The Beast Within

A/N: Sorry guys! There seemed to have been a bit of a prob with what i posted seeing as it wasnt the whole thing *facepalm* Shit like that seriously offsets me.


Chapter 4- Interlude By Twilight

Yugi was still shaking when he pushed open the door to the shop that evening and lethargically crawled inside. He felt sick—like any second he would bring up his insides. When the door clicked, Solomon looked up from a book that was open in front of him on the counter. The fluorescent light accentuated the worry lines on his face and the dark shadows under his eyes- probably from lack of sleep.

“Oh, my god, Yugi!” He shuffled out from behind the counter and grabbed Yugi in a bone crushing hug. “I was so worried.”

Yugi didn’t even try to resist or protest even though is skin felt sticky and unclean, and he just wanted to be alone. The fact was he felt guilty. After he had called Kaiba’s driver to come and pick him up, he had also called his grandpa and told him about what happened- minus certain specifics of course. Like what he was doing out at that time and why he was so far from home and in that part of town to begin with.

But against his better judgment, he had opted to stay with Kaiba instead of returning straight home. It was just something that seemed mandatory. Kaiba had been in such a bad state that Yugi honestly wanted to make sure that he was okay before he left. Of course Kaiba’s people were more than competent and capable of caring for him but… he felt Kaiba would need someone after what happened. But Yugi didn’t tell him did he? Kaiba hadn’t allowed him time to explain. Such a reaction from the young millionaire was expected but still…

Solomon held him at arm’s distance to examine his face. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

Yugi’s bottom lip trembled but he nodded solemnly. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.” At some point.

His grandfather pulled him into another affectionate hug. “You should get some rest,” he suggested at seeing Yugi’s drooping eyelids.

“We’ll discuss it after you’ve rested up, alright?” Yugi nodded gratefully. He really hadn’t the energy to talk about it. Everything seemed so sudden. He practically went from lamenting his dull life to dragging an unconscious and clearly out-of-sorts Kaiba off him in the middle of a dirty alley.

He climbed the stairs slowly; not having gotten sufficient sleep over the past two days had taken a toll on his body. Entering his bedroom, he pressed his back against the door and sunk to the floor. It felt like forever since he had left home with the intention of bringing Yami back, when it only had been the night before.

His thoughts then strayed to Kaiba. If he saw the bruises on his body yet… how he would react when he did. Would he seek Yugi out for answers? Probably. But did Yugi even have any to give? He himself still wasn't sure exactly what had happened. And that light… He had no idea where it came from but it saved his life.

God, he was so pathetic, but what could he have done? Before in the face of danger, strong adrenalin would kick in, moving his feet and allowing him to spring into action without hesitation. Was it really him though? It was his body yes, but was it him really?

Even though he was trying to fight sleep, it was clearly winning, but he didn’t want to sleep. He wanted to think. He needed to answer the question; what was wrong with Kaiba? Had something…possessed him?

With a heavy sigh, he found the strength to get up and go to the bathroom. Once there, he peeled off his clothes and dropped them to a heap on the floor and climbed into the shower. The warm water felt good, tingling nicely as the droplets rolled down his skin. He rested his head against the tile and closed his eyes.

“Please, help me!”

“What? What happened? Y-You’re bleeding!”

“I- It killed him,” she sniffed and dropped to her knees, tears staining her pretty face.

“What I-I can’t- what do you mean it?”

“It killed him! A m-monster. Please, help me. Help me.”

“Help me!”


Yugi’s eyes shot open, his breathing shallow. His heart thumping loudly in his chest was the only sound at first, but it resided and he could hear something else; running water. His pulse still racing but his mind somewhat clear, he recognized his shower. The room was still bathed in orange light. I fell asleep.

It didn’t seem like a long time had passed because as far as he could tell, it was still evening. Looks like another sleepless night, he though grimly.

With a sigh, he lifted his forehead from the cool white tile that he had rested it on that had initially lulled him to sleep, and let the water wash over his face and through his hair, taking special care not to close his eyes.

If I close my eyes…I’ll see her face… It wasn't like he hadn’t been through similar things like that during the time since he solved the millennium puzzle. The four years after were riddled with more that their share of strange and dangerous situations, but this- this was different. That woman was almost attacked in front of him and he just froze up. And her poor fiancé…

The thought alone made him shiver. He turned off the water and slowly made his way out of the shower, grabbing the nearby towel and wrapping it around his waist. Wiping away the steam from the mirror, he stared at his reflection.

He must have been crying in his sleep because his eyes were red and puffy. He probably couldn’t tell before because of all the water, but he could feel the tightness in his eyes now. Carefully, he raised his hand to his face to brush a scratch above his right eye when he caught the reflection of the gold ring on his index finger, glistening in the cool light.

It hasn’t worked yet. Should it take this long? I know it’s only been a day but… That Heath guy hadn’t even told him how to use it anyway. Tears welled up in Yugi’s eyes. Would I even know how if the answer was staring me in the face?” Yami…

A slow, sweet melody like one from a music box floated in the room through the door that was slightly ajar, and Yugi closed his eyes, taking it in. It was calming him down with the familiar tune and then it stopped.

It jumped him when it started again, and it was then that he realized what it was. Sure enough when he headed for his bedroom, there lying on his bed, was the cell phone that he had bought to keep in touch with the others, ringing for all it was worth. It only rang once in a while, and it was only for his friends. He flipped the top up without checking the caller ID.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Yug! Man it’s so good to hear your voice again.”

“Oh, hello Joey.”

“Well don’t sound so happy to hear me now,” he remarked dryly ay Yugi’s dull tone.

Yugi let out a noise of amusement. “Sorry.”

“What were you doing anyway? I’ve been calling you forever.”

“Sorry, I was in the shower.”

“Oh, you going out,” Joey asked in a playful tone that brought a smile to Yugi’s face.

“No, I just… needed to cool down.”

“Well, I hoped you’re dressed.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because, we’re going out,” said Joey happily. It was clear that he was exited and Yugi felt bad because he couldn’t exactly say that he shared his friend’s sentiments.

“Wha- Joey… this is so short notice,” Yugi whined. He honestly hadn’t expected it and he didn’t even know if he felt up to company right now. Of all the times that Joey could embrace his spontaneity and pop up for an unscheduled visit, why’d it have to be now?

“I know, I know.”

The line was quiet for a few seconds.

“Y-You’re not busy are ‘ya?” Joey’s voice wavered, as if outraged by the mere idea, even though the softness his voice suggested otherwise.

Yugi tightened his grip on the tiny phone and looked out his window. “N-No, I- but wouldn’t it take to long for you to get here now? It’s almost half a day’s drive from there.”

“Yup it is and it would have served as a problem, had I not been in a bus that arrived downtown a couple of minutes ago.”

{}


By the time Yugi had thrown on a sweater and a pair of jeans, it was already nearing five o’clock.

He was late.

He dropped to his knees and crawled on all fours to search under his bed for shoes. One of the many problems of a clean room; you can never find where anything is which is ironic, because when it’s a pig’s sty, everything has its own place in the mess. The mess was now under his bed where he swept it to give the room, the illusion of clean.

I’ve gotta clean this…ugh- room sometime. He dug through a variety of clothes, books and other things until he finally found a pair. He hopped down the stairs trying to put them on as he neared the door.

“I’ll be back grandpa!” he shouted halfway to the door. There was no reply so he stopped, slightly puzzled.

“Grandpa?”

“…”

Still no answer. He must have taken a nap. He fumbled around for a pen and paper and wrote a short note. With it placed on the counter in full view, Yugi bolted through the door.

He found himself running and quite vigorously at that. Joey had explained to him that their rendezvous would take place at a little dessert shop they used to go to all the way downtown. In truth, Yugi had had plenty of time to get there, but half an hour was spent debating whether he should go or not. In the end, he decided that it would be a distraction from the raging thoughts in his head. A welcomed one. And who knew when he might see Joey again. He was already there way and if Yugi declined now, he would have been disappointed.

When Yugi finally managed to get to the shop, he was hot and sweaty. Panting, he clutched a stitch in his side. Don’t know when last I ran like that. He looked around. The two circular tables and chairs that provided seating for the customers were empty. Pigeons idled lazily, picking for bits of food and otherwise completely ignoring his presence. The fountain opposite the tables murmured quietly, the water reflecting the ending sunset.

Great. Here he was about worried about being late and on the verge of collapsing and Joey wasn't even there yet. Classic Joey. He was thinking about sitting in one of the hard wrought-iron chairs to catch his breath, when he was tackled from behind in a hug.

His would-be-hugger’s face was so close to him that he couldn’t even see. Their hands were wrapped firmly across his chest and shoulders. “Uh…”

“I thought you’d never get here!” screamed Joey. He released Yugi and stepped back to look at him fully. When Yugi turned around his jaw dropped. “…Joo…” The surprise couldn’t have been clearer in his voice and had he not known that it was his friend from his voice, Yugi probably would have mistaken him for a stranger.

“You’ve gotten taller!” Joey joked.

Joey’s hair which had been a short and un-tamable coif was…well…not. It was longer and swept into a messy knot at the back of his head. Strands of golden hair framed his face and spilled out from the knot. It definitely had a slicker sheen to it, that was for sure. For some reason, Yugi felt as though the air had been knocked from him.

“Joey…your hair…”

Joey only grinned wildly at Yugi’s expression before shoving him in a chair and taking the one opposite. “You like?” he asked, running his hands through it.

“It’s uh… interesting.”

“Interesting!? That’s all I get?”

Yugi laughed. “Well that best describes it.”

Joey hadn’t changed even though his appearance had a little, and Yugi was thankful for that. He didn’t even notice that he was staring; he was just watching the movements of Joey’s mouth. He tilted his head as his friend ranted animatedly and made wild gestures with his hands. Hmm, this new looks suits him though, I can see his eyes more clearly. Never thought Joo worried about looks though.

“Jeez Yug, its feels like forever since I’ve seen you!”

“Huh? Yeah, it’s been more than a year.” Yugi scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously. He really needed to stop tuning people out. It was becoming a rather bad habit.

Joey sighed wistfully. “Time really flies eh.”

“Yeah.” Though it felt like an eternity to me.

“Soo, what have you been up to?” Yugi was sure he saw a malicious glint in his friend’s eyes.

“Uh…noting really,” he said raising his hands in surrender. “I help out grandpa around the shop.”

“Ne? You’re better now right? You could come to school with us now.”

Yugi faked a coughing fit and cleared his throat loudly. “How are the others?”

Joey thankfully didn’t seem to notice the diversion. “Oh, they’re fine if you count being buried under a ton of work as fine.”

Yugi laughed. “Sounds like fun.”

“Yeah, it’s a real picnic,” Joey remarked dryly.

“Here you go, sir.”

Yugi looked up to see a girl in waitress uniform serving him a strawberry smoothie on a silver platter. His eyes instantly lit up at his favorite dessert. “Thank You!”

She bowed and placed the glass of fruity goodness on the table in front of him.

“I remember that it was always your favorite. Still is right?”

“What? You can’t tell?” Yugi asked with mock sarcasm, tipping the cup to his head. He couldn’t help but smile. Odd for Joey to remember these little things, but then again, Yugi had always spent most of his time with his friends so it wasn't that odd. The gesture was sweet none the less. “Thank you Joey,” he said seriously, maybe a little too seriously because Joey looked flustered.

“Alright, alright.” Joey rolled his eyes. “What’d you say we go for a walk, I don’t have much ti-” Joey suddenly burst out laughing.

“What?” Yugi was clearly confused.

“Nothing, nothing.”

“Yugi got up and followed Joey, unaware that he was sporting a pink mustache. He had to admit to himself that he felt immensely better. Joey could always cheer him up and make him feel better. Strange though that he came by himself. Yugi tried not to worry about it but to instead focus on enjoying himself. The others were busy. Joey said so himself.

The air in the park had the September crisp to it that made trees sway and caused Yugi to shiver. The sun had set fully and the sky was the calming blue of twilight. Yugi quite enjoyed the atmosphere as he and Joey walked along the winding paths. He was still enjoying his smoothie and Joey, hands behind his head as usual, seemed contented by his presence. This is nice, Yugi thought to himself.

It had been a long time since he had been in the company of someone. I cant believe I almost didn’t come. Yugi glanced at him just in time to see him look away quickly. Hmm, I have gotten taller. I reach his shoulder now. I remember when I didn’t even come up to his chest! Yugi chuckled quietly.

“What?”

“Nothing, I was just thinking. Are you cold?”

“Huh? Why?”

“Cause your face is red,” Yugi pointed out.

“What?” Joey flared his arms and clutched at his cheeks. “Y-Yeah I guess I’m a bit cold, yeah.”

Yugi laughed and Joey joined in, but there was a sound of laughter that wasn't coming from either of them. It was carried on the wind and Yugi whirled around to see a young couple strolling hand in hand almost as if in slow motion.

He heard the taller teen sigh beside him. “Do you ever miss it?”

Yugi’s eyes narrowed in confusion though he was still focused on the woman who was now locked in an embrace with her partner. “Hmm?”

“I mean everyone… like how we used to hang out.” Joey stopped abruptly and stared off into space. Yugi tried to read his expression but was surprised when he couldn’t. Joey sighed loudly and plopped down in a bench that was under the branches of a large tree, leaving Yugi standing unsure of what to do.

He was starting to feel dizzy and disoriented. I-It looked… just like …her He had forgotten, but it was back now. Her face…her smile…the blood. In all his efforts this evening, when he had something to focus on and capture his attention, the events of the past night had faded away. It was stronger now. That feeling of sadness. His right hand trembled on the cup. It almost felt like it was being pulled to the ground. His knees wobbled.

“Back in high school, everything was so…easy,” Joey continued. Easy to get caught up in the illusion that it would never end.

“So, its not easy now?” Yugi sat next to Joey tried to breathe.

“No, Yug- we haven’t seen each other in so long. We can’t even do stuff anymore. God, I wish you would come with us. It’s just not the same.”

Yugi’s heart constricted painfully at his friend’s voice, but not because of its dejected tone, but because that’s the exact way he felt. It wasn't the same. So he has changed.

Yugi could only stare at his blonde haired friend with wide eyes as he concentrated on the few twinkling stars now gracing the sky with a strange look on his face, the wind teasing his loose hair.

It was then that the thought struck Yugi, a frightening one. In the year that they had been apart, his friend had…grown up. He still missed the past like Yugi, but unlike him, Joey had the courage to move on, and with that thought, Joey turned to face him.

Yugi couldn’t fathom when their faces had gotten so close together, but Joey was so near him that he could see the varying shades of hazel and brown in his eyes in the light from the over head lamp that had just flickered on. The intensity within them made him swallow convulsively.

“I really missed you, Yugi,” he whispered, using his thumb to wipe the sticky fruity remains from his upper lip. Yugi was sure that his heart would explode. But why? They’d been close before. But why do I feel like this is different?

“Joey…”

He barely registered the feel of tears running down his cheeks before his body was gently pulled to the warmer one. But this embrace was different from the one Joey had given him before. He could feel without seeing, the Joey had closed his eyes and was breathing him in.

The stars flickered to life in the velvety blackness and the silence only served to magnify the quiet sobs.


TBC