Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Fly Away Home ❯ Taking Over Me ( Chapter 9 )

Disclaimer: Plain and simple. I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh.

Song title Taking Over Me from Evanessence's album Fallen

A/N: Howdy everyone. I hope this finds you all doing well. Many of you have asked a similar question, so instead of answering them each separate time, I thought I would answer them here.

Regarding the Snakes: In Ancient Egypt, cobras were the guardians of the pharaoh. They adorned the pharaoh's headdress so they could strike out at his enemies. That is way Yami was able to influence the snake in chapter seven, and why the cobras circled and protected his body in chapter eight. I was trying to infer that in the eyes of the Shadows and the cobras, Yami is still pharaoh. Just a little tie in to his past.

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and is following this story.

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Fly Away Home

By Ocean

Chapter Nine: Taking Over Me

"Whoever would of thought that we would end up back here?" Pegasus asked indifferently as he exited the vehicle and made his way to the door.

"I had a suspicion, sir," Croquet said as he followed suit.

Pegasus smirked as he reached out his hand and opened the door to the Kame Game Shop, entering the small store and striding regally to the counter. Croquet remained by the door, locking it after the final patron had left so that there would be no interruptions during their visit.

Sugoroku emerged from the storage room a moment later, a large box in his hands blocking his vision. He set the box on the counter and pushed it to the side. He jumped when the lavishly dressed Pegasus came into view.

"Really now. A man of your age should not have to do manual labor," Pegasus said in greeting. "Where is that grandson of yours? Shouldn't he be helping you?"

Sugoroku frowned as Pegasus spoke, not at all happy to see the man in his store or to hear him inquire about his grandson. It wasn't only Pegasus' unscrupulous reputation that garnered Sugoroku's dislike. He was also the man that had introduced Yuugi to Yami, and that was something he could never forgive.

Yuugi was currently in the living room, having returned from the zoo an hour before with the unconscious form of Yami and an overly excited Jou. The two had placed Yami on the couch and Yuugi had not left his side since, cradling Yami's head in his lap and lacing his fingers through his hair. Jou had left not long ago only after a lengthy and tedious discussion with Yuugi that he was to call the moment anything fishy happened. Yuugi had finally crossed his arms and gave Jou the `you-may-be-my-best-friend-but-you-are-one-word-from-crossing-the-line' look, at which point Jou hastily made his retreat.

Sugoroku wasn't sure what the best thing to do would be. He knew of Yuugi's profound loathing for Pegasus, his feelings having been forged by Pegasus' rough and dismissive treatment of Yami. But then, technically the puzzle that Yuugi had completed did belong to Pegasus. He may not be pleased with his grandson's recent behavior and choices, but that didn't mean he was willing to throw him to the wolves.

"Yuugi is unavailable at the moment," Sugoroku finally answered.

"Is he really...?" Pegasus said incredulously as he watched Sugoroku. Sugoroku was unfazed by Pegasus' glare, but he did begin to feel tired the longer he looked at the man. His thoughts seemed to float like petals on a breeze and his eyelids began to droop.

Pegasus abruptly turned his gaze from Sugoroku to the doorway that led into the house. Yami stood tall and imperious, showing no adverse signs of the ordeal he had been through previously. His heated gaze bore into Pegasus, crimson eyes expressing the hatred and suspicion and cynicism he held for the man. A smirk twisted Pegasus' face.

Yuugi came and stood beside Yami, a similar look of disgust on his features as he too stared at Pegasus. "What do you want this time, Pegasus? Have any other trinkets you wish to abandon?"

Pegasus ignored the comment as he focused on the puzzle around Yuugi's waist. "Actually," he began, "I have come to reclaim one of my `trinkets,' as you have so cleverly put it."

Yuugi placed his hand protectively over the puzzle. He didn't want Pegasus to have it. As he had mentioned earlier, Yami and the puzzle were connected, and Yami was pretty insistent that it be in Yuugi's possession. Yuugi felt a new sense of possessiveness wash over him. He almost lost Yami once. He wasn't about to risk loosing him again.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I can give it back to you," Yuugi stated.

"That was the agreement, Yuugi. I am willing to amend the arrangement and allow Yami to remain living here..." Pegasus paused as Yami narrowed his eyes with the mention of his name. "But I must insist that you return the puzzle."

Yuugi looked over to his grandfather, asking for advice on how best to handle the situation. Sugoroku just shook his head in frustration. He didn't want Yuugi anywhere near that puzzle. But on the other hand, he didn't want Pegasus to have it either. And there was that agreement Yuugi had entered into. Sugoroku had always encouraged Yuugi to keep his word, but just this once he would not be opposed to him backing out of a deal.

Yami turned his gaze from Pegasus and looked pointedly at Yuugi. He noticed the protective stance of his Hikari, his hand placed protectively over the puzzle and his body turned so Pegasus could no longer see it. Yuugi lowered his eyes to the puzzle and raised them again quickly, unwilling to take his eyes off Pegasus for long. Yami nodded his head in understanding.

Pegasus witnessed the small exchange between the two men and smiled slightly to himself. It really was fascinating how quickly Yuugi had taken to Yami. He wondered... Exactly what did little Yuugi think of this fascinating creature? Pegasus tilted his head forward, focusing his gaze on Yuugi. The air went still as the sudden silence of the room screamed at its inhabitants.

Yami narrowed his eyes. He knew this stillness. It was almost tangible, a heavy and suffocating calm that drowned the senses and left the mind vulnerable. He studied Pegasus carefully: his oddly colored clothes, the smirk on his face, the confidence of his stance, his eye... his one eye. Yami's eyes widened as he looked at Yuugi. Yuugi's eyes were half closed, his features mellow and his posture slumped in deep relaxation. Yami growled deep in his throat, a menacing sound that could barely be heard.

Pegasus lurched forward in sudden pain, a small exclamation wrenched from his throat by the movement. The shrill sound of someone screaming made him open his eyes. He blanched at the sight in front of him.

Yami was standing rigidly in front of Yuugi, his arm held firm in front of him and his palm facing Pegasus. A multitude of colorful lights glowed on Yami's forehead in a pattern that Pegasus knew well. He could see Yuugi shaking his head softly, his mind emerging from the hypnotic trance Pegasus had placed him in.

Pegasus starred hard at Yami, his lip curling in disgust as Yami continued to chant under his breath. A loud, shrill howl interrupted Pegasus' glaring and he turned towards the sound. A swirl of black and blue smoke was snaking its way around Croquet's body, strangling him with the tightness of their grip. Croquet opened his mouth to scream again, and the Shadows took the opportunity to plunge themselves down his throat. They seeped into his ears and under his sunglasses into eyes and up his nose before concealing his body completely from view.

Pegasus felt the familiar jolt of energy flow into him as the Shadows devoured Croquet's soul. He returned his glare to Yami, ignoring the lifeless shell of his former assistant as he fell to the floor, the Shadows dissipating after completing their task. He sneered. He was extremely upset that even though Yami was breathing harder than before, he appeared unaffected by his use of the potent magic.

"Ir nn ir pf m wHm-a," Yami warned through grated teeth.

Yuugi's eyes were wide with confusion as he watched Croquet's body slump to the floor. He tried to swallow as his mouth suddenly went dry, his eyes turning to his grandfather who had run to him. Sugoroku had an urgent look on his face as he took hold of Yuugi's arm and tried to pull him out of the shop and into the house. He succeeded in pulling Yuugi away until Yami spoke, his deep and hushed voice slicing through Yuugi's shock with the piercing skill of an arrow.

Yuugi jerked his arm out of Sugoroku's grasp and flung himself to Yami's side, wrapping his arms around his waist and looking imploringly at him. He could practically feel the anger Yami possessed flinging itself from his body. He squeezed Yami lightly in an attempt to get his attention. Yami didn't respond at first, but eventually lowered his arm and blinked slowly, the fire in his eyes cooling from an enraged flame to a seething ember.

Pegasus finally straightened, dusting imaginary lint from his shoulders as he composed himself. He cast an uncaring glance at the corpse by the door. "Hmm..." he said before turning to look at Yuugi with a small twinkle in his eye. "Well, he was supposed to serve me." He smiled slightly at the horrified look Yuugi gave him. "But there is still the matter of my puzzle..." Pegasus said as he took a step towards Yuugi.

Yami immediately growled, halting Pegasus in mid step. Even though he did not appreciate being kept from what was rightfully his, Pegasus did respect the supposed power Yami controlled and decided that it was in his best interest to keep his distance from Yuugi. For the moment.

Yami regarded Pegasus carefully. The man was in possession of the eye. A very dangerous item that held the power to enter the mind and steal the thoughts and memories and identities of the person it violated. It also had the ability to steal the soul and store it away, feeding upon it as a buzzard off a rotting carcass. He wanted the puzzle desperately as far as Yami could tell, as he was willing to go to great lengths to retrieve it.

Pegasus had threatened Yuugi. For that alone he deserved to die. Such an action could not go unpunished, but no simple death would suffice.

Yami narrowed his eyes for a brief moment. When Pegasus raised a hand to his head in sudden and horrendous pain he turned his attention onto Yuugi. He motioned towards Pegasus, then guided Yuugi over to the shop's window. Yuugi watched with interest as Yami pointed to the sun and swung his arm in one full complete circle. Yuugi furrowed his brows for a moment in thought, then smiled softly to Yami and nodded in comprehension.

Yuugi turned to Pegasus, his smile instantly replaced by a hardened scowl. "Yami wants you to come back tomorrow," he said evenly.

"And why should I do that?" Pegasus asked indignantly through the pain in his head.

Yami reached down and took Yuugi's hand in his own, crossing his arm around Yuugi's waist and placing both their hands on the puzzle. "He'll give you the puzzle if you do," Yuugi replied.

Pegasus was about to protest when the horrendous pain increased into an agonizing torment that wrenched all thought from his mind. He nodded quickly, the grimace on his face twisting his features in hideous patterns. As soon as he agreed to Yami's terms the pain vanished. Pegasus gasped in relief and glared at the pharaoh. He quickly exited the shop, stopping long enough to hoist Croquet's lifeless body onto his shoulders and carry him to his waiting car. No sense in leaving behind questions he did not wish to answer.

The shop was silent again after Pegasus made his exit. "What is going on here Yuugi?" Sugoroku demanded as he went back to his post at the register. "What is Yami thinking, giving that bastard the puzzle? He is not a man who should have access to that sort of power."

Yuugi sighed heavily as he tilted his head back to look at Yami, who had yet to turn his gaze from the vacated door of the shop. Honestly, he had no idea what Yami had planned. But he had faith in his beauty. He trusted his judgement. And he had no reason to doubt him.

"I don't know," Yuugi said quietly. "I wish I could still understand him." His voice wavered a little, the impact of so suddenly being able to communicate with Yami and just as quickly having that ability stolen from him still burning in his chest.

Yami caught the change in Yuugi's voice and turned his head to look at him, his gaze softening at Yuugi's exquisite suffering violet eyes. He too was mourning the loss of being able to communicate with his Hikari. He gently pulled Yuugi in front of him, keeping their hands clasped over the puzzle and pressing Yuugi's back against his front. He leaned down and nuzzled the side of Yuugi's face, pleased when Yuugi returned the gesture of affection by placing his free hand on Yami's cheek to keep them in contact.

Sugoroku watched the scene blankly. Something had happened at the zoo. What, he wasn't sure, but Yuugi and Yami were miles closer than they had been when they had left. So he had a decision to make. A tough one. Accept that Yami was now an integral part of Yuugi's life, and from the looks of it he and his grandson were on their way to becoming the beating hearts of each other's existence. Or continue to distance himself from the relationship and in doing so from Yuugi.

He lowered his head and sighed. There really was no decision here.

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Yuugi reached into the cold confines of the refrigerator and removed the object of his desire, closing the door softly and turning to exit the kitchen. He walked quietly down the hall, his thoughts drifting along behind him in the slow current of air left by his passing.

It was dark outside despite the fact of it being only six o'clock in the evening. The clouds had marched across the sky in their new silver dress and banished all sense of color and whimsy the setting sun would see fit to cast upon the horizon. Dark and gloomy were the only words Yuugi could think of to describe the weather of the past two weeks. It was as though the skies themselves were foretelling the horrible events that were to come.

Yuugi could hear the quiet droll of the TV as his grandfather watched the evening news. He tuned out the voice of the anchorman as he began to report on the horrible tragedy that had taken place at the zoo. Many reporters had tried to contact Yuugi, offering him great sums of yen if he would give them the exclusive rights to his remarkable story. The calls were so insistent that Yuugi had finally resorted to disconnecting the phones out of shear frustration.

He felt guilty in regards to the events of the day. Many people had died horrendously painful and agonizing deaths. No one deserved to die the way those people had. Burned and torn and shredded and mangled beyond all hope of recognition. The coroners were going to have to resort to the grim and tedious task of identifying the bodies through dental records.

And yet this had been the extraordinary day when Yuugi and Yami had spoken with each other... truly spoken with words without having to rely on body language or implied meanings with tone of voice. Yuugi replayed Yami's voice in his mind, letting the smooth tones comfort his troubled thoughts. It had been incredible. To finally be able to understand his thoughts, to know the words behind his expressions. It was similar in effect to a birthday in the sense that Yuugi had eagerly waited for the day he could open his present and when that day had come had been overwhelmed with joy.

But then there was a downside. A slight surprise upon receiving his gift. True that the pain he now endured with the knowledge that he and Yami could no longer communicate with words was slowly burning him from within, he found he wasn't as devastated as he assumed he would be at the loss. It was Yami's voice that he loved, the calmness it held, the power, the control, the passion... Yuugi found that the voice had an almost identical affect on him regardless if he could understand Yami's words.

This in no way meant Yuugi preferred not to understand Yami. Simply that he could learn to live without his words so long as Yami himself was still with him.

Yuugi turned the corner and entered his bedroom, pausing in the doorway to observe the handsome figure on his bed. Yami was lying on his back with his eyes closed, his hands folded on his stomach and one leg bent for comfort. He had retreated to Yuugi's room not long after Pegasus' visit, the fatigue of the expenditure of energy he had been forced to use against him sapping him of what little strength he had.

Yuugi walked over to his easel, his paints patiently waiting for him to guide them across the blank canvas. He pulled his stool over and sat gingerly, starring at the canvas in front of him. He had seriously neglected his painting as of late, the prime reason laying in a distractedly alluring pose on his bed. Yuugi cleared his throat to get Yami's attention. Yami turned his head and minutely opened his eyes just enough to indicate to Yuugi that he was paying attention.

Yuugi raised the bottle in his hand and shook it quickly, a small smile tugging on his lips. He searched his memory for the word that he wanted. "Hnqt?" he asked slowly, trying to repeat the word exactly as Yami had.

Yami's eyes widened more fully and an eyebrow rose in surprise. A smirk graced his lips and his eyes sparkled with a hidden amusement. He nodded his head once before answering Yuugi. "Beer."

Yuugi's smile widened with pride as he was rewarded for his efforts. Perhaps he and Yami would be able to communcate without the aid of the Shadows. It would take some time, but it would definately be worth the effort. And it appeared Yami believed so as well, the smirk falling to a soft smile as he continued to watch Yuugi with his tired eyes. Yuugi tossed the bottle to Yami, the pharaoh catching it easily even in his half asleep state of mind.

Yami used his thumb to remove the cap from the bottle and brought it to his lips, savoring the harsh bite of the liquid as it flowed down his throat. In his opinion, he had earned this reward. Though Yuugi's little surprise was far more fetching. His Hikari certainly was full of surprises.

Time passed slowly as Yami dozed lightly and Yuugi worked with his paints, brushing their formless mass into recognizable and colorful images that were pleasing to both the eye and imagination. Both relished in the quietness of the room, not nearly as imposing or threatening as it had been in the realm of the Shadows or the shop earlier that day. It was a time to recover, a time to rest, a time to let unwelcomed thoughts lose themselves in the peace that now surrounded them.

Sugoroku entered the room a few hours later, shyly walking up to Yuugi and looking over his shoulder. "You did all that today?" he asked quietly.

Yuugi paused his stroke and turned to his grandfather. He did not miss the fact that Sugoroku was purposfully being quiet so he would not disturb the sleeping man on his bed. His posture, though not relaxed, was not as terse or rigid as before. Sugoroku radiated that of quiet acceptance.

"Yeah," Yuugi whispered. "After everything that happened today, I just needed a distraction. It just kind of flowed."

Sugoroku nodded his head, looking momentarily at Yami before turning back to Yuugi. He leaned forward and kissed his grandson lightly on the top of his head before turning to leave the room. "Do not stay up too late, Yuugi. You both need your rest." With this final thought he left the room and made his way to bed.

Yuugi watched the door for a moment after his grandfather's departure, the warmth and gratitude he felt for Sugoroku spreading within him. He may not approve of Yami, may not even like him, but he was willing to accept that he was important to Yuugi. And Yuugi couldn't ask for anything more.

Yami lazily opened his eyes as he woke from his light slumber. He turned his head to the side, the rustle of his hair on the pillow going unheard by Yuugi. Yami blinked owlishly as he waited for his eyes to adjust to the darkness of the room. Only a small lamp provided any light, and Yuugi had it hidden behind his easel so it would not disturb Yami's rest.

Yami watched Yuugi quietly as he painted, his eyes intent and focused on his work. The moonlight glittered his features with silver dust and outlined his silhouette in a luminous glow. Yami sighed inaudibly at the sight. His treasure held a beauty incomparable with any other. Not just his physical appearance, but his heart and soul radiated strength and light and devotion and conviction. All such admirable traits.

And he was in so much danger. Though the threat of Pegasus was going to be eleminated the next day, the menace of the Shadows was a far more formidable concern for the pharaoh. Based on their actions in the Shadow Realm, the black magics were intent on killing Yuugi. The puzzle had protected him then, but that was only because the Shadows were not yet at the height of their power. The puzzle would only protect him for so long.

Yami could only protect him for so long.

Yami pulled himself to a sitting postion, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Yuugi noticed the movement from the corner of his vision and switched his attention to Yami, the hint of a smile on his lips. He tilted his head to the side as Yami watched him, a slight unease building in him from the gravity of Yami's expression.

Yami stood and walked up to Yuugi, raising his hand and placing his fingers lightly on Yuugi's forehead before brushing a strand of hair behind his ear. Yuugi's brows crinkled as he studied Yami's expression. His crimson eyes were soft and distant, focused on an inner turmoil that Yuugi could not distinguish. It pained him not to know what was troubling his desert jewel, and it hurt even more knowing that he could not ask.

Yuugi laid his brush down and stood as Yami placed his hand on his arm and guided him to the bed. He sat obidiently as Yami turned back to Yuugi's easel, gathering his brush and palatte and bringing them over to the bed. He placed the items down and laid his palm on Yuugi's chest, pressing lightly as he guided Yuugi back onto the center of the mattress. He followed closely, crawling after Yuugi, keeping his hand on his chest until he was postioned exactly where Yami wanted him.

Once Yuugi was situated, his legs stretched out in front of him, Yami came and straddled his waist, bringing them so close that Yuugi could feel his warm breath flitter across his face. Yami lowered his hand from Yuugi's chest and let it trail lightly to the hem of his shirt. He tugged on the fabric gently, then lifted it part way before twisting to the side so he could reach the brush and paints he had brought over to the bed.

Yuugi immediately removed his shirt as Yami had requested. He idly thought that at one point he would have been nervous to expose himself in such a fashion. He was shy in regards to his body, and didn't like people to invade his personal space. But he didn't consider Yami's closeness to be an invasion. It was warm, comforting, safe, soothing, invigorating ... anything but invading.

Yami turned back to Yuugi, the paint brush held gingerly in his left hand as he pushed softly on Yuugi's chest, laying him down on the bed. Yuugi watched him curiously as Yami raised the brush to his lips, wetting the bristles with his mouth before dipping them in the black paint on Yuugi's pallate. Yuugi raised an eyebrow slightly. So his Yami was left-handed. In general that meant that his personality leaned more towards an artistic nature rather than intellect. Yuugi chuckled to himself. Yami definately was an intellectual. It was going to be interesting to see how artistic he was.

Yami rubbed his palm along Yuugi's chest and down to his stomach as though smoothing a piece of paper in preparation. Yuugi breathed in deeply and released the breath through his nose, relishing in the warm sensation of Yami's hand. Yami let his fingers linger on Yuugi's skin. Though his hand was in no way calloused, Yuugi's skin was as cool and smooth and soft to the touch as the finest silk. He reluctantly removed his hand and lowered his brush to Yuugi's chest and began to write.

Yuugi hissed softly as the bristles touched his skin, the touch light and foriegn upon his chest. It didn't hurt, it just felt odd, and the paint was cold. As Yami continued to draw the pictures that comprised his language Yuugi's eyes slowly began to close themselves as he relaxed into the experience. Each stroke of the brush was clean and full of purpose, transfering the black paint on the bristles to the alabaster skin of Yuugi's chest and stomach.

Yami's eyes were half lidded as well as he focused on his task, making sure that he was transcribing the spell perfectly. He could not afford for anything to go wrong. The incantation would help him protect Yuugi against the Shadows, but unfortunately would not make him immune to their anger. Yami sighed. It was all he could think of to do at the moment, and it was a wholly insufficient solution to his problem.

Yami raised an eyebrow in amuesment as Yuugi suddenly squirmed away from the brush's touch, laughing as the lightness of the brush tickled his vulnerable side. He chuckled for several moments before he felt Yami place his hand on his face, his thumb resting gently across his lips. Yuugi quieted at the gentle touch as he looked into Yami's sleepy bedroom eyes. Yami traced his thumb over the soft flesh of Yuugi's mouth before pulling his hand away and continuing his scripture.

Completeing the spell, Yami laid his brush to the side and bent over Yuugi's chest, his hair tickling the sensitive skin as he placed his hands on Yuugi's sides. He pursed his lips and muttered "grg" before blowing a cool stream of air over the characters he had painted.

Yuugi's breathing became quick and uneven. The feel of Yami's body over his own was exhilerating. The cool air that was blown onto his chest sent the most pleasant of tingles over his skin and caused him to shiver. He felt warm and light headed and dizzy, the three sensations coalescing into a pleasant buzz in his mind. He lifted his head slightly to try to see what was causing the continuous cool sensation on his chest since he knew Yami had stopped blowing on him.

Yami had initiated a rippling effect when he had blown on the paint on Yuugi's chest. From the point of impact the black paint came alive with a wash of color, small flames errupting in brilliant blues and purples as the cold breeze traveled over their surface. Yuugi was surprised that he felt no heat from the flames, instead being mesmerized by the dancing lights as they were reflected in Yami's incandescent eyes.

"Hwi pey-i mrw-t," Yami whispered. Upon this command the flames brightened to an almost blinding intensity. Then they vanished. And so too did the paint that had adorned Yuugi's chest.

Yami paused for a moment, lifting his tired eyes to look into Yuugi's own. Yuugi's breath caught in his throat when he saw the emotion in Yami's eyes. He had just done something deeply meaningful for him, something personal and raw and intimate and powerful. Yuugi felt tears come to his eyes and fought valiaently to keep them from falling.

Yami lowered his head as he closed his eyes, planting a lingering kiss on Yuugi's chest before laying his head over Yuugi's heart. He let his body settle completely on top of Yuugi, holding him close as he listened to the steady beat of Yuugi's heart and his even breaths. It wasn't long before the warmth and comfort of the small one beneath him lulled Yami to sleep.

Yuugi welcomed Yami's weight on top of him, hugging him tightly as he buried his face in his hair. Yami made some sort of cooing sound in his sleep, and Yuugi began to trace small patterns along his back and across his shoulders in response. He kissed the top of Yami's head before placing his hand on the side of his face, letting his fingers trace along the smooth skin of his cheeks, lips, and temple.

Yuugi breathed in the soft scent of vanilla from the pharaoh's hair before following Yami as he allowed himself to fall asleep.

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Yuugi blinked as he entered the brightly light kitchen. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust from the dim hallway he and Yami had just emerged from. Yuugi was trying desperately not to fall back asleep, the warm arms around his waist and the body behind him doing their best to coax him back to bed.

"Morning, Ji-chan," Yuugi said through a yawn.

"Good morning, Yuugi," Sugoroku replied softly as he watched Yuugi make his way over to the counter. His brows furrowed in disappointment at Yuugi's shirtless form, but quickly relaxed as the memory of his decision to accept Yuugi's choice weighed down on him. He waited for Yuugi to pour two glasses of orange juice before speaking again. "It looks as though something as attached itself to you."

Yuugi looked confused for a moment before Sugoroku's words penetrated his sleep hindered mind. He smiled softly as he walked to the table, carefully guiding Yami, who had secured himself around his waist, onto one of the chairs and sitting in his lap. He was able to pry himself from Yami's possessive hold long enough to pull his shirt on... almost. Yami managed to get his arms under Yuugi's shirt and on his stomach again before Yuugi had a chance to pull his shirt down.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that," Yuugi said as he tapped Yami's nose. Yami finally opened his eyes at the contact, their bold color darkened even further with sleep. "He isn't exactly a morning person," Yuugi continued, his voice laced with amusement.

Sugoroku fought the small smile that threatened to form on his lips as he watched Yuugi try to wake the pharaoh for the day. Yami's eyes appeared to be glued shut as his chin rested on his chest. Yuugi kept taping him on the nose, and each time Yami would open his eyes and glare at him before pulling Yuugi closer and trying to hide his face in his hair. If Sugoroku didn't know who Yami was, he would have considered the scene to be charming.

"I can see that," Sugoroku replied as Yuugi raised a glass of orange juice to Yami's lips. Yami opened his mouth and allowed Yuugi to pour the tangy liquid down his throat before burying his face into Yuugi's neck, signaling that he would tolerate no further disturbances. Yuugi sighed deeply and ran his fingers through Yami's hair before turning his attention to his grandfather. "What is it, Yuugi?" Sugoroku asked with concern.

Yuugi took a drink from his own glass before answering. "He's just so tired. He slept most of yesterday and all night last night, and I still had one heck of a time dragging him from bed." Yuugi shook his head. "I know I shouldn't worry, but..." he sighed as he looked at the slumbering pharaoh. "Something just doesn't feel right about it."

Sugoroku was saved from having to coin a poignant phrase when there was a knock on the door, the outline of a tall man evident through the window. He was about to get up to answer when he heard a gasp from Yuugi. He turned quickly to his grandson, worry creasing his brows as he noticed how tightly Yami was gripping Yuugi's middle. His eyes were open, revealing crimson slits against his tanned skin.

"It... it must be Pegasus," Yuugi said briskly as he clasped his hands around Yami's and tried to pull them from his waist. Yami instinctively gripped Yuugi's hands as he felt them on his own, causing Yuugi to yelp in pain. Yami immediately released Yuugi at the pained sound, blinking his eyes and starring at Yuugi in honest surprise. His mouth fell open when he realized that he had hurt Yuugi and he saw his Hikari trying to rub the soreness out of his hands.

Yuugi turned to look at him, urgency gripping his heart as he saw the shame and guilt in Yami's beautiful eyes. Yami only held his gaze for a moment before looking away, lowering his eyes to the floor to avoid the piercing truth hidden within Yuugi's gaze. Yuugi instantly raised his hands to Yami's face and cupped his cheeks, trying to persuade him to turn his face towards him. But Yami would not face him.

"Pegasus?" Sugoroku asked once he was sure Yuugi was out of harms way. "At this hour?" Yuugi nodded his head, though he did not take his eyes or hands off Yami. Turning to the door, Sugoroku gathered himself before placing his hand on the knob and allowing entrance to the man outside.

Pegasus didn't bother with pleasantries as he strode regally into the small kitchen. He looked around and spotting Yuugi walked over to him and set his bundle on the table. "I am here as you requested," he said tersely. He waited for a response, but only recieved an irritated side-glance from Yuugi. That was not the reply he was looking for. His impatience took over. "Now were is my puzzle?"

Yami raised his hands and placed them over Yuugi's as he gently pulled them from his face and stood. He raised his blazing eyes to Pegasus and jerked his head to the side. Pegasus followed the motion to see that Yami was indicating the door through which he had entered.

"We had a deal," Pegasus growled. "I am not leaving without my puzzle."

Yuugi stood at Yami's side stiffly, a potpourri of emotions flowing through him. He was both worried about and frustrated with Yami and beyond furious with Pegasus. "Are you always this dense so early in the morning?" he asked sourly. Under normal circumstances he would not have been so rude, but this morning he simply did not care.

Pegasus clenched his jaw and took a deep breath through his nose, trying to calm his nerves. It had little affect, but enough of one to allow him some semblance of control. Though he hated to admit it, he was a little intimidated by the hard glare of the pharaoh. "Let's just get on with it."

Yuugi placed his hand in Yami's, squeezing it lightly while ignoring the curious look from Pegasus. Yami remained still, giving a silent warning to Pegasus before leaving the kitchen. Yuugi watched him go then turned to Pegasus.

"Follow me," Yuugi said as he made to exit the kitchen and go outside. Pegasus opened his mouth to question what was going on, but he never got the chance. "Just do it," Yuugi snapped.

Pegasus begrudgingly followed the instruction, gathering the items he had brought with him and following the younger man outside. Sugoroku made to follow as well but Yuugi halted him, telling him that everything would be fine and that it would be best for him to stay inside. He didn't want to, but the earnest look in Yuugi's eyes was all the convincing he needed.

Yuugi walked to the alley beside the store, a place barely visible from the street. He stopped part way down and turned around, waiting for Pegasus to catch up to him. Yami had made it clear that this is where he wanted to hand over the puzzle. Yuugi didn't understand why, but he was certain he was going to find out quite soon.

Pegasus quickly caught up to Yuugi and stood in front of him, a scowl plastered on his face. He watched Yuugi, not at all surprised to see the same glint of defiance and strength that he had witnessed the first time they had met in the hospital. A slight wind blew past him, startling him as he noticed that Yami was now standing in front of Yuugi. He hadn't seen him walk past... so where had he come from?

"Iti st," Yami said quickly as he tossed the golden pyramid to Pegasus, who fumbled the puzzle before catching it securely. His eyes betrayed his surprise to the suddeness of the exchange. Yami's expression, however, remained even and unreadable. Pegasus recalled the events of the day before and decided it would be best not to attempt to delve into this particular mind.

A triumphant grin smeared Pegasus' face as the fact that the puzzle was now in his possession finally sunk in. He chuckled deeply as he knelt down and proceeded to lay the items he had brought with him on the ground. Yuugi's eyebrows rose to his hairline as he caught the familiar glint of gold emminating from the other items. His eyes darted quickly between the pieces. They were the other five items his grandfather had told him about. He audibly gulped and turned his eyes to Yami, looking for some reassurance.

Yami remained perfectly still. He was unaffected by the presence of the other items. He had had a feeling that this man was in possession of the other items and was being influenced by their dark magics. He raised his chin a bit as he looked down at the man on the ground, greedily rubbing his hands over the gold pieces. Pegasus was a fool. Yami heard Yuugi gulp and took a small step backwards so their bodies were in contact. He could not afford to take his attention from the man in front of him, so this was the best form of comfort he could offer. Apparently it was enough as he felt Yuugi lean into him and relax.

Pegasus placed his hand once on each item. He spoke softly as he did so, his words concealed in the soft breeze of the early morning. He stood and raised his arms to his sides, throwing his head back as he screamed at the heavens.

Black clouds answered Pegasus' call as they swarmed down from the sky and engulfed the cramped alley. The harsh wind that followed wiped hair and debris in a violent torrent as the clouds circled the three men in the alley in their obscuring darkness. Yuugi grabbed onto Yami in an attempt to keep himself from being blown away, the pharaoh in turn reaching back to hold Yuugi as tightly as he could manage.

Opening his eyes again Yuugi inhaled sharply. He looked around quickly before sighing and letting his head fall against Yami's back. They were back there again...

Pegasus lowered his head and grinned widely. "At last," he said to himself as he pushed his hair behind his shoulders. He had seemingly forgotten that Yami and Yuugi were in his presence and turned around urgently in search of his prize. On one of his turns he spotted Yami, a sneer appearing on his face.

"What are you doing here?" he asked. Then, as if reaching the decision that it was unimportant, he continued in a more resigned manner. "Ah well. Just so long as you do not interfere. You must feel right at home, Yami." Yami's complacent expression remained unchanged. "I do hope the darkness doesn't frighten you, Yuugi-boy. Though I am sure Yami would be willing to protect you." He said this with a sickening gleam in his eyes.

"There are far worse things to fear than the dark," Yuugi said as he looked pointedly at Pegasus. Pegasus shrugged, unimpressed as he turned his back on Yuugi.

A familiar ray of light appeared from the darkness and circled Yami and Yuugi before bouncing to a stop in front of them. The Shadows cycled through their colors in greeting to Yami. Yami lowered his eyes briefly in response, then indicated the man standing not far off from him.

The ball of light appeared to turn and look at Pegasus, a furious glow encompassing its whole as it turned its attention back to Yami and flashed angrily at him. Yami watched them calmly, giving them his full attention as he discreetly pulled Yuugi behind him.

Yami nodded his head once, agreeing with the proposed action the Shadows wished to take. They flashed at him again, this time eliciting a completely different reaction as Yami squeezed Yuugi tightly.

"I have already forbidden such action," Yami growled through clenched teeth. "You best purge such thoughts from your mind." Yami narrowed his eyes and the sphere of color minutely lightened.

Yuugi knew that last reference was in regards to him. Once the light had departed and begun to make its way over to Pegasus he came and stood in front of Yami. Yami watched the light intently, still unable to bring himself to look Yuugi in the eye.

"They really hate me, don't they?" Yuugi asked quietly. Yami closed his eyes slowly in response. "That is what has been bothering you. What you've been holding inside." Yuugi sighed when Yami didn't answer, reaching forward and hugging Yami close to him. Yami lowered his head and placed it lightly against Yuugi's hair, but didn't raise his arms to embrace him. He needed to keep himself prepared for the events to come.

"Where are you?" Pegasus asked the darkness around him. He was startled when a ball of light suddenly appeared in front of him. "What do you want?" he snarled.

The blue sphere hovered in front of Pegasus silently. Pegasus was about to bat it away when he saw the outline of a woman begin to appear from the black depths in front of him. She was shorter than Pegasus, with long golden hair and large round eyes. She was dressed in a lavish white gown the looked as though it came from a fairytale.

"Cecilia...?" Pegasus whispered breathlessly. The woman did not respond as she continued to float towards Pegasus. He was so overjoyed to see his lost love again that he failed to see the vacant expression in her eyes, failed to notice the gossamer quality of her skin, failed to notice that she was nothing more than the representation of a memory.

The woman finally floated to a stop in front of Pegasus, the blue sphere of light moving to the side to give her room. An honest smile graced Pegasus' features as his eyes softened at the beautiful sight before him. "I have missed you so much, Cecilia," he said softly as he raised his hand to run his fingers through her hair.

The woman smiled and leaned forward, a muted whisper on her lips. "My love..."

"Hikari," Yami said quietly. Yuugi raised his head and looked at him expectantly. Yami finally lowered his eyes and looked at him, both seriousness and fatigue clouding their brilliant color. "Under no circumstance will you take your eyes from me until I tell you it is safe to do so." Yuugi hesitated a moment, then slowly nodded is head in assent.

As Pegasus lowered his head to kiss his love he closed his eyes, not seeing the blue sphere merge with the woman. When their lips were about to meet the woman raised her hands and painfully gripped Pegasus' head. Pegasus jumped as he felt something enter his mouth, gagging as whatever it was blocked all passage of air into his lungs.

The blue light continued to pour into Pegasus, forcing his mouth to remain open as it infused itself with his body. With a violent shove he was pushed backward, sprawling on the floor as he landed roughly.

Yami kept his eyes fixed on Yuugi's violet ones. Yuugi was trying valiantly not to turn his eyes towards the sound of screaming. It was one of the most horrid and terrifying noises he had ever heard. His body flinched every time Pegasus resumed his howl after taking a breath to fuel the sound. He grimaced as he heard the pain in Pegasus' voice. It was tearing him apart inside.

Yami knew he had to do something to help distract his Hikari. He could see the turmoil in Yuugi's vibrant eyes, see the pain he was going through as he listened to the Shadows reap their vengeance on Pegasus for invading their realm. He himself was unaffected by the sounds, having been the one to approve of the punishment Pegasus was receiving.

Yami wrapped one arm gently around Yuugi's waist and pulled him close. He saw some of the apprehension in Yuugi's eyes fade at the gesture, but could tell that his mind was still focused on the torment Pegasus was going through. Yami raised his other hand and placed it on the side of Yuugi's face, bending his own head so that his mouth was against Yuugi's ear.

Yuugi closed his eyes and shuddered as Yami opened his mouth and exhaled his hot breath directly onto Yuugi's ear. He was grateful for the distraction from the screams, and even more grateful that Yami was showing him such affection. He removed his hands from Yami's waist and placed them on his chest, palms open so he could feel his heartbeat and the warmth of Yami's body.

Yami felt a calmness wash over him as Yuugi pressed himself as close as physically possible, as though he was trying to merge their bodies together. He raised his head enough so that he could kiss the top of Yuugi's ear. He kissed it again as Yuugi tilted his head to the side to give him better access.

A soft moan escaped from somewhere within Yuugi as he felt the softness of Yami's tongue trace the curve of his ear, tasting every crevice and memorizing every turn. Yami continued to lick Yuugi's ear until he came to his lobe, taking the small nub of flesh lightly into his mouth and sucking softly. Yuugi moaned again at the sensation, shivering as Yami let the lobe slip from his lips and placing a feather light kiss to the sensitive skin behind his ear.

At some point during Yami's ministrations Yuugi's leg had curled around Yami's, slowly rising to caress its prisoner. Yami nearly felt dizzy with the new sensations that were penetrating his mind. Warmth and peace and heat and calm and suddenly an energy he had not felt for some time invaded and consumed his senses.

Reluctantly he pulled back, but not far enough that Yuugi had to remove his leg from his. If they continued on this path, the results would be inevitable and he did not wish to share such an experience with Yuugi in the cruel embrace of the Shadows. He turned his head to the side to observe the progress of the Shadows. Yuugi's eyes remained closed and his lips parted as he lightly panted, the intensity of the encounter continuing to pleasure his mind.

"It is done," Yami said quietly, though there was a slight hitch in his breath as the emotions running through him slowly dissipated. Yuugi nodded numbly, still not concerned with anything other than the exotic man that was holding him.

When he did open his eyes, Yuugi was surprised to find that he and Yami were back in the alley. Pegasus lay unmoving on the ground, the golden artifacts sprawled at his feet. Yuugi blinked as he looked at Yami, who ran his hands unintentionally teasingly down his sides, once again sending shivers along his skin. Yami motioned for him to head back to the house.

Yuugi hesitated, concerned with the fatigue he saw in Yami's features. His eyes were barely open and his posture was slouched. Yuugi was afraid that if he moved away Yami would be blown over by the simplest of breezes. Yami motioned for him to go again and he reluctantly obliged. He only looked back once, his confusion doubling as he noticed Yami walk to Pegasus and gather the items at his feet. He turned his head in time to miss Yami extracting the eye from Pegasus' face.

Yami looked at the items in his arms as he walked painfully slowly back to the game shop. Pegasus was no longer a threat to his Hikari. But now his focus was going to have to be turned to a new enemy. The Shadows were insistent. They had a plan and it would be exceedingly difficult to prevent them from fulfilling it. He didn't know if he had the energy to do so, either.

He was just so unbelievingly tired.

Sighing, Yami entered the shop and set the items on the table before retiring to Yuugi's bedroom.

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Translations:

Ir nn ir pf m wHm-a - Do not do that again

hnqt - beer

grg - begin(something)

Hwi pey-i mrw-t - Protect my love

Iti st - Take it