Shadow Rising

CH. 5

Okay, I do realize we haven’t really been going anywhere with this. Yet. I’m getting to the fun. Thanks for the cookies *Hands bite-sized brownies to everyone.*

Demi: What about me?

*Pulls out a bag of catnip treats, then grins as her three wayward muses line up in front of her, looking innocent.*

******

“I still say we should take over Seto’s place.” Malik said, sitting back into the chair.

“Yeah right.” Briefly Ryou wondered if he should warn Malik that that was Bakura’s favourite chair, then rejected the idea. He blinked. Bakura was obviously rubbing off on him.

The sounds from the kitchen were getting louder.

“I wonder who’s going to win.” Malik commented. Ryou shrugged.

“As long as Bakura’s not taking out his frustrations on me, I don’t care.” He winced just remembering.

“Don’t worry. By the time Marik’s done with him, bothering you will be the last thing on Bakura’s mind.”

“Ha. My yami’ll kick your yami’s ass.”

“You didn’t seem so sure when you were sitting next to him.” Ryou blushed, half anger, half embarrassment.

“You’re nearly as bad as he is. Crazy Egyptians.”

“Crazy! Look who’s got the psycho grab-the-Millennium-items-and-take-over-the-world yami.”

“Well, at least he never swore to defend the pharaoh’s tomb and then betrayed him.”

“I never swore to anything. I didn’t have a choice.” Malik scowled at how defensive he sounded.

A chuckle interrupted the pair. They jumped and looked at their partners, who were watching with amused expressions. Bakura had a bruise on his arm, and Malik’s lip was cut, but otherwise they looked fine. Ryou didn’t want to see the kitchen.

“So the Angel’s got some fire after all.” Marik mused.

“Of course. Just because he’s well-trained doesn’t mean he’s a total wimp.” Ryou blushed again. He closed his eyes and let out a mortified groan.

“What’s wrong, Tenshi? It’s the truth.”

“We’d better get going. Maybe the Pharaoh and his Mini-Me will have some ideas as to where to have this thing.”

“Moneybag’s place isn’t such a bad idea.” Bakura agreed. “But you go have fun. I think my Tenshi deserves a treat.” Ryou looked at Bakura, surprised. Marik chuckled.

“Later then.” And he led Malik outside to their bike.

“What kind of treat?” Ryou asked, intrigued.

“I’m not sure yet.” Bakura answered, and wouldn’t answer any more questions.

******

Marik and Malik looked around Kaiba’s waiting room. The pair had managed to get Yugi’s interest, which meant they had Yami’s help as well. So they had all headed over to KaibaCorp.

“Well, I guess we should start sending out invitations, then.” Just then, there was an annoyed growl from Kaiba’s office. The door slammed open and Kaiba stalked out, followed by Yami.

“I’ll play you a game for it.” Yami offered.

“No! You are not using my mansion to host your weird party. Besides, you always win.”

“Of course.” Yami retorted. Kaiba glared, then he heard a voice. It was barely a whisper, really.

:Stop this.: The voice said. Kaiba ignored it, stalking out of the room, headed down the hall to his private retreat.

:Let them have the party.: The voice insisted. Then Kaiba stopped in shock as his head suddenly exploded in pain.

“The only party I want to have is the victory party when I defeat him.” Kaiba said through gritted teeth. The pain increased and Kaiba leaned against a doorframe. After a moment, he forced himself to stand and continue walking.

Kaiba entered his room, shutting and locking the door behind him before he allowed himself to fall to his knees.

“Get out of my mind.” He snarled, holding his head in his hands.

:I would love to. Unfortunately, we’re stuck with each other.:

“Who are you, and what do you want?” Kaiba asked, then felt the pressure lessen somewhat.

:You’re ready to listen. Good. I am the High Priest, Set, and I want you to get me the Millennium Rod.:

“What?” Kaiba gasped. “Are you crazy?” The pain increased until it was all Kaiba could do to keep from crying out. Tears made tracks down his cheeks.

:How much more do you think you can stand?: Set asked conversationally. :Simple pain is so demeaning, but I have little strength and less patience at the moment.: Kaiba groaned.

“All right.” He managed. “Just, stop.” Then he slumped forward as Set released him, and lay still, trembling slightly.

:Good. I knew you were a smart boy. You do take after me after all.: Kaiba noticed the voice sounded as tired as he felt. He stood and stumbled to the bed, collapsing on it.

He was exhausted, but found he was now too keyed up to sleep. He turned a bit, trying to get comfortable, then lay on his back, staring at the ceiling.

:Close your eyes.: Set told him. Kaiba ignored him. Set sighed in irritation. :You do take after me. Far too much.: Kaiba felt the first twinges of pain again. Deciding there were more important battles to save his strength for, he closed his eyes.

Set began humming, a soft tone that could be nothing other then a lullaby.

“You’re going to sing me to sleep?” Kaiba said, annoyed. “I’m not a child.” He opened his eyes again.

Set didn’t answer, continued humming. Kaiba yawned and his eyes closed again. He began to relax, and Set used the opportunity to try to extend his control. Kaiba wasn’t sure what exactly was happening, but he didn’t trust the spirit, and fought him. To his surprise, Set backed off, and returned to merely humming. Nor did he make the attempt as Kaiba drifted off again.

But just before Kaiba fell into unconsciousness, he heard Set speak one last time.

:I’m not budging on one issue, though. We are having the party.:

******

“How did you do it?” Jounouchi asked Yugi, Monday at lunch. It was all over the school now, that Kaiba was having a Halloween party at his house. It had also been made abundantly clear that it was invitation only.

“I didn’t. He just came up this morning, said I could have the damn party as long as I didn’t invite the whole school, and stalked off.”

“The Priest, probably.” Yami put in. “I wish I knew what he was planning. My cousin very rarely does anything that would help him in some way.”

“Your cousin? So he’s Royalty too?”

“No. My mother, his mother’s sister, was, very surprisingly, a commoner. That caused more then a few problems, especially when I took the throne.”

“Hey, we had an idea.” Malik walked up, with Ryou right behind. Yami frowned at them, obviously annoyed, but he didn’t seem on the verge of attacking them so far. Yugi hoped it would stay that way.

“I thought everyone should come in pairs, since most of us will be paired anyway.” Malik continued, either not noticing or ignoring Yami’s expression. “And the pair has to wear costumes connected in some way.”

“Connected?” Jounouchi echoed.

“Yeah, like the same theme or…”

“Bakura’s de… I’m going as an angel, and Bakura’s going to be a demon. Things like that. Opposites, matching, whatever.”

“The whole idea’s idiotic, so why not make it even more stupid.” Kaiba snapped, overhearing them. He suddenly lifted a hand to rub his temple.

“It’s easier if you don’t fight.” Yami commented, coming out. “Set never did have much patience for fools.”

“What are you talking about? I’ve just got a headache from having to deal with you.”

“Really? Then why is it that you can hear me? Or see me for that matter?”

Kaiba stared at him, realizing he had made a mistake and trying to figure out how to fix it. Finally, he just turned and left.

“Man, he acts weirder every time I see him.” Jounouchi said as he came up, looking over his shoulder at Kaiba. “What’s his beef this time?”

Yami just gave the CEO a dismissive wave.

“So what are you coming as then, Malik?” Yugi asked. Malik blushed.

“Ummm, it’s a secret.” He answered. “I have to go now.” And he quickly walked away.

“Huh, Malik blushing. Never thought I’d see that.” Jounouchi scratched his head. Ryou grinned.

“Not a word, Hikari.” Bakura said roughly, coming out. He crossed his arms and gave Yami that devil-may-care smirk. Yami’s eyes narrowed, but surprisingly, he didn’t say anything. Yugi wondered if his comments earlier had made an impression.

“Hurry up.” Honda called from the lunch line. “Or they’ll be nothing left.” The teens hurried to stand in the line, Yami giving Ryou a concerned look, which was ignored, before he sank back into Yugi.

******

:Malik, what are you doing?: Marik frowned at the mess his hikari was making. Malik considered his creation for a moment.

:It’s supposed to be art.:

:That? Ha! Here, move over. I’ll show you real art.: Malik turned control over to Marik, and sat back to watch.

Marik looked up at the flowers they were supposed to be drawing for a moment, then his pencil started to move across the paper. After a few minutes, the teacher walked over to look at the picture.

“Malik. That’s surprising. How did you get so good so fast?” Marik’s mind raced. He blinked at her, pretending he was surprised to see her, while he thought.

“Umm, my cousin’s been giving me lessons. He’s an amateur painter.” The teacher seemed to accept the explanation, nodding and moving on to the next student.

Malik moved to stand behind his yami, and wrapped his arms around him in a very rare display of affection.

:Hmm, that is good. Maybe I won’t fail this class after all.:

:Well, I want a little recompense for my help.:

:Whatever you say.: Marik grinned nastily.

:You might regret that.:

******

D’Ceandre: Hmmm. What does Marik have planned? And what’s Malik’s costume going to be?

Trouble: Why are you asking them?

D’Ceandre: Because I haven’t a clue. Well, all right. I do know what Marik’s got planned, but as for costumes. *shrugs.* If anyone has any ideas, feel free to share. It has to be something embarrassing for Malik, but not for Marik, cause he’s more dangerous. *Takes a quick glance around.* I think they’re already planning to massacre me.

Trouble: Probably.