Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ Its All a Game ( Chapter 21 )

AN:

Whee! Well at last I have another chapter for you. Battling writers block is no fun you know. You have no idea how much of this has been written in the last 24 hours. But at any rate, things are finally moving again so enjoy.

 

Oh, one last thing before I go. Marik decided to pose, borrowed Yami's scythe and all that and well… this was the result…

http://x-cybergoth-x.deviantart.com/art/Your-Soul-Is-Mine-6 5164784

Anyway, I think any fans of Marik will enjoy that one!

 

***************************************************************** *************

 

As the two lovers were waking up in a two bedroom house across Domino, Seto was cautiously getting up. While it was early he was being careful. Yesterday he had discovered that waking up his blonde landlord before he was ready was not a good idea. The resultant tirade had been long, fierce and varied and frankly had left him speechless. He had caught himself in time before he retaliated. After all, cries of `don't you know who I am?' would have gone down like a lead balloon, and also led to some rather awkward questions. As it was he resolved to be a lot more cautious today, and try and discover - in the least painful way possible - if yesterday was a one off.

 

So he got up quickly and quietly, washing and dressing in near silence. That done he headed to the kitchen. Well he was hungry, but at the same time he was still wary of the appliances. As it was he started by making some tea, a task he was becoming quite comfortable with, drinking a cup to brace himself for what he was about to do next. Inoffensive as a toaster may be to you and me, Seto was currently eyeing the one in front of him with a large measure of distrust. He had seen the infernal contraption used by Bakura on a couple of occasions but still did not trust how it worked.

 

Now was not the time for doubt however, now was the time to conquer the untrustworthy machinery. He had already retrieved bread from the fridge so now he gingerly put two slices of bread in the toaster and depressed the lever. He then stepped back quickly as if he expected it to explode or jump up and attack him at any moment. He practically glared at it, as if his stare would make the appliance do his bidding, never taking his eyes off it for a second. As the toaster popped up its browned offering Seto snatched the toast out of the device quickly and backed off. Knowing no-one was around to see him he breathed out a sigh of relief when the toaster seemed content to remain in its inert state.

 

He was now feeling quite satisfied with himself. He had managed to sort out both food and drink for himself with no assistance and the kitchen was none the worse for wear. The appliances had survived and he was starting to think that this wasn't so bad after all. Now his thoughts were returning to his landlord. On the back of his success perhaps he could make amends for yesterday, though some part of him was asking why the Hell he would want to do such a thing, he was the Left Hand of God and bowed to no-one. The other part of him replied with surprising calm that the human did not know that and besides the latter was not true. The Lord and Gabriel both held sway over him, though Gabriel only did so at the moment because he was currently so removed from God.

 

He shook away the thought not wanting to dwell on any part of it. Since he was on a roll perhaps now was the time to attempt to conquer the coffee machine

 

Joey eventually stirred an hour later. In his usual morning haze he was not aware that this time he had been left in peace to wake up on his own, in fact his tenant was the last thing on his mind. Had he been thinking clearly he would have been grateful for the peace. Nevertheless he stumbled out of his room and into the bathroom for a quick shower that only marginally improved his state of wakefulness. That done he pulled on some clothes in that haphazard autopilot fashion that meant it was a minor miracle everything was on the right way round and the right way out. As he headed downstairs to the kitchen his brain did not register the scent of coffee that greeted him beyond the immediate need for the substance. He also did not argue when by some miracle a mug of the strong black liquid appeared in his hands. Nor did he like to complain when a plate of toast appeared before him as he sat at the table. Gloriously ignorant of what those facts meant for the moment he set about consuming said breakfast, only vaguely aware of the quiet statue like presence that was watching him from across the room.

 

Seto watched Joey in silence from his chosen spot across the kitchen, where he was leaning arms folded across his chest. One eyebrow elegantly arched, he watched the blonde almost questioningly taking in all he saw. Well one fact was painfully clear, Joey was not a morning person. As it was he felt it wise not to address the blonde until he was spoken to first, and so with the patience that only an angel could possess, he remained quiet and still and waited.

 

Joey on the other hand was starting to wake up as the food and drink slipped down his throat. The coffee was strong, stronger than he usually made it but he found that he liked it, and it gave him the kick he needed to stir himself into true wakefulness. Now that his brain was beginning to function properly he became aware of his new tenant standing across from him, though the realisation knocked him even more into alertness with a jolt.

 

“Good morning.” Seto said quietly, feeling confident that with the blonde's eyes on him he could now risk a greeting.

 

“Morning.” Joey responded with a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I really can't function before I've had that first mug of coffee.” He apologized, remembering the debacle of the previous morning.

 

“Glad you liked it.” Seto stated with deliberate dryness.

 

Joey looked at him blankly as his brain scrambled for understanding. Groping around as he was, the realisation dawned on him that his breakfast had somehow materialised as soon as he had entered the room, a fact that he had not questioned. Now he knew he hadn't gone through the usual muttering and grumbling that usually ensued as he stumbled around the room on autopilot. His eyes widened as he did a sudden sweep of the room to find everything as it should be, everything intact.

 

“Surprised?” Came the lightly scathing question from his right, though as shocked amber eyes met cool blue the blonde took a moment to register the amusement he saw in those crystal blue orbs.

 

“Thank you.” He blurted out suddenly, feeling guilty for being caught doing such an obvious check.

 

Seto merely shrugged. “What all the fuss is about appliances I really don't know.”

 

Joey was struggling to take everything in. Firstly, he'd been made breakfast, secondly, his house was still intact, and thirdly, was the brunette actually teasing him? It was hard to tell when you were working with a character as stern as Seto was. So far that face had not deviated from the serious expression that he had come to expect from his tenant, though it was those eyes that showed a little sparkle of something else that suggested he was anything but bored with his landlord. He was utterly confused.

 

Seto on the other hand was masking his amusement at the blonde's confusion. Ah, now he was in his element. Having the human exactly where he wanted him put him back in a position of power, and it was a welcome feeling. Ever since he had been sent to earth he'd felt utterly powerless, even when he'd been manipulating the situation with Bakura. Nope, he'd not felt this good in days. And so he made a decision, not consciously of course because even Seto is not that big of a prick, but nevertheless, somewhere deep down, he had decided that keeping the blonde off guard was going to be his new past time. Though at this stage he had no idea how far he would be willing to go to keep this sense of power or just what he might be risking. Then again he didn't know because he was not aware of having made a decision at all. But in all likelihood it would prove a momentous decision none the less.

 

Also blissfully ignorant to the machinations of his tenant's subconscious, Joey was hit with the realisation that he had to get to work soon, that thought cutting through the fog of his confusion as Seto abruptly left him to finish his breakfast alone. Though he was a little thrown by the fact that he had more time on his hands than usual. Somehow he'd gotten out of bed earlier than normal and found breakfast awaiting him. You never know, this might be the first morning in a while that he didn't need to rush to make it to work on time. Actually that raised a good point. He and Seto had not actually discussed him being out at work, yesterday having been mainly spent ignoring each other in a foul mood. He'd not even gotten as far as to give Seto the spare house key. Well that at least was easily remedied.

 

He quickly got up and headed to the living room to find the brunette sat in an armchair, semi laid back in long limbed grace and reading a book. Wait a minute, a book? Okay, Joey Wheeler was no academic but he was also not illiterate, though it was also true to say that he would never list reading amongst his past times. As such he was impressed to see Seto with the object in question because as far as he was aware, he didn't own any books. His brain suddenly slammed into gear and told him Seto had probably brought it with him. Pushing his shock aside his eyes suddenly met Seto's that were regarding him questioningly and had been for a long moment while the blonde had been lost in his thoughts. As a result Joey had to force some kind of focus in order to spur himself into action.

 

“Erm… I have to go to work, but I'll be back at six. I just thought… that is… if you wanted to go out or something…”

 

“Yes?” Seto asked as Joey petered off.

 

“Oh the key!” Joey exclaimed. “That is I thought you might want a house key, for if you wanted to go out… or something.”

 

Feeling utterly flustered and completely unable to comprehend why he tore his gaze away from Seto's, suddenly unable to maintain eye contact under the intense blaze of blue. Seto on the other hand was fighting the urge to smirk having well and truly gotten the blonde on the back foot.

 

“That would be very welcome.” He replied smoothly.

 

Smiling sheepishly Joey eased the set of spare keys off the bunch he always kept in his pocket and approached Seto with a nervousness he didn't understand.

 

“This one's the front, and that's the back.” He explained as Seto stretched out his hand to receive the keys, and all the while he found himself rubbing the back of his neck in a nervous gesture he'd not used since his teens.

 

“I'll… I'll just go then.” He mumbled before walking out.

 

He quickly grabbed a jacket before heading out to work, scratching his head, wondering just what the hell was going on with him this morning. Back at the house the Left Hand of God permitted himself to smile. This sojourn on earth might not be so bad after all.

 

***************************************************************** *************

 

On the borders between dimensions, mere steps from alternate planes of existence, two figures stood side by side. One sighed wearily and the rustle of wings could be heard in the silence.

 

“I know that they are getting somewhere with Bakura, but all this game playing, someone is going to get hurt.” One sighed.

 

The other hummed softly. “There isn't much we can do, with tacit approval from the Lord, Marik and Yami cannot be reined in. Thankfully Seto is in the mix.”

 

The first snorted softly. “That is supposed to be a help?”

 

The second chuckled and drew his companion to him, arm round his shoulders, and encouraging him to rest his head on the first's shoulder.

 

“It will all work out in time you'll see.”

 

The first sighed softly once more, glad for the comfort from his companion.

 

“Time we have in abundance, and I have faith, I do, but it doesn't stop me from worrying.”

 

“I know, and you're not the only one, but all we can do now is wait.”

 

The first one chuckled wryly. “I guess a few more years can't hurt right?”

 

Once more the gentle whisper of feathers could be heard as wings moved and stretched, furling and unfurling slightly, the only sign of agitation in an otherwise calm façade. Beside him, his companion's tail switched from side to side in a much more obvious display of anxiety.

 

The second tightened his hold on the first. “I've never seen Seto like this before.” He murmured softly.

 

“That's for sure.” The first chuckled.

 

“The Lord is pleased by this development.”

 

The first cocked his eyebrow. “And well he may be, Seto has not been himself since the Battle of the Heavens.”

 

His companion paused for a moment. “I forgot, you are one of the few that got to see the angel beyond the role.”

 

“Kisara…” The first murmured, sadness now evident in his voice.

 

“I'm sorry.” His companion crooned. “I didn't mean…”

 

“Don't apologise.” The first interrupted, his voice strong once more. “I came to terms with losing her a long time ago.”

 

“You've actually forgiven him haven't you?” Came the soft question.

 

“Of course I have. Look at him, he's not been the same since. I think it actually hurt him more than it did me.”

 

“But to lose your twin.” The second exclaimed softly.

 

The first sighed heavily. “I'm not saying that it wasn't hard. Losing that connection we had was excruciating, but you know as well as I do that I couldn't afford to let it affect me. Not with judgement hanging over our heads.”

 

The second nodded and moved to embrace his companion properly, the rustle of wings the only sound in this lonely place. The two remained that way for a long while in silence, just content with each other's presence. Though eventually the first pushed back from the gentle embrace.

 

“You know, I think it was having to act out the Lord's judgement that really did it for Seto, I've never seen him so cold. He actually became his role on that day.”

 

The second nodded. “It almost broke him, I think it's good what's happening. He might just come back to himself.”

 

“Not that he will ever admit that this visit to earth is helping him in any way.” Came the soft chuckle.

 

“Oh no, I don't think that even the Lord could get him to admit to that.”

 

The two chuckled, content with sharing the other's company for a time. These were stolen moments that no-one knew about, and something that they both treasured, but they knew that their time was running short. The second stretched his wings.

 

“I must go.”

 

“I know.”

 

“I'll try to come as soon as I can.”

 

“I know you will.” The first replied softly. “And I will be waiting as always.”

 

The second smiled softly, leaning forward to capture his companion's lips in a chaste and loving kiss. Nothing more was said, the two merely gazing into each other's eyes for a long moment, before as one they turned away from each other.

 

***************************************************************** *************

 

Back in Pandemonium, Akeifa made his way through the halls quietly. As usual his absence had gone unnoticed. Well he was nothing if not discreet. It was a talent that he had cultivated, even when in Heaven. How else would he have been able to slip away to meet Marik in the run up to the Battle of the Heavens? Though as he turned back to his tasks he was unaware that someone was on to him, that at last his behaviour had roused suspicion. As it was he was unaware of a pair of violet eyes watching him from the shadows. His illicit meeting had gone unobserved this time, but the Master of Hell was not about to let that be the case for much longer. Marik stepped out of the shadows after his friend had passed by his hiding place.

 

“Just what are you up to old friend?” He questioned quietly.

 

At that moment another Fallen approached and he turned at the sound of leathery wings folding in and settling.

 

“Ah Odion, just the daemon I wanted to see.” He grinned.

 

“You sent for me Master Marik.” The other responded seriously with a bow of respect.

 

Marik snorted softly. Odion was nothing if not loyal, but he could be formal to the point of irritation at times.

 

“I have a job for you.” Marik smirked. “It seems Akeifa has been slipping off somewhere when we have not been looking. I want to know why.”

 

“You wish for me to follow him?” Odion asked.

 

Marik nodded. “I want to know what he's doing.”

 

“Do you suspect betrayal?”

 

Marik laughed, sniggering at his companion. “No, not Akeifa, he's even more loyal than you, but something is definitely going on where he is concerned. I want to know just what it is he's hiding.”

 

“As you wish Master Marik.”

 

Marik rolled his eyes. “Just make sure that you are not seen.” He stated firmly and quickly dismissed him.

 

Well whatever his friend was trying so hard to keep secret would not remain secret for much longer.

 

***************************************************************** *************

 

Back on the earthly plane Yami was slowly going mad, or at least that was what it felt like. He was bored fucking rigid. Nothing of interest had happened in the last couple of days. Bakura was quickly getting all lovey-dovey with Ryou, Marik hadn't been seen on this plane for a couple for days and Seto… Well now he was shacked up with the blonde and there was nothing of interest to report on that front. He probably hadn't set foot outside the door as yet. That in itself made it nigh on impossible to wind up the Avenger without storming round there to do it, something that neither the Lord nor Marik would look upon kindly. Actually he didn't know whose wrath would be worse. So he was trying to pass the time slowly going out of his mind.

 

He had sat tight for two days, behaving impeccably, which considering how much daytime TV he'd watched it was a miracle that he wasn't psychotic by now, and he simply could not go on like this. He needed something to do for fuck's sake. He either needed to be doing some good for souls in Hell, or tempting humans into Hell in the first place. Considering that the first was not an option - a trip back to Hell just to relieve his boredom would not go down well with Marik - the latter was the option that was on his mind. Besides, Marik could hardly complain if he got on with some work on the side while he was here. So where to?

 

He grabbed his coat and strode purposefully out of the door, on the lookout for an easy target.

 

***************************************************************** *************

 

Yugi eyed the clock as the day lapsed into early evening. His shift at the casino would start soon and it was time that he got going. He picked up his bag, his work uniform carefully packed inside as always, and headed out of the door. He loved the walk to work, it was a time of peace and calm, a time to reflect and to think. Right now his friends were on his mind and they often were, Ryou particularly. His white haired friend was going through somewhat of a transformation of late, his relationship with Bakura blossoming and he along with it. It was good to see and they had agreed to catch up over coffee in the morning. Then there was Malik. It seemed that he had jumped with both feet into a wild whirlwind relationship with Marik… who at the moment only Malik had ever laid eyes on. Though apparently Bakura knew him. Well it seemed to be doing him good at any rate.

 

Oh that was a point, he really must call Joey and see how things were going there. Hmm Seto, he seemed like an odd one, but there was something about him that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Ha, it was funny, they had all met up with their doubles - okay in Joey's case the very tall Seto - that they'd first seen in Ikona, and already there were two couples in the mix. Though there didn't seem to be much likelihood of Seto and Joey getting anything started. Well that just left him. Actually, he'd seen neither hide nor hair of Yami since they had met in passing on Ryou's first date with Bakura and that was nearly two weeks ago. Oh well, maybe he would never see the enigmatic man ever again, but he couldn't help but wonder, didn't Bakura say that wherever Seto was Yami wouldn't be far behind?

 

The thought no longer mattered as the casino came into view and he entered through the side door. He had no time to think on it at any rate. Oh well, time to start another evening.

 

***************************************************************** *************

 

Yami had spotted his target in a bar. Nervous and on edge, he could sense his soul as being one that would be easy to manipulate. So he'd started the evening out with a couple of drinks as he observed his chosen prey. He took his time, loving the pleasant buzz that his now more human form got from the alcohol. It was at this point that he'd approached his prey and became his new best friend. He'd started his victim talking over a few more drinks, taking great care not too get too drunk, searching for the weaknesses, the vices, much like a lion looks for the perfect spot in which to hamstring the gazelle in its sights.

 

It was going pretty well so far, Yami putting little suggestions into his ear, a nudge here, a gentle push there, opening his prey up, making him more vulnerable to his attack. Now it seemed the half drunk man wanted to play cards. Now gambling was always a good vehicle for temptation. Gamble all their money away, get in deeper and deeper, push them to strip themselves of all they care about and hold dear, then… well then you had a man willing to do anything to get it all back. And that was the perfect time to talk business. If he was any judge this one was already pretty far along the process without his help, and with his help it wouldn't be too long before he was ripe for the picking. Now it was time to go play cards.

 

***************************************************************** *************

 

Yugi went straight to the locker room as soon as he arrived. Well this was all pretty much routine by now. He would always arrive, get changed into his uniform, then take a couple of minutes to himself to get into the mindset he needed for the coming shift. As dealer in a casino he had to remain reserved, aloof and distant from the clientele. He had to be watchful, try to spot if anyone was attempting to use a system to cheat the casino. He'd actually spotted more than one card shark in his time here, but it took a very wary eye to do so. His job also required a certain amount of flair. He had always been good at games, particularly anything involving cards, and his small but nimble hands were capable of some of the most complicated shuffles and deals, not to mention some of the most entertaining. Thinking back on it, that was what had swung his interview. He recalled that the boss had asked why he should employ someone so short and apparently so unassuming. Yugi had picked up the deck of cards on the desk and shown him a few deals. He'd been hired on the spot. Not to mention he knew the rules better than anyone.

 

It was a strange job. Card games were always a matter of probability, and much like the cheats who tried to use a system to beat the house Yugi was constantly calculating the odds of a hand. Be it poker or blackjack, no matter the hand, Yugi knew instinctively if a gambler would win or lose on a hand before they did. He was not the kind of maths genius that could quote the odds to the nth degree, but more he knew by feel just what was going on. It was what got him through his shifts. It also made him nigh unbeatable, because he always knew when to hold, fold or walk away. Which was more than the average patron ever did. But it also made him a valuable asset to the casino, and it meant that after two weeks of trying Malik had given up playing him at poker.

 

Now changed and calm he stepped into the manager's office with a gentle knock at the door to check where he would be this evening.

 

“Good evening Mr Uematsu.” He greeted softly.

 

“Ah Yugi, on time as usual. I'm afraid that we are a man down tonight, so you will be on your own on the blackjack table tonight.”

 

“That's alright, I'll manage.”

 

“I know you will. Now have a good evening.”

 

“I will Mr Uematsu.” Yugi agreed and left.

 

He wasn't exactly paying attention as he headed out into the casino, it was just another evening after all. Flashing lights, electronic noise, the occasional shout of joy as someone won; well… these were now just background white noise to him, he'd been working here long enough to filter them out. He headed straight to the table and without a word and with quiet professionalism relieved his day colleague as the hand was completed. He picked up a fresh deck of cards, there were always several at the tables, and it was always the best policy. He went straight into a complicated shuffle ending in spreading the cards out in a line, taking the top one and using it to flip over the whole deck in a wave like motion to prove that the cards were well mixed. Predictably this brought murmurs of appreciation, Yugi did know how to please the crowd.

 

With that he gathered up the deck once more and looked up, now taking a moment to examine every player at the table, as was part of his routine, it gave him a chance to gauge them, know what he was dealing with. As his amethyst met a pair of striking violet eyes he was so shocked he nearly dropped the deck of cards.

 

“Well hello little one, we meet again.”

 

***************************************************************** *************

 

AN:

Ah yes I've cut it off again but it was either that or this became a monster and you had no chapter for a month. At least you have something guys. Anyway, the beginning of the next one is buzzing at my brain so I am off to carry on writing while I can and before the writers block sets in.

 

Oh, and I have fanart! A I have made a new friend by the name of feathersinmyhair who has been sending me fanart for this fic. God I am so honoured! So peeps go see!

 

Firstly from the Prologue: http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i223/feathersinmyhair/redemption/?action= view