked slightly. I peered into the room. At first I couldn't make anything out but then I saw a figure on my bed. I stepped closer and finally realised who the person was.

"Yami!"

*End Chapter*

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