This took way too long...
I probably should have mentioned this before, but I'll go ahead and say it now- this story takes for granted that the reader is familiar with the first YGO series. Apologies to those who might not be, as it skips around quite a bit; but that will not change. It will, however, be much more detailed once the gang is out of high school and my true plot comes into play.
I've got 2 reviews to address (and thank you to everyone who reviews or likes my story)!
Nightmare Senshi- thank you very much! I'll go back and add it in as "Domino High" to keep it simple.
chibirosegirl- I don't want to give away too much. It's not that Joey is afraid of the differences in Seto's behavior towards him at this time as he is wary of it. He's trying hard to keep from changing too much (or anything of great importance) in the timeline so to have to deal with the changes in people as well is something he didn't really expect. Make no mistake though, Joey wants Seto's affections, he wouldn't run from them, he simply didn't expect anything positive so soon. Joey is more mature in his thinking in my fic, as his mindset is technically older, so he and Seto don't butt heads as much which brought on this portrayal of Seto.
Chapter Summary
Mokuba is possessed. Joey's changes have consequences. The Pharaoh learns about
four-ways. Rex fears for his sanity and explosions go off early.
Chapter 4 - Crazytown Thy Name is Battle City (part 2)
Domino City Harbor
Battle City in Progress
Winter Break of Sophomore/Junior Year
Year 2004
It was Seto's anguished cry that did it.
That one sound clinched Joey's decision, despite knowing everyone would react badly towards him once it was all said and done.
Once the duel began between Yugi and a possessed Mokuba, Seto visibly stiffened whenever Mokuba lost Life Points.
Yugi did his best to keep the duel afloat, to stall for time, but it was inevitable that both sides would eventually hit the low numbers.
After another forestalling attempt on Yugi's part, Mokuba's Life Points were slashed to 300, to Yugi's measly 100.
Seto Kaiba could not stop the sound that ripped from his throat at that act, but it was enough to carry over and bring Mokuba forth from Marik's possession.
"Big brother!" Mokuba called out, his unclouded gaze filling instead with confusion and fear as he took in his surrounding, particularly the chain shackled around his ankle.
"Mokuba!" Seto returned, eyes alit. "I won't let anything happen to you. I swear it!"
The young boy took in his older brother's determined countenance and nodded. Though, his eyes also did not miss the equally imposing figure of the blond next to his brother. Mokuba was struck by an odd thought then, as he viewed the two teens. How different their appearances were on the outside: Seto's dark hair to Joey's golden, Joey's amber eyes to Seto's deep blue, the pale skin to the light tan, the CEO to the former gang-member (Mokuba was an expert hacker and had dug up information about Joey in order to satisfy his curiosity).
The two could not be more different on paper, yet they were so alike underneath it all.
Mokuba had faith in them both.
At least, such thoughts precipitated the boy's next actions.
"Okay," Mokuba whispered to himself, gathering courage. He felt Marik try to regain his possession of him. It scared him, and he bit down a cry of pain as he laid a shaking hand over his duel disk. "I give u-up! I forfeit the d-duel!"
"What?! Mokuba! No!" Yugi shouted, eyes blown out wide.
"Mokuba!" Seto anguished, echoed by Tea and Rex both.
Joey said nothing. He'd been trying to come up with a way to save both Yugi and Mokuba before either's Life Points hit zero.
That option was gone now.
Mokuba's Life Points displayed a zero and Yugi's box flipped open to reveal the key to his own shackle.
Poor Yugi was caught up in shock, so the Pharaoh took over control and snatched the key up to open his lock.
Joey's mind fell back on instinct the moment Seto rushed forward. His heart rung a fierce ache throughout his body with each beat.
It was so much like-
It was almost exactly like-
Loss. Pain. Hurt.
HURT!!
He whipped out the gun he's had on his person since he picked it up from Pegasus' goon back at Duelist Kingdom. Though he loathed to carry it on his person, though he loathed to use it; he aimed a non-lethal hit at the RareHunter goon manning the crate above Ryou and Yugi's grandfather's heads.
The man was one threat away from having the crate unleashed, but Joey's shot caused him to wail in pain as he fell backwards onto the ground, clutching his shoulder.
Joey passed the gun off to Rex, knowing that the screaming Tea would never have the heart to use it even if absolutely necessary. He took a mere speck of a moment to hope with every fiber of his being that it wouldn't come down to that for Rex. He was too young for it, but he was the only one around at the moment whom could potentially wield it.
He stripped off his white coat and duel disk as he ran to Mokuba's box, took out his Swiss-Army knife, and worked his lock-picking skills.
Seto had just dove underwater sans jacket and Yami was making his way towards Joey when the box clicked open.
Joey didn't answer to Yami's shout. He grabbed Mokuba's key and also dove down.
The coolness of the water didn't register. Adrenaline fueled his quick decent, heart and mind focused on the growing forms of the Kaiba brothers in his line of vision.
It appeared Seto was of like-mind as the brunette furiously worked away at Mokuba's lock with a piece of metal that no doubt came off of his person.
Seto only registered him when Joey pushed him away, fitting the key into the lock around Mokuba's ankle and clicking it open. In quick succession the two young men each hooked an arm around Mokuba, whom was beginning to show strains of holding his breath, and kicked up towards the surface.
The gulpfuls of air were sucked in unison once they broke through. The three remained locked together as they paddled towards the dock where the others awaited.
Mokuba was hosted up right into Yami and Tea's waiting arms. Seto and Joey each pushed themselves up, the tall brunette coming to a knee while the latter splayed himself across the dock.
The youngest of them immediately threw himself into the arms of his elder brother. "I knew you wouldn't let me be hurt! I knew it!"
Seto didn't say anything, he just hugged his little brother tight.
"Thank you big brother. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," Mokuba reiterated, nuzzling Seto's chest. After a moment, he shifted around enough so he could look down at the blond. "And thank you too, Joey."
"You are okay?" Joey put forward. His breaths still pushed harshly from out of his chest. "Right?"
Mokuba nodded and his hands gripped Seto's arms around him tighter.
"Good. Let's never do anythin' like this again. You, don't ever pull a stunt like that ever again," Joey mumbled. 'If only, if only, if only… I wish this could be the last time. I wish…'
"Joey?"
The soft voice echoed in his head only once before he swiveled around and shot to his feet.
"Serenity?" Joey breathed out, taking in the sight of his sister whom was being led forward by Mai. They must have arrived sometime when he was underwater. Out of the periphery of his vision he dimly noted Tristan and Duke were escorting Ryou and Yugi's grandpa towards them, but his focus remained on his little sister.
And, on her-
"Your eyes."
Serenity didn't wait any longer. "Joey!" She ran to him, into his open arms, plastering herself against his drenched form.
Joey's joyful laugh shot warmth through more than one in the vicinity.
"Easy there Serenity," he pulled her out at arm's length. "You're gonna get all wet."
"I don't care," she responded.
"You sure?" he teased, shaking his mop to fleck water at her.
"I don't care," she repeated.
He smiled grandly and put his hands on her face, clearing away her bangs with his thumbs.
Her radiant hazel eyes appeared to be smiling at him too.
"Your eyes are so beautiful Serenity," Joey said softly. His vision wavered as a sheen of hot liquid coated them. "The surgery took."
"It's all thanks to you." Her own eyes glazed over. "Don't cry. You're going to make me cry too."
"I'm not cryin', you're cryin'," he returned stubbornly, pulling his sister into another tight hug, rapidly blinking back tears, and sighing as he ran a hand through her hair.
"I mean it b-big brother," Serenity sniffled against his chest. "If you hadn't come up with the money for the operation... I'd be blind right now. I owe it all to you Joey."
"How could I not save your pretty eyes?" He joked and pulled back to gaze at them once more. "It'd be such a waste of your talent!"
"Talent?" Tristan prompted, shuffling up towards them.
Serenity blushed. "Oh, it's nothing special."
"She's a skilled painter," Joey explained. He patted her arms down before he let her go. "Now that I think about it, I've got a favor to ask of ya Serenity. If ya willin' to commission somethin' for me that is."
"Of course Joey," Serenity nodded, gazing at him curiously. "Anything."
Joey grinned wickedly. He walked over towards the Kaiba brothers and placed a hand on Seto. "I want a painting of my beloved and I gloriously entwined in our naked excellence!"
"What the hell!"
Joey's eyes shot to Tristan, whom had been the one to yell. His tone had been much more furious than he would have expected his friend to proclaim with.
The pointy-haired brunette broke from the throng to seize Rex Raptor by the collar.
Rex's legs bicycled in the air.
Tristan's actions may have been further questioned by the rest had it not been for the gun that clattered onto the ground.
"What the hell do you think you are doing with that thing huh?!" Tristan's grip on Rex's collar twisted up higher. "Where did you get it?!"
"Tristan!" Joey shouted. He was ignored.
Rex shook his head wildly. "I swear it's not mine! I was just-"
"Don't lie to me!" Tristan yelled, shaking Rex hard enough to cause the young teen boy to cry out.
Joey had had enough. Before anyone else could stop him, he went up to Tristan and punched him square in the jaw, pulling Rex away before the latter could fall.
"Oh shit!" Duke called out. "I thought you guys were friends!"
Everyone else appeared to be speechless.
Tristan looked confused, but only for a moment. "Why are you defending this little piece of-?!"
"The gun," Joey stressed, right up in Tristan's face. "Is mine."
"Yours?" Mai questioned, surprised.
Joey nodded tersely. "Yes."
"Joseph," Yugi's grandfather's tone echoed disappointment. "Why would you ever carry a gun?"
Joey swallowed thickly. His expression gave nothing away, but his mind repeated one word, 'Fuck.'
As they had before, everyone stared at him with suspicion. Unlike they had before, some of them also stared at him with what looked like… fear.
'How the hell do I explain myself out of this one?'
"You shot that guy." Tea broke the silence, eyes wide and uneasy. "Joey, you shot the man that-"
"Joey!" Yami interrupted. The look in his eyes couldn't spell disbelief any more clearly. "You wouldn't."
"The bastard deserved it!" Rex declared, making matters worse.
Tristan looked ready to grab Rex up again.
"Enough!" Joey spoke, tone coming out as a thunderous command. It might have been silly at any other time to see everyone fall instantly silent and turn shocked gazes in his direction, but this wasn't one of those times.
Far from it.
"This gun… I've had it on me all throughout Battle City. I hadn't planned to use it, I hoped to hell that I wouldn't have to, but the moment I learned Marik and his RareHunters were creepin' about I figured it was better to be safe than sorry." Joey strode over to pick up the gun, took out the bullets, and dismantled the weapon. He slid the bullets into his pocket for later disposal and slung the pieces as far as he could into the ocean in separate directions. "Considering that Marik almost sent Mokuba to a watery grave I feel justified in having kept it on me."
Mai leveled her gaze at him. "Considering it's you... I suppose it's alright."
Joey leveled a gaze of his own at her. "It's got nothing to do with my once runnin' in a gang. That part of my life is more than just behind me, it's sealed shut."
"Where did you get it?'
The unspoken, 'your father?' was thankfully left out of Tristan's question in present company, though Joey knew it was implied. Tristan was the only person who knew the real truth about his home life.
"I nicked it off Pegasus' goon at Duelist Kingdom," Joey admitted.
"Was it-?"
Joey's expression softened as he looked to Mokuba.
"Was it from the one who pointed a gun at me?" the young raven fidgeted in his brother's embrace. "The one who wanted to kidnap me?" His voice grew smaller still. "The one who- who shot... fake Seto."
Joey left Tristan's side and walked over to come to a crouch before Mokuba. He reached out, but didn't take Mokuba's hand, only presented the option.
Mokuba was pressed firmly back against his elder brother, perfectly justified in his unwillingness to leave his safe cocoon, but he reached out to meet Joey's hand anyway.
Joey squeezed. "Yeah, it was."
The boy nodded and sunk back into his brother.
Joey knew he'd probably regret it, but he took the chance to flick his gaze up to catch Seto's eyes, knowing the elder Kaiba had been staring quite intently at him all the while.
It was almost unfortunate, how well Joey knew Seto Kaiba, how intimately so. Those blue eyes would have looked unemotional to anyone else, but he could read the veil of disgust.
Seto's words weren't any sweeter. "I despise the use of weapons."
Joey didn't flinch. "Any chance of a 'but' in that sentence?"
"You should have looked for an alternative."
"Not enough time," he answered with a shake of his head. "Mokuba was plunging and Ryou and Yugi's grandfather would have been crippled by that crate, or worse. I couldn't take that risk. People's lives were on the line."
Seto narrowed his eyes at him and stood up to his full height, walking off to retrieve his white trench coat. The tall brunette came back to set it around Mokuba's shoulders and looked to Joey, "For Mokuba, thank you."
Joey was stunned.
He hadn't expected that.
Not at all.
"But, I'm not going to forget this."
'Okay,' Joey figured. 'That makes more sense.'
His heart still hammered from nervousness as Seto strode past him. He then flinched, and wasn't the only one, when the tall brunette suddenly spouted in that gruff voice of his.
"What are you all standing around for!? The next phase of the Battle City tournament is about to begin."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Kaiba Corp Blimp
Over Domino City, Japan
Battle City Tournament in progress
Winter Break of Sophomore/Junior year
Year 2004
Serenity didn't hide her joy at the piggy-back ride she got around the lounge area of the blimp.
Mokuba tried to pretend he didn't like it, at first, but quickly gave in.
"You drop him and I'll take you for everything you're worth Wheeler," said Seto, not looking up from his tablet.
"When we get married, what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine regardless sweetheart!" Joey returned, unable to resist throwing a cheeky smile over his and Mokuba's shoulders.
"Is that really fair?" Mokuba began, laughing with joy as Joey leapt. "You're not really bringing much on your end there Joey."
"I will throw you through the windshield of this thing brat," Joey retorted.
Seto looked up to glare at him. "You will do no such thing Wheeler."
"But Seto! He's making fun of me!"
"Not my problem."
Tea sighed, watching the scene from across the room.
"What?" Tristan nudged her, grinning. "You're not even going to comment on how they're 'not getting married' anymore?"
"What's the point?" the female returned. "Even Kaiba seems to be encouraging Joey now."
"They would make a hot couple," Duke commented.
"Hot and powerful," Mai leered.
"Cute," Serenity added, blushing when Mai turned to smirk at her.
Rex pouted and rolled his eyes. "Yeah right."
Yugi only smiled.
"Then again," Tea continued. "I can't tell if Kaiba simply likes having someone pine over him so obviously."
Ryou laughed softly. "That does seem very likely."
"Aaaahhh!"
Several members of the group flinched at Rex's unexpected shout.
Joey had apparently finished giving Mokuba a piggy-back ride and decided he could do one more. He sneaked up behind the Dino-Duelist and picked him up with ease. Needless to say, Rex's piggy-back ride was more or less forced.
Not that Rex didn't enjoy it, he simply wouldn't admit that he had.
Joey outright ignored Namu. When asked about his behavior the blond loudly proclaimed he wasn't sure he could like a guy who ran from a fight when all he'd asked of him was to protect Tea. It was made worse when he gushed over the way Rex stepped up to help him out by knocking out a Rare Hunter with his skateboard.
The looks given to Namu from then on were less than favorable.
Joey had to restrain himself from laughing out loud at Namu's enraged expression when he thought no one was looking.
The group took some time to settle into their rooms, or in Joey's case convince everyone to crash at his, before coming back out so the duelists could draw random numbers that would signify who they would duel.
As no surprise to Joey, Yami was up first against Bakura and defeated him, although it was poor Ryou who was rendered unconscious from the ordeal.
Joey made sure to discreetly pick up the Millennium Ring before hauling Ryou to the make-shift hospital aboard the blimp.
He shivered as he made his way back up to the duel deck for his own duel. They were all lucky enough it hadn't snowed in awhile. Aboard on a blimp during wintertime in Japan added a level of danger to their dueling that wasn't necessary, but Joey knew Seto chose this time of year to host the Battle City tournament for that reason.
As Joey prepped his deck, he noticed Seto was staring at him. He couldn't resist. "Like what you see?"
Like clockwork, Seto scowled.
"I'm better naked," he added, tilting his lips almost smugly.
That widened Seto's eyes momentarily before they fell to icy slits. "Wheeler-"
"Are you copying my brother Joey?" Mokuba interrupted, looking at Joey rather pointedly.
Joey knew what Mokuba referenced. He adjusted the collar of his long, white coat (Author's note: Joey is wearing the same outfit he wears in the Millennium World) and gave an exaggerated huff. "As if! This style's all my own little man. Although, if I did want to copy Seto I would go for the-"
"You've got 3 seconds to start the duel before I disqualify you, Wheeler."
Joey laughed and slid his deck into his Duel Disk. His expression turned grim as he looked across the platform at his opponent, Odion, whom was disguised as 'Marik.'
He knew exactly how this particular duel would turn out, and so, it progressed much the same as before. It wasn't until the fake Ra rained down its wrath upon them that things changed.
Odion was struck with a bolt straight to the head and passed out.
Joey wasn't.
'That one will veer right, now left... left!'
He had wondered if he should take the hit, but wasn't sure he would have been able to stand still. The instinct to dodge attacks was much too ingrained for him to do otherwise. Though, he probably should have gone without dipping into some of his more acrobatic moves.
"Joey!"
"I'm fine," he called out to his friends, trying to reassure them once Ra disappeared from the field and there were no more attacks coming. He eyed Roland. "Hurry up and announce me as the winner."
"I can't," the man in shades responded. "There needs to be a certain amount of time to-"
"Hurry up and count then," he interrupted and pointed to Odion. "He needs medical help!"
"Joey!" Tristan roared. "Why would you want to help that lowlife?!"
"Because he's not the real Marik." Amber eyes glared at the sandy-haired teen hidden behind the gang. "Isn't that right Namu? Or can I call you Marik now?"
Several gasps sounded when the Egyptian teen was unearthed to their view, looking at them all with wild eyes and a disfigured face.
"Little Joey, however did you know?" Marik cackled, mid-transformation.
"You stayed in the shadows back in Domino, but even then you were quite the talker. Now that you're on the blimp, you're out in the open and yet don't say a thing? It doesn't add up." The blond shrugged. "The fake Ra was the big giveaway though."
Marik, the true Marik, merely cackled and gave a short speech that promised retribution for the Pharaoh before stalking off.
Roland announced Joey as the winner, but he didn't pay attention to the other's reactions as he stepped down from the Duel Arena. His mind was already on the next duel.
It was Mai vs. the real Marik next.
Lack of romantic interest for Mai did not equate lack of love. He hated that he couldn't do a damn thing to stop her from entering her duel. She wouldn't let him.
They set up the unconscious Odion in the room across from Ryou's and headed up again to watch Mai vs. Marik. He spent the majority of the duel simultaneously cheering aloud and digging his fingernails into his palm.
Mai blew people away when she managed to swipe Ra from Marik. Unfortunately, while she certainly had the guts to wield Ra, but she couldn't read Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics necessary to summon it forth and put it to use.
Joey forced himself to stay calm as Marik took back control over Ra and recounted his past, how his malevolence took up a corporeal form born out of pure unadulterated hatred. As the psychotic Egyptian finally prepared Ra for an attack, Joey slapped a hand onto Yami's shoulder.
"Stay here, I've got a plan," he whispered, tightening his grip momentarily. "Trust me."
With that said, the blond ran up onto the Dueling Stage and headed right for Mai whom was chained onto the large stone tablet like a sacrifice, which in Marik's mind she probably was.
"Mai!" he called out as he reached her.
Her eyes widened. "Joey! What are you doing here!?"
"Trying to keep ya from getting killed."
"Are you nuts! Get out of here while you still can!"
"Hey!" he cupped her cheek. He didn't like that desperate expression on her face. They were years away still from that becoming a familiarity. "You're my friend Mai. That's not something I'll ever back out on. I won't leave you alone here."
She sucked in a breath. "Joey, I- I care about you too." Her eyes shimmered, and she shook her head to stave off tears. "Please, save yourself."
Joey let his hand fall. "Never." He turned around to face Marik, heart pumping and eyes fierce as the male cackled hysterically.
The attack from Ra launched.
There was no way to tell if his impromptu plan would work, but Joey reached into his shirt and pulled out the Millennium Ring anyway, hoping against hope. He spread his arms out, letting the attack hit him right where the Millennium Ring hang.
A gruesome shout ripped from his throat as a fierce burn flared throughout his body.
'Hurts, hurts, fuck it hurts.' Joey clenched his teeth. 'But, it's nothing like taking the attack head-on…'
When it was over he sunk to his knees, breaths puffing out hard.
There was an uproar, he knew there'd be, but he couldn't let his friends distract him.
Joey focused on a pair of angry blue orbs before he closed his own. He wasn't about to lose consciousness, he just needed a moment to himself to re-orient himself. He may have taken worse before (had gotten used to much worse), but that didn't make these things any less harder to deal with.
'That wasn't even Ra's final form. This attack was much weaker than the other one.'
Years later and he still shivered whenever he thought of how he burned from Ra's attack during his own duel against Marik. It had rendered him dead after all, if only temporarily.
Joey forced the memory away. He had a plan to execute.
Ears straining, he caught Yami's voice as the Ancient Pharaoh attempted to stop Marik from going forward and putting Mai through a Penalty Game.
It was no good, Joey knew. Mai had agreed to a Shadow Duel and Shadow Duels always ended in Penalty Games.
He cracked his bleary eyes open.
Marik was stepping around Yami, wild eyes focused on his target.
'Mai.'
"Wait," Joey huffed, sitting up.
"Well look at that," Marik stopped in place to leer down at him. "Little Joey is up."
It was easy. Too easy. "Little Joey not so much. Big Joey is getting up though."
"Did he just make a sex joke- oww!"
Tea lowered her hand from smacking Tristan upside the head. She kept her glare though as she directed Tristan to Serenity and Mokuba with a nod of her head.
Tristan got it and wisely shut up.
Duke's shoulders were bouncing up and down from restrained laughter.
"You're not going to give Mai a Penalty Game," Joey declared.
"Oh," Marik laughed maliciously. "And why is that?"
Joey tapped the Millennium Ring that rested against his chest. "If you want this, you won't. I'll give this to ya in exchange for sparin' Mai a Penalty Game."
The psychopath's eyes glowed. "How did you come across that?"
He ignored the question. "Take the offer. With the Ring in my possession I can guarantee you'll have no other way of getting it."
Marik laughed once more. "Is that what you think?! Is that what you truly believe?"
Joey stood to his feet, ignoring the throbs of pain that lingered. With his own promising glare, he looked at the twisted figure in the eye. "It's what I know."
It was a testament to how truly warped Marik was that he sensed no danger from him, or chose to be impartial to it.
"Give it here then," the psycho smiled wickedly, hand outstretched.
Joey slid the Ring off and jammed it into Marik's chest hoping the points would puncture.
Marik only laughed and laughed.
The aches in his body slowly dulled, so he slid his arms around Mai and picked her up. She may have been lucky enough not to take a hit from Ra, but the Shadow Duel had still taken a lot out of her.
Mai glared at him through her pained expression. "I'm not a damsel in distress you know."
"Partially true," he returned.
"What?"
"You're a damsel, but not helpless."
Her eyebrows raised. "Thank you, I guess," she said begrudgingly.
"Then again." Joey carefully walked them down the steps. "You're not much of a damsel either, more like an overgrown brat."
"Overgrown what?!" Her eyebrows knotted together and she squirmed in his arms. "I'll show you a brat! Put me down this instant!"
"Hey, hey, take it easy." Joey set her down.
She swayed on her feet and he attempted to help her once more, but she swatted him away and latched onto the nearest person to her; Yami.
The Pharaoh was quite startled by the way Mai suddenly draped herself all over him, but he held her weight.
"Take it back Joey Wheeler!" Mai demanded, still glaring at him over Yami's shoulder.
Joey smiled. Her glare lacked its usual heat. "Alright, alright. You're not a brat. You're a very pretty lady."
She nodded pointedly. "Good."
"Do ya mind easing up on the Pharaoh though, pretty lady?" Joey smirked. "You're about to suffocate him with your boobs."
"What!?" she screeched, blushing as she stepped away from Yami.
Tristan, Duke, and Rex burst out into laughs.
Serenity giggled behind her hand.
Tea scowled.
Yami didn't appear to care either way.
"That was very brave what you did Joey," the Pharaoh remarked. "Are you alright?"
Joey nodded. "I'm hurtin' a bit, but it's getting better now."
"Well it's a good thing you're alright mutt," Seto spat, stepping up to the group and gaining their attention. "Now that you're okay from another one of your stupid stunts, we can stop wasting time and move on with the tournament."
Joey blinked at the tall brunette. He could get why Seto was angry, but there was a bit more anger laced in the words than he would have expected to be coming from him. "Tell me how ya really feel sweetheart."
Seto's blue eyes blazed at him and Joey was sure he was about to be told off.
"Out of my way Wheeler!" Seto opted for instead, pushing Joey out of his way as he walked up onto the Duel Arena.
Ishizu Ishtar came out and joined Seto Kaiba as his opponent, shocking the group when she revealed she entered the tournament for the purpose of saving her younger brother, Marik.
Joey cheered for Seto even when the other teen sent a few scathing looks his way. Everything progressed as normal, until Rex and Mokuba got into a fight once Seto won the duel in a surprising twist.
"I don't see why he's all that great," Rex mumbled after Joey let out a particularly enthusiastic cheer over Seto's win.
Mokuba had moved to join the group at the start of the duel and he snorted over Rex's comment. "My big brother's the best, that's why."
"He's a jerk," Rex disagreed. He likely didn't expect Mokuba's reaction to be quite so loud, or so venomous.
The young raven-haired boy turned a hot glare upon the slightly older teen, causing Rex to tense up. "No he's not!" Mokuba insisted.
"Yes he is!"
"You're just jealous!"
Rex reddened. "Am not!"
"Yes you are!" Mokuba shouted. "I can tell that you like Joey!"
"What!?" Tristan's surprised gasp got everyone's attention.
The blond they were fighting about raised a brow in question as he eyed Rex's blushing face. 'Well... this is new.'
Rex's blush deepened the longer Joey stared, but he quickly recovered enough to open his mouth to take another shot at Mokuba. "He's too good for someone like Seto Kaiba!"
"No one's too good for a KAIBA!" Mokuba just about shrieked.
Joey swallowed as he exchanged shocked glances with Seto. 'Oh boy.'
"Oh yeah?" Rex sneered down upon Mokuba, mere inches separating their height. "You think you would be better too?!"
"Better than you!"
The two looked ready to trade blows which prompted Joey to step in, reaching out to pull them both back by their collars. "That's it! Knock it off you two."
"Mokuba!" Seto descended the steps from the Duel Arena. "What is the meaning of this?"
"I'd be way better for Joey than him!" Mokuba proclaimed, pointing at Rex.
"Like hell you would!" Rex shouted back, face red with anger now.
Joey gave each of them a shake before crouching down to their level. "Not that I'm not flattered, but ya guys do know that Seto is my one true love right? I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that at least once or twice."
"Wheeler!"
"Okay," Joey relented. "It may have been more times than that." He flicked his amber gaze between the two young teens. "Where's this coming from?"
"He has a crush on you!" Mokuba reiterated, pointing at Rex again. "He only says Seto shouldn't be with you because he wants you all for himself!"
Rex pointed back at Mokuba. "So do you!"
"No I don't. I just said I'd be better than you!"
"Liar!"
Joey shook them again which caused the two growl at each other, cross their arms, and finally look pointedly away from one another. He lifted his head to meet everyone's gaze before settling on Seto. "I don't really know what to do with this," the blond admitted.
The issue wasn't resolved, and it was less ignored then it was pushed to the side with wrapping the day up. With the first round of duels over, they were all promptly dismissed to their rooms and told the tournament would continue the following morning.
Even though his room was full of chatty people that night, having increased in the number of guests due to Ishizu's coming in to tell them of Marik's backstory and the reasons behind his actions, Joey ended up falling asleep not long after his head hit the pillow.
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The Next Day
Battle City Tournament in progress
At the Duel Tower
He tried to cover his giggles behind his fist, but they still sounded forth.
"What's so funny Joey?" Yami asked.
The blond outright chuckled and wiped a tear from his eye. "Pharaoh," he addressed as his laughter died away. "We're having a four-way."
"Oh my- Joey!" Tea yelled from up in the rafters.
"I can't believe he just said that," Duke commented.
Rex snorted. "I can."
"Yes Joey," the Pharaoh said slowly, looking to him questioningly. "We're having a four-way duel."
Joey laughed again. "Oh man, ya don't get it!"
"You're completely vile Wheeler," Seto mentioned, arms crossed.
"But Seto," Joey walked over and nudged the tall brunette. "He doesn't get it."
The Pharaoh crossed his arms as well. "Get what?"
The blond giggled ridiculously and skipped back over to his friend. He leaned down and whispered the intricacies of a four-way into his ear.
The Pharaoh stumbled away from him, blushing. "Joey!"
Joey clapped a hand onto Yami's shoulder. "I'm just messing with ya bud. Let's get on with this duel!"
The four-way duel went on as anyone predicted, that is to say it was a crazy-shit frenzy.
Joey flirted with Seto, defended Yami, flirted with Seto, got defended by Yami, flirted with Seto, defended Seto, flirted with Seto, got glared at by Seto, and made random sex jokes.
Marik lost first and Joey surrendered right after.
"Joey! Why would you lose on purpose?!" Tristan prompted.
The blond watched the numbers increase as they ascended to the top of the Duel Tower. They were all rather squished in together in the elevator. "I wanted to make sure I got paired up to duel Marik."
"Well you got your wish," Duke pointed out.
Yami locked eyes with Joey. "It'll be a Shadow Duel."
Joey nodded. "I can take him."
Yami nodded said no more. He trusted Joey to keep his word.
Joey dropped his gaze back down and immediately zeroed in on one person. "Hey Rex, buddy, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," Rex bit out, hunching in on himself a little. "I'm fine."
Joey gained a slow smile. "Well, even when you're a bit sad you're still cute-looking."
The Dino-Duelist blushed and looked away from him.
Tea shot Joey a disapproving look. "You shouldn't tease him Joey. Did you forget what happened yesterday?"
He hadn't. And it was obvious in the way Rex stilled at her words that the young Duelist hadn't either.
"Just because Seto is my one and only doesn't mean I can't hold love and affection for others." The blond smiled when the young teen turned to him. "It's just a different type of love."
Rex scoffed and looked away from him once more, but Joey caught the small smile that curved his lips.
The elevator doors opened and they all stepped out.
Seto and Mokuba were already there, alongside the arena, and Roland stood alone on the opposing side.
Marik smiled maniacally from his spot on the Dueling Arena. "Come little Joey," said Marik, lifting a hand up to beckon him forward. "Come and meet your doom."
"Ya know," Joey drawled. "Odion pretended to be Marik, Ishizu neglected to tell us that Marik is her brother and that he has a psychotic dark side, and then Marik himself is out to kill us all."
"What's your point Joey?" Mai asked.
The blond smiled at Mai. "All Egyptians are untrustworthy aren't they?"
"Joey!" Tea chastised.
"You can't stereotype an entire race like that man," Tristan said with a shake of his head.
"I so can."
"You can," Duke admonished, flipping his bangs out of eyes. "But you shouldn't."
"What about the Pharaoh here?" Tristan pointed out. "He's Egyptian."
Joey clucked his tongue. "He's the exception to the rule."
"Joey," Tea sighed. "Just go up and duel."
"Whatever you say oh Queen of the Dance!"
"Go!"
Joey tossed a grin over his shoulder as he climbed the steps. Once he was across from Marik his face immediately became devoid of emotion, but for the coolness in his eyes.
"I'm going to catch the crazy aren't I?" Rex wondered aloud.
Mai blinked. "What are you talking about kid?"
The Dino-Duelist gave her a minute glare and explained. "Prolonged exposure to Wheeler. There's no way we all aren't going to catch some of his craziness at some point."
"You can't catch crazy," Tea corrected.
"Prove it."
The brunette female sighed, again.
"The duel's starting," the Pharaoh said, switching back to Yugi. Yugi cupped his hands around his mouth and cheered. "You got this Joey!"
The rest were quick to follow suit.
"Make him pay!" Mai demanded.
"You can do this buddy!"
"I believe in you big brother!"
"Kick that creep's butt!"
"We're all here for you!"
Joey sent them all a large grin before looking over to catch Seto's eye. "Not going to root for me sweetheart?"
Seto scoffed and crossed his arms. "There's no way you're winning this duel."
Joey took in the deceitfully relaxed stance, the wariness in the ocean blue eyes. 'I know you well love,' he thought, heart pounding. 'That was a challenge.'
He gave Seto the most brilliant grin he could manage before turning back to the spiky-haired psychopath. "Ra will be mine by the end of this duel Marik!"
Joey's eyes flashed determinedly as he was laughed at in return.
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Burn.
Burn.
He burned.
Knowing it was coming didn't make it that much easier.
This wouldn't even be the last time he'd burn from an attack, though it'll be a long while before he had to face another like it.
He took the attack from the Phoenix God Ra head on, his friend's cries echoing in the background. He's of stronger mind this time around, but without his familiar around to strengthen and protect him, the attack left him weak and dizzy.
Though, still not out.
"He's standing!" Rex's eyes are impossibly wide and fearful. "He's still standing!"
"This can't be happening!" Marik shouted. "You should be dead! Dead!"
"You just don't get it do ya Marik," Joey muttered as he slapped a card onto his Duel Disk, summoning Gearfried the Iron Knight next to him on the field. His eyes glowed amber in his opponent's direction. "I'm stronger than you."
"No… no!"
"Gearfried, wipe out the rest of his Life Points!"
"NO!"
Stunned silence beat for a few, long seconds once Marik's Life Points hit zero. It preceded the thunderous cheer everyone save Seto and Roland let out as they climbed onto the Dueling Arena and ran towards the victorious blond.
Joey basked in the praise. Though, he had to hide pained grimaces when Tristan twirled him around, when Duke gripped his shoulder excitedly, or when the trio of females and the two young teens glomped him.
Yugi had switched again, and it was Yami whom smiled at him once Joey managed to extract himself from the rest. "I'm proud of you Joey."
The blond colored in embarrassment. He'd never gotten quite used to Yami's praise. "Thanks Pharaoh, but it's not really over yet."
They exchanged nods and headed over to where Marik remained, unmoving after having fallen to his knees at the loss of the Duel. The psychopath merely muttered under his breath and didn't acknowledge their presence before him.
Joey leaned against Yami. "He's out of it. Completely."
The Pharaoh crouched down as Mokuba sidled up.
"You've lost the duel Marik, that means you have to give up your rarest card," Mokuba spoke, hand held out expectantly.
The psycho said nothing and did nothing as Mokuba chose to extract Ra from his deck himself to give to Joey.
The blond gave the young boy a tired smile and slid Ra into his own deck.
"Make sure you send the dark part of Marik away and leave the good part behind," Joey reminded, giving Yami's shoulder a squeeze before taking his weight off of him. He walked over to the edge of the arena where Seto stood by, doing his best not to hobble. "Looks like I won."
Seto's studied him, lips pulling into an eventual smirk. "Then you better prepare for our duel in the finals. I won't be going easy on you like that freak."
Joey ticked a brow up. "Easy?"
"Unlike that psychopath I'm in full control of my mental faculties."
"You have to beat Yugi first ya know."
Ocean blue eyes narrowed. "I won't lose."
Joey studied Seto in return. It didn't really matter to him what happened from here on out until the Millennium World incident. He wondered if Seto could actually win. This would be the first duel between Seto and Yugi at all in this timeline.
'Weird.'
Seto may just win. If he's learned anything about tweaking history it's that anything could happen.
"If I face ya in the finals, I won't go easy on ya just because you're hot."
That was the last thing he said before his vision darkened, body pitching forward in a slump.
It was too bad he wasn't conscious to tease Seto about having caught him.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Atop the Duel Tower
Battle City Semi-Finals in progress
"-needs medical attention."
"Why? It's not like they can do anything for him. He's just exhausted."
"He's not exhausted! He took on an attack from Ra!"
"Hey you! Yeah you! What do you think we should do?"
"If anyone knows it's him, or maybe one of his siblings."
"Look, let's just take him away to get some medical attention."
"Not," Joey huffed, blearily opening his eyes. "Not leavin'."
"Big brother!" Serenity kneeled beside him. She placed a hand on his arm. "You're awake!"
"Sure am." He blinked the spots out of his eyes and yawned. "Feel a whole lot better too. What's happening?"
"We were considering whether or not you needed to be seen by a doctor," Mai interjected, eyeing him warily. "Though it's a moot point now that you're awake."
His eyes took a sweep of the vicinity. "Seto and Yami?"
"Are currently dueling," Duke answered, directing Joey's gaze up towards the Dueling Arena.
Both Yami and Seto had momentarily paused their Duel, watching him from opposing ends of the field, but the moment Joey locked eyes with them Seto bellowed out his next move and continued the duel.
"It's only been a couple of turns," Duke went on. "You weren't out for that long."
His sister gave his arm a squeeze, drawing his eyes to her. "I'm so happy you're okay Joey."
"Never fear Serenity."
"I'm surprised you're up so soon," Ishizu spoke up. Joey glanced up to his left to find the Ishtar siblings standing a couple of paces away. "Especially considering it was the Phoenix God Ra that attacked you."
The blond shrugged as he stood up. "I'm like a cockroach."
Ishizu blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Can't get rid of me," Joey grinned, expression becoming thoughtful. "Ya'll alright?"
Ishizu smiled and Odion nodded. "I awoke when the dark part of Master Marik was vanquished by yourself," the latter answered.
"It's just Marik now," the fair-haired Egyptian that stood behind his siblings mumbled, trying not to draw too much attention to himself.
Odion's smile was surprisingly cheerful at that.
Joey watched the way Marik stiffened as he stood up and walked over. He waited until the amethyst gaze met his before speaking. "And are ya alright, Marik?"
"Yes," the youngest Egyptian responded in confusion. "Why aren't you angry?"
"Should I be?"
"Yes!"
Joey could have laughed if he really felt up to it. 'You weren't really a threat, not this time.' He exaggerated a shrug. "Eh, no harm no foul."
"You're joking," Marik looked scandalized. "Have you forgotten what I've done?! Everything I attempted to do?!"
"There was never any permanent danger. No matter what ya pulled I knew that either the Pharaoh or I would stop ya." In a softer voice Joey added,"Ya shouldn't feel bad."
"You're too forgiving." Marik's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Probably," Joey agreed. "But really, don't feel bad. Most people we consider friends started off trying to do us wrong in some way."
Marik looked like he didn't believe him.
"I mean it." Joey gestured to his friends. He ticked them off on his fingers as he ran by a short explanation. Each of them blanched as they were named:
"The Pharaoh used to posses Yugi without his permission, and hurt other people in the process.
Tristan and I used to bully Yugi.
Tea thought we were good-for-nothing punks.
Seto refused to give me the time of day despite openly declaring my love for him.
Mokuba tried to steal our StarChips.
Mai thought I'd be an easy mark for a duel.
Rex thought the same as Mai.
Mako attempted to harpoon us.
Pegasus stole Yugi's grandfather's, Seto's, and my own soul; and he tried to have Seto murdered so he could take over Kaiba Corporation.
Duke attempted to discredit Yugi.
-and then there's you guys."
Joey grinned at the Egyptian's stunned expressions. "So yeah, don't feel too bad. Making friends with one-time enemies is kind of our thing. Although," he tapped a finger to his chin. "I just realized that Yugi, Ryou, and Serenity don't fall into that category. Then again, they are the most kind-hearted souls you'll ever come across." He paused again as he looked up at the duel going on. "Oh look! Seto's winning!"
The three Egyptians slowly turned to face the rest of the gang, faces drawn in alarm.
Mai shrugged. "Everything he said is true."
"Oh my," Ishizu let out.
"Deal with it," Rex said abruptly. "These people are too good for their own good."
"WHAT IS THIS?!"
Every head in the vicinity focused back on the duel. Seto Kaiba's expression was livid, eyes intent on the Red Eyes Black Dragon Yami had just summoned onto the field.
"Ah, my Red Eyes," Joey whispered in reverence as he gazed upon his beloved creature.
"Why does Yugi have your Red Eyes, Joey?" Mokuba asked.
"The Pharaoh is borrowing it."
Mokuba's eyebrows scrunched up. "Why?"
"... because."
The blond was incredibly curious about Seto's reaction. Again the thought that Seto was coming to care for Joey surfaced. The tall brunette so easily lost himself to rage this time before whenever he felt angered, or hurt. That particular thought itched at him. It wasn't simply anger that fueled the look in Seto's eyes right then.
Anger, and hurt… and something else too…
Whatever it was, it was different.
Whatever it was that sparked Seto's rage at seeing the Red Eyes Black Dragon, Joey's monster, on the Pharaoh's side- it changed the flow of the Duel.
'Seto won.'
Something warm curled in his chest, gripped him hard and trickled down.
'Seto won!'
But the tall brunette didn't relish his victory, and not just because Joey's changes caused there to be less animosity towards the Pharaoh on Seto's part. Instead, Seto strode away with a cheery Mokuba in tow and the two disappeared down the elevator.
"I can't believe you lost Pharaoh," Tea mentioned in clear surprise.
"Kaiba is a worthy opponent," Yami acknowledged. "I'm not ashamed of losing to him."
"Indeed, Priest Set was the one opponent whom would defeat you as often as he lost to you," Ishizu revealed.
"So, this counts as one of those losses then," Tristan drawled.
"It's not that Seto Kaiba isn't a great duelist," Duke interjected. "It's just strange to see Yugi lose is all."
"How about you all stop worrying over Yugi's loss," Mai snapped, drawing all eyes to her. "In case you've forgotten, Battle City isn't over and it's Joey who's facing Kaiba next."
Everyone turned to the male blond leaning against the Dueling Arena, amber eyes thoughtful.
"Joey's got Ra," Rex said demurely. "But Kaiba has Slifer and Obelisk."
"Here Joey," Yami held up his precious Red Eyes and the blond took it with care. "I'm sure you'll need your best monster."
"How could Red Eyes Black Dragon be his best monster when he's got Ra?" Duke put forth.
Mai shook her head. "Power isn't everything."
"We've got an hour before the final duel," Serenity pointed out.
Joey shrugged.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Mai demanded, eyes sharp.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
"Think of it this way, if you win you'll also get his hand in marriage," Duke helpfully supplied.
The shocked gasps from the Ishtar's were ignored.
"Nah," Joey quickly denied. "It won't count. This is all just for Battle City, and the God Cards."
"Are you worried?" Yami questioned, getting to the heart of the matter.
Joey's smile was strained. "A bit. It's different."
"I believe in you big brother."
He smiled more genuinely at his sister. "It's just different," he repeated.
Everyone stared at him, confused by his sudden turn of attitude.
Except for Yami.
Yami's expression was merely curious, as if asking if this had anything to do with what Joey was hiding.
Joey shot them all a fake grin and climbed the steps to the Dueling Arena.
Isono tilted his head at him as Joey sat down and waited and thought.
And thought some more.
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Atop the Duel Tower
Battle City Finals
Joey's heart thrummed a hard beat.
Seto stood across from him, eyes sparked with interest.
The Battle City Finals had begun.
The blond had taken the necessary amount of time to gather his thoughts.
He wasn't going to hold back. Seto would loathe him for it should he ever find out.
It's the only duel that'd been able to excite and simultaneously cause him panic in a very, very long time.
The agreement between them had taken some hashing out. Initially, Seto hadn't cared to give up both God cards in exchange for Ra, nor for Joey not to try and make this duel end in marriage should he win.
So, the blond upped the ante. If he lost, not only would he give up Ra, but he would also refrain from bothering Seto ever again after a trial period as his servant.
It was an odd bet, but Joey was by no means normal.
Rex loudly lamented his 'loss of sanity' from 'overexposure to one Joey Wheeler.'
Seto had had a most peculiar expression on his face at Joey's proposition. A note of hesitance had lined his pale features. It was only when the tall brunette realized he was pondering over the matter too long did he accept the terms and begun to mock the blond with promises of a dog-collar while Joey served him.
The duel progressed.
Joey's friends cheered him on.
Mokuba cheered Seto on.
Joey revealed a more serious side to himself to the bafflement of all, not saying much nor flirting.
Seto became incensed at the lack of response to his quips, constantly eyeing him with suspicion.
The Ishtar's looked on in awe at Seto's mastery over Slifer and Obelisk, and Joey's skillful wielding of Ra.
All were shocked when both sides sacrificed their God cards.
On Seto's side stood Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon, which the tall brunette had planned all along to summon.
On Joey's side stood only the Red Eyes Black Dragon.
It seemed Seto Kaiba had the duel won-
-Until Joey finally revealed his trump card.
"I summon MY Blue Eyes White Dragon to the field!"
No one was more shocked than Seto to see the fourth, elusive Blue Eyes he never managed to find come out onto the field.
Joey's cheering section became raucous, save for one.
'That's grandpa's card!' Yugi spoke to Yami from within the puzzle.
'So that's what he had meant by having it covered,' the Pharaoh responded, referring to the time when Joey had told him to hang onto Red Eyes.
'I wonder how Joey convinced grandpa to let him borrow it?'
'How indeed…' Yami responded mentally.
The Pharaoh and his host were drawn back to the duel with Joey's sudden bellow.
"And now I play Polymerization to fuse Red Eyes and Blue Eyes together!" Joey's eyes looked red but for a flash of a moment, something only Yami took note of. "Say hello to Blue Eyes Black Dragon everybody!"
It wasn't the same, not at all.
But it still felt- he felt something.
The dragon was enormous, and magnificent. All sleek lines and black coating giving off a metallic sheen, a few white trendils of color spearing out an intricate design on its body.
And it's eyes- fire-hot blue with a ring of red around the irises.
It wasn't his Red Eyes-
(his familiar, his partner)
-but the dragon that stood beside Joey made him feel. It retouched a bond that he hadn't realized he missed so damn much.
Joey shook himself out of his stupor. It'd been a long time since he last allowed himself to be so distracted.
Seto stood across the field, eyes wide.
He aimed a careful almost apologetic glance at Seto before he called the attack. "White Inferno Lighting Blast!"
Joey was announced the winner.
He hardly registered it, too focused as he was on Seto striding up to him.
On Seto's hot gaze upon his as the taller teen handed over both of his God cards.
Neither said anything.
Not that he didn't want to. Joey licked his lips and was about to speak- when he was grappled by his friends.
(Distracted, once more so soon… but Seto was an exception, always)
Cheers and congratulations were met, which led Joey to finally hand all three God cards over to Yami, "It's not like I need them, or want them."
Marik handed over the Millennium Rod, and Ishizu launched into an explanation about the Tablet of the Pharaoh's Memories.
All was merry- until Joey realized the Millennium Ring was once again missing.
And explosives were set off.
The booming chaos snapped Seto into action. "Mokuba!"
"They've started early! I can't stop them! I programmed them to go off after we left the island!" Mokuba explained frantically. "I don't know why they went off now!"
Tea and Mai were particularly furious to learn about Kaiba's plan to blow up the Duel Tower even after Mokuba's quick explanation of what the Tower and the island itself meant to them.
A mad dash to the blimp was perfunctory, where a cheerful Ryou greeted the straggled mess. Somewhere along the way the Kaiba brothers were lost and a frantic search was abandoned in order to get themselves to safety away from the island.
Joey hid a smile as everyone watched the explosions take place.
Tristan cussed out of frustration aloud, earning a whack to the head, when the brothers appeared out of the smoke on their personal Blue Eyes jet.
Joey smiled sweetly as he lifted a salute good-bye.
Seto's lips twitched as he surprisingly lifted a salute in return.
The blond ruminated on his thoughts as he stayed in place to watch the jet disappear over the horizon: 'Love, you are only now becoming unblinded. You latched onto Duel Monsters not to prove your superiority as you believe, but your own sense of worth. One day you'll realize that's not the type of dueling you're truly meant for. You're meant for something far greater, and that victory will be made so much sweeter now that you've known defeat.'
He shared a glance with Yugi and exchanged smiles as they turned away from the blimp's window to join their friends.
Another checkmark in the bag.
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