Ch. 2 Hope Amidst Shadows
Sun had already set behind the city's skyscrapers when Yuugi walked into an apartment complex where Jounouchi lived. The pharaoh trailed in after Yuugi, leaving the warm fresh air and finding himself in a stale environment. Drop in temperature made him shiver and look around anxiously. The huge old building felt suffocating and stuffy, dirty gray walls looked worn, as if a giant beast had dragged its claws across every surface. Every step in these narrow dusty corridors made the Egyptian feel as if he was walking in a place for eternal rest, like at any moment one of the many doors lining the walls would open and someone deceased would demand to stop their desecrating actions. The Egyptian pitied mortals who had to live there. He much more preferred the cozy, even if cramped, game shop, too bad the boy didn't give him an option. He could only hope that he wouldn't be forced to sleep in a stone room much like these cold corridors.
Yuugi had reached the door to Jou's apartment and turned to look at his companion for about a twentieth time. The Egyptian looked worried and (was it just Yuugi's imagination?) slightly disgusted, as if he had tasted something mildly unsavory, sharp eyes darting around, definitely noting every possible escape. Yuugi tore his eyes away and pressed the doorbell while chewing on the inside of his cheek. He felt increasingly awful about this whole situation; it was him who got enthralled with the Egyptian, but now was pathetically relying on a friend to take care of a stranger neither of them knew. What if he was dangerous and wanted to harm Jou? Yuugi dreaded the idea of losing his best friend. It was enough that Jou risked his health for Yuugi when facing bullies at school. The boy couldn't comprehend why anyone would willingly befriend him knowing there was a good chance of being beaten up. As if that wasn't enough guilt for Yuugi, Jou agreed to take in a possibly dangerous stranger whom Yuugi picked up on a street like a stray cat. What would Honda say if his best friend got hurt because of Yuugi?
A gentle hand on Yuugi's shoulder pulled him out of his thoughts. He looked back at those wine purple eyes expecting contempt and malice, but instead he was met with concern and kindness. Once the Egyptian saw Yuugi's eyes welling with tears, he hastily pulled his hand away. What he thought was a comforting gesture clearly wasn't appropriate in this world. He sighed and lifted his eyes towards the ceiling, as if asking gods to guide him but of course no answer came; only the sounds of people bustling around came from behind closed doors. The pharaoh took a deep breath and faced Yuugi once more. Sure, he could pretend nothing had happened, but for some reason he couldn't bring himself to be arrogant to this little boy.
"Please forgive me if my actions offended you. I failed to realize sooner that your culture deems physical contact inappropriate."
Yuugi blinked his tears away before they could roll down his cheeks. It took him a while to process what the pharaoh had said, as he was still listening to his inner voice screaming accusations and condemnation. Shit, what happened? Why didn't I pay attention arghhh, Yuugi thought and scrambled to grab the Egyptian's hand.
"No no no, I didn't mean to offend you, it's ok, seriously, I don't know what came over me…" Yuugi held his breath as he was cut off by the pharaoh's kind smile. Damn, why did this man have a smile a thousand times more charming than any girl Yuugi had ever met? Yuugi kept on staring at the man breathless until someone awkwardly coughed three times. Yuugi, still not breathing, turned his head and saw Jounouchi, standing in the doorway and rubbing his blushing face. Why was he blushing? Right, I'm still holding this gorgeous man's hand, Yuugi came to the conclusion, but let go of the Egyptian quite reluctantly.
"Let's go inside," mumbled Yuugi and pushed inside the apartment.
Jounouchi's apartment felt surprisingly cozy. There was none of the doom and gloom of the cold corridor; instead the guests were greeted by tiny rooms with pastel yellow walls and fresh evening air, flowing from open windows. Jou led them into a clean, although a little shabby, living room lined with old worn furniture and a TV. The pharaoh felt his tense muscles relax, but still glanced around to make sure there wasn't anything dangerous. Yuugi plopped heavily on the floor in front of a low coffee table, so the pharaoh followed suit. He turned his intense gaze at the blond teenager, still awkwardly raking through his hair. Normally unapologetic Jou this time avoided looking straight into those wine purple eyes. Having plenty of street life experience he knew better than to cross someone radiating such menacing aura.
"Yuug', should I bring tea or sumthin'?" Jounouchi asked the shortest teen.
"I don't… God I'm so tired," Yuugi couldn't take the tension and awkwardness anymore, so his body automatically turned to coping mechanism by getting up and powering on an old beat video game console, hidden under the TV. Hearing the comforting beeps of the console, Yuugi automatically launched a platformer puzzle game and started playing through it. He had to focus on a game to think straight and not lose composure. What did he get himself into and why was it him of all people? Grandpa's words echoed in his head like in an empty cave: Yuugi, one day your naive and kind heart will bring you dire fate.
Jounouchi could only sigh, seeing Yuugi so defeated. He knew him since first grade and although they had become close friends just a year ago he already knew the boy's quirks.
"Let's give 'im some space to sort things out, 'kay?" Jou told, more than asked the pharaoh, who had been observing Yuugi play with worry and curiosity shining in his eyes. The Egyptian nodded in agreement and stood up to follow Jou into the kitchen.
The kitchen was even tinier than other rooms; on one side a line of shabby cabinets were cramped from wall to wall, beneath them a sink, washing machine and cooking stove. The opposite side of the kitchen was occupied by a table, suited to fit two people, and a fridge, emitting an almost dying buzz. The pharaoh sat in one of the chairs, cramped between the table and the window, and observed with caution how Jounouchi prepared three cups of what smelled like a refreshing herbal brew.
Silence in the kitchen must've been too tense for Jounouchi, so he awkwardly cleared his throat and spoke, "So Yuug' told me he picked ya up in a random alleyway on his way home, right?"
"I would prefer the term "met"," the pharaoh's eyes narrowed, "but yes, that is correct."
"And ya don't remember anythin'?"
"That is also correct."
"Damn, what can I say? Ya lucky it was Yuug' who found ya'. No one else would've been this kind." After hearing the comment the Egyptian frowned at Jounouchi who, upon meeting sharp distrustful eyes, bit his tongue. "I mean I will gladly help ya out, don't worry 'bout that, man."
The pharaoh wasn't sure if he should've shown gratitude so early. After all, they had just met and the scrawny blond didn't exactly radiate empathy like Yuugi. He could only hope that little Yuugi knew how to choose friends. The Egyptian voiced his curiosity, "How did you become friends?"
Jou was thrown off by the guest's straightforwardness. "Um… we go to school together. Weren't exactly on friendly terms… how should I put it… Me and my buddy Honda kinda, y'know, um…-" the teen turned red, wanting nothing more than to disappear to another planet. The pharaoh's sharp eyes were judging him, as if all the committed sins were being laid bare between them. "- we bullied him, alright? I know it was wrong, I know. I didn't mean it. He was just so… frustrating? And then he went and protected me an' Hond' from the bigger bully Ushio. We all got beat up real bad. But since then we're best buds," ended Jou with a positive note in his voice. After the incident, no matter what personal problems Yuugi was facing, nothing could dwindle Jou's respect and care for Yuugi.
Jounouchi glanced at the pharaoh, half expecting divine punishment to befall him, but the man was deep in his thoughts, eyes cast downwards. Finally, he said, "I don't quite understand your friendship yet, but there is no denying Yuugi's selflessness."
Jou only grinned happily and passed one of the prepared cups to the pharaoh. Carrying tea they returned to the living room, where Yuugi was so engrossed in the game, he didn't notice other boys looming over him. Yuugi had made an impressive amount of progress in the short span of time it took Jounouchi to make tea. Jou smiled and tousled Yuugi's already messy hair.
"Leave some of the game for us, will ya'," Jou playfully pushed whining Yuugi away from the TV and took the controller himself.
~O~
An hour passed, the sliver of sky, seen through the window, had turned completely dark and three cups of tea still stood untouched, as the boys got so drawn into the game, they had forgotten everything in the world. After Jou tried to beat a level and kept failing mid-way, he passed the controller to the pharaoh, who eagerly accepted the challenge and with some guidance quickly mastered the game's mechanics. Sometime between passing the controller around Jounouchi brought a spare black t-shirt and black jeans, ripped in some places from wear, for the Egyptian to change into. The clothing fit just fine and most of the gold accessories, previously adorned by the man, were piled up on the neatly folded royal apparel.
Yuugi tore his eyes away from the screen to take in the pharaoh's new image. Anyone would have agreed that the man looked stunning. Even in ordinary clothing he gave the impression of eminence; kohl lined eyes still sharp as ever, hand movements just as graceful. The few simple gold band rings left on his slender fingers complemented the whole look. Yuugi eyed every piercing with envy as he had begged his mom for permission to get one for months. The pharaoh still had three thick gold hoop piercings lining the rim of each ear but had taken out the two big dangly earrings and discarded them into the pile of gold.
"Yuug'? Yuugi? Yuuuugiiiii!" Jounouchi's voice finally reached the boy.
"..uh, huh?"
"I said it's past eleven, yo' mom gonna be pissed," Jounouchi repeated what Yuugi had missed.
Yuugi blinked a few times to register what Jou just said and with a startled shout jumped up and sprinted to the front door, saying his goodbyes and apologies. In a minute he was gone, leaving the dumbfounded pharaoh and Jounouchi alone in an awkward silence.
Yuugi ran as fast as his short legs let him. There was only one person who had full control over Yuugi's life and the boy had no desire to be grounded for the weekend. Originally he had planned to stay home, help grandpa in the store and play some games, but after the unexpected encounter with an ancient pharaoh (who was surprisingly good at video games) Yuugi was burning with desire to spend some time with him. Yuugi couldn't explain why he was so drawn to people who never backed down from a challenge, especially with games involved. The Egyptian not only faced games with fiery determination, he also never lost his cool or grace.
Lost in his thoughts, Yuugi wasn't really looking where he was running, so he never noticed a bulky man in a Domino High uniform, standing in the middle of a sidewalk, talking to a group of other school kids. Yuugi sprinted right into his back, sending him stumbling forwards, with Yuugi falling on all fours. A deadly silence befell.
"WHAT THE HELL!" roared Ushio pushing himself off of the ground.
Yuugi, startled by the voice he recognized, froze over. No no no no no NO, the boy was hysterically screaming in his head. He wanted to order his body to move, but all thoughts and voices in his head were replaced by hysterical denial of the situation and his body, like a prisoner trained to withstand torture, had already tensed for the incoming pain.
Ushio turned around and the furious scowl on his face was replaced by a sadistic leer.
"Well well, I can't believe my fucking luck. Just what I needed to end my Friday deliciously," Ushio hissed and lunged at Yuugi.
Yuugi saw Ushio rapidly getting closer like a physical manifestation of demise and his mind cleared and body unfroze in an attempt to revert fate at least once. In a second the boy got back control over his legs, scrambled up and dashed away from Ushio. It seemed to Yuugi that he had been running fast like a madman, not feeling the lack of air in his lungs or crippling pain in his muscles. Yuugi was feverishly chanting prayers to somehow make it to Jou's apartment, which shone in his mind's eye like a beacon of safe haven. If only he could make it back to the building! And go up the stairs and turn the corner into the oh so familiar corridor! He would bang on his best friend's door and he'd find salvation behind Jounouchi's back and he'd cheer as his bully was punished for the atrocities committed.
Sadly, Yuugi's hope was just a delusion; his short legs could never carry him fast enough to outrun two times bigger Ushio, Jounouchi's apartment complex was still a few blocks away and even if Yuugi reached him in time, the last encounter with Ushio would repeat, ending with both friends hurt. And who was he trying to humor? There was no way he would ever subject his friend to a beating, it was more likely Yuugi would try to hide behind the staircase or get on the rooftop.
A heavy hand landed between Yuugi's shoulder blades. The world around Yuugi momentarily stilled, the quiet of the night turned into shrill ringing in his ears and then everything seemed to crash on the poor boy. The world around him collapsed, hard asphalt scrapped his cheek and palms leaving a burning sensation and there was colossal weight on his back, making his spine creak audibly. With a last pulse of hope Yuugi strained to hear someone calling for police, but the only sound disturbing the night was the howling laughter of Ushio and his underdogs.
~O~
Back at Jou's place the pharaoh and the blond were finishing up the video game in awkward silence. Normally outgoing Jou didn't know how to approach his stoic guest and in turn the Egyptian couldn't think of what to talk about. Funny how Yuugi was this shy kid with a tiny voice, but his absence was almost physically sensible. The pharaoh, still sitting on the floor, stretched his legs and relaxed a little, letting fatigue flow down his limbs. Without Yuugi he felt weirdly thrown off balance.
"So uhmm… How should I call you?" Jounouchi asked, nervously fidgeting. Just now he wanted to suggest his guest to go rest for the night, but couldn't bring himself to call him "pharaoh". It just sounded weird.
The Egyptian paused, giving it a thought. He couldn't remember his name, but maybe there was a remnant of some other important word in his tattered memory.
"I'm sorry, I can't think of anything."
"It's alright. How 'bout we think of one for ya? I don't feel right calling ya without name so rudely." Jounouchi hummed for a second, trying to come up with at least something to start with. "Yuug' said ye'r from Egypt. Got any cool Egyptian words?"
The pharaoh closed his eyes, following the feeling that word had stirred. He faintly remembered sand, shimmering in sunlight everywhere around him, and heat, drying river water off his hands. Right, sand wasn't all there was to the scenery of his country, as the life bringing river's banks were covered in lush greenery. However, the king knew his land by a different name.
"Kemet, dark earth. That's what my people called the land which I ruled," whispered the pharaoh, suddenly missing the weight of his crown.
Jou noted the sorrowful shine in the man's eyes, but felt at a loss as probably no one would be able to console a king who's lost his nation. However the blond didn't like to linger with negative feelings, so he turned off the video game and thoughtfully hummed, "Dark earth, huh? In our language the word yami would make a pretty cool name, don't ya' think so?"
The Egyptian dwelled on the word. Indeed, it would suit him, as it seemed like his past was covered in darkness, memories quite literally overcast by opaque shadows. Yes, he could adopt such a name. He would be named Yami.
Upon accepting the new name the Egyptian felt an odd click in his soul. Of course, having a name was of a great importance, now he felt at least a bit more anchored.
"I have to agree," Yami smiled gratefully at Jounouchi.
Jounouchi turned away to hide a blush, spreading on his face. It was way too soon to trust a stranger, but the man had a damn warm smile that made Jou feel good about himself. Heck, if Yuugi trusted him, Jou was going to trust Yuugi's intuition. The blond turned to the Egyptian to return a wide smile, "Happy to meet ya', Yami."
The heartwarming moment was interrupted by a loud beeping, coming from behind them. Yami looked back startled, but remained in place, as Jou was still sitting beside him calmly, only sighing loudly.
"It's Yuug's phone, the scatterbrain left it here again. Seriously," Jou stood up and leisurely walked up to the coffee table to answer the phone.
"'Ey gramps, this is Jou, Yuug' left his phone at my place again," Jou said into the phone.
After listening to grandpa Mutou for a minute, Jou shot Yami a worried look. Yami got on his feet and approached, getting a bad feeling.
"Alright, don't worry, gramps, I'll bring his phone," Jou ended the call and rushed to the front door to pull on his shoes.
"What happened?" Yami inquired, not liking the panicked look on Jounouchi's face.
"It's Yuug'. He should've been home by now. He got into trouble, I know it!" Jou finally managed to tie his shoelaces with trembling fingers. He should've known better than to let Yuugi walk home alone at night. That kid attracted bad people like a lamp attracts moths.
"Wait, let me go with you, I can be of help," Yami didn't know why he was so sure of that, when he hadn't encountered any dangers of this world yet, but he didn't want to sit still while his friends went through something possibly terrible.
Jounouchi looked back and forth between the door and Yami, not wanting to put him in danger, especially when Yuugi had entrusted him to Jou. The blond glanced into Yami's determined eyes; he looked eager to fight. Arrgh can he even fight!? Jounouchi asked himself, nervously rubbing his face. Sure, right now Yami gave off the vibe of a king, ready to lead his army to war, but if they were to be met by some street gang, the two of them wouldn't be of any help to Yuugi. Jounouchi turned to Yami ready to protest, but didn't dare to, when he saw the commanding stance he was in.
"Argh why are you like this, man? Fuck it, let's go, Yuug' needs us right now," Jounouchi grabbed the door handle and stopped to shout, "Wait, shoes!"
In a span of two minutes Jounouchi managed to dig through his stash of sneakers, find a pair of fairly worn black and white converse shoes and thrust them into Yami's hands. For another two minutes Yami struggled putting the shoes on and tying laces and finally they were ready to run to Yuugi's rescue.
~O~
Nineteen. Twenty. Or is it thirty already? One more kick. Two. Three, Yuugi silently counted, as the world around him dulled into a dark mass, crushing him on all sides. Or was it someone crushing him into the rough ground? He couldn't tell anymore, he was too busy trying to count every hit and kick that connected with his body. Yuugi didn't know how long this had been going on or how much more he had to endure, so he just counted, counted and counted, first seconds, then hits, then seconds between the hits to the point where it seemed like he was trying to solve a puzzle and was counting pieces and moves. No sound reached him from the blurred world around him, not even Ushio's inhumane roars or his gang's laughter.
"YOU! WEAK TWERP!" Ushio panted heavily, "Why aren't ya' so brave anymore?! No losers to play a drama queen for? Ya' need an audience of equally weak fuckers?! I'LL KILL YOU!"
However, Jounouchi and Yami heard Ushio loud and clear, even though they couldn't see him yet. Jou yelled out desperately and ran even faster, because no one else besides Yuugi could've set Ushio off this badly. Yami did his best to keep up, breathing heavily but refusing to slow down. Anger was slowly overwhelming him as he couldn't understand why anyone would hurt such an innocent kid like Yuugi. The unhinged screaming, mad laughter, sounds of limbs colliding with a body and muffled gasps of pain clouded Yami's mind; a power, on the level of a primal instinct, awoke in his soul and was struggling to break into his heart and body -
-and everything came to a sudden halt. Jounouchi stopped his mad sprint to realize there was no hope to save Yuugi, heck, it was certainly impossible to get out of this situation in one piece. However, Jou didn't even think of saving himself, he clenched his fists ready to fight his way to Yuugi. Ushio straightened out and directed his wicked smile from Yuugi to the two newcomers. His gang awaited with twitching hands for Ushio to give out an order to charge. Yuugi, covered in blood and dirt, laid still in the middle of the road, facing his friends, although it was not clear if he was even able to see them.
An inaudible snap vibrated through Yami's core; a sensation akin to an electric impulse sparked in his heart and ran through his whole body, concentrating right under the skin of his fingertips. Yami straightened out his posture and took a deep breath, feeling the air in his lungs sizzle with magic.
"You have trespassed our hearts' domain. You shall be judged," spoke Yami, his deep voice disrupting the dead silence.
Jounouchi choked, whispering angrily, "What are ya' talkin' 'bout? Don't fuckin' taunt them, we are fucked as it is." He couldn't risk turning away from the enemy, so he didn't see an ominous gold light, seemingly radiating from underneath Yami's skin.
Ushio threw his head back laughing. "I have no idea what you nerds are talking about," he narrowed his eyes at Yami, not liking the menacing wine purple eyes, "but how about this: you pay me the 100 000 yen that Mutou still owes me, plus interest of, let's say, another 100 000 and I'll let you live?"
"Ya' bastard!" Jounouchi hissed, knowing it was pointless to argue, they were going to get beat up anyway. He steeled himself and was about to lunge at Ushio, but was stopped by Yami's outstretched arm.
"If wealth is what you desire, let's play a game," said Yami, sharp eyes never leaving the sight of poor Yuugi who, thankfully, was stirring back into consciousness.
Jounouchi chanced a glance at Yami, "What are ya' talkin' 'bout? I told ya' to stop wavin' red, that guy's a bull."
Yami never acknowledged Jou and only asked, "Do you have any currency on you?"
Jounouchi was so baffled he actually started digging through his pockets. "I have a 100 thousand that I got paid today," he whispered. He couldn't tell why he didn't think to leave his money at home.
Ushio laughed again, taking out a knife. Upon seeing the weapon Jounouchi swore and raised his arms defensively, ready to fight at any moment.
"You got some guts, offering to play games. Are you seriously gonna try to gamble your way out?" Ushio sneered at Yami.
"Indeed," Yami smirked, radiating confidence. To Jounouchi's horror, he walked a step closer and explained, "We will use the money Jounouchi has and your knife. You and I will take turns stabbing the pile of bills, placed on our hands; we get to keep however many bills get stuck on the knife. The goal is to gather as much money as possible without injuring oneself."
Jounouchi stared with mouth agape at Yami. Did he hear him right? He was too stunned to protest and placed his hard earned pay into Yami's outstretched palm.
Ushio howled with uncontrollable laughter and turned to his gang, "Did ya' hear this motherfucker? He wants to play games with me. Me! Of all people!" He then turned back to face Yami with a savage grin, "However, I said you owe me 200 thousand yen. You'll have to bet something else." Ushio raised his foot and stomped heavily on Yuugi's shoulder, the move earning a laugh from his gang and an angry shout from Jounouchi. "If I win, I get to beat ya' all nerds to death, how does that sound?"
"Fine. And if I win, you will be punished with a penalty game," Yami smirked, his gentle and kind exterior completely gone, replaced by a cruel scowl, "Keep in mind that this is a shadow game, which brings forth and judges players' sins."
"Yes yes, get on with it!" Ushio shouted.
Opponents stepped closer to each other and the risky game of darkness began.
~O~
Jounouchi nervously brushed through his messy hair yet again, for only about the tenth time. It was so nerve wracking to observe two men take turns stabbing at their own hands. And Jounouchi's money was being stabbed as well! Can you even use money with a visible slit in the middle? Jounouchi was losing his mind just remembering the possibility that he could end up without a month's pay, never mind the whole beat up and kill promise that Ushio had made. Even if Yami won his stupid little game, there was no chance Ushio will suddenly change his heart and be cool with them. Unless…
Jounouchi shook his head. Seeing Yami's side profile he could swear Yami was glowing, as if he had liquid glittery gold injected underneath his skin, but then Yami would turn more towards Jou and all that divine light was overshadowed by a devilish, almost bloodthirsty, grin. Jounouchi wasn't necessarily scared of Yami, but couldn't help feeling pity for Yuugi, currently stirring awake on the ground and moving his eyeballs to assess the situation. Seems like the poor kid had attracted a dangerous guy yet again; Jou could only hope that this time Yuugi found a friend, not a bully.
"Fuuuuck you, ya' bastard, this game doesn't make any sense," Ushio said. He had been getting more and more frustrated, the amount of money he had accumulated so far wasn't nearly enough to satisfy his greed. Yami's proud and confident demeanor didn't soothe him either, on the contrary, seeing someone not flinching even a little at the sight of mighty Ushio made the bully seethe with rage. Ushio stabbed another bill off of his hand and looked up to see his opponent's mocking smirk. That was the last straw.
"YOU! Shithead! Fuck you and your games I'll just kill you and your nerd friends!" Ushio screamed and lunged forward, knife ready to pierce Yami's flesh.
Yami chuckled with self-satisfaction and dodged sideways half a step, enough for the knife to not puncture any vital spots. A small drop of blood ran down his upper arm and dribbled on the asphalt with an almost audible drop. Everyone, even Ushio, stilled, listening to an imagined pitter-patter of blood. Drip, drip, drip, Yami's smirk quirked into a grin, akin to a demonic mask. Thud, thud, thud, Yami leisurely walked exactly three steps to the frozen Ushio who was still gripping his knife. Everyone around watched the scene unfold with bated breaths.
"Now you shall be judged by the pharaoh's power!" Yami spoke, as if in a trance, "You had a chance at a fair game but your ugly sin of greed broke through your tough facade and made you cheat. At heart you are nothing more than a pathetic bully, seeking to hurt others for personal gain and pleasure."
Yami raised his hand so his fingertips were centimeters away from Ushio's forehead. Street lights flickered rapidly and shadows, surrounding the two players, thickened into a black mass which was pierced here and there by radiant golden rays, emanating from Yami. Since Jounouchi and Yuugi were nearby, they had a clear view of Yami, looking god-like with his eyes burning crimson red and a gold eye of Horus shining on his forehead.
Yuugi was fully conscious by then and stared with mouth agape at Yami. For as long as he had been bullied, Yuugi had always dreamed of someone strong and caring to suddenly appear in his life and take him far, far away from the miserable life in Domino, but he had never imagined to be saved by an Egyptian king who, apparently, had magic powers. Yuugi minded neither the creepy shadows slithering around them, nor the scary expression on Yami's face; more than anything he wished he could run into Yami's arms and Yuugi was sure his troubles would disappear.
Yuugi's ponderings were interrupted when Ushio's feral scream pierced the silence. The scream was followed by loud cursing coming from Jounouchi who crouched and dashed towards Yuugi, picking him up effortlessly by his waist. The seemingly alive shadows slithered into cracks in the pavement and the lights lit back on, illuminating the deserted street and everyone present in a soft yellow light. Ushio's lackeys stood dumbfounded as their leader came into view swinging his knife around and screaming his lungs out.
"GET BACK! IT'S MINE, IT'S ALL MINE!" shrieked Ushio, madly spinning around and grasping for something in the air only he could see.
Yami blinked heavily and leaped backwards, his previous trance-like state gone together with his mysterious glows. He gave one more mischievous smirk in Ushio's direction and turned to follow Jounouchi who was hurrying away with Yuugi still dangling under his arm.
Jounouchi came to a halt only once they were a few meters away from the Kame game shop. He carefully set Yuugi on the ground and fell on his knees to catch his breath. Yami bent over and extended a hand for Yuugi to take.
Yuugi looked up at the Egyptian intently, eyes beaming with gratitude and awe. This time Yuugi took the man's hand and let himself be pulled to his feet to see the man smile gently, making Yuugi's heart skip a beat. Yuugi shyly peered into those mystical wine purple eyes, looking for any traces of the magical red glow and breathed a sigh of relief when found none. As much as he trusted his savior, Yuugi felt he wasn't ready to deal with magic, at least not when his whole body was throbbing with pain. Reminded of what he had just went through, Yuugi blushed with embarrassment realizing how filthy he must've been and quickly pulled his hands out of the Egyptian's careful grasp, not wanting to dirty those surprisingly delicate soft hands.
"Man, fuck that was?" Jounouchi swore, looking back. He turned to the other two with an exasperated expression, feeling more tired than ever.
Yami didn't have time to answer anything, as the door to Kame game shop opened and Yuugi's grandpa stuck his head outside. Upon seeing the state Yuugi was in, he exclaimed and ushered Yuugi inside.
"Dear god, Yuugi, what did you get yourself into this time? Your mom came back a while ago; I told her you're already asleep. Go inside this instant," grandpa fussed, while looking back and forth between the three guys.
"Err… we'll go, gramps. See ya' tomorrow, Yuug'!" Jou said and pushed Yami to move.
The two of them went back to Jou's apartment, purposefully avoiding the street where the fight had taken place. Jou swore he could still hear Ushio's faint wails, echoing in the otherwise silent neighborhood. He remembered the dark windows of the houses, lining up the street and wondered if anyone bothered to call the police; he hoped that no one had seen exactly what had transpired earlier. Jounouchi rubbed his face, feeling tired more than ever, wishing for a peaceful remainder of the night. He glanced at Yami, calmly walking beside him in his usual dignified manner. Jounouchi shook his head, exasperation evident on his face. It didn't matter what kind of trouble Yuugi had attracted this time, they were already being pulled by ancient Egyptian magic into a crazy destiny.