Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Yugioh The College Years: The Different Story ❯ Chapter 2
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Yuugi Motoh 
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.31.2005 | Updated On: 10.31.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 556 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.31.2005 | Updated On: 10.31.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 556 | Status: Work In Progress
YU-GI-OH: The College Years
Arc One - The Different Story
By Yuugi Motoh
CHAPTER 2
"The terms are perfectly plain, Pegasus. Your company, Industrial Illusions, is supposed to be developing ongoing supplements for Duel Monsters, which KaibaCorp produces and markets. For the past four years, we've seen exactly nothing from you. No proofs, no work in progress, nothing. In the legal world, that's called breach of contract. How much more obvious do I have to make myself?"
"I think you're managing to talk up to my level quite nicely, Kaiba-boy," the voice at the other end of the phone drawled. Kaiba's eyes narrowed and he clenched the receiver a little tighter, keeping his temper in check. "But what do you expect ME to do about it, hm? I mean, if Industrial Illusions IS in default, you have the right at any time to terminate our business agreement."
"Or to sue you."
A moment's silence; then, "Well, yes, I suppose you could file a tacky little lawsuit or three, but that's still not going to get you what you really want, is it? You SAY you want more Duel Monster cards, but I know what you're after. You're looking for yet another way to get the best of Yugi Motoh." A deep chuckle. "It must be SO frustrating and disheartening to keep losing time after time to the same person--I'm sorry, did I say that aloud?"
"Save me your bogus sympathy. We both know you couldn't be happier to see Yugi Motoh continuing to pull the wool over everyone's eyes."
"My dear Kaiba, that's just it. The only one here with wool over their eyes is YOU. You're the one who refuses to admit that you're simply outclassed. Yugi Motoh is the better Duelist. He's beaten everyone he's taken on. You, me, Mai Valentine, Bandit Keith... some of the most prestigous names in Dueling, and none of us are in his league. If you want my advice--"
"What makes you think the advice of a washed-up has-been like you makes any difference to me? You haven't Dueled for the last two years, and the last time you played before that was when I came to your island. How long have YOU been out of the loop, Pegasus? Scared that you haven't got what it takes any more? Or was your reputation built on smoke and mirrors?"
"Oh, now that hurts."
"Like I care."
"Kaiba--" A sigh. "Kaiba, you really need to leave it alone."
There was something in those words that made Kaiba sit up a bit straighter. The lighthearted mockery was gone, and in its place was a solemn weariness he'd never heard in Pegasus's voice before. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that this drive of yours to beat little Yugi... I'm being nice and not calling it an obsession, but that's what it is, you know... it's futile. You cannot beat him. You simply can't do it. None of us can. We haven't got what it takes... well, no. It's not that. Let's say rather that we have what it takes to be great Duelists, but he has something more. Something none of us can hope to emulate or overcome, no matter what cars we put in our decks, no matter how many computer simulations we run or practice Duels we fight. Yugi Motoh is the King of Games. Accept that."
Kaiba snorted. "Don't tell me you buy into that whole 'Heart of the Cards' nonsense."
"Maybe I do. And maybe I'm completely insane to think that way. But my problems are scarcely your concern, are they? You're concerned with the only person you've ever been concerned with--yourself. Your reputation. You can't stand not being first in everything, and the fact that it's Yugi in particular just makes it worse. Because he's nothing like you'd expect. He's not in it for the glory. He's not in it for the money. He's not in it for the bragging rights. He plays because he believes in the Heart of the Cards. You can't measure that; you can't quantify it; you can't fit it into your neat little perception of the world.
"And you can't stand it. You're sure there's something more to it. You have to prove it to the world, so you can prove it to yourself. No one as nice, as innocent, as humble as Yugi Motoh could possibly ever best the great Seto Kaiba. Nice guys ALWAYS finish last. The good die young. There is no such things as heroes any more... or magic, come to that. There has to be something more to it. And you're right in one thing: there IS more to it. But you'll never be able to figure it out, or accept it if you do. So just leave it alone, Kaiba. Content yourself with being one of the most influential men on the planet. You'll sleep better at night."
"What do you know, Pegasus?" Kaiba leaned forward unconsciously, as if he were confronting Pegasus face to face. "What do you know? Answer me!"
"Things better left alone, Kaiba. You DON'T want to know. You've already had plenty of evidence laid out before you, and you've refused time and again to see it. Now you come to me for a solution? Fine, I'm giving you one. There isn't one. You cannot beat Yugi Motoh. You never will. Not when it counts. If I couldn't do it with the help of the Millenium Eye, what makes you think you stand a chance?"
"Again with that idiocy of yours?! Listen, Pegasus, I don't know how you convinced Mokuba and I that you'd 'stolen our souls', as you put it, but--"
"KAIBA." Pegasus's voice was like a whipcrack, and it brought Seto up short. "I DID steal your souls. Whether or not you can admit it is no concern of mine. You want to know what it is I know about Yugi? Why not, if it gets you off my back. It's very simple. He's not alone."
Kaiba scowled. "What do you mean, 'not alone'? Do you mean he's getting some kind of help from outside? That's impossible. If there were some kind of signals or communication going on between him and his friends to help him cheat, we would've picked up on it long ago."
"I meant precisely what I said. He's not alone. You're not Dueling one person when you play Yugi Motoh. You're fighting TWO people. And one of them understands the mechanics of the Shadow Games intimately, in a way that was lost to the rest of the world five thousand years ago. The creatures of that realm respond to him as they will respond to no one else... because he is their King."
"What kind of crap is this? Are you suggesting Yugi's some kind of split personality?"
"Oh, it's much more than that. But you wouldn't believe me if I told you, so we'll just change the subject now. What ARE you going to do about our little card problem? I know you didn't call me up for a pleasant afternoon chat."
"Fine. I want your island."
"...Excuse me?"
"Duelist Kingdom Island. I want it."
"Oh, now really, Kaiba, that's going too far--"
"Is it? If I sue you and win, I can take it out from under you eventually with legal fees and court decisions. You may be rich, Pegasus, but you're not THAT rich. And I can be VERY patient when I have to be." Kaiba smirked, feeling himself back on more certain ground. "But I have a little deal for you. If you agree, we'll forget about the whole 'breach of contract' issue and I'll keep the contract with Industrial Illusions in force, whether or not you ever produce another supplement. That way, you can go right on earning those nice little commissions you receive on the sale of every pack of Duel Monsters cards. In addition, I'll even let you keep your little fairy-tale world intact."
"You drive a hard bargain, Kaiba-boy. What is it you want--before I agree."
"I want to make use of the island for a tournament. A recreation of Duelist Kingdom. But THIS time, things are going to go MY way."
"That's not possible at this time."
"Really? Got some pressing business to take care of? Settling out of court on someone else's lawsuits?"
"No, it's just that I--" Did Pegasus sound shaken, nervous? Kaiba pressed the reciever closer yet, trying to catch the least nuance. "This just isn't a good time. Maybe next year."
"No. Now. As soon as I can arrange it. I want my techs out there setting up within the week, and I'll be sending the invitations shortly after that."
"You can't do that." Almost a whisper. "Kaiba, it's not-- it's not safe here now."
"Oh please. Now you're descending into paranoia. How the mighty have fallen. Next thing you'll be telling me is that men in black suits are after you."
"I only wish they were."
"What?"
"Never mind." Another sigh. "And I suppose you don't want me anywhere nearby during this 'tournament' of yours."
"That is the general idea, yes. I don't want you interfering. And I know you Pegasus. If you think you have a chance to turn things in your favor, you'll do it in a heartbeat."
"...Very well. I accept. You have my permission to host a tournament on my island. But on your own head be it, Kaiba. I'll have my lawyers deliver a written version of our 'agreement' in the morning. I'm sure you don't take my word at anywhere near face value." The phone line went dead.
Miles away, Pegasus pushed the phone away from him and hid his face in his hands. That fool, that unmitigated fool...
Where am I supposed to go?
Standing, Pegasus paced over to the window, peered out at the lake near his castle home. His gaze really wasn't on the lake, however; it was searching the shadows of the forests around it instead. "Looks peaceful enough," he remarked aloud, and shivered. "Oh, but looks are so deceiving."
Something stirred under the table he'd just abandoned. A line of darkness poured across the floor to gather at Pegasus's feet and resolve itself into the crouching form of a large purple cartoon cat. The expression on the cat's face, though, was anything but cartoon-like. One hand reached up and delicately tugged at the man's sleeve. "Boss," a hoarse whisper sounded. "Boss, you okay?"
"No, Doppleganger, I am most assuredly not 'okay'." Pegasus glanced down at the creature. "Gather my things. Seal the gallery vaults. Then tell Croquet to dismiss the servants. They are all to go on an extended vacation at full pay. Him too. I want there to be no one here when the KaibaCorp technicians arrive. Perhaps... perhaps if they think I've left.. then..." he lifted a hand, let it fall. "Then nothing untoward will happen."
"Where're YOU going, Boss?"
"Me?" Pegasus smiled faintly. "To the depths of the earth."
****
"Mokuba."
"Hey, big bro. What's up?" Mokuba took off the headset and put it aside. "You... don't look so hot."
"Never mind me. Pegasus agreed."
"I'm not surprised. You kind of had him by the-- uh, you sort of had him over a barrel."
Kaiba smirked. "What kind of language is that for the Vice President of KaibaCorp?"
"The same kinda language the President and CEO uses in his office when he's really ticked off at someone."
"How many times have I told you not to tap my intercom?"
"This week?" Mokuba grinned, then sobered. "You're really going through with it then."
"Yes. Duelist Kingdom was the first tournament Yugi and I were involved in, though I wasn't actually an official participant. And I almost had him then, Mokuba. I think the psychological edge of returning to a situation where he was tested to the extreme will pay off in my favor. Besides, it's good for business. We haven't had a top-notch tournament since Battle City. About time. Any luck in tracking down the people I wanted?"
"Not really. Panik's no longer a registered Duelist. Neither are the Paradox Brothers--you know, that dueling team Pegasus used. I'm guessing they got so badly beaten they got out of the game."
"Typical. Dueling isn't for weaklings. Anything else?"
"Um... No one's heard of Bandit Keith since well before Battle City. I got a line on Weevil Underwood and Rex Raptor, though, Mai Valentine too. Oh yeah, and that Mako guy, Mako Tsunami. They're all still Dueling, and I think they'd jump at the chance to compete, especially if we offered some really cool prizes."
"Two million dollars should be 'cool' enough for anyone. Duke Devlin? Espa Roba?"
"Devlin's semi-retired, he's running his gaming company more or less full time. We might coax him out though. Another shot at Yugi, blah blah blah. Espa's available, but he's in Europe right now on a Dueling tour. Depends on when you want the tournament to be held. Those Rare Hunter guys went *pfft* right after the Ishtar kid left. He's in the Middle East now, him and his sister both. She's the curator of the Cairo Museum, you know." Mokuba leaned back, snagged a clipboard, and riffled through the paper on it. "On the plus side, I got a line on some replacements for the missing Eliminators. They're pretty new in Dueling, just started last year, but they've been cleaning up in the minor tournament leagues. I think they'd work out."
"Names?"
"Uh, lessee... Junon Depardeu-- French, I think-- Amos Campbell, and here's a real treat for you. Diaz Russio."
"Russio." Kaiba frowned. "Where have I heard that name before?"
"He's a business owner out west. He's got some casino concerns in Las Vegas, but his big thing is a software development company. His company pitched ours a couple of years ago with a new networking program suite they developed. Nothing we needed at the time, but nice work. He's in the Fortune 500, just way down on the list. Heavy into ecology or something. 'New solutions for a new age' is the company policy, you tell me if that sounds kinda Greenpeace or what."
"Whatever. So he's a Duelist?"
"Yeah."
"All right. Get him and the other two lined up as our Eliminators. Have Public Relations start on the advertising and send a team out to the island to start setting up the remote LAN there. Deliver invitations to Valentine, Devlin, Tsunami, Raptor and Underwood. I'm going to assume Yugi's little bunch of friends will tag along, so we'll put Wheeler to use. Firing up his Duel Disk long enough to get beaten is about all he's worth. Oh, and the Hawkins girl, if she's still Dueling."
"Rebecca Hawkins? Hey, yeah, good call. I'll get on it. That's, mm... that's eleven people so far, eight if you discount the Eliminators."
"Why?" Kaiba smirked. "A shot at two million dollars should make them eager to win. Of course, we'll still pay them to get rid of as many of the OTHER contestants as we can, but there's no need to exclude them. And since this isn't a standard tournament, we don't need to worry about brackets. All it boils down to is who can gather ten Star Chips first, in order to enter the castle. Naturally, the first four to make it will compete against each other, the winners of those Duels against each other, and the final winner against me. But I expect it to be Yugi." He thought briefly. "We'll invite some of the local area Duelists also. The ones with the best standing. They'll make sure there are plenty of Star Chips to go around. I want everything to match the original Duelist Kingdom as closely as possible. In fact, forget the Duel Disks. We'll reactivate the outdoor Arenas on the island. They should still be in working order. Just upgrade the software and make sure I get a full linkup to each one, like last time."
"I'm on it, bro."
****
"Ooof... *wheeze*... Jeez, Tèa, how much further d'you want us to move dis thing?"
"Just a LITTLE more to the left... perfect!"
"Great." Joey collapsed against the arm of the overstuffed sofa. "Can I die now?"
"No way, man," Tristan groaned. "We've still got the armchairs and coffee table to bring in. AND the bed frames and mattresses."
"Oh, come on, you two, you're always saying what great shape you're in, showing off your muscles, but give you a little REAL work and you wimp out." Tèa jerked her head in the direction of the kitchen. "Look at Yugi, carrying in those boxes all by himself, and HE'S not complaining."
"Yeah, well, dere ain't no pieces of FURNITURE in'em either."
"No," Yugi panted, leaning on the doorjamb, "just pots and pans... LOTS of pots and pans.. and silverware.. and mugs... and glasses..."
"Honestly, you three!" Folding her arms, Tèa tapped her foot. "If you want to live in a house with no furnishings, eat cold food out of a can with your bare hands, and sleep on the floor, go right ahead. I want at least a few creature comforts."
"Living like cavemen is starting to have a certain appeal," Tristan muttered, then sat up. "Okay, okay, Tèa, you made your point. Just give us a second to catch our breath. We've been going non-stop all day. Shopping this morning, unpacking this afternoon... I'm bushed."
"We HAVE gotten an awful lot done in a short time," Bakura said. "How about we all stop for a bit of tea? And I made sandwiches."
"I'm good wi'dat." Joey snagged a couple of sandwiches off the tray Bakura was carrying and plopped down in the middle of the sofa. "Yanno, dis place is startin' to look like somebody lives here. I think I could get used to dis."
"It looked awfully bleak when we first got here, that's for sure." Yugi also took a sandwich. "Thanks, Bakura. --But it's really starting to look nice now. Joey's right."
"Of course," Tèa said, and preened. "I told you all we needed was a little cleanup and some furniture. Trust me, it takes a woman to appreciate the real potential of a house."
"Yeah? Well, where is she?" Joey grinned as Tèa glared. "Kiddin', just kiddin' Tèa."
"So, what's everyone majoring in?" Bakura perched himself gingerly atop a stack of boxes. "We've been so busy homemaking I hadn't thought to ask."
"Dance for me, modern dance," Tèa said. "Someday I want to be in a Broadway show." She clasped her hands, a bit starry-eyed. "Something really great, like 'Cats' or 'Chicago'."
"Don't laugh, but I, uh..." Tris scratched his head. "I want to be an architect. You know, the whole CADD thing-- virtual blueprints."
"Archaeology... but then everyone else kind of knew that already." Yugi smiled. "I guess that makes me the globetrotter of the bunch. How about you, Joey?"
"Uhhhh..."
"What, you don't have a major?" prodded Tris. "One of those 'undecided' for the next four years kind of people, huh?"
"No, no no, dat ain't it. I wanna..." Joey stared at his shoes. "I wanna be a policeman," he finished. "A detective, someday, but I know I gotta go through the ranks first."
"A policeman? Really?" Bakura tipped his head. "Sorry, Joey, but I never quite thought of you that way."
"Yeah, I know, but, see, my great-granddad, he was on da force in New York. So was my grandpa. My family's from there, yanno. Dad moved us to Domino after he and Mon split up. Said he wanted me ta grow up in a small town. I still got relatives up in Brooklyn, da Rotelli's. Grandpa changed his name to 'Wheeler' cause it sounded more American." Joey smiled. "I ain't seen my great-gramma in a long time. Hope she's still alive."
"Maybe we could take a train up there some weekend and find out," suggested Yugi. "I mean, even if she isn't alive, you must have cousins or something."
"Yeah... I might do dat. Course, you're all welcome t'tag along-- nothing a real Italian family likes better than lots of guests at da dinner table. And, oh man, da food at dat table!"
"How about you, Bakura?" Tèa asked. "What do you want to be?"
"I'm in Art Appreciation right now. I'm hoping to be a museum curator someday, actually. Or possibly an appraiser. I've rather a good eye for the worth of an object."
"Oh." Tèa repressed a little shiver. It all sounded perfectly natural, but... hadn't there been something in Bakura's tone, in the last sentence, that reminded her of something, someone else? Nerves, she decided. I'm just keyed up, everyone is, we're all excited at being here and making it on our own for the first time. "I hate to say it, but... that sounds kind of... dull. No offense..."
"Oh none taken! I do admit, it sounds a bit stuffy, doesn't it?" Bakura gave her a sweet smile. "But then, I'm not exactly what you'd call a real firebrand, am I? I like things plain and simple and quiet. I considered being a librarian, but that's a bit too staid even for me."
"How'd you ever manage to hang out with us, then?" Tristan joked.
"Even the plainest of us craves a little excitement now and again. Besides, you're my friends. Together through thick and thin, that sort of thing." The blond gave a little sigh. "And I must confess some of the time I... wasn't exactly in control."
"The Millenium Ring," Yugi said soberly.
"Yes... I'd no idea, when my father gave me that thing, how much trouble it'd bring. I am sincerely sorry about that."
"Where IS the Ring, anyway?"
"I've no good idea, to tell you the truth. It does worry me a bit. After waking up on Kaiba's airship at the end of Battle City, I haven't heard or seen a thing. I suppose the Ring, and the Spirit within it, are still about somewhere, but so long as it steers clear of me I'm content to let matters rest." Bakura shrugged apologetically. "I guess I SHOULD be more concerned, but I'm relieved to be rid of it, to tell you the truth. I'm not sure how you stand to have the Puzzle around, Yugi."
Yugi's hand automatically reached up and clasped around the chain suspending the Puzzle about his neck. "The Puzzle is... different," he said. "And so is the Spirit inside it. No matter how much trouble may come my way because of it, it's not the fault of either of them, item or Spirit. And I know he'd never leave me to face danger on my own."
"For a ghost he's a real stand-up kind of guy," agreed Tristan. "Not that I have a whole lot of experience with ghosts."
"He ain't just Yugi's friend." Joey looked around the room at the others solemnly. "He's OUR friend. And we're his friends. We stick by him same's as we'd stick by Yugi, cause he'd do da same f'r us."
"Amen, preacher," and Tristan gave Joey a high-five.
Yugi could feel a warm glow inside at those words, and he smiled. "Thanks," he said. "He-- we-- appreciate that a lot."
"No sweat." Tèa gave Yugi a thumbs-up, then got to her feet. "All right, guys, tea time's over. Back to work."
"So speaks the slavedriver," quipped Bakura. "Yes, mistress, right away, mistress, by your command, mis--*umph*!" He was cut short by a pillow lobbed (gently) at his head.
Arc One - The Different Story
By Yuugi Motoh
CHAPTER 2
"The terms are perfectly plain, Pegasus. Your company, Industrial Illusions, is supposed to be developing ongoing supplements for Duel Monsters, which KaibaCorp produces and markets. For the past four years, we've seen exactly nothing from you. No proofs, no work in progress, nothing. In the legal world, that's called breach of contract. How much more obvious do I have to make myself?"
"I think you're managing to talk up to my level quite nicely, Kaiba-boy," the voice at the other end of the phone drawled. Kaiba's eyes narrowed and he clenched the receiver a little tighter, keeping his temper in check. "But what do you expect ME to do about it, hm? I mean, if Industrial Illusions IS in default, you have the right at any time to terminate our business agreement."
"Or to sue you."
A moment's silence; then, "Well, yes, I suppose you could file a tacky little lawsuit or three, but that's still not going to get you what you really want, is it? You SAY you want more Duel Monster cards, but I know what you're after. You're looking for yet another way to get the best of Yugi Motoh." A deep chuckle. "It must be SO frustrating and disheartening to keep losing time after time to the same person--I'm sorry, did I say that aloud?"
"Save me your bogus sympathy. We both know you couldn't be happier to see Yugi Motoh continuing to pull the wool over everyone's eyes."
"My dear Kaiba, that's just it. The only one here with wool over their eyes is YOU. You're the one who refuses to admit that you're simply outclassed. Yugi Motoh is the better Duelist. He's beaten everyone he's taken on. You, me, Mai Valentine, Bandit Keith... some of the most prestigous names in Dueling, and none of us are in his league. If you want my advice--"
"What makes you think the advice of a washed-up has-been like you makes any difference to me? You haven't Dueled for the last two years, and the last time you played before that was when I came to your island. How long have YOU been out of the loop, Pegasus? Scared that you haven't got what it takes any more? Or was your reputation built on smoke and mirrors?"
"Oh, now that hurts."
"Like I care."
"Kaiba--" A sigh. "Kaiba, you really need to leave it alone."
There was something in those words that made Kaiba sit up a bit straighter. The lighthearted mockery was gone, and in its place was a solemn weariness he'd never heard in Pegasus's voice before. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that this drive of yours to beat little Yugi... I'm being nice and not calling it an obsession, but that's what it is, you know... it's futile. You cannot beat him. You simply can't do it. None of us can. We haven't got what it takes... well, no. It's not that. Let's say rather that we have what it takes to be great Duelists, but he has something more. Something none of us can hope to emulate or overcome, no matter what cars we put in our decks, no matter how many computer simulations we run or practice Duels we fight. Yugi Motoh is the King of Games. Accept that."
Kaiba snorted. "Don't tell me you buy into that whole 'Heart of the Cards' nonsense."
"Maybe I do. And maybe I'm completely insane to think that way. But my problems are scarcely your concern, are they? You're concerned with the only person you've ever been concerned with--yourself. Your reputation. You can't stand not being first in everything, and the fact that it's Yugi in particular just makes it worse. Because he's nothing like you'd expect. He's not in it for the glory. He's not in it for the money. He's not in it for the bragging rights. He plays because he believes in the Heart of the Cards. You can't measure that; you can't quantify it; you can't fit it into your neat little perception of the world.
"And you can't stand it. You're sure there's something more to it. You have to prove it to the world, so you can prove it to yourself. No one as nice, as innocent, as humble as Yugi Motoh could possibly ever best the great Seto Kaiba. Nice guys ALWAYS finish last. The good die young. There is no such things as heroes any more... or magic, come to that. There has to be something more to it. And you're right in one thing: there IS more to it. But you'll never be able to figure it out, or accept it if you do. So just leave it alone, Kaiba. Content yourself with being one of the most influential men on the planet. You'll sleep better at night."
"What do you know, Pegasus?" Kaiba leaned forward unconsciously, as if he were confronting Pegasus face to face. "What do you know? Answer me!"
"Things better left alone, Kaiba. You DON'T want to know. You've already had plenty of evidence laid out before you, and you've refused time and again to see it. Now you come to me for a solution? Fine, I'm giving you one. There isn't one. You cannot beat Yugi Motoh. You never will. Not when it counts. If I couldn't do it with the help of the Millenium Eye, what makes you think you stand a chance?"
"Again with that idiocy of yours?! Listen, Pegasus, I don't know how you convinced Mokuba and I that you'd 'stolen our souls', as you put it, but--"
"KAIBA." Pegasus's voice was like a whipcrack, and it brought Seto up short. "I DID steal your souls. Whether or not you can admit it is no concern of mine. You want to know what it is I know about Yugi? Why not, if it gets you off my back. It's very simple. He's not alone."
Kaiba scowled. "What do you mean, 'not alone'? Do you mean he's getting some kind of help from outside? That's impossible. If there were some kind of signals or communication going on between him and his friends to help him cheat, we would've picked up on it long ago."
"I meant precisely what I said. He's not alone. You're not Dueling one person when you play Yugi Motoh. You're fighting TWO people. And one of them understands the mechanics of the Shadow Games intimately, in a way that was lost to the rest of the world five thousand years ago. The creatures of that realm respond to him as they will respond to no one else... because he is their King."
"What kind of crap is this? Are you suggesting Yugi's some kind of split personality?"
"Oh, it's much more than that. But you wouldn't believe me if I told you, so we'll just change the subject now. What ARE you going to do about our little card problem? I know you didn't call me up for a pleasant afternoon chat."
"Fine. I want your island."
"...Excuse me?"
"Duelist Kingdom Island. I want it."
"Oh, now really, Kaiba, that's going too far--"
"Is it? If I sue you and win, I can take it out from under you eventually with legal fees and court decisions. You may be rich, Pegasus, but you're not THAT rich. And I can be VERY patient when I have to be." Kaiba smirked, feeling himself back on more certain ground. "But I have a little deal for you. If you agree, we'll forget about the whole 'breach of contract' issue and I'll keep the contract with Industrial Illusions in force, whether or not you ever produce another supplement. That way, you can go right on earning those nice little commissions you receive on the sale of every pack of Duel Monsters cards. In addition, I'll even let you keep your little fairy-tale world intact."
"You drive a hard bargain, Kaiba-boy. What is it you want--before I agree."
"I want to make use of the island for a tournament. A recreation of Duelist Kingdom. But THIS time, things are going to go MY way."
"That's not possible at this time."
"Really? Got some pressing business to take care of? Settling out of court on someone else's lawsuits?"
"No, it's just that I--" Did Pegasus sound shaken, nervous? Kaiba pressed the reciever closer yet, trying to catch the least nuance. "This just isn't a good time. Maybe next year."
"No. Now. As soon as I can arrange it. I want my techs out there setting up within the week, and I'll be sending the invitations shortly after that."
"You can't do that." Almost a whisper. "Kaiba, it's not-- it's not safe here now."
"Oh please. Now you're descending into paranoia. How the mighty have fallen. Next thing you'll be telling me is that men in black suits are after you."
"I only wish they were."
"What?"
"Never mind." Another sigh. "And I suppose you don't want me anywhere nearby during this 'tournament' of yours."
"That is the general idea, yes. I don't want you interfering. And I know you Pegasus. If you think you have a chance to turn things in your favor, you'll do it in a heartbeat."
"...Very well. I accept. You have my permission to host a tournament on my island. But on your own head be it, Kaiba. I'll have my lawyers deliver a written version of our 'agreement' in the morning. I'm sure you don't take my word at anywhere near face value." The phone line went dead.
Miles away, Pegasus pushed the phone away from him and hid his face in his hands. That fool, that unmitigated fool...
Where am I supposed to go?
Standing, Pegasus paced over to the window, peered out at the lake near his castle home. His gaze really wasn't on the lake, however; it was searching the shadows of the forests around it instead. "Looks peaceful enough," he remarked aloud, and shivered. "Oh, but looks are so deceiving."
Something stirred under the table he'd just abandoned. A line of darkness poured across the floor to gather at Pegasus's feet and resolve itself into the crouching form of a large purple cartoon cat. The expression on the cat's face, though, was anything but cartoon-like. One hand reached up and delicately tugged at the man's sleeve. "Boss," a hoarse whisper sounded. "Boss, you okay?"
"No, Doppleganger, I am most assuredly not 'okay'." Pegasus glanced down at the creature. "Gather my things. Seal the gallery vaults. Then tell Croquet to dismiss the servants. They are all to go on an extended vacation at full pay. Him too. I want there to be no one here when the KaibaCorp technicians arrive. Perhaps... perhaps if they think I've left.. then..." he lifted a hand, let it fall. "Then nothing untoward will happen."
"Where're YOU going, Boss?"
"Me?" Pegasus smiled faintly. "To the depths of the earth."
****
"Mokuba."
"Hey, big bro. What's up?" Mokuba took off the headset and put it aside. "You... don't look so hot."
"Never mind me. Pegasus agreed."
"I'm not surprised. You kind of had him by the-- uh, you sort of had him over a barrel."
Kaiba smirked. "What kind of language is that for the Vice President of KaibaCorp?"
"The same kinda language the President and CEO uses in his office when he's really ticked off at someone."
"How many times have I told you not to tap my intercom?"
"This week?" Mokuba grinned, then sobered. "You're really going through with it then."
"Yes. Duelist Kingdom was the first tournament Yugi and I were involved in, though I wasn't actually an official participant. And I almost had him then, Mokuba. I think the psychological edge of returning to a situation where he was tested to the extreme will pay off in my favor. Besides, it's good for business. We haven't had a top-notch tournament since Battle City. About time. Any luck in tracking down the people I wanted?"
"Not really. Panik's no longer a registered Duelist. Neither are the Paradox Brothers--you know, that dueling team Pegasus used. I'm guessing they got so badly beaten they got out of the game."
"Typical. Dueling isn't for weaklings. Anything else?"
"Um... No one's heard of Bandit Keith since well before Battle City. I got a line on Weevil Underwood and Rex Raptor, though, Mai Valentine too. Oh yeah, and that Mako guy, Mako Tsunami. They're all still Dueling, and I think they'd jump at the chance to compete, especially if we offered some really cool prizes."
"Two million dollars should be 'cool' enough for anyone. Duke Devlin? Espa Roba?"
"Devlin's semi-retired, he's running his gaming company more or less full time. We might coax him out though. Another shot at Yugi, blah blah blah. Espa's available, but he's in Europe right now on a Dueling tour. Depends on when you want the tournament to be held. Those Rare Hunter guys went *pfft* right after the Ishtar kid left. He's in the Middle East now, him and his sister both. She's the curator of the Cairo Museum, you know." Mokuba leaned back, snagged a clipboard, and riffled through the paper on it. "On the plus side, I got a line on some replacements for the missing Eliminators. They're pretty new in Dueling, just started last year, but they've been cleaning up in the minor tournament leagues. I think they'd work out."
"Names?"
"Uh, lessee... Junon Depardeu-- French, I think-- Amos Campbell, and here's a real treat for you. Diaz Russio."
"Russio." Kaiba frowned. "Where have I heard that name before?"
"He's a business owner out west. He's got some casino concerns in Las Vegas, but his big thing is a software development company. His company pitched ours a couple of years ago with a new networking program suite they developed. Nothing we needed at the time, but nice work. He's in the Fortune 500, just way down on the list. Heavy into ecology or something. 'New solutions for a new age' is the company policy, you tell me if that sounds kinda Greenpeace or what."
"Whatever. So he's a Duelist?"
"Yeah."
"All right. Get him and the other two lined up as our Eliminators. Have Public Relations start on the advertising and send a team out to the island to start setting up the remote LAN there. Deliver invitations to Valentine, Devlin, Tsunami, Raptor and Underwood. I'm going to assume Yugi's little bunch of friends will tag along, so we'll put Wheeler to use. Firing up his Duel Disk long enough to get beaten is about all he's worth. Oh, and the Hawkins girl, if she's still Dueling."
"Rebecca Hawkins? Hey, yeah, good call. I'll get on it. That's, mm... that's eleven people so far, eight if you discount the Eliminators."
"Why?" Kaiba smirked. "A shot at two million dollars should make them eager to win. Of course, we'll still pay them to get rid of as many of the OTHER contestants as we can, but there's no need to exclude them. And since this isn't a standard tournament, we don't need to worry about brackets. All it boils down to is who can gather ten Star Chips first, in order to enter the castle. Naturally, the first four to make it will compete against each other, the winners of those Duels against each other, and the final winner against me. But I expect it to be Yugi." He thought briefly. "We'll invite some of the local area Duelists also. The ones with the best standing. They'll make sure there are plenty of Star Chips to go around. I want everything to match the original Duelist Kingdom as closely as possible. In fact, forget the Duel Disks. We'll reactivate the outdoor Arenas on the island. They should still be in working order. Just upgrade the software and make sure I get a full linkup to each one, like last time."
"I'm on it, bro."
****
"Ooof... *wheeze*... Jeez, Tèa, how much further d'you want us to move dis thing?"
"Just a LITTLE more to the left... perfect!"
"Great." Joey collapsed against the arm of the overstuffed sofa. "Can I die now?"
"No way, man," Tristan groaned. "We've still got the armchairs and coffee table to bring in. AND the bed frames and mattresses."
"Oh, come on, you two, you're always saying what great shape you're in, showing off your muscles, but give you a little REAL work and you wimp out." Tèa jerked her head in the direction of the kitchen. "Look at Yugi, carrying in those boxes all by himself, and HE'S not complaining."
"Yeah, well, dere ain't no pieces of FURNITURE in'em either."
"No," Yugi panted, leaning on the doorjamb, "just pots and pans... LOTS of pots and pans.. and silverware.. and mugs... and glasses..."
"Honestly, you three!" Folding her arms, Tèa tapped her foot. "If you want to live in a house with no furnishings, eat cold food out of a can with your bare hands, and sleep on the floor, go right ahead. I want at least a few creature comforts."
"Living like cavemen is starting to have a certain appeal," Tristan muttered, then sat up. "Okay, okay, Tèa, you made your point. Just give us a second to catch our breath. We've been going non-stop all day. Shopping this morning, unpacking this afternoon... I'm bushed."
"We HAVE gotten an awful lot done in a short time," Bakura said. "How about we all stop for a bit of tea? And I made sandwiches."
"I'm good wi'dat." Joey snagged a couple of sandwiches off the tray Bakura was carrying and plopped down in the middle of the sofa. "Yanno, dis place is startin' to look like somebody lives here. I think I could get used to dis."
"It looked awfully bleak when we first got here, that's for sure." Yugi also took a sandwich. "Thanks, Bakura. --But it's really starting to look nice now. Joey's right."
"Of course," Tèa said, and preened. "I told you all we needed was a little cleanup and some furniture. Trust me, it takes a woman to appreciate the real potential of a house."
"Yeah? Well, where is she?" Joey grinned as Tèa glared. "Kiddin', just kiddin' Tèa."
"So, what's everyone majoring in?" Bakura perched himself gingerly atop a stack of boxes. "We've been so busy homemaking I hadn't thought to ask."
"Dance for me, modern dance," Tèa said. "Someday I want to be in a Broadway show." She clasped her hands, a bit starry-eyed. "Something really great, like 'Cats' or 'Chicago'."
"Don't laugh, but I, uh..." Tris scratched his head. "I want to be an architect. You know, the whole CADD thing-- virtual blueprints."
"Archaeology... but then everyone else kind of knew that already." Yugi smiled. "I guess that makes me the globetrotter of the bunch. How about you, Joey?"
"Uhhhh..."
"What, you don't have a major?" prodded Tris. "One of those 'undecided' for the next four years kind of people, huh?"
"No, no no, dat ain't it. I wanna..." Joey stared at his shoes. "I wanna be a policeman," he finished. "A detective, someday, but I know I gotta go through the ranks first."
"A policeman? Really?" Bakura tipped his head. "Sorry, Joey, but I never quite thought of you that way."
"Yeah, I know, but, see, my great-granddad, he was on da force in New York. So was my grandpa. My family's from there, yanno. Dad moved us to Domino after he and Mon split up. Said he wanted me ta grow up in a small town. I still got relatives up in Brooklyn, da Rotelli's. Grandpa changed his name to 'Wheeler' cause it sounded more American." Joey smiled. "I ain't seen my great-gramma in a long time. Hope she's still alive."
"Maybe we could take a train up there some weekend and find out," suggested Yugi. "I mean, even if she isn't alive, you must have cousins or something."
"Yeah... I might do dat. Course, you're all welcome t'tag along-- nothing a real Italian family likes better than lots of guests at da dinner table. And, oh man, da food at dat table!"
"How about you, Bakura?" Tèa asked. "What do you want to be?"
"I'm in Art Appreciation right now. I'm hoping to be a museum curator someday, actually. Or possibly an appraiser. I've rather a good eye for the worth of an object."
"Oh." Tèa repressed a little shiver. It all sounded perfectly natural, but... hadn't there been something in Bakura's tone, in the last sentence, that reminded her of something, someone else? Nerves, she decided. I'm just keyed up, everyone is, we're all excited at being here and making it on our own for the first time. "I hate to say it, but... that sounds kind of... dull. No offense..."
"Oh none taken! I do admit, it sounds a bit stuffy, doesn't it?" Bakura gave her a sweet smile. "But then, I'm not exactly what you'd call a real firebrand, am I? I like things plain and simple and quiet. I considered being a librarian, but that's a bit too staid even for me."
"How'd you ever manage to hang out with us, then?" Tristan joked.
"Even the plainest of us craves a little excitement now and again. Besides, you're my friends. Together through thick and thin, that sort of thing." The blond gave a little sigh. "And I must confess some of the time I... wasn't exactly in control."
"The Millenium Ring," Yugi said soberly.
"Yes... I'd no idea, when my father gave me that thing, how much trouble it'd bring. I am sincerely sorry about that."
"Where IS the Ring, anyway?"
"I've no good idea, to tell you the truth. It does worry me a bit. After waking up on Kaiba's airship at the end of Battle City, I haven't heard or seen a thing. I suppose the Ring, and the Spirit within it, are still about somewhere, but so long as it steers clear of me I'm content to let matters rest." Bakura shrugged apologetically. "I guess I SHOULD be more concerned, but I'm relieved to be rid of it, to tell you the truth. I'm not sure how you stand to have the Puzzle around, Yugi."
Yugi's hand automatically reached up and clasped around the chain suspending the Puzzle about his neck. "The Puzzle is... different," he said. "And so is the Spirit inside it. No matter how much trouble may come my way because of it, it's not the fault of either of them, item or Spirit. And I know he'd never leave me to face danger on my own."
"For a ghost he's a real stand-up kind of guy," agreed Tristan. "Not that I have a whole lot of experience with ghosts."
"He ain't just Yugi's friend." Joey looked around the room at the others solemnly. "He's OUR friend. And we're his friends. We stick by him same's as we'd stick by Yugi, cause he'd do da same f'r us."
"Amen, preacher," and Tristan gave Joey a high-five.
Yugi could feel a warm glow inside at those words, and he smiled. "Thanks," he said. "He-- we-- appreciate that a lot."
"No sweat." Tèa gave Yugi a thumbs-up, then got to her feet. "All right, guys, tea time's over. Back to work."
"So speaks the slavedriver," quipped Bakura. "Yes, mistress, right away, mistress, by your command, mis--*umph*!" He was cut short by a pillow lobbed (gently) at his head.