Me: Okay, I have to apologize with the 6th chapter.
Yami: -analyzing a bag of popcorn-
Me: It was horribly rushed.
Yami: -pokes it and looks at the microwave-
Me: And I ran out of ideas after the phone call
Yami: -mumbles to self- How do they do that…
Me: Also, the "Unknown Person/Jikega" thing was a flashback dream. More on those later.
Yami: -puts finger inside bag of hot popcorn-
Me: Yea, it was a last minute deal…really just trying to drag it out to post.
Yami: GAH! –pulls finger out quickly, as if burned- Grr…INFERNAL DEVICE OF YELLOW PIECES! –sends to shadow realm-
Me: ….Read and review.
Yami: -stomach growls- Aw…
Me: -slaps forehead-
………………………………..
They thought the first day was a fluke, but now it became apparent: something had happened to Jikega. He once again hadn't shown up to homeroom, or any other of his classes. It was now lunch – and Elie had a plan.
"You want to WHAT?" Raziel asked.
"Go see what's up with Jikega!" Elie repeated.
"We went through this, sister…"
"No, ew," Elie shuddered, "I mean, think about it? What was it that humiliated him so bad?"
"And can we reenact?" Hideki chirped.
Junoshi had sat in silence up until this point, "I just want to see what happened," he said, "I mean…honestly. When was the last time he holed up like this?"
The crowd around him shrugged, "Either way," Elie said, "Junoshi and I are going…you guys coming?"
Hideki shrugged, "I don't feel like going to advanced calculus today…" she grabbed Raziel's elbow, "You have to come then."
Raziel shrugged, "Whatever…"
Just then, Shiyu came walking up. Elie opened her mouth, about to say something but stopped short when she noticed the blonde teen on her cell phone.
"Alright, text me now…" She giggled, "Ja!" Then hung up, sitting with her friends in the circle. "What have I missed?" she asked.
"We're going to see what happened to Kega-kun," Elie informed, not even bothering to ask who was on the phone because she had a feeling she'd already knew, "Right now. Do you want to come?"
Shiyu blinked, "And skip music?"
Hideki bowed her head, There's no way we're getting her to come, she thought, not if she has her cello classes today. "It's fine," she said, "What about you swing by after school?"
"Can't," the other girl shrugged, "I'm busy right after school."
"Oh?" Hideki blinked, "Helping out your mom?"
Shiyu nodded, "Yea," she replied. Something like that…
"It's fine," Junoshi said, "We can give you an update when we figure what's going on."
The teen smiled in Junoshi's direction, "Arigato, Juno-kun!" she said sweetly, then her phone beeped. Immediately she pulled it out. After reading and replying to the message sent, she had noticed the time. "Ah, I'm sorry but I have to go," she stood up, "I wanted to polish my cello before class."
"Alright," Elie held her hand up, "Bye, Shi-kun,"
"Ja!" the teen waved as she skipped off to class.
"Am I the only one who's suspicious?" Raziel muttered under his breath.
"Don't count on it," Hideki replied just as softly.
"So," Elie looked at her cell phone for the time, "Shall we go now?"
Junoshi and Hideki both looked at their watches, but Raziel simply shrugged. "Yea," Hideki said as she grabbed her bag and stood up, "Let's go. Raz, you driving?"
Raziel pulled out his keys and twirled them on his finger before catching them again, "Don't I always?"
Hideki rolled her eyes from behind his back, "Silly Americans," she muttered to herself, then followed.
…………………………
So, where would you like to meet? Shiyu read the text as she walked away from her friends, then replied back 'Any where you'd like. I just left for my lessons early, so I can get out a bit early'. True, the lying to her friends about polishing her cello made Shiyu feel uneasy…but, it wasn't like she wanted to see Jikega anyways. He'll just say something to hurt me… she thought to herself.
Her cell beeped again, and she looked at it. How about we meet at the game shop? There's a park right by there, we can head there afterwards.
Shiyu smiled as she replied, 'Sounds like a plan' before placing her phone in her bag as she arrived at the music room. Taking a step inside, she saw that she was the only person in the class – her Sensei no where in sight. She looked at the clock, If he isn't here in 30 minutes, I'm assuming he's not coming…She thought to herself, knowing that her sensei was always punctual.
Setting her bag down and walked over to her cello as it sat in its case. She smiled slightly before picking it up, then carried it over to her stand and unzipped the thin fabric protecting it. "I need to get a hard case…" she mumbled to herself as she ran her hand over the smooth body of the instrument. Just with that, she felt her troubles wash away.
Positioning herself and grasping her bow, she pulled the horse hair across the string – listening to the deep, comforting feeling that came with the vibrating G string (AN: Please, contain your laughter. I know, it's hilarious.) She sighed, closing her eyes as she listened to the note ring against her ears long after she'd taken the bow off of her instrument. She opened her eyes, grinned, then began playing.
………………….
"Uhm, Raziel?"
"Yes?"
"You passed the street…"
Raziel sighed as he turned back around. Elie smiled, "It sure is nice you're here, Juno-san," she said, "I don't think any of us really know the way to Jikega's house…"
Junoshi shrugged, "It's nothing."
Hideki looked at her watch, "I can't believe I'm skipping a math lesson…"
"I'd be more surprised if you were skipping a language lesson," Junoshi sounded.
The oldest girl gasped, "I wouldn't DREAM of it!" she said, "Not even for one of you guys!"
Everyone sweat dropped, "I'll take that as 'you love me'," Raziel said as he kept driving.
"Wait!" Elie shrieked causing everyone to jump in alarm, "Hurry, hurry! Turn here brother!"
Raziel spun the wheel around, causing his tires to screech as he straightened them again, driving down the straight road, "What's this way??"
Elie was silent. "El?" Hideki prodded her friend, "Elllliieeee…?"
"I thought it was a short cut," she mumbled weakly.
Now, it was time to cue an anime fall from everyone else in the car.
"Let's just have Junoshi tell me where to go," Raziel said coolly, "No more backseat driving from you."
Elie grinned sheepishly, "Sorry…"
"Don't be," Raziel replied, "I'm glad you don't know the way to his house."
Everyone sweat dropped.
…………….
Shiyu sighed as she finished her song, looking up at the clock. It had been 15 minutes, and her Sensei still hadn't shown up. Shrugging, Shiyu packed up her things and put them away. She would have time to stop off at home and change before she met up with Baku-san.
She smiled as she walked away from the grounds. Finally, she'd be meeting her new friend – someone whom she'd shared so much in common with, who really understood her…
What about Elie-chan? A voice asked inside her head.
Yes, Elie san was one of her best friends. They had much in common…But, Bakura was someone older, who had wisdom and such it seemed not many others had…
Hideki-san is very smart, the oldest of her friend, said the voice in her head.
Yes, Shiyu agreed, but sometimes, Hideki-san is a bit to serious at times, Bakura was a bit more silly.
If one word would describe Junoshi, the voice cooed, that would possibly be it.
Junoshi was also very shy, Shiyu was now arguing with herself. Baku-kun seems very strong willed, caring, persistent…
Raziel.
Shiyu stopped. There was nothing she could say against that. What was this voice, what was it trying to tell her?
You're not trying to replace your friends…are you? She asked herself.
No…why would she need do such a thing?
With a sigh, Shiyu looked up to realize that she was at home. Walking in, she noticed that the wall clock read 1:14. She still had time to shower, change, and walk to the game shop – by that time, Bakura should be out of school. With a smile at the thought, Shiyu ran upstairs to her room, dropped her bag at the foot of her bed and ran to her shower.
She was in an out in moments, since she'd showered just earlier that morning. I want to make sure I smell nice, Shiyu thought to herself as she stepped out and pulled a towel around her. Waiting for her hair to soak up the leave in conditioner she'd put on, the teen walked towards her closet and began to look for an outfit to wear. Something nice… Maybe flirty? She though to herself before pulling out a denim skirt and a red tank top with white and red striped straps, buttons and heart shaped pockets. She smiled, it was one of her favorite outfits – surely, Baku-kun will love it, too.
………………………….
"FINALY!" Hideki sighed as they pulled up to Jikega's house. "Geez, it only took us...what? Over a half an hour to find?"
"I said I was sorry," Elie mumbled from the backseat.
Hideki smiled at her friend, "I'm not blaming you, Elie-chan. Come on, lets get the over with."
The crew piled out of the car and walked up to the steps, Junoshi in front. He rang the doorbell, then waited.
It didn't take long for someone to answer the door: Jikega's mom. He was a tall, thin woman who seemed very stressed and strained, her black hair falling around her pale face in wisps. "Oh, Junoshi… Hideki, Elie, Raziel…" she bowed, "Welcome, what are you doing here?"
Junoshi bowed back, "Konichiwa, Mrs. Kiatsu." He replied, "We're here to talk to Jikega, if you don't mind."
The woman gave a weary smile, "Of course," she said, "If you can find a way to find out what happened to him, I'd be most grateful."
Hideki winked and threw up the favored peace-sign, "You can count on us, ma'am!"
Mrs. Kiatsu smiled and stepped to the side, allowing the group in. Hideki wrinkled her nose, wondering why Jikega complained so much. He came from a well-looking home with kind parents, and as far as she could tell, they gave him whatever he asked for. Spoiled brat, she thought to herself.
Junoshi continued to lead the way up the stairs and to a room which they guessed would be Jikega's. Elie shivered, "It feels cold…" she whispered, edging nearer to her brother.
Raziel nodded in agreement. There was something odd going on…
Hideki held her hand out and, instead of knocking, put it right on the handle. She grimaced, and it seemed she had a hard time turning it. Finally, they heard a click and the door was pushed open.
Inside was dark and clammy. Hideki shivered, Elie let out a faint whimper and Junoshi shoved his hands into his pockets. Raziel did nothing. But the feeling wasn't the only thing odd about the room. Things were tossed carelessly around the room, making there look as if there had been a sort of struggle. Duel Monster cards were scattered everywhere, and Jikega was curled up in the corner, his back facing his friends.
"Jikega!" Junoshi called to his friend, but got no response.
"Kega," Hideki stepped towards him, hopping over a broken lamp in the process, "What-"
"GO AWAY!" The teen screamed, throwing his alarm clock that the others had no idea he had at Hideki.
"AH!" Hideki stepped back and stumbled, falling into Raziel's outstretched arms before she hit the floor. She growled, "Jikega, what the hell do you think you're-?"
"You're NOT taking me back to that place!" Jikega cowered.
Hideki blinked and stood on her own two feet, "What is he talking about..?"
Jikega slowly turned towards them, the look on his face sending mild shock through everyone. His face was paper white and clammy, his eyes delusional and out of focus. Everything about him seemed eerie and shaken up.
"Ji," Junoshi took a few cautious steps forward, "Ji, it's us, your friends?"
For a moment, Junoshi thought that his attempt was fruitless, but when Jikega's eyes focused slightly he let out a breath of relief. "Juno…?"
Junoshi grinned, "Yea, buddy, it's me!"
Jikega stared for a moment before shifting his weight up into an upright sitting position. Everyone crowded around him. "What happened?" Elie asked.
Jikega stared at the girl before answering her question, "It was a nightmare," he whispered.
Hideki took a step back, bumping into Raziel and jumping in surprise. "What happened…?"
………
Jikega had just gotten home and thrown his bag down on his bed, "Who does Shi thing she's kidding, anyways?" he said to himself, "It's so obvious," he folded his arms, "The way she stares at him…Hmph."
"You know," came a cool voice from the shadows, "Jealousy is an ugly beast…"
Jikega spun around, "What!?"
"Oh perhaps, it's envy that I detect."
"Grr…SHOW yourself!" Jikega commanded, "Don't just hide in the shadows of my room like a coward!"
The voice chuckled, "My, my, foolish child…" it mocked, "So imprudently brave…"
"You're in my house," Jikega reminded him, "I'm not breaking any laws."
"As if the authorities would be able to detect me?"
Jikega clenched his fist, "Because you hide from your enemies."
"Oh," the voice said coolly, "so you've decided we're enemies now? I was simply coming to ask a kind favor…"
"What favor?" The teen asked suspiciously.
"Stay away from that girls unmarred soul."
Jikega was quiet for a moment, then laughed. "Who, Shiyu?" he laughed again, "Well, if you mean by 'unmarred soul' she hasn't slept with anyone, you'd better hurry it up because if Raziel gets her alone-"
"Silence."
Jikega raised an eyebrow, "Wow," he remarked with his fists on his hips, "What's your deal?"
"You stand in the way of what I have, and what I wish to acquire."
Jikega folded his arms, "Hn? Well, then. Change that fact,"
"Of course…" came the icy reply, "Defeat me in a duel."
A laugh recoiled off the walls, making the room seem oddly hollow. "Excuse me? Beat you in a children's card game?"
"Oh, this won't be an ordinary card game…"
……….
"And you accepted?" Hideki asked.
"Obviously," Jikega – who was beginning to come back to his normal self – stated.
Elie noticed that the state of the room was slowly dwindling back to normal. I guess it had to do with the state Jikega's mind was in… she thought to herself.
Hideki glowered, "I can see how you angered it so much…"
Jikega shivered, "It was freaking weird…" he said, "He challenged me to this card game in my room…but it was like Battle City, the monsters came to life!"
"Wait," Hideki said, "Did he have a duel disk?"
Jikega shook his head, "No. And even if he did, I didn't. But that didn't stop me from being attacked for my life points."
…………….
Jikega was on the floor, his breath heavy. How could he have just been attacked by an actual Spear Dragon…?
"Welcome," the cloaked figure said with a smirk, "To the Shadow Realm…"
"You think that's gonna scare me?" the teen said stubbornly while standing to his feet, "Ha. You obviously have no clue who you're messing with…"
"Nor do you," Replied the new foe. "Now, hurry and make your move."
Jikega glares, drawing from his deck, "I play this card in defense mode."
"Too bad you have no idea what you're doing…"
……………….
"No matter what I did," Jikega shook his head, "I just couldn't win…"
"I'm sorry," Elie sympathized with the boy, "How'd it end?"
Jikega shrugged, "I don't remember a thing. Just… he was after something."
"What kind of something?" Junoshi asked, "Did he take any of your cards?"
"Bastard better not have!" Jikega screeched, his anger flaring up suddenly.
Everyone sweat dropped, "The old Jikega is back," Hideki sighed.
"Not like he was any good with them," Raziel mumbled so that only Hideki could hear. She giggled.
"Anyway," Junoshi smiled, "We're glad that you're alright."
Jikega winked, "Of course I am, what do you take me for?"
"Baka…" Hideki mumbled under her breath. Raziel and Elie sweat dropped.
………………………………………..
Me: There.
Yami: …
Me: That was long.
Yami: ….
Me: And pointless at times.
Yami: …
Me: I tried to explain best I could.
Yami: …
Me: Might not have done a good job,
Yami: …
Me: BUT, either way, it's done.
Yami: …
Me: …?
Yami: …I'm still hungry TT
Me: -sigh- Review please.
