Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Psyche ❯ Ideas ( Chapter 17 )

Disclaimer: Yugi-oh is the property of Kazuki Takahashi, who is a genius.

 

This is the third part of the Chrysalis series. You will enjoy this more if you read Chrysalis and Emergence first. You will get lost!

 

AN: Before you even ask. Yes, this is why I made Yuai the ruler of the Shadow Realm. It wasn't because I wanted an all powerful Mary Sue. It was because I needed her to “punish” Yami. I've had this little complication to our favorite pharaoh's life plotted out since Chrysalis…sigh…I'm getting toward the end of my little fic and all the plots are starting to tie themselves up. Don't worry though, I still have a few surprises. This story has headed well into overtime and will definitely be longer then the originally planned twenty chapters.

 

Psyche

Chapter Seventeen: Ideas

 

~*~*~*

OCs

~*~*~*

Ahmose: (Egyptian for: The moon is born) Yami's son back in Egypt.

E'on: Jonouchi's Red Eyes Black Dragon.

Jame: Kaiba's obsessive-compulsively organized secretary who wants to be fired.

Kallon: The Dark Sage and one of the three rulers of the Shadow Realm, though he tries hard not to be.

Kisara: The only female Blue Eyes White Dragon. (Not really an OC)

Koori: (Japanese for: Ice) The largest male Blue Eyes White Dragon.

Ledowr: The Magician of Black Chaos, also one of the three rulers of the Shadow Realm, and is trying even harder not to be. He is also Yuai's husband.

Pepi: Yami's third wife back in Egypt.

Shimo: (Japanese for: Frost) The other male Blue Eyes White Dragon.

Yuai: Yugi's girlfriend, sort of..., one of three rulers of the Shadow Realm. Though she's been slacking lately. She is married to Ledowr.

 

~*~*~*

Yuai

~*~*~*

 

The sun was slowly settling over the horizon for the evening, coloring the sky dusky reds, purples and golds. Yuai sat on the battlements of her home watching the sun sink into it's nightly bed. Tomorrow, her friends, the last connection she had with the other realm would leave. Her life, the one she remembered best, would end. She would spend the rest of eternity as Yuai, Lady of the Realm, when all she really wanted was to go home and be Yuai Tasuke, playing Life behind Yugi's living room couch while eating doubtful Chinese food and watching Yami and Yugi get snippy about fortune cookie sayings.

 

“Please tell me you're not out here wishing for your friends.” Her beloved's snide voice interrupted her thoughts. “Every time you do, they show up.”

 

“Actually, I was thinking about Chinese food. Why did a delivery man show up?” Yuai glanced over to him. “I get the orange chicken.”

 

There were good things about being back in the Shadow Realm. He topped the list. He was rude. He was irritating. He was arrogant, dictatorial, insulting, and she loved him with a completeness that was as simple as it was frightening. The one rather sad, doubtful blessing, at least on her part, of her entire cursed vacation from hell in the other realm, was that she had forgotten him. Only when she had awoken here to find him sitting at her side, did her memory start supplying that missing bit of all important information. If she had remembered during her long exile, she wondered if she really would have survived. She hated thinking of what he had to endure during those thousands of years watching helplessly.

 

“No.” He sat down next to her, looking out over the city as its lights began to twinkle into existence. “Good thought though. See if you can wish for pork with those red chilies. That always looked good.”

 

“It was.” She edged closer, till she was snuggled against his side. If asked, she'd say she just wanted the warmth. She might even toss in a small insult about him. It wouldn't be the real reason, that she liked being close to him, but that wasn't anyone's business but their own. He knew and she knew the truth, that was all that mattered. They had been playing this game since they first met, and they hadn't tired of it yet. “The hot and sour soup was also pretty good. You would have liked it.”

 

He draped an arm around her shoulders, so that her golden head was cradled against his shoulder. His excuse, if any were needed, was that she was too flaky to realize that there was a rather sizable drop beneath them and he didn't want to have to hold court in the morning, if she fell off the damn wall. “Are you sure you didn't have any passing thoughts, say, of a certain ex-pharaoh?”

 

“No. Not really, just a passing one about him and Yugi fighting over the fortune cookies.” She slid her hand along his back, letting her fingers dip slightly into his pants. It was under his cloak, so no problem there.

 

“Hmmm. You need to stop that.” He moved his arm to circle her waist. For safety concerns. The fact that his hand just happened to stroke along the bottom curve of her breast was purely accidental.

 

She looked up innocently, her fingers wiggling. “I do.”

 

He nodded. “He showed up.”

 

“Yami? How did that happen? Why didn't Mahaado…” She glanced back at the rooftops where Mahaado and his blue eyed lover had been perched outside of Jonouchi and Kaiba's bedroom. Only E'on, Shimo, and Koori were there now.

 

“Kallon's not sure. He's got a theory.” Ledowr regretfully felt her fingers withdraw.

 

Yuai shifted away and stood. “Is he alright?”

 

“Why should you care? Must I remind you of the five thousand years of hell he put you through?” He stood up too, growling.

 

“It was an accident.” She walked along the battlements with him tagging at her side. They quickly descended into the courtyard where a group of courtiers were gathering to go down to carouse through the city. Yuai sighed in irritation as the pompous nitwits called out greetings and invitations to come and join them. She gave them a strained smile and shook her head.

 

“The pharaoh should pay for what he did.” He dodged a portly man with a huge plumed hat that nearly took out one of his eyes.

 

“How?” A courtier accidentally tripped her with his long swishing cape. “Put him through five thousand years of hell? What purpose…” She stopped, causing one of the horses to shy away and step on some noble's foot. The resulting yelp, though satisfying, didn't interrupt her sudden epiphany. She smiled a large toothy smile that Yugi would have instantly recognized. “I agree. He needs to pay.”

 

“Uhm. Good.” Ledower also recognized the smile and wondered if he should be busy the rest of the night. He hadn't cleaned out his libratory for centuries, maybe he should give it a go. Or the library, Kallon was always bitching about dust, he could dust the books.

 

“I'd say five thousand years sounds just about right.” Yuai hummed happily to herself as she continued her path through the courtyard, which had suddenly become empty.

 

Ledowr gave the courtiers points. They did have some survival instincts. It had taken them less then two seconds to recognize their danger and leave the vicinity. He eyed the far castle gate and wondered if he could reach it before she stopped him.

 

“Yes. Five thousand years of dealing with those idiots sounds perfect.” She turned and leveled the smile on him. “Don't you agree?”

 

“Of course!” He didn't really know what he was agreeing to, seeing that he'd been eyeing escape routes, but survival overruled any momentary lapses of judgment.

 

“I'm sure Kallon won't mind.” She snuggled close to him, purring happily.

 

“I'm sure he won't.” His mind slowly churned what she had said over. “Wait a second.” He frowned. “You aren't really thinking of…”

 

She sighed happily. “Making Yami the ruler of the Shadow Realm for the next five thousand years while we go on vacation?” She stood on her toes and pecked a kiss on his cheek. “Why, yes, that's exactly what I'm thinking.” She raced off towards the castle. “Start packing, love. We're going out for Chinese food and Bakura said he was leaving in the morning.”

 

Ledowr eyed the now empty court yard. A courtier poked his head out of the stable door and gave him a brainless look. He grinned back, sending the fool back to hide in the hay. “Yes, I'd say five thousand years sounds perfect. I wonder if I can get my hands on one of those cookies?” He cackled a laugh that made the dragons on the rooftop startle away like a flock of overgrown pigeons and followed his love into the castle.

 

~*~*~*

Jonouchi

~*~*~*

Bakura still hadn't shown up and it was now well past midmorning and heading into afternoon. The guards that prowled along the castle walls with military precision had already gone through their morning rotations and had settled in for their shifts. Jo had watched the change. He had been waiting in the courtyard, with his clothes and his Rainbow Flower, when the first splashes of dawn broke over the horizon. It had given him something to do. Something besides staring out the balcony doors and wondering how, if it was even possible, to make everything okay again.

 

Stupid, stupid, stupid. He pulled his knees closer as he sat on the castle's step, shivering slightly in the late morning chill. Even his poor flower was shivering, it's pot's teeth chattering piteously. How could I be so fucking stupid?

 

Kaiba had never come to bed, never even came in to get his clothes, his hair brush, or even tell him he was staying in another room. His only hope that it wasn't completely fubared was that a Blue Eyes was always near. Even now, when all the other residents of the castle were off attending morning court, Shimo was with him, standing guard a few paces behind him. Not that any of the Blue Eyes had been overly friendly though. Koori had brought dinner. Kisara had slipped in for a few moments this morning to lay out his clothes, and Shimo was watching over him with the same diligence he always showed, but none of them had talked to him.

 

I think they're just worried. E'on was perched on the castle wall in his true shape. Jo had a feeling it was more to annoy the guards then any real need to be in his natural form. The dragon kept chortling merrily every time a guard tried to squeeze by him to do his rounds.

 

About how upset Seto is probably. Jo hid himself behind his knees. Talk about having sexual difficulties. What really tops kicking your partner in the gut just as your about to really get it on?

 

Uuhh, well seeing that I actually haven't done that, I really can't say. The Red Eyes flipped his tail over the parapet `accidentally' knocking the helmet off a guard. I set fire to a bed once, just as it was getting good. Does that count?

 

Jo ran the scenario of setting Kaiba on fire during sex through his head. That's pretty good.

 

A irritated guard kicked E'on's foot and the dragon jumped. The two glared at each other a moment, then E'on hopped down into the courtyard and assumed his human form. He snarled back up at the guard. “Same to you, asswipe.”

 

Eon…

 

“He started it.” The dragon teen sulked over and picked up the flower. “They're obviously not coming. Let's go someplace warmer, Rainbow's freezing its petals off.”

 

Jo pulled himself to his feet and followed as the dragon walked back into the main hall and headed out towards the back garden. They wound their way through the empty paths till they got to a small clearing. In the center of the clearing was a tiny court with five steps leading down to a ring of variegated stone. In the center was a small tree with flaming leaves standing in a pool of clear, deep water. E'on placed the flower on the lowest step, where it was warm. Jo sat down on the upper step with Shimo hovering behind him like a white shadow.

 

His dragon sat down next to the flower and stroked its leaves till it opened and started warbling something that sounded suspiciously like The Trouble I've Seen.

 

Nice. Fitting too. Jo slouched on the step.

 

“Jo.”

 

He froze, then looked behind him. Shimo had backed off and Kaiba was standing where the Blue Eyes had been. He looked away quickly, not wanting to see Kaiba's expression.

 

Tell him I'm sorry, E'on. Jo bit his lip.

 

“He says he's sorry.” E'on promptly relayed the message.

 

He could hear Kaiba's footsteps get closer, then his love settled on the step next to him. “For my part, I accept the apology.”

 

Jo glanced at him, meeting brooding, dark blue eyes.

 

“But I'm not the one you need to apologize to.” Kaiba sighed, looking over at the flaming tree, then back to Jo.

 

I didn't see anyone else I kicked. Jo thought and E'on relayed.

 

Kaiba nodded. “True, you didn't.” He looked away again.

 

Jo frowned. E'on was shifting nervously, looking anywhere but at him. Spill it dragon. What's up?

 

“He won't tell you. I ordered him not to.” Kaiba reached over and pulled him close, settling him on the step below, between his knees, wrapping his arms around him in a gentle hug. “You know I won't hurt you.”

 

Jo nodded, leaning back into his love's embrace, feeling that everything was going to be alright. Kaiba wasn't angry. They were fine, maybe a bit rough around the edges, but they were still a they and not two hims.

 

“I need you to understand that Jonouchi.” Kaiba brushed his hair off his face, away from his eyes. “I won't ever hurt you.”

 

Jo nodded again.

 

“When I said I was not the one you needed to apologize to, I meant it.” Kaiba's arms tightened briefly in another hug, then let him go. He stood up and stepped away. “I'm not Seto, and Seto is the one you have to apologize to.”

 

Jo blinked. What?

 

E'on dutifully repeated it.

 

Kaiba stood looking at him steadily. “I'm not Seto.”

 

Jo jumped away putting his dragon between him and…and…him.

 

Kaiba nodded sadly. “I meant what I said Jo. I won't hurt you. I've watched over you for weeks while Seto rested. I didn't harm you then. I won't start doing it now.”

 

Who the hell is he? Jo inspected the brunette in front of him. He looked like Seto. He sounded like Seto. A yami. He's got to be a yami.

 

Good guess. E'on stood still, staying between the yami and Jonouchi.

 

The yami sat down again watching Jonouchi carefully. “When Seto got here, he wasn't in very good shape. What you saw on the outside was only a faint shadow of the damage done to his mind and soul.”

 

Jo nodded, wanting to hear more, but stayed behind E'on, unsure what to make of the unexpected appearance of a yami. Kaiba's yami. Didn't a yami come from a Millennium Item? If so, where did this one come from? E'on started ferrying the message, but Jo stopped him and nodded for the yami to continue.

 

The yami nodded back, “He'd spent months tearing himself to pieces over what happened to you, then someone got creative and decided to take is mind apart with a shadow spell.”

 

Jonouchi stepped around E'on frowning. What did they do to him? He nudged his dragon and E'on conveyed the message.

 

“They sent your finger in a box, only there was a spell attached. It basically burrowed into his mind and started expanding certain negative emotions such as guilt, grief, powerlessness, loneliness, worthlessness, and also drained his strength adding to the stress and fatigue he was already under.” The yami tilted his head thoughtfully. “A well crafted spell. Very subtle. It didn't create so much as take advantage of what was already in Seto's mind. Even the pharaoh had a few problems identifying and breaking it.”

 

Who?

 

Kaiba shrugged. “I'm not sure. Whoever it is, is in the other realm.”

 

Where do you come in and who the hell are you?

 

The yami shook his head, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. “Let's get to that in a minute. I'm not done with the first question.”

 

Jo waved his hand trying to hurry him along, unconsciously edging out from behind E'on and stepping closer to the other.

 

“Finally, when Seto thought he'd finally found you. He got there too late. For all anyone could tell, you had been tossed into a river and your killer had committed suicide. He almost followed you, preferring death then to live without you.” The brunet, whoever he was, paused, looking away for a moment. “He went to your funeral. He tried to pull himself together, then Mokuba got snatched by a man wielding a gun.” A shadow of remembered pain flickered across the other's face. “He was still trying to recover from your death, the spell, and the stress he endured when you were taken. He couldn't handle losing Mokuba too. His soul started faltering, stumbling. When he got here, he was still functioning, but all he needed was one thing, even a tiny thing, and he shattered.” The yami looked over to Jo, who was now standing in front of him. “I woke up, feeling that something was wrong. When I went to find Seto, he was barely…there.” He looked away again, focusing on something inside himself. “I stepped in. I couldn't let Seto hurt anymore, and he needed rest and care.” He blinked, coming back to the outside world, and grinned. “So, I found myself dealing with you.”

 

Jo quickly reviewed his actions of the last few weeks and blushed.

 

The yami smirked slightly, but then grew serous again. “You needed Seto. You were important to him, so I decided to let you believe I was Seto.”

 

And now? Where is he now? And who are you?

 

“He's asleep again. Yesterday, with Mokuba here, I gave Seto the strength to stand on his own.” He shook his head, turning away. “Seto just wasn't well enough. I pushed him too soon.” He glanced back with a bitter look on his face. “You didn't help. I know you didn't mean to harm him, but… you won't be seeing him for awhile.”

 

Who?

 

“Seth. Couldn't you guess. Seto has a memory of you telling him about Egypt, about me.” The yami, Seth, turned back to him. “Do you understand now?”

 

Jo frowned. How do I know you're telling the truth?

 

He is. E'on, who'd been faithfully acting as his voice, bit his lip nervously. Koori, Shimo and Kisara have been acting weird because they felt Seto collapse. The Red Eyes nodded slightly to were Seth stood watching them carefully. He's been here since that first day. He's the one who called me last night when you got scared.

 

Jo looked away. You trust him?

 

Yeah. He's a Blue Eyes, even if he isn't a dragon. Even when your fighting them, you can trust them. E'on snorted. Too damn noble, no sense of humor, and loyal to the end. Complete pains in the ass, but they're always straight with you.

 

Yami said otherwise. Jo shook his head. But if he's been here since the beginning, then…Tell him I have to think about it.

 

E'on told Seth, who nodded.

 

“That's fine.” He gestured and Shimo came back. “I wanted you to know. The pharaoh is here and the rest of your friends will probably be here before noon. If the thief doesn't babble who I am, the pharaoh or that moron who's holding the Rod will. You deserved to hear it from me.” He walked down the path, then stopped, turning to look at Jo. “You still need to tell Seto you're sorry. He needs to hear it. Not from E'on, but from you.”

 

Jo looked away. When he looked back Seth was gone.

 

~*~*~*

The Gang

~*~*~*

When Yugi anxiously pushed open the elegantly carved door, Yami was curled sleeping in the middle of a large ornate bed, with Jo, Kaiba, Mokuba, Ryou and even Bakura standing to one side in a hissing discussion.

 

“How the hell should I know. He had me chained to a sofa. It wasn't like I was going to run my travel plans by him.” Bakura snarled softly towards Kaiba.

 

“He had to get here somehow.” Kaiba snarled back just as quietly.

 

“He's a shrimpy little bastard, but he's not that small. You think I was carrying him around in my pocket?” The thief's voice dripped sarcasm.

 

Jo, standing next to Mokuba, was watching the two bicker, unconsciously imitating someone watching a ping pong match. Ryou was rubbing the bridge of his nose, with his eyes squeezed shut, looking like he was fighting back a headache.

 

Mokuba yawned, looked around and seeing Yugi grinned and waved. “Hey, Yugi, what kept you?”

 

Jonouchi jerked around and gave his friend a huge welcoming grin, then stepped back a bit startled when Honda shoved Yugi aside and rushed across the room, pulling him into a huge relieved hug.

 

“Man, oh man, you really had me going.” Honda released him just as quickly, but still held onto him by one shoulder grinning insanely. “I actually thought you'd bought it.”

 

Kaiba had stopped his argument the instant Honda rushed in and was now looking suspiciously at the other brunet. “Friend of yours?”

 

“What's with you?” Honda frowned slightly at the other.

 

Marik following Yugi, who scampered over to his yami's side, stopped looking at the group. “Oh shit.”

 

Anzu, Mai and Malik, bringing up the rear with Mahaado, grinned at their friends and walked past the now frozen blond yami. Malik paused a moment, looking quizzically at his other, then shrugged and walked over to Ryou, patting his fellow hikari's shoulder in greeting.

 

“Jonouchi, if you ever go and get yourself killed again. I swear…I'll…I'll…kill you myself.” Anzu glared at him fiercely for a few seconds then burst into tears and burrowed into Mai's arms.

 

Mai winked at him. “I knew you were to tough for that.”

 

Jo smiled happily back, walking over to where Yugi was now sitting on the edge of the bed, holding his yami's hand.

 

Yugi looked up at him, looking rather small and worn, and gave him a tired smile. “I'm glad you're alright.” He glanced around the room at all his friends. “I'm glad we're all alright.”

 

Jo nodded.

 

“Hey, you're awfully quiet.” Honda, having followed Jonouchi over stood at his shoulder.

 

“Leave him alone.” Kaiba also walked over to loom over Honda's shoulder threateningly.

 

“Back off, Kaiba. What's got your panties in a twist?” Honda glared at the taller teen.

 

Kaiba snarled wordlessly, and started raising one hand, a luminous glow dancing along his finger tips. Jo stepped hurriedly between them, placing a calming hand on Kaiba's chest and looking into his eyes.

 

“That's not Kaiba.” Marik, still standing at the door, murmured, almost to himself.

 

Mokuba nodded. “Guys meet Seth. Seth meet our friends.”

 

“Seth?” Honda looked puzzled. Jo still stood making soothing gestures to the other brunet. “Who's Seth? Where's Kaiba?”

 

“Big Brother needed to rest, so his yami, Seth, is stepping in for a bit till Seto gets better.” Mokuba bit his lip, looking unhappy, then shrugged. “He seems okay and Jo trusts him.”

 

Jonouchi turned slightly and nodded affirmatively to Honda.

 

“Is Kaiba going to be alright?” Yugi's tired voice reminded them he was sitting next to them.

 

 

Seth looked down at his pharaoh's hikari, considering him carefully. His voice was very soft when he finally answered. “Yes, little one, Seto will be fine. Like you, he's just tired.” He turned to the others. “We should take this little discussion outside.”

 

Bakura nodded. “I haven't eaten since last night.” He nudged his light and motioned toward the door with his chin.

 

“Cool. Do you think they have any more of that asparagus stuff?” Mokuba walked out, poking Anzu, who was still sniffling softly against her girlfriend's shoulder as he passed.

 

“Leave the asparagus alone, please.” Ryou pulled Malik out of the room and down the hall after the black haired kid. “I had nightmares about it last night.”

 

Mai and Anzu followed along. “What's so bad about the asparagus?” Anzu asked, walking with her arm around Mai's waist.

 

Jo looked up at Seth for a moment, then reached over and pulled Honda out the door after him.

 

“I think I could get used to you being quiet Jo.” Honda gave him a smile, sauntering along at his best friend's side.

 

Jo grinned back and punched his friend's arm playfully.

 

Seth nodded toward the other side of the bed, looking at Yugi. “You should make use of that. You look like you need the sleep.”

 

Yugi shook his head. “No, what if he wakes up?”

 

“Then he'll wake up happily in his hikari's arms.” Seth turned away. “He won't be happy if he wakes up and finds you perched at his side like a vulture.”

 

Mahaado, who had stayed by the door, nodded his agreement. “He's right, Master. It would not make him happy to see you look so worn.” He walked over and carefully pulled Yugi to his feet and led him around to the other side of the bed. “Try to sleep. I will keep watch, and when he wakes, I will wake you.”

 

Yugi tiredly nodded and kicked off his shoes. “Only for a little while though.”

 

Seth walked over to the blond yami, letting a small nasty grin spread over his face. “Well, there you are. The fool who has been misusing my Rod.” He glanced down to where the Rod hung on Marik's belt. “Can you hear it calling for me, it's rightful master, to reclaim it?”

 

Marik hissed, stepping back. “You lost it. It's mine now.”

 

Seth snickered. “Worried? Worried that when I reclaim my Rod that you'll cease to exist?”

 

“Try and take it.” Marik pulled the Rod out and held it defensively.

 

Seth laughed snidely. “Why should I?” He stepped around the other yami. “I had to deal with it for most of my previous life. It was a pain in the ass then, it's probably still a pain in the ass.” He gestured for Marik to follow him. “Tell me, does it still get pissy and decide not to follow orders, usually at the worst possible moment?”

 

Marik blinked, looked down at the shining golden rod, then at the back of the priest that was walking away from him down the hall. “Yeah. I thought it was…” He narrowed his eyes looking suspiciously at the Rod. “You mean it's always done that? It's not just me?”

 

“No, as far as I can tell, there's a design flaw.” Seth paused, waiting as the other yami came up to him, then continued down the hall with the blond at his side. “When you stop and think about who made it, it's not that surprising. I remember a time, Mahaado, Karim and I were out in the courtyard practicing…”

 

~*~*~*

Jame

~*~*~*

 

Mokuba hadn't come in, and the office was quiet. Jame had already reshuffled his appointments, dealt with the incoming mail, rerouted all e-mail to pertinent departments and much to Tanaka's surprise reorganized the personal department. Now, she stood outside the elevators looking bemusedly at the floor by floor listing of all the departments in Kaiba Corp.

 

It's not like I have anything better to do. She looked at the list for the departments at the top of the building. It's not like I can get fired, when the boss isn't even here to fire me.

 

She pulled out a pad of paper and jotted down the entire directory. After all, maybe I can organize myself out of a job. Make myself superficial. They do it all the time, just reorganize all of Kaiba Corp for maximum efficiency and do away with my position. Could work…Hmm…I wonder if I should look at the global? Maybe next week, if the boss doesn't get back.

 

Envisioning herself sitting happily lolling around Jamaica guzzling rum and eating sinful things, she stepped onto the elevator and punched the top floor. By the time Mokuba returns, Kaiba Corp will be the smoothest running company in the world.

 

~*~*~*

Take a moment and feed the muses. They're looking a mite thin.

 

Sorceress Sarrkh: Food poisoning…hmmm…and I now have so many people to choose from…. I kind of liked the layering too. I think I'll keep it in my workbox of writing tricks, but I probably shouldn't use it twice in the same chapter.

 

Velvetina: Funny that you mentioned Jame. I had just finished her section when I got your review. Great minds! I think Seth would like a threesome. Kaiba, however, is still out of commission, and Jo has issues. Maybe they'll work it out. Seth does have time to impress a certain blond…