A/N: And people talk, someone's missing, someone breaks the rules, and things get a bit too personal for comfort.

Also, some of my readers have noticed the distinct lack of a character who should be here. Don't worry, that character is missing for a reason and will show up soon. I promise.

Game Start

To their credit, no one flinched when the Pharaoh called the start of the Shadow Game. But the Justice League and the civilians did look around in confusion for a few moments, probably expecting something dramatic to happen.

"I don't feel any different," Flash said. "Did anything happen? I thought there was supposed to be this dome of darkness thing."

"Not necessarily, no," Yami said. "The domes of darkness you are referring to are not generally part of Shadow Games. They are an added component that is used mosly for intimidation and to keep other people who may interfere with the Game out. Most Shadow Games don't use those. Instead, they are played out in the open, in a way. A Shadow Game can be anything from a simple card game, to a board game, to a verbal debate, or even played purely in the realm of the mind and soul. But no matter what, no cheating is ever allowed. The person who loses the Game or cheats is forced to endure a Penalty Game of some kind which is typically either left up to the Shadows themselves or the victor of the Shadow Game to decide."

"Okay," Flash said nodding slowly. "So-"

"Our turn."

"Wait, hang on!" Flash exclaimed. "I didn't-"

"You asked a question and we answered," Yami said, grinning victoriously. "That means your turn is up and ours begins."

"The Pharaoh's right," Oliver said, holding back a smile. "You did ask a question and they answered it fair and square. It's their turn."

"Indeed," Walter agreed.

Bakura cackled. "Threw away your first turn like an amateur," he sang. "I suggest you think about your next question more carefully."

"We will," Superman said, not at all happy with their wasted opportunity.

Yami grinned. "Since I answered, it makes sense I get to ask the our question."

"It had better not be a stupid question, oh Ancient One, or I won't be happy," Bakura chimed.

Yami chuckled.

:Mou hitori no boku.:

Yami turned to Yuugi curiously. :Yes, Aibou.:

:Don't push to hard, please.: Yuugi's soft violet eyes met Yami's crimson. :We need them as allies not enemies.:

:Of this, I am aware, Aibou,: Yami said.

:Then try to keep the subject away from Kaiba. We already know this little adventure of ours is making both him and Seth unstable.:

Yami nodded, glancing at Kaiba. :Yes, I see what you mean.:

Yami turned back to the Justice League and said aloud. "My question, and I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering this, is how did you found us?"

J'onn answered. "I slipped a tracking device in Walter's jacket pocket at the cafè."

"You-!" Kaiba froze, voice dying in his throat. He shook visibly for a moment before controlling himself. "I assume you were the man sitting at the table nearby," he said.

J'onn nodded. "I was and yes, I heard everything. And seeing as I have answered your question, I will ask my own."

"Go on," Kaiba said, crossing his arms and seething from being unable to detect the shapeshifting telepath when he had been so close to him.

"I believe the older man who stopped by the cafè during your meeting was the enemy we have been seeking, but I did not see him do anything that would warrant the reaction you had to him."

Kaiba's brows furrowed. "What is your question then?"

"What did that man do to you that made you react in such a way?"

"I will answer that," said Shaadi, stepping up to the front of the group. He slipped his arms into his sleeves, grasping his wrists comfortably. "He caught my Regent by surprise and initiated an unsanctioned Shadow Game deep in Kaiba's mind. His Shadow magic is significant and as such required almost all of my Regent's concentration to fight it."

"I see," J'onn murmured. "So because it was in Kaiba's mind as the Pharaoh mentioned earlier, there was no outward sign of the Game such as now."

"As you say," Shaadi said, nodding his head. "My-"

"I got dis," Jounouchi interrupted. "Since the beginnin', before we even got 'ere, some guy named Lex Luthor has been causing us trouble. He's called the Regent over there on several occasions for what he claims to be 'business,'" Jounoushi said with air quotes. "The most recent one I know of was a one the day Kaiba left Japan for Starling City."

"Wrong, you stupid mutt," Kaiba interrupted.

"I'm not a mutt, you bastard!" Jounouchi growled.

"Language, Joey, please," Walter insisted.

Kaiba smirked as Jounouchi cowered under Walter's disappointed stare. "We spoke again just before the first Shadow Thief attack," he said, blue eyes narrowg. "He tried to talk to my kohai without my permission. We he pulled me aside, he mentioned an interest of buying shares in KaibaCorp."

Jounouchi hummed thoughtfully. "So basically, I guess my question is why the heck is Luthor here and what does he want with us?"

"Isn't that technically two questions?" Diggle said, raising an eyebrow.

"It sounded like two combined into one," Walter said.

Oliver nodded. "I suggest you pick one of those two and use that as your question," he said.

Shaadi sighed. "Very well. Why is Lex Luthor here in Starling City?"

"We were hoping you knew," Superman replied. "He doesn't usually leave Metropolis unless on urgent business. You're telling me you don't know why he's here either?"

Shaadi raised an inquiring brow. "Is that your question?"

"No!" Batman said quickly. "It isn't."

Shaadi bowed his head. "Choose your words carefully. Should we answer one of your...not-questions, then it will count as your turn."

Batman nodded. "Point taken."

"Back to our previous question," Hawkgirl said. "The guy behind all of this, what's his name?"

Kaiba remained silent but turned to Yuugi who nodded and answered for him. "The man's name is Ahkenadin. We have...a history."

"Care to ela-" the Thanagaran cut off abruptly as her windpipe suddenly closed.

"That would be the Shadows," Shaadi said. "They do not like it when a player tries to break the rules. One question per team per turn." He sighed. "Now that is our turn once more, I will ask my question. Do any of you know something about the knife the Shadow Thief stole from the museum exhibit several days ago?"

Green Lantern answered. "Not much. I know what it looked like and managed to track down the guy who originally recovered it, some archeologist name Carter Hill, but that's about it."

Shaadi hummed thoughtfully but did not speak again.

"I have a question," Wonder Woman said, shifting her stance to a more comfortable one.

"Yes?" Ryou said.

"Can you explain what you all are exactly?"

Ryou tilted his head. "I...I'll need you to be a little more specific."

"I mean," the Amazon princess clarified, "literally what are you? Your full names and titles, what you do, how old are you, basic things we should have started with."

"I thought we already told you all that when we first me," Yuugi said.

"You told a few of us," Flash corrected, taking over, "and you didn't answer all of our questions. Just the ones you chose."

"You noticed then," Yami said.

"Yes," J'onn said gravely.

Ryou and surprisingly Bakura gazed at their Pharaoh for permission. Yami nodded. The rules of the Game must be honored. Clearing his throat, Ryou ran a heand through his hair and sighed.

"Well, alright then. I'm Ryou Bakura. My father was an archeologist and raised me in England. He wasn't home much and I don't really remember my mother much." He glanced at Bakura hesitantly before continuing. "You'll forgive me, I just...we don't go around telling people all this often." He took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders. "I am Ryou Bakura, Scribe of the Dark Triad of the Shadow Court un the Pharaoh, former bearer of the Millennium Ring and host of Bakura. I keep an official record of the Shadow Court's doings as well as keep an eye out for unusual Shadow activity in Europe and the Americas. Oh and I'm nineteen."

"And I," the darker copy of Ryou said, "am just Bakura. I am the Thief of the Dark Triad of the Shadow Court also under the Pharaoh. I'm the former spirit of the Millennium Ring, previous incarnation of Ryou here, master tomb robber of my era, practitioner of Shadow magic, and keep and help Ryou watch for unusual Shadow activity in both Europe and the Americas. And I suppose since I'm sort of not a ghost, I can easily say I'm 5,000 years old give or take a century or so."

Bakura examined his nails casually, enjoying the startled looks from his audience.

"Jounouchi here," the blonde Shadow user said, taking his queue from the two Darks. "Or," he nodded to Walter, "Joey if ya prefer. My full name is Jounouchi Katsuya, but don' call me that. It's weird." Yuugi chuckled and Jounouchi grinned as he continued, warming up to the subject. "I'm the Knight of the Light Triad of the Shadow Court under the King. Damn that's a mouthful." He flipped his tongue around making Yuugi laugh. Jounouchi smiled brightly. "I'm actually gonna have my birthday in a couple months but I'm still nineteen at the moment, unfortunately. Too young to drink 'ere."

Shaadi was next. "And I am Shaadi, the Advisor for the Triad of the Balance of the Shadow Court under the Regent. It is my duty to observe the continent of Asia for Shadow magic activity outside the norm. My age is..." He mumbled something in Arabic to which Yuugi snorted.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that," Flash said.

"I do not like repeating myself," Shaadi said simply.

Yami laughed. "Take it from me, he doesn't at that. Besides," Yami grinned, "you never said we had to answer in English. We just have been until now to be nice."

"...well shit."

"Flash, language, please," Walter chastised.

Oliver snorted trying to hide it behind a cough when Walter turned his gaze to him. "He's right, though. You never said they had to answer in English."

Yuugi smiled, calming down. He felt Yami saueeze his shoulder and kiss his ear in quiet encouragement and began speaking. "I'm Mutou Yuugi, co-holder of the title King of Games in the Duel Monsters subculture. I'm also the King of the Shadow Realm and Earthbound Shadow Kingdom, human head of the Light Triad in the Shadow Court, and I'm nineteen years old."

"Well done," Yami whispered in soft hieratic into Yuugi's ear enjoying the way his other half relaxed against him. "Conversely," Yami said in English, "I am the Pharaoh of the Shadow Realm and Earthbound Shadow Kingdom, human head of the Dark Triad of the Shadow Court, other co-holder of the title King of Games in the Duel Monsters subculture, and," he tilted his head, "am also approximately 5,000 years old."

"You already know me as Kaiba Seto," Kaiba began, voice strong and even. "I am the Regent of the Shadow Realm and Earthbound Shadow Kingdom, human head of the Triad of the Balance of the Shadow Court, and nineteen years old. My brother Mokuba is my Keeper," he added, placing a possessive hand on his little brother's shoulder, tugging him close. "He's fourteen. I think that about sums it up." He smirked. "Now you know why we don't go touting around all of our titles everywhere we go. It takes too much time and it's useless to anyone not part of our Kingdom in some way, shape, or form."

"You didn't mention Obelisk," J'onn said calmly.

Kaiba's smirk darkened. "I don't think that's any of your business."

"It...is though," Oliver said reluctantly. "He asked what you were."

"And we answered," Shaadi said. "Nothing else."

"I agree with Shaadi," Diggle said. "They did answer Wonder Woman's question and everything she specified."

"Yes they did," Walter said. "I think we can let it pass."

Oliver shrugged, feeling somewhat relieved. "Alright then," he said. "Your turn," he said, nodding to the Shadow Court.

"You said if someone like me attacked you," Kaiba said to Wonder Woman without preamble, "that your goddess would step in to defend you. What did you mean by that?"

Wonder Woman rested a hand on her lasso as she spoke. "I meant someone from a pantheon. You are a member of the Egyptian pantheon; true god or deified mortal, it doesn't matter. As a member of a pantheon, you are relegated to the position of a god and thus deserving of having my goddess come to my defense."

Kaiba blinked. "I'm not a god," he said.

"You are Set, the god of Chaos," Green Lantern said, careful not to make it a question.

"I was Set," Kaiba corrected. "Set died 5,000 years ago. And if I recall, Set was also the god of other things besides chaos."

"Nevertheless, you were deified by the Egyptian people and added to their pantheon," Wonder Woman said. "Thus you are viewed as a god."

"And as a member of their pantheon, you have mythologies surrounding you, such as guiding the dead to heaven," Superman said.

"Never believe everything you read, especially in mythology," Kaiba said, eyes narrowing. "I'm sure your Amazon would be the first to tell you mythologies are stories that have been changed and manipulated through time until only the bare bones remain."

"This Amazon belongs to no one," Wonder Woman snapped, "and while true' mythologies are just stories, they are typically based on truth at some level."

"Based on truth maybe, but not truth entirely," Kaiba countered. "I suppose you also believe I stand on Ra's ship and fight the serpent Apep, or Apophis, or whatever name you prefer, on the sun god's trip through the underworld every night. I suppose you believe I have the head of a sha, eat spinach obsessively, and hold crocodiles and hippopotamuses as sacred."

"Or murdered your own brother, Osiris, for the throne," Hawkgirl pressed, joining her fellow comrade-at-arms, "or attempted to seduce your own sister and brother's wife both before and after you killed him," her green eyes burning in fury, "or raped your sister's son, or-"

"That's enough!" the Pharaoh commanded loudly with all the authority he could muster.

"Those are personal attacks," Walter said. "The rules were to keep the questions on topic and away from personal attacks."

"If you keep on this track," Oliver growled to Hawkgirl, "then friend or not, I'll expel you from the Game."

"You won't have to," Yami said, eyeing the winged woman and Amazon hatefully. "If he keeps talking, the Shadows will punish them as they see fit."

"And they won't find any mercy from me," Yuugi said, typically soft eyes hard with fury.

Mokuba was horrified by the accusations, but he was quickly distracted by his brother. He felt his big brother begin to falter, leaning further towards the Dark than he should. He gripped Seto's hand tightly and called his name, trying to pull his brother back and ground him. But he could feel Kaiba pulling against him, resisting him.

And then it was not Kaiba. He could no longer feel his brother. Or he could, but it was not...it was close, very close, but not...

"Yuugi-kun," Mokuba called in Japanese. "Yuugi-kun, something's wrong with Ni-sama. I can't reach him!"

"What did you say?!" Yuugi cried. The young King's eyes darted to Kaiba and grew round. "Seth."

"What?!" Yami and Bakura exclaimed in shock.

"Seth?" Superman asked, echoing his companions' confusion. Then realization dawned on the entire group.

"Set!" Wonder Woman said, readying her lasso.

"Well don't just stand there, Pharaoh!" Bakura commanded. "Do something! He only answers to you anyway."

"Too late," Jounouchi called.

Oliver watched as the one called Seth crouched down, drawing the Shadows to him. They came readily, almost swallowing him whole. They had found cheats and wished to exact punishment. They perceived Seth's goal to be the same as their own and took advantage of the opening presented to them so freely. They gushed forth within the powerful Shadow user propelling him forward.

Oliver knew the Regent was bound by the rules of the Game and would have been held back by the Shadows. He also knew that the only reason Kaiba was attacking now was because this was not Kaiba; and yet it was Kaiba. This was Seth who was and was not Kaiba. Kaiba was bound by the rules of the Game; however, Seth was not. The Shadows knew this and were using Seth to exact their Penalty.

Oliver could not move to stop Seth because the Shadows would not let him. This was a Shadow Game and the vigilante was as much bound by the rules as everyone else but Seth was. All he could do was watch as Seth took over Kaiba's body and then was himself overwhelmed by the Shadows eager to exact punishment on those who had broken their rules. The only way to stop this was to drag Kaiba back so the Shadow Game's rules could take affect and prevent Kaiba from attacking.

But the Justice League and Shadow Court were still bound by the rules of the Shadow Game as well and could not act to stop the attack or defend themselves. All they could do was wait. All of this occurred within four seconds. But four seconds was all it took for the Shadow to possess Seth and force him to leap forward in a quick attack.

Oliver's last thought before a flash of light blinded him was strangely wondering how they were going to get out of this mess.