Chapter Text
At Domino High it was half-time, in other words lunch period, and the students were leaving their classrooms for a bit of free time. In one particular class, there was a student still at their desk, currently constructing a building out of cards.
“Hey, Yugi!” A classmate calls, getting the boy’s attention and causing the stacked cards to collapse. “Quit playing by yourself and come play basketball with us for a change, will ya?” The same classmate suggests while spinning a basketball.
“Oh, w-well, no thanks… The team I join usually ends up losing…” The boy, Yugi, declines, saying the last part to himself.
“That’s true.” The guy says and leaves the room to join his friends, leaving Yugi all alone at his desk.
“I’d like to play my kind of games with everyone once in a while… I always bring so many games with me to school, too… I guess I’ll just have to wait for Yami Onii-chan to get back.” He thought to himself as he gathers the scattered cards. “Oh yeah! While I wait, I’m gonna try and finally finish that today! It’s the treasure I always carry with me!” He decides while grabbing his school bag, putting away his cards then takes out a strange golden box with an eye-like symbol on the front and places it on his desk.
“My greatest treasure lies within this box. So I must keep it a secret.” He says to himself as he looks at the box. “And that there’s the quiz! What lies in this box is something you can see, yet you have never seen it! Now, what could it be? And the answer is…” Just as he was about to open the box, it was snatched away. Yugi turns to see a taller boy with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. “Jonouchi-kun!” He recognizes.
“Yugi, what’cha talking to yourself for? ‘What you can see, but can’t see’? You ain’t making sense at all!” The blonde, Jonouchi, says while looking at the box.
“Uh! G-Give it back!” Yugi says, standing and trying to retrieve the box. He was jumping up and down as the much taller boy held it high out of reach. “G-Give--” He started pleading as Jonouchi tossed the box into the air, then hopped over a desk and caught it again as it came back down.
“Man, caring so much for a box like this… You know, Yugi.” The blonde says as he turns to the boy, who followed him to the room door. “It’s that part of you that… Well, it really pisses me off. So I’m gonna have to put you through some training so you can be a man! How about it? You want this back, right? Then come at me with all you got!” He says in taunting manner.
“I hate fighting and violence!” Yugi then exclaims as loud as he could.
“Gah! You may not got any guts but you sure got a freaking loud voice!” Jonouchi says while plugging his ears.
“Anyway, just give me back that box!” The smaller boy pleads.
“That’s right! Knock it off, Jonouchi!” A new voice speaks and the two turn to see another boy with brunette hair in some sort of pompadour.
“Oh! Did you say something? Honda-kun, the one wanting to ‘make the school a better place’ by running for Student Council president in his first year, but ended up rejected and falling to Janitor Patrol!” Jonouchi says to the boy, Honda.
“It’s not ‘Janitor Patrol’… It’s called the ‘Beautification Patrol’!” Honda exclaims.
“Your voice is frigging loud too!” The blonde boy groans.
“Right, just as you said… I have instead been reborn as an even bigger human being! As a Beautification member… I am to purify human beings…” The brunette monologues, but the other two boys have since stopped listening.
“By the way, what’s in this box?” Jonouchi asks Yugi, while Honda kept talking.
“Y-You can take a look, but don’t lose anything. It’s really important to me.” The smaller boy permits then requests.
“You should listen when a person is talking to you!” Honda exclaims, having realized they weren’t paying attention to his ramblings, but Jonouchi was busy looking in the gold box.
“What the hell? This is boring.” Jonouchi says, sounding disappointed.
“If it’s boring, then why don’t you give it back?” Another new voice says and the two boys flinch upon seeing who it was.
“Y-Yami!!” Jonouchi exclaims. In the doorway stood another boy with a striking resemblance to Yugi. Only slightly taller, though shorter than the two boys, with blonde lighting streaks in his hair and sharper eyes that have a red tint to them.
“Yami Onii-chan!” Yugi exclaims, happy to see his older twin brother who was currently looking at Jonouchi, his arms crossed and face disproving.
“What have I told you about tormenting my little brother, Jonouchi-kun?” Yami asks. Despite being shorter the blonde was admittedly intimidated by the older Mutou. If there was one thing everyone knew, it was not to get on his bad side.
“Oh come on, I was curious about what Yugi was hiding. I was just playing around. Hahaha…” Jonouchi says, nervously laughing from the boy's intense gaze.
“Well, joke’s over. Give it back.” Yami says and holds out his hand for the box.
“S-Sure… If you can catch it!” The blonde says then tosses the box again, causing it to fly over Yami’s head. While the tri-color haired boy’s attention was on the box, the taller one attempted to leave, only to be blocked by a body as a hand catches the box in mid-air. “Huh? Oh, you…” The boy says when he sees the person blocking him and who also caught the box.
“Takuma-kun…” Yami says when he sees who it was. Before them stood a tall, handsome young man with fair skin, spiked up ash-silver hair with fern green streaks in his bangs and pure golden eyes. Zarc Takuma, a first year student and their underclassmen.
“Getting into squabbles this early, huh, Jonouchi-san?” Zarc says as he walks into the classroom, a girl with short brunette hair in a bob-cut and reddish brown eyes following in behind him.
“Mazaki!” Jonouchi and Honda exclaim at the sight of the girl.
“Anzu!” Yugi and Yami say next as the girl turns to the blonde and brunette boys, while Zarc approaches Yugi, holding out the box to him.
“I believe this belongs to you.” He says to the younger Mutou with a kind smile.
“Ah, thank you, Takuma-kun!” Yugi exclaims as he takes back the box, while Yami stares at Zarc, his face slightly red.
“If you think it’s boring, just give it back! Besides, you’re the boring one for bullying the weak! Yami himself has warned you multiple times!” Anzu tells Jonouchi in a scolding manner.
“Hey! No one’s bullying the weak! I was just teaching Yugi to be a man--” Jonouchi says in protest.
“Shut your mouth!” Anzu exclaims, cutting him off. A girl with long purple-blue hair in a ponytail tied with a yellow ribbon and brown eyes came into view at that moment, looking startled at Anzu’s outburst.
“Nosaka-san?” Zarc says, recognizing the girl.
“Oh, Miho-chan?” Honda also says, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink.
“S-Sorry! That wasn’t directed at you, Miho.” Anzu apologizes and explains.
“That sure surprised me! I wanted to eat lunch, but there’s still so many people in line…” Miho says and bemoans, Honda immediately rushes to her side.
“That’s no good! I’ll go get something for you right now!” He exclaims.
“Wait up, I’ll go with you!” Jonouchi says and the two take off down the hall.
“Those two are hopeless…” Anzu says as she watches. Zarc himself sighs.
“Damn it! She pisses me off!” Jonouchi complains as he and Honda were currently walking through the overpass connecting school buildings.
“Don’t talk badly about Miho-chan!” Honda scolds him.
“Who the hell was talking about Miho Nosaka?! It’s Mazaki! Anzu Mazaki! That Takuma guy ain’t any better. He isn’t even in our class, why’d he get involved? Dammit, who the hell’s ‘bullying the weak’?” The blonde says, both he and Honda looking behind and not noticing someone until bumping into them. The one in question was a much taller and older student, with greenish-black hair and a red armband.
“What was that about bullying, you two?” The student asks them, menacingly.
“Huh? What’s it to you--!?” Jonouchi starts to say but Honda covers his mouth, shutting him up.
“W-We didn’t say a thing? Really!” He quickly says to the intimidating student, sweating nervously as he was staring down at them with a narrowed eyes.
“Bullying is not good, you know.” The student says and walks past the two.
“Yes! Understood.” Honda replies as he watches the older boy leave.
“Oh, one more thing… Be sure your school uniform is properly buttoned.” The student says, temporally looking back at the two.
“Okay!” Honda replies and the student smirks then leaves. “He left.” The brunette sighs in relief and finally lets go of Jonouchi, who could finally breathe again.
“You jerk! I couldn’t breathe!” The blonde exclaims in frustration.
“Idiot! Do you have any idea who you were picking a fight with?!” Honda retorts and states, confusing the blonde. “He’s the Chief of Public Morals committee, Tetsuo Ushio-san. It’s his responsibility to make everyone follow the school’s rules. He’s an amazing person.” The brunette explains.
“Hmph! I wonder. Everyone knows flattering guys like that always have another side to them.” Jonouchi huffs in response.
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Honda scolds him.
“You’re sure something. One word from you and they were scared.” Yugi says to Yami and Anzu, who were sitting by his desk, the golden box once again on top. Zarc himself was standing nearby, leaning back against another desk.
“Guys like that would just get cocky if I didn’t tell them off. You need to stand up for yourself once in a while, Yugi.” Anzu says in a scolding tone.
“But Jonouchi-kun’s really not that bad of a guy.” Yugi nervously defends.
“Maybe, but he’s not gonna back down if you don’t say something, Yugi. I won’t always be there to protect you.” Yami states, making his little brother think.
“Your brother’s got a point. It’s fine to rely on people, but there are some battles you’ll have to fight yourself.” Zarc decides to add. “By the way, what is that box? Are those, Egyptian Hieroglyphs, on it?” He asks pointing to the strange box.
“Ah, right! We haven’t shown this to you yet, Anzu. I’ll show you if you promise to keep it a secret. Takuma-kun, you can see too if you promise the same.” Yugi says, Yami smiles, already knowing what was in the box.
“Sure! I won’t tell anyone. Show me, show me already!” Anzu says excitedly.
“I’ll keep it a secret. So, what is it?” Zarc promises then asks. Yugi then takes off the lid, revealing thousands of gold pieces inside.
“Wow! So pretty!” Anzu said in awe. “Are these parts to something?” She asks while picking one up and looking at it.
“They’re something you can see, but have never seen.” Yami then says ominously.
“Huh? ‘Something you can see, but have never seen?’ What’s that?” Anzu asks.
“A puzzle?” Zarc guesses, getting their attention.
“Yes! They’re pieces to an ancient puzzle! I haven’t completed it yet, so I don’t know what shape it’ll take. In other words, it’s ‘something you can see, but have never seen’. So Takuma-kun is right.” Yugi confirms and explains.
“So that’s it…” Anzu says, impressed.
“Our grandpa owns and runs a game store. So we have got tons of games from various countries around the world. Yugi and I found this in the corner of a shelf, covered in dust, and he said we could keep it.” Yami then recounts.
“Yep. Supposedly, it’s a strange puzzle that was unearthed in an Egyptian ruin.” Yugi adds while holding up the box.
“Wow, from Egypt?” Anzu asks, again impressed.
“Here! See these strange hieroglyphs written on the front?” Yugi says next while showing the said glyphs. “Yami Onii-chan and I translated them as best we could. We think they say something along the lines of… ‘Whoever solves this puzzle shall be granted one wish’.” He says with a serious expression. “Yeah right! That’d be too good to be true! You must be making fun of me, with that look…” He follows up then says embarrassed when he sees Anzu’s expression.
“There’s no way!” Anzu says with a laugh and small sweat. “So? What are you gonna wish for?” She then asks.
“No way! That is a definite, definite, definite, definite secret!” Yugi replies while giving a wink. Yami chuckles.
“Even I don’t know. Yugi insisted on doing the puzzle himself.” He says then leans in closer to Anzu. “Between you and me though, he does sometimes ask for assistance.” He tells her and she giggles.
“No fair Onii-chan!” Yugi whines, having heard what his brother said and the two laugh, while Zarc was staring at the box.
“Hey, Mutou, can I take a look?” He requests and the boy hands him the box, which he turns around and looks at the markings on the back. “Did you two read the carvings on the back?” He asks the brothers.
“No. Why?” Yami replies and asks, confused. Yugi also curious.
“I’m not sure… There seems to be something important written here.” Zarc says.
“Eh? You can read them, Takuma-kun?” Yugi asks, sounding impressed.
“It’s not clear, best I can make out is… ‘Only’… ‘True’… ‘Successor’… ‘Pharaoh’… ‘Destiny’… And, that’s about all I got.” The ash-silver haired boy relates.
“Huh? What does that mean?” Anzu asks, curious.
“I think this puzzle, whatever it is, is intended for someone specific. Least, that’s what I get from it.” Zarc says and hands the box back to the younger Mutou.
“For someone specific?” Yami asks and looks down at the puzzle pieces. “If that’s case, who is, was, this puzzle intended for then?” He wondered.
“Huh? What’s that?” Honda asks when he sees the gold puzzle piece in Jonouchi’s hand. This one with the same eye marking as on the box.
“A piece to Yugi’s little treasure that I stole a while ago. I only saw a glimpse, but I’m pretty sure it was a puzzle. Meaning that if this one piece is missing, it’s still a treasure but ain’t one at the same time.” Jonouchi replies and explains.
“Jonouchi, I always thought you were a hopeless idiot, but you really are pitiful! Doesn’t your conscious bother you even a little? Well? Not to mention if Yami finds out, he’s gonna kick your ass. For being so short, he’s definitely not one you want to anger. You do remember what happened to the last guys who picked on his little brother during first year, right?” The brunette says and reminds.
“Oh yeah, weren’t you gonna go buy a lunch box?” Jonouchi says, clearly tired of listening to Honda’s lecture, working as the boy remembered a certain ribbon girl.
“Oh crap!” He exclaims and rushes down the hall toward the cafeteria. Jonouchi, meanwhile, looks at the puzzle piece still in his palm, then walks over to the open window and tosses it out into the aqueduct nearby.
“What ‘treasure’…? He always acts like a kid! That bastard Yugi… That’s what pisses me off about him.” He thought annoyed then turns away and starts walking down the hall. “That Takuma is just as obnoxious. He shows up out of nowhere a week after the start of school and suddenly is the center of everyone’s attention. Even some of the guys fawn over him. Sure, he acts all friendly and nice, but I can tell there’s something off about him.” He thinks next.
“Do you like games, Takuma-kun?” Yugi suddenly asks the ash-silver haired boy, who turns his attention to him.
“Yeah. I usually play card games, but give me a good board game and I’m all in.” The golden eyed boy replies and admits. Yugi then looks at Yami, noticing how his older brother was looking at the younger boy.
“In that case, why don’t you come to Grandpa’s shop after school today?” He suggests and Yami looks at him in shock.
“I would love to, but I got archery practice after school today.” Zarc replies and turns down. Yugi noticed his brother’s subtle disappointment.
“Wow, you’re really dedicated. I heard you’re the best archer despite being the newest member.” Anzu says, impressed.
“Yeah, I was surprised too. Guess I’m a natural talent.” Zarc admits, humble.
“Oh, okay. Maybe next time.” Yugi says, understanding.
“Yeah, maybe.” The taller boy says with a smile.
After school finished for the day, everyone got their stuff together to leave for home, aside from those with after school activities. Such as school clubs, student council work and other jobs and tasks assigned to them by teachers.
“Hey, Onii-chan, why don’t you go watch Takuma-kun practice?” Yugi suggests as he and his brother get ready to go home.
“Huh?! What gave you the idea I would want to do that!?” Yami exclaims, his face red with embarrassment.
“Come on, I know you like him…” The younger twin says teasingly. “Like half of the school…” He added in thought. “I can go home myself.” He says to his brother.
“You sure…?” Yami asks skeptical. Since he could remember, Yugi was often a target for bullies and it was up to him to protect his brother from them. He made that particularly clear during first year when he defended Yugi from a group that was harassing him. Which may or may not have resulted in a few hospitalizations. Thanks to that, everyone knew to never mess with him or his little brother.
“Come on, I’m not a little kid anymore, Onii-chan. Besides, you should do what you want to do.” The younger Mutou twin says.
“And that includes watching an underclassmen, who I may or may not like, practice archery?” The older boy questions while Yugi gives him an “innocent” smile. “You sure you don’t just want to be alone with Anzu since she’s coming over?” He then asks and it was Yugi’s turn to blush. Yami sighs. “All right, fine. I’ll see you at home.” He relents and the little brother smiles.
“See you later, Onii-chan.” Yugi calls and starts to leave the school.
“Yeah, see you.” Yami says back then sighs. “How’d I let him talk me into this?” He thought as he began making his way to the archery range. “Zarc Takuma… Even though I don’t know much about him, there’s something… I can’t explain it.” He thinks to himself as he arrives at the range to find a big crowd. “Apparently I’m not the only one.” He thought and squeezes through to the crowd of students.
The one time he’s thankful for his lack of height, don’t mention that to his face or you will regret it, as he managed to slip through the crowd and was able to get a clear view of Zarc as he prepares his bow and arrow. He steps up to where you’re supposed to shoot from, then raises his bow and aims the arrow at the target. He takes a deep breath and releases the arrow, hitting a perfect bullseye.
“Nice…” Yami thought then jumps as the crowd surrounding him began cheering. Zarc looks over at the crowd and waves with a smile, Yami blushing again.
Meanwhile, Yugi was leaving the building, passing by Ushio as he was supervising the Public Moral members of the student council training, quite loudly. Deciding not to bother them, he turned to leave and head home.
“Hold it right there, you!” The boy freezes at the voice and turns to see Ushio approaching him. “You’re Yugi Mutou-kun, right?” He asks the boy.
“Uh, yes?” Yugi replies, feeling intimidated by the much bigger guy.
“I actually have something I’d like to ask you.” The Public Morals chief says. “Are you being bullied by any particular students in your class?” He asks, intently.
“Eh?! N-No! Nothing like that happens to me.” Yugi replies nervously. “Not since first year when Yami Onii-chan took care of those guys who would pick on me. No one’s dared to.” He added in thought.
“Now wait. People who are bullied often say that they are fine. I’ve been looking into the matter.” Ushio says, not listening. “But you can rest at ease now, Yugi-kun. Starting today, I, Ushio, shall take responsibility for you, as your bodyguard.” He then says.
“B-But… nothing like that happens to me, for real… P-Please excuse me!” Yugi says and quickly leaves. “What was that? Weirdo…” He thought to himself, admittedly creeped out.
“I’m home!” Yugi says as he entered the game store, his family home literally right above. He smiles when he sees a familiar person in the shop. “Anzu! You really came!” He exclaims as he approaches her.
“It’s been so long since I came over to play!” The brunette girl says.
“You’re late, Yugi!” The boy’s grandfather and owner of the game store, Sugoroku Mutou, greets as he approaches the two kids.
“I’m home, Grandpa!” Yugi announces.
“Huh? Where’s Yami?” The old man asks, noticing his other grandson was nowhere to be found.
“Uh, well… He had something to do. He’ll be back when he can.” The boy replies.
“Oh, well. Anzu-chan, you sure have grown since I last saw you! Especially your chest! Finally 80 centimeters? Good for you!” The store owner says to the girl, understandably making her uncomfortable.
“What’s with this old man?” She thought, unsure how to feel.
“And what’s this, Yugi? I heard about it from Anzu-chan. So you haven’t given up on that puzzle yet?” The old man then asks his grandson.
“Why would I give up?” The star-like haired boy says back.
“That puzzle is beyond human knowledge. It’s impossible for you. Not to mention, it has all sorts of unsavory rumors attached to it.” Sugoroku states.
“Rumors?” Anzu asks and the old man looks at them with a serious expression.
“Originally, a British excavation team found the Millennium Puzzle in a pharaoh’s tomb, within the Valley of the Kings, while looking for royal tombs in the early 20th century. However, everyone in the excavation team all died mysterious deaths afterward. And the last one said with his dying breath… ‘The Shadow Games’…” The store owner recounts to the two.
“Yugi, that puzzle sounds dangerous…” Anzu says, nervous.
“What’s a ‘Shadow Game’? It sounds interesting.” Yugi says as he pulls out the puzzle box from his bag.
“Look here. The hieroglyphics carved into this box say: ‘The one who solves me, will receive my dark knowledge and power’.” Sugoroku then says while pointing to said markings.
“I see!” Yugi says with a serious look. “So then my wish really will come true! I’m excited! I’m definitely going to finish it for sure!” He then exclaims, excited. Anzu looks away with a sigh, while Sugoroku looked ready to strangle someone.
“Anyways, return it! It’s a precious treasure after all!” The old man demands.
“No way! You’re only thinking of its value!” The tri-color haired boy refuses, keeping the box away from his grandpa.
Later that evening, Yami returned while Anzu left, and the grandfather and two grandsons had dinner, then got ready for bed. Yugi and Yami shared a bedroom, where the younger brother was currently working on the Millennium Puzzle at their shared double desk.
“I think that blocked it…” Yugi mutters trying to get two pieces to fit together.
“Yugi, come on it’s late. You can work on it tomorrow.” Yami says, already lying in bed, which was on the opposite side of his brother’s.
“But, I feel like I’m on a roll and I don’t want to stop when I’m so close.” The younger twin replies and states.
“Hehehe… You’d think after 5 years you’d give up. Well, a Mutou doesn’t quit.” Yami laughs fondly. “Still, from what grandfather said, the one who completes the puzzle will receive the Shadow Game… Whatever that is.” He added in thought. He looks up at his brother to see him passed out on the desk. He smiles then gets out of bed and approaches his sleeping brother.
The puzzle itself was definitely closer to being completed than ever before, but right now the boy was focused on his twin. He gently lifted the shorter boy from the desk while slinging his arm over his shoulder, then moves over to the other bed in the room and lays his younger brother on the mattress and covers him with the comforter. Yugi sighs and snuggles into the blanket.
To say the two were close was an understatement, they were twins after all and have been together since before being born. Especially after their parents’ divorce and they were left to be looked after by their grandfather. The two pretty much only had each other to rely on aside from grandpa. They were one another’s half, the light and the dark. Yami sighs and makes his way over to his bed, turning off the desk lamp, then gets under the covers.
The next day, the twins got up and ready for school, eating breakfast then left the shop and began making their way to Domino High.
“Oh, it’s Takuma-kun.” Yugi says, spotting the said boy walking nearby. “Did you get to talk yesterday?” He then asks his brother, who sighs.
“No. There were so many people, I couldn’t get close.” Yami admits. The shorter boy then looks around then back to his brother.
“Well, there’s no one here now. So, here’s your chance!” He says and practically shoves his brother over to the other boy.
“Ah! Yugi!” The star-shaped hair boy exclaims.
“I’ll go ahead! See you at school!” Yugi says and runs ahead.
“Mutou-san?” Yami jolts and turns to see Zarc looking at him with a quirked eyebrow. “Is, everything okay?” The ash-silver and fern green haired boy asks, while the older boy looks up at him, literally given their height difference. Hell, Yami only came up to the first-year’s chest.
“Even if I do like him… It’s still annoying! How is he a year younger than me, and yet is taller?! Life’s not fair!” He thought internally crying, he then sighs. “It… It’s nothing.” He manages to say. “But, uh, do you, want to walk to school together?” He decides to ask.
“Sure. I don’t mind. I usually walk alone anyway.” Zarc agrees. On the outside, Yami kept his usual straight face, but on the inside he was cheering up a storm. With that, the two boys began making their way to school. Unfortunately falling into an awkward silence.
“So, um, I saw your practice yesterday, Takuma… I have to say, you’re really good.” Yami says, trying to break the ice.
“Yeah. I was surprised too. When I first got here, I wasn’t sure what club to join, but when I shot my first arrow… I don’t know… It just felt like I instinctively knew what to do. Captain even said I might be able to qualify for nationals.” Zarc says.
“Wow, really? That’s amazing!” Yami says in awe. “Anyway, are you free today? If so, maybe you can stop by the shop. I’m sure there’s a game you’ll be interested in. We could, play it together…” He says next, carefully moving closer to the taller boy, though trying to not come on too strong.
“Any particular reason why?” The ash-silver haired boy asks, curious.
“Well, I would like to know more about you, Takuma-kun. I would like to be your, friend…” Yami replies and reaches to touch Zarc’s hand. However, upon making contact, the golden-eyed boy suddenly flinched violently and moved away while holding the hand Yami touched, looking at the other boy with wide scared eyes, shocking Yami and also worrying him.
“I… I… Not today! Maybe, some other time!” He says and immediately runs away. Yami stands there, shocked and lets out a frustrated groan while tussling his hair.
“Idiot! You came on too strong! He probably thinks you’re a creep now! Argh!” He growls while berating himself. Meanwhile, Zarc had hidden in an alleyway, heavily breathing and trying to calm his racing heart.
“Stop it! He was just being nice! He’s not like them!” He scolds himself, as images of shadowy people flash in his mind. He winces and carefully touches his back. “I’m not there! I have Dad! I’m safe! I don’t have to be scared anymore…” Despite telling himself that, tears began falling from his eyes.
“Yugi-kun, may I have a moment?” Ushio says to Yugi at school.
“Ushio-san, why do you want to see me?” The smaller boy asks as the older student leads behind the school building.
“Come with me, I’m sure you’ll be pleased.” The green-black haired boy says, only for Yugi to gasp in horror. Slumped against the building wall with countless fresh bruises were Jonouchi and Honda.
“I-it hurts…” Honda groans in obvious pain.
“Jonouchi-kun! Honda-kun!” Yugi exclaims and runs over to them, but is blocked by Ushio sticking out his arm.
“What do you think, Yugi-kun?” The taller man asks him.
“Wh-what is the meaning of this?” The boy questions him.
“I told you, Yugi-kun. I, Ushio, have become your bodyguard. So I decided to teach these bullies here a lesson!” The Public Moral chief explains.
“No way… Ushio-san! This is too much!” Yugi says horrified. “Are you all right, Jonouchi-kun?! Honda-kun?!” He asks, immediately rushing to the boys’ side.
“Yugi… you bastard… satisfied now?” Jonouchi says in a weak, bitter tone.
“That’s not it! You think I asked him to do something so cruel?!” The shorter boy says back.
“Move aside, Yugi!” Ushio says as he shoves the boy away. “This lesson is far from over!” He says and proceeds to stomp on Jonouchi’s chest, causing him to gag.
“Stop this already!” Yugi says, running in between the two beaten boys and Ushio.
“Hey now, Yugi-kun. Are you protecting them? What a weird guy you are. It’s a good chance to pay them back for everything they’ve done. Punch them! Kick them!” Ushio says and encourages.
“There’s no way I could do that to my friends!” Yugi says back.
“Friends…?” Jonouchi mutters while Ushio laughs.
“You’re a special case, all right… Friends, you call them? Haven’t these two been freaking bullying and using you as an errand boy for a long time!” He questions.
“They weren’t bullying me… Jonouchi-kun was just teaching me to be a man!” Yugi exclaims, the blonde looking at him in shock.
“God, you’re weird, all right. Forget it. By the way, Yugi-kun, it’s time for you to pay up. My bodyguard fee is two hundred thousand yen!” Ushio then says.
“T-two hundred thousand yen?!” The shorter boy exclaims in response.
“What should I do…? Two hundred thousand yen… There’s no way I can come up with that amount of money… What do I do…? What should I do?” Yugi thinks to himself as he continues putting the puzzle together at his desk. He steals a look at his brother, currently lying on his bed with a depressed air surrounding him. He’s been like that since arriving at school. Apparently, his talk with Zarc didn’t go well.
“And I can’t ask Yami Onii-chan to help me this time…” He thought then looks down at the puzzle in his hands. “What’s wrong with me? It’s not the time to be working on the puzzle. Huh? But, I’m completing more than usual… Weird… This is the worst day of my life… Yet I’m getting much further on the puzzle than normal. Here.” He thinks as he clicks another piece into place. “Amazing!” He cheers.
“Sounds like you’re doing better than usual.” Yami comments as he turns to look at his brother, still lying in bed on his side, his hand propping up his head.
“Yeah! Maybe, today’s the day I finally finish!” The younger Mutou exclaims.
“At least one of us is having a good day…” The older twin sighs, his mood dropping again.
“Um, what exactly happened between you and Takuma-kun?” Yugi asks, concerned.
“I’m not entirely sure. I tried to invite him over, but I guess I came on a little too strong. I did try to touch his hand… He looked scared. He probably hates me.” The older boy says with a groan as he flops on his back while covering his eyes.
“I, I’m sure it’s not like that…” Yugi says quietly when the two hear a knock on their bedroom door. “Come in!” The younger boy calls and the door opened to reveal their grandfather. “Grandpa?” He says and Yami uncovers his eyes.
“Hard at work at that puzzle as always, Yugi.” The old man comments then turns to his older grandson. “Yami, someone left this letter for you.” He says while holding out said letter. The boy sits up in his bed and takes the letter. The words: “To Yami Mutou”, were written on the envelope.
“Who’s it from?” He asks, not knowing who would be sending him a letter.
“No idea. Just found it in the mail area. Maybe you have a secret admirer. Haha!” The older store owner answers and suggests, laughing then leaving the room. Yami smiles and opens the letter.
“…‘To Mutou-san… I’m sorry about earlier. Can we talk about it? I will be waiting at the range at school. I would like to explain myself and hopefully clear up any misunderstandings between us… Sincerely, Zarc Takuma’…!?” The boy reads and exclaims in surprise when he sees who it’s from.
“Looks like he doesn’t hate you. This might be your chance Onii-chan! You should totally go!” Yugi says in encouragement.
“I, uh, don’t know…” Yami says, unsure. It was one of the only times he wasn’t fully confident in himself about something.
“You really should. He said he didn’t want any misunderstandings between you two.” His younger brother says.
“All right. I will. See you in a bit, Yugi.” The older boy agrees and gets up from his bed then leaves the room. Yugi, meanwhile, turns his attention back to his puzzle and continues putting it together.
“I did it! I finished it…” He cheers as he’s almost done. “Just one more piece and it’s done!” He says while starring at the nearly finished puzzle, appearing like a golden pyramid, and also reaches inside the box for the last puzzle piece. Only… “It’s gone… That last piece…!” He realizes, seeing the box was empty. “No way!” He exclaims as he stands up from his chair.
“In the letter, he said he’d be waiting at the range at school. He had to have meant the archery range.” Yami thought as he walks toward the school archery range. Sure enough, Zarc was there, staring at the equipment. “Takuma-kun!” Yami shouts, getting the younger boy’s attention and he turns around as the shorter boy approaches him.
“Oh, Mutou-san, you came.” Zarc says, his full attention on his upperclassman. “Look, I wanted to say--” He starts to say, looking nervous.
“I’m sorry!” Yami suddenly exclaims while bowing, cutting off the ash-silver haired boy. “I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable earlier! I really just wanted to get to know you better, but I understand if you’re no longer interested and would rather I not come near you…” He says.
“N-No! Wait! That wasn’t… No!” Zarc exclaims, interrupting the older boy. “The truth is, I ran because I was reminded of some, unpleasant memories. It wasn’t that you made me uncomfortable. In fact, I would love to come to your family’s game store.” He explains and admits.
“Really? Well, it’s pretty late, so you can also stay for dinner if you’d like.” Yami suggests while scratching his neck with a blush.
“All right. I just need to let my Dad know first. He’s stuck at work anyways, and I’d rather not be alone at the moment.” The golden-eyed boy agrees.
“Let’s get going, then.” The shorter boy says and the two then leave the range.
Meanwhile, Yugi himself was rushing towards the school. Upon finding the last piece missing from the puzzle box, therefore never being able to complete the puzzle and have his wish granted, he hoped he must have lost the said piece at school. Hence why he was going back.
“Hey, Yugi-kun!” The boy freezes and turns to see a certain someone.
“Ushio-san…” Yugi says, nervous to see the third-year.
“I take it you brought the bodyguard fee with you? Good boy.” Ushio says with a wicked grin on his face.
“That’s not it. I just came to get something I left at school! Plus, that’s impossible for me…” The star-shaped haired boy nervously says and admits.
“I see then. Seems you need a strict lesson.” The older student says, his voice deepening as he turns to the smaller boy, who looked afraid for his life.
“So what did your father say?” Yami asks as Zarc hung up on his phone.
“He said okay. He’d feel better if I was with someone instead of being home alone. Not to mention, I was getting tired of pre-made microwave dishes anyway.” The taller boy replies and admits.
“Is your mother not around?” The tri-color haired boy asks.
“I, technically don’t have a mom…” The first-year says, looking a little saddened.
“Huh?” The older boy says, then notices a couple of familiar faces. “Jonouchi-kun? Honda-kun? Where are they going?” He wonders and follows after his classmates.
“Uh, hey wait! Mutou-san!” Zarc calls and follows the boy. The two end up behind the school to see a bruised Yugi on the ground, the almost completed Millennium Puzzle a few feet away from him. While Ushio stood over Jonouchi and Honda.
“Remember what happens to those who dare to defy me!” Ushio exclaims.
“What the hell is this!?” Yami exclaims, trying to hold back his anger.
“I provided a service for Yugi-kun by being his bodyguard and teaching his bullies a lesson. Yet, he refuses to pay my fee for it.” Ushio explains to them.
“Bodyguard fee? Bullies? You mean, Jonouchi-kun and Honda-kun?” Yami asks. As far as he knew, neither hurt his little brother in any way, he would definitely know if they did. Sure, Jonouchi messed with him a lot, but he wasn’t that bad and was mostly just talk, and Honda certainly wasn’t that kind of person at all.
“So the rumors about extortion are true?!” Zarc then exclaims.
“Huh?” Yami asks, turning to him in surprise.
“I heard about how a member of the Public Moral committee would offer bully victims protection and even teach their bullies a ‘lesson’, but then would charge the victim for his ‘services’ at high, unfair amounts. I thought it was just a rumor, turns out to be true.” The first-year explains.
“Nngh…” A weak groan was heard and the two turn to Yugi.
“Yugi!” Yami exclaims and rushes over to his little brother. “Yugi, hang in there!” He pleads from his little brother.
“Just wanted… To not have to rely on Yami Onii-chan, and finish it for him as a gift…” The younger twin says weakly and the older looked at the puzzle. It was almost complete, only missing a single piece.
“You better have my money next time we meet, Yugi-kun.” Ushio then says and turns to leave. Zarc grits his teeth and clenches his fist.
“You--!” Yami then growls, losing his temper and rushes at the older boy. He jumps at him and manages to knock the bigger boy over.
“Mutou-san!?” Zarc exclaims in surprise.
“Tch! You little brat!” Ushio hisses as he gets up, throwing Yami off of him. The boy tries to get up, but then is grabbed by Ushio and thrown against the wall, knocking the wind out of him. “I have heard about how you beat up a bunch of guys who were bullying Yugi-kun. Sure you could take them, but I’m the Chief of Public Morals, I’m not so easy to best!” He says and picks up the boy by his throat with one hand and proceeds to punch him in the face with his free hand.
“Mutou-san!” Zarc exclaims and bends down, reaching into his right boot and pulls out a switchblade. He flips the blade out and charges at the third-year, swiping the knife and cutting the hand holding Yami’s neck.
“Ah!” The Public Morals chief yells, dropping the boy and clutching his bleeding hand. He turns to Zarc with anger in his eyes, while the golden-eyed boy stares at him with a dark expression, still holding the now bloodied knife and looking ready to stab him. “Why you--!” The third-year says and goes to punch the boy, but he quickly dodges and goes to cut him in return, but the chief also dodges.
The two tussle for a bit, but Ushio manages to knock the knife out of Zarc’s hands then punches him in the face and then the abdomen, causing the boy to fall to the ground gasping as he clutches his stomach area as something falls out of his shirt. It appeared to be a light blue crystal pendulum pendant in silver casing which was shaped like wings. Ushio then proceeds to stomp on him relentlessly. All while Yami watched in horror, still in too much pain to do anything.
“Yami Onii-chan…” Yugi mumbles weakly, getting the boy’s attention. “I’m sorry, I should have told you but I didn’t want to bother you… Jonouchi-kun, Honda-kun… Takuma-kun… I’m sorry. I don’t have any strength left…” He says and holds out his hand, passing something to his brother before losing consciousness.
“Yugi…?” The older brother says in shock and he looks down at the final puzzle piece in his hand then at the puzzle itself.
“No!” A terrified voice exclaims and he turns to Ushio and Zarc. “No… Please…! I’m sorry! I’ll be good! I’ll do as you say! I promise! I’ll be good! Just please stop!” Zarc whimpers, shaking while covering his head.
“Tsk! That’s what you get!” Ushio says, barely hurt with just a now dirty uniform and bleeding hand. “I might consider not telling the school about that knife… For a price! Ahahaha!” The green-black haired student says while laughing and proceeds to walk away, leaving a still quaking Zarc. Yami grits his teeth then once again looks at the puzzle and the piece he was holding.
“Sorry, Yugi…” He says and weakly grabs the Millennium Puzzle, which now hand a rope tied to the hoop on top of it. “If you can grant my wish… Then, make him pay!” He exclaims and slots the last piece into place.
At that moment, the puzzle glows a golden light and a beam shoots from the eye-like symbol to him. Yami’s shadow on the wall stretches and what looked like a golden third eye appears on the forehead and the gold light then consumes his form. Ushio was walking away from the scene when he felt an ominous wind from behind him.
“Now… It’s time for a game…” A familiar voice says as the Public Morals chief turns around, only to find himself hanging from a roof, a rope tied to his waist.
“Wh-What in the hell…?!” He exclaims then looks up to see someone by the spike like decoration where the rope was attached. Around their neck, hung by a rope, was the Millennium Puzzle. Which glowed a gold light, illuminating the wearer’s features. “You’re…! Yami-kun!” Ushio says, recognizing the boy, only something was different. He had a maniacal grin and his eyes now had a pinkish tint.
“Hey, Ushio-san.” The boy greets the Public Morals chief. “The thing you’re after is right here.” He says, gesturing to a something tapped to the spike.
“What?! You mean the money?! So you decided to pay off your brother’s debt? Well, that works for me!” Ushio says with a laugh. “Now hurry up and give it to me!” He immediately demands.
“It would be boring to hand it over that easily.” Yami says back.
“What’d you say!?” Ushio asks, getting annoyed.
“Well? Feel up to playing a little game with me?” The tri-color, star-shape haired boy suggests.
“A game?!” The Public Morals chief asks, now confused.
“But this will be no ordinary game. It’s a Shadow Game.” The shorter boys continues and states.
“Ha! Interesting! I, Ushio, have never lost a game in my life! I accept!” Ushio says, accepting the challenge.
“That’s our Ushio-san for you. That’s the spirit.” Yami says and jumps from the spike, sliding down the dome roof. As he does, he also sets out cards beside him in a straight line and pulls Ushio up as the same rope was also tied to his waist.
“The rules are simple.” He begins once he stops, now at even-level with the third-year. “We take turns drawing cards and you can only climb up the number on the card you get. While the other person lowers the same amount. The first to reach the top, gains the prize.” He explains.
“All right, I got it. Then I’m up first.” Ushio says picks one of the cards. “Ten of Diamonds.” He announces and laughs. “How do you like that, Yami? I’m going to climb up!” He brags and proceeds to ascend ten steps while Yami lowers. The boy then picks his own card.
“I got a King, which is thirteen.” He says.
“What?!” Ushio exclaims and the next thing his knows, he lowers down while Yami climbs up higher. He then quickly picks another card. “Two of Spades. I’m catching up to you!” He says and climbs up two steps. Yami, however, isn’t the slightest bit fazed.
“We can’t have that, now…” He says and picks his own card. “Queen of Spades.” He shows the third-year.
“What in the…?” Ushio says then lowers further, before taking his turn. This goes on for quite a while. No matter what card Ushio picked, Yami kept getting ones with higher numbers. Eventually leaving Ushio dangling over the edge while Yami was literally one step away from victory.
“What’s the matter, Ushio-san? You’ve got nothing left. Then let’s settle this with one last draw.” Yami says in a taunting tone.
“Shut up! The next card I draw will turn the tables around…!” Ushio says as he picks his card, only to gawk. “J-Joker…?” He says, worried what that meant.
“That’s a shame, Ushio-san… The Joker’s a miss. Meaning you don’t move. It’s my turn then.” Yami tells him.
“What the hell?! Screw this!” The green-black haired student yells angrily, tossing the card away. “You set this up from the start, didn’t you?!” He accuses. However, Yami just picks his card.
“Ace of Diamonds. I win.” The tri-color haired boy says.
“You’ll pay!” Ushio growls and proceeds to climb up the roof.
“Breaking the rules? If you do that, the consequences will be fierce.” Yami warns.
“Shut the hell up!” The green-black haired student says and throws a punch, but the tri-color haired boy dodges.
“As I thought, you don’t follow the rules unless they benefit you.” He says as he falls backwards.
“Now fall!” Ushio says, snapping the rope and Yami falls toward to the aqueduct. The Public Morals chief laughs. “I did it!” He says then grabs the taped stack and looks at his prize. “What the heck? This isn’t money…!” He exclaims, finding only a deck of cards.
“The Door of Darkness, has been opened.” Yami’s voice then says.
“What’d he say?” Ushio asks, then the spike breaks off from the roof and he gasps as he starts falling down himself.
“The Shadow Games bring out a person’s true characteristics. You shall now be swallowed in darkness by the form of your own greed.” Yami says as Ushio passes him, having stopped falling by sticking the puzzle into the roof and hanging on it.
“What--!?” Ushio exclaims. “It’s fine! It’s not like I’ll get hurt from getting a bit wet!” He says, calming down as he approaches the water. Only then, three worm-like creatures emerge from the cool and opens their mouths full of teeth, which Ushio was heading straight for, screaming in terror.
Zarc groans as he barely regains consciousness. The last thing he remembered was Ushio stomping on him, causing him to have a flashback to his childhood in one particular bad foster home. He must have fainted from the overwhelming flow of nostalgia. He looks up to see a figure approach him. It didn’t appear to be Ushio and they were surrounded by a soothing golden light, obscuring their features.
“…My love…” The voice says, sounding like both a boy and girl talking at the same time. “…How I’ve missed you…” They say and turn Zarc over onto his back. They then gently touch his bruised face and he notices the Millennium Puzzle hanging from their neck. The person then touches his own pendant and it starts glowing. They then lean down and he felt something on his lips. Then, things go dark again.
The next day, the whole student body was gossiping about Ushio, who was found outside the school crying while calling for his mommy. He was then admitted to the hospital for extreme shock. Three girls were talking about it as a certain pair of twins passed by, not really listening.
“It looks good on you, Yami Onii-chan. I knew it would.” Yugi compliments his brother, both their wounds bandaged up, and the older twin was now wearing the puzzle around his neck.
“Yeah, I really like it. You did great assembling it, Yugi.” Yami replies, pleased, and pats his little brother’s hair.
“Yo, Yugi! Yami!” A voice calls and the two stop and turn to see a familiar blonde.
“Ah! Good morning, Jonouchi-kun!” Yugi greets, the boy, also bandaged.
“Hey guys.” The trio turn to see another bandaged person approach.
“Ah! Takuma-kun!” The younger Mutou twin says.
“Hey, how are you doing? Feeling okay?” The ash-silver haired boy says and asks.
“How about you, Takuma?” Yami asks him in return.
“Ahaha! I’m lucky not to be wrapped from head to toe in bandages. Thanks again for getting me to the hospital.” Zarc replies and thanks with a grateful smile. Yami blushes and looks away.
“Oh, well, it was nothing.” He says, bashfully.
“You know, Yugi.” Jonouchi speaks, getting the other three’s attention. “I decided to follow your example and got a treasure of my own. Wanna see?” He says. Yugi nods, looking excited and the blonde chortles. “Unfortunately, my treasure is also something that you can see, but can’t see, so I can’t show you.” He states.
“Something you can see, but can’t see?” Yugi asks, curious.
“It’s not another puzzle, is it?” Zarc inquires.
“Nope. It’s friendship.” Jonouchi replies. “The two of us can both ‘see’ it… But you can’t really see friendship, right?” He adds.
“Yeah!” Yugi says, his eyes starting to tear up.
“That’s sweet, Jonouchi-kun. Hey, does that friendship include us?” Zarc says and asks, gesturing to himself and Yami.
“Y-Yeah!” Jonouchi replies, his face pink with embarrassment. “W-Well then, class is about to start!” He quickly says and runs off, one of his shoes falling off in the process, but he didn’t seem to notice.
“Jonouchi-kun! You dropped your shoe!” Yugi exclaims as he picks up said shoe and runs after the boy to give it back. Yami watching with a smile.
“By the way,” Zarc speaks, getting his attention. “I like your new accessory. It suits you. Is that the puzzle your brother was working on?” He says and asks. The older boy then looks at the pendant.
“Yep. Yugi finished putting together, though he let me put in the last piece.” He admits then looks up the golden-eyed boy. “Did you mean what you said? About the friendship stuff?” He asks.
“Yeah. We’re friends now, aren’t we?” Zarc replies then asks.
“Yeah. Yeah, we are.” Yami says back with a smile and slightly pink cheeks.
“Also, since we’re now friends, is it okay if I call you and your brother by your given names? I mean, calling you both Mutou would get pretty confusing. And in return, you can call me by my name.” The ash-silver haired boy asks and says.
“S-Sure… Zarc.” The red-purple eyed boy replies, a little embarrassed.
“All right then, Yami.” The younger boy says and the older boy’s blush darkens. “Ah! Jonouchi was right! We better get going if we don’t want to be late to class!” He then exclaims and grabs the tri-color boy’s hand then starts leading him down the school hallways, his own pendant secretly moving under his uniform shirt.