Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Return of the Demon ❯ The Rescue ( Chapter 1 )

This picks up after the season finale of season 1. Yeah, we know this isn't what really happened, but too bad. We prefer our version of events. ;) For the most part, Ryou Bakura is Ryou and his Yami is Yami Bakura or just Bakura. Yami-Yugi is Yugi when Yami is `guiding' him, like when they duel. And yes, sometimes we call him "Yugi" when he's still Yami-Yugi, but that's just laziness on our parts. Do you have any idea how tiring it is to type "Yami-Yugi" 50 million times? Everyone else has their American names, except Honda, because Tristian is a stupid name. We've never touched a comic, so all characterization is based on the tv show and other fanfics.

Xpyne: (That's pronounced `spine') You may have noticed this has been written so far like it's from two people. No, I'm not crazy and just like to talk about myself like I'm two people--

Solitaire: *rolls eyes* I'm not touching that one...

Xpyne: Ok, well, not completely crazy. ^_^ So, um, yeah, there's two of us. Solitaire started this, and was lacking a little thing called plot...

Solitaire: So what? Plots are evil. And overrated.

Xpyne: ...And lemon. Somebody's too squeamish to write sex scenes (but of course she loves to read them), so I jump in and take over half the time.

Solitaire: Yeah, I have a tendency to get too wordy with descriptions, and her parts are nearly all dialogue, so we figure we work well together.

Xpyne: Hey! It's not nearly all dialogue. There's lots of action, too. *gets indignant*

Solitaire: Tsh, yeah, just about everyone gets punched... Like Yugi! But then--

Xpyne: Stop it!! You're giving away the story! Anyway, I don't *big tears* own Yu-Gi-Oh!--

Solitaire: Yeah, cause if she did, let's just say it could only be shown on cable at midnight... *snicker* The rating for this thing is definately NC-17. Not that I expect that to stop anyone. It never stopped me when I was 13. Yeah, well, the beginning's a little slow and more of a PG-13, but bear with us, it gets better, I promise.

Yami: Rating is for sex *grins*, violence, and language. Mild angst, lots of action and adventure. *points to Xpyne accusingly* She's not even 17, and she writes the bad parts!

Xpyne: *sweatdrops* Solitaire doesn't own them either!! We ripped off the tv show, the comics and the Playstation game. We're warning you now, this is Kaiba x Yugi x Yami.

Solitaire: Yaoi! Yea!! So if you think there's something wrong with three hot guys getting it on, don't read this and go flaming us later; we'll just be nasty and make fun of you in our next post.

Xpyne: Oh, and there's a little Bakura x Ryou later on.

Solitaire: And Joey x ?, because we just like him too much to leave him out. ;) Details on that later...

Yami: "If you would like to contact these gorgeous girls-" Hey, I didn't agree to shameless flattery!

Xpyne: No back talk! Keep reading the script, or I'll make you wear a dress.

Solitaire: She'll do it. I've seen her drawing of you from Borath's `Queen of Games' story. (Which, by the way, is a really good story. I swear, if Xpyne hadn't explained Ranma to me, I'd have sooo not gotten it.)

Yami: *sweatdrops* If you would like to take part in shameless flattery, or even constructive criticism, you can review or e-mail the wonderful Solitaire and Xpyne at bamf__@hotmail.com .

Xpyne: Yes, please review. We won't post unless you do. I'm a gratification whore.

Solitaire: ...Among other things...

Yami/Seto/Yugi: *snicker* Perv.

Xpyne: Shut up everybody, and get on with the story!!!

Solitaire: One more thing. <blah blah> are thoughts, \\ are yami thoughts, \ are hikari thoughts, and < "blah blah blah"> are someone remembering what someone else said.

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Return of the Demon

by Solitaire and Xpyne

Chapter 1 - Rescue

"No! This can't be!" Pegasus screamed, shielding himself as his monster on the filed exploded, eliminating the last of his life points. <Damnation! I was so looking forward to Yugi being my sex slave!> He shot his opponant a murderous glare, his Millenium eye flashing dangerously, but his expression quickly changed to an amicable one as he clapped. "Congratulations, Yugi-boy. You've beatten me fair and square. And now--" He reached into his pocket and removed the three soul cards. "--what you've come so far for..." He held the cards up in view before tearing them all in half with one swift motion. "They're all yours," he declared gleefully as he dropped the pieces to the floor.

Yami-Yugi's eyes widened. "No!" he cried. Gasps were emitted by all his friends.

Pegasus laughed, pleased with himself. "Sorry Yugi-boy, but I guess I've always been what you could call a sore loser." <Especially now that I won't be able to make you mine.>

"Pegasus!" Yami-Yugi shouted, "You will pay for what you've done!" He threw out his hand, his body silouetted against the blinding light that radiated from him. "Mind crush!"

Pegasus cried out, grabbing his head and fighting unconciousness. Straining against the effort, he snarled, "Not today, Yugi-boy!" and disappeared. Yugi, returning abruptly to his normal form, gaped.

"Wha-- What just happened?" He fell to his knees, gazing across the arena to the glittering Millenium eye, the only thing Pegasus had left behind.

Rushing over to his side, his friends helped him to his feet.

"Hey Yuge, are you okay?"

He nodded. "Mmm-hmm." He walked over to the other side of the bridge, stooping to pick up the Millenium eye and card pieces. Tears streaming from his eyes, he looked down at the pieces in his hands. "I failed," he whispered sorrowfully.

"You tried your best, Yugi," Tea attempted to console him, crying herself. "Wherever your grandpa is, he knows that."

"Not only him; I've failed Kaiba and Mokuba as well."

Joey crossed his arms. "Yeah, well, maybe creepy Kaiba got what he deserved."

Yugi's head shot up and he glared at his friend. "Joey! How could you say that?!"

Mai put her hands on her hips. "He's right, Joey. I hate to admit it, but even Kaiba didn't deserve this." She gestured to his ripped card.

"So what do we do now?" asked Honda asked. "He ripped the cards. Does that mean their souls are gone forever?"

Yugi shook his head sadly. "I don't know, Honda." Ryou looked down at his Milleniun ring thoughtfully.

"Well..." he stared. Everyone turned toward him expectantly. "If Pegasus tore up the cards, then they can no longer contain the souls that were once trapped in them. That means they must be lost in the Shadow Realm."

Yugi wiped his tears with the back of his hand. "Then maybe I can find their souls with the help of my Millenium puzzle!"

Joey brought a hand behind his head. "Eh, don't we need their bodies or somethin'?"

Yugi transformed into Yami-Yugi as he whirled around and stalked over to Kemo, who was posted at a near by door. Crossing his arms, he glared up at the much taller man. "Take us to Seto Kaiba's body! Now!"

Kemo looked down at the muli-colored hair teen in front of him and chuckled. "And what if I refuse, little guy?" Yami-Yugi laughed darkly and stared intently into the other man's eyes, Senen eye burning on his forehead.

"You'll spend eternity in the Shadow Realm."

Kemo sweatdropped. "Uh, third story, at the end of the seocnd hallway, Master Pegasus' chamber."

Joey made a face. "I don't wanna know."

The group ran upstairs, following the lackey's directions to Pegasus' bedroom. Inside, they found Seto Kaiba sitting cross-legged on the floor, chained by the ankle to Pegasus' bed, a blank look on his face. He was fully clothed, except for his trenchcoat, which was folded neatly on a chair. It was silent for a moment before Joey said what everyone was thinking.

"Thank god he's dressed..."

Yugi blushed for Kaiba's sake before grasping his puzzle. Standing over the brunette's souless body, Yami-Yugi bit his lip. <I'm not even sure what I'm planning is possible!> He glanced down at his catatonic rival. <For Seto, for Mokuba, for my gandpa, I have to try!> Yugi closed his eyes and concentrated, calling on the mystical power that had been growing in him.

\\Yu-Gi-Oh!\\ Somehow he knew what to do. He heard a strong voice, calling out to him. What took forever in his straining mind, was a split second in the reality of his friends. As Joey, Honda, Tea, Ryou, and Mai watched in amazement, Yugi closed his eyes, flinched, and the Senen eye burned brilliantly on his forehead. His Millenium puzzle glowed, and he promptly slumped over, unconscious, on top of Seto Kaiba.

Ryou broke the stunned silence timidly. "I--well, I hope he succeeeds."

"Thanks for stating the obvious, Ryou." Mai rolled her eyes. Ryou blushed, embarassed.

"Oh shuddup, Mai. You ain't foolin' anyone. We all know you're just as nervous as the rest of us!" Joey glared at her.

Mai blinked. <Jeez, is it that obvious that I kinda sorta care about these losers?> "Oh please. The only thing I'm worried about is getting off this stupid island and back to the land of malls and day spas!" She sniffed the air distastefully. "Obviously, you haven't noticed the lack of showers around here." She made a face.

"Oh I odda..." he trailed off angrily, shaking his fist.

"Hmph!" was all she replied.

"Cut it out you two. We're all worried about our friends. Friendship is the most important thing in the world! Without it, we--" She was inturrupted by a masculine groan.

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Yami-Yugi opened his eyes cautiously, unsure of what to expect. He hadn't moved since he'd clenched his eyes and drawn on his ancient power, yet the world around him had altered drastically. He was standing in the purpleish black vastness of the barren Shadow Realm. He looked around, and saw more of the same: nothing. "What now?" he wondered aloud.

\\You know what we must do, Yugi.\\

His other! \My Yami will guide me!\ he thought, reassured a bit.

\\Yes. Go to the vortex. We must find the land of lost souls.\\

\The vortex of lost souls! But how will we return to reality?!\

\\You forget the power of the Millenium puzzle. You forget MY power.\\

Yami-Yugi swallowed hard and looked up. The swirling black clouds were constantly sucked upwards into black despair. (A/N: This whole thing will make more sense if you've seen the episode with Yami Bakura in it, where he duels Yugi in the Shadow Realm.) Fear clenched his gut cold and he felt the bile rise in his throat. But rescue his friends and loved ones he must. Touching his puzzle lightly for strength, he used its power to banish himself into the vortex, praying he'd be able to find his way out again.

Blinding pain like nothing he'd ever known seized him for a brief second until suddenly he felt nothing and fell hard onto muddy ground. Stunned, Yami-Yugi just knelt on the cold earth for a moment. Then he felt the sharp pain of a swift kick plow into his stomach, sending him crashing into a tombstone near by, gasping for breath.

"So," a cold, harsh voice sneered. Yami-Yugi looked up, surprised. "You've come into my world, have you?" Yami Bakura reached down and grabbed him by the throat. "You sent me here to this hell-hole, you bastard, and now you're going to pay!!!"

With a fighting prowess he never knew he possessed, Yami-Yugi struck Bakura's tensed arm, kicked out his left leg, then sent him sprawling with a powerful punch to the chest. Yami-Yugi sttod up and brushed himself off.

"I don't think so, Yami Bakura."

Bakura scowled, muck dripping from his silver white locks. "What are you doing here?" he spat. "Don't tell me the amazing Yugi Muto," he stressed sarcastically, "was defeated and banished to the land of lost souls?" The last part sounded a little hopeful.

\\Ignore him.\\

"No, evil one, I am here to rescue my friends and bring them back to reality!"

"Good luck, moron. I've been here for months and you're certainly not going to--" His sneering rant broke off abruptly. Smiling gleefully, he threw his arm over Yugi's shoulder. Yami-Yugi tensed warily and held his arms up, ready to fight.

"Yugi! You know, ever since you sent my poor, regretful soul here, I've had the most dreary time," he said, sickeningly sweet. "In fact, I've spent almost all my free time --which is all my time-- exploring this god-forsaken place. No one knows `the graveyard' better than me, and no one knows where your friends' souls are..."

"Where are you going with this?"

"...But me." He laughed evilly. He grabbed the shorter man roughly by his collar. "I'll take you to their souls if you take me back to reality," he growled.

\\We can't!\\

\We must.\

\\We can find them on our own. We don't need his help.\\

\But Yami...\ Yugi didn't trust Yami Bakura, but how else would he find his friends' souls? He had no idea where to begin looking. To his surprise, he heard his voice speaking his Yami's words.

"Why should I trust you? You're a liar. You haven't been here months anyway. I banished you mere days ago."

"Fool. Time passes differently in the Shadow Realm. Hours are but minutes, seconds even, of reality. Nothing is realative in this damned place. Do you want to find your loser friends or not?"

\\Fine.\\

"Show me. Then I will take you back with the others."

Bakura had an evil glint in his eye and Yugi knew he was up to something, but all he could think to say was, "Take me to Seto Kaiba first." <Seto's body is the only one within range, so I have to restore him first.> The knowledge that time passed more quickly here worried Yugi. <How long has it seemed for my grandpa?>

"Sure! I notice you rescue not the elderly, feeble one, or the helpless child (who've both been here for quite some time), but the hearty young man who has only been here a few days," the dark Bakura jeered.

"I need not explain myself to you," growled Yami-Yugi. Bakura grinned; he'd hit a nerve and he knew it. "Just lead the way."

"Oh, no need to explain," he assured the shorter boy nastily. "I mean, I would rescue my boyfriend first, too," he added as they traveled rapidly.

"Kaiba. Is Not. My. Boyfriend," Yami-Yugi seethed.

\\Unfortunately.\\

\What is that supposed to mean?!\

\\You know what I mean. Seto...has grown on us.\\

\You mean on you.\

\\Little one, I know I am not alone in my...opinion of Seto. You cannot hide your feelings from me, even if you will not admit them to yourself.\\

\.....\

"Hey, idiot!" Bakura yelled.

"What!" snapped Yami-Yugi.

"We're here." He pointed down to the tombstone in front of them. It read SETO KAIBA.

Yugi frowned. "Well, where is his soul?"

"In his grave, stupid. We are in the graveyard of lost souls; each soul that is caught by the Reaper of Cards is sent to his own personal hell, sealed in a gravestone." Yami-Yugi narrowed his eyes.

"How is it that you know this?"

Smirking, Bakura pointed to a broken headstone about fifteen feet away. "I escaped my stone. Even eithout my Millenium ring, I am powerful and resourceful. My connection to the ring gives me a connection to the outside reality. I cannot be sealed away completely be the reaper, as long as my other is alive and possessed the item. You were a fool to think you could banish me forever," he sneered.

"Oh, well then I guess I can leave you here if you are so resourceful."

"NO!" Panic flickered across Bakura's deceptively confident face. "You will get me out of here or I'll personally torture your grandfather for the next 5000 years."

"Don't threaten me, Yami Bakura, or you will be sorry." With that he turned to Kaiba's grave and frowned. Extending a hand towards the marker he concentrated on tapping tha ancient power that flowed though him, even stronger in the Shadow Realm than in the light world. The world around him seemed to shrink away and he felt himself sucked into the stone.

\I hope you can get us out of here.\

\\Trust me, aibou.\\

Bakura watched, scowling, as Yami-Yugi, stupid Millenium puzzle aglow, disappeared into Kaiba's grave. <He had better be able to get back out. Sure, I could escape from my hell into this limbo, and most likely from the Shadow Realm to the Light Realm, but from this limbo graveyard to the Shadow Realm--I cannot. The vortex is too strong. I would need my Millenium ring.> Yami Bakura growled as he paced in front of the grave. <Ooh, I can't wait to get out of here, I'm gonna kick Ryou's ass for turning on me! And then I will steal Yugi's puzzle, and Ryou's ring, and surely he has Pegasus' eye as well if he is even in a position to rescue these losers' souls to begin with. Yes! That leaves only four more to possess. Buwahahahaha!!!>

Yami-Yugi looked around in disgust. The whole room was rotting! At first he did not see Seto. Then he spotted him, huddled in a ball in a corner, watching lifelessly as a Mokuba look-a-like manifestation was devoured by a Blue Eyes White Dragon skeleton amongst the filth.

"Kaiba!" he cried out, trying not to gag. Seto seemed not to have heard him, as he continued to stare helplessly at the sight before him. "Kaiba!" he tried again, bringing a hand down on his shoulder.

The brunette turned his ice blue stare on Yugi. "Yes?" he monotoned dully.

Yami-Yugi was taken aback. "I am here to save your soul."

"What about Mokuba?!" he cried, his voice flooded with emotion.

"I will save him as well, but first, I must restore you to your body." Yugi clasped Seto's shoulders and strained himself. He felt their souls tear through and land back in the graveyard.

"Took you long enough," Bakura huffed.

Kaiba seemed alright. "Yugi, we must find Mokuba now!"

The tri-colored hair boy shook his head. "First, I must restore you...if it is even possible. Then I must go to Mokuba's body to return his soul where it belongs."

"Fine, fine. Hurry up!"

Yami-Yugi frowned. He grabbed Seto and pulled him a little closer than necessary.

"You had better come back after saving your boyfriend," threatened Bakura as they disappeared. Yugi could only glare at him and hope Kaiba hadn't heard.

Soon they were wrenched into the Shadow Realm, and Yugi clutched his head. Glancing up at Seto, he sighed. "Now comes the hard part."

Before Seto could wonder what that meant, he felt an oppressing darkness grip him, constricting his lungs and driving all thoughts from his mind. Suddenly as it had clenched him, the tightness left. He still felt something weighing down on him, however. And a voice--an annoying, rightous, feminine voice--

"Without friendship! Without friendship,--" Kaiba groaned. Thankfully, that which could only be Tea shut up.

"Was that Seto Kaiba?" Ryou querried primly.

"Yugi actually did it?" Mai sounded astonished.

"Of course he did it!" Tea exclaimed. "If it was at all possible, Yugi would find the way! Anything for his friends!" Mai rolled her eyes.

Kaiba stirred, moaning. <Great. Now I owe Yugi Muto for showing me the heart of the cards, helping Mokuba, keeping my deck for me, NOT kicking my ass in Yami-Yugi mode for insulting all his friends, being nice to me at school when no one else is, defeating Pegasus when I --grrr-- couldn't, AND rescuing mine and Mokuba's souls from the Shadow Realm.> Seto tried to sit up but felt something heavy on top of him. <I might as well just become his bitch, I owe him big enough... Although that would most likely make *me* a lot happier than Yugi.> he thought ruefully.

Ever since his defeat by Yami-Yugi during their first duel, he'd been confused about his conflicting feelings. But the more he had interacted with the boy...the more he'd come to realize he was becoming obssessed with Yugi, especially when his other presence was guiding him--he became so damn hot! But the knowledge that Yugi would never return his feelings made him testy, and he couldn't help but act sarcastic and snub the object of his wet dreams, venting the frustration he felt at knowing he'd be rejected by Yugi on his friends. Especially Yugi's stupid best friend Joey--that bastard.

<He hugs Yugi, sleeps next to him at night, hangs out with him all the time--he's not even that good a duelist! or very smart! or very rich! And yet he gets to be Yugi's best friend. Lucky ass.> Kaiba frowned. <Note to self: call Joey a dog again. Soon.>

But all thoughts of Joey were driven from Kaiba's mind as he opened his eyes. The heavy weight on his chest was none other than an unconscious Yugi.

"Ahhh!" Kaiba sat up and shuffled backwards. This, however, only made things worse. Yugi's limp form slid down to fall in his lap, his inviting little mouth dangerously close to the growing heat in Seto's loins. Kaiba sat petrified, staring at Yugi's parted, wet lips, trying unsuccessfully to will down his erection.

"Kaiba, you okay? Ya're lookin' like Yugi's poisonous or somethin'!" Joey scoffed, pulling his friend's body off of Seto. "Eh, he's still in the Shadow Realm, I guess."

Seto stared wide-eyed, his knees drawn close to his chest so no one could see how Yugi's contact excited him. As he pulled legs to him, he noticed a heavy chain attatched to his ankle. When he took in his surroundings-- which consisted of him being shackled to a massive bed with "PEGASUS" embroidered on the pillows-- he fell over and almost had a heart attack. Suddenly, being turned on wasn't a problem anymore.

Joey reluctantly held out his hand. "Need a hand?"

Seto's eyes narrowed, but he refused to meet the blonde's gaze. "Not from you, puppy dog," he grumbled. Joey turned away muttering something that sounded suspiciously like "Big jerk."

"Would one of you hand me my coat?" he snapped. Nonplused, Tea took it from the chair and gave it to him. Out of its pocket, he pulled some small tools. He used them to undo his restraint and threw the chain away fom himself in disgust.

After a few moments, Yugi suddenly seemed a little taller and thinner...and hadn't he been wearing sneakers, not boots?

Yami-Yugi groaned and sat up. "Did it work?"

Tea clasped her hands. "You did it, Yugi! You put Kaiba's soul back in his body!"

"Yeah," Joey snorted, "along with his winnin' personality."

Glowering, Seto stood quickly and crossed his arms. <Oh thank god!!> he thought with no small amount of relief. Upon rising, Kaiba could tell he was untainted by the pediphile as his rear didn't hurt.

Yami-Yugi looked up at him from the floor. "Where is your brother, Mokuba?"

"Down in the dungeon," Seto answered. "I'll take you to him." After a brief hesitation, he offered the other boy his hand to help him up. As their fingers brushed, Yami Bakura's snide remark echoed in Yugi's head.

<"I'd rescue my boyfriend first, too."> He fought to keep the blood from rushing to his cheeks as Seto pulled him up, almost flush against his body. His eyes met Kaiba's and he found himself unable to look away. They stood that way for several seconds, until Yami-Yugi registered that all his friends were watching them. Slightly flustered, he dropped his gaze and Seto's hand.

Kaiba blinked. Seeming to remember himself, he frowned and turned away abruptly. "This way."

Once down in the dungeon, Seto quickly led them to Mokuba's cell. Though he knew he couldn't hear him, Seto couldn't help the exclamation that fell from his lips as he saw his only brother face down on the stone floor.

"Mokuba!"

He was furious at himself for getting Mokuba mixed up in all of this. <I couldn't even save him...> Shaking himself from his thoughts, he crouched and picked the lock on the cell door. He stood again and pushed open the door, turning to Yami-Yugi. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

Hurt, Yugi opened his mouth to say something.

\\Ignore him. His pride is just bruised.\\

Yugi closed his mouth and nodded to Kaiba, grasping his puzzle.

\I hope this works again.\

\\Have faith, Yugi.\\

There was a flash of light and Yami-Yugi collapsed, unconscious. On natural instinct, Seto reached out and caught him before he fell. Trying to ignore how good Yugi's body felt pressed up against him, Kaiba shifted uncomfortably before moving to set him down.

"What are you doing?" demanded Tea. "You're not going to lie him on the floor, are you? It's filthy!"

Seto glared at her. "Mokuba's on the floor," he reminded her, but made no move to let go of Yugi.

Tea, in response, knelt by the small black-haired boy's body. She lifted him onto her lap with a tenderness that made the older Kaiba feel a bit guilty for being so mean to Yugi's friends. <Stupid anger displacement. Grrrr.> he thought.

"Neither of them should be on this disgusting dungeon floor," she huffed, miffed.

Kaiba shifted Yugi's weight in his arms. The teen seemed heavier, sagged in his arms, than he looked. He briefly considered sitting with the other boy in his lap, like Tea did with Mokuba, but the suspicious glare Joey was giving him assured Seto how ridiculous that would be. What was left of his pride wouldn't allow it. He sighed and tried to look anywhere but down at the gorgeous boy in his arms; he didn't know what he might do if he did. Joey seemed to be thinking along the same lines. He was watching Kaiba like a hawk. <What does he think I'm going to do? strangle him?> He could just imagine the look on the blonde's face if he were to do something like lean down and *kiss* Yugi. He let out a bark of laughter at the thought, and everyone turned to eye him strangely.

"Histeria," Seto deadpanned.

"What's taking so long?" Honda wondered aloud. "He restored Seto Kaiba in a few minutes!"

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Yami-Yugi returned to the soul graveyard to find Yami Bakura leaning against a headstone with his arms folded.

"It's about time," he sneered. The corner of his mouth turned up. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten...distracted along the way."

Unable to respond to that, Yami-Yugi placed his hands on his hips disapprovingly as Bakura smirked.

"So I suppose you've come back for the brat?"

Yugi frowned. "If you are refering to Mokuba--"

Bakura sighed impatiently. "Shut up and follow me."

They soon stood in front of the younger Kaiba's grave. Yami-Yugi entered to find Mokuba curled up on the ground hugging his knees.

"Big brother!" he whimpered. "Where are you? You said you'd always be there for me..." Not particularly wanting to hear the rest of Mokuba's long-winded speech, Yugi grabbed him quickly and pulled him back into the graveyard.

Bakura narrowed his eyes at the multi-color haired teen. "After you send the little twerp back, I want to speak with you."

Yami-Yugi was suspicious, but agreed. Concentrating, he brought Mokuba and himself into the Shadow Realm. Panting slightly after restoring the younger boy's soul to his body, he returned to the graveyard.

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"Mmm...Seto?" the small boy moaned, eyelids fluttering.

"Mokuba!" he cried. Tea helped Mokuba up and he rushed his brother, throwing his arms around his legs. The impact knocked Kaiba off balance and he fell on his ass, Yugi coming down on top of him and knocking the wind from him.

"Big brother!" He grabbed Seto around the neck and hugged him hard. "I knew you'd save me! You promised!"

Kaiba hung his head in shame. "No, I failed you, Mokuba. It was Yugi--" He couldn't finish. <Damn Yugi's sexy, heroic self.>

"Are you okay?" Tea questioned, seeing him look a bit squished between Mokuba's death-grip and Yugi splayed out awkwardly on top of him. Not really wanting to give up his coveted physical contact with Yugi, he answered tersely:

"Yes. Now let's get Yugi and Mokuba out of this dank dungeon pronto." And with that he lifted Yugi effortlessly into his arms. Mokuba bonded himself molecularly to Seto's leg.

"Big brother! Don't ever leave me again!"

"Uhh, Mokuba, little brother you know I'll always be there for you if it's at all possibe, but right now I need the use of my leg." Reluctantly, Mokuba released him. Throwing Yugi over his shoulder fireman-style, Seto reached out and took Mokuba's hand in his own. As he tightened his grip on the back of Yugi's thighs to keep him from slipping, he clenched his jaw and tried not to think about how those same thighs would feel wrapped naked around his waist.

He was worried about Yugi, though. <Why is he taking so long? Could something have happened to him?> Seto's heart skipped a beat as a terrifying thought struck him. <What if he's trapped in the Shadow Realm forever? I never got tell him-> Surprised at himself, Seto stopped that train of thought. Tell him what? That his most bitter rival was lusting after him? He scowled at himself.

"Eh, I hate to break up the reunion," Joey spoke up, "but let's get outta here; this place is givin' me the creeps!" The group murmered their agreement, and Kaiba led the way back out of the castle.

With every step Seto took, Yugi was jostled just enough that his hand brushed against Seto's hip. The sensation was pure torture, and Seto bit the inside of his cheek to keep from moaning aloud. He thanked whatever gods there were that he'd had the presence of mind to button his trench coat earlier; his well-tailored slacks weren't the most concealing.

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Yami Yugi rested a moment before returning to the graveyard. He stared coldly at the theif in front of him.

"Well?" he prompted, "What is it that you want?"

"Look," he growled, " I brought you to the Kaibas because their bodies are physically close by. But I'm not waiting around for another six months while you travel to wherever your feeble grandpa is in this--"

"It won't take six--"

"Time passes differently, stupid! Honestly, how you win a single duel with that peanut in your skull is beyond me."

"What guarentee do I have you'll return with me to find my grandpa?!"

Bakura groaned. "I will show you where the old geezer is now, then you send me to the light world and come back by yourself later."

Yami Yugi considered this. Yami Bakura had been very helpful-- Yugi doubted he'd have found the Kaibas on his own, and certainly not this quickly. And this place was quite dismal.

\I can see why he wants to leave now...\

\\Be careful, light; I don't know what he plans on doing in the Light Realm-- and your body is unprotected!\\

\Our friends will protect us.\

"All right. Take me to my grandpa," he ordered. Yami Bakura let out a gleeful, evil sounding laugh.

"This way."

=Q= =Q= =Q= =Q= =Q= =Q= =Q= =Q= =Q= =Q=

Xpyne: Yay!! A whole chapter! ^_^ So happy! Anyway, tell us what ya think! Yes, yes, I know there's no lemon yet, but trust me *nudge nudge, wink wink* it's coming soon.

Seto: WHY WAS I CHAINED TO PEGASUS'S FREAKING BED?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? *puts hands around Xpyne's throat*

Xpyne: ~_~; Cuz, honey, everyone*choke*knows pervo Pegasus wants your ass, and,-*gag* well, uh-- Solitaire! Help!

Solitaire: Seto! Let her go, or-- or-- or we could always change the story and make it strictly hikari/yami.

Seto: *blanches* You wouldn't!

Xpyne: If you *sputter* kill me now *choke* you'll never get your action scene!

Seto: *drops Xpyne* [incoherent grumbling]

Yugi: Moving on...

Solitaire: Okay, I just wanted to say that there are parts (mostly *cough* dialogue *cough*) that I sooo don't approve of, but that's something you just have to deal with when you're working with someone else. And yeah, the very beginning part with all that lame stuff Pegasus said and thought, that was all Xpyne.

Xpyne: Hey!! No bagging on my writing in front of the readers! You're so mean. *big tears*

Yugi: *hugs Xpyne* I liked it.

Solitaire: You were hardly even in it!

Yugi: *gapes indignantly* When I'm in `Yami Yugi' mode, it's still me!!

Xpyne: *sticks out tongue at Solitaire*

Yami: You guys are weird. Stop arguing. Please review! They won't post until they get some reviews, and I'm *blushes* looking forward to the next chapter.

Solitaire: That's right. Next chapter, Yami Bakura makes his appearance in the real world, and Seto has to give Yugi what he wants...

Joey: This story sucks. Kaiba called me a dog again!! And no one cared!!

Solitaire: And Yami Bakura wants something from Joey...bad. *snicker*

Joey: O_O`