October


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Jounouchi put on his shirt and winced at how slow and careful he had to move, lest he didn't want to cry out in pain. The severe muscle pain had dissipated some, but not much. However, there was no longer any need for him to stay in the hospital; his condition wasn't life-threatening and the pain and discomfort would go away in time. Honda entered the room, his arm in a sling, the laptop under his other arm.

"I just got news from HRM," he said. "They've secured lodgings for us, so we can set up shop."

"We have to be careful," Jounouchi reminded him. "KaibaCorp has no jurisdiction here. If we get into trouble on this planet, Kaiba can't save our asses."

"I know, I know." Honda snorted. Not that Kaiba would hurry to save any of their asses, jurisdiction or not. "There's more. Bad news, that is."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"The ship." Honda looked anguished. "There's nothing left of it, man."

Jounouchi shivered. His ship… the Time Wizard… Honda continued. "Even if the hull could be repaired and all the systems replaced, it'll never be the fast ship it used to be. It looks like… you know, like some angry ogre picked it up and crushed it with his hand."

"Well, a cargo freighter the size of the October would do that for you." Jounouchi sounded light-hearted, but he felt like he could cry. He had designed the ship himself, he had named it, treasured it… he'd been with the Time Wizard for years and it had never failed him. To think that it had been demolished by the likes of Marik and Malik Ishtar…

"Kaiba gave us permission and authorization to buy any other ship to our liking," Honda said. "Basically, according to Otogi, he said "send the bill to KaibaCorp." What's up with that? Kaiba sure acts strange."

"He wants the Pharaoh," Jounouchi blurted out and cursed his big mouth the next second.

"What?"

"You heard me. The one called Pharaoh. Kaiba wants him apprehended."

"Why would he want him? The bounty is for Malik Ishtar…"

"Yeah, but if you'd seen what I've seen…" Jounouchi put on his jacket. "Never mind. I want to go to the docks."

"You want to see how badly the Time Wizard is damaged?"

"I want to see my ship, yes." Jounouchi zippered up his jacket so fast that pain shot through his arm, reminding him painfully that he should take it easy. "And I want to eat something decent first."

"Yeah, sure. All this hospital food makes me feel weak as a kitten."

"All right, let's go." Jounouchi took the laptop from Honda, even though he claimed he could carry it just fine with one arm. He hadn't lied about wanting to go to the docks. He had the feeling, from the trajectory of the October and the way the ship had taken damage, the cargo freighter would be on Ibistapola as well. It would be a logical choice after everything that had happened; nowhere else but on a tag-free planet would Malik and Marik Isthar be able to start their repairs. They needed very specific technology, from what Jounouchi had seen during the pandemonium on Yllsen Volta V; where else could they get it but on the one planet with the biggest black market in the entire galaxy?

True to his words, they set out to eat first. At a generic restaurant, Jounouchi enjoyed the tall plate with a double sandwich, chips and a huge salad. Honda had chosen for a steak with mushrooms and fries; he matched Jounouchi's infamous appetite quite well. The server topped their sodas once more and asked if they were interested in dessert.

"A large brownie with ice cream and whipped cream," Honda ordered.

"A large apple pie slice with cinnamon ice cream and vanilla sauce," Jounouchi said. The server left and Honda reclined into his seat, patting his abdomen.

"Man, it's so important to eat right! I'm glad we can enjoy some downtime."

Jounouchi agreed. He and his team were always on the move, in search and hunting for their next bounty. Downtime was mandatory after getting injured; with all expenses paid, as Kaiba was generous to his teams, knowing full well how much he demanded of them. Jounouchi made a mental note to send a message to Mai to let her know that he was safe and sound. The server returned with the desserts and Jounouchi picked up his fork to slice through the fresh, home-made apple pie. Marveling at the genuine taste, no artificial or modified ingredients involved, Jounouchi allowed himself some time to enjoy the flavors.

"So, what are our plans?" Honda asked, working his way through the brownie. He had adapted quickly to the use of one hand only.

"We need to pick up some supplies," Jounouchi said. "Clothes, toiletries. We're going to be here for a while, recovering and regrouping. Maybe we can pick up equipment and renew some contacts, spreading the word that that we're in the market for a new ship."

"Great idea." Honda enjoyed his brownie. "Oh man, real chocolate… I have to buy some on the market."

"Better make a shopping list," Jounouchi grinned. "Then we'll pay a visit to the docks."

"Are you really sure…? I mean, it's an ugly sight."

"I know, and I want to get it over with before I change my mind."


Yuugi had never been to a black market. Just from the words 'black market' alone, he imagined that it was something shady, with masked and hooded traders standing on the corners of the streets, surrounded by buff bodyguards as they offered their wares. His surprise was great when he saw it was a real, actual market with traders displaying their wares at perfectly organized stalls. No secrecy, no shadiness at all… Yuugi couldn't believe his eyes. Atemu was amused by his childlike enthusiasm as he pointed at everything, exclaiming and expressing his surprise. They were followed by a grouchy Bakura, his hands in the deep pockets of his black trenchcoat.

"Look, look!" Yuugi pointed at a stall with beauty products. "Anzu-chan would love these! These products are so expensive on Vertregg 12, we can hardly afford them!"

As Atemu was standing behind him, Yuugi couldn't see the disapproving frown on his face. Anzu-chan? He's still thinking of that girl after everything we have been through?

"Why do you not buy some for her?" Atemu said, his voice perfectly neutral. He reached past Yuugi, showing him a rectangular plastic card.

"Oh no, I can't accept that," Yuugi said. "I have money of my own…"

"It is all right," Atemu said. "You left home quite unexpectedly, so please accept this from me. You can buy your fiancée anything you want."

The female merchant came over and showed a bright smile. "Do you have a picture of your fiancée?"

Yuugi pulled out his PMA and quickly scrolled through the database for a picture of Anzu. It didn't take him very long and he showed it to the woman.

"Oh, she's really pretty! I can see she has good skin - it would be a waste if she couldn't give it the attention it deserves! I have everything in stock to make her feel special!" She showed Yuugi all kinds of products and he was so engrossed that he didn't notice Bakura coming up next to Atemu.

"So, your Other isn't as attached to you as you thought he was," he grinned.

"This one is very strong," Atemu admitted. "His ties are much harder to sever, yes."

"Our Others are different this time, don't you think?" Bakura tilted his head.

"Do not stand so close to me, thief," Atemu said. "Or I will call upon God to tear your insides out."

"Now now, there's no need to be aggressive. See?" Bakura held up his hands. "Totally innocent."

"You are faster than daylight," Atemu said. "I know you."

"I know you, too." Bakura dropped his hands again and narrowed his eyes. "These… our Others are different this time. You never had trouble attaching your Other to you. My Other is... caring for the Shadow Born. He asks questions."

"Your Other is supposed to be meek and obedient." Atemu sounded annoyed.

Bakura grinned at him. "Look at your Other, Pharaoh. He still thinks of his fiancée even after everything you did to him! What's wrong, dear? Have you lost your touch after all these millennia?"

Atemu glared at him as if he wanted to kill him right now. Yuugi suddenly turned around.

"Can I buy this one?" he asked, holding up a bottle of perfume.

"Anything you want, aibou," Atemu answered suavely and Yuugi turned back again, talking to the female merchant.

Bakura smirked. "Oh, you're such an asshole."

"I learned from the best," Atemu said dryly. "Well, I have some contacts I like to visit. I am sure you have some business to do on your own?"

"We haven't exactly finished our conversation," Bakura answered, "but I can take a hint. We'll meet back on the October."

Atemu didn't blink as Bakura disappeared into the shadows. Instead, he closed the distance between himself and Yuugi.

"How are you doing, aibou?"

"I can get all of these products for the price of one on my home planet!" Yuugi sounded incredulous. "Even with shipping fees, it's still cheaper!"

"I am sure she will be so happy with such a considerate boyfriend," Atemu said, unable to keep the sour intonation out of his voice. Fortunately, it flew straight over Yuugi's head. "Take all of them, aibou, and have it shipped to your Anzu. Give your information to the merchant and she'll take care of everything."

"Really? Do you mean it? Isn't it too much?"

"Not at all." Atemu showed him a smile. He had to keep himself to his strategy. He'd always been good at long-term planning. Mutou Yuugi would be totally his… if not today, then tomorrow.

After the transaction was done, they continued their shopping. Yuugi walked next to Atemu, looking from left to right. "How is it possible that things are so cheap on this planet?"

"Most of the products are what you call 'knock-offs'," Atemu explained. "A lot of the merchandise offered here had never had the chance to reach its destination."

"To reach its destination?"

"Piracy," Atemu whispered in his ear. "Do not worry, aibou." He pressed the credit card into Yuugi's hands. "Here. Amuse yourself with it. Buy something nice for yourself."

"What are you going to do?"

"I have some people to talk to," Atemu said. "About the ship," he reassuringly added. "It sustained heavy damage and we cannot repair it all ourselves. I will pick you up in two hours. I will find you anywhere, aibou."

"I know," Yuugi said, smiling. "Thank you, mou hitori no boku." He watched the other's retreating back and almost skipping, he went to look for clothes. After all, due to his impromptu departure from Vertregg 12, he hadn't had any time to pack. He doubted Ryou had brought a change of clothes with him in that small bag of his… Yuugi turned around the corner and stumbled upon a row of stalls with stacks and stacks of clothes.

"See something you like, kid?" A tall merchant said. "Just pick and choose!"


Jounouchi and Honda entered the market and decided to split up. They both had their own credit card that didn't link them back to any of KaibaCorp's accounts, so they could spend money any way they liked. Jounouchi wanted to get new clothes; his spare threads on board of the Time Wizard hadn't survived the inferno. Honda wanted to take a look at the electronics and other things, so they split up. Jounouchi wasn't interested much in any brand names, he just bought himself underwear, shirts, socks, jeans and two pairs of sneakers. The merchant called them 'vintage Adidas', but he shrugged it off. It was just footwear. Jounouchi was about to look around for more, when he suddenly noticed a very striking appearance. That outrageous hairstyle was something he would never forget. It couldn't be! He was frozen to the spot all over again, just like when he had seen him for the first time with that ominous glowing thing on his forehead. The Pharaoh couldn't be right in front of him, shopping for clothes as if it was the most normal thing in the world! He could hear the other speak: "Have it all shipped to the October, please?"

"October? You got it." A credit card exchanged hands. "What's your docking number?"

His heart thumped wildly against his ribcage until he started to notice the differences. The Pharaoh was tan, this one was pale. The Pharaoh wore excessive amounts of gold, this one didn't even wear a single ring. The Pharaoh's eyes were reddish and menacing, while this one looked… innocent, friendly. It was the other 'twin'; Yuugi Mutou from Vertregg 12! Jounouchi released the breath he was holding, at the same moment Yuugi took the bags from the merchant and turned around, all but bumping in to him.

"Ah! I'm sorry," Yuugi said.

"No, I'm sorry," Jounouchi quickly said. "I'm standing in your way!"

Yuugi shook his head. "No, no, not at all! Please, go ahead."

How could a polite guy like this be such intimate friends with a murderer? Jounouchi pointed at the bags Yuugi was holding. "Shopping for clothes, right?"

"Yes, it's an amazing selection here," Yuugi said. "So many brand names! Oh, I see that you've been shopping around quite a bit yourself."

"Mighty perceptive of you," Jounouchi joked. He shifted his bags to one arm to extend his hand to Yuugi. "Katsuya Jounouchi."

"Mutou Yuugi," Yuugi accepted his hand. "I beg your pardon, Yuugi Mutou."

"Why did you reverse your name?" Jounouchi asked.

"My grandfather raised me in the customs and traditions of Japan, Earth," Yuugi answered.

"Japan? Wow, that's pretty neat." Jounouchi said. He didn't offer any information on his own background. "So, you visit Ibistapola often?"

"No, this is my first visit here." As Yuugi was talking, Jounouchi discreetly scanned the area for the Pharaoh. "I'm with friends."

"Friends," Jounouchi repeated.

"We're on a space trip." Yuugi gave him an impressive optimistic smile as he scratched the back of his head. "I'm from Vertregg 12. Nothing really happens there, it's kind of bureaucratic and dull… I always dreamed of going on a space trip!"

"Good for you," Jounouchi said. "I overheard you say you're with the October?"

"Yes, that's true. You also came here by ship?"

"Yeah, but it got damaged underway," Jounouchi asked. "So while it's getting repaired, I'm just… hanging around here."

Yuugi nodded and Jounouchi struggled to keep up the conversation. He didn't want to let Yuugi go, he was a valuable source of information. It was almost afternoon and he got an idea.

"Have you had lunch already? I could really go for a hamburger."

"A hamburger? I've heard about that!" Yuugi's face lit up, but he sobered up right away. "Oh, I don't think I can do that…"

"What's the matter?"

"Mou hito… I mean, Atemu-kun wouldn't like it if I went along with someone he doesn't know," Yuugi said.

"Atemu-kun..?" Jounouchi parroted.

"His name's Atemu," Yuugi said, "and '-kun' is a way of addressing someone. It's an honorific, a Japanese custom. I keep forgetting that nobody else uses it… but he's a Pharaoh, you know!"

"Pharaoh?"

"That's a very ancient, honorary title," Yuugi explained. "I don't think he's a real one, though. But is sure fits him!"

"I see," Jounouchi said. "Well, my offer still stands."

"I am quite hungry," Yuugi said, obviously torn. "Atemu-kun doesn't eat much. In fact, I've never seen him eat…"

"It's a real hamburger," Jounouchi said. "No artificial stuff. Real meat, real lettuce, real bread!"

"A-all right," Yuugi said. "I can't leave here without having tried one, have I?"

"Exactly. Come on, I know a good place!"


"Burger World," Yuugi read the sign. "Neat!"

"Let's go inside," Jounouchi suggested and held the door open for him. He had met a lot of people in his life, but Yuugi had to be the friendliest, kindest person ever. It was such an odd thought that he was holding himself up in the company of the Pharaoh and his 'friends'. Jounouchi guided Yuugi to a table.

"Can we sit anywhere we want?"

"Sure, no problem." Jounouchi reminded himself that Yuugi came from the overly regulated Vertregg 12. He wasn't used to picking his own table at all. That was… sad. A waitress showed up and chuckled when she heard the order.

"Are you that famished?" she asked.

"Ravenous," Jounouchi answered. She looked a lot like Mai, with her long blond hair and flirty demeanor. He really missed her.

"Wait until everyone at home hears about me eating a real hamburger," Yuugi said, excited.

"Who's waiting for you at home?" Jounouchi recalled the information Otogi had given him, but he wanted to hear it from Yuugi.

"My grandfather and my fiancée," Yuugi said. Jounouchi decided to go out on a limb.

"So, Atemu isn't your fiancé?"

"What? Oh, oh no," Yuugi answered but his furious blush would make anyone believe he was lying. He fidgeted lightly. "No no, I want to marry Anzu."

"It's all right, nothing wrong with any of that," Jounouchi said.

"I really like Atemu-kun," Yuugi said. "He takes good care of me."

Yeah, by keeping a very close eye on you. "How did you meet him?"

"Yeah, that was kind of… weird. I was out late to get a couple of last-minute groceries, when he showed up at the supermarket, as if he had been waiting for me all along. He asked me to read his name. He was wearing a cartouche that spelled his name, but he couldn't read it."

Jounouchi frowned. "That's weird indeed. That's some mysterious friend you have."

"True. I… he's really nice to me, though. He promised me a space trip, and he's very true to his word. Malik-kun and Ryou-kun are also nice. Marik-san and Bakura-san are very distant and very harsh. I try my very best to like them!"

Jounouchi couldn't believe his ears. Yuugi casually confirmed that he was involved with the most sought after group in the entire universe. He knew them all by name and thought the world of the one who had killed the guards at Yllsen Volta V without breaking a sweat. He even tried to like the other two who had just as little regard for human life in general. Jounouchi thought that it wasn't only gullibility, Yuugi truly believed in the good kind, the kindhearted nature of people, failing to recognize a ruthless manipulator like his own Pharaoh.

"At least you're not trekking around space on your own," he said as the waitress brought them their burgers. Yuugi looked at the food, a little insecure. "Go ahead, try it!"

He picked the hamburger up and carefully took a bite. It was kind of endearing, the tentative way he tasted the meat, lettuce and all the other condiments. Yuugi was immediately smitten. "This is delicious!"

"I really like the burgers here," Jounouchi said.

"You know your way around, Jounouchi-kun. Have you traveled that much?"

"I work in the security business," Jounouchi said. It wasn't strictly a lie, it could mean anything. "I've seen quite a few places."

"I work at a Game Shop," Yuugi said.

"A Game Shop? Awesome! What kind of games do you prefer?"

"Old-fashioned board games," Yuugi said, savoring the taste of the burger. "However, we get our profits from renting holo-games. Nobody is interested in board games anymore."

"Yeah, technology and stuff. I used to play cards, when I was younger."

"Card games?"

"All kinds of them. I used to make up the rules and games, silly kids stuff."

"It's too bad that so few people actually like the old-school card games," Yuugi said, eating his second burger. He looked so happy while doing so, that Jounouchi once again asked himself what a kind and friendly person like Mutou Yuugi was doing with such a bunch of cold-blooded, cruel people. He didn't mention Duel Monsters or any of the God Cards, though. "My grandfather passed his love for games onto me. He's helping out in the shop while I'm gone. I hope to be back soon, he can't work full-time. He's in his seventies, you know."

Jounouchi mulled over his own thoughts as he helped himself to some fries. He'd guessed that Yuugi was totally in love with the Pharaoh, until Yuugi started talking about his fiancée. He wasn't sure if or what the Pharaoh was feeling for Yuugi, but it was clear to Jounouchi that it was something unhealthy. Yuugi had mentioned nothing about Yllsen Volta V, as if it had been totally erased from his mind. Judging from the state Yuugi had been in when Jounouchi saw him, he didn't keep that for impossible. He absent-mindedly ate a second burger.

"So you're going to stay longer?" Yuugi asked. "To look for work?"

"Yeah, I won't be leaving for a while. My last job ended rather… unexpectedly," he said.

Yuugi pointed at the empty wrappers in front of him. "This is really amazing, Jounouchi-kun. Thank you so much!"

"You're very welcome," Jounouchi said and he meant it. It was easy to get along with Yuugi and they talked about this and that, until they had finished their meal. Jounouchi searched for a way to end the conversation. He had the feeling that Atemu could be back any moment, and he wanted to avoid meeting the Pharaoh for now. He checked his PMA. "I'm sorry, but I have a meeting to go to, job-related stuff," he said.

"Thank you once again," Yuugi said, beaming at him. "I'm sure Atemu-kun will be here soon to pick me up!"

Jounouchi grabbed his bags and got up from the table. "See you around, Yuugi!"

"See you, Jounouchi-kun!"


Jounouchi left Burger World. He had a lot of information to work through and he didn't want to run into the Pharaoh. That guy had a crazy homing device concerning Yuugi and Jounouchi was convinced that he'd recognize him from the disaster at Yllsen Volta V. He made his way over to the apartment that KaibaCorp.'s HRM had secured for him and Honda, feeling tired. It wasn't like he had completely recovered, his body still ached all over. He was sort of glad that Honda hadn't returned yet, he could use a bit of peace and quiet for now. Jounouchi stashed his bags and made himself comfortable on the bed. He pulled the laptop towards him and established a secure connection. He didn't need to wait long for Otogi to answer.

"Hey Jounouchi," Otogi greeted him. "How are you doing?"

"Still in pain," he grunted. "I'm off the painkillers, though."

"Good. Kaiba wants the team back together as soon as possible," Otogi said.

"And what about you? You don't like the plush office life?"

"Please," Otogi snorted, "I'm rather in space than to be surrounded by ditzy office girls."

"Yeah, like I believe you." Jounouchi wanted to know the details about Otogi's and Kaiba's escape from Yllsen Volta V, but time was limited and he didn't want anyone to be able to intercept the transmission, despite it being secured. "Time to get back to work indeed. I made contact with Yuugi Mutou."

"You did?" Otogi raised an eyebrow. "How?"

"Buy a guy a hamburger and he's your friend for life," Jounouchi said. "He even told me the Pharaoh's name."

"Really? What did you do, flirt with him?"

"No, just bought him the hamburger. He's a good guy, nice to talk to."

"Maybe you could become friends with him and infiltrate in the group," Otogi said.

"I don't think so. One moment or another I'll meet the Pharaoh face to face and I'm sure he'll remember me from Yllsen Volta V, with gun drawn."

"Yeah, you got that right." Otogi looked pensive. "So.. his name?"

"Atemu," Jounouchi said. "I have no idea how to spell it."

"I'll go through Ryou's notes and see if he mentions his name somewhere. I'll get back to you when I find out more. Something's bothering you?" Otogi asked suddenly.

"Yeah, that Yuugi kid," Jounouchi said. "Well, he's not a kid - but he seems like a kid compared to the others. I have the feeling that he's caught between very strong forces and he can't find his way out. His beloved Pharaoh is keeping an eye on him that screams 'stalker' to me. He doesn't seem to remember anything from the sick bay at Yllsen Volta V either. How could that even be possible?"

"Maybe the Pharaoh drugged him?" Otogi suggested. "A kind of hypnosis or a spell? You told me yourself that he displayed weird powers, and I saw the footage… some crazy shit was happening, that was for sure."

"I'm not sure, but whatever happened there… this Atemu is very careful of Yuugi's well-being. He wants to keep him close and he 'protects' him by shielding him from any harm."

"He sounds really manipulative. I'll relay everything to Kaiba," Otogi promised. "Be careful. In any case, the October isn't going anywhere for a while with all the damage it sustained. It's a good opportunity for you to… study the entire situation."

"Keep me up to date," Jounouchi said and severed the connection.



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Chapter 23 | Chapter 25 |