Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Yugioh The College Years: The Different Story ❯ Chapter 7
[ 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: 11.07.2005 | Pages: 5 | Words: 6.2K | Visits: 246 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.07.2005 | Pages: 5 | Words: 6.2K | Visits: 246 | Status: Work In Progress
CHAPTER 7
Tristan stretched and cracked his neck, trying to ease some of the tension out of it. "I like websurfing," he murmured to himself, "but I think I'm getting webwaterlogged." He looked over to his left, where Pegasus (still getting used to that, who would've thought?) was running his own research, trying to track down Diaz. "Gonna grab a break, man," he said. "Can I get you anything?"
"Some coffee might be nice, thank you." As Tristan continuted to stand there, Pegasus glanced up. "Something?"
"Ah, don't mind me. I'm still tripping out over all this. Mostly you sitting in our living room at the moment." Tristan paused, searching for the right words, then added, "You... do a pretty good job of hiding the real Maximilian Pegasus."
"Hm." Pegasus chuckled. "I suppose I do. Second nature by now."
"How d'you take that coffee?"
"Three sugars, one cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon if you have it."
"Be right back." On his way to the kitchen, Tristan peered out the front window. Yami was sitting on the porchsteps, head lowered. He'd been sitting out there almost since they arrived. Something in his posture had told the others he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Can't be good for him, brooding like that. We're all worried about Yugi, about what that nutjob Diaz means to do with him, but I get the feeling the Pharoah blames himself for all of this, and the more he thinks about it, the worse things are getting.
How MUCH worse, no one knew but Yami himself, and he was doing his best to conceal it. Deep within him a red fury was building. Part of him wanted to call forth the God-Monsters and hunt Diaz down, no matter how long it took, no matter what or who he had to move through to do it.
Is that not my right? I am the voice of the gods. If I so choose, no one is above my judgement. There must be someone who knows where Diaz has gone. They will tell me, or I will leave their cities broken to dust around them-- Yami caught himself, made his clenched fists open. No. No. Patience. I am not a destroyer. Diaz deserves my vengeance, but there are too many innocent lives that would suffer if they were caught between us.
What of it? whispered that darker side. I am Pharoah! Let the world tremble before me, and soon enough they would bring Diaz to me. I need only put forth my hand--
NO! Yami set his teeth and pushed that line of thought away.
For the moment.
Yugi... Yami drew a deep, shuddering breath, let it out slowly. How wrong you were, we both were. You've always felt you needed me more than I needed you. Now, see, the truth at last. Without you, I'm losing my compassion, my humanity. My... He laughed softly, bitterly. My humility. How ironic. The very pride and arrogance you reminded me I must master now threaten to master ME. I myself may become as monstrous as anything ever unleashed by those I've fought against in the past.
But not without a struggle.
A hand on his shoulder. Yami jerked, startled. "Tèa," he said, relaxing.
Tèa held out a small tray with a glass and a sandwich. "You need to eat. I don't guess ghosts get hungry, but right now you're not a ghost."
"No. I am very solid. Thank you." He accepted the tray of food and set it atop his knees. "Anything?"
"Nothing yet. They've been going at it pretty solidly for the past four hours, though, I'm sure they'll find something soon." Taking a seat, Tèa peered into Yami's face. "It'll be all right, Pharoah. We'll find him. We're doing everything we can."
"I know. It.. doesn't make the waiting any easier." Yami studied her. "...Forgive me."
"Huh? For what?"
"For... everything. For losing him. For bringing him, and all of you, into this to begin with. There are times I feel that my release from the Puzzle and my association with Yugi has been more of a burden to him, and by extension all of you, than a blessing."
"That's not your fault, and nobody thinks of you as a 'burden'.. Okay, sure, things have been... more than a little extreme at times. You're not holding us hostage, you know. Any of us-- me, Joey, Tristan, Mai, all Yugi's other friends-- we could all walk away from this if it got too much. We COULD," she insisted as the Spirit shook his head. "We don't, because we believe that if we all stick together, we can get through any problems. Look at it this way, at least the world isn't threatening to fall apart around us."
"Right now," muttered Yami. Then he smiled a bit. "You're right, Tèa. There have been times when all hope seemed lost, yet we survived. I must hold onto that hope, or there's no use trying to begin with."
"THAT's the spirit." Tèa giggled. "Sorry, pun unintentional."
"Don't apologize. I need something to laugh about." Yami gazed off into the distance.
"Oh-oh, there you go again, drifting off into your own little world." Tèa waved a hand in front of his eyes. "Just like our 'date', remember?"
"I'll never forget. That was all Yugi's idea, you know. I had nothing to do with it. Not that it wasn't enjoyable, however. Please don't think I found your company tedious."
"You know, I never did really thank you for taking that Johnny Steps guy down a peg or two." Tèa smiled. "Looking back, he wasn't really such a bad guy, was he? He just thought he had to be a certain way to impress people. That's something a lot of us think, that we have to do certain things or act a certain way to get along in the world." Gently she put a hand atop his. "It's okay, sometimes, to let other people know we need help, or to let them know how we feel about them. I think that's really what Yugi was trying to show you that day. I just wish it didn't always take a kick in the seat from life to get us to realize it, but some people are pretty hard-headed, huh? That goes for... for both of us."
"I..." Yami fell silent. Hesitantly, almost shyly, he reached out, put his hand atop Tèa's. "Tèa..."
"This isn't the time, I know. But we have a lot to talk about, the three of us." Tèa leaned over and gave Yami a gentle kiss on the cheek. "We'll get Yugi back. I know we will. And when we do, I'm going to tell him exactly what I'm telling you now: both of you are important to me and I don't want to lose either one of you." Giving his hand a little squeeze, Tèa let go and stood up, dusting off her jeans and opening the door. "I'm going back inside, see if there's anything I can do to help. If nothing else, I can start a fresh pot of coffee, though I think if Joey gets one more ounce of caffeine in him he'll explode. Good thing Mai's here to keep him reined in."
"YAHOO!"
"Huh?" Tèa stopped, looking down at the doorknob in her hand. "I haven't even gotten into the kitchen y--EEP! JOEY! Put me DOWN!"
"We found it, we found it!" Joey danced around, Tèa half-slung over his shoulders. "WaaaaHOO! Tris an' Peggy found Diaz!"
"Is it true?" Yami pushed his way past the pair. "Where?"
Pegasus turned in his chair. "Ladies and gentlemen, our next port of call is indeed Las Vegas. There is a fairly new casino on the Strip called 'L'Roi Des Jeux'. It's owned and operated by Sun Enterprises, which turns out to be a subsidiary of a certain Ragnarok Corporation. Ragnarok's CEO is... wait for it... Diaz Russio. I'd say that was a pretty large indicator, wouldn't you, hmmm? Particularly since the NAME of the casino translates as-? Any guesses?"
"Sounds familiar," Mai said, frowning in concentration. "That's French. L'Roi is 'king'... oh." Her face paled slightly. "It means... King of Games."
The faintly amused look dropped from Pegasus's face. "Indeed. Diaz has been planning this quite some time, and taunting the whole world with it."
Tristan smacked one fist into the palm of the opposite hand. "Yeah, well, we're going to do a little more than taunt him. So what's the plan? Busting in and finding out where they've got Yugi locked up sounds good on the surface, but somehow I get the idea that's exactly what they want us to do."
"You bet it is." Mai folded her arms. "That would be just too easy, wouldn't it? We make a fuss, casino security escorts us behind the walls and we're never heard from again."
"Let's get there, to begin with. I'll get the plane reservations made." Pegasus moved over to the phone and dialled a number. Yami watched him go, then looked to the others. "I will return," he said simply, and left the room.
"Where d'you think he's going?" Tristan asked Joey.
"I know where SOMEONE's going if he doesn't put me down," gritted Tèa. "Straight to the emergency ward."
**********
"Where are you, Thief?" Yami fingered the Puzzle as he walked around the house and into the back yard. "I know you're near. I wish to speak with you. Now."
"As Your Majesty commands." Ba-Khu'ra stepped out of the shadows. "What does the Lord of Egypt require of me?"
"Do NOT tempt me." Yami's eyes were cold. "It is more than your life is worth to give me any reason to be displeased with you at this time."
"How interesting." Ba-Khu'ra leaned on a tree idly. "Well, you have my attention, Pharoah."
"We will need all our resources if we are to make an assault on Diaz. He has magics at his disposal which we are unfamiliar with, and if we are correct, he has Yugi concealed somewhere in a place of business in Las Vegas, rather than in a private residence. Cunning and caution must be our bywords."
"A reasonable approach to the problem, but I fail to see what part you wish ME to play in this."
"You will be instrumental, but that is something we will discuss later. The present reason I wished to speak with you is that I require something of you. Earlier, you said the Millenium Eye was safe, hidden somewhere only you could find. I wish you to retrieve it and give it to me."
The Thief raised an eyebrow. "Oh really. And why do you imagine I would give back something that is mine by right? I won it from Pegasus in a Duel."
"I don't care how you came by it. I want it back. Ultimately the Millenium Items are mine to do with as I will. I AM, as you've acknowledged, Pharoah, no matter how mockingly it may've been said. You are as I am, an ancient spirit from Egypt, brought forth in this time by the power of a Millenium item, and as such I can also lay claim to being your rightful ruler. I'm willing to leave the Ring in your possession, but I WILL have the Eye."
"Now you truly do intrigue me, Pharoah. Have you at last begun to covet the power the Millenium Items represent?"
"You'd like that, wouldn't you? I don't know what argument you have with me, Ba-Khu'ra, but I'm sure you'll explain it to me, the moment you feel you have the upper hand. That is no concern of mine at this point, either. All I want is Yugi's safe return... and for that, I must have the Eye."
"I'm afraid I can't agree with that, Your Majesty."
"Your agreement is not necessary, only your obediance." The Eye symbol on the Puzzle lit up, echoing the symbol that flared into dazzling light on Yami's brow. "I am not of a kindly nature at this point, Ba-Khu'ra. If you do not agree to bring it to me willingly, I will tear the secret of its location from your thoughts by force." He smiled, the expression turning his eyes cruel instead of kind. "As you and I both know, the Puzzle is not designed for that purpose, so doubtless when I am done your mind will be less than whole. Choose your next answer carefully, then. Will you go and fetch me the Eye as I request?"
Ba-Khu'ra held perfectly still. The Pharoah's eyes were burning a deep crimson red, and there was no hesitation in their gaze; the Thief felt utterly assured Yami meant what he'd said. There is no compassion in him, he marveled.
'Of course not.' Bakura stood at the Thief's shoulder, looking coolly over it at the Pharoah. 'Diaz took his compassion. They're not just in two different locations; Diaz has somehow cut Yami completely off from Yugi. There's no balance any more, no inhibition, no consideration.' He favored Ba-Khu'ra with a sunny smile. 'I think you'd better give it to him.'
Did I ask for your input?!
'No. But I AM here. I'm part of this equation too. Do you want me destroyed along with you?'
Ba-Khu'ra grimaced. ...No, he reluctantly admitted.
'I didn't think so. Shall we?'
The Thief bowed his head. "I will bring the Eye," he agreed sullenly.
"A wise decision."
Laying a hand to the Millenium Ring, Ba-Khu'ra concentrated. A small patch of the air turned to shadow. He reached into the darkness, feeling about for a moment, then withdrew his hand and held it out to Yami. "Here."
Yami took the golden orb and studied it. "Good. You haven't attempted to deceive me. That wouldn't have been the best idea you ever had." He closed a fist about the Eye. "You will be traveling with us to Las Vegas. I will make further plans there, once we have seen what we are up against. I expect your full cooperation, without a repeat of this talk. Am I understood?"
"Hm." Ba-Khu'ra snorted, amused. "You know, for the first time, I'm almost starting to feel a little respect for you, Pharoah. --Yes, I understand. There won't be a need for us to have this.. 'talk'... again. But I do request the right to make any reservations I have known, not out of defiance, but out of practicality. I know more about the retrieval of... mislaid objects... than any of you do."
"When you offer me constructive advice, I will listen," Yami agreed.
"Then I am content."
Without another word, Yami turned on his heel and left.
**********
"Pegasus."
Everyone turned to look that way. "Oh oh, storm clouds blowin' in," Joey said under his breath. "Wonder what Peggy did..."
"I dunno, man." Tristan also watched as Yami strode across the room. "He's been on kind of a hair trigger..."
"Hey, didja figure that out on ya own, or did somebody tell ya?"
Stopping in front of Pegasus, Yami looked up at him measuringly. "You told us that you regretted what you did in Duelist Kingdom. Do you truly wish to make amends?"
"I... but--"
"No. No 'but'. Yes, or no?"
"Yes. Yes, of course. Any reasonable human being would. But there IS no making up for it. I've already accepted that fact."
"Did you not wrong Yugi and I most of all? Wasn't Duelist Kingdom aimed primarily at us?"
"Yes..." Pegasus looked uncomfortable. "What is the point of all of this?"
"You will agree that as the party most wronged, it is within my right to decide what is and is not reparation, will you not?"
"That's... that's justifiable, yes, I believe I could accept that viewpoint."
"Then I will tell you how you may atone in full." Yami held out his hand, on which lay a glittering golden orb. "Take back the Millenium Eye, and use it in MY service, as one of my companions and advisors. If you do, I will hold whatever debt you owe me from those prior actions cancelled in perpetuity."
"WHAT da-! Jeez, am I hearin' dis? Yami, uh, Pharoah, uh, whatever, 'scuse me, but have you gone NUTS or somethin'?!" Joey pushed forward. "I admit, Peggy here's been on da up an' up with us so far, but are you really sure you wanna sock that creepy Eye back into his head? Ain't dat what got us into trouble with him in da FIRST place?"
"I'm with Joe on this one," Tristan agreed. "How do we know Pegasus... I mean, what if the Eye does something and he spazzes out on us again?"
"We don't." Yami's eyes never left Pegasus. "But HE does." Softly he added, "I am giving you the chance to prove yourself, Pegasus, to the one who truly matters in this room. Shadi chose you as the bearer of the Millenium Eye. I cannot believe that he did so without reason, nor do I believe his judgement erred, only his timing. You were not prepared for the Eye then.
"You have run from it long enough. You have refused to face your fears long enough. Have you the courage to stand and fight? Have you the will to live your own life, rather than hide in your castle?"
Silence, broken only by Pegasus's shaky breaths as he stared at the Eye. One hand, faintly trembling, came up to touch, then close around, the cool metal orb. Turning away, he said over one shoulder, "This... might be a little unpleasant. I think I'll go upstairs, if you don't mind. Please overlook any... sounds."
"Boss..." from nowhere Busby appeared. "Do you want me to--"
"No. No, Doppleganger. Remain here. I have to make this choice alone." Pegasus walked up the staircase and into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. He steadied his hands, staring down at the Millenium Eye, which stared back at him dispassionately. He could already feel the power stirring in it, there for the taking. "Do I?" he whispered. "Do I have the courage?"
Haven't I been running long enough?
Isn't the Pharoah right about that?
One breath; another, on the exhalation of the third Pegasus thrust his palm up, shoving the Eye into the empty socket. He cried out in agony as the scar tissue stretched and tore, and screamed again when a searing pain pierced his head. Dropping to the floor, he writhed, feeling the Eye burning its way into him, forcing the flesh on that side to regenerate so that it could interweave itself into his optic nerve.
Then the pain stopped. In its place a blessed coolness, soothing, calming. Slowly Pegasus forced himself to his feet, fumbled for the cold water tap, splashed his face with water. After a few seconds he looked up.
In the mirror, one brown eye, one golden eye, and for the first time in years his depth perception was normal. As he watched, the edges of his vision blurred, layers overlapping as the Eye began to expand its vision into other realms. From below him the buzz of thought began to filter in as well, the words not entirely clear yet, but so easy to hear, all he had to do was Look--
With a supreme effort of will, Pegasus closed the Eye. Not literally closed it; merely shut it down, so that all he could see, all he could perceive, was the immediate physical world around him. It was something akin to tuning into a single conversation in the middle of a hundred others, and willfully shutting out all but what you wished to pay attention to. Difficult, but not impossible.
It was something he'd never done before. The last time he'd had the Eye, he'd let its sight fill his mind. He'd used it, constantly, without reserve, sometimes simply for the pleasure of being able to know. That was the danger of it, after all, the very human inclination to know, to understand, to SEE things no one else could. To gloat over the information stolen from minds that didn't even realize they were being pried into, their every secret and shame laid bare. To use that stolen information and turn things in his favor. Always in his favor.
It was still there, that temptation. It always would be, he knew it.
It no longer ruled him.
"Free," he whispered. "I'm free of it... I've done it..." He laughed aloud, for sheer joy and relief, then shouted, "I AM THE MASTER OF THE MILLENIUM EYE!"
Downstairs, Joey coked his head at the shout, then looked at Yami. "You sure about dis, pal?" he said quietly.
"I'm sure, Joey. Thank you for trusting me... and for speaking up when you thought I was making a mistake." Yami put a hand on the other boy's shoulder. "You... I value you very highly."
"Eyyyyy... Don't sweat it. I know who my friends are. I'm standin' right here with 'em. And dat's exactly where I'm gonna be. Don't worry, you ain't gettin' rid of Joey Wheeler any time soon." He gave Yami's hair a brief scuffing. "Just remember, King or not, I'm still bigger than you are. If I've gotta kick you in da pants to get you to wise up, I will."
"All this bonding is really nice," Mai said, "but does anyone remember we have a plane to catch?"
**********
They touched down to grey skies that made the elaborate buildings seem ghostly, even with their colors and signs. Everywhere the signs, bright, gaudy with an air of perpertual Carnival.
A shrine to the Gods of Chance.
A hell for the ones without luck.
Las Vegas.
"Welcome to McCarran International Airport," the PA announced as the group moved through the terminal. "It is currently fifty-seven degrees and partly cloudy. Passenger pickup and drop-off is located on Level One of the Parking Garage. Convenience hotel check-in for the MGM Grand and Caesar's Entertainment hotels is located at Terminal One, Level One, near Baggage Claim. A variety of shuttle services, taxi stands, limousine services and car rentals are also accessible from the north, east and west sides of the baggage claim area. Thank you for visiting Las Vegas, and have a great day."
No one had much to say as they exited the terminal. Sensing this, perhaps, Pegasus just scanned the crowd of hopeful taxi drivers, tired travelers, tourists talking too loudly and excitedly, and settled on a lone grey limo, its smoked windows revealing nothing of what lay inside. "There's our ride." he said.
"Pretty cool," Tristan said. "How much is this setting you back, if you don't mind my asking?"
"Nothing at all. It's part of the family fleet."
"Wow." Tèa goggled. "Joey's right, we need to get one of these."
"Oh, you get tired of them soon enough." Mai's eyes twinkled. "Why do you think I prefer my Mustang?"
The limo took them out of town several miles, into the countryside surrounding the city. Once away from civilization, the land took on a bleak, abandoned air, as if it'd never heard of humankind and its works. It was something of a surprise to top a rise and see laid out before them a rolling green expanse, neatly fenced in, with horses galloping along the fencelines as they drove past. Wrought iron gates set in stone swung open, revealing a winding drive through, of all things, a light tree line.
"It's like an oasis," Tèa breathed. "What in the world-?"
"Artisian wells. Wonderful what you can accomplish in the desert with abundant water and lots of money for landscaping." As they drew up to the large Georgian-style house, Pegasus gestured. "Welcome to the family manor, everyone."
Joey tapped the window, indicating what lay beyond. "Family manor, as in YOUR family?"
"Mm-hmm." Pegasus nodded. "I thought it would be a little more private and discreet than a hotel."
"How many houses DO ya got?"
"Counting this one? Oo. The castle, here, the chalet in Switzerland, the beachhouse in Arruba, the nice little mountainside place in Japan... oh, yes, and the hunting lodge in Canada, though I really don't go there very often... six."
As the party approached the front portico, the great oaken door swung open and someone stepped out, shutting it after her. A neat, tidy little old lady, the very image of someone's genteel maiden aunt, snowy white hair in a bun atop her head, a ruffle of lace at the edges of her sleeves, a small cameo decorating her collar. She almost looked as if she'd stepped straight out of an 18th century novel. She folded her hands in front of her and looked Pegasus up and down with a shrewd pair of crystal-blue eyes. "Good afternoon, Mr. Pegasus," she said, with the faintest trace of a Bostonian accent.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Hutchins," he replied.
"Shall I have Richards unpack the car for you?"
"Please. We'll be staying several nights, I anticipate."
"Very good sir." Mrs. Hutchins paused, then the glitter of tears rose to her eyes and her hands crept out to take Pegasus's. "Maximilian, dear, you look so thin..."
Pegasus favored her with the sweetest smile imaginable, for a moment looking 10 years younger. "Well, I haven't had any of your delicious cooking, now have I? *tch* Come now, this isn't like you at all..." he said, reaching automatically for a handkerchief as the woman stifled a sob.
"Thank you sir," Mrs. Hutchins said, delicately dabbing at her eyes as she turned away, composing herself. "Here, let me show you and your guests in."
"Ah ah ah, manners first, Mrs. Hutchins. Isn't that what you told me many a time?" To the others he said, "This is my housekeeper, Patrice Hutchins. She's been with the family for oh, must be--"
"Now that's enough," Mrs. Hutchins interrupted, shaking one finger at him reprovingly. "A gentleman never makes a lady's age a matter of discussion."
Pegasus chuckled. "My, I HAVE been away. Should I go find a switch now?"
Mrs. Hutchins looked up primly, but her eyes were twinkling. "Oh, I don't suppose it'll be necessary this time." She opened the door and led everyone into the cool, airy interior. Windows everywhere let the light in, shining off the cool blue-white walls and glowing on the wooden floors. Small statuary, paintings, and various other objects were scattered about the foyer and down the long hall, but all perfectly placed and carefully chosen not to seem daunting. "I've had the second floor rooms aired out, and Cook is awaiting you in the kitchen with the shopping lists."
"Knowing you, you've been up since dawn plotting and planning what to tempt me with," Pegasus remarked.
"Not QUITE dawn," Mrs. Hutchins said, hiding a small smile. "And who are these friends of yours, Maximilian?"
"This is Yugi Motoh and his friends-- Joey, Tristan, Tèa, Bakura-- and this is Mai Valentine."
Mrs. Hutchins smiled at them all. "How do you do. If there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to call on me." She led them into a grand common room, where a group of people, some clad in servant's uniforms, some in clean (but ill worn) suits, were lined up flanking the door.
"Did we fall into an episode of 'Masterpiece Theatre?" Tristan hissed to Joey.
"How should I know, you think I watch dat kinda highbrow stuff?"
At the end of the line stood an older black man, his salt and pepper curls framing a weathered but cheerful face. In his hands he held a small bouquet, the flowers still fresh with dew. Walking forward, he held it out. "Master Pegasus, sah," he said, deep voice enriched with the flavor of the islands-- Jamaica, perhaps, or Haiti. "Welcome home. It does these old bones good to see you once more in d'ese halls."
"Richards," Pegasus replied, inclining his head and taking the flowers, sniffing at them delicately. "Wild roses."
"Always your favorite, sah. Dey won' go away no matter how Laramie here mows them down." One of the men in Sunday go-to-best shuffled his feet and grinned sheepishly.
"It looks..." Pegasus turned in a circle, looking about him at the walls of the house. "It looks magnificent. It FEELS magnificent."
"Of course, sah. We kep' it just as if we 'spected to see you in d'hall any hour of day. But you must be tired. Let me see to your baggage."
"Please do. Oh, and Richards?"
"Sah?"
"Does my illustrious ancestor still barge up and down the halls on occasion?"
Richards broke into a chuckle. "He does, sah, and seems much put out when no one wants to join d'hunt."
"Well, perhaps we can persuade him to keep his voice down. My guests aren't exactly accustomed to the sound of a full fledged fox hunt at 4 AM. Not that he ever caught any of course..." He broke off and smiled charmingly at the youngsters. "Did I mention the house is haunted?"
"Haunted?" Tèa took a step closer to Yami.
"Mm, yes. My great-great-grandfather. He fancied himself an English country squire. Held regular hunting parties out here. Just ignore him, he's harmless." Turning to the housekeeper, Pegasus said, "Could you bring me a current street map and a small apricot brandy, both to my study upstairs? Before dinner, I and my friends have some business to discuss. Oh, and some light refreshments."
"Very good, Mr. Pegasus." Mrs. Hutchins made slight shooing motions with both hands at the other servants. "Off you go, then," she said. "Hop."
"What a marvelous old lady," Mai mused. "Wherever did you find her, Pegasus? I didn't think it was possible to find really good help these days."
"Patrice has been in the family since I was a child," Pegasus answered. "She all but raised me, which is why she's almost the only person in the world who can get away with calling me down. If you'll follow me..." He led them all upstairs to a room that would've fit into an English gentleman's club flawlessly. The brass fixtures, rich oak paneling and thick carpeting underfoot gave it almost an air of decadence. On the large table at the center of the room stood a brandy glass, a tray of small sandwiches, and a pitcher of lemonade. Beside that lay a rolled-up piece of blueprint paper.
Shifting the snacks to the side, Pegasus spread the street map out and pinned down the corners with some candlesticks, then stepped back. "This," he said, tapping a building, "should be Diaz's casino. As you see it's not quite on the major strip along with the Luxor and the like, but very close. What WE need to do is figure out how we're going to get in and what we're going to do when we get there. Suggestions, comments, ideas? I'm throwing the floor open at this point. Say anything that comes into your heads. We can't afford not to listen."
"Well..." Tèa laced her fingers together and thought. "We could just walk in like we're tourists. I mean, having Yugi imprisoned in a public place like a casino-- which has people coming and going ALL hours of the day and night-- isn't that bad an idea. It makes it hard to sneak in. But it works in our direction too, because he's not going to be able to just sweep down on us the moment we walk in, can he? As long as we're not stirring things up?"
"He will have to be discrete," Yami agreed. "He cannot use arcane means against us, not without risking more questions than he's willing to answer at this point."
"Maybe." Mai sat on the edge of the table. "Casinos CAN detain people if they just SUSPECT they're going to be trouble, Tèa, sorry to shoot down that notion. I don't think he would, because you're right about the rest, he doesn't want to stir attention. If we started shouting and complaining when the security personnel came up to us, that wouldn't look good. And if Diaz even knows we're there, he has to give the casino owner a good reason to detain us. Just his say-so isn't going very far, not even if he's higher in the food chain."
"Perhaps a disturbance is precisely what we need." Ba-Khu'ra moved over to study the map. "That would act as a distraction, allowing a small group to work their way in and investigate the rest of the building." He looked across the table at Yami. "That's what you meant by using my services, isn't it?"
"Yes. You and a few of the others. If there are guards, you will need assistance in overpowering them."
"I have all the assistance I need." Ba-Khu'ra tapped his Deck.
"No, Thief. That would certainly give us away. Do you think for a moment Diaz has no barriers or wards that will hinder our summmonings, or at least alert him of their presence? He isn't a fool. He must know we will come looking for Yugi, and if I were him I would assume I'd be found sooner or later, and plan for it."
"You have a point." Ba-Khu'ra bit his lip. "You do realize that puts the advantage to Diaz's security."
"What if we could foul that up somehow? Tthat warding or whatever," asked Tristan. "Like jamming the signal."
"How?"
"Easy. This is the gaming capitol of the world, right? So, c'mon, you can't tell me casinos wouldn't have their own Dueling Arenas. We stage a Duel there, with a couple of real famous players." Tristan pointed at Joey and Pegasus. "Got 'em right there."
"Wha?" Joey looked confused.
"Of course!" Yami struck the tabletop with a hand, elated. "A public challenge. Joey, you never got the chance to Duel Pegasus, and now here he is, in front of you. Wouldn't you want to test yourself against him?"
"Yeah, I s'pose... YEAH!" Joey's eyes lit up. "An' nobody can make a bigger racket than me!"
"Oh no, how will I survive?" Pegasus put a hand to his forehead, looking anguished. "Joseph Wheeler, second at Duelist Kingdom and Battle City finalist! I'll shred my cards now." He winked.
"Then it is settled." Yami gazed down at the table as if seeing past it, into the heart of the casino. "Let's all get an evening's rest so that we are at our best. Tomorrow, we begin our assault on Diaz's stronghold."
Tristan stretched and cracked his neck, trying to ease some of the tension out of it. "I like websurfing," he murmured to himself, "but I think I'm getting webwaterlogged." He looked over to his left, where Pegasus (still getting used to that, who would've thought?) was running his own research, trying to track down Diaz. "Gonna grab a break, man," he said. "Can I get you anything?"
"Some coffee might be nice, thank you." As Tristan continuted to stand there, Pegasus glanced up. "Something?"
"Ah, don't mind me. I'm still tripping out over all this. Mostly you sitting in our living room at the moment." Tristan paused, searching for the right words, then added, "You... do a pretty good job of hiding the real Maximilian Pegasus."
"Hm." Pegasus chuckled. "I suppose I do. Second nature by now."
"How d'you take that coffee?"
"Three sugars, one cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon if you have it."
"Be right back." On his way to the kitchen, Tristan peered out the front window. Yami was sitting on the porchsteps, head lowered. He'd been sitting out there almost since they arrived. Something in his posture had told the others he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Can't be good for him, brooding like that. We're all worried about Yugi, about what that nutjob Diaz means to do with him, but I get the feeling the Pharoah blames himself for all of this, and the more he thinks about it, the worse things are getting.
How MUCH worse, no one knew but Yami himself, and he was doing his best to conceal it. Deep within him a red fury was building. Part of him wanted to call forth the God-Monsters and hunt Diaz down, no matter how long it took, no matter what or who he had to move through to do it.
Is that not my right? I am the voice of the gods. If I so choose, no one is above my judgement. There must be someone who knows where Diaz has gone. They will tell me, or I will leave their cities broken to dust around them-- Yami caught himself, made his clenched fists open. No. No. Patience. I am not a destroyer. Diaz deserves my vengeance, but there are too many innocent lives that would suffer if they were caught between us.
What of it? whispered that darker side. I am Pharoah! Let the world tremble before me, and soon enough they would bring Diaz to me. I need only put forth my hand--
NO! Yami set his teeth and pushed that line of thought away.
For the moment.
Yugi... Yami drew a deep, shuddering breath, let it out slowly. How wrong you were, we both were. You've always felt you needed me more than I needed you. Now, see, the truth at last. Without you, I'm losing my compassion, my humanity. My... He laughed softly, bitterly. My humility. How ironic. The very pride and arrogance you reminded me I must master now threaten to master ME. I myself may become as monstrous as anything ever unleashed by those I've fought against in the past.
But not without a struggle.
A hand on his shoulder. Yami jerked, startled. "Tèa," he said, relaxing.
Tèa held out a small tray with a glass and a sandwich. "You need to eat. I don't guess ghosts get hungry, but right now you're not a ghost."
"No. I am very solid. Thank you." He accepted the tray of food and set it atop his knees. "Anything?"
"Nothing yet. They've been going at it pretty solidly for the past four hours, though, I'm sure they'll find something soon." Taking a seat, Tèa peered into Yami's face. "It'll be all right, Pharoah. We'll find him. We're doing everything we can."
"I know. It.. doesn't make the waiting any easier." Yami studied her. "...Forgive me."
"Huh? For what?"
"For... everything. For losing him. For bringing him, and all of you, into this to begin with. There are times I feel that my release from the Puzzle and my association with Yugi has been more of a burden to him, and by extension all of you, than a blessing."
"That's not your fault, and nobody thinks of you as a 'burden'.. Okay, sure, things have been... more than a little extreme at times. You're not holding us hostage, you know. Any of us-- me, Joey, Tristan, Mai, all Yugi's other friends-- we could all walk away from this if it got too much. We COULD," she insisted as the Spirit shook his head. "We don't, because we believe that if we all stick together, we can get through any problems. Look at it this way, at least the world isn't threatening to fall apart around us."
"Right now," muttered Yami. Then he smiled a bit. "You're right, Tèa. There have been times when all hope seemed lost, yet we survived. I must hold onto that hope, or there's no use trying to begin with."
"THAT's the spirit." Tèa giggled. "Sorry, pun unintentional."
"Don't apologize. I need something to laugh about." Yami gazed off into the distance.
"Oh-oh, there you go again, drifting off into your own little world." Tèa waved a hand in front of his eyes. "Just like our 'date', remember?"
"I'll never forget. That was all Yugi's idea, you know. I had nothing to do with it. Not that it wasn't enjoyable, however. Please don't think I found your company tedious."
"You know, I never did really thank you for taking that Johnny Steps guy down a peg or two." Tèa smiled. "Looking back, he wasn't really such a bad guy, was he? He just thought he had to be a certain way to impress people. That's something a lot of us think, that we have to do certain things or act a certain way to get along in the world." Gently she put a hand atop his. "It's okay, sometimes, to let other people know we need help, or to let them know how we feel about them. I think that's really what Yugi was trying to show you that day. I just wish it didn't always take a kick in the seat from life to get us to realize it, but some people are pretty hard-headed, huh? That goes for... for both of us."
"I..." Yami fell silent. Hesitantly, almost shyly, he reached out, put his hand atop Tèa's. "Tèa..."
"This isn't the time, I know. But we have a lot to talk about, the three of us." Tèa leaned over and gave Yami a gentle kiss on the cheek. "We'll get Yugi back. I know we will. And when we do, I'm going to tell him exactly what I'm telling you now: both of you are important to me and I don't want to lose either one of you." Giving his hand a little squeeze, Tèa let go and stood up, dusting off her jeans and opening the door. "I'm going back inside, see if there's anything I can do to help. If nothing else, I can start a fresh pot of coffee, though I think if Joey gets one more ounce of caffeine in him he'll explode. Good thing Mai's here to keep him reined in."
"YAHOO!"
"Huh?" Tèa stopped, looking down at the doorknob in her hand. "I haven't even gotten into the kitchen y--EEP! JOEY! Put me DOWN!"
"We found it, we found it!" Joey danced around, Tèa half-slung over his shoulders. "WaaaaHOO! Tris an' Peggy found Diaz!"
"Is it true?" Yami pushed his way past the pair. "Where?"
Pegasus turned in his chair. "Ladies and gentlemen, our next port of call is indeed Las Vegas. There is a fairly new casino on the Strip called 'L'Roi Des Jeux'. It's owned and operated by Sun Enterprises, which turns out to be a subsidiary of a certain Ragnarok Corporation. Ragnarok's CEO is... wait for it... Diaz Russio. I'd say that was a pretty large indicator, wouldn't you, hmmm? Particularly since the NAME of the casino translates as-? Any guesses?"
"Sounds familiar," Mai said, frowning in concentration. "That's French. L'Roi is 'king'... oh." Her face paled slightly. "It means... King of Games."
The faintly amused look dropped from Pegasus's face. "Indeed. Diaz has been planning this quite some time, and taunting the whole world with it."
Tristan smacked one fist into the palm of the opposite hand. "Yeah, well, we're going to do a little more than taunt him. So what's the plan? Busting in and finding out where they've got Yugi locked up sounds good on the surface, but somehow I get the idea that's exactly what they want us to do."
"You bet it is." Mai folded her arms. "That would be just too easy, wouldn't it? We make a fuss, casino security escorts us behind the walls and we're never heard from again."
"Let's get there, to begin with. I'll get the plane reservations made." Pegasus moved over to the phone and dialled a number. Yami watched him go, then looked to the others. "I will return," he said simply, and left the room.
"Where d'you think he's going?" Tristan asked Joey.
"I know where SOMEONE's going if he doesn't put me down," gritted Tèa. "Straight to the emergency ward."
**********
"Where are you, Thief?" Yami fingered the Puzzle as he walked around the house and into the back yard. "I know you're near. I wish to speak with you. Now."
"As Your Majesty commands." Ba-Khu'ra stepped out of the shadows. "What does the Lord of Egypt require of me?"
"Do NOT tempt me." Yami's eyes were cold. "It is more than your life is worth to give me any reason to be displeased with you at this time."
"How interesting." Ba-Khu'ra leaned on a tree idly. "Well, you have my attention, Pharoah."
"We will need all our resources if we are to make an assault on Diaz. He has magics at his disposal which we are unfamiliar with, and if we are correct, he has Yugi concealed somewhere in a place of business in Las Vegas, rather than in a private residence. Cunning and caution must be our bywords."
"A reasonable approach to the problem, but I fail to see what part you wish ME to play in this."
"You will be instrumental, but that is something we will discuss later. The present reason I wished to speak with you is that I require something of you. Earlier, you said the Millenium Eye was safe, hidden somewhere only you could find. I wish you to retrieve it and give it to me."
The Thief raised an eyebrow. "Oh really. And why do you imagine I would give back something that is mine by right? I won it from Pegasus in a Duel."
"I don't care how you came by it. I want it back. Ultimately the Millenium Items are mine to do with as I will. I AM, as you've acknowledged, Pharoah, no matter how mockingly it may've been said. You are as I am, an ancient spirit from Egypt, brought forth in this time by the power of a Millenium item, and as such I can also lay claim to being your rightful ruler. I'm willing to leave the Ring in your possession, but I WILL have the Eye."
"Now you truly do intrigue me, Pharoah. Have you at last begun to covet the power the Millenium Items represent?"
"You'd like that, wouldn't you? I don't know what argument you have with me, Ba-Khu'ra, but I'm sure you'll explain it to me, the moment you feel you have the upper hand. That is no concern of mine at this point, either. All I want is Yugi's safe return... and for that, I must have the Eye."
"I'm afraid I can't agree with that, Your Majesty."
"Your agreement is not necessary, only your obediance." The Eye symbol on the Puzzle lit up, echoing the symbol that flared into dazzling light on Yami's brow. "I am not of a kindly nature at this point, Ba-Khu'ra. If you do not agree to bring it to me willingly, I will tear the secret of its location from your thoughts by force." He smiled, the expression turning his eyes cruel instead of kind. "As you and I both know, the Puzzle is not designed for that purpose, so doubtless when I am done your mind will be less than whole. Choose your next answer carefully, then. Will you go and fetch me the Eye as I request?"
Ba-Khu'ra held perfectly still. The Pharoah's eyes were burning a deep crimson red, and there was no hesitation in their gaze; the Thief felt utterly assured Yami meant what he'd said. There is no compassion in him, he marveled.
'Of course not.' Bakura stood at the Thief's shoulder, looking coolly over it at the Pharoah. 'Diaz took his compassion. They're not just in two different locations; Diaz has somehow cut Yami completely off from Yugi. There's no balance any more, no inhibition, no consideration.' He favored Ba-Khu'ra with a sunny smile. 'I think you'd better give it to him.'
Did I ask for your input?!
'No. But I AM here. I'm part of this equation too. Do you want me destroyed along with you?'
Ba-Khu'ra grimaced. ...No, he reluctantly admitted.
'I didn't think so. Shall we?'
The Thief bowed his head. "I will bring the Eye," he agreed sullenly.
"A wise decision."
Laying a hand to the Millenium Ring, Ba-Khu'ra concentrated. A small patch of the air turned to shadow. He reached into the darkness, feeling about for a moment, then withdrew his hand and held it out to Yami. "Here."
Yami took the golden orb and studied it. "Good. You haven't attempted to deceive me. That wouldn't have been the best idea you ever had." He closed a fist about the Eye. "You will be traveling with us to Las Vegas. I will make further plans there, once we have seen what we are up against. I expect your full cooperation, without a repeat of this talk. Am I understood?"
"Hm." Ba-Khu'ra snorted, amused. "You know, for the first time, I'm almost starting to feel a little respect for you, Pharoah. --Yes, I understand. There won't be a need for us to have this.. 'talk'... again. But I do request the right to make any reservations I have known, not out of defiance, but out of practicality. I know more about the retrieval of... mislaid objects... than any of you do."
"When you offer me constructive advice, I will listen," Yami agreed.
"Then I am content."
Without another word, Yami turned on his heel and left.
**********
"Pegasus."
Everyone turned to look that way. "Oh oh, storm clouds blowin' in," Joey said under his breath. "Wonder what Peggy did..."
"I dunno, man." Tristan also watched as Yami strode across the room. "He's been on kind of a hair trigger..."
"Hey, didja figure that out on ya own, or did somebody tell ya?"
Stopping in front of Pegasus, Yami looked up at him measuringly. "You told us that you regretted what you did in Duelist Kingdom. Do you truly wish to make amends?"
"I... but--"
"No. No 'but'. Yes, or no?"
"Yes. Yes, of course. Any reasonable human being would. But there IS no making up for it. I've already accepted that fact."
"Did you not wrong Yugi and I most of all? Wasn't Duelist Kingdom aimed primarily at us?"
"Yes..." Pegasus looked uncomfortable. "What is the point of all of this?"
"You will agree that as the party most wronged, it is within my right to decide what is and is not reparation, will you not?"
"That's... that's justifiable, yes, I believe I could accept that viewpoint."
"Then I will tell you how you may atone in full." Yami held out his hand, on which lay a glittering golden orb. "Take back the Millenium Eye, and use it in MY service, as one of my companions and advisors. If you do, I will hold whatever debt you owe me from those prior actions cancelled in perpetuity."
"WHAT da-! Jeez, am I hearin' dis? Yami, uh, Pharoah, uh, whatever, 'scuse me, but have you gone NUTS or somethin'?!" Joey pushed forward. "I admit, Peggy here's been on da up an' up with us so far, but are you really sure you wanna sock that creepy Eye back into his head? Ain't dat what got us into trouble with him in da FIRST place?"
"I'm with Joe on this one," Tristan agreed. "How do we know Pegasus... I mean, what if the Eye does something and he spazzes out on us again?"
"We don't." Yami's eyes never left Pegasus. "But HE does." Softly he added, "I am giving you the chance to prove yourself, Pegasus, to the one who truly matters in this room. Shadi chose you as the bearer of the Millenium Eye. I cannot believe that he did so without reason, nor do I believe his judgement erred, only his timing. You were not prepared for the Eye then.
"You have run from it long enough. You have refused to face your fears long enough. Have you the courage to stand and fight? Have you the will to live your own life, rather than hide in your castle?"
Silence, broken only by Pegasus's shaky breaths as he stared at the Eye. One hand, faintly trembling, came up to touch, then close around, the cool metal orb. Turning away, he said over one shoulder, "This... might be a little unpleasant. I think I'll go upstairs, if you don't mind. Please overlook any... sounds."
"Boss..." from nowhere Busby appeared. "Do you want me to--"
"No. No, Doppleganger. Remain here. I have to make this choice alone." Pegasus walked up the staircase and into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. He steadied his hands, staring down at the Millenium Eye, which stared back at him dispassionately. He could already feel the power stirring in it, there for the taking. "Do I?" he whispered. "Do I have the courage?"
Haven't I been running long enough?
Isn't the Pharoah right about that?
One breath; another, on the exhalation of the third Pegasus thrust his palm up, shoving the Eye into the empty socket. He cried out in agony as the scar tissue stretched and tore, and screamed again when a searing pain pierced his head. Dropping to the floor, he writhed, feeling the Eye burning its way into him, forcing the flesh on that side to regenerate so that it could interweave itself into his optic nerve.
Then the pain stopped. In its place a blessed coolness, soothing, calming. Slowly Pegasus forced himself to his feet, fumbled for the cold water tap, splashed his face with water. After a few seconds he looked up.
In the mirror, one brown eye, one golden eye, and for the first time in years his depth perception was normal. As he watched, the edges of his vision blurred, layers overlapping as the Eye began to expand its vision into other realms. From below him the buzz of thought began to filter in as well, the words not entirely clear yet, but so easy to hear, all he had to do was Look--
With a supreme effort of will, Pegasus closed the Eye. Not literally closed it; merely shut it down, so that all he could see, all he could perceive, was the immediate physical world around him. It was something akin to tuning into a single conversation in the middle of a hundred others, and willfully shutting out all but what you wished to pay attention to. Difficult, but not impossible.
It was something he'd never done before. The last time he'd had the Eye, he'd let its sight fill his mind. He'd used it, constantly, without reserve, sometimes simply for the pleasure of being able to know. That was the danger of it, after all, the very human inclination to know, to understand, to SEE things no one else could. To gloat over the information stolen from minds that didn't even realize they were being pried into, their every secret and shame laid bare. To use that stolen information and turn things in his favor. Always in his favor.
It was still there, that temptation. It always would be, he knew it.
It no longer ruled him.
"Free," he whispered. "I'm free of it... I've done it..." He laughed aloud, for sheer joy and relief, then shouted, "I AM THE MASTER OF THE MILLENIUM EYE!"
Downstairs, Joey coked his head at the shout, then looked at Yami. "You sure about dis, pal?" he said quietly.
"I'm sure, Joey. Thank you for trusting me... and for speaking up when you thought I was making a mistake." Yami put a hand on the other boy's shoulder. "You... I value you very highly."
"Eyyyyy... Don't sweat it. I know who my friends are. I'm standin' right here with 'em. And dat's exactly where I'm gonna be. Don't worry, you ain't gettin' rid of Joey Wheeler any time soon." He gave Yami's hair a brief scuffing. "Just remember, King or not, I'm still bigger than you are. If I've gotta kick you in da pants to get you to wise up, I will."
"All this bonding is really nice," Mai said, "but does anyone remember we have a plane to catch?"
**********
They touched down to grey skies that made the elaborate buildings seem ghostly, even with their colors and signs. Everywhere the signs, bright, gaudy with an air of perpertual Carnival.
A shrine to the Gods of Chance.
A hell for the ones without luck.
Las Vegas.
"Welcome to McCarran International Airport," the PA announced as the group moved through the terminal. "It is currently fifty-seven degrees and partly cloudy. Passenger pickup and drop-off is located on Level One of the Parking Garage. Convenience hotel check-in for the MGM Grand and Caesar's Entertainment hotels is located at Terminal One, Level One, near Baggage Claim. A variety of shuttle services, taxi stands, limousine services and car rentals are also accessible from the north, east and west sides of the baggage claim area. Thank you for visiting Las Vegas, and have a great day."
No one had much to say as they exited the terminal. Sensing this, perhaps, Pegasus just scanned the crowd of hopeful taxi drivers, tired travelers, tourists talking too loudly and excitedly, and settled on a lone grey limo, its smoked windows revealing nothing of what lay inside. "There's our ride." he said.
"Pretty cool," Tristan said. "How much is this setting you back, if you don't mind my asking?"
"Nothing at all. It's part of the family fleet."
"Wow." Tèa goggled. "Joey's right, we need to get one of these."
"Oh, you get tired of them soon enough." Mai's eyes twinkled. "Why do you think I prefer my Mustang?"
The limo took them out of town several miles, into the countryside surrounding the city. Once away from civilization, the land took on a bleak, abandoned air, as if it'd never heard of humankind and its works. It was something of a surprise to top a rise and see laid out before them a rolling green expanse, neatly fenced in, with horses galloping along the fencelines as they drove past. Wrought iron gates set in stone swung open, revealing a winding drive through, of all things, a light tree line.
"It's like an oasis," Tèa breathed. "What in the world-?"
"Artisian wells. Wonderful what you can accomplish in the desert with abundant water and lots of money for landscaping." As they drew up to the large Georgian-style house, Pegasus gestured. "Welcome to the family manor, everyone."
Joey tapped the window, indicating what lay beyond. "Family manor, as in YOUR family?"
"Mm-hmm." Pegasus nodded. "I thought it would be a little more private and discreet than a hotel."
"How many houses DO ya got?"
"Counting this one? Oo. The castle, here, the chalet in Switzerland, the beachhouse in Arruba, the nice little mountainside place in Japan... oh, yes, and the hunting lodge in Canada, though I really don't go there very often... six."
As the party approached the front portico, the great oaken door swung open and someone stepped out, shutting it after her. A neat, tidy little old lady, the very image of someone's genteel maiden aunt, snowy white hair in a bun atop her head, a ruffle of lace at the edges of her sleeves, a small cameo decorating her collar. She almost looked as if she'd stepped straight out of an 18th century novel. She folded her hands in front of her and looked Pegasus up and down with a shrewd pair of crystal-blue eyes. "Good afternoon, Mr. Pegasus," she said, with the faintest trace of a Bostonian accent.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Hutchins," he replied.
"Shall I have Richards unpack the car for you?"
"Please. We'll be staying several nights, I anticipate."
"Very good sir." Mrs. Hutchins paused, then the glitter of tears rose to her eyes and her hands crept out to take Pegasus's. "Maximilian, dear, you look so thin..."
Pegasus favored her with the sweetest smile imaginable, for a moment looking 10 years younger. "Well, I haven't had any of your delicious cooking, now have I? *tch* Come now, this isn't like you at all..." he said, reaching automatically for a handkerchief as the woman stifled a sob.
"Thank you sir," Mrs. Hutchins said, delicately dabbing at her eyes as she turned away, composing herself. "Here, let me show you and your guests in."
"Ah ah ah, manners first, Mrs. Hutchins. Isn't that what you told me many a time?" To the others he said, "This is my housekeeper, Patrice Hutchins. She's been with the family for oh, must be--"
"Now that's enough," Mrs. Hutchins interrupted, shaking one finger at him reprovingly. "A gentleman never makes a lady's age a matter of discussion."
Pegasus chuckled. "My, I HAVE been away. Should I go find a switch now?"
Mrs. Hutchins looked up primly, but her eyes were twinkling. "Oh, I don't suppose it'll be necessary this time." She opened the door and led everyone into the cool, airy interior. Windows everywhere let the light in, shining off the cool blue-white walls and glowing on the wooden floors. Small statuary, paintings, and various other objects were scattered about the foyer and down the long hall, but all perfectly placed and carefully chosen not to seem daunting. "I've had the second floor rooms aired out, and Cook is awaiting you in the kitchen with the shopping lists."
"Knowing you, you've been up since dawn plotting and planning what to tempt me with," Pegasus remarked.
"Not QUITE dawn," Mrs. Hutchins said, hiding a small smile. "And who are these friends of yours, Maximilian?"
"This is Yugi Motoh and his friends-- Joey, Tristan, Tèa, Bakura-- and this is Mai Valentine."
Mrs. Hutchins smiled at them all. "How do you do. If there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to call on me." She led them into a grand common room, where a group of people, some clad in servant's uniforms, some in clean (but ill worn) suits, were lined up flanking the door.
"Did we fall into an episode of 'Masterpiece Theatre?" Tristan hissed to Joey.
"How should I know, you think I watch dat kinda highbrow stuff?"
At the end of the line stood an older black man, his salt and pepper curls framing a weathered but cheerful face. In his hands he held a small bouquet, the flowers still fresh with dew. Walking forward, he held it out. "Master Pegasus, sah," he said, deep voice enriched with the flavor of the islands-- Jamaica, perhaps, or Haiti. "Welcome home. It does these old bones good to see you once more in d'ese halls."
"Richards," Pegasus replied, inclining his head and taking the flowers, sniffing at them delicately. "Wild roses."
"Always your favorite, sah. Dey won' go away no matter how Laramie here mows them down." One of the men in Sunday go-to-best shuffled his feet and grinned sheepishly.
"It looks..." Pegasus turned in a circle, looking about him at the walls of the house. "It looks magnificent. It FEELS magnificent."
"Of course, sah. We kep' it just as if we 'spected to see you in d'hall any hour of day. But you must be tired. Let me see to your baggage."
"Please do. Oh, and Richards?"
"Sah?"
"Does my illustrious ancestor still barge up and down the halls on occasion?"
Richards broke into a chuckle. "He does, sah, and seems much put out when no one wants to join d'hunt."
"Well, perhaps we can persuade him to keep his voice down. My guests aren't exactly accustomed to the sound of a full fledged fox hunt at 4 AM. Not that he ever caught any of course..." He broke off and smiled charmingly at the youngsters. "Did I mention the house is haunted?"
"Haunted?" Tèa took a step closer to Yami.
"Mm, yes. My great-great-grandfather. He fancied himself an English country squire. Held regular hunting parties out here. Just ignore him, he's harmless." Turning to the housekeeper, Pegasus said, "Could you bring me a current street map and a small apricot brandy, both to my study upstairs? Before dinner, I and my friends have some business to discuss. Oh, and some light refreshments."
"Very good, Mr. Pegasus." Mrs. Hutchins made slight shooing motions with both hands at the other servants. "Off you go, then," she said. "Hop."
"What a marvelous old lady," Mai mused. "Wherever did you find her, Pegasus? I didn't think it was possible to find really good help these days."
"Patrice has been in the family since I was a child," Pegasus answered. "She all but raised me, which is why she's almost the only person in the world who can get away with calling me down. If you'll follow me..." He led them all upstairs to a room that would've fit into an English gentleman's club flawlessly. The brass fixtures, rich oak paneling and thick carpeting underfoot gave it almost an air of decadence. On the large table at the center of the room stood a brandy glass, a tray of small sandwiches, and a pitcher of lemonade. Beside that lay a rolled-up piece of blueprint paper.
Shifting the snacks to the side, Pegasus spread the street map out and pinned down the corners with some candlesticks, then stepped back. "This," he said, tapping a building, "should be Diaz's casino. As you see it's not quite on the major strip along with the Luxor and the like, but very close. What WE need to do is figure out how we're going to get in and what we're going to do when we get there. Suggestions, comments, ideas? I'm throwing the floor open at this point. Say anything that comes into your heads. We can't afford not to listen."
"Well..." Tèa laced her fingers together and thought. "We could just walk in like we're tourists. I mean, having Yugi imprisoned in a public place like a casino-- which has people coming and going ALL hours of the day and night-- isn't that bad an idea. It makes it hard to sneak in. But it works in our direction too, because he's not going to be able to just sweep down on us the moment we walk in, can he? As long as we're not stirring things up?"
"He will have to be discrete," Yami agreed. "He cannot use arcane means against us, not without risking more questions than he's willing to answer at this point."
"Maybe." Mai sat on the edge of the table. "Casinos CAN detain people if they just SUSPECT they're going to be trouble, Tèa, sorry to shoot down that notion. I don't think he would, because you're right about the rest, he doesn't want to stir attention. If we started shouting and complaining when the security personnel came up to us, that wouldn't look good. And if Diaz even knows we're there, he has to give the casino owner a good reason to detain us. Just his say-so isn't going very far, not even if he's higher in the food chain."
"Perhaps a disturbance is precisely what we need." Ba-Khu'ra moved over to study the map. "That would act as a distraction, allowing a small group to work their way in and investigate the rest of the building." He looked across the table at Yami. "That's what you meant by using my services, isn't it?"
"Yes. You and a few of the others. If there are guards, you will need assistance in overpowering them."
"I have all the assistance I need." Ba-Khu'ra tapped his Deck.
"No, Thief. That would certainly give us away. Do you think for a moment Diaz has no barriers or wards that will hinder our summmonings, or at least alert him of their presence? He isn't a fool. He must know we will come looking for Yugi, and if I were him I would assume I'd be found sooner or later, and plan for it."
"You have a point." Ba-Khu'ra bit his lip. "You do realize that puts the advantage to Diaz's security."
"What if we could foul that up somehow? Tthat warding or whatever," asked Tristan. "Like jamming the signal."
"How?"
"Easy. This is the gaming capitol of the world, right? So, c'mon, you can't tell me casinos wouldn't have their own Dueling Arenas. We stage a Duel there, with a couple of real famous players." Tristan pointed at Joey and Pegasus. "Got 'em right there."
"Wha?" Joey looked confused.
"Of course!" Yami struck the tabletop with a hand, elated. "A public challenge. Joey, you never got the chance to Duel Pegasus, and now here he is, in front of you. Wouldn't you want to test yourself against him?"
"Yeah, I s'pose... YEAH!" Joey's eyes lit up. "An' nobody can make a bigger racket than me!"
"Oh no, how will I survive?" Pegasus put a hand to his forehead, looking anguished. "Joseph Wheeler, second at Duelist Kingdom and Battle City finalist! I'll shred my cards now." He winked.
"Then it is settled." Yami gazed down at the table as if seeing past it, into the heart of the casino. "Let's all get an evening's rest so that we are at our best. Tomorrow, we begin our assault on Diaz's stronghold."