Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ A Shovel And Some Faith ❯ Chapter 2
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: whosjeebus 
"You are one heartless bastard, you know that? I can't BELIEVE I was stupid enough to fall in love with you..."
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Psychological / Drama / Suspense | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.12.2005 | Updated On: 07.24.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 327 | Status: Work In Progress
"You are one heartless bastard, you know that? I can't BELIEVE I was stupid enough to fall in love with you..."
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Psychological / Drama / Suspense | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.12.2005 | Updated On: 07.24.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 327 | Status: Work In Progress
Title: A Shovel And Some Faith - Chapter 2/10
Author: WhosJeebus
Rating: NC-17 (and that's putting it mildly)
Pairing(s): Seto/Joey, other surprise pairings
Beta: Jennie B. (she's magically delicious!)
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Read at your own risk. Seriously. This fic contains situations of a decidedly grotesque nature. If you get squicked, and STILL keep reading, don't blame me for your nightmares. I warned ya. I will say no more. **looks shifty-eyed**
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, and probably never will. Kazuki Takahashi will most likely take a hit out on me if he ever reads this fic.
Summary: Seto's kinks have steadily become more and more extreme, much to Jounouchi's dismay. Has he finally gone TOO far with his latest fetish? [From the 2005 Kink Fest Challenge at A Dragon's Lair]
Author's Notes: As usual, review responses follow the fic!
~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 2:
"What's the matter, Kaiba? You look surprised to see me."
Seto worked his mouth open and closed repeatedly, but no sound came out. He flung himself back against the wall of the shower cubicle, hands held out before him to ward off the frightening vision. With his heart pounding in terror, the rational part of his brain tried to deny the horrific return of his dead lover, while other, more emotional portions of his mind insisted that he should be overjoyed. He realized that the latter half was winning the battle when he felt the first interested stirrings in his groin. He closed his eyes tightly, flooded with shame at his reaction. He sent out a silent prayer to any god that would listen, asking for Jou to be gone when he reopened them, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. His breath returned all in a rush, and he gasped out, "Go away. You're not -- " He swallowed thickly, his voice becoming stronger, "You're not REAL."
Jou feigned hurt. "I'm NOT?" He patted down his chest and arms, a bewildered expression on his face. "I FEEL mostly real... " He gingerly fingered the marks on his neck. "Throat hurts a little, though." He shrugged. "I dunno; I'm still pretty new at this. Tell you what -- when the mirrors defog, let's check and see if I cast a reflection; deal?"
Jou halted his forward advance and stood with his arms crossed, gazing at Seto with a chilly smirk. He quirked an eyebrow as he took in the brunet's semi-aroused state. "At least the Little Dragon's happy to see me. You really ARE a piece of work, you know that?" He shook his head in exasperation. "You're probably the only person I know who could fuck someone to death and STILL manage to get a boner when they show up a few hours later. But then again, I WAS always impressed with that unstoppable libido of yours..."
Seto fought down the hysterical, panicked laugh that bubbled up in his throat, and countered lamely, "But...you're DEAD."
"Well, duh! Yeah I am, thanks to you." Anger flashed across the blond's pale face. "What the FUCK were you THINKING?!" He took a threatening step forward before turning aside and agitatedly running his hands through his hair. It was a heartbreaking gesture Seto knew well.
"My God, Seto, I knew you were obsessed, but I figured you had SOME common sense left!" Jou flailed his hands animatedly as he spoke and Seto focused his gaze on the bruised wrists, unable to meet Jou's accusing eyes. "But noooo...you put your brain in the back seat and let your dick drive the car!" The smaller boy lurched forward suddenly, stopping just shy of crashing into the terrified CEO. Seto steadfastly refused to meet Jou's fiery glare. Noses almost touching, Jou hissed from between clenched teeth, "Godammit Kaiba, I TRUSTED you!!"
Seto lifted his violently trembling hands up to touch Jou's face, but the angry figure whirled away from him and stalked across the room. He let his arms drop limply by his side. "Jou...I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry..."
Jou froze in his tracks, his posture noticeably stiffening. "Sorry?" His voice was deadly quiet. "You're SORRY!?" A low growl emanated from deep within his throat as he turned once again to face his former lover. "What the fuck good does that do ME? I'm DEAD!!" He barked a sharp laugh, cold and bitter. "Or maybe that just hasn't sunk in yet? Christ. I didn't have much goin' for me, I know, but I sure as hell wasn't ready to DIE!"
Seto looked up, but didn't speak. He riveted his gaze to a spot just over Jou's left shoulder and allowed a few tears to escape the confines of his eyes. Every word spoken was the truth; the least he could do was hear Jou out -- he owed him that much. If he'd believed for a moment that it would hold any sway with his vengeful lover, he would have fallen to his knees, begged for forgiveness, and offered up his own life in compensation. However, some niggling thought in the back of his mind told him that Jou wasn't here for purely vindictive reasons. His purpose as yet remained unclear, but Seto knew it had to be important. As much as he longed to simply reach out and wrap the other boy in his arms, he remained fixed in place, facing Jou's accusations. '"If there's nothing I can say to you that -- "
"Just shut the fuck up, Kaiba! God, you make me sick!" With a strangled roar, Jou was suddenly across the room and once again in Seto's face. "You asshole! You can't even LOOK at me!" Furious, Jounouchi wrenched at the collar of his t-shirt, pulling it down and prominently displaying the evidence of Seto's wrongdoing. The reddened marks burned their way into Seto's conscience, and he quickly averted his eyes, a fresh rush of tears coursing down his anguished features. "What? Is THIS what you don't want to see? Does it make you UNCOMFORTABLE!?" Jou snarled and backed off, wrinkling his nose in digust. "You should take a good look, Kaiba. YOU did this -- and you're the one who has to live with it!" Chuckling darkly he added, "Thanks for takin' that choice away from me..."
"I...I don't know what you want from me," Seto choked out, once more reaching toward Jounouchi. "I can't take it back, no matter how much I want - "
"Shit! It's like talkin' to a wall!" Jou interrupted, recoiling sharply from Seto's attempted touch. "You are one heartless bastard, you know that? I can't BELIEVE I was stupid enough to fall in love with you..." He trailed off, shaking his tousled blond mane and muttering to himself.
Seto was floored. "You LOVED me?" He felt his knees give, and he grasped the door handle to steady himself. Not this...not on top of everything else. His mind reeled, rejecting the possibility.
Jou raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "You really didn't know?" Astonished, he threw his hands up in the air and snorted loudly. "The great Kaiba Seto ain't all-knowin' and all-seein'! That's just peachy. I had to kick the bucket to get him to admit it. Talk about unfair..."
"After everything I did to you, all that I put you through -- you were in love with me?" Seto whispered, still unable to come to terms with the magnitude of his crime against Jounouchi..
"Yeah. That's what I said, ain't it?" Jou seemed affronted at having to repeat himself. "And a helluva lot of good it did me, too!" He paced back and forth across the floor, passing in and out of the lingering clouds of steam. He halted abruptly, returning his hands to the front pockets of his jeans. "Look. I know I'm just wastin' my breath talkin' to you..." Jou paused and tilted his head to the side, considering. To Seto, the pose was reminiscent of a dog's -- one who understands his master's tone, if not the command itself. "I know, I know. Unfortunate choice of words," Jou shrugged and nervously chewed at his lip. A soft, melancholy expression flitted briefly across his face, and it seemed as though he were about to speak -- instead, he snapped his mouth shut and hardened his features once more. He turned to leave, giving Seto a final, disdainful glance. "I'm outta here. Good luck facin' Shizuka and Yug' at the funeral. That is, if you're not too much of a coward to show up." Jounouchi stode toward the exit just as Seto's paralysis ended. He bolted after the smaller boy, his feet slipping on the slick marble. As the blond disappeared around the corner, Seto snatched desperately at a nearby towel rack to prevent himself from falling.
"Jou, wait!" Panting, he rounded the intersection of the shower cubicle and entryway to find Jou already gone. No trace of his presence remained, and Seto was left standing alone, nude and shivering in the cool air outside the bathroom. Dazed, he numbly made his way over to the bed and lay down on his back, turning his head briefly to inhale Jou's lingering scent on the pillow beneath him. He stared blankly up through the skylight above his bed, not moving a scant millimeter as he observed the heavy cloud cover gradually clearing away. Like the stars wheeling above in the night sky, Seto's mind was frantically turning, formulating a plan for redemption; a last ditch effort at love. Jounouchi's visit had served its purpose, and he saw the path he was required to follow, now clearly laid out before him. Dawn broke slowly over the horizon, flooding the room with light as his mind dimly registered the sound of sirens fading into the distance. He knew what discovery they heralded, but he paid them no mind. His brilliant, troubled brain plotted, and at last, Seto knew what he had to do.
~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~
Later That Same Day:
Yugi shifted uncomfortably in the hard plastic chair as he grew more and more nervous with each passing second. His grandpa hadn't yet told him why they were here at the police station, and the sad glances he kept shooting at his grandson through the detective's office window were only causing Yugi's anxiety to grow unchecked. Sensing his counterpart's unease, Yami materialised in the chair next to the smaller boy, offering reassurance. "I'm sure it's nothing, Aibou..." He fell silent as they both observed the elder Mutou emerging from Detective Youko's office, tears evident in his eyes. Although aware of the fact that he was visible to no one other than his hikari, Yami discreetly returned to the Millenium puzzle as Yugi leapt to his feet. Concerned for his young friend, he remained alert and watchful from inside the magical item.
Detective Youko motioned for both Mutou's to follow him through a set of double doors, but Yugi balked, grasping his grandfather's hand urgently. "Grandpa, what's going on? Is this about the robbery at the shop last year?" His voice sounded hopeful. "Have they caught the burglar?"
Sugoroku shook his head and wrapped a comforting arm around Yugi's shoulders. Squeezing the boy tightly, he solemnly looked him in the eye. "Yugi, the police have found a body, and they need your help to identify it." He sighed deeply and continued. "Your name was listed on an emergency contact card they found on the... the individual. I'm afraid they think it might be Jounouchi."
Yugi sat back down abruptly, one hand covering his mouth. "That's impossible! I just talked to him yesterday!" He blinked a few times in confusion before setting his face stubbornly and brusquely shrugging his grandfather's arm from off his shoulder. "They must have made a mistake, and this is probably all some kind of mix up," Yugi said convincingly. "Let's just go and get this over with." He marched after the young detective, small fists clenched at his sides. They were led into a narrow room where four more of the garishly coloured plastic chairs lined one wall. A large window, covered by a heavy drape on the opposite side, was the singular, remarkable feature of the facing wall. The only other accoutrement in the confining space was a small endtable with a box of tissues perched conspicuously on top. Yugi squared his shoulders and asked, "Now what?"
Detective Youko closed the door behind them and answered, "Just watch the window son. If you recognize the uh, deceased, just let me know." He cleared his throat behind his fist. "I'm sorry we have to ask you to do this, but we were unable to contact a parent or guardian to -- "
"You're WRONG, OK? Let's just get on with it." He crossed his arms over his chest stubbornly, and took a wide step away from his grandfather when the older man once more attempted to pull Yugi into his comforting embrace. "It's not Jou," he whispered softly under his breath.
A light came on in the adjacent room, and Yugi turned his attention to the window as the drapes slowly opened with a buzzing, mechanical hum that set his teeth on edge. Through the one way mirror Yugi could see a form lying on a gurney, covered head to toe with a white sheet. He swallowed hard. He was about to see an actual dead body for the first time in his young life. Only his eagerness to prove that it COULDN'T possibly be his best friend kept him from fleeing the room in dread. With a critical eye, Yugi examined the still figure on the exam table. It LOOKED to be about Jounouchi's size... He shoved the implication away forcefully. It was just too ludicrous.
Detective Youko stepped forward and pressed a button on the intercom. "We're ready in here, Steve." A technician in white scrubs stepped away from the wall and nodded in the direction of the mirror. He leaned over slightly, and in one swift move, pulled back the sheet. Shaggy blond hair and a heart-wrenchingly familiar face were revealed as Yugi's vision narrowed to a point and his breathing became harsh. Oblivious to his surroundings, he threw himself at the window, fingers curling into claws and scrabbling at the glass. "JOUNOUCHI!! " he screamed. His knees gave way, and he clutched at his grandfather for support. "NOOO!" Yugi wailed louder as the attendant hurriedly closed the drapes, hiding the pale, still form from view. He sobbed loudly into Sugoroku's chest as the older man crushed his grandson to him, his own tears flowing freely now.
Left unnoticed by the grieving pair, the detective shuffled his feet awkwardly and asked, "Were you able to positively identify the -- "
"YES!" Sugoruku snapped. "It was -- " He choked, overcome with emotion. "It was Jounouchi Katsuya. My God, how could this have happened?"
"Do you think you might be able to sit down with us and answer a few questions about the deceased's whereabouts? If you need -- "
"What my grandson and I NEED at the moment, detective, is some time alone please. We'll answer any questions you have in due time."
Youko looked pained, but pushed onward. "It's just that in cases such as these, time is of the essence. We need to get a statement as soon as possible."
"I don't understand. In cases such as WHAT?"
"The coroner has ruled Jounouchi's death a homicide. We need to get the investigation underway before we lose any evidence."
Yugi looked up at this, shaking his head in fierce refusal of this news. "No, no, no, no..." He beat his fists blindly on his grandfather's back, his voice rising in hysteria.
Inside the Millenium puzzle, Yami remained aware of the shocking events unfolding, and desperately longed to join his other half in anguished denial. He would only grant his grief free reign once he had seen to the needs of his partner first. "Aibou," he said gently, "You're in no condition for this now. Please allow me to take over and assist the authorities. You must rest." He received no sign of assent from the younger boy, but instantly found himself in control of their shared body. Yami probed at their mind link, but discovered to no great surprise that Yugi had shut himself off from all contact. He straightened, soothingly patting the elder Mutou and turning his crimson gaze on the waiting detective. "I am willing to answer any questions you have to the best of my abilities, officer. Please allow my grandfather and me a few moments to ourselves and we will join you soon." The pharaoh turned away, ignoring the other man's presence altogether, and stared at the now-shrouded window in dark contemplation. Youko had the odd feeling he'd just been dismissed by royalty, and fought a brief urge to bow deeply before backing out of the room.
Yami had questions of his own, and resolved to find answers to them once he finished with the detective. Jounouchi had been murdered, but by whom? He quelled the rising tide of rage and sorrow as it welled up in his chest. Who could possibly desire to extinguish the life of such a bright and loyal soul? Jounouchi's life was joined to his own for all eternity, their spirits intertwined throughout the ages; their fates joined and inextricably linked. Who would DARE bring harm to his closest friend, causing such irreparable damage to his beloved Yugi in the process? He narrowed his eyes, burning anger and a desire for vengeance clamoring desperately for release. Such a horrific crime would NOT go unpunished. Yami would see to it himself.
~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~
tbc
A/N - Hee. One whole review. Was hoping for a flame or two, at least over the character 'death.' But never let it be said that I'm ungrateful -- I certainlyI takes what I can gets. Hugs and cookies to all my, err...reviewer. **grins**
[dragonlady222 - ]
Thank you so much for the kind review! This fic was a huge, emotional roller coaster to write, but hearing that there's someone out there enjoying it makes it all worthwhile. I'll be updating like clockwork, and I hope you enjoy the rest of it!
So that's chapter 2. Today is Tuesday, July 12, 2005, and the next chapter will be up this coming Friday. Hope there's still a few of you left. :-)
-- CJ
Author: WhosJeebus
Rating: NC-17 (and that's putting it mildly)
Pairing(s): Seto/Joey, other surprise pairings
Beta: Jennie B. (she's magically delicious!)
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Read at your own risk. Seriously. This fic contains situations of a decidedly grotesque nature. If you get squicked, and STILL keep reading, don't blame me for your nightmares. I warned ya. I will say no more. **looks shifty-eyed**
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, and probably never will. Kazuki Takahashi will most likely take a hit out on me if he ever reads this fic.
Summary: Seto's kinks have steadily become more and more extreme, much to Jounouchi's dismay. Has he finally gone TOO far with his latest fetish? [From the 2005 Kink Fest Challenge at A Dragon's Lair]
Author's Notes: As usual, review responses follow the fic!
~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 2:
"What's the matter, Kaiba? You look surprised to see me."
Seto worked his mouth open and closed repeatedly, but no sound came out. He flung himself back against the wall of the shower cubicle, hands held out before him to ward off the frightening vision. With his heart pounding in terror, the rational part of his brain tried to deny the horrific return of his dead lover, while other, more emotional portions of his mind insisted that he should be overjoyed. He realized that the latter half was winning the battle when he felt the first interested stirrings in his groin. He closed his eyes tightly, flooded with shame at his reaction. He sent out a silent prayer to any god that would listen, asking for Jou to be gone when he reopened them, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. His breath returned all in a rush, and he gasped out, "Go away. You're not -- " He swallowed thickly, his voice becoming stronger, "You're not REAL."
Jou feigned hurt. "I'm NOT?" He patted down his chest and arms, a bewildered expression on his face. "I FEEL mostly real... " He gingerly fingered the marks on his neck. "Throat hurts a little, though." He shrugged. "I dunno; I'm still pretty new at this. Tell you what -- when the mirrors defog, let's check and see if I cast a reflection; deal?"
Jou halted his forward advance and stood with his arms crossed, gazing at Seto with a chilly smirk. He quirked an eyebrow as he took in the brunet's semi-aroused state. "At least the Little Dragon's happy to see me. You really ARE a piece of work, you know that?" He shook his head in exasperation. "You're probably the only person I know who could fuck someone to death and STILL manage to get a boner when they show up a few hours later. But then again, I WAS always impressed with that unstoppable libido of yours..."
Seto fought down the hysterical, panicked laugh that bubbled up in his throat, and countered lamely, "But...you're DEAD."
"Well, duh! Yeah I am, thanks to you." Anger flashed across the blond's pale face. "What the FUCK were you THINKING?!" He took a threatening step forward before turning aside and agitatedly running his hands through his hair. It was a heartbreaking gesture Seto knew well.
"My God, Seto, I knew you were obsessed, but I figured you had SOME common sense left!" Jou flailed his hands animatedly as he spoke and Seto focused his gaze on the bruised wrists, unable to meet Jou's accusing eyes. "But noooo...you put your brain in the back seat and let your dick drive the car!" The smaller boy lurched forward suddenly, stopping just shy of crashing into the terrified CEO. Seto steadfastly refused to meet Jou's fiery glare. Noses almost touching, Jou hissed from between clenched teeth, "Godammit Kaiba, I TRUSTED you!!"
Seto lifted his violently trembling hands up to touch Jou's face, but the angry figure whirled away from him and stalked across the room. He let his arms drop limply by his side. "Jou...I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry..."
Jou froze in his tracks, his posture noticeably stiffening. "Sorry?" His voice was deadly quiet. "You're SORRY!?" A low growl emanated from deep within his throat as he turned once again to face his former lover. "What the fuck good does that do ME? I'm DEAD!!" He barked a sharp laugh, cold and bitter. "Or maybe that just hasn't sunk in yet? Christ. I didn't have much goin' for me, I know, but I sure as hell wasn't ready to DIE!"
Seto looked up, but didn't speak. He riveted his gaze to a spot just over Jou's left shoulder and allowed a few tears to escape the confines of his eyes. Every word spoken was the truth; the least he could do was hear Jou out -- he owed him that much. If he'd believed for a moment that it would hold any sway with his vengeful lover, he would have fallen to his knees, begged for forgiveness, and offered up his own life in compensation. However, some niggling thought in the back of his mind told him that Jou wasn't here for purely vindictive reasons. His purpose as yet remained unclear, but Seto knew it had to be important. As much as he longed to simply reach out and wrap the other boy in his arms, he remained fixed in place, facing Jou's accusations. '"If there's nothing I can say to you that -- "
"Just shut the fuck up, Kaiba! God, you make me sick!" With a strangled roar, Jou was suddenly across the room and once again in Seto's face. "You asshole! You can't even LOOK at me!" Furious, Jounouchi wrenched at the collar of his t-shirt, pulling it down and prominently displaying the evidence of Seto's wrongdoing. The reddened marks burned their way into Seto's conscience, and he quickly averted his eyes, a fresh rush of tears coursing down his anguished features. "What? Is THIS what you don't want to see? Does it make you UNCOMFORTABLE!?" Jou snarled and backed off, wrinkling his nose in digust. "You should take a good look, Kaiba. YOU did this -- and you're the one who has to live with it!" Chuckling darkly he added, "Thanks for takin' that choice away from me..."
"I...I don't know what you want from me," Seto choked out, once more reaching toward Jounouchi. "I can't take it back, no matter how much I want - "
"Shit! It's like talkin' to a wall!" Jou interrupted, recoiling sharply from Seto's attempted touch. "You are one heartless bastard, you know that? I can't BELIEVE I was stupid enough to fall in love with you..." He trailed off, shaking his tousled blond mane and muttering to himself.
Seto was floored. "You LOVED me?" He felt his knees give, and he grasped the door handle to steady himself. Not this...not on top of everything else. His mind reeled, rejecting the possibility.
Jou raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "You really didn't know?" Astonished, he threw his hands up in the air and snorted loudly. "The great Kaiba Seto ain't all-knowin' and all-seein'! That's just peachy. I had to kick the bucket to get him to admit it. Talk about unfair..."
"After everything I did to you, all that I put you through -- you were in love with me?" Seto whispered, still unable to come to terms with the magnitude of his crime against Jounouchi..
"Yeah. That's what I said, ain't it?" Jou seemed affronted at having to repeat himself. "And a helluva lot of good it did me, too!" He paced back and forth across the floor, passing in and out of the lingering clouds of steam. He halted abruptly, returning his hands to the front pockets of his jeans. "Look. I know I'm just wastin' my breath talkin' to you..." Jou paused and tilted his head to the side, considering. To Seto, the pose was reminiscent of a dog's -- one who understands his master's tone, if not the command itself. "I know, I know. Unfortunate choice of words," Jou shrugged and nervously chewed at his lip. A soft, melancholy expression flitted briefly across his face, and it seemed as though he were about to speak -- instead, he snapped his mouth shut and hardened his features once more. He turned to leave, giving Seto a final, disdainful glance. "I'm outta here. Good luck facin' Shizuka and Yug' at the funeral. That is, if you're not too much of a coward to show up." Jounouchi stode toward the exit just as Seto's paralysis ended. He bolted after the smaller boy, his feet slipping on the slick marble. As the blond disappeared around the corner, Seto snatched desperately at a nearby towel rack to prevent himself from falling.
"Jou, wait!" Panting, he rounded the intersection of the shower cubicle and entryway to find Jou already gone. No trace of his presence remained, and Seto was left standing alone, nude and shivering in the cool air outside the bathroom. Dazed, he numbly made his way over to the bed and lay down on his back, turning his head briefly to inhale Jou's lingering scent on the pillow beneath him. He stared blankly up through the skylight above his bed, not moving a scant millimeter as he observed the heavy cloud cover gradually clearing away. Like the stars wheeling above in the night sky, Seto's mind was frantically turning, formulating a plan for redemption; a last ditch effort at love. Jounouchi's visit had served its purpose, and he saw the path he was required to follow, now clearly laid out before him. Dawn broke slowly over the horizon, flooding the room with light as his mind dimly registered the sound of sirens fading into the distance. He knew what discovery they heralded, but he paid them no mind. His brilliant, troubled brain plotted, and at last, Seto knew what he had to do.
~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~
Later That Same Day:
Yugi shifted uncomfortably in the hard plastic chair as he grew more and more nervous with each passing second. His grandpa hadn't yet told him why they were here at the police station, and the sad glances he kept shooting at his grandson through the detective's office window were only causing Yugi's anxiety to grow unchecked. Sensing his counterpart's unease, Yami materialised in the chair next to the smaller boy, offering reassurance. "I'm sure it's nothing, Aibou..." He fell silent as they both observed the elder Mutou emerging from Detective Youko's office, tears evident in his eyes. Although aware of the fact that he was visible to no one other than his hikari, Yami discreetly returned to the Millenium puzzle as Yugi leapt to his feet. Concerned for his young friend, he remained alert and watchful from inside the magical item.
Detective Youko motioned for both Mutou's to follow him through a set of double doors, but Yugi balked, grasping his grandfather's hand urgently. "Grandpa, what's going on? Is this about the robbery at the shop last year?" His voice sounded hopeful. "Have they caught the burglar?"
Sugoroku shook his head and wrapped a comforting arm around Yugi's shoulders. Squeezing the boy tightly, he solemnly looked him in the eye. "Yugi, the police have found a body, and they need your help to identify it." He sighed deeply and continued. "Your name was listed on an emergency contact card they found on the... the individual. I'm afraid they think it might be Jounouchi."
Yugi sat back down abruptly, one hand covering his mouth. "That's impossible! I just talked to him yesterday!" He blinked a few times in confusion before setting his face stubbornly and brusquely shrugging his grandfather's arm from off his shoulder. "They must have made a mistake, and this is probably all some kind of mix up," Yugi said convincingly. "Let's just go and get this over with." He marched after the young detective, small fists clenched at his sides. They were led into a narrow room where four more of the garishly coloured plastic chairs lined one wall. A large window, covered by a heavy drape on the opposite side, was the singular, remarkable feature of the facing wall. The only other accoutrement in the confining space was a small endtable with a box of tissues perched conspicuously on top. Yugi squared his shoulders and asked, "Now what?"
Detective Youko closed the door behind them and answered, "Just watch the window son. If you recognize the uh, deceased, just let me know." He cleared his throat behind his fist. "I'm sorry we have to ask you to do this, but we were unable to contact a parent or guardian to -- "
"You're WRONG, OK? Let's just get on with it." He crossed his arms over his chest stubbornly, and took a wide step away from his grandfather when the older man once more attempted to pull Yugi into his comforting embrace. "It's not Jou," he whispered softly under his breath.
A light came on in the adjacent room, and Yugi turned his attention to the window as the drapes slowly opened with a buzzing, mechanical hum that set his teeth on edge. Through the one way mirror Yugi could see a form lying on a gurney, covered head to toe with a white sheet. He swallowed hard. He was about to see an actual dead body for the first time in his young life. Only his eagerness to prove that it COULDN'T possibly be his best friend kept him from fleeing the room in dread. With a critical eye, Yugi examined the still figure on the exam table. It LOOKED to be about Jounouchi's size... He shoved the implication away forcefully. It was just too ludicrous.
Detective Youko stepped forward and pressed a button on the intercom. "We're ready in here, Steve." A technician in white scrubs stepped away from the wall and nodded in the direction of the mirror. He leaned over slightly, and in one swift move, pulled back the sheet. Shaggy blond hair and a heart-wrenchingly familiar face were revealed as Yugi's vision narrowed to a point and his breathing became harsh. Oblivious to his surroundings, he threw himself at the window, fingers curling into claws and scrabbling at the glass. "JOUNOUCHI!! " he screamed. His knees gave way, and he clutched at his grandfather for support. "NOOO!" Yugi wailed louder as the attendant hurriedly closed the drapes, hiding the pale, still form from view. He sobbed loudly into Sugoroku's chest as the older man crushed his grandson to him, his own tears flowing freely now.
Left unnoticed by the grieving pair, the detective shuffled his feet awkwardly and asked, "Were you able to positively identify the -- "
"YES!" Sugoruku snapped. "It was -- " He choked, overcome with emotion. "It was Jounouchi Katsuya. My God, how could this have happened?"
"Do you think you might be able to sit down with us and answer a few questions about the deceased's whereabouts? If you need -- "
"What my grandson and I NEED at the moment, detective, is some time alone please. We'll answer any questions you have in due time."
Youko looked pained, but pushed onward. "It's just that in cases such as these, time is of the essence. We need to get a statement as soon as possible."
"I don't understand. In cases such as WHAT?"
"The coroner has ruled Jounouchi's death a homicide. We need to get the investigation underway before we lose any evidence."
Yugi looked up at this, shaking his head in fierce refusal of this news. "No, no, no, no..." He beat his fists blindly on his grandfather's back, his voice rising in hysteria.
Inside the Millenium puzzle, Yami remained aware of the shocking events unfolding, and desperately longed to join his other half in anguished denial. He would only grant his grief free reign once he had seen to the needs of his partner first. "Aibou," he said gently, "You're in no condition for this now. Please allow me to take over and assist the authorities. You must rest." He received no sign of assent from the younger boy, but instantly found himself in control of their shared body. Yami probed at their mind link, but discovered to no great surprise that Yugi had shut himself off from all contact. He straightened, soothingly patting the elder Mutou and turning his crimson gaze on the waiting detective. "I am willing to answer any questions you have to the best of my abilities, officer. Please allow my grandfather and me a few moments to ourselves and we will join you soon." The pharaoh turned away, ignoring the other man's presence altogether, and stared at the now-shrouded window in dark contemplation. Youko had the odd feeling he'd just been dismissed by royalty, and fought a brief urge to bow deeply before backing out of the room.
Yami had questions of his own, and resolved to find answers to them once he finished with the detective. Jounouchi had been murdered, but by whom? He quelled the rising tide of rage and sorrow as it welled up in his chest. Who could possibly desire to extinguish the life of such a bright and loyal soul? Jounouchi's life was joined to his own for all eternity, their spirits intertwined throughout the ages; their fates joined and inextricably linked. Who would DARE bring harm to his closest friend, causing such irreparable damage to his beloved Yugi in the process? He narrowed his eyes, burning anger and a desire for vengeance clamoring desperately for release. Such a horrific crime would NOT go unpunished. Yami would see to it himself.
~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~
tbc
A/N - Hee. One whole review. Was hoping for a flame or two, at least over the character 'death.' But never let it be said that I'm ungrateful -- I certainlyI takes what I can gets. Hugs and cookies to all my, err...reviewer. **grins**
[dragonlady222 - ]
Thank you so much for the kind review! This fic was a huge, emotional roller coaster to write, but hearing that there's someone out there enjoying it makes it all worthwhile. I'll be updating like clockwork, and I hope you enjoy the rest of it!
So that's chapter 2. Today is Tuesday, July 12, 2005, and the next chapter will be up this coming Friday. Hope there's still a few of you left. :-)
-- CJ