I'm back after a very heavy writers block. I also had little time between work and my grad study but I plan to be a bit more active these days. For those of you still waiting on the next chapter of binds (if have any loyal fans left) It's in the works. I should have it up by the end of the month hopefully). This one is something I've always wanted to write for the past year now but I frankly haven't had the time
Yes I did change my pen name. Hylander McLeod just sounds more mysterious
One
"Can I sit?"
I hadn't heard him approach. Didn't see him either. I hadn't paid attention to the figure that was coming towards the table, clearly visible by his casted shadow and sound of feet on the pavement. I had remained completely oblivious until I heard him speak.
Not bothering to make conversation, I nod, giving a short almost silent "hm" as a sign of approval. He slides out the chair directly across from me; deliberately or not I don't know, before sitting down. The sound of metal hitting something else reaches my ears almost seconds later. It's him. No other person I knew, past or present had carried a metal briefcase. I raise my head, allowing myself to look at the one seated across me at the table. My suspicions are confirmed when I just about look eyes with the last person I had expected to join me in conversation let alone at a table in a public place.
Kaiba Seto, my nemesis if nothing else, sits across from me a rather strange look on his face. Strange for what I would expect from him, at least. In our high school years he has managed to best me in just about every category, with the exception of few negative ones I somehow was unable to avoid. When it seemed I have gotten the upper hand he flips the situation on its head, with literally a snap of his fingers. He hardly ever spoke to anyone let alone me, always preferring his small corner of isolation, like the sole member of the social elite amongst a class of commoners.
Why is he sitting here with me? Why did he even ask?
"I ran into Motou at the last grandmasters. Didn't see you there."
For some reason he chose to start up conversion. With me of all people. A waitress approached our table for our order. She turned to him first. Typical
"Coffee, double espresso."
"Two." I responded before she even turned around. She nodded and proceeded to other customers. His attention turned back to me. "Well"?
I ran a hand through my hair, being somewhat hesitant to answer. Who knew what this guy truly wanted. Knowing him it could be from anything in between gloating to provocation or anything in between. His face showed nothing so I couldn't read whatever angle he's playing. Saying what's immediately on my mind was always my strong point. Then again my stubborn pride was another. Seeing how he kept waiting for answer I took the bait. Might as well play his game once more. "I'm retired, Kaiba. Have been for the past three years."
"Finally realize you don't what it takes?" The reply was a mocking one. Not as much as it was in years past but still mocking nonetheless.
I shook my head slightly. Perhaps some things really never do change. I was one the premiere players of the game, far better than Rex or Weevil, yet to him I'm the one same person that lost miserably to him back at Duelist Kingdom. He would never understand.
"Let's just say it wasn't that worth it to me. Not anymore."
Seeing the questioning look in his eyes I chose to continue. Even I can't get the point across might as well finish what I started. "Back then, in those times, there was a reason for playing. Something meaningful. Something to fight for. Yuugi, my sister, her. There's nothing real left." I took a breath before continuing. "Heck that's probably why I bombed out like I did in your Grand Prix. Playing for no other reason than just to satisfy my own ego. It's rather empty."
"As if Schroeder couldn't have beaten with one hand tied behind his back anyway."
I resisted the urge to slap him across the face. Or at least try.
"If it's the death matches that takes to drag you into this I can gladly arrange them for you. Daily even."
The waitress returned with our order. A good thing to because I was really close to losing my cool. Kaiba reached into his trench coat, for his wallet or checkbook, which I don't really know. But I beat him to it tossing a handful of yen on the table. He looked at me suspiciously. I knew the meaning. Someone like me who could barely scrap for my rent and electric shouldn't throw away cash to the winds. Though I doubt he would have actually paid for my share.
I took a few drinks of the coffee. The hot liquid running down my throat took my mind off this conversation. Gave me time think of how to respond.
"Thanks but no thanks. I'd prefer to keep my limbs intact." I laughed slightly.
His gaze hardened. It's as if I insulted him. I suddenly realized what it about Kaiba I loathed so much. He simply didn't seem human. I suppose I'll have to explain.
"For someone willing to throw himself off a tower to win a duel just save his kid brother you seem rather dense." I knew I had a few seconds, perhaps even less before I'd be interrupted.
"It wasn't the danger I relished. Sure it was there, and it scared me. The prospect of being trapped in labyrinth or burned alive, not to mention have your soul devoured by some 100 foot lizard wasn't really what I would call welcoming. But I battled through it. I had to. "
He rolled his eyes, before looking at me questioningly. Probably about the 100 foot lizard thing no doubt. "Stuck in a labyrinth?"
Ah I'd forgotten he hadn't known that part.
"Paradox brothers. Back on duelist kingdom. Said if Yuugi and I lost we'd be all trapped there till we'd die of old age or starvation, which ever first." I took more drinks of my coffee."I'd tell you how it played out but it'd be redundant. You yourself see the results."
"I'm aware."
Figures he would be.
"You had to?"
That question again. It's as if he's enjoying the conversation. Or expecting me to say more.
"The stakes were too high to just walk away. Even with the chance of victory as slim as it was there simply was no other option. "I took a breath before continuing. "Besides risking your neck for a friend, dying for someone you care about is a small price to pay. I suppose you never understood that about us"
I decided not to rub it in any further No need to reopen old wounds, especially now.
"And yet despite your best efforts you failed time and time again."
He just had to rub it in.
"Not every time. I succeed the last." In the midst of our talking I'd completely forgotten my coffee. It'd gotten cold. "I wonder if she'll ever show up to collect upon my debt."
"How can you do it? Simply rushing in blindly, taking each day without a single plan or strategy?"
He'd switched topics. Probably wanted to end it already. I could tell when he'd looked at his watch.
"Simple. I'm Jounouchi Katsuya." Getting up from my chair I grabbed my coat. "Besides, there's no guarantee tomorrow will be worse."
I took my leave then. No point in saying anymore.
"Bonkotsu."
I turned to face him. Our eyes met.
"Try not to get killed"
My gaze hardened
"As if my death would ever be a burden your conscience."
I didn't wait to hear his response. There was no way I'd let him get the last word.
This chapter was Jounouchi's POV . Kaiba's POV is next.
leave a comment