Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Redemption ❯ Magic and Shadows ( Chapter 22 )

AN:

Okay okay this is late, but I have an excuse, a good one. I have been holed up in bed with the flu for two weeks straight, and as a result the brain has been a no go zone when it comes to writing. Fortunately Thursday proved to be the turnaround day and I hand wrote this chapter, typed it up and got it beta'd in record time to get it out to you guys. I am now hoping that nothing is going to get in my way and stop me from updating on my normal schedule. Excuses aside, I hope you enjoy.

 

Guys, your inboxes must be a mess, mediaminer and I have been having a few arguments about the way this chapter looks so I am so sorry but I am attempting to get this looking right, it keeps messing up my links and completely murdered them in my last chapter. I have no idea why it doesn't want to accept the formatting but hey ho, here goes nothing, I hope this works!

 

P.S. if it shows any spaces in the links provided in the bottom author's notes, please delete them before hitting enter or you won't get to the right place.

 

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Yami had been in the casino for some time. His `friend' had shied away from poker so they were currently sat at the blackjack table. For the moment he was simply watching and seeing how the man's luck ran. If need be he could subtly influence things to go the way that he wanted them to. At the moment, the game was one of watching and waiting. Though this in its own right could be a somewhat boring task, something he had been attempting to get away from. But he had patience, the anticipation overriding the boredom, and so his eyes roamed around the room, taking in the world around him. Well it was a far cry from the dark gambling dens of the past, but no less of a hunting ground for a daemon of his calibre. Gambling was highly addictive no matter the setting and it was quite easy to feed and nurture that addiction as this night had so far proved.

 

He was therefore distracted when the dealer at the table changed over, though the somewhat flashy deal caught his eye. He looked up, raising an eyebrow in pleasant shock, as the other hadn't registered his presence as yet. He smirked; well this evening was about to get so much more interesting. As amethyst eyes met his he allowed the smirk to grow wider.

 

“Well hello little one, we meet again.”

 

Yugi swallowed hard, shaking off his shock as he realised just who he was looking at. Had he really been thinking about this man mere minutes ago? And yet he was sat here in front of him. That was the last thing he expected. Well that is to say that he had no idea as to Yami's character in their brief meeting so everything was probably going to be a surprise and… oh bloody hell get on with your job - he's just another paying customer.

 

“It's good to see you.” He replied smoothly, but Yami hadn't missed that moment of shock and disquiet.

 

He quickly dealt out the hands, including the house's of course. Other than Yami and the man to his right that Yugi did not know, there were two other men seated at the table. As the round progressed the two to his left both went bust, the man to Yami's right held, and Yami himself didn't even look at the cards before calling himself out of the bet much to Yugi's surprise. The house however won in the round, twenty to the bettor's nineteen. Yami thought to himself for a moment, seeing that his companion seemed to be losing quite well on his own. So his attention turned to Yugi, and thoughts of how he could have some fun. He smirked to himself watching the young man closely, biding his time over the next few hands as Yugi relaxed into his familiar and comfortable role, despite Yami's unexpected appearance.

 

He watched and waited, patient as any predator might be, the time sliding by until he felt the moment arrive. Now: this hand. Yami kept his eyes locked onto Yugi's, that was important, even if the youth was looking elsewhere he had to feel his eyes on him. As the cards were dealt he took the small window of opportunity. It was simple magic for him, merely swapping around all the face down cards to his satisfaction. It was almost imperceptible but to those sensitive to such things, the slightest curl of shadows round the deck just for a moment then it was gone. Yugi didn't react though he could have sworn he'd seen something, the only sign that he'd seen was the slight furrowing of Yugi's brow. Ah, so Yugi was sensitive to angelic and daemonic magic… now there was an interesting trait.

 

Yugi looked at the deck, but there was no sign of what he'd seen before. Shaking off the puzzlement he turned to the players. The first went bust, the second stayed at eighteen, Yami's companion almost went bust and then Yami himself… he held without looking at his face down card. On the reveal Yugi's eyes widened slightly as he could have sworn he saw a demon drawn in red and black on the card, but that was impossible, and blinked in a double take. Once more he could have sworn he saw a wisp of shadow ghost across the card, but he had to be seeing things. Now he looked again he saw the card turned over was the Jack of Spades, to match the Ace he had of the same suit. Twenty-one and it beat the house which stood at twenty. That was not surprising considering the Ace had been the face up card, so why did he feel a little shaken? Yami chuckled.

 

“Something the matter little one?”

 

Yugi shook himself out of the moment and looked sharply at Yami.

 

“No sir, I'm fine, thank you.” He replied politely, he was working after all.

 

Yami smirked until his phone rang suddenly. Surprise, surprise, Akeifa could be such a worry wart and a tattle tale, and there was no doubting who this would be as a result. He picked up his chips and got up from the table.

 

“I'll see you later little one.” He said in parting before quickly walking away.

 

Yugi watched him for a moment, a little puzzled by all of this. Why were all his meetings with the man so short and so odd? As Yami walked he answered the still ringing handset.

 

“Alright already.” He said with annoyance as he handed over his chips to be cashed in. “I couldn't just answer it right then and there.”

 

“Yami, what in the deepest damnedest pits of Hell do you think you are doing?” He was snarled at in that deep bass rumble that he knew so well.

 

“Things have been moving so slowly, so I was putting in a little extra fieldwork.” He replied curtly, as if his actions shouldn't be questioned.

 

Back chatting like this was dangerous and he knew it, but he couldn't bring himself to care, he wasn't in the mood.

 

“That is not what I am talking about and you damn well know it.” Came the dangerous tone. “It was getting too involved with humans that got Seto embroiled in this little situation in the first place and for fuck's sake are you trying to make things worse?”

 

“Chill Marik.” He walked outside to get away from prying ears. “For fuck's sake, this coming from you who is fucking a human, and I don't see you getting into any trouble.” He shot back.

 

“Don't try my patience Yami. I never protest innocence when it comes to amount of contact, but that had to be handled one way or the other after I'd begun. You could leave the kid alone with no ill effects and you know it.”

 

Yami snorted, knowing Marik was being a pain just because he could be. Then again he knew he had this coming.

 

“But that isn't the issue in question here is it? Using your powers for a start, and he noticed!” Marik hissed at him. “He cannot be allowed to see into our world like that, it must not happen again. You cannot afford to blow your cover, now is that clear?”

 

“Crystal.” Yami replied dryly. “Though how was I supposed to know that he was going to be sensitive to my magic?” He asked acidly.

 

Marik sighed and Yami could almost hear him kneading his temples in agitation.

 

“Alright, you couldn't have known. Look, I am the last one to forbid you contact, though you need to tread carefully, but no more magic, especially in front of him. That I will insist upon.”

 

“Alright, I get it. Do what I want as long as it doesn't interfere.”

 

“Hasn't that always been the way?”

 

Yami snorted bitterly. “Hah, they keep fucking changing the rules every few hundred years.”

 

Marik chuckled darkly. “He is God.” He stated simply.

 

Yami rolled his eyes. “Fine, you've made your point. I've had my hand slapped now can we just get on with things?” he said moodily.

 

“Fine.” Marik sniggered. “Just play nice and by the rules. I don't want to be forced to do something we'll both regret.” The warning was deadly serious.

 

“I won't.”

 

Yami ended the call abruptly, more than a little angry, though not entirely rightfully so. Fine, if that's how Marik wanted to play it then… Well since he wasn't forbidden contact, he'd wait.

 

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Yugi's shift had gone quietly enough after Yami's exit, the rest of the evening proving to be extremely ordinary. What was not so ordinary was to find Yami leant up against the wall waiting for him when he left for the night, his usual smirk on his face. Said smirk did seem to suit him, and was attractive on him even, but it was more than a little surprising to find him here.

 

“I said I'd be seeing you soon little one.” Was the greeting he got.

 

“Yami?”

 

“Ah, so you remembered.”

 

“Well… yeah.” Yugi was starting to sound as nervous as he felt. “It's just that earlier…”

 

“I know, you were working, the right attitude and all that. I didn't take any offence.”

 

Yugi relaxed a little. “Good, I'm glad. I'm sure you know what it's like.”

 

“Yeah, don't worry.”

 

“So what are you doing here?” Yugi asked. “Though as I understand it you're going to be in town for a while. Or so Bakura says at any rate.” He said with a slight blush.

 

Yami chuckled. “Well Bakura's right, though at some point I am going to have to peel him off Ryou so we can go and have some fun together.” Yugi couldn't help but chuckle at that. “But in answer to your question, though it should have been obvious, I was waiting for you.”

 

“But you didn't have to wait out here all night.” Yugi protested.

 

“I know, but I did intend to leave with some money tonight, so I quit while I was ahead. “ And before his uncanny luck aroused any suspicion.

 

Yugi chuckled. “Walk and talk?” He asked.

 

It was a little chilly at this time of night and despite his coat he was starting to feel the cold as they were stood talking. Yami nodded and fell in step beside his younger companion.

 

“So how did you find me?” Yugi asked curious.

 

Yami grinned. “Dumb luck, fate, whatever you want to call it. I didn't really, I was here for other reasons, but seeing you here was an added bonus I have to admit.” He said with a genuine smile. “I have been hoping that I would run into you again.”

 

“Why?” Yugi blurted out, his face colouring a little when he realised how forward he'd just been.

 

Yami smirked at that. “I wanted to give you this.” He held out a small object for Yugi to take.

 

Yugi's brows furrowed in question as he was handed the item. Closer inspection revealed it to be a playing card.

 

“Jack of Spades, otherwise known as the Knave.” He said with a chuckle. “But why this?”

 

“Check the back.” Yami replied with a smirk and started to walk away.

 

Yugi turned the card over to reveal a cell phone number written in a neat copper plate script, looking at it for a long moment in wonder. He looked up to Yami, but he was almost out of sight. He chuckled to himself. Well he had been complaining that he hadn't been involved in the strangeness. He should be careful what he complained about.

 

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Ryou couldn't help but chuckle as Yugi related the events of the previous evening as they sat drinking coffee in the cosy little coffee house they had chosen to meet in.

 

“Welcome to the Twilight Zone, home of strange doubles and mysterious happenings.” He grinned.

 

Yugi chuckled. “Yeah, says you, and you are revelling in it. How did things go with Bakura on Sunday?”

 

Ryou couldn't help himself and pinked a little at the question, no matter how innocent it was.

 

“It was a great night.” He said quickly.

 

Yugi smothered a snigger with his hand, Ryou's reaction telling him everything he needed to know. Okay not everything but he could make an educated guess.

 

“Oh really?” He asked, trying to sound sincere.

 

Ryou sighed, knowing his body, or more accurately his cheeks had betrayed him.

 

“Okay, so things got a little… heated.”

 

Yugi raised his eyebrows in question, not really daring to ask what Ryou meant by that.

 

“What? I didn't sleep with him okay, we just… fooled around.” He said defensively.

 

“You don't need to explain yourself to me, I know you wouldn't.” Yugi soothed. “But you two do seem to be doing pretty okay.”

 

Ryou smiled softly. “Yeah, it's good.” He said contentedly.

 

Yugi smiled at his friend, happy to see him like this after such heartbreak.

 

“But enough about the two of us.” Ryou said quickly. “What are you going to do about Yami?”

 

Yugi shrugged. “I don't know, I need some time to think about it I guess.”

 

Ryou nodded. “Take your time. Please, I don't want to find you like I did last time.” He teased.

 

Yugi groaned at the memory. Yes, that one drunken night where he and Joey had ended up in that one night… thing and Ryou finding them in a tangled heap the next morning. God he didn't think the blush had left his face until he had been at home on his own several hours later.

 

“That is never happening again.” He said pointedly.

 

Ryou chuckled. “I sincerely hope not. I never want to have to see that again.”

 

He swiftly dodged the kick that Yugi aimed at him under the table.

 

“Alright, too far I'm sorry.” He apologised quickly.

 

Yugi sighed and relaxed. “It's alright, I never want to be in that position again either.”

 

Ryou couldn't help himself but managed to restrain himself enough just to raise an eyebrow and smirk a little causing his friend to groan.

 

“Nice choice of words, but moving on swiftly, have you heard from Joey since Seto moved in?” he asked.

 

Yugi thought about it for a moment, realising that no one seemed to have heard from the loudmouthed blonde.

 

“Actually, now that you mention it, no. That's a little odd for him don't you think? I would have thought at least one of us would've heard something by now, even if it was just for him to complain.”

 

Ryou nodded. “Hence why I am asking. In that case I'll call him later.”

 

Yugi smiled to himself as a thought crossed his mind. “You don't think they've murdered each other already do you? They seemed to get on okay at least.”

 

Ryou chuckled. “Yeah, I suppose it's possible but I doubt there is any trouble, just that Joey has been thrown by the change around is all.” He checked his watch and sighed softly. “Anyway, I'd better go and do the whole weekly shopping thing, before I run out of food.”

 

Yugi nodded. “Okay, but keep in touch Ryou. Don't get so absorbed in that boyfriend of yours that you forget all about us.”

 

It was only a tease, but the way things had gone with Duke that situation had nearly occurred. Partly it had been because Duke had a tendency to be rude to his friends thinking them to be beneath him. Ryou recognised the tease for what it was and ignored the flicker of hurt that threatened knowing that it was incredibly out of place.

 

“I won't.” He replied firmly, saying his goodbyes and then leaving.

 

Though as he left the coffee shop he suddenly paused for a moment, puzzled by the sensation of being watched that washed over him. He looked around quickly but saw no one. With a sigh he shrugged and carried on walking, wondering just what had gotten into him.

 

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Chores done and now back at his apartment Ryou checked his watch. He and Bakura were meeting up in a short while and he was looking forward to it. They had decided just to take a walk and see where their feet took them. But he still had time to make the quick call, Joey would be at work anyways. He quickly dialled the number and listened to the phone ring.

 

“Hey, Nakimora Repairs, what can I do for ya?” Came the chirpy sound of the blonde as Joey answered the phone.

 

“Hey Joey, how's things?”

 

“Hey Ryou, good to hear from ya, but I won't really be able to chat.”

 

“No that's alright, this is just a quick check in anyways. I just wanted to see how you were getting on with Seto.”

 

“Well I haven't buried him in the garden or nothin' if that's what you're asking.” Joey chuckled. “But we're doing okay I guess. Things are odd, but okay.”

 

“Yeah?” Ryou asked, his tone a little concerned.

 

“Don't sound so worried Ry'. He's trying to be helpful and all, its just… I dunno, I get this weird feeling off him. I can't put my finger on how, but I sometimes feel really off balance around him.”

 

“I'm sure that will settle as you get used to each other.” Ryou soothed.

 

“I know, it's just taking time to adjust I guess. Look, I'm gonna have to go, but we'll get together soon alright.”

 

“Sure thing, and keep in touch Joey, its been kind of weird that we've not heard from you the past couple of days.”

 

“Yeah, yeah, I will. Later Ry'.”

 

Ryou chuckled to himself as he hung up, that was obviously a very abridged version of what was going on. Oh well, he would probably get the whole story later, and knowing his friends, that would probably be over a few beers. The buzz of his doorbell told him that Bakura was downstairs waiting for him and with a grin he grabbed his keys and his jacket before heading downstairs to meet him.

 

Their walk was a pleasant one. Bakura claimed his hand with his own, fingers entwining and making Ryou blush, which in turn caused Bakura to comment on how the silliest things seemed to make his lover blush. Not that Bakura was complaining of course. Ryou blushing was always a pretty sight and it also brought back memories of the flushed and panting state Ryou had been in on his sofa just two nights ago. Something which he gently reminded his lover of. Thus with giggles and laughter they weaved their way through Domino with no clear direction. They paused in the park, kissing under a tree, and in Bakura's case, groping Ryou's behind shamelessly, which earned him a whack round the head for being so crude in public in broad daylight. Bakura had simply laughed at him, taken his hand again and led him away.

 

“Ryou, you are going to have to learn to be less nervous about things like this in public I'm afraid.” He teased.

 

“I know, I know.” Ryou said heavily. “I'm just not used to this is all. You're the first person that I've been like this with.” He explained sheepishly.

 

“Well aren't I the lucky one?” Bakura grinned. “But my sweet one, I think there is only one cure. I am going to be all over you when we are out in public until you learn to get over it.” He purred into his lover's ear.

 

Ryou couldn't help it and giggled. “Oh stop it, you are making me sound like a girl.”

 

“No, that's just you giggling.”

 

“Stop making me giggle then.” Ryou pouted.

 

“No.” Bakura smirked.

 

Ryou whacked him playfully on the arm, to which Bakura just sniggered, slung an arm round Ryou's shoulders and pulled him close. As they walked he fell into contemplation, thinking about the two of them. He wasn't sure where it came from, but suddenly his mouth was running away without him.

 

“You know sweet one, I'm rather glad you were willing to chase me. I had no mind for a relationship, I never had, I never saw the point. But I was wrong. Thank you.” He said fondly.

 

“Bakura, I…” Ryou stammered, a little overwhelmed. “That's so… sweet.”

 

“Shush.” Bakura silenced him before he could say anything further. “No need to say anything.” He kissed his lover on the temple gently. “Just let it be, and me be silly.”

 

“It's not silly, it's sweet.” Ryou murmured in protest and pulled Bakura in for a deep kiss. “Even if it's not the most romantically worded declaration I've ever heard.” He teased,

 

“What? First time for me okay, don't expect perfection oh little mouse. I've never done any of this meaningful shit before.”

 

Ryou could only roll his eyes as Bakura slipped into his usual foul language.

 

“One day I might get lucky and you'll lose that potty mouth of yours.”

 

“Keep dreaming sweet one, keep dreaming.”

 

Ryou sighed and shook his head. Though momentarily he was struck again by that feeling of eyes on his back. He looked over his shoulder worriedly but once again saw nothing to concern him. Bakura looked at him in question.

 

“Its nothing.” The youth reassured him. “I'm just being jumpy.”

 

Bakura did his own scan and saw nothing amiss, so with a shrug the two carried on.

 

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Later that day, in the board room of his company, Duke Devlin was having a very private meeting.

 

“Well?” He asked sharply.

 

“So far it appears that he spends any spare time which they both share with him. Otherwise, this Bakura works nights at a local nightclub. As for the rest of his time, it is pretty soon to tell, but he seems to spend it with his friends or home alone.”

 

“And how do they seem together?”

 

“Sir?” The other asked in question, it seemed an odd enquiry.

 

“You heard me man, how do they seem together?” Duke snorted.

 

“If you please Mr Devlin, you pay me to report facts, not conjecture.” The other countered smoothly, stalling because he knew his employer probably wouldn't like the answer he got.

 

“Well for once you imbecile I want your opinion, no matter how pitiful or meaningless it may well be.” He snapped.

 

The man opposite the green eyed empire leader swallowed hard, and tried to compose himself, to deliver the news as best he could.

 

“Well sir, they do seem rather affectionate, and they laugh a lot together from what's been seen so far. I suppose… well they seem happy.” He said, watching his employer's reaction carefully.

 

Duke growled at this, but his companion knew that it wasn't aimed at him. Well not entirely at any rate.

 

“Little ingrate. I give him everything he could possible want and I get nothing in return. Damn the little shit left me. Yet with this… Bakura, he's all lovey-dovey and making the moves. I don't get this shit.” He muttered angrily.

 

The green eyed man aimed his glare at his employee.

 

“Get out, that's enough for now. Though I expect more in a week.” He stated sharply.

 

Quite grateful for the dismissal the man quickly rose and left. So… this Bakura had a hold on Ryou. That was going to be an obstacle to getting Ryou back and into his bed. He wanted the white haired youth back on his arm, and he was used to getting what he wanted. But Ryou had already proven obstinate. Who had known such a placid youth hid such a temper. It had been quite the surprise to discover that little trait. But on the other hand, what would Ryou be like if not with Bakura. Probably upset and vulnerable, and that was something he could take advantage of. Hmm so the key to this was to get Bakura out of the picture. Fine, so approaching Bakura it would be, and they would come to some sort of agreement. After all, he had yet to find a man that couldn't be bought.

 

The thought was comforting. No matter how socially inept he really was, Duke was a businessman and he knew how to push peoples' buttons to get what he wanted. Hell he'd kept Ryou by his side for six months, the poor kid clueless as to what was going on behind his back. Back then he really hadn't given a damn about Ryou other than his usefulness in front of the press, and he was a good bit of fun too… though frigid. But now he'd had the temerity to leave him, and that Noa had deserted him, he found himself in the trap that so many seemed to fall into; wanting something he just could not have. Hah, such a thing did not apply to him. He would get what he wanted, he always did. Having this much money and power had its uses after all. And if for some reason Bakura refused his generous offer, there was more than one way to force the two apart. Though god forbid the man might actually have scruples. Everyone had something they wanted, everyone had a price. All he needed to do was find Bakura's. And then, when everything fell apart for the snow haired youth, he would be there to pick up the pieces.

 

Ah yes, nothing like a good plan, well except perhaps when they come to fruition. A grin crossed his features, broad and predatory, it made him look like a cat on the hunt. Yes, he was hunting alright, and soon he would have a little mouse in his claws.

 

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AN:

Whee villain is starting to play his part, little by little drip by drip. Okay folks new fanart is available, oh I am so honoured other people draw for my work., and I have so many to share with you. Please please go visit and if you can leave the devart guys comments on their work. I do every time because I am so inordinately grateful.

 

Some of the links I put up last time didn't seem to work so I am redoing them so you might actually be able to see them. Good idea no?

 

Okay, firstly from feathersinmyhair

Prologue: http://feathersinmyhair.deviantart.com/art/Fallen-66079848< /u>