Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, not in way, shape, form or fashion.

A/U setting - this means some things are different, very different. "Let the Games Begin" is a background story for "New Games".

Rated R - extra-LEMONY-fresh

Enjoy,

~Kay

Let the Games Begin

Chapter 2: Seal the Bargain

by Kyrenea

            CORE Academy.

At one time, only the most prestigious families sent their sons to learn the defensive military arts. Then things changed. It was decided that all families, all races deserved the right to defend their homes. Now the academy grounds were a rainbow of social classes, race and gender.

I stood outside the Kaiba Foundation transport, watching as students young and old buzzed about the park and drop-off areas. A benefit of being Kaiba Foundation's newest commander was the data cube I slowly tossed up and down. The cube held the academy's complete map.

Well, almost complete.

The only information available had been the public access areas. Schematics for the staff and military sections hadn't been available, but Mokuba had taught me a few tricks. Soon, even that information would be mine.

"Is that him?"

Whispers, giggles and squeals continued to radiate toward me. Shaking my head, I crawled back into the vehicle and instructed the driver to get me as close to the back entrance of the trainee's dormitory as possible.

I was once again grateful to my new status.

Being the executive officer of the oldest business foundation gave one the right to do as they please and use secret passageways. It also gave me the rights to a private suite in the dormitory.

I wouldn't be sharing quarters with a common foot soldier.

"Have my bags and crates sent upstairs." I gave the driver my assigned room and stepped from the car. Slipping through the building's back entrance I stopped to lean against the wall.

The messages of regret over Father's death had turned into an annoying line of requests for dinner visits once I was settled into the academy. Wanting to be rid of the entire mess, I'd agreed to assign temporary stewardship of Kaiba Foundation to my mother and her advisors. She could field the calls and weed out social acquaintances and business propositions.

It didn't mean I had to honor her arrangements.

Kaiba Foundation's by-laws prevented a woman from having ultimate authority. She'd still need my signature and approval to do anything other than arrange dinner parties.

This way, I could complete the three years of training and start gaining speed on the assassins that had left Kaiba Foundation in near ruin. Studying wasn't a big concern, I'd already seen to it that Kaiba Foundation now had a set of ex-Academy instructors on the pay role. Switching out exam files and completing assignments could be done by a staff of hired system hackers while I set about scanning CORE records and searching for the orders on my brother and father.

Intelligence work had been my specialty since my toddler days. If there was dirt to dig up and information that would later come in handy, I'd find it with little effort. It had been a game when Mokuba was still living at home. I'd spy on Mother and Father, giving him the requested information for small rewards and treats.

I'd kept my stash of miniature ships, games and books well out of site from the cleaning staff and my parents. My father was content to think I was his to control, and while blatant defiance wasn't my style, I took pride in having the secrets with Mokuba.

The data cube I now carried had been a prize from Mokuba in exchange for sneaking into one of Father's business meetings with the local Commadon.

I walked through the service halls, memorizing the turns and exits. I made notes on the data cube as I went, slowly making my way to the top floor and the four penthouse suites reserved for the most privileged trainees.

Never be without an escape.

Mokuba had taught me that lesson at an early age.

I stayed clear of the main hallways. While the servants may whisper in private and spread gossip, they'd never be rude enough to park themselves before me and demand an impromptu audience. I'd had my fill of interrogations and sympathy speeches on my tour of the complex.

Today, I'd hide in the shadows and wait for the shock of my appearance to become old news. Hopefully, by the time lectures started the only gossip would be centered on the scandal of Counstal Muto's bastard grandson being allowed entrance to CORE.

I reached the top floor and stepped into the main hallway, sending a silent thanks to the gods that left it empty. Strolling down the passage, I stopped at the end apartment and punched in the security sequence.

The door didn't respond.

Pulling out the data cube, I doubled checked the room assignment. After verifying I had the right entrance, I ran through a set of protocols and got the door open on the fifth try.

Once inside, I reset the security sequence and dropped the small carry bag I'd had with me on the nearest chair. A quick tour assured me the efficiency kitchen was stocked as ordered and that the list of entertainment downloads had been sent to the viewing wall.

The left bedroom door was open. A glimpse inside revealed the driver had arrived ahead of me. Stepping into the room I realized the shower was running.

Steam rose from the cracked doorway. I inched the door open a little further. Through the steam filled room, the frosted glass shower appeared empty. Puzzled over way the water would be running full blast, I pushed at the door.

It was jerked inward, causing me to stumble forward and collide with a wet and very bare chest.

"What are you doing?" A velvety smooth voice growled.

"Nothing." I backed up; staring in disbelief as I realized his chest wasn't the only bare body part. "Who are you?"

My room was designated as a single.

So why was I being glared at by a drop dead gorgeous, splendidly naked man? He was shorter than I was, which would prove useful if he tried to rush me. His long legs met at a tapered waist. His stomach was flat, with a set of defined abs. While he might have been on the thin side, it was evident corded muscle lay beneath his slightly tanned skin. His slanted eyes were violet, with the slightest hint of ruby. His hair hung in wet strands down to his shoulders. The original color was anyone's guess, but the strands of blonde, midnight black and maroon held a slight wave. His eyes narrowed further as I openly starred, admiring the finest work of art I'd ever seen.

"Nothing," he hissed. "Nothing my ass."

He shot forward, grabbing at my shirt front and steering our decent toward the massive bed. I hit the bed with a soft thud, arms spread wide and knees bent over the side. My assailant landed atop my body, settling his weight across my hips.

"Like what you saw?" He purred, pinning my wrists above my head.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" I bucked, trying to topple him forward, but he centered his weight and smiled.

"Doesn't look like you're in any position to demand answers sweet little Seto."

I froze.

He knew my name.

Had he been sent to kill me?

Would he toy with me before completing his mission?

"Play around, now there's an idea." He shifted his weight, leaning slightly forward. I bucked again, trying to twist out of his grasp. He chuckled softly against my ear. "Shhh, you'll ruin the fun before it starts."

He bit at my ear before sucking gently, whispering sweet nothings and promising varied pleasures. I closed my eyes, appalled by my body's reaction to his heat, his whispers, his lips.

I moaned, fearing for my life.

Bucking again, I managed to get my feet up on the bed and shoved backwards as I twisted my upper body. He kept his place across me hips, riding me across the bed as I struggled to get away.

"If you stop that," he drawled, "I won't bite."

I turned to look at him. His violet eyes were sparkling, a smile parting his lips.

"Deal?" He asked.

"Deal." I swallowed, closing my eyes.

Soft lips captured mine as his hands clutched at the back of my head. The kiss was aggressive, his tongue demanding access to my mouth. I parted my lips, allowing him to dominate.

He pulled away, pressing his groin against my stomach, his desire obvious as he slowly licked his lips.

"Shall we seal this bargain?" He snaked one knee between my legs, pressing it against my crotch.

"What bargain?" I yelped.

"For you're life." He captured my mouth again, running his hands down my body to open my pants. Long fingers cupped my erection. I cried against his lips, finding my first blinding pleasure in release.

He pulled away from me, standing.

"Congratulations, Seto."

"What?" I whispered. "What'd you just do?"

"Sealed our bargain with a kiss."

He turned on his heels and sashayed back into the bathroom, leaving the door open as he stepped back into the shower.

I closed my eyes, unable to watch as he cleaned himself, putting on a show for my benefit. Turning toward the wall, I hugged myself.

What had he done to me?

Why did he set my blood boiling?

How did he manage to bring me to instant satisfaction?

I'd never experienced a complete climax with Father's hired women. They always left me frustrated, wanting for something more.

The water stopped running and I turned back towards the bathroom to see him toweling his hair. "Who are you?"

"Yami Muto."

I sat up in shocked disbelief as he closed the door to his own room.

I'd never be free of the gossip, not now, not when I'd just given myself to the only person at Academy turning more heads than my own entrance.

Yami Muto. The bastard grandson of the most respected Counstal had just stolen my heart and any chance at a peaceful life behind the academy gates.

How was that? Hope it worked out better than that last attempt.

I'm not sure if I'll add any more to this, but I might if things come up that just can't be handled in "New Games". I really want this story to be less depressing and complicated.

Please R&R.