Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Yugioh The College Years: The Different Story ❯ Chapter 5
[ 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: 11.05.2005 | Updated On: 11.05.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 247 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.05.2005 | Updated On: 11.05.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 247 | Status: Work In Progress
CHAPTER 5
From his concealed position on the opposite side of the meadow, Pegasus shifted, stretching out one leg cautiously. The last thing he wanted was a leg cramp. Sitting still in one position wasn't trying on his nerves so much as it was trying on his body. "Mental note: buy a Nautilus exercise system," he murmured to himself.
Now, what are you three up to? Granted, I've never seen any of you Duel before, but... something tells me you're HOPING to be beaten. You're not throwing the game; oh no. That would be unwise with so many experienced Duelists around. Someone would spot you at it. There's some gambit on your mind and it has nothing to do with faking a loss. You want to lose fair and square. God, how I wish I had-- he stopped, shaking his head a fraction. No. No. Don't even think it. That's the same thing that brought you down the path of ruination before. The Millenium Eye is best well and truly out of your reach, Maximilian.
"Whazzup, Boss?" Buzz slithered out of the underbrush and crouched down beside Pegasus.
"Joey just trounced one of those three you saw last night. It wasn't an easy Duel either, but all my instincts are telling me something was still odd about it. Next up is little Yugi-- although, of course, it isn't Yugi we're looking at right now."
"His name is Diaz. Diaz Russio, according to the info in the KaibaCorp mainframe."
"Russio? Are you sure?" Pegasus looked taken aback. "But he's--"
"He's what?"
"Nothing."
"Aw, you KNOW I hate it when you hold out on me, Boss."
"Patience, dear friend, patience. It's a virtue you know." Pegasus tapped Buzz's nose lightly.
"Boss, ah, like this really needs to be pointed out, but, patience? Whazzat? I ain't got any. I'm an action guy, go go go go!"
"Settle DOWN. Do you want them to notice us?"
"Yessir. Sorry sir. Settling down now sir."
Are you ready, young one? Yami asked silently, shuffling his deck before setting it in place on the board.
'Yeah. Let's Duel!'
Yami drew his first card and glanced at it offhandedly. "I will set these two cards face down, and summon Neo the Magical Swordsman, in defense mode." As the figure flared to life on the holographic field, Yami nodded to Diaz. "Your move."
Diaz hesitated, staring across the field at Yami, a look of wonder crossing his features momentarily. Then he seemed to recall where he was and what he was doing and shook it off. "I... will play one card, and summon the Headless Knight in defense."
"If you are done, then..." Yami gestured. "Reveal my first face down card. Secret Barrel! For each card and creature in play on your side of the field, receive 200 points of direct damage to your life points!"
An empty spot on the field suddenly spun, revealing a cannon. Its beam lanced past Diaz's Headless Knight and struck him full on, staggering him. His points dropped 400 points immediately. "Uh!" he gasped.
"Yeaaaaah!" Joey jumped up from his chair, waving his fists in the air over his head. "Way ta go, Yuge! Trash him!"
"Gotta love that neutrality," Mai drawled, "you can tell Joey Wheeler doesn't play favorites."
Diaz drew his next card, studied his hand a second, then leaned forward. "I summon the Mysterious Puppeteer, in defense mode," he said. A figure wrapped in flowing Arabian robes, its face shrouded in shadow, appeared on the field and extended its hands, a tiny wooden marionette appearing between and hanging suspended as if by invisible strings from the Puppeteer's fingers.
"So long as he remains in play, my Life Points increase by 500 for each additional monster summoned-- including yours, Yugi," Diaz said. "So I would caution you to choose your creatures wisely-- since each of them will make me stronger."
"Ouch," Tristan muttered. "That means the more creatures Yugi brings to bear, the stronger he gets."
"And the more creatures HE plays too." Bakura leaned forward, watching with interest. "That means Yugi, or rather the Pharoah, is going to have to do exactly what Diaz said-- choose his creatures wisely. He's going to have to get rid of the Puppeteer, or concentrate on attacking Diaz with magic and traps more than with monsters."
"Yeah, I'm digging it." Tris took a breath, let it out slowly. "Well, nothing much we can do here except watch and cheer."
"And now, my second face-down card." Yami swept his hand in front of him. "Dark Hole, to destroy ALL monsters on the field, mine and yours alike." A sparkling whirlwind shot across the arena, wiping out everything.
"You... take me by surprise," Diaz forced out. "But you now leave yourself open, for my turn is next."
Yami smiled. "But I'm not finished yet. MONSTER REBORN! Come forth, Neo, and strike my foe, your power increased by the Book of Secret Arts! You may gain 500 points for Neo's return to the fight, Diaz, but you lose 1500 from his attack."
The swordsman's blade flashed, and Diaz cried out, his life points dropping to 2600.
"My last card this turn." Yami drew one more card from his hand and turned it to face Diaz. "Ookazi. Another 800 points directly to your life. Your move."
"Sheez, dat's almost half his life in one round," Joey said. "Remind me again why I don't wanna be on his bad side."
"3600 to 1800 is exactly his remaining points." Mai kicked a foot idly in the air. "I think Yugi would've had more competition playing YOUR opponent, Joey."
"NOW who's playin' favorites?"
"I ALWAYS bet on a sure thing." She winked at Joey.
With a deep breath, Diaz played a card. "I use the magic of Eternal Rest to destroy all monsters equipped with an Equip Spell card. Since yours is the only monster on the field that qualifies, your Swordsman is no more." A dark mist swirled up around Neo and carried him off. "Now I will summon Cliff the Trap Remover, and have him attack you directly. Go!"
Yami winced as his life meter went from 4000 to 2800.
"This also activates one of Cliff's special effects. Each time he successfully deals damage to my opponent's Life Points, I may send 2 cards from the top of their deck to the Graveyard." Diaz smiled. "With one last card face-down, my turn is done."
"Well chosen and played." Yami drew; considered his cards.
'That's got to be a Magic or Trap card of some kind,' Yugi whispered, looking across the playing board. 'It's probably chosen to prevent us from just taking out the Trap Remover.'
I agree. A direct attack now wouldn't do us any good. Hmmm...
'That's kind of creepy.'
What is? Yami looked over at Yugi.
'Diaz. He's just staring over here. I know it's the distance and the fact I'm right beside you, but I'd SWEAR he was looking at me.'
Try to ignore him. We must concentrate on the Duel.
'You're right.' Yugi also studied Yami's cards. 'Maybe... the Witty Phantom?'
He isn't strong enough on his own, and if we do attack Diaz's creature, it may well fail. But I think you have part of the answer. "I will summon one card to the field, face-down in defense position," Yami said. "Then I play the trap card Ultimate Offering, giving up 500 Life Points to summon a second creature to the field." He set the second creature face down as well. "Finally, I play a second card here--" laying it in the Magic/Trap area again-- "and end my turn."
"Hmm. I seem to have a decision to make. Doubtless you wish me to attack." Diaz played a single card. "Then I will oblige you. Cliff! Attack his first concealed monster!"
"Wrong choice. That's my Wall of Illusion! Your Trap Remover is returned to your hand. Now, I reveal my other face down cards. Witty Phantom, equip yourself with the Sword of Dark Destruction and attack my foe directly!"
Diaz gasped. "No-!"
Diaz's Life Point meter plummeted to zero.
With a long, shuddering breath, Diaz stepped off the podium, leaning for a moment on Amos till he regained himself. "I... truly didn't expect that," he said. "You truly ARE the King of Games. I thought I'd last a little longer than that." He chuckled ruefully. "Well, I must pay my forfeit." He straightened, taking two Star Chips from his wristband, and held them out. "Your reward for victory."
Yami descended the stairs to meet Diaz and put his hand out, slender fingers closing over the stars--
And a ring of light sprang up around himself, Diaz and Amos, cutting the three of them off from the others.
"Forgive me," Diaz said quietly. "But you must be prepared to risk everything... to gain everything."
"What th' HELL?!" Joey jumped up, overturning his chair. "What're you doing you creep?!"
"Yugi!!" Tèa clenched a fist. "Pharoah..."
"C'mon, Joey!" Tristan also leapt up, only to be grabbed from behind and wrestled to the ground by Junon. "Wha-*uff* Hey, get OFF me you big lug!"
Junon shook his head a look of mingled regret and determination in his gaze. "Non, m'sieur, how you say... I can not."
In the ring, meanwhile, Yami was trying to pull his hand out of Diaz's grasp and failing. With a soft snarl he glared at the other man, the Millenium symbol flaring to life on his forehead and throwing its light over them all. "Release me," he ordered. "NOW."
"Forgive me," Diaz said again. "But you took something from me once. It is only right you should, yourself, give back what was taken." He reached out, then, with palm upturned, and put his hand into Yami's chest. It passed in seamlessly and Yami stiffened, eyes wide, then trembled and collapsed as Diaz withdrew his hand, cradling a shimmering globe of white/gold light, like a tiny sun, no bigger than a golf ball. He cupped it to him, staring down into its depths a moment. "Little Prince," he said, voice full of wonder and respect. "It IS you. At last." He smiled gently, the tender emotion only making the moment more frightening, somehow. "Don't be afraid. No harm will come to you. --Amos. Take us from this place," he ordered.
Amos set his teeth and raised a hand, drawing a symbol in mid-air (with obvious effort) that seemed to glow black. As he drew it, in its wake small pools of shadow seemed to form around the feet of the three-- Diaz, Junon and Amos. At once Junon released Tristan and stepped quicly back, getting well clear of the other young man.
Diaz looked out across the faces of the others. "Tell the King," he said, raising his voice to be heard, "that I will care for the Prince as if he were my own. Tell him it is useless to seek us. On the day when Isis finds Osirus, I shall be made whole-- and the King will be no more. Prepare yourselves. The Age of Chaos is upon you."
The trio dropped through the shadows at their feet, then, and vanished.
"YUGI!" Tèa vaulted Tristan as he was getting to his feet and ran to the crumpled form's side, dropping down beside him. "Yugi...?" She put her arms around him, realizing as she did he was shivering slightly. His face was white, his skin clammy. Shock, some part of her mind that'd actually been paying attantion in First Aid class said. He's going into shock. "Hey, I need a coat or something over here! We need to get him warm!"
At the sound of her shout, the figure seemed to rouse slightly, one hand coming up in slow motion, a feeble gesture before it dropped weakly to his chest. Amethyst eyes fluttered open, unfocussed, and looked up into Tèa's anxious face. "Ib-ih," he muttered, "fehn ib-ih..."
"What?!" Tèa stared. "I'm sorry, I don't-- oh no..." Gently she stroked the rainbow hair. "It's you, isn't it? It's the Pharoah. But where's YUGI?"
"Here you go, Tèa," Tristan said, kneeling by the pair and offering up his trench. "How bad is it?"
Tèa just shook her head. "The worst. It's the Pharoah. He's in shock. I, I think he's speaking Egyptian. I can't understand him. And I don't know what's wrong, why Yugi isn't here. I thought since they were in the same body, they're always together."
"Maybe Yugi's out cold, or in shock too."
Joey also dropped down on his knees, looking at his stricken friend. "We gotta get him out of da weather," he said tonelessly. "Tris, c'mon, let's see if we can turn one'a dose chairs into something we can carry him on." He gripped one of Yami's hands briefly. "Don't'cha worry, pal. We're gonna take good care of ya."
At the edge of the group, Yami Bakura stood watching, thoughts in turmoil. 'My heart,' he said. 'Where is my heart?' Unseen by anyone, he touched the Millenium Ring and whispered, "Ring, direct me to the location of Yugi Motoh."
The Ring failed to respond.
Impossible! The Ring can locate anything in this world!
Unless--
Is the boy dead? No... no. Diaz said something about caring for him. That must mean he has taken Yugi's soul. But if he HAS...
Then he has severed the link between the Pharoah and his Light. Or at least closed it down.
How ironic. For centuries I've dreamt of seeing the Pharoah thus, shattered at my feet. Now that my dream has come to pass, I find I do not like the sight of it. I like it none at all.
'Don't you know why?'
Yami Bakura half snarled You again! What now, brat? What are you babbling about.
Pale, ghostly, barely visible, Bakura faced his alter ego. 'You understand,' he said gently. 'You know what it would be like. You may not have much regard for me, or any respect at all-- but you wouldn't harm me. And you don't want to lose me, no matter what you say.'
You overestimate your importance to me.
'I do? Then why did you allow yourself to be beaten at Battle City? Or even better, if you can drive souls out of their bodies-- and I know you can-- why haven't you driven me out already?'
I-- Brought up short, Yami Bakura stuttered.
'You don't really want to be rid of me. You need me, just as Yami and Yugi need each other. I finally understand. I am YOUR Light, and you might coach it in selfish terms, but you won't ever let me come to any real harm.' Bakura looked sorrowfully at Yami, still lying on the ground. 'He's lost his heart-- and you know what that would feel like, because if you ever lost me...'
NONSENSE!
'Prove it then. Be rid of me once and for all.' Bakura spread his arms. 'Go on, I won't fight you. Do it.'
It doesn't suit me to do it now.
"Really? So sure, are you? Or is that just another excuse? I'm starting to see through you, you know. I'm starting to understand you. Can't say I like what I find-- but at least I'm beginning to see who you are and why you do the things you do. And... I might be feeling sorry for you.' Bakura lowered his arms. 'I know you don't think much of me, like I said. But, please... if you ever did anything, anything at all, out of the least bit of consideration for me... please try to help the Pharoah. You might be the only one that can.' Bakura drew closer, one wraithlike hand reaching to touch Yami Bakura's cheek. 'Ba-Khu'ra...'
My name... you know my TRUE name. How...
'I am you. You're me. We're the same person, somehow. I don't know the things you know, I don't understand the things you do. I don't have your strength. But you don't have my humanity. We're not complete without each other. For what it's worth... I forgive you.'
Gone, then, and behind him Bakura left a very shaken Thief.
****
Back at the shelter, Yami took the proffered cup of tea and held it with both hands. "Shepemot," he said listlessly, and sipped at it, eyes dull.
Gradually an idea pushed its way to the surface. Language.
He lifted his head, struggling to marshall his thoughts. He could see the others moving around, speaking quietly among themselves, but the words were alien to him. They sounded almost familar. He knew he should know what they were talking about.
But it isn't Kemet-ih. It's...
It isn't Egyptian.
Think. You must think. You must make yourself understood. You should know the words by now. You should've learned them, at least a few of them--
But Yugi isn't here, I don't have his memories--
A spasm of pain, and he hunched over, letting it wash past him without a sound. Yugi, Yugi. His partner, his other self. Their union had made it possible for him to be set free of the Puzzle, to understand this world so different than what he remembered. Because Yugi knew the languages of this place and time, he'd known them too.
He was adrift with no compass now, no map, no star to guide him.
Alone.
No. I'm not alone. My friends are here. They ARE my friends, as much as Yugi's. They will not desert me. He drained the mug and held it out towards Tèa. "Ihm sha--" he began, then stopped himself, forced himself to find the other words. "More... please."
I cannot go on like this. It's impossible. We must depart this place. I need time to regain my wits.
Is this how it was? This pain is so familiar. Did I lie in the darkness and howl when we were cast apart, 5000 years ago? Almighty Ra, god of light, lend me your strength, I pray you. I must not curl up like a wounded dog and wait to see if I live or die. Yugi, the others, need me to be strong. I was Pharoah, the Great House, the shelter of my people, the voice of the gods. A Pharoah does not lie down in the dust and give up. If they are here to be strong for me, I must be strong for them.
With all the strength of will he could muster, he made himself pay attention to the talk around him, trying to make sense of it where he could. It didn't ease the ache, but at least it kept him from falling back into the cold dark inside himself.
"He doesn't look so good," Tristan murmured.
"At least he looks like he's coming out of it a little. He's more alert." Mai heaved a sigh. "I can't say you people don't lead fun-filled lives. Every time I'm around, it just gets more interesting."
"Ya get used to it. This kind of oogy-boogy stuff happens to Yuge a lot." Joey rubbed his face. "Point is, whadda we do now? We don't even know what's wrong with him."
"It's like Yugi isn't even there." Tèa clasped her arms around herself. "You remember, when he was in the Shadow Duel, we could feel him. I can't feel him at all now. It's like there's a gap where he ought to be." Her face paled. "You don't think he's--"
"No, no, hold on there, Tèa." Bakura waved his hands. "Don't panic. I don't think Yugi's-- you know-- oh, bother, might as well say it. I don't think he's dead, all right? I don't think he's in immediate danger either, from some of the things that were said. But I do think we need to find him, and I think we ALL know who must have him."
"That Diaz creep." Tristan glowered. "I get my hands on him--"
"Take a number Tris, ya gotta wait in line. Lotsa folks here got dibs on that punk. And to think I told dat Amos guy he was a contender! I'ma bust HIS chops when I see him again, too."
"Cha-hm--"
"Huh?"
Yami snarled, irritated. With a visible effort he repeated, slowly, "Go. From here."
"Whazzat, pal?" Joey hunkered down, looking at Yami. "You want us t'go somewhere? Ya need some space?"
"No." Yami put a hand on Joey's shoulder. "Us. Me. From here. Away."
"You want to leave," Tèa said. "Go home, is that what you mean?"
Yami gave her a grateful look and nodded. "Jankenpon."
"He's got the right idea. I don't think he's in any condition to go on with the tournament, not like any of us are." Tristan held up a finger. "Trouble is, we got one major stumbling block to that."
Tèa rolled her eyes. "Kaiba."
"Yep, Kaiba. He's never listened to Yugi, uh, the Pharoah, uh, either of 'em, before. He's sure not going to listen when we tell him..." he trailed off. "What ARE we going to tell him?"
"The truth." Tèa shrugged. "Yugi's not able to complete the tournament. He's sick."
"Fat lotta chance that'll work. Remember what dat guy told us down at da dock? Dey gotta crew of doctors an' stuff here on the island 24-7. Kaiba calls 'em in, blahdy blah, nothin' wrong with him WE can find, more blahdy blah, get off ya duff an' back into da field."
"So we do an end-run around the doctors. We get down to the dock and get on the boat before Kaiba even knows we're near the beach."
"It sounds good so far." Mai tipped her head. "But how, exactly, do we 'do an end run' around Seta Kaiba?"
"We call in a favor with the lesser Kaiba." Tristan dug around in his pack and brought out a cell phone. "I got Mokuba's number after that whole thing with Anubis and gave him mine in case Kaiba started freaking out again. Now let's just hope..." Hitting the speed-dial, he held the phone to his ear. "One ringie dingie, two ring-- Yeah, uh, Mokuba Kaiba please. Tristan Taylor calling. I'm a friend of Yugi Motoh's..? Thanks." He mouthed, 'Call screening,' to the others, then waited. "Hiya, Mokuba. --Well, not so hot. That's why I'm calling. We need a huge favor here. We've got to withdraw from the tournament. --Ow!" He winced. "Wanna tune that down some? I can really hear you now, you know. --Yeah... yeah, that's what I said, withdraw. It's... kind of an emergency here. Yugi's.. um." He glanced over at Yami. "Yugi's kind of out of it.. he's not feeling himself." Hoo boy is that the truth.
"What? Oh, no...we really don't think he's in any condition to go on in the tournament, and you know none of us wanna be here without him. I'm really sorry about this but-- Ah, no. No, we're rather just go home. Yeah, I know. Yeah, I know. Yeah, I KNOW he's gonna pop his cork. But if anyone can talk to him... yeah, that's the huge favor part. We need you to run interference with your bro for us." Tristan nodded a couple of times. "Uh-huh. Yeah, tell me about it. Well, if he does, we'll just get past it somehow. Anyway, we're heading down to the boat-dock now, you think you can call ahead and let them know we've got to leave? 'Preciate it, guy. Later."
He tucked the phone away again and gave the group a thumbs-up. "Okay, Mokuba's going to try to slip it past Kaiba, but it's almost a guaranteed that hes going to make a big stink. Might be better for us if we were on the boat before Kaiba gets down here, so let's move."
A half hour's walk and they emerged from the forest, the boat dock ahead of them. There was already a small boat tied up at the wharf, obviously awaiting their arrival.
"All right, Mokuba!" Tristan exclaimed. "And no sign of Kai--" he broke off as a sudden wind kicked up, glancing skyward. "Oh, nutbunnies."
As everyone followed his gaze, they saw a KaibaCorp helicopter descending, and someone already out the door and standing on the landing strut, face grim as stone.
Seto Kaiba had arrived.
From his concealed position on the opposite side of the meadow, Pegasus shifted, stretching out one leg cautiously. The last thing he wanted was a leg cramp. Sitting still in one position wasn't trying on his nerves so much as it was trying on his body. "Mental note: buy a Nautilus exercise system," he murmured to himself.
Now, what are you three up to? Granted, I've never seen any of you Duel before, but... something tells me you're HOPING to be beaten. You're not throwing the game; oh no. That would be unwise with so many experienced Duelists around. Someone would spot you at it. There's some gambit on your mind and it has nothing to do with faking a loss. You want to lose fair and square. God, how I wish I had-- he stopped, shaking his head a fraction. No. No. Don't even think it. That's the same thing that brought you down the path of ruination before. The Millenium Eye is best well and truly out of your reach, Maximilian.
"Whazzup, Boss?" Buzz slithered out of the underbrush and crouched down beside Pegasus.
"Joey just trounced one of those three you saw last night. It wasn't an easy Duel either, but all my instincts are telling me something was still odd about it. Next up is little Yugi-- although, of course, it isn't Yugi we're looking at right now."
"His name is Diaz. Diaz Russio, according to the info in the KaibaCorp mainframe."
"Russio? Are you sure?" Pegasus looked taken aback. "But he's--"
"He's what?"
"Nothing."
"Aw, you KNOW I hate it when you hold out on me, Boss."
"Patience, dear friend, patience. It's a virtue you know." Pegasus tapped Buzz's nose lightly.
"Boss, ah, like this really needs to be pointed out, but, patience? Whazzat? I ain't got any. I'm an action guy, go go go go!"
"Settle DOWN. Do you want them to notice us?"
"Yessir. Sorry sir. Settling down now sir."
Are you ready, young one? Yami asked silently, shuffling his deck before setting it in place on the board.
'Yeah. Let's Duel!'
Yami drew his first card and glanced at it offhandedly. "I will set these two cards face down, and summon Neo the Magical Swordsman, in defense mode." As the figure flared to life on the holographic field, Yami nodded to Diaz. "Your move."
Diaz hesitated, staring across the field at Yami, a look of wonder crossing his features momentarily. Then he seemed to recall where he was and what he was doing and shook it off. "I... will play one card, and summon the Headless Knight in defense."
"If you are done, then..." Yami gestured. "Reveal my first face down card. Secret Barrel! For each card and creature in play on your side of the field, receive 200 points of direct damage to your life points!"
An empty spot on the field suddenly spun, revealing a cannon. Its beam lanced past Diaz's Headless Knight and struck him full on, staggering him. His points dropped 400 points immediately. "Uh!" he gasped.
"Yeaaaaah!" Joey jumped up from his chair, waving his fists in the air over his head. "Way ta go, Yuge! Trash him!"
"Gotta love that neutrality," Mai drawled, "you can tell Joey Wheeler doesn't play favorites."
Diaz drew his next card, studied his hand a second, then leaned forward. "I summon the Mysterious Puppeteer, in defense mode," he said. A figure wrapped in flowing Arabian robes, its face shrouded in shadow, appeared on the field and extended its hands, a tiny wooden marionette appearing between and hanging suspended as if by invisible strings from the Puppeteer's fingers.
"So long as he remains in play, my Life Points increase by 500 for each additional monster summoned-- including yours, Yugi," Diaz said. "So I would caution you to choose your creatures wisely-- since each of them will make me stronger."
"Ouch," Tristan muttered. "That means the more creatures Yugi brings to bear, the stronger he gets."
"And the more creatures HE plays too." Bakura leaned forward, watching with interest. "That means Yugi, or rather the Pharoah, is going to have to do exactly what Diaz said-- choose his creatures wisely. He's going to have to get rid of the Puppeteer, or concentrate on attacking Diaz with magic and traps more than with monsters."
"Yeah, I'm digging it." Tris took a breath, let it out slowly. "Well, nothing much we can do here except watch and cheer."
"And now, my second face-down card." Yami swept his hand in front of him. "Dark Hole, to destroy ALL monsters on the field, mine and yours alike." A sparkling whirlwind shot across the arena, wiping out everything.
"You... take me by surprise," Diaz forced out. "But you now leave yourself open, for my turn is next."
Yami smiled. "But I'm not finished yet. MONSTER REBORN! Come forth, Neo, and strike my foe, your power increased by the Book of Secret Arts! You may gain 500 points for Neo's return to the fight, Diaz, but you lose 1500 from his attack."
The swordsman's blade flashed, and Diaz cried out, his life points dropping to 2600.
"My last card this turn." Yami drew one more card from his hand and turned it to face Diaz. "Ookazi. Another 800 points directly to your life. Your move."
"Sheez, dat's almost half his life in one round," Joey said. "Remind me again why I don't wanna be on his bad side."
"3600 to 1800 is exactly his remaining points." Mai kicked a foot idly in the air. "I think Yugi would've had more competition playing YOUR opponent, Joey."
"NOW who's playin' favorites?"
"I ALWAYS bet on a sure thing." She winked at Joey.
With a deep breath, Diaz played a card. "I use the magic of Eternal Rest to destroy all monsters equipped with an Equip Spell card. Since yours is the only monster on the field that qualifies, your Swordsman is no more." A dark mist swirled up around Neo and carried him off. "Now I will summon Cliff the Trap Remover, and have him attack you directly. Go!"
Yami winced as his life meter went from 4000 to 2800.
"This also activates one of Cliff's special effects. Each time he successfully deals damage to my opponent's Life Points, I may send 2 cards from the top of their deck to the Graveyard." Diaz smiled. "With one last card face-down, my turn is done."
"Well chosen and played." Yami drew; considered his cards.
'That's got to be a Magic or Trap card of some kind,' Yugi whispered, looking across the playing board. 'It's probably chosen to prevent us from just taking out the Trap Remover.'
I agree. A direct attack now wouldn't do us any good. Hmmm...
'That's kind of creepy.'
What is? Yami looked over at Yugi.
'Diaz. He's just staring over here. I know it's the distance and the fact I'm right beside you, but I'd SWEAR he was looking at me.'
Try to ignore him. We must concentrate on the Duel.
'You're right.' Yugi also studied Yami's cards. 'Maybe... the Witty Phantom?'
He isn't strong enough on his own, and if we do attack Diaz's creature, it may well fail. But I think you have part of the answer. "I will summon one card to the field, face-down in defense position," Yami said. "Then I play the trap card Ultimate Offering, giving up 500 Life Points to summon a second creature to the field." He set the second creature face down as well. "Finally, I play a second card here--" laying it in the Magic/Trap area again-- "and end my turn."
"Hmm. I seem to have a decision to make. Doubtless you wish me to attack." Diaz played a single card. "Then I will oblige you. Cliff! Attack his first concealed monster!"
"Wrong choice. That's my Wall of Illusion! Your Trap Remover is returned to your hand. Now, I reveal my other face down cards. Witty Phantom, equip yourself with the Sword of Dark Destruction and attack my foe directly!"
Diaz gasped. "No-!"
Diaz's Life Point meter plummeted to zero.
With a long, shuddering breath, Diaz stepped off the podium, leaning for a moment on Amos till he regained himself. "I... truly didn't expect that," he said. "You truly ARE the King of Games. I thought I'd last a little longer than that." He chuckled ruefully. "Well, I must pay my forfeit." He straightened, taking two Star Chips from his wristband, and held them out. "Your reward for victory."
Yami descended the stairs to meet Diaz and put his hand out, slender fingers closing over the stars--
And a ring of light sprang up around himself, Diaz and Amos, cutting the three of them off from the others.
"Forgive me," Diaz said quietly. "But you must be prepared to risk everything... to gain everything."
"What th' HELL?!" Joey jumped up, overturning his chair. "What're you doing you creep?!"
"Yugi!!" Tèa clenched a fist. "Pharoah..."
"C'mon, Joey!" Tristan also leapt up, only to be grabbed from behind and wrestled to the ground by Junon. "Wha-*uff* Hey, get OFF me you big lug!"
Junon shook his head a look of mingled regret and determination in his gaze. "Non, m'sieur, how you say... I can not."
In the ring, meanwhile, Yami was trying to pull his hand out of Diaz's grasp and failing. With a soft snarl he glared at the other man, the Millenium symbol flaring to life on his forehead and throwing its light over them all. "Release me," he ordered. "NOW."
"Forgive me," Diaz said again. "But you took something from me once. It is only right you should, yourself, give back what was taken." He reached out, then, with palm upturned, and put his hand into Yami's chest. It passed in seamlessly and Yami stiffened, eyes wide, then trembled and collapsed as Diaz withdrew his hand, cradling a shimmering globe of white/gold light, like a tiny sun, no bigger than a golf ball. He cupped it to him, staring down into its depths a moment. "Little Prince," he said, voice full of wonder and respect. "It IS you. At last." He smiled gently, the tender emotion only making the moment more frightening, somehow. "Don't be afraid. No harm will come to you. --Amos. Take us from this place," he ordered.
Amos set his teeth and raised a hand, drawing a symbol in mid-air (with obvious effort) that seemed to glow black. As he drew it, in its wake small pools of shadow seemed to form around the feet of the three-- Diaz, Junon and Amos. At once Junon released Tristan and stepped quicly back, getting well clear of the other young man.
Diaz looked out across the faces of the others. "Tell the King," he said, raising his voice to be heard, "that I will care for the Prince as if he were my own. Tell him it is useless to seek us. On the day when Isis finds Osirus, I shall be made whole-- and the King will be no more. Prepare yourselves. The Age of Chaos is upon you."
The trio dropped through the shadows at their feet, then, and vanished.
"YUGI!" Tèa vaulted Tristan as he was getting to his feet and ran to the crumpled form's side, dropping down beside him. "Yugi...?" She put her arms around him, realizing as she did he was shivering slightly. His face was white, his skin clammy. Shock, some part of her mind that'd actually been paying attantion in First Aid class said. He's going into shock. "Hey, I need a coat or something over here! We need to get him warm!"
At the sound of her shout, the figure seemed to rouse slightly, one hand coming up in slow motion, a feeble gesture before it dropped weakly to his chest. Amethyst eyes fluttered open, unfocussed, and looked up into Tèa's anxious face. "Ib-ih," he muttered, "fehn ib-ih..."
"What?!" Tèa stared. "I'm sorry, I don't-- oh no..." Gently she stroked the rainbow hair. "It's you, isn't it? It's the Pharoah. But where's YUGI?"
"Here you go, Tèa," Tristan said, kneeling by the pair and offering up his trench. "How bad is it?"
Tèa just shook her head. "The worst. It's the Pharoah. He's in shock. I, I think he's speaking Egyptian. I can't understand him. And I don't know what's wrong, why Yugi isn't here. I thought since they were in the same body, they're always together."
"Maybe Yugi's out cold, or in shock too."
Joey also dropped down on his knees, looking at his stricken friend. "We gotta get him out of da weather," he said tonelessly. "Tris, c'mon, let's see if we can turn one'a dose chairs into something we can carry him on." He gripped one of Yami's hands briefly. "Don't'cha worry, pal. We're gonna take good care of ya."
At the edge of the group, Yami Bakura stood watching, thoughts in turmoil. 'My heart,' he said. 'Where is my heart?' Unseen by anyone, he touched the Millenium Ring and whispered, "Ring, direct me to the location of Yugi Motoh."
The Ring failed to respond.
Impossible! The Ring can locate anything in this world!
Unless--
Is the boy dead? No... no. Diaz said something about caring for him. That must mean he has taken Yugi's soul. But if he HAS...
Then he has severed the link between the Pharoah and his Light. Or at least closed it down.
How ironic. For centuries I've dreamt of seeing the Pharoah thus, shattered at my feet. Now that my dream has come to pass, I find I do not like the sight of it. I like it none at all.
'Don't you know why?'
Yami Bakura half snarled You again! What now, brat? What are you babbling about.
Pale, ghostly, barely visible, Bakura faced his alter ego. 'You understand,' he said gently. 'You know what it would be like. You may not have much regard for me, or any respect at all-- but you wouldn't harm me. And you don't want to lose me, no matter what you say.'
You overestimate your importance to me.
'I do? Then why did you allow yourself to be beaten at Battle City? Or even better, if you can drive souls out of their bodies-- and I know you can-- why haven't you driven me out already?'
I-- Brought up short, Yami Bakura stuttered.
'You don't really want to be rid of me. You need me, just as Yami and Yugi need each other. I finally understand. I am YOUR Light, and you might coach it in selfish terms, but you won't ever let me come to any real harm.' Bakura looked sorrowfully at Yami, still lying on the ground. 'He's lost his heart-- and you know what that would feel like, because if you ever lost me...'
NONSENSE!
'Prove it then. Be rid of me once and for all.' Bakura spread his arms. 'Go on, I won't fight you. Do it.'
It doesn't suit me to do it now.
"Really? So sure, are you? Or is that just another excuse? I'm starting to see through you, you know. I'm starting to understand you. Can't say I like what I find-- but at least I'm beginning to see who you are and why you do the things you do. And... I might be feeling sorry for you.' Bakura lowered his arms. 'I know you don't think much of me, like I said. But, please... if you ever did anything, anything at all, out of the least bit of consideration for me... please try to help the Pharoah. You might be the only one that can.' Bakura drew closer, one wraithlike hand reaching to touch Yami Bakura's cheek. 'Ba-Khu'ra...'
My name... you know my TRUE name. How...
'I am you. You're me. We're the same person, somehow. I don't know the things you know, I don't understand the things you do. I don't have your strength. But you don't have my humanity. We're not complete without each other. For what it's worth... I forgive you.'
Gone, then, and behind him Bakura left a very shaken Thief.
****
Back at the shelter, Yami took the proffered cup of tea and held it with both hands. "Shepemot," he said listlessly, and sipped at it, eyes dull.
Gradually an idea pushed its way to the surface. Language.
He lifted his head, struggling to marshall his thoughts. He could see the others moving around, speaking quietly among themselves, but the words were alien to him. They sounded almost familar. He knew he should know what they were talking about.
But it isn't Kemet-ih. It's...
It isn't Egyptian.
Think. You must think. You must make yourself understood. You should know the words by now. You should've learned them, at least a few of them--
But Yugi isn't here, I don't have his memories--
A spasm of pain, and he hunched over, letting it wash past him without a sound. Yugi, Yugi. His partner, his other self. Their union had made it possible for him to be set free of the Puzzle, to understand this world so different than what he remembered. Because Yugi knew the languages of this place and time, he'd known them too.
He was adrift with no compass now, no map, no star to guide him.
Alone.
No. I'm not alone. My friends are here. They ARE my friends, as much as Yugi's. They will not desert me. He drained the mug and held it out towards Tèa. "Ihm sha--" he began, then stopped himself, forced himself to find the other words. "More... please."
I cannot go on like this. It's impossible. We must depart this place. I need time to regain my wits.
Is this how it was? This pain is so familiar. Did I lie in the darkness and howl when we were cast apart, 5000 years ago? Almighty Ra, god of light, lend me your strength, I pray you. I must not curl up like a wounded dog and wait to see if I live or die. Yugi, the others, need me to be strong. I was Pharoah, the Great House, the shelter of my people, the voice of the gods. A Pharoah does not lie down in the dust and give up. If they are here to be strong for me, I must be strong for them.
With all the strength of will he could muster, he made himself pay attention to the talk around him, trying to make sense of it where he could. It didn't ease the ache, but at least it kept him from falling back into the cold dark inside himself.
"He doesn't look so good," Tristan murmured.
"At least he looks like he's coming out of it a little. He's more alert." Mai heaved a sigh. "I can't say you people don't lead fun-filled lives. Every time I'm around, it just gets more interesting."
"Ya get used to it. This kind of oogy-boogy stuff happens to Yuge a lot." Joey rubbed his face. "Point is, whadda we do now? We don't even know what's wrong with him."
"It's like Yugi isn't even there." Tèa clasped her arms around herself. "You remember, when he was in the Shadow Duel, we could feel him. I can't feel him at all now. It's like there's a gap where he ought to be." Her face paled. "You don't think he's--"
"No, no, hold on there, Tèa." Bakura waved his hands. "Don't panic. I don't think Yugi's-- you know-- oh, bother, might as well say it. I don't think he's dead, all right? I don't think he's in immediate danger either, from some of the things that were said. But I do think we need to find him, and I think we ALL know who must have him."
"That Diaz creep." Tristan glowered. "I get my hands on him--"
"Take a number Tris, ya gotta wait in line. Lotsa folks here got dibs on that punk. And to think I told dat Amos guy he was a contender! I'ma bust HIS chops when I see him again, too."
"Cha-hm--"
"Huh?"
Yami snarled, irritated. With a visible effort he repeated, slowly, "Go. From here."
"Whazzat, pal?" Joey hunkered down, looking at Yami. "You want us t'go somewhere? Ya need some space?"
"No." Yami put a hand on Joey's shoulder. "Us. Me. From here. Away."
"You want to leave," Tèa said. "Go home, is that what you mean?"
Yami gave her a grateful look and nodded. "Jankenpon."
"He's got the right idea. I don't think he's in any condition to go on with the tournament, not like any of us are." Tristan held up a finger. "Trouble is, we got one major stumbling block to that."
Tèa rolled her eyes. "Kaiba."
"Yep, Kaiba. He's never listened to Yugi, uh, the Pharoah, uh, either of 'em, before. He's sure not going to listen when we tell him..." he trailed off. "What ARE we going to tell him?"
"The truth." Tèa shrugged. "Yugi's not able to complete the tournament. He's sick."
"Fat lotta chance that'll work. Remember what dat guy told us down at da dock? Dey gotta crew of doctors an' stuff here on the island 24-7. Kaiba calls 'em in, blahdy blah, nothin' wrong with him WE can find, more blahdy blah, get off ya duff an' back into da field."
"So we do an end-run around the doctors. We get down to the dock and get on the boat before Kaiba even knows we're near the beach."
"It sounds good so far." Mai tipped her head. "But how, exactly, do we 'do an end run' around Seta Kaiba?"
"We call in a favor with the lesser Kaiba." Tristan dug around in his pack and brought out a cell phone. "I got Mokuba's number after that whole thing with Anubis and gave him mine in case Kaiba started freaking out again. Now let's just hope..." Hitting the speed-dial, he held the phone to his ear. "One ringie dingie, two ring-- Yeah, uh, Mokuba Kaiba please. Tristan Taylor calling. I'm a friend of Yugi Motoh's..? Thanks." He mouthed, 'Call screening,' to the others, then waited. "Hiya, Mokuba. --Well, not so hot. That's why I'm calling. We need a huge favor here. We've got to withdraw from the tournament. --Ow!" He winced. "Wanna tune that down some? I can really hear you now, you know. --Yeah... yeah, that's what I said, withdraw. It's... kind of an emergency here. Yugi's.. um." He glanced over at Yami. "Yugi's kind of out of it.. he's not feeling himself." Hoo boy is that the truth.
"What? Oh, no...we really don't think he's in any condition to go on in the tournament, and you know none of us wanna be here without him. I'm really sorry about this but-- Ah, no. No, we're rather just go home. Yeah, I know. Yeah, I know. Yeah, I KNOW he's gonna pop his cork. But if anyone can talk to him... yeah, that's the huge favor part. We need you to run interference with your bro for us." Tristan nodded a couple of times. "Uh-huh. Yeah, tell me about it. Well, if he does, we'll just get past it somehow. Anyway, we're heading down to the boat-dock now, you think you can call ahead and let them know we've got to leave? 'Preciate it, guy. Later."
He tucked the phone away again and gave the group a thumbs-up. "Okay, Mokuba's going to try to slip it past Kaiba, but it's almost a guaranteed that hes going to make a big stink. Might be better for us if we were on the boat before Kaiba gets down here, so let's move."
A half hour's walk and they emerged from the forest, the boat dock ahead of them. There was already a small boat tied up at the wharf, obviously awaiting their arrival.
"All right, Mokuba!" Tristan exclaimed. "And no sign of Kai--" he broke off as a sudden wind kicked up, glancing skyward. "Oh, nutbunnies."
As everyone followed his gaze, they saw a KaibaCorp helicopter descending, and someone already out the door and standing on the landing strut, face grim as stone.
Seto Kaiba had arrived.