Author's note: Hi, sorry for the long wait, but what can I say? I've been swamp with a lot of school work lately. Essays, projects, tests, etc.... you know the drill.
Chapter 7
The Bandit Killer VS The King of Games
Morning came sooner than expected. Yugi stride down the stairs, but paused as he saw that the others were currently sitting at a table. Lina and Gourry were in the middle of their normal unhuman sized breakfast. The others had ordered much smaller meals.
"Morning Yug'!" Greeted Joey.
"Everyone's up already?" Yugi had assumed Zelgadis was already up, since he wasn't in his bed when he awoke, but Yugi didn't imagine everyone else was awake as well.
"Well, Lina woke up Amelia, and Tea and Joey's stomach growls woke me and Gourry." explained Tristan. "To put it in plain words, you're the only one to have a roommate with the courtesy to let you sleep in."
The young teen uttered a small "Oh.", climbed down the rest of the stairs and strolled to the table. Yugi's puzzle glowed and Yami instantly appeared beside the teen.
The ex-pharaoh took one glimpse at Lina's meal and remarked "Ah, the eating machine strikes again I see."
The sorceress ceased from eating and glared toward Yami. "You're lucky I am busy eating or you would be in a world full of pain right now."
Yami scoffed with a small smirk. "Yeah right. The worst thing you could do to me is ruffling up my hair."
"Oh really!" Lina hollered as the angry sparks flew off between them.
The chimera sighed. "There they go again." he stated flatly.
Amelia nodded with the same exhausted expression as Zel. She reached into her pocket and brought forth a little note pad and pencil.
"What are those for?" questioned Tea.
"To keep score. I thought it would be a good idea to keep track on Ms. Lina and Mr. Yami."
"Who's winning?" inquired Joey.
The princess took the pencil and made marks on the paper as she counted. "Let's see.....Ms. Lina 208. Mr. Yami 206. He needs two more to catch up." she declared.
Tristan let out a low whistle. "Man, the way he and Lina fight it makes his relationship with Kaiba look like their buddies."
Yugi agreed and glanced back at Yami and Lina. He sweat-dropped. The two rivals were threatening each other with forks and spoons. "Uh.....Amelia how long does it take to get to Sailrune?" Yugi asked, with his eyes still on rivals.
"Oh......I say about two days. Why do you ask?"
The young teen stared at everyone seriously. "You guys do realize that we'll be stuck with those two, on the road, for the entire trip." The group groaned.
"Maybe it won't be that bad." suggested Gourry.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
An hour later.......
"Bossy Girl!"
"Gameaholic!"
"Flat-chested....."
"DON'T YOU DARE FINISH THAT SENTENCE!!"
Joey moaned as he covered his ears to block out the fifty argument Lina and Yami were having. "What are they fightin' about now?"
"Well." replied Gourry. "First they insulted each other's shoes, then it was their jewellery, then their personalities, and now......"
"Carrot top!"
"Hey at least my hair's ONE colour unlike yours!"
"*sigh* Their hair colours."
Tristan massage his sore temples from the headache he was getting. "If they keep going like this they're both going to end up catching laryngitis."
"You're saying like it would be a bad thing." Zel remarked.
Yugi shook his head distressed. "I've never seen Yami like this before. He's usually so calm and serious, but now he's so......."
"Hot-headed." Amelia finished for him.
"Yeah, I guess that would be the word for it."
"Well, Ms. Lina does have that effect on people."
Joey abruptly stomped his foot, catching the other's attention. "I can't take it anymore!" Joey cried. He pushed the others aside and went to Lina and Yami, determined not to let anything stopped him from his goal. "I'm giving those two a piece of my mind!"
"Mr. Joey!" Amelia yelled, but found it fruitless to stop the single-minded blonde.
He marched to the rivals and cried at full volume. "WOULD YOU TWO KNOCK IT OFF!!"
The sorceress and the ex-pharaoh discontinued their argument. They stared at Joey with blank looks. "Knock what off?" they both asked.
Joey sweat-dropped and yelled "I'll tell you what! The constant bickering between ya guys! I am not sure about everyone else, but YA TWO ARE DRIVING ME BONKERS!!"
Lina and Yami stared at Joey for anther moment.
"Was it really getting that bad?" said Lina.
"I didn't even notice." Yami admitted.
The blonde moaned. "Isn't there a way you could resolve this like adults?" asked Tea.
Yami stroked his chin as he was thinking. Suddenly, a wicked grin surfaced. "How about a game?"
"Pardon?" asked Amelia.
"A game." Yami repeated with a smirk. "Lina and I can play a game against each other. Who ever wins the game is the winner of the argument." He slowly turned his head to the sorceress. "What do you say? Think you can handle that?"
Lina returned the smug. "Alright, but I pick the game."
"Fair enough."
The group spent the next 20 minutes searching for an area for Lina and Yami to play their game. They found a small clearing in the woods that would fit their needs perfectly. A large stump stood in the centre. It was big and wide enough for it to be use as a substitute table. Lina and Yami each took a seat right across from each other. The others sat on the grass next to them to watch the pair play the game that would hopefully put their bickering to rest.
"Alright Lina." Yami began confident he could handle anything Lina threw at him. "What game do you chose?"
The sorceress's face was solemn and hard as stone. She folded her hands neatly on top of the stump and cleared her throat. "The game I choose....." she said in an icy tone. All eyes were upon her anxiously to hear her fateful decision.
She said it. "Is......GO FISH!!"
Everyone collapsed. The game king barely managed to bring himself out off shock. He stared at Lina like she was a three-headed gorgon. "GO FISH?!....You got to be kidding me?!"
"No! You heard me go fish! What's wrong Yami? Ya scared?!" Lina asked.
Yami's rage went off like a volcanic eruption. That was the last straw! He had to beat her at any cost! Sure, he met fierce opponents before. Some who teased him, mocked him, tried to hurt or even kill him, but in his state of mind they were minors compared to Lina Inverse. Why? Because she REALLY irritated him. "FINE!!" he declared, slamming the cards on the stump. "Well play......go fish."
Tristan rubbed the back of his neck as he sighed. "This is going to be the longest game of go fish I've ever seen."
"You got that right." Gourry agreed full heartily.
Joey then stood up, brushed the grass off his pants and began to stroll away from the others.
"Where are you going?" asked Zelgadis.
"I am taking a walk to stretch my legs. Anyone care to join me?"
"I'll go." replied Tristan as he went to Joey's side.
"You might want to take some caution then." warned Zel. "I've heard rumours of trolls inhabiting this area."
The brunette froze. "Trolls? You mean little short guys right?" He was imagining the small troll dolls he had seen when he was a kid. In his opinion, they were always rather odd looking with their wild hair and the fake jewels they had stuck on their belly buttons. For some reason however, girls had always thought they were adorable.
The chimera stared at Tristan confused and baffled at the same time at the boy's description. "No. I am talking about ugly creatures over 6 feet tall and can lift an cow with one arm."
Tristan paled a bit and tugged at his shirt collar. That was not the answer he had been anticipating. "Do they.....eat people?"
"What? Of course not."
"....phew...."
"They just like breaking bones."
Tristan's whole body became tense and could hardly move. "But as long as you can run fast, you'll be fine." Zelgadis continued, not being concerned with the boy's sudden shakiness.
Tristan turned to Joey. "Uh....maybe we should....."
The bold blonde grabbed Tristan's arm and dragged him away. "Come on! Don't be a chicken."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The two boys had ended up near the side of a river. Joey stretch out his arms to get out the kinks. "Ah! This is the life!"
"Hey Joey, let's head back now."
"What? But we've hadn't even been gone for an hour."
"But....the trolls."
"Would you quit it with the trolls! Can't you see Zel was only pulling ya leg on that?"
"Yeah. Well, Zel doesn't seem to be the joking type."
The blonde brushed off the comment. He looked up ahead and paused. A waterfall was at the head of the river. It was flowing off a small cliff, but there was a large cave at the bottom which was concealed by the waterfall in front.
"Hey Tristan, check it out!"he exclaimed. Joey raced to the cave's entrance and peered inside. It was pitch black. A man would not be able to see the hand in front of his face. The boys could distinctly hear the unsettling sound of water dripping form the ceiling.
Joey glance back to Tristan. "Care for a little exploring?"
"NO WAY!! It's bad enough you dragged me through this troll filled forest, but I refuse to go in there!"
"Ah, ya chicken!"
"I am not being a chicken! I am being smart! Don't forget what happened the last time we were in a cave!"
"That was because that jerk Bandit Keith trapped us in. Come on." Joey lowered to the ground to pick up a long tree branch that had been laying on the ground. "If it makes ya feel better, I'll use this as a walking stick." he said, dusting the dirt off the stick.
The brunette sighed heavily. There was no way to talk Joey out of this one. "Fine, but let's not go in too far."
The adventurous boys entered the cave. Joey was in the lead since he was the one with the walking stick. He tapped the branch along the ground to see if there any signs of uninviting holes that were waiting to trap any person with the nerve to explore.
The dampness and the coldness of the cave were having their toll on Tristan. His teeth were chattering as he kept rubbing his arms to warm up. "Come on Joey! Can't we leave now?" whined Tristan.
"In a minute! I just want to......" Joey froze. The stick had struck something strange. It felt hard, but it didn't sound like it was tapping on rock. Joey squinted in the dark. From what he could make out the object was very large.
The blonde looked to Tristan. "Hey, I found....." The boy was not listening to Joey. His body was shaking all over. His face was exactly like the people on old horror movies would look right before the monster appeared on the screen. He was terrified to say the least. "What's wrong buddy?" inquired Joey. He couldn't grasp on what was bothering him so much.
Tristan raised a very shaky finger and pointed above Joey's head. "L....look....a....above...y....you." he stammered, barely pronouncing his words.
"Huh?" Joey lifted his head and became the same state his friend. Near the top of the cave, the boys were greeted by two enormous red eyes loaming above them.
Joey gulped. "Oh....boy."
"Got any fives?"
"Go fish. Got any threes? This is stupid."
"Go fish. Don't blame me! You're the one who wanted to settle this with a game. Got any nines?"
"Go fish. I didn't think you would choose this game. Got any twos?"
"Go fish. What did you think I pick?"
"Chess. A race or even checkers."
"Checkers?"
"Got a problem with that?"
Gourry yawned as the game continued. "Man this is boring. How much longer is this going to take?"
"I don't know." Yugi admitted. "We could be here all night."
"At least their arguing was more fun to watch." said Tea, causally watching a cricket chirping on a flower. The silence returned once more. That is until a loud sound echoed through the forest
"AARRGG!!"
Startled and alarmed, the group got to their feet. "What was that?!" asked Amelia.
"It sounded like....." Zelgadis was unable to complete his statement as Joey and Tristan raced in like lightening. They collide in Lina and Yami knocking all of them to the ground in a huge heap.
"What's the big idea?!" Lina scowled, upset that her game was interrupted.
"Forget that!" cried Joey. "We have to get out of here now!"
"Why?" inquired Zel. "Don't tell me you ran into a group of trolls."
"No way! Worse than that!" shouted Tristan.
"What could be worse than trolls?" asked Gourry.
"THAT!!" the two shouted. They directed their fingers to the path they had previously come in. At first there wasn't anything to scream about. However, a moment later, the group heard a loud roar that could make a person's ears bleed.
"What was...." Yugi started, but trailed off as he stared down the path. Coming towards them at a high speed was a enormous green dragon. It was hissing and snarling wildly opening its' huge mouth revealing the dragon's razor sharp teeth.
No one had to say or do anything; for each person knew what everyone's plan was for this precise moment. To run like the wind! A scream was heard as the group ran.
"That is definitely worse than a troll!" declared the swordsman, running madly.
"But why is it after us?!" cried Tea. "What did you two do to make it so mad at you?!"
Joey and Tristan sweat-dropped. "Nothing intentionally!" the blonde replied meekly.
"What do you mean....." Tea tripped on a tree root and fell flat face in the dirt. With her adrenalin rushing, Tea got herself back up but proved she wasn't fast enough. The dragon was almost upon her.
"Tea!" shouted Yugi, seeing the danger the girl was in. The brave teen, not caring about his own safety, dashed back for her.
"No go back!" warned Tea. Yugi didn't listen. He stood protectively in front of her. The dragon opened his mouth to blow his fire at them. The two teens shut their eyes and waited for the onslaught. Nothing. No heat. No burns. No fire.
They reopened their eyes and gasped. Lina was standing in front of them with Gourry. She had cast a shield and was presently blocking the dragon's attack.
"Gourry grab them!" ordered Lina.
"Right Lina!" The swordsman in hast threw the teens over his shoulders and ran. Lina dropped her shield and followed.
The dragon was stunned that some human stopped his fire. It shook off the feeling and continue his chase.
Lina and Gourry managed to catch up to the others. "That was way too close!" cried Gourry.
"Isn't there any way to defeat that dragon?!" said Yami.
"There is one way!" said Lina. "I could perform the dragon slave!"
Zel groaned. "I was afraid you were going to say that!"
"The what?!"asked Yugi, still on Gourry's shoulder.
"You'll find out!" Lina replied. "You guys take cover and leave the dragon to me!"
"And what are you going to do?!" said Yami
"Simple. I am going to lead the dragon away, then I'll cast the spell."
"Not alone you're not! I am coming with you."
"I don't need help!"
"Yes you will! How exactly do you plan to fight the dragon and recite the spell at the same time?!"
"....Uh..." Lina cursed at herself. She didn't plan that far ahead. "Alright! Gourry, you and the others get to safety!"
The swordsman gave a confirmed nod. The group dashed away and into a cluster of trees. The slayers threw themselves on the ground. Their hands were covering their heads as if they were expecting a bomb to blow.
The other teens faces faulted. "Isn't that a bit extreme?" questioned Tea.
Instantly, Gourry and Zel grabbed hold of them and pulled them to the ground with great force.
"You'll thank us later!" said Gourry.
"Lina, how are we suppose to have that dragon chase us instead of the others?" inquired Yami.
"Watch." Lina came to a halt and glanced back to the dragon. The beast stopped when it saw Lina slow down, wondering what the little human was doing. The sorceress took a deep breath and yelled loud enough to scare the birds out of their nests. "YOU'RE MOTHER IS A CHAMELEON!!"
Both Yami and the dragon blinked at the girl distraught. Then reality set in and the dragon roared angrily. Yami and Lina chose this second to run again with the dragon close behind.
"That's was your idea!!" yelled Yami.
"I didn't hear you come up with anything!" Lina shouted and then focus on the road. If her memory was correct, there should be a small clearing ahead. She grinned as she and Yami went pass the last couple of trees before the clearing appeared. They stopped.
The dragon stood at the edge of the woods, letting out a mighty roar.
"Yami, I am beginning the spell. You distract the giant lizard." The game king raced to the dragon, leaving Lina to chant.
"Darkness beyond twilight.
Crimson from blood that flows;
buried in the flow of time."
The sorceress peeked to make sure that Yami was not having any difficulties. He wasn't. The ex-pharaoh was yelling insults as the beast was spitting fireballs at him in response. Yami would then simply dough the fireballs. Lina continued her spell.
"In Thy great name I pledge myself to darkness!
Those who oppose us shall be destroyed by the power you and I possess!"
Lina raised her head, spell in hand and ready to release. "Yami move it!" The game king leapt out of the way, giving Lina a clear shot. "DRAGON SLAVE!!" The spell flew from Lina's hands. The dragon stared with his mouth hanging wide open in shock. The beast did not have a chance to even roar as it was consumed by the attack and everything else in the spell's path.
Meanwhile, the others heard the massive explosion and were presently plugging their eardrums. Finally, the blast past and the forest became calm again. "Um....I am afraid to ask, but please tell me that wasn't Lina's dragon slave." asked Tristan, scared of the fearful truth.
"I could say 'No'." Amelia replied. "Except lying is unjust."
"How often does she use that particular spell?" questioned Yugi.
"Only when we're in extreme danger or she is really pissed off." Zel answered.
Joey gulped. "We're dead."
Yami returned to Lina at a slow pace, amazed and concern of the spell he had witness minutes ago. "That's the dragon slave?"
"Oh yeah!" The sorceress cheered gleefully. " I rule!" She said, flashing a victory sign.
"I wouldn't celebrate too much." Yami advise.
"Why? I got rid of the dragon."
"Yes, but that wasn't the only thing you hit." The game king gesture to where the dragon was previously standing. The girl looked and sweat-dropped. Yami was referring to the remaining trees (that were now badly burnt lumber), the smoke rising in the air from the leftover ash and the new black charcoal trail that had been burnt into the grass.
"Uh.....guess I overdid it." was the only thing that came out of Lina's mouth.
"More like overkill." stated Yami.
"Hey! I don't recall you suggesting any alternatives!"
"If I had it wouldn't have resulted in burning down half of the forest!"
The prideful teens glared at each other. Yami sigh heavily in a displease tone. "This is silly! Look I think you and I can both agree that this constant arguing is getting us nowhere fast and it isn't helping much."
Lina cocked and eyebrow and sighed as well. "It is getting kind of repetitive."
"So, what do you say about a truce? That way we don't end up killing each other."
Lina was going ask how that was possible, seeing that Yami was already dead, but decided not to voice out the small detail. "Fine, but I am not promising anything." The rivals shook hands to close the hopeful agreement.
"Yami!" They turned their heads as saw Yugi and the others rushing towards them. "Are you guys ok?" the teen asked.
"We're fine kid." Lina said with a sly wink. "Takes more than a dragon to beat me."
"Is that why you're called the 'Dragon Spooker'?"
"Actually, it cause dragons find Lina repulsive......" Whack!
"Gourry, put a lid on it!!" the sorceress growled. She then raised her head and directed it to Tristan and Joey with a questionable expression. "Before we move on, I want to know what you guys did to get that dragon so blood-thirsty at us."
The boys could feel hot sweat letting lose. "I believe Joey should answer that." Tristan said, patting his buddy on the shoulder.
"Gee, thanks." Joey grumbled.
Lina placed her hands on her hips and waited impatiently.
"Uh...well....it's like this..." the nervous blonde began. "Tristan and I found this cave, so we decided to explore it. As it turned out, the cave was the dragon's home and I kind of ........poked at stick at it." he said the last part in a quiet voice, praying Lina wouldn't hear it.
"I see." Lina responded, unnaturally calm. She stared at the teen with an unreadable face. That changed in less then a flash.
"BAKA!!" Lina grasped Joey in a nasty headlock. "Baka! Baka! That is the dumbest act anyone could ever pull off! Haven't you heard 'Let sleeping dragons lie'?! Well, there's a REASON people say it!!"
"Joey!" Yugi said, upset at his best friend's predicament. He was bout to go in to help the blond, but was stopped by the chimera.
"Don't" Zel cautioned.
"Why?"
"Trust me. It's for your own safety." Zel, Gourry, and Amelia then started to return to the path.
"Where are you going?" inquired Tea.
"Well, seeing how Lina is right now, we're going back to that clearing we were in to set up camp. It's going to be awhile till Lina frees Joey." Gourry answered. "So you have two choices. One: stay here and watch or two: come back to camp with us."
The teens took one more glance at Lina and Joey and proceeded to follow the others.
ES: Ok, chapter 7 is finally done! Sorry again for the long wait, but my school work comes first. I am in my last year of high school. Hopefully I can get the next chapter up soon. All I am saying on that is it's going to have a Yugi/Tea moment. He He.
Before I go, I know there is another story where Lina and Yami play go fish. I swear I did not copy that. I thought of that scene long before I even posted chapter one. Probably not a big deal, but I just wanted to make that clear. Anyway, please review! ^_^