I groaned once again waking up in my room. When my eyes opened fully I sat up with a start. Again? How on earth did this keep happening to me? I closed my eyes trying to remember what had happened. My eyes opened widely when I remembered being attacked by Kokurano and then the 'Other Yugi' saving me. I pushed my blankest back and stood slowly getting ready for school.
I cringed when I was brushing my teeth when a bit of toothpaste slid down my throat and stung. This was getting ridiculous. They decision had to be made by the end of this month, and I really didn't know what I wanted to do. The process would be long and would take many surgeries, if it would happen to begin with. I placed my toothbrush down and silently sighed. I knew that I was scared and that was what was keeping me back from getting the surgery done. Maybe . . . no there was no point in worrying them. I quickly braided my hair as usual and tied my bow and headed out for school.
When I got to the gates I raised an eyebrow from the fact that everyone seemed to be whispering about something that had happened, or was going to. I continued walking on not being one for gossip and hurried up to the classroom. Maybe the others were already there. I walked in and smiled seeing Yugi, Anzu, Jonouchi, and Miho around Yugi's desk. I walked over and waved to everyone as they gave me some type of greeting.
"Hey Maria, do you feel ok?" Jonouchi asked making my eyes widen as I looked at him. I nodded slowly as he gave me a look but didn't press it.
"Is something wrong with Maria-chan?" Yugi asked making me hold up my hands in defense and shake my head no again. I began to sign to Anzu who nodded and spoke to the boys for me.
"She says everything is fine and she wants to know what you have there Yugi." Anzu said making me look to the cards that were on Yugi's desk.
"Oh! These are Duel Monsters cards." He said making me look to the others.
"Duel Monsters?" Jonouchi asked making me return my gaze to Yugi.
"Yeah. It's became popular when I was in third grade. It started to become popular at other schools too." Yugi said as I looked to the cards. We had nothing like this back home.
"Pretty!" Miho said looking at some of the cards as I smiled to her. Oh that girl.
"There are thousands of types," Yugi continued.
"That many?" Anzu asked as my eyes widened. This sounded like some card game. Jonouchi sat down and picked up some cards looking at Yugi.
"So, how do you play?" He asked continuing to look at the cards.
"This is a card battle game," Yugi said smiling. I could tell he was really happy that everyone was getting really excited over a game and not just me for once. "Look! The defense and attack points are written right? Further, you fight your opponent's cards on this field."
"Seems fun." I signed as Anzu nodded in agreement saying my statement out loud.
"Really? I don't like these kings of childish games." Jonouchi said folding his arms behind his head as I rolled my eyes. The game did look fun; it made me want to learn how to play. We heard a chuckle behind us as we all turned seeing Honda standing there with some sash on that said 'Strong beautification week.'
"You don't mean 'Childish game' . . . you mean 'game where you use your head!" Honda said making me shake my head knowing a fight was about to happen. Jonouchi stood up and walked over to him making me sit next to Yugi and frown a bit at the two. For best friends they sure fought a lot.
"Honda . . . what's that mean?" Jonouchi started glaring at the unphased Honda.
"As you heard, no secret meanings here." He said making me place my face on my fist as we all sat there watching them.
"You bastard!" Jonouchi said as Anzu walked over and changed the topic before a fist fight broke out.
"By the way, what's with the getup?" She asked as Honda looked at her.
"This? These cards are popular right now right?" Honda said as the three of them moved back over to the desk Yugi, Miho, and I were at. "With such a collection item there will be those who'll obtain rare cards through unjust means." Honda said making me nod a tad in agreement.
"Really, over these cards?" Anzu asked making me look to her. From the moment I got her trouble's been happening so it wouldn't surprise me at all. Yugi on the other hand, had a different opinion.
"No. There are people in America who come here to buy just one card. Grandpa is also a mania." He said making me smile to him. He was so naive to the world, I frowned a bit though knowing that someday that would get him into trouble.
"That's it!" Honda said getting into Yugi's face. "I, as part of Strong Beautification Week, will prevent illegal cards." He said making me sigh and give him a funny look.
"Hey! Hey! That's not really a 'beautification' person's job right?" Jonouchi asked once again making me look to the two. Here we go again.
"A beautification member doesn't just clean the dirty. The first step is to prevent garbage!" He declared making me smile. These friends of mine were very different from my old ones back home, but it was nice. "This is the beautification member's mission! However, there are few destined for this . . . no . . . I am the only one." He said making me smile and silently giggle to myself but cringed slightly at the tight pain that came after it. I ignored it for now not wanting to bring attention to myself. I noticed Sensei walk in and quickly made my way to my seat as he stood at the front of the class. Sadly Honda hadn't noticed and was still standing in the middle of a row, with everyone looking at him.
"So I set up Strong Beautification week to fight that, with this, the whole nation. . ." Honda continued, that is until Sensei interrupted.
"Right right! Mind if I interrupt?" He said making Honda give a sort of scared look realizing what happened. "Today let's begin by introducing a transfer student." He said making me smile. Well it looks like I'm done being the new kid.
"I wonder what kind of kid it'll be? I hope it's a kid who likes games." I heard Yugi say and smiled wider. Yugi just wanted more friends. It was sweet.
"Please come in." Sensei said as I glanced to the door. I remember being on the other side of that. In fact it had only been a few weeks ago. The door opened and a boy stood there in a white suit with green hair and golden eyes holding a brief case. I blinked a few times and noticed the way he looked at the class. I felt a chill go up my spine for some reason. "He's Kaiba Seto-kun." Sensei said as the class erupted into hushed whispers as I looked around confused. I heard Miho say something to Anzu.
"Kaiba, you mean that . . ." She started but Anzu finished her statement.
"From the top class amusement industry, Kaiba Corporation?" She said making me give a confused look and glance to the boy once again only to see him look at me making me blush slightly and look back to the others from being caught. Kaiba stood in front of the class giving a faint smile to everyone.
"Yes, he's the heir." Sensei said killing all of the gossip.
"Nice to meet you." Kaiba said in a smooth voice as he looked around the room once again meeting my eye for a second before moving on. My eyes widened as I felt myself blush not really understanding why I was doing so.
"Wonderful." Anzu said as Jonouchi scoffed.
"A rich, spoiled brat." He said making me frown a tad towards him but understand. Jonouchi was either jealous, or had a hard life and was taking it out on Kaiba. "I can't stand those." He finished making me nod to myself. Jonouchi must have a pretty hard life. Sensei looked around and then looked at the desk by Yugi and I as my eyes widened. Oh no not here.
"Ah! There's space next to Yugi and Maria. Yugi smiled and gasped happily while I stayed still watching what the boy would do.
"Hey!" Yugi said as Kaiba walked closer. Kaiba looked down and noticed a card Yugi had dropped as he picked it up and handed it to Yugi.
"Duel Monsters right? Yours?" he said holding out the card.
"Thanks. Are you into games?" Yugi asked making my eyes widen slightly knowing where this was going.
"Yeah I love them." Kaiba said making Yugi smile widely.
"That's great! Maria and I play games all the time!" Yugi said as Kaiba glanced to me and smiled while he sat down at his desk.
"It's nice to meet you. Perhaps we could play sometime." He said looking to me as I nodded and then signed to him.
"It's nice to meet you as well." I figured he would have no idea what I said. He gave a quick surprised look and smiled to me and nodded. Sensei then began class as I was half concentrating on what we were learning, and half on the new boy next to me. I feel like I've known him from somewhere . . . It's like the same feeling I have when around the 'Other Yugi.' I shook my head of my thoughts and focused on class. I could think of these things later.
The day ended faster then I thought it would as we all headed out of the classroom and out of school when we walked up to a blue car saying farewells to Kaiba.
"See you, Yugi-kin, you too Maria-chan. I'll be waiting, so definitely come." Kaiba said as Yugi answered right away.
"I'm definitely going!" Yugi said making Kaiba smile while he then looked to me.
"Maria-chan?" He asked making me nod and sign to him.
"I'll be there as soon as I can, I just need to go to an appointment first." I moved my hands calmly as he nodded and signed back.
"I hope to see you as well." He was very fluent and knew what he was doing which meant I had someone else to have a conversation with. The car pulled away and I looked to Yugi seeing an odd look on his face. He almost seemed . . . sad. I felt a bit guilty. I had spent a good deal of time having conversations with Kaiba during class today after I had calmed down and realized he knew everything I was saying. I felt bad but Kaiba, besides Anzu and Miho who really only translate what I say, was one of the first people who I could really talk to and feel a bit normal again. I smiled to Yugi and he seemed to snap out of it.
"What a great car!" I heard Miho say and silently chuckled. She really did have a one track mind, but that's what made her Miho.
"Hey, Yugi, Maria. You two seem to be getting along with Kaiba already." She said as the two of us turned to her.
"Yeah. Kaiba-kun is going to show Maria-chan and I his card collection.
"Kaiba-kun's house? Miho wants to go too!" Miho said making me frown slightly. I didn't know if that was such a good idea.
"Let's all go! I'm sure he'll be pleased! I'm looking forward to it." Yugi said making me smile faintly to him. He wanted to do so much with his friends but I bit my bottom lip. Kaiba had only invited Yugi and I . . . would he be alright with all of us?
We all met up to head over to Kaiba's place after I had gone to my appointment at the hospital. I didn't want to tell the gang but today had not been good news. It turns out that the tissue was starting to open up again and that was what was causing my pain. If I didn't get my first surgery by the end of the month even more damage could be done, and then I would have no hope of getting better. I shook my head of those thoughts and looked at Kaiba's house with wide eyes. I had never seen a mansion this big before. I mean, we had castles back home, but those were castles they were supposed to be big, but this was someone's house.
"Hey! Isn't there some law against an individual having such a large house!" Jonouchi said making me smile to him.
"Of course not!" Anzu said in a snippy tone. Poor Jonouchi. Yugi, Anzu, Jonouchi, and I stood outside the gates waiting for Honda and Miho who were coming down the road now on Honda's bike. Sophia had given us a ride here so we all didn't have to walk. Honda was out of breath as Anzu smirked at him.
"Not a taxi right?" She said as I turned hearing Kaiba's voice from the intercom.
"Hey everyone. Glad you made it. Please come in." He said while we all looked to each other. The gates opened and we all headed towards the house walking up to the front doors.
"Wow." Yugi said as I nodded when we got there. The house looked big from far away but it was massive when standing in front of it. The doors opened and everyone gasped seeing the inside of the house. Kaiba must be very important and very wealthy to have a house like this. I wonder what his family did?
"Everyone came? I'm so pleased." He said as I looked at him for a bit. Something told me that wasn't 100% true. Kaiba began to lead us down some random hallways while the others were talking to each other.
"What an amazing mansion." Anzu said while Honda scoffed.
"It's no big deal." He said making me smirk.
"If this is 'no big deal' then what would mine be?" Jonouchi asked making me frown slightly. I sensed that Jonouchi was bitter about his home life.
"Jonouchi, jealousy is most unsightly." Honda said making me nod slightly to myself as I follow Yugi and Kaiba.
"Honda! You saying that hella pisses me off!" Jonouchi yelled grabbing Honda by the collar making me stop and face them. Anzu, however, was able to break it up before anything started.
"Hey! Can you at least act properly here?" Anzu said as I turned and started walking again knowing she had it under control. She was so strong, I envied her for that. I stood next to Kaiba and Yugi who had also stopped to see what was going on.
"It's alright. It's more fun if it's lively." He said as we started walking again although I did hear what Jonouchi said.
"That polished pig. I dislike him more and more." Jonouchi muttered bitterly.
"Really? He's rich but not snobby, seems like a good guy." Honda said making me glance to Kaiba. Everyone kept saying that but I still had this nagging feeling in the back of my head this Kaiba wasn't all that he seemed to be. Kaiba opened a door into a brightly lit room where we all gasped at what was inside.
"Come, Yugi-kun, Maria-chan. This is my card collection." Kaiba said as we all walked into the room and looked around. Anzu was looking at the cards but I noticed the trophies that were scattering the room. I wonder what these are? I glanced to Kaiba getting his attention and moved my hands in question.
"What are those?" I asked motioning to all his trophies.
"It's from when I won the Duel Monsters nation tournament." He said smiling to me.
"Won?" Everyone said in surprise.
"Give it up. He's way above you." Honda said holding Jonouchi's shoulder making me roll my eyes. Boys and their rivalries. At least they didn't settle things here like they did at home. Miho walked up to Kaiba with a questioning look as she began to speak.
"Kaiba-kun! Instead of the cards tell us about your amusement parks." She said making me blink a bit. I moved over to the wall with cards and continued to look at them. I thought his collection was very impressive, but Miho wouldn't understand.
"Miho-chan, I have some tickets." Honda said as I continued to look.
"I'll make a reservation for you at an amusement park." Kaiba said making Miho almost hug him to the ground. Kaiba rubbed the back of his head obviously not use to that sort of contact. I giggled silently to myself and shook my head. Maybe I'm just being like Jonouchi. I should give Kaiba a clean chance.
"You're the best!" Miho yelled as I looked at the defeated look on Honda's face. Well his opinion of Kaiba was about to change.
"Kaiba . . . I can't stand him!" Honda said making me sigh a bit. My friends were so predictable, but it was their charm I guess.
"That's right, Yugi-kun, Maria-chan, I bet you have some rare cards." He said making me shake my head. He gave me an odd look as I signed to him.
"I never heard of this game back home." I signed seeing him smile and nod to me.
"That's fine. What about you Yugi-kun?" He asked as we both looked to Yugi.
"I don't have any." Yugi said but Anzu continued.
"Hey. Didn't you say earlier your Grandpa had an amazing card?" She asked making me think a moment and nod. He had said something like that. I noticed a glint in Kaiba's eyes that I didn't like but I brushed the feeling aside. Clean chance. Don't judge others. I thought to myself.
"I'd definitely like to see." He said excitedly making me look to Yugi seeing Honda and Jonouchi right next to him.
"Yugi! Show it to him right away!" Jonouchi said.
"Yeah Yeah!" Honda continued making me sigh. Oh those two.
"Then . . ." Yugi started but Kaiba cut him off.
"Thank you! I look forward to it." Kaiba said as we all nodded. Kaiba called his car as we all got in and headed for Yugi's house and Game Shop. When we got there we all entered and greeted Yugi's grandfather.
"Grandpa. May we see your card?" Yugi asked as Grandpa chuckled.
"My best card?" He asked as we all nodded.
"Grandpa, please, can you show it?" Yugi asked giving his grandfather a cute face.
"Please, definitely show it!" Kaiba added as I watched to see what would happen.
"Looks like I've got no choice! It'll be a moment." He said then started to look for it. "Here it is he said moving a card into view that was a white dragon with blue eyes. The card read 'Blue Eyes White Dragon'. I looked at Kaiba seeing his reaction and got slightly confused. I suppose this card was very rare.
"What? I thought it'd have diamonds or jewels attached to it! " Miho said making me give her a funny look. It was a card after all.
"It's no different from the others." Jonouchi said.
"Right." Honda said making me glare at them after I saw Yugi's grandfathers face. They were hurting his feelings.
"You guys don't get it. It's called Blue Eyes White Dragon. It's so powerful its production was cancelled. Mania's would drool at this super rare card!
"Saying it that way makes it seem more moving." Anzu said making me nod in agreement.
"Grandpa! This kind of card is the most dangerous! As a beautification member, I must warn you! Please turn it over for safekeeping!" Honda said making me frown at him. That was sort of going overboard.
"Why would a beautification member care?" Grandpa asked making me smile a bit remembering earlier today. Honda got a look of defeat on his face and moved away.
"Grandpa! Th-that Blue Eyes White Dragon . . " Kaiba started moving over and putting his brief case down on the counter making me look at him slightly surprised. "Please take all these cards in trade for it!" He said as my eyes widened when he then opened the case. Jonouchi, Honda, and Yugi over reacted but I was just looking at Kaiba wondering why on earth he would want that card so badly . . . unless . . .
"No." Grandpa said making me look to him and smile. Clearly he treasured this card if he wasn't going to trade.
"The refusal is also amazing!" I heard Jonouchi said as the three boys once again over reacted making me roll my eyes smiling at them.
"There's no way.?" Kaiba said a bit surprised. Clearly he wasn't prepared for a no.
"Kaiba-kun, right? I understand how you feel, but I'm not keeping the card because it's rare. This card is something given to me from a good friend in America. It's a treasure filled with memory." He said making me smile. I knew he treasured the card. "There is no way I can part with it. Plus, truly precious treasurers have your heart in it. This card too. That's why, Kaiba-kun too . . . you should cherish each card in your trunk." He said making me smile at how sweet that was. I had to agree. I felt that connection with the things from home I still had. They held memories from when things were happier for me.
"You're right." Kaiba said slowly making me look at him. I was getting that feeling again and it was getting harder to ignore. "I was mistaken." Kaiba said as he closed the case and then started to leave. "I think I'll go home now." He said then left without another word.
"Grandpa, you said something great!" Jonouchi said leaning on the counter. Miho hugged Grandpa as she cheered.
"I see you in a new light!" She declared happily making me smile to everyone. The sun had set and I knew it was time for me to leave. The others had left and I had stayed behind to play a game with Yugi.
"You seem to like Kaiba-kun, Maria-chan." Yugi said making me blush slightly but shake my head no. I signed that we were just friends and I didn't like him that way, but Yugi didn't understand. Yugi seemed to get really sad for a second as he placed the notebook on his desk that I had handed to him.
"Maria-chan . . . I want to learn sign language so I can talk to you like Kaiba-kun can!" Yugi said turning to look at me, and for a second I thought I saw the 'Other Yugi' but I blinked and he was back to normal. I smiled and hugged him really happy that he wanted to learn so we could become closer. I heard Yugi's mother's voice come from down the stairs.
"Maria! Sophia is here to take you home!" She yelled as I let go of Yugi and grabbed my things. I waved to him and headed home with Sophia and I signing happily the whole way there.
I entered my room and got ready for bed and felt my throat start to burn again. I moved over to my cabinet in the bathroom with my bag and pulled out the medicine I had gotten to help the pain. I placed the right amount into the cup then drank it feeling the think liquid coat my throat. I had to admit I felt better as I then yawned and got into bed thinking about then day. I made a new friend and nothing bad happened. I just hope it will stay that way.
