Chapter 4: It Was Always You
I apologize for the heartache and feels. But it gets worse, so um. . .WELP
Also, many many thanks to a tumblr friend, kintastujo. I had sent a drawing request/suggestion to draw out this Battle City AU, because for the most part I was kind of stuck on how to write it. She did a lot of little scenes and she basically helped lay the groundwork for the fic. Some of the scenes and lines will be seen throughout the story are a direct result from kintatsujo's art. So many thanks hun! You were a major help!
Mai could dully hear the roar of the gears bringing the platform down, or was that the blood pounding in her ears? She couldn't tell. His body was so limp, so still. She felt a faint breeze on her cheek as Yugi and the others rushed to his side. The world came to a slow, like time itself had ceased to be. She stood up, her shoulder paining her just slightly as she leaned on the rail. Marik stood there, watching with an almost smug expression on his face, arms crossed and the Rod resting in his relaxed grip; he was quite pleased with himself.
"You," she began, her voice low, as if she were restraining herself. Mai pointed at him. "You. You ruined everything."
Marik looked up, the corner of his mouth slightly upraised. "I'm only having a little fun-"
Mai decided that she had enough of his snide comments. In three long strides, she stormed across the field, her fists clenched. She swung with her right fist, haymaker style, striking Marik across the left side of his face, mainly in the mouth and face. "Give him back!" she sobbed. He tumbled backwards a few steps, his back and side striking the railing. Blood trickled from his nose and mouth. He wiped it away with the back of his hand, panting. Breathing heavily, her rage barely contained, Mai glanced down to find her white sleeve glove flecked with his blood and frowned in displeasure.
"Mai!" she could hear Tea's voice in her ears, bringing her back to reality. "He's not worth it!" Tea held onto her arm, just in case Mai thought of punching him again. "Marik isn't worth it."
"You hear me Marik?" Mai asked, her voice rising in volume. "Bring. Him. Back. Now."
"That is where you are mistaken, silly girl." Marik said scornfully. "The only way to bring somebody's soul back is for the creator of the Game itself to lose their own Shadow Game.
"Fine," Mai slid her deck into her duel disk. "Then duel me, right here, right now."
"You're friends are just gluttons for punishment, aren't they Pharaoh?" Marik taunted, eyes flickering to the barely upright Pharaoh.
"There will be no dueling here." Seto stepped onto the field, interceding between Mai and Marik. Mai shot Kaiba a dirty look before removing her deck, sliding it back into the holster on her thigh. Seto glanced coldly down at Joey's body, sprawled out on the field. Serenity was sobbing hysterically over him, shaking his prone form, trying to stir him back to consciousness. "And get him out of here. I have a duel to win and I don't appreciate refuse littering my field."
"I'll show you refuse," Mai began, whirling to face Kaiba. "I've punched one man today. I don't mind punching a second, especially if he's an ass just like you."
Tea shook her head. "Mai, don't do it. Joey wouldn't want you to do this."
"Punch Kaiba? I bet he would."
"Please Mai. Not now. We need to take him to a doctor." Mai saw Tristan lifting Joey draping him over his shoulders like he weighed nothing more than a bag of potatoes. Tea could see the heartbreak in her friend's eyes and she stopped, sighing.
"Fine." She joined in the small procession, reaching out for Serenity's hand; heaven knows the girl needs all the support she can get right now.
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Mai couldn't watch as the doctors hovered over him, checking his heart rate and placing electrodes on his face and torso. The latter didn't last long, as the doctors couldn't fathom why he slipped into a coma like state, whilst being perfectly healthy.
"I could tell you," she thought bitterly, as the doctors resigned Joey to his fate before leaving the room. He looked so pale and small in the blankets, the once healthy pallor to his skin gone, his eyes closed as if he were sleeping peacefully. The blanket was pulled up to his chest, his duel disk slipped off his arm and onto the nightstand next to him. She sat on the edge of the bed next to him, unable to look at him in this state, lest she break down in front of everybody and she wasn't about to do that. Not here, not now.
There were no more cheesy jokes, no more of his easy smiles and laughter. There was no twinkle in his eyes as he looked at her, hoping that she would join in on the merriment.
Just cold silence.
Mai inhaled deeply, steadying herself. "Joseph." She reached down, grabbing his hand through the blankets. "I'm going to get you back. I'm not going to stop nor rest until I do. Marik is going to have hell to pay and I'm going to be the one that sends him there."
"We. . .we are going to watch Kaiba's duel," Yami Yugi told her, hoping to divert her attention and grief, if only for a little while. "Would you care to join?"
Mai pondered it over for a moment. "I'll be there in a few."
"It's okay Mai," Serenity said. "I'll stay and watch over Joey." Serenity reached across and brushed a strand of hair from Joey's eyes. "He would do the same if it was the other way around."
"You sure?"
"I'm positive. I'm going to be strong for him." Serenity wiped her eyes and sniffled, steeling her resolve.
"I know you will," Mai smiled. "It must be a Wheeler thing."
"You bet it is."
"I'll be back later, okay kiddo?"
"Yeah."
She had only taken a few steps she she heard the gently "thump" of Serenity's chair hitting the nightstand. "Mai." She turned about to find her standing behind her with her arms crossed, studying Mai like a hawk.
"What is is Serenity?" Mai asked, a little unnerved by Serenity's unwavering gaze.
"You like him, don't you?"
Mai paused. That was a question she wasn't expecting. Not at this time and certainly not here. "As I friend, yes."
"I know that." Serenity countered sternly. "You like him, don't you?"
Mai opened her mouth to answer but she stopped. "No, no more lies," she thought with a sudden realization, eyes flickering to the man on the bed. "The time for denial is over. I. . .yes. I do like him. A lot." What should have felt like a confession didn't, the words flowing out far easier than she expected. "I do have feelings for him."
Serenity gave her a knowing nod. "Then don't do anything stupid."
"What?"
"Bring him back so you can tell him that yourself."
Mai said nothing, nodding in reply. When Mai exited and closed the door behind her, she felt her knees begin to give way, exhaustion and grief finally taking its toll on her. Mai took only a few steps before falling, her right shoulder leaning against the wall as she sank down to her knees. A howl of grief ripped from her lips and the dam of emotions finally broke, overwhelming her. Tears flowed freely, ugly sobs wracking her body. "Why him?" She cried out, "Why him? He didn't do a damn thing to deserve it! Why?" she wept, kneeling on the ground, head against the wall. "Not him. . ." The words gave away to a silent cry. Shortly thereafter, the tears refused to come as well. Absently she wiped away the tears from her eyes with her forearm, only realizing that she had smudged her mascara all across the white fabric. Mai wordlessly slid both gloves off, the right stained with specks of blood, the other now with smears of ruined mascara.
There was a public bathroom nearby and Mai seized the opportunity, using a sinks to wash her face. She splashed cold water to reduce the puffiness,washing away the smeared mascara around her eyes. It reminded her of a raccoon mask. "I look terrible," she croaked, catching her reflection in the long mirror. She finished scrubbing away the last of her makeup, drying her face with a paper towel. She steadied herself. "No more tears," she told herself. "Not any more." She strode out, back straight, head held up high, the sound of her heels clicking on the tile floor echoing like a church bell. "I'll win you back if it's the last thing I do."
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The air was cold on her face when she met up with them. "Sorry about that guys," she apologized, flipping her hair aside. "I had to take care of something really quick. Did I miss anything?"
"Not yet," Yami Yugi answered. "The eighth duelist hasn't arrived yet."
"Kaiba looks annoyed," Mai chuckled. "This eighth duelist, whoever they are, is a master of getting on his nerves."
"Mai, are you alright?" Tea asked suddenly, interrupting.
"I'm fine, why?"
"Well, your eyes look red and your makeup is gone."
"I'm fine now," Mai lied. "I just had to get something off my face. I think some of Marik's blood got on there when I punched him."
"Which was actually kind of awesome by the way," Tristan added.
"Thanks boys. It felt rather good actually," she admitted, a faint smile crossing her lips.
"You should do it again. Maybe this time I can actually film it," Duke quipped.
"Why, need photographic proof that a girl can hit better than you?"
"Ouch."
As they finished, the doors opened up and the last duelist finally entered, stepping elegantly onto the platform. The gentle curves and hourglass frame suggested that they were female. Her face was mostly obscured by a cream colored scarf, a headdress of the same hue flowed down her back. Her electric blue eyes were locked with Kaiba's and they watched each other, like two predators circling the other.
"You're late," Seto growled impatiently.
"And you're early," she countered, one eyebrow elegantly raised.
"You can remove the mask now Ishizu," Kaiba declared. "This whole "mysterious fortune teller" act is getting very old and trite."
"Very well then." With an elegant touch, Ishizu pulled away the scarf, letting the fabric blow away with the wind. "Better?"
"Just shut up and duel."
"Whoever she is, she has him completely flustered," Mai said. "I'm impressed."
"She's Ishizu Ishtar, older sister to Marik Ishtar," YamiYugi explained.
"That's an unexpected turn. I didn't realize that the nutcase had any siblings." Mai admitted. "I bet that Kaiba secretly has the hots for her."
"I doubt it," Duke snorted. "The only thing he loves is his Blue Eyes and Mokuba."
"Five bucks says otherwise."
"Deal."
The duel had went in an unexpected direction Mai noted, fully expecting for Kaiba to have the upper hand the entire time and for a while he did, his cards built to force Ishizu to Deck Out and lose. Then the tables rapidly turned when Ishizu played a card that forced them to switch their decks and Graveyards, giving Ishizu a nearly full deck while Kaiba hardly had any cards left. The only reason that Kaiba won was because he had sacrificed Obelisk the Tormenter for Blue Eyes. During the duel however, Mai noticed something odd; Ishizu frequently referred to her Millennium Necklace, giving her the ability to predict the future. At the same time though, Ishizu seemed uncertain about it, like the future wasn't completely set in stone, all of her moves plagued by doubt and uncertainty.
It probably cost her the duel, Mai thought, tossing her jacket carelessly over a chair as she prepared to bed. Earlier, she cleaned up the injury on her left shoulder with a damp washcloth, dabbing gently where Marik dug in his fingernails. It was mostly a bruise, a couple of cuts in the midst of it. It was minor enough that it would heal up in a day or two.
Mai sat on the edge of the bed, yawning as sleep threatened to overwhelm her senses. It had been a long weekend, the most recent events nearly draining her completely, physically and emotionally. She would have to get as much rest as possible. Tomorrow was going to be the semi final match and she wanted to be as alert as possible to duel Marik. Somebody was going to make him pay for everything and it was going to be her.
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She leaned against the hood of her convertible, the last few rays of the sunset warm on her face as it began to sink behind the buildings. The river walk of Domino was a beautiful place to be at this time, with the river reflecting the colors of sky above, full of warm oranges, violets and peaches, but why was it so empty? Normally there would be people bustling about, going to the shops and restaurants that lined the water, but it was like a ghost town. Not that Mai complained too much, she enjoyed the peace and quiet tonight.
From the corner of her eye, she saw movement and turned to find Joey walking towards her, hands shoved deeply into his pants pockets with an easy smile gracing his lips. This was unexpected, Mai told herself. "Hey."
"Hey Beautiful," he replied, sending Mai's stomach in an uneasy flip. He had never called her that before and she secretly loved it. He should call her that more often.
"What are you doing here?"
Joey shrugged. "Well, I was just coming by to say "hi". And um. . ."bye"."
Mai was confused. "'Bye'? You just got here."
"I know, I know," Joey apologized. "I wish I didn't have to, but I do. I'm really sorry." The smile morphed into one that broke Mai's heart as he turned his back to her. "I'll see you around, Mai."
"Wait, no! Come back!" The scene began to crumble away around her, like shattering glass. The river walk crumpled and vanished, leaving a white blank world around her. The vision of Joey walking away from her vanished. Replacing it was the vision of him, chained to the Stone of Ohjat, head bowed in defeat.
"Joey!" She ran to him, but the stone was so far away, moving away at the same pace as she ran, so she would never reach him in time. The world came to a slow and it felt like running in molasses. She had to get to him, she had to reach him and break those chains.
Then, there was Marik, standing before Joey, his back partially blocked to her. The dagger of the Millennium Rod was in Marik's hand, the metal glowing in a poisonous golden light. The dagger flashed down, towards Joey's heart-
"Nooooo!" Mai jerked upright, hands clutching the sheets for dear life. Sweat coated her face and chest, tears that she thought she no longer had trailing down her cheeks. Mai let out an ugly sob, pulling her knees close to her chest, resting her chin as she hugged her knees tightly. The alarm clock read 1:32 in the morning, the red numbers so bright and harsh in the darkness. A beam of starlight highlighted her bed like a spotlight. Mai wouldn't be able to sleep now. Not for a while She threw the covers away. She decided that for reassurance's sake that she would go check on him in his room. Just in case. Just to calm her nerves, that's all. The door slid behind her as she padded out of the room, her bare feet on that cold tile floor. She blinked her eyes owlishly, her vision adjusting to the bright light. It wouldn't take long, she told herself, just a few minutes at most. She shivered, rubbing her bare arms to get some heat flowing in them. She wore just her corset top and skirt and she was regretting her choice to leave her jacket behind.
"Just a couple of minutes," she murmured, her voice awfully loud in the hall. "Just a couple."
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Ishizu paced the floor of her bedroom, overwhelmed by nervous energy, the comatose body of Rishid on her bed, just out of sight from curious passersby. She had to keep Rishid away from Marik, or at least, the man who called himself Marik. Her hand went instinctively to the hollow of her neck, but the Necklace that brought her comfort was no longer there. It was now in the possession of The Pharaoh now, just as it should've been.
It was just in time too, for Ishizu was afraid that she was beginning to doubt the power and capability of the Necklace, as seen tonight. The future was now altered irrevocably from its original course. What else had changed in its wake? In the original future, Marik had discussed Seto being able read the Hieratic Text on the card of Ra. Could it be possible that in this future he was unable to? Ishizu could read the text—it was her mother tongue after all—so she could tell him what the text read if he could not.
She exited the room smartly an idea springing to her as she shut the door. Marik was an expect at picking locks and opening things that he shouldn't; she had to prevent that. Archaic gestures about the lock of the door made her hands glow with a bright blue glow not seen normally in nature. Ancient hieroglyphics danced in the air, before sinking into the metal door. The spell was over, a locking spell that would only unlock to Ishizu's commands. She breathed heavily, unused to such an expenditure of energy. Once upon a time, the Necklace was an almost bottomless bounty of energy, perfect for fueling spells. Now she had to rely on her own life energy. Simple spells would now exhaust her like she had ran a mile in heels. More complicated spells would be impossible to attempt without a secondary source.
Satisfied with her work, Ishizu left it be, heading towards the room where she was positive Seto stayed and/or worked at. She rapped sharply on the door, hoping that it was the right one. It would be embarrassing if someone else answered.
"Seto," there was a sleepy mumble on the other side of the door. "Seto, I think someone is at the door."
"They better have a decent excuse to be knocking at this ungodly hour." The door opened with a hiss and Seto looked condescendingly down on her. "You enjoy being a pest, don't you?"
"I did not think I was being a pest at this hour. I came to give you advice."
"Advice from a loser like you?" Seto laughed before shutting the door behind him.
"You say that all you want but you only won because of something interfering with our duel."
"Is that what they call it nowadays?"
"Sneer all you want," Ishizu huffed, halfway tempted to roll her eyes at him in annoyance. It was like talking with a brick wall at times. "I know how to read the Hieratic Text and I came to show you the same."
Something in her statement had registration with him, for his left eye twitched, just slightly, but enough to give him away. "You know about the text then." He didn't say anything and she continued. "You know something about it," she pressed.
"I know how to read it," he whispered to her, clearly unnerved. "I don't need your assistance."
"You can read it?" Ishizu was decidedly baffled and then she remembered something from her previous vision, before everything went so drastically wrong. She wanted to ask him how, but she already knew the answer. It was the only thing that made sense, considering what had happened during their duel. "I suspected this." Seto turned away already pressing the key code on the door, pointedly ignoring her. "None of this was supposed to happen, you know." Ishizu said, hoping to get his attention once more.
He peeked over his shoulder. "Amuse me."
"Joseph Wheeler wasn't meant to be the first victim. Mai Valentine was." Ishizu swore she heard the pounding of footsteps as the last few words faded in the tense air between him.
"Hmph." Seto stepped back inside, the door shutting in her face.
Ishizu wasn't too surprised about the aftermath but at least she accomplished her mission. He didn't need help reading the Text. He can do it himself.
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Mai heard the strains of a conversation reach her ears. It was the woman Ishizu, who had given Yugi the Necklace shortly thereafter her duel with Kaiba. Much to Mai's surprise, the other speaker was Seto Kaiba. They were discussing something, but Mai couldn't hear the bulk of the conversation but the final statement was loud and clear:
". . .Joseph Wheeler wasn't meant to be the first victim. . .Mai Valentine was."
The words were like a low blow to her abdomen, knocking the wind out of her. Nausea overwhelmed her and she paled, gripping the wall. The wave of nausea passed as sudden as it came, leaving her ill and unsettled in its wake. "I was supposed to take his place," she thought to herself, leaning over the sink. "Not him. I was."
So what changed? Why did he take her place like some sacrificial lamb to the slaughter? What had altered so drastically that he would be the one tortured in the Shadow Realm instead of her? Mai stood upright, forcing the unpleasant feelings down. There would be time later. It wasn't now. She exited, heading towards his room once again, trying desperately to shut Ishizu's words out of her head.
She slid open the door, using the spare card key Serenity had given her; Joey wasn't going to be using it any time soon. His room was nearly dark, save for a single beam of starlight through the porthole window. She could hear the soft breathing of both Wheeler siblings, Joey's sounding far weaker than his sister's. Serenity was asleep, slightly slouched over in the chair by Joey's bed.
Mai crept to Serenity's side, placing a gentle hand on Serenity's shoulder. The younger Wheeler sibling slowly stirred to wakefulness. "Joey?" she inquired sleepily.
"It's me, Mai."
Serenity yawned, blinking languidly as she attempted to banish sleep from her eyes. "What's going on?"
"I came in to check on you two," she whispered.
"You should be resting," Serenity protested before she was cut off by another, larger yawn.
"As should you. And in a bed." Mai reached into her pocket, pulling out her key card. "Here, you can use mine."
Serenity shook her head. "I'll be fine here, I promise."
"Look it's okay," Mai insisted. "I don't think I'll be able to go back to sleep anyway." she finished. "I'll watch over Joey."
Serenity mulled it over. But whatever arguments she had on her lips died away, another yawn taking over instead. "Alright," she agreed.
"Good." Mai handed over the key card. "Now get some rest, okay?"
"And you?"
"I've slept in stranger places," Mai said with a shrug. "One time I woke up in the back of my convertible."
"How did that happen?"
"I have no idea."
"Good night Mai."
"Good night Serenity."
The room plunged into darkness again and Mai settled into the chair, inching it forward. It creaked horrendously, something that seemed completely out of place here in this high-tech facility. She watched the faint rise and fall of his chest for a little while, easing her presence of mind with its rhythmic nature. She reached across, placing the back of her hand on his forehead. He felt cold and clammy and she wondered if she should grab a washcloth to place on his brow. She pulled it away. She could do it later. Mai noticed that Serenity had adjusted the blankets, so that it was tucked under his arms leaving them bare and exposed. That would explain why he felt clammy and cold. He must have been sweating earlier, so his younger sister eased his suffering.
Mai moved her hand away from his brow, her fingertips running through errant strands of his hair, brushing across his cheekbone. It then rested on the bed for a moment, a few inches away from his hand. It was so tempting, to hold his hand if only for a little while. It wasn't like he would be able to feel her touch anyway.
"But maybe I could try." She said quietly. She rested her hand on his. He was so cold and still, too cold for her liking. Hesitantly, she curled her fingers in between his, easing into the gesture. His hand was like an interesting juxtaposition, his fingertips callused from years of work, yet soft and gentle at the same time. Mai leaned back in the chair, wincing at the creak of the groaning wood. She closed her eyes, falling into a still and dreamless sheep, holding his hand all the while.
Interesting little tidbit. The time on the clock actually has meaning. It you were to add the time up, ie, the hour and the minutes together, they add up to 92, which is the episode where Mai loses her soul to Marik.
"It Was Always You": by Maroon 5. you'll probably see them a lot, since a lot of their songs fit Polarshipping.