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aala-13jellychocolate · 3 days ago

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Odious Love Part 10

This gif is not mine…….

Author: I hope you all will forgive my mistake and grammar too. I’m so sorry for the late update. It has been long there might change of writing style from previous chapter. I hope you enjoyed the new chapter.

Pairing: Junmyeon x Reader

Genre: Angst, Fluff, Smut, CEO! AU

Prologue, Part 1(M), Part 2, Part 3 (M), Part 4 (M), Part 5 (M), Part 6, Part 7 (M) Part 8 Part 9 (M)

Summary:

Suho and you were sleeping together for the last 3 year. You were in love with him but he was not. He just wanted to depend upon someone emotionally. You were okay with it, you wanted to be with him in whichever way you can. You were not his girlfriend but he never treats you less. One day he got married to other women because of business. You thought everything was over between you two but he came back to you. He spends his wedding night with you leaving his wife all alone.

Part 10

Life is unpredictable or it is predictable from the choices we make. You choose to stay with the person you love, even though you know you shouldn't. It was wrong to be greedy, yet you let your greed win, stealing moments. There wasn't any love to begin with, yet there was something you couldn't give a name to those feelings. Maybe it was only your imagination.

You let your love evolve lust, stay as he wants, do what he wants, be what he needs or wants you to be. In all this, you lost yourself, lost so much that you became living humiliation.

You have built life-like beggars for your parents. Give them so much struggle to let you out of your prison. They were the only ones fighting for you right now. No one else is here. No Junmyeon. No friends. No one else. Everything makes you hate yourself more. For being so weak and making your parents vulnerable. After everything, even after your mind has accepted the truth, your heart is not convinced.

All this started six months ago. You have returned from your village. And Junmyeon was nowhere to be found, only for you. You remember him being angry as you weren't ready to shorten your trip. Next thing you know, he didn't even call or message you. It wasn't new. Usually, you are insecure and intimidated when he is not talking with you, but his post-marriage action gives you the security that he won't leave you soon or suddenly. You weren't aware you were assuming things on your own.

After a few days, you get a letter from Suho, stating that he was leaving for Japan with Youra and his friends. It was odd, yet you didn't think much about it as it was about Suho's security. But that is where you went wrong. After a month or so, he came back from Japan just for two days. He was not happy to see, somewhat disgusted. You were irritated, plus Suho's bodyguard is acting like his assistant or, you should say, like a possessive/overprotective wife. Everyone needs to stay 3 feet away from Suho.

He scolds you over missing one file. It was your mistake; you were so busy thinking about seeing him that you forgot the importance of work. It was the first time he was shouting at you in front of the whole staff. Still, you were okay with all the sharp words he was saying. You had made a tremendous mistake. But you don't comprehend when his words start coming as he is humiliating you. Or how you have lost your temper and slapped him in front of everyone. It wasn't supposed to happen, but it did happen. You immediately regret your action, but this was the thing he had taught you. Before you can rectify it, you have lost your job. It wasn't wrong. It is a huge mess you have created for yourself.

While trying to find another job, you have attempted to reach him millions of times. Every message, every call, every letter went unanswered, or his guard answered him.

Your struggle started with it. You couldn't keep up with anything. You were a mess inside out. Your heart hurt, and your mind was not working as you weren't getting any job. Not even a small cafe was ready to hire you. Then the miracle happen, or you thought it was a blessing. Mr. Kim called you back to work with him. You looked in the mirror for the last time before leaving your apartment, checking the formal ironed attire with ponytail hair and make-up that hides your dark circle. You were not willing to make any mistakes. It was not easy to start from the junior level again. Mr. Kim was generous and gave you a job within the company.

Part of you wanted to leave and run back to your parents, but it was essential to work. It is not like you were broke, but you needed to save something for the future.

Future. You have forgotten the meaning of that. For a moment, you were trying to save money, return home, and take a good rest to think further. And if you are going to work in the company, you can try to reach Suho and apologize. You left the apartment after taking a last look in the mirror.

As you enter the office building, you start remembering the old days. Blocking your mind to think about Suh... Junmyeon. Mark comes running toward, "So, you are back to work." You gloomily said, "Not exactly. I'm going to work downstairs in the Accounts department." Aera comes, and hugs you, "Wait for a few days, Junmyeon Sir will be here. We can talk to him." You were desperate to do it, yet you want to avoid it too. Not wanting to show others how vulnerable you have become, you smile, "You guys have seen what happened the last time. I'm glad his father allowed me to work in the company." They all said goodbyes after a few minutes of talking. You will miss them. Although you will be in the same company, you won't be able to meet them. You started to feel the difference between others and the CEO floor.

On the CEO floor, Junmyeon provided the freedom to be creative. There were no rules until your work gets completed on time or before time also, more holidays and more earnings, nothing like a junior or senior among you ten people, must work ass off but all was worth it. In your case, Junmyeon used to give special treatment. That time, if you weren't holding him back, he would make sure everyone refers to you as a 'boss.' To respect, you address others as Mr., Miss., or Mrs. No matter how senior a person is, you are not allowed to greet them as 'Sir.' or 'Madam.' He used to tell, you were equal to him. And all of his reasons were madness.

Realizing you are self-torturing by remembering, you block your thoughts. You cannot break down in tears. Making yourself strong, you start walking toward your department. Jia asks you to wait and runs to reception. She comes back with two female and two male cops looking dreadful. One of the females asked, "Who is Ms. Y/n here?" You nod your head. Before you could think or ask anything, another female officer came behind and handcuffed you. A male officer said, "You are under arrest for stealing Mrs. Kim's jewelry and conspiracy fraud toward Kim Corporation." Stealing? Fraud? You tried to say it must be some mistake. You didn't talk with Mrs. Kim recently. While they were dragging you out, the look on everyone's face says they are blaming you for everything.

You were locked inside the cell, alone, while some officers were searching your apartment. You couldn't think properly. However, it wasn't the first time Mrs. Kim accused someone of stealing her ornaments. Resting your mind, you ask the officer to let you talk with her. Again, they refuse your request. You had no choice besides waiting.

Your subconscious gives a warning, and you ignore it, trusting once you talk with Mrs. Kim, she will let you go, or else Mr. Kim will. Even if not them, Suho will come. He does care for you. No matter what has happened, he won't let you be in a place like this. Repeating it, you sit in the corner of the cell.

You jolt as a lady officer knocks a stick in your cell gate and asks you to come out as Mrs. Kim has arrived. You don't even know how much time has passed, although you breathe in relief while your subconscious is skeptical.

Mrs. Kim sat like a queen while a few officers behaved like servants. You know wealth possesses influence. Kim's were sturdy. You have also heard that Mrs. Kim and Mr. Kim are abusing power. However, you never imagine getting a taste of abuse. Before you can utter anything, Mrs. Kim throws an evil smirk at you. You know this look. She is not going to listen to anything you say. That expression speaks for itself. She has purposely done it. She turns toward the senior officer and orders him loudly, "Did you find anything in her apartment?" One of the head sheriffs answers, "Ma'am, she has many expensive things, including some ornaments and your ring too." They handed over her ring, which you had collected from the jeweler on behalf of Mrs. Kim. You were supposed to give her. However, at first, she wasn't available, and then other things just happened, Suho went. Afterward came two necklace sets. Junmyeon purchased it in advance. He always keeps a spare; in case he forgets any occasion. You never had any intention with them, just that you had forgotten about them. Lastly came the pendant, your birthday gift. You have an explanation of everything, Mrs. Kim also knows, but she didn't want to hear any. It was clear to you. She just smiled and then handed over the officer one file. "Here is a document that shows she had the company's share in her name," This was something you weren't aware of. You still try to explain her things, plead to her. She only smiled at you and left. You kept shouting, but there was no one listening to you. Mrs. Kim had arranged things for you, all the humiliation and actions of cops. She had come to know about your relationship with Junmyeon. Plus, it is about slaps. A person like you had no right to offend Kim.

Your apologies didn't work with her. She wanted to show you your place like you are nothing. Your parents arrive, and that is when the nightmare begins. You know she had informed them. She wanted to increase her torment.

Mrs. Kim became vigorous. Every moment, you were worried that your parents would find out about you being with Junmyeon even after his marriage. Mrs. Kim used your fear very well. Every day, Mrs. Kim comes to see you and tries to talk about Junmyeon in front of your parents but never says the main thing, keeping you at the edge and just plaguing you. The worst was to watch your parents begging her to let you go.

Last month, your confidence was crushed when Mrs. Kim called Junmyeon on your request and the way he answered. It clearly felt that he didn't care. After that call, she stopped coming, possibly because she got bored, but nothing has changed for you. You are counting the days in this abyss and losing all hope.

It has been three months, and every day you wished Junmyeon would have a change of heart. Your mind knew it wouldn't happen while you hoped for it. He was the only person you know who could take you out of this prison. Your thought gets interrupted by an officer. You guessed she came to do something that was scheduled for you. Surprisingly, you lost the handcuff and asked to follow. You weren't scared like before. Part of you got used to all the insults and tortures. You just don't want your parents to watch whatever is happening. You follow the office and stop when you see Minsoek. It was surprising to see him, but you stayed hushed. Maybe Junmyeon sent him. Or.......

For a while, everything was quiet. You peek at him as he examines you. Inspecting your dull face, few cuts and bruises, and dirty clothes. You had zero trust in anyone for now. You have the taste of money and power. Maybe he was there to plan a new misery for you.

"You are free to go. Your parents are waiting outside", He said. It was strange. Minsoek has nothing to do with you. Why did he come to free you? You looked at him confusingly.

He continues, "Don't try to contact Junmyeon anymore. He doesn't know we are letting you out. Don't try to complicate your life again. Forget everything and move on. Stay in the village." His voice was firm, yet he stammered a few times. You couldn't even reply or have the will to nod your head. You wanted to ask why. Why was he helping you? Part of you asked you to stay silent. You needed to get out of this place. You didn't want to anger any more people. He got up and left.

You got your old clothes to change into, afterward a few signatures. You were free, as per the officers. You didn't believe it. Maybe you are free from here, and something could happen outside. The last few months have made you scared of everything. Particularly frightened for your parents.

All this time, you hope Junmyeon comes or he sends someone to help you. Even after that call; even after Mrs. Kim's word; even after your prison time; even after your parents' misery; you only hope for Junmyeon. You might not believe Minsoek's words. You might not believe Mrs. Kim's words, but the situation was in front of you. And things were evident.

You went out of the gates and saw your parents. Your mom was crying, and your father was thanking Minsoek and Yixing, which made you sore. You wanted to run far from them, far from the city. Thankfully, that happened. You and your parents took a cab home.

You stayed silent while your parents tried talking, telling you about everything that happened in the last few months. You were tired without doing anything or tired from those six months. You are free yet not feeling restricted. There is a lot inside you. Questions, anger, sadness, loss, hurt. The pain was agonizing. All wounds appear as if they are never going to heal. You look out of the window. The city roads ended. So does your previous life, your hard work, your degree, your love, and everything you built for yourself, now onward mean nothing. These questions never get answers. Finally, it felt like everything changed. He is gone. You started crying. Letting go of everything, accepting your fate. Letting your pain take over completely. Letting your hope, love, and feeling, him buried deep inside your heart and moving forward. Forward to staying alive and happy and well but only for your parents. If you were alone, you would have rather died than stay alone without him however you are not. The cab was silent, only your crying noise was there.

-Suho p.o.v-

I didn't want to, yet I'm here again. Mom called many times already. Y/N had messaged me. Numerous times, telling me to go and meet my parents. It has not been a day since Y/N went, and I must deal with my parents without her support. Taking a grip, I went inside. The good thing is my father was going to be there too. That means the conversation will be short.

The door was opened by new staff. Mom again changed people. She can't trust people for long. Surprisingly, she trusted Y/N.

I didn't have to wait. My mom was already in the drawing room. After a formal greeting, we sat to talk. "You have to go to Japan till the matter gets solved," Mom said. And I said no, and we argued until my dad didn't talk. He explained I must at least for the safety of Youra, Sehun, and Jongin. Others will handle their business themselves. It wasn't wrong. I agreed to everything. As things got calm, my mom called, "Y/N, bring my wine and set dinner table." I was shocked. Why is my princess going to set the table and bring wine? Before I could react, Y/N came. My mom noticed, "She is not your assistant. I got my own Y/N."

"I can see. I thought...." Before I could complete it, she added. "There are many Y/Ns in the world." I rolled my eyes, had dinner, and went home.

I want Y/N to come back. I know I never gave her much time with her parents, but I will be in Japan when she is back. Plus, Dad said I cannot take her with me, as he needed her. He argued that she would be helpful to the company and him, especially when I'm not there. I was so proud of her. She was excellent with her work. As much as I don't like it, my dad was right. She will be a better help here. And I don't have to worry about her security. People are after me and my wife. This is the only time I'm okay with Youra being my wife. This way Y/n was safe.

A few days went by, and things were normal, or I tried to make it look normal. I didn't let Y/N know that I was leaving for Japan, or that things had become more intense. Last night, Youra almost got kidnapped. I didn't want to make her worry.

I was managing everything about Japan. Plus, I had a small quarrel with Y/n. She wasn't ready to come back soon. I have stopped calling or messaging her for now. It was good though I didn't have to explain things. I didn't mean to hide anything from her. I didn't want her to worry about things here.

In between this, Youra came and started staying in the penthouse with me. It wasn't that Y/n wouldn't understand why Youra was staying with me. She knows the need for protection. But it would hurt her, and I didn't want to see her hurt.

When Y/n came back, I was so busy handling everything. Plus, Tao has increased security. They are irritating people. I know right now, I wasn't in a place to avoid them. So, I stayed quiet.

I couldn't even have one proper look at her. I can't message her as my phone is connected to surveillance. 24/7 watch on my life. I don't have any issue if someone finds out about my relationship with Y/n, but she didn't want it. I have to respect it.

As she started working with Dad, it became more challenging to reach her. I hated it, but I had no choice. I had to wait.

The day came, I left for Japan; leaving a letter, hoping she understood. She will be upset and irritated. But I have already planned how to make it up.

Japan was tiresome and annoying. Youra acts as a sweet, innocent, and dedicated wife. I can see she was faking, and she hates it. I was counting the days here. I needed a break from Youra already. Go back to Y/n.

After a few days, Tao came to visit and started asking questions about Y/n. I didn’t like the tone of his voice that using while asking about Y/n. Before I lost my temper about it, he showed me a video.

Y/n was having coffee with Choi Hee-sung. He was my business competitor. And the one who wouldn't miss any chance to flirt with her. I trust her, but my jealousy has no control. My jealousy is the reason for my anger. I needed an explanation of the meeting.

I got a chance. I was back for two days. Unlike Y/n, she made a mistake. I let out all my anger over the file. It was wrong of me. I knew it, but I couldn't control it. I was frustrated with everything. It was the first time since we had become close, the first time I was staying away from her like that.

I don't know when I start attacking like we are alone, in my bedroom. I had forgotten my professional behavior, saying a personal thing. I came to my senses when I felt her slap. It wasn't strong, but I know she was equally frustrated as me. I have oversaid things. I regret it. It was unexpected that Y/n gave an answer to insults or to any ill talks. What I was teaching finally came to life, but it was on me. As much as I was stunned, I was satisfied. However, we will have to sit and talk about this too. For that, I needed to come back and find time with her.

She was fired, not actually. The slap happened in front of staff, meaning my mom would also know about it. Before she used her method, it was safe for Y/n to stay away. I already talked with Dad. He said he would bring her back after a month or so. By the time Mom calms down, I will be back. My Dad wasn't ready to lose a good employee. According to him, I needed to get hit when I kissed her in front of everyone, but she reacted late. I went back to Japan, thinking everything would go back to the way it was. But I was wrong. After months of fighting, making everyone and everything safe, I'm here.

I'm here, in my cabin, with the letter in my hand and my given gift, the pendant. She left, resigning. With the resignation letter, she wrote a small letter. Stating she could not deal with this anymore, how she loves me, and how she hates Youra. Or I should say How and why Youra is right for her.

She returned my gift, and it implies a breakup. She indicated she ended things between us. I don't know what broke inside me. I needed my answers. Why after everything we have been through, she left? It didn't hurt my heart, but my ego did too. I don't know what was left. I did everything to show she was the only important person in my life.

I want to let her go if she wants, but the problem is I don't know how to live without her. All these months, I lived with the hope of being with her.

A single tear of frustration, pain, anger, and hurt; left my eyes while I kept reading the letter again and again, still not believing it.

---//---

Mr. Kim dashed home. He came to know that Y/n got arrested a few days ago. He knew who did it. He loved his wife. So much that he even let her affairs go on. Even after his son had to pay for it, he let it go.

He always saved her, no matter what. But it was too much. Suho will come back if he knows about Y/n. Suho wouldn't care about anything, not his or others' safety.

Mr. Kim knows about Suho and Y/n. He never interfered because Suho was happy. He is on the right track of his life. Y/n was positive for him. She made him calmer and more efficient. He was aware, even after his marriage fling continued. The good thing about Y/n is that it is crystal clear she wasn't after their money, nor did she have any dream of becoming Suho's wife. She was there for him and herself. Her feeling was pure. Maybe that was because she came from a village where feeling matters more than money. He wasn't much surprised by the slap incident. Suho was teaching her; she would have become bolder sooner or later.

He has seen the world. He knows who is good or who is pretending to be good. That was a reason he also let it go. If anyone else dared, he wouldn't have gone easy.

He stands in front of his wife and confronts her. Mrs. Kim sloppily answered; she was angry because Y/n slapped Suho. Later, she learned about her affair with Suho. How could she have let Y/n go?

Mr. Kim wasn't pleased. He knows his son. Suho will never look back to his mother if he finds out that Y/n is suffering because of her. He didn't want to lose his son over a girl. Plus, this might be a good opportunity to separate Y/n and Suho. Sooner or later, it was supposed to happen. They both had different lives and lifestyles.

Again, to save his wife and her relationship with Suho, he would do pathetic things. He will let Y/n suffer.

The first thing he did was to ask his wife not to go overboard with her punishment. He went to the office, closing every eyewitness's mouth with money or with the threat of losing their job. Y/n's topic went in the trash. For everyone, she resigned and left.

He finds Y/n's old letter, which she wrote when Suho was getting married. She had written a resignation letter along with a handwritten letter for Suho.

He coincidentally thought about everything found in Y/n's place. If his judgment was correct, the teardrop pendant could be a gift from Suho because out of everything, that wasn't very expensive. And he might have seen Y/n wearing it once or twice.

Without wasting time, he keeps the letter and pendant in Suho's personal drawer on his table. And a resignation letter on his table.

He didn't tell Suho about Y/n's resignation until he was back from Japan. He made sure everyone said the same thing in case Suho asked anyone.

Thankfully, things went as he expected to go.

---//---

Suho was in Japan. Things were going as planned by them. Everyone will be safe soon. Minsoek just talked with Suho. He couldn't stop thinking about Y/n whenever he thought about Suho or heard his name. She was clever in her work. Before leaving for the village, she made sure everything would follow as Suho needed. He thinks of her as a gold-digger, but he feels she isn't like that.

Minsoek went to meet Mr. Kim. He sees two people beseeching to see Mr. Kim. He usually ignores this kind of thing, but he noticed the CEO floor employee looking at the couple helplessly and disturbed. The female came and started dragging him, "Mark. Think about our jobs. You and I both know there is no way to help Y/n." She said in a hushed voice.

"Her parents have been coming every day, since late three months," Mark started.

"I know. We cannot do anything, not even comforting. I know you are feeling bad, we all are." They left Minseok in thought. He inquired a bit, and everyone said Y/n resigned.

He didn't possess experience like Mr. Kim, but he found out.

If he can, Suho can too.

He took Yixing's help to find out more. Yixing went to see Y/n during the night, he had his connection. Even if he didn't like Y/n, he didn't like what she was going through. The worst was to see her parents.

The case wasn't even going to court. In the name of proof, they only had a few jewelry items, and the company's share was merely one million. One million was nothing. Logically, if Y/n had to do a fraud; it should be above 50 million, at least. Who would risk everyone for one million?

Minseok and Yixing didn't tell Suho anything, they confronted Mr. Kim. After a long talk, Mr. Kim convinced them. Suho can't be angry with his mom for a girl. Mr. Kim wasn't aware; even after a warning, Mrs. Kim went overboard. Mr. Kim promises to handle his wife.

Minseok and Yixing helped Y/n. They didn't want her to be in prison. She was innocent and had already gone through a lot.

They talked with her parents and helped them with everything. From place to stay, food, lawyers, etc; until Y/n was out, and went to the village.

They see the cab going away. Yixing said, "We need to tell Suho. Mrs. Kim will try to hurt her."

"I know, she is not going to let anything go easily. But right now, we should keep things from Suho."

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twisted-art-wounders · 7 months ago

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YGO AU: Breaking the Seal 11

Chapter 11 Ensnare

Yugi and gang arrive in California and meet Mai who gives them a ride to Industrial Illusions, but they may have wondered into a trap…

The plane finally landed at the airport, Yugi and his friends all looking out of the window to see all the parked planes that waited on the ground. Excitement washed over them all as they departed the jet and walked into the airport, waiting by their gate was an old familiar face. Mai was wearing her sundress with laced high heeled sandals complete with matching hat and sunglasses; she smiled and waved at them before racing over to the group. Arms opened wide she jumped and grabbed Joey by the head putting him in a headlock and ruffling his hair.

“There you are! It's not nice to keep a lady waiting, Joey!” she jested.

“Gr-Great to see ya Mai!” Joey was surprised by her actions but allowed her to keep his head locked for a bit before pulling away.

“Mai!” Tea yelled and hugged Mai warmly, as Tristan gave Mai a high five “Great to see you're doing well!” he said.

“Wow you look like your ready for a vacation!” Tea smiled “You look fantastic!”

Mai gave a slight pose and threw her hair to the side a bit before commenting “Oh just a little something I threw on!” she chuckled before looking down at Yugi.

“Yugi! You look-” she shouted before getting a very good look at him and blinked “Like hell…wow did you sleep last night?” She then bent down a bit to get a better look at him.

He looked up at her and forced a smile with a laugh. “Y-yeah! just had some nausea on the plane this morning…I'm doing better now though!” Yugi rubbed the back of his neck a little.

His friends all looked down at him quietly, something was defiantly thick in the air…Mai was just about to ask what was going on when the tension was suddenly broken by the same suited men back in Japan approached them with their luggage and announced they had arranged a ride for them.

“Oh! But Mai was gonna-” Yugi started but was interrupted by Mai herself who stepped in.

“I was actually gonna give them a ride to Industrial Illusions myself.” Mai announced to the man.

“That is unnecessary madam, Master Pegasus has arranged a ride for them you see.” The man spoke again.

“Oh man but Mai already went through all the trouble to come and get us!” Joey yelled disappointed.

Mai smiled slightly “It's fine Joey. Tell the suits to toss the baggage in my car. I'll tag along behind.”

They all looked at Mai, Yugi spoke up first “Ar-are you sure Mai?”

Mai waved her hand a bit “I already said I'd come so no point of leaving now, besides once you're done with your meeting I'll take you guys out to eat on me!”

The main man among the suits nodded “If that's what you wish.”

They all existed the airport together and walked to where Mai parked her car. Normally she drove something a little more sporty and portable but this time she had a large white Jeep Wrangler with a flatbed in the rear, followed by a trailer holding something under a tarp. All the gang was floored by the luxury car Mai was sporting.

“Get out! You got something that fancy!?” Joey was drooling along with Tristan, Tea was amazed by it's creamy white colour and Yugi seemed dazed.

“Well when I knew I was gonna pick you guys up I needed something more spacious! Besides this is California you need to travel in style.” Mai chuckled giving her hair another flip.

As the men loaded the luggage into the flatbed Tea noticed one of the bags seemed out of place so she asked who it belonged to. None of them claimed the bag as their own, so one of the men took the bag back inside the airport since they assumed it must have been taken by a mistake. All the while inside the bag Rex and Weevil were barely conscious after the turbulent journey they took in the cargo bay of the jet.

Mai had gone to Tea and asked her “Hey Tea, I was hoping you'd ride along with me instead. The trip is gonna be long and I could use some company. Besides I think you could use a little girl time after a flight with boys.”

“Hey! How come she gets to ride in the fancy truck?” Joey pouted prompting Mai to shout “You can ride in it after you have a shower!” making Joey grumble.

Tea was surprised to be asked so suddenly “Oh uh… I could sure! But-” She then looked over to Yugi and was about to reject the offer only for him to look up at her with a smile.

“Go on Tea! We'll be okay!” He smiled again and Tea's face became softer so she looked at Mai and nodded “Sure!”

Yugi and others were escorted to a black limousine and sat inside, the car took off and just after them Mai and Tea followed behind.

As they cruised along the city they took note of all the famous sights around them; the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and more sights around town. Joey and Tristan couldn't help but look at all the amazing sights they passed. Eventually they existed the city and headed towards the dessert road; Tea was enjoying the feeling of the chilled conditioned air blowing past her brunette hair, Mai looked over and smiled at her.

“Guess you're loving the city sights huh?”

“Yeah, I can't wait to return to New York City!” Tea beamed.

“New York City?” Mai asked, she had no idea Tea was going to move so far away form her friends.

“Yeah, I plan to move there to study dance after I graduate…” Tea looked down a bit rubbing her thumbs together biting her lip a little “It's gonna come up pretty soon actually…”

Mai could see she was acting nervous now and looked back at the road. “You know I'm surprised you really wanna move so far away form your friends, but if it's what you want to do then go for it.”

Tea looked over to Mai for a moment and smiled lightly “It's crazy I know and I may not even make it out there but…I want to try.”

“Nothing wrong with that, life is about heading out, making mistakes and finding your way. Hell I was working on cruise ships for years before I discovered my love of Duel Monsters.” Mai started to reminisce about her life before and how playing Duel Monsters gave her a sense of power she always wanted and how it helped her pick a new course for her life.

“I think you're gonna do great Tea, and if you need any help while your in NYC just look me up, I find my way all around the world at any time. So I wont mind dropping in and checking in on you.”

Tea's heart fluttered a bit hearing that; sometimes Mai could be a very hard person to be around that's what she thought at first when meeting her back in Duelist Kingdom. Then she stated to see Mai only needed to be tough because she was on her own so much and had to be hard to survive alone. Now it seemed like she was starting to get softer…more approachable almost like a older sister.

“Thank you…it really does mean a lot to me.”

Mai smiled back at her “Anytime.”

After a while of silence between them Mai's tone shifted a bit to more serious one.

“Tea, I had another motive for taking you with me…” Mai gripped the steering wheel a bit more, her eyes becoming harder.

Tea was a bit worried since she could feel the seriousness of her voice so she knew it was big…

“Yeah?”

“Can you tell me whats the deal with Yugi? I don't mean why he's looks sick right now, I mean in general. I know there's more to him then meets the eye… and I know there's some kind of crazy magic or something about him. So give me the whole story.”

Tea paused for a bit, her blue eyes looking up then down to her hands again. She took in a deep breath and let it out again.

Turning to her she said “It's a very long story…”

Mai kept her eyes on the road and answered back “We have time, so spill.”

As they drove along in the limo; Yugi was absent form everything his mind was so flooded with worry, not just for himself but for Pegasus. Something inside of him was eating away telling him something bad was coming and he was in danger.

Joey had noticed Yugi's absentmindedness and decided to ask him.

“Yug, everything okay? You're not feeling sick again right?”

“N-no! I'm just…” he sighed “I'm worried about Pegasus…he was so scared on his video…”

Yugi remembered the video and how panicked and afraid Pegasus was. He knew Pegasus was a powerful man and even after losing his Millennium Eye he still was a strong duelist…so who could these people be and why are they so hellbent on silencing him? What did he know about them?

“Yugi it's gonna be okay, I'm sure old one eye is fine, and once we meet up with him we'll get the skinny on what he knows about these biker guys and I know we'll find the other half of your soul!” Joey spoke with his usual confidence which made Yugi feel a bit better.

He nodded now “You're right Joey…I'm sure Pegasus is fine.” No he didn't fully mean what he said but he didnt want Joey or Tristan to worry more, if anyone should be worried it should be his burden not his friends…

Yugi shivered a bit before he felt something in his deck belt shift and move, he had taken out his Timeaus card since he did sense it was glowing and it was! For some reason the card was glowing.

Joey and Tristan both looked at it and wondered why it was glowing all of sudden; Yugi remembered there were still two other crystallized dragons still frozen back in the duel monsters world. Could it be? Has one of them been released?

Back in the Jeep Tea had just finished explaining everything she knew about Yugi, the Pharaoh, the Millennium Puzzle, and Yugi's destiny after solving it. The car ride for a quiet for a bit while Mai tried to properly process everything she was just told. It made Tea nervous since she knew it sounded like and insane plot of some kind of tv show but no this was real, all of it was real.

Finally Mai broke the silence.

“So…There are two Yugi's one whose the quiet childish one and the one who duels is really the spirit of an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh with no memory of his former life or name, who exists inside of the Millennium Puzzle and uses that Yugi's body as a host.”

Tea nodded.

“And in Battle City he won the three Egyptian God cards because using them would help him unlock his memories of his past which he will then use this knowledge to somehow save the world form some kind of great evil like he did in the past.”

Tea nodded again.

“And when he tried to use them to do that; somehow it made all these monsters who are not holograms appear all over the world. Then a group of bikers stole the god cards then challenged the little Yugi to a duel, who won but still lost the god cards. Then a giant eye appeared over Domino City, attacked Yugi and stole half of his soul but not before Yugi used some kind of super powerful dragon card named Timeus to defeat the monster.”

“Y-yeah….” Tea muttered out.

“And now Pegasus has sent for you guys since he knows who these bikers are, and he may know the key to getting Yugi's soul back and stopping whatever evil monster is causing all this madness world wide.”

“Okay yes, I know it all sounds insane and I know you think I must be crazy, and trust me after hearing it all out loud I'd so agree with you too. But I promise I'm telling the truth!” Tea looked at Mai hoping she could try and convince her that this was all real.

“Tea, relax after everything that happened in the Battle City Semi finals, my duel against the psycho path Marik I believe you.”

“Y-you do?” Tea blinked.

Mai nodded and continued “Of course! I have first hand experience don't I? That nightmare I lived through…”

Mai recalled her loss to Marik and her punishment for losing a shadow game; the torture and torment that still haunted her heart. She shook her head quickly trying to snap out of it, she didn't ever want to go back to that horrible place. Never again…

“But it's in the past now… either way I believe you! I just don't trust Pegasus…” Mai glared at the road, gripping the steering wheel tightly again.

“If he's up to something I don't want you or the others to get any deeper into this ancient evil magic junk! You guys have dealt with this kind of thing for a long time, but it still doesn't mean you should put yourselves in danger.”

“Mai…” Tea watched her with worried eyes, she didn't realize until now how right she was; putting themselves into danger like this seemed like the norm at this point, but it really shouldn't be should it?

“I may not have magic, but I have other skills so maybe I can help you guys out more…If Pegasus is up to something sinister I'll have your back.”

Tea smiled, it felt good to know they did have her to help if things did start to go south, but she was still worried about Mai's safety too. Everyone could be in danger and Tea was the most worried for Yugi…

“Mai…Thank you.” Tea finally said and Mai only smiled and kept driving.

Inside Industrial Illusions both Raphael and Valon were waiting in the lobby up high on a balcony that over looked the area. Valon was leaning against he guard rail with his back turned while Raphael stood beside him with his arms crossed.

Raph got a message on his phone and looked it over with a smile.

“They've just arrived in front.”

Valon grinned “Finally! Some action!”

The limo had stopped right in front of Industrial Illusions HQ with Mai's Jeep pulling up just behind it. As Yugi and the others existed the vehicle the driver of the limo come out and closed the door after them, before returning to the driver's seat starting the car and driving off. This confused the boys since up until then the staff had been very helpful and pleasant to them but this time he seemed to be in a bit of trance and he left not saying a single word.

“I guess he's off the clock?” Tristan remarked.

Tea had emerged form the Jeep and gone to greet the others and make sure Yugi was okay, Mai had gone into the back seat of the Jeep and took out her duel disk strapping it to her arm.

Joey had noticed her actions and gone to her to ask.

“Wow, you brought you're Duel Disk with you?”

Mai nodded “Hey I'm still a duelist and vacation or not I'm always ready for a battle.” she smiled.

Joey gave a thumbs up and with that the group of five entered the building together. Inside it was empty no employees were present and everything was quiet…too quiet. They all called out trying to see if anyone would come out to greet them. Tea had gone to the phones sitting at the front desk to check them only to discover they were dead.

As if on que steel gates started to drop from the top of the windows and main door planting themselves firmly on the ground. Everyone let out a yell of confusion before realizing they'd been locked in. Each of them sprinting to a different side of the lobby trying in vein to lift the steel gates holding them in but it was no use, the gates were too strong and there was no way out for them now.

“Urgh! You gotta be kidding me!” Joey shouted pulling at the steel.

“Theses things wont budge!” Tristan yelled out trying to lift the gates

“We've been tricked!” Tea shouted.

“There has to be away out!” Mai pulled at the gates as well but with no luck.

“Oh no! is this-” Yugi was then interrupted by the sound of a new voice from up top forcing all of them to stop and look up at the source.

“Well well well 'bout time you lot showed up! It's rude to keep people waitin' you know!” Valon chuckled.

Yugi 's eyes widened in fear as he felt a chill run up his spine, he recognized him right away

“It-It cant be…” Yugi's voice cracked “Not you two!”

“Oh but it can be! Long time no see short stuff remember us?” Valon sneered down at Yugi making him take a small step back.

The others gathered to Yugi's side and looked up at the two new faces that waited their arrival.

Joey growled and stepped forward.

“Hey! Are you the guys who took the God cards!?”

“Maybe we did, you got a problem with it?” Raphael said coldly.

Joey snarled “As a matter of fact I do! Now how about you step on down here and allow me to validate the ass kicking ticket you purchased the second you laid a hand on my best friend!” He empathized his words by smacking his fist into his open hand.

This caused Valon to laugh out loud and smack the railing a few times “Oooh boy! I knew you were gonna be fun Wheeler!”

“You think this is some kind of a joke you googled headed freak!” Mai yelled up at Valon which made him stop and stare down at Mai, after he studied her for a moment he pulled back his spiked hair a bit and leaned in.

“Well now who is this gorgeous goddess who happens to be hanging out with a bunch of twerps? You got a name beautiful?”

Mai growled and shook her fist at him “Yeah it's 'noneofyourbusiness!' psycho!”

“Whoooo scary~” Valon grinned with a wink. “You can call me Valon, dove~”

His grin made Mai sneer in disgust which also made Joey grind his teeth a bit.

Yugi finally decided to step in and yelled up “What have you done to Pegasus! Where is he!?”

Raphael chuckled a bit “Sorry but Pegasus can't see you right now…he's feeling a bit stiff at the moment.”

Stiff? What did he mean by that? Before he could even ask Raphael had gone into his pocket and pulled out a card. Holding it up they could tell it was a magic card, but not just any magic card it was a Seal of Orichalcos card and in the center trapped behind the circle was Pegasus's screaming face.

Everyone stared in disbelief at what they were looking at, the creator they'd all come to see had been trapped in a card of his own making. How could this have happened? Did the bikers do this? Did they really have the power to trap souls into duel monster cards? These questions were running through everyone in Yugi's group but Yugi himself looked the most guilty, almost as if he knew the answer but asked anyway.

Yugi swallowed a lump in this throat. “D-did you do that to him?”

Raphael only chuckled putting the card back inside his pocket. “I'm not the one who did this…you are.”

Everyone stood in disbelief and surprise at the tall blonde man's claim especially Yugi; He did this? But it couldn't be! It didn't make sense! How could he have-

“I…I couldn't- no! I never- I- I” Yugi was stuttering in a panic, he couldn't form the words he wanted.

“Aww whats the matta kid? You blocked out that little stint you had that night? We remember like it was yesterday! But really it was more like 2 nights ago.” Valon rubbed under his chin.

Yugi felt a lump in his throat again; two nights ago? That was when he and Dartz…his eyes widened when he realized this. Was his duel with Dartz posing as Pegasus…real?

“Gotta say for someone with such a baby face you're a stone cold killa! Ripped the soul right outta that one eyed pretty boy you did!” Valon cackled as he watched Yugi stumble a bit.

“What's wrong Yugi?” Raphael said coldly “Having a hard time handling the truth?” he grinned.

Yugi's head was spinning as his breathing got more strained; How? How could this happen? It was a dream! It was only a dream! His heart was pumping harder as he felt sweat start to flow down his face the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. All of his friends could see Yugi was starting to have a panic attack, Tea came to his side and held his shoulders to keep him stable. Joey looked at Yugi then glared up back at the men on the balcony, he was fuming with even more anger now.

“Enough of you're crazy talk! No way Yugi could have done this!” Joey yelled.

“That's right! Yugi was all the way across the world! You expect anyone to believe he did this?” Tristan folded his arms glaring up.

“Exactly! You people are the ones going around snatching souls!” Tea added squeezing Yugi's shoulder a bit.

“And you got some nerve accusing him of this act when you're holding the soul card, gruesome!” Mai glared putting her hands on her hips.

Yugi felt some relief after hearing all this friends defend him so much, he heard the voice of the Pharaoh now come through the puzzle.

//Yugi! Let me take over I'll deal with them.// Yami said confidently.

After a very long bout of silence from the spirit it made Yugi happy to hear him speak again, he nodded and decided in this case it may be better for the other Yugi to handle them. With a flash of light from the puzzle they swapped places the Pharaoh now in charge. He glared up at the two older men and pointed.

“Alight! I think we've all had enough of you're mind games! If you think you can pin this on me you're sorely mistaken!” Yami shouted before folding his arms in his classic stand off posture. “Time for you both to come down here and answer for your crimes!”

Raphael kept his current pose and glared down at the Pharaoh “So you've finally come out of hiding Nameless Pharaoh?”

Yami smirked and glared right back up to him, he unfolded his arms and wagged a finger to him “Now now I'm not the one who ran off the first time we met now was I?”

His smug attitude and response made Raphael furious but of course he didn't show his emotions very easily so he stayed more or less stone faced, Valon on the other hand was quicker to anger and let them all know it.

“Big talk coming form such a puny little king! Comin' in the save the day only once you got your friend group to back you up!”

“That's right goggle brain! We always got each other's back! So how about you both come on down for the two for one sale! Second ass kickin' is on the house!” Joey stood beside Yugi with his duel disk out and ready for a fight.

“That's right! Enough lies come down here and duel us! And when we win you're going to give back the rest of my partner's soul, free Pegasus form that card prison and return the god cards you stole!” Yami Yugi got his duel disk set as well.

“You're still calling us lairs… Okay since you're so keen to fight maybe a demonstration is in order.”

Raphael looked over to Valon giving him a nod.

Valon grinned widely and rummaged through his pocket excitedly before finding what he wanted; the orichalcos shard Dartz had given him earlier dangling it over the ledge. Yami looked up and recognized the shard but before he could verbalize anything Valon let the shard drop.

As it descended to the ground below a bight flash of green light burst out of the shard blinding everyone in the room. Joey and Yami being the closest to it held their arms up to help block out the bright light. It soon started to take the form of a person the same person it took the form of before. A perfect copy of Yugi stood before his friends, and just like before he was missing the Millennium Puzzle around his neck and on his right ear the shard of the Orichalcos hung like an earring.

Lowering their arms Yami and Joey and soon everyone else could now see this new being standing before them was a doppelganger of their friend. All of them looked in confusion and horror, how could there be two physical Yugi's in the same room? The one most vocal about it was Joey of course who pointed from the copy Yugi to the Yami Yugi who stood beside him.

“Whoa! What the- he you- your over here and now there's another you over here and what is going on!?” Joey was panicked trying to figure out what had just happened.

Yami on the other hand felt a chill run down his spine as he looked into the eyes of the copy of his partner. It was almost like looking into a mirror but with cold emotionless eyes of the figure looking back at him it made his heart skip. Yugi was silent but also just as shaken by all of this, was this how they were using his separated soul?

Yami growled then glared up at the two men on the ledge and yelled out.

“What is this! What have you done?”

Valon chuckled as Raphael looked down at Yami like he was a bug beneath his eye line and answered coldly.

“You wanted a demonstration well now you have it. Joey will be the first target!”

#yugi #yugi mut #yami yugi #mai valentine #anzu mazaki #mai kujaku #yugioh #yugioh dm #breaking the seal #au #fan art #fan fic

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