A Home of Our Own

A Home of Our Own

Summary: A series of separate Neko Fics that will culminate into a longer story about love, loyalty, and belonging. Kimi ga Iru AU
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh. If I did…*begins to laugh evilly*
Warning: none
Author’s Note: I like the end of this chapter. It’s nice to get back to a little lighter subject matter.


Going Going

Bakura slid the blade under the woman’s neck, just making sure she remembered what was going on here. Ishizu had been very cooperative, for all she didn’t know, so he made sure to fill in the facts.

“That Marik of yours is quite the deal maker. It seems if he does all this for Kaiba, he’ll get his Independent Neko license.”

Ishizu’s eyes widened. “Why would he do that? He has a home here with me. Malik as well! I’ve given them both everything they –”

“That jack ass hates humans Woman. Get it through your head. Do you really think all those kills he made were in self defense?”

Golden eyes lowered to the floor. This couldn’t be. She’d been with Marik since he was a kitten. He was a thinking, feeling Neko. She refused to believe he was ruthless and uncaring.

“They would never do that. Not to Yugi and Yami.”

Bakura sat back on the bed, laughing. “You’re so stupid it amazes me! Don’t you get it? You’re out! Out of the loop, out of the scheme of things. You’re just a pawn. You’re a front for all the FFFC’s dirty dealings. When you go out and do those sun shiney press conferences, Marik is behind the scenes killing, kidnapping, cleaning up Sugoroku’s dirty work so that it never sees the light of day. You should really talk to your employer.”

Ishizu fought her bonds. “I refuse to believe until I hear it myself! How do I know you’re not playing a game?”

A sinister glint came into the white haired Neko’s eyes. “I’m not a kitten. I don’t play ‘games’.”

There was a tap at the window and Bakura opened it, a red hooded head popping up.

“Report.”

“It was too easy. I think I really surprised him then I came over here immediately.”

“Very good.” He pushed back the hood and stroked Ryou’s ears, the kitten taking a look at Ishizu who was slumped over, her shoulders shaking in sobs.

“What’s wrong?”

“She can’t appreciate the truth.” He went over and cut her loose, watching as she rubbed her wrists and leaned against the bed, not looking any where.

“Look, Lady, I can tell you’re a nice one. I know you want to do good. I can smell it. You just have to realize that some of the people you work for really suck. Did you think just because the son took over it’d be different?”

“I wanted it to be…” she whispered.

Bakura looked at her then shook his head. He motioned to Ryou and they both headed out of the window.

Ishizu sat there, her mind reeling. It couldn’t all be true, could it?

Sugoroku…are you really that awful man. Did you make Seto do this or did he do on his own and if that’s true… She pounded her fist into the side of the bed. Why Marik! Why?!

****

Malik stumbled down the hall, opening the door to the holding cell and standing in the door way. He wasn’t really paying attention but he saw Yugi’s form slowly rise off the bed.

“What do you want!?” the kitten sniffed the air. “You smell funny. What happened?”

Malik leaned against the doorway and closed his eyes, tears leaking out, He traced his claws long the wall and swayed his tail. “yugi…”

The kitten got the strong impression something was wrong and got up to go over. “Malik!?”

“I’m sorry Yugi…please get out of here. Go find Yami get out of here. I don’t know why I helped him, he’s just so different.”

Yugi hugged him and Malik cried, the shorter Neko purring sympathetically. “Malik, what happened?”

The golden haired Neko shook his head and drew away. “I’ll show you where Yami is, then I want you two to get away from here –”

He started to cry again and Yugi held his hand. “Please Malik, what happened?”

The boy just shook his head, starting to cry harder and Yugi’s ears drooped, giving a saddened keen. “Malik…”

****

Malik came into the house, sniffing the air. Something wasn’t right here.

“Ishizu?” he called, heading upstairs. “Hey Ishizu?!”

He headed into the woman’s bedroom to find her –

-Watching television. He looked around the room, noticing the strange smell and frowned. “What the fuck went on here?”

The woman looked at him and put the remote down. “Do you like it here Marik?”

“What? I asked you what went on –”

“Answer the question.” She said evenly, watching the nightly news.

“Yeah, sure, it’s great, whatever. Now answer me!”

Ishizu looked at him. “I don’t understand.”

“What? All you have to do is tell me what –”

“I don’t understand why you lie to me all the time. I’ve done my best to make a home for you here, for Malik, who loves it. I know he does. But you…why didn’t you tell me you wanted an Independent Neko license. I could have gotten you one easily, helped you get an apartment, anything. But no…you had to do all this. So much hiding and lying.”

“Ishizu come on –”

“What did you do to Yugi Marik? Where’s Yami for that matter? What have you and Sugoroku done?”

The Neko smirked then. “Oh, so you think you’re all up to date now? Think you know what’s going on? Well, you don’t. So just stop trying to play interrogation. Where are the last known where abouts of those Alabasters? I need to make a move tonight.”

Ishizu shook her head and changed the channel. Iron Chef was on. She really enjoyed Chairman Kaga’s theatrics. The main ingredient tonight was Cod.

“ANSWER ME!” Marik screamed, kicking over the tv ina fit of rage. “You answer me now or –”

“Or what? You’ll kill me too? How long has Kaiba been hiding the bodies. Do you kill everyone who says no to you?” She looked him right in the face. “Why don’t you just read my mind, erase my memory? How don’t I know you’ve been doing that for years. I thought we were friends…I thought we had an understanding. Am I just another worthless human to you?”

Marik looked at her then turned away. “I’ll find them on my own. And to answer your question, yeah. You’re just another filthy human. Don’t know why you thought you could make me purr at your feet. I’m not Malik.”

The Neko left then, stopping on the stairs when he heard Ishizu’s tears. His tail flicked, once, twice, then he was gone. He’d go to the center, use the tracking system and hunt those two down. He had to move fast.

****

Yami watched the door open and was ready to pounce, all claws and fury, before he saw it was his own Aibou. And Malik.

“What the hell is he doing here?”

Yugi held Malik’s hand. “Yami let’s get out of here. Now.”

“Not before I kill Sugoroku! Not before I make him pay for everything he’s done!”

Yugi felt Malik flinch and he tightened his grip. “We’re going to Kaiba’s we’re going to ask him about everything. Malik told me everything.”

Yami growled at the kitten, sighing as he only got a whimper in reaction. “Fine…how are we getting there?”

“Malik is allowed to drive, he’ll take us in one of the Center’s cars.”

Yami stil felt the urge to growl but suppressed it as they began to move through the halls. He decided to ask some questions.

“Did you know Sugoroku worked for Gozuboro? Do you know who GOzuboro was?”

“Yes…” the kitten said softly. “They told Marik and me when we joined, not even Ishizu knew…but I thought it was different now. They let me stay with Ishizu so I thought it was different.”

“Hmph. Did you know about this Eye of Ra plan?”

The kitten nodded. “I just thought…they were going to ask you to join the team…I didn’t know they were going to lock you up. I didn’t know Sugoroku was going to do all this. I didn’t know you two had powers. Marik did. I didn’t know he stopped telling me everything…and after tonight I…” He shivered and let out a sob. Yugi rubbed his back and led them along.

Yami watched the kitten, trying to figure something out. “Malik, what’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.” The boy said to fast. “Please, let’s hurry.”

Yami sniffed the air and could smell the fear and stink of sex about the kitten. There was blood and there was fear. The boy’s tail was twined about his legs and it wasn’t moving.

“Malik. What did he do to you?”

Golden ears flattened, but they just continued along. Malik shook his head and Yugi looked back at Yami, shaking his head.

They made it to the garage and Malik led them past the rows and rows of vehicles to the back of the garage.

He was about to point to a white car when he noticed someone sitting on the hood.

“What –Who are you?”

The person turned and smirked, two white ears flicking. “I think you know.”

****

Seto held his head in his hands as he listened to the phone call. So, someone decided to talk to Ishizu did they. He looked at Sugoroku who was standing at his right side.

“Tell me why I haven’t turned you into the authorities?”

“Because you’d go to prison right along with me.”

The young CEO growled. “You ass! How dare you drag me into this! You son of a bitch I should have never trusted you!”

“I haven’t done anything you didn’t approve first -.”

“AKEFIA!?”

Sugoroku silenced himself and Seto wanted to leap up and pummel the man. This was falling apart. Apparently, Bakura had been very busy all night. It was a good thing Mokuba was already in bed, he really didn’t want the boy to see him like this.

“I can’t believe this. And now we have Marik heading north attempting to meet Bakura in his lair. If he dies, I will make you disappear, do you understand?”

The man didn’t flinch. “I really don’t think so. There are systems in place to bring this whole thing down around you if I meet with an unfortunate accident.”

Seto paled. “What the hell is that supposed to mean!?”

“I won’t go down alone. I protected myself when Gozuboro died and I will if you fuck this up. Did you really think you could get the better of me? I’ve been with this family for years. I know you Seto. You aren’t going to be pushing me out of any windows.”

“He doesn’t have to.”

They both looked up as Dartz came into the room, his eyes gleaming oddly in the office light.

“You’re such a stupid old man, you know that? Did you really think you could get one over on a Kaiba?”

“Don’t be stupid Dartz, you have no idea the enormity of this situation –”

“Oh, but I do. You see, I was with Daddy even longer than Seto. I know how it all works, you don’t.” He tossed some papers on Seto’s desk and crossed his arms.

“Did you know, when we were adopted, our names were never legally changed? Can you believe that this place is actually in the name of one Seto Kurikana as opposed to Kaiba? You don’t really own Kaiba Corp. Any of it.”

Sugoroku laughed. “I can’t believe this! Who’s been paying me then?”

Dartz grinned. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” He opened a portfolio under his arm and began reading. “This place actually seems to belong to Gozuboro’s partner, one S. Kaiba. Now, who could that be, if Seto here is a KuriKana?”

They all stared at Dartz. Damn his suspense.

“Apparently, that ‘S’ stands for Sugoroku. You’ve been paying your own checks.”

“WHAT?!” both men yelped. Sugoroku began to laugh again.

“I can’t believe it! This whole time! Gozuboro you old cad! I knew you wouldn’t leave me hanging!”

Dartz nodded. “No, he didn’t. Everything is yours. Everything.”

Seto got up. “Is this your idea of a joke Brother?! What the hell is going on!?”

“Nothing Brother, just righting some wrongs. Ever wonder why you were always told to sign ‘S. Kaiba’? Hm?” He tossed the portfolio at Sugoroku who pushed Seto away from the large leather chair.

“Finally…” the man rubbed the surface of the desk. “Finally, I’ll get what I deserve. All those years of grunt work…all those years of listening to Gozuboro and his brat…”

Dartz merely watched an enraged Seto, his eyes snuffing out into defeat. “Well brother, don’t you think Sugoroku should get what he deserves?”

“Fuck you Dartz…fuck you…”

“But brother, he’s going to get what he deserves.” Dartz took a phone out of his pocket and dialed a number. He waited a bit, then talked.

“Yes, it’s me…yes. Definitely. Send them in.”

Dartz stepped aside as the offices double doors opened and police officers filed in. The chief came forward.

“Sugoroku Kaiba?”

“What?! No, it’s Sugoroku Motou –”

“I don’t think so, according to these legal documents you had a name change ten years ago to Kaiba. You are under arrest for the various crimes outlined in that very portfolio. I think they range from crimes against humanity to crimes against nature. It’s a pretty big umbrella that we’ll go over for you in the station.”

Two Inu officers grabbed him by the arms, the Shepard mixes growling at him under their breaths.

“NO! NO! You don’t understand!”

Dartz waved as he was taken away. “I hope you enjoy what you deserve.”

They watched the man get taken away, Dartz pleased as the clock was near midnight. He handed Seto more papers.

“At midnight, the company will be transferred over to you. Seto Kaiba. I put in name change papers some time ago. They just went through.”

The brunette watched the tall aqua haired boy. “How –when –why?”

“Because I knew what Motou was doing all along. Even when Gozuboro was alive. You jilted my revenge plot by tossing our ‘father’ out of a window, but I still had plans for Motou. It’s unfortunate that things are coming to a head this way, but I have media sources who will come to me for the real story. Go to bed, there will be several press conferences tomorrow.”

Seto blinked. “WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!?”

“Do you really think I have no idea what’s going on? I was Kaiba’s first son. I learned pretty quickly. He just tossed me aside because I refused to be his puppet. He was about to be rid of you too when you defenestrated him. I’ve been watching over the whole company for years. Who do you think that mysterious investor is? I own half of this company through stocks and bonds.”

“Orichalcos!?”

“The one and the same. Now, go to bed. I have a feeling we’ll be getting visitors soon and they’re not going to be in a good mood.”

“But –what –you –”

Dartz guided Seto out of the room. “Don’t worry about it. Go to sleep.”

Seto left and Dartz reclined behind the desk. He still didn’t see the meaning of all the FFFC Neko crap, but he wasn’t about to let his brother be done in by the two bit hack known as the “Trick King”.

“No one fools a Kaiba. No one.”

****

Yami growled. “Bakura!”

The white Neko grinned sinisterly. “I hear you can break things or put them back together. Want to know what I can do?”

In a very kittenish moment, Yugi nodded. “What?”

Bakura blinked and raised his eyebrow at Yami, who just frowned.

“I’ll bet we’re all going to see the same person. Seto Kaiba has a lot to answer for. Don’t you think?”

Malik went over to the care and opened the door, Yugi hopping in the front seat, Malik going over to the driver’s side. Yami yowled softly as he got in the back seat with Bakura, eyes widening in surprise as someone else got in as well.

Cloaked in red, Ryou burrowed into Bakura’s side when he saw who was driving.

“Brother –”

“Fear is a weakness. He’s a kitten likeyourself.”

Ryou shut up, but gripped Bakura’s arm none the less, the elder Neko pulling the hood over his brother’s head, hiding him from Yami’s gaze.

“Who is –”

“None of your concern Pharaoh.”

Yami hissed and Bakura laughed. “Yeah, I read your file.” He kicked the seat. “Drive Skinny!”

Malik spun around, hissing at Bakura. “Shut up! Just shut up!”

Bakura laughed. “Aw, Kitty’s got fire! Who stepped on your tail?”

Yugi pulled at the seat belt, watching it retract and laughing. “Yami look!”

“Aibou, that’s not a toy, secure it near your hip!”

THUNK!

Yugi giggled and Yami reached forward to put the seat belt on. The kitten frowned.

“Aww…”

“Aibou, please be serious, this is a serious situation –”

Yugi pressed the release and watched the belt retract. Ryou watched from the back seat, a small giggle escaping his lips. Bakura looked at him and he shut up.

Malik sighed. “Yugi, come on. This is why Ishizu doesn’t let you in the car. Stop.”

Yugi shrugged and seat belted him self, turning to look at Ryou. “Try it! It’s fun!”

Ryou looked up at Bakura then at Yugi his hands not moving for the seat belt. He didn’t want his brother to think he was childish.

“G-games are for children.” He said.

Yugi frowned. “You’re just mad because …well just because –”

“Aibou, please –”

“I’M DRIVING NOW!” Malik announced starting the engine. He’d never been with a more ridiculous group and couldn’t stop himself from laughing as Yugi rolled down the window with the automatic button.

“Oh my god! Oh my god Yami look at this!”

“Aibou….”

Ryou reached out and pressed the one on his side, giving a surprised yowl when it went down. Bakura laughed and got Ryou off his lap.

“Relax Little Brother. It won’t hurt you –”

“Ahhh! Yami Yami!”

Yugi’s head was stuck in the window. Yami jumped in the front seat even as they drove to rescue the kitten. When he was done, Yugi rubbed his neck.

“That hurt…”

Yami growled. “In the back seat Aibou!”

“But –”

Yami gave him a look and Yugi climbed into the back seat, muttering. “Hmph…see if I rescue you next time…I coulda figured it out…”

Malik giggled into his hand and Ryou smiled behind his hand.

This was going to be an interesting trip across town.

****
*EFC: Experimental Feline Companion FFFC: Freedom for Feline Companions
*I can just imagine Yugi “Iiiiiiiii Like Potatoes!” Malik: “I like cereal.” Yugi: “Iiiiiiii Like Po-ta-toes.” Malik: “I LIKE CEREAL!”
*Everyone should watch Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends…Edwardo rocks it.
*I’d like to thank Wicabeth for the inspiration for this fic!
*Schwarzwald loves ya’ll! *shifty eyes* But I loves me a conspiracy….