The Next Chronicles!

Episode 8: Confessions

(Everybody is hanging around in the living room, including their new friends Yugi, Kaiba, Joey, and Serenity. Everybody seems to be participating in a conversation, except for Kaiba, who is flipping channels with a remote)

Naru: So, Yugi, what's with this ancient spirit in your Millennium Puzzle?

Yugi: Well... I guess it's kind of a long story... You see, my grandpa gave me this puzzle one day many years ago, thinking I wouldn't be able to solve it. I really wanted to solve that thing, so I spent hours trying to figure it out and put the pieces together. Back then, what I didn't know is that this puzzle is one of the 7 Millennium Items. These 7 items locked away the ancient Pharaoh's tomb, and all of the secrets. Possession of these 7 items would make one extremely powerful, like having all three Egyptian Gods. Anyway, I eventually was able to solve it and put it all together, giving me possession of one of the Millennium Items. What I also didn't know until I saw him was that inside of the puzzle, there resided an Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh, who was the King of Egypt 5000 years ago.

Ichigo: Whoa... That's some crazy stuff. How does a Pharaoh like that get locked in a puzzle for 5000 years?

Yugi: I'm not exactly sure myself...

Naru: Why don't you ask the Pharaoh?

Yugi: I've tried, but he's lost all of his memory about those past days.

Naru: Oh...

Orihime: Well, I think it's really cool that you have a King inside your puzzle! So, you can just switch with him at anytime?

Yugi: Yeah, pretty much. He takes my place when that happens as I go inside of the puzzle, but we are able to talk with each other through our spirits.

Rukia: So, it's kind of like an inner voice or a conscience then?

Yugi: Yeah, kind of, except it's a different person.

Ichigo: Doesn't that get a little awkward, though, knowing you will never get any privacy?

Yugi: It doesn't bug me. If I ever need it, I just take off the puzzle and we can't see each other or communicate.

Naru: Well, that's good, then, I guess.

Kaiba: (Scoffs) Enough of this ancient powers mumbo jumbo. At least tell them something believable, Yugi.

Yugi: The spirit inside the Millennium Puzzle is very real, Kaiba! I'm not kidding about any of this!

Kaiba: Whatever you say, Yugi.

Serenity: Oh come on, Kaiba. Don't you at least think it's a little bit interesting?

Kaiba: ... (He closes his eyes and thinks) Maybe a little, but that doesn't make it any more believable. (His voice has softened a little bit)

Keitaro: Hey, while I'm thinking about it, Kaiba...

Kaiba: What do you want?

Keitaro: I apologize for anything I've said about you. I actually think you can be pretty cool, once someone knows you well enough.

Kaiba: Hm... Thanks, I guess.

Joey: So, Yoog... (He's giving a mischievous grin)

Yugi: What's up, Joey?

Joey: Who was the first person you ever had a crush on?

Yugi: ? ! What kind of question is that?

Joey: I know, it's a little bit random, but I was just curious, ya know?

Yugi: Well, okay... Well... I guess it would technically be Tea...

Joey: Ah, so I was right!

Naru: Who's Tea?

Joey: She's one our friends from back at our hometown. She is kind of attractive, though, Yugi. How long did it take you to get over her?

Yugi: Get over her? You mean, not like her anymore? (Joey nods) Well, truthfully... that time hasn't come yet.

Joey: You still have a thing for her? Yugi, you dog. Wait til' I tell her...

Yugi: No! I swear, I'll be really upset if you tell her!

Joey: Relax, Yoog, I'm just messing with ya. I have no intention of telling her.

Yugi: Ugh... Thanks, then... Well, how about you?

Joey: How about me? What do you mean?

Yugi: I mean, who was your first crush?

Joey: Oh, well... (He blushes slightly) You know... blond hair, purple eyes, thinks she's better than everyone, a little bit of a...

Yugi: Is it Mai?

Joey: Heh? How'd you know?

Yugi: Vague descriptions aren't your strong suit, Joey.

Serenity: Aw, you like Mai, big brother? That's so cute!

Joey: Eh, sure... (He blushes) Let's go with that.

Yugi: Well, how about you guys? (He looks at Rukia and she blushes)

Rukia: Who, me? (Yugi nods) Well... Let's just say I don't like changing my mind very often... (She eyes Ichigo and blushes a little)

Yugi: Aw, that's sweet... Your first crush is your first boyfriend? (Rukia nods)

Joey: Speaking of, I want to hear your story, Ichigo!

Ichigo: Wh...! Oh, come on! How am I suddenly dragged into this?

Rukia: It's okay, Ichigo. I already know anyway.

Ichigo: ...Oh, yeah, that's right... Well, if you must know... I was with Orihime before I was with Rukia.

Joey: Man, Ichigo! Getting all of the pretty girls, you lucky bastard! (Rukia and Orihime blush)

Kaiba: Are you guys quite finished? I'm sick of hearing all of this.

Joey: Oh yeah? How about you, Kaiba? Who was your first crush?

Kaiba: Nobody. I haven't liked anybody in the past and even if I did, I certainly wouldn't let you know.

Joey: Oh come on, Kaiba! You can't tell me you haven't ever liked anybody! Everybody has had some crush at some point.

Kaiba: No, I haven't. Now leave me alone.

Joey: You can't hide it from me, Kaiba! I know you've got gooey caramel feelings inside of that crunchy exterior!

Kaiba: (Stands up abruptly) I said leave me alone! (He walks off) Irritating mutt!

Joey: Stop trying to cover it up, Kaiba! Just you wait, I will find out who it is!

Serenity: Joey, I don't think you should pester him like that. He doesn't have to share something with you if he doesn't feel it's necessary. It's not really polite to be in somebody's relationship history.

Joey: Well, maybe, but...

Yugi: Let it go, Joey. Kaiba's not exactly the best person to ask about that, anyway.

Joey: Yeah, you guys are probably right. I guess I just got caught up in the fact everyone else was comfortable with it.

Yusei: Hm... Kaiba...

...

(The next day, Kaiba is sitting on the couch watching TV)

Kaiba: This sucks... Why the hell am I still here, anyway? Well, I guess it's not a bad group of guys. They can be interesting to hang around every once in a while. (Joey and Serenity walk up)

Joey: Hey, Kaiba... (Kaiba looks at them both with a somewhat sunken look and he walks away) Kaiba? Kaiba! What's going on? What is with you lately? Hm... (Yusei walks in)

Yusei: Hey, guys. What's going on?

Joey: I'm not sure... We just walked up to Kaiba and said hi, and he just looked at us strangely and left... Now that I think about it, he's been acting really strange lately.

Yusei: So I've heard...

Serenity: What do you think is bugging him?

Yusei: (He looks at Serenity, then at Joey and puts his hand on his chin) I'm not entirely sure...

Joey: I've heard you're the guy who's really good at finding out and fixing these kinds of things. Is that true?

Yusei: (Nods) Yeah, I've fixed my share of household issues... Hopefully I can figure this one out and get Kaiba to get back to... Well, more like his old self.

Joey: Yeah, he's been locked up in his room a lot, too. You think something may be troubling him?

Yusei: It's definitely a good possibility. The question is: What?

Joey: Yeah... Good luck finding that out.

Yusei: Thanks. (He walks outside, thinking) What is Kaiba's problem? He's been acting really strange the past few days... Joey said he looked at him weird after he said nothing but hi to him... This is a confusing predicament... I should ask around and see if anybody knows anything... (He walks back in the house and sees Yugi) Hey, Yugi.

Yugi: Oh, hey, Yusei. I was just looking for you, I wanted to ask you something.

Yusei: Me too, but what's up?

Yugi: Well, do you know if anything's been going on with Kaiba?

Yusei: I was about to ask you that... I'm working on that, trying to figure out what's been going on. Do you know anything about it, or seen him do anything strange?

Yugi: Yeah, a little... I saw him walk by Joey and Serenity down the hall a minute ago. Serenity looked like she tried to help him with something, but he ran off, almost like he was afraid of them.

Yusei: Really? Hm... Anything else?

Yugi: Yes, actually... He saw Ichigo and Rukia hugging in the back yard and ran off with a pained look on his face...

Yusei: I see... This is definitely an odd situation... Thanks for the info, Yugi. It actually helps me out a lot.

Yugi: No problem. I'm glad I could be of assistance.

Yusei: Now, I'm going to go think about this... If you find anything else out, let me know.

Yugi: Will do. (Yugi walks off and Yusei walks into his room)

Yusei: (Closes the door) Well, then... I have a little bit more information to deal with... Yugi said he ran off in pain when he saw Ichigo and Rukia together... Now, that tells me this is actually a relationship issue... So, when Joey was asking him about it the other day, he was trying to cover it up, because it must have been embarrassing to him... Hm... maybe he needs someone to talk to... Which won't be easy considering his personality... But besides that, I have no choice... (He stands up and walks toward his door) Hopefully this can be solved as quickly as possible... (He opens his door to walk out, but Kaiba is standing there, reaching for the doorknob) ? ! Kaiba? What are you doing here?

Kaiba: I need some help, Yusei. I know you're good at this stuff, so I thought I'd see if you could by any chance help me out.

Yusei: Sure, truthfully, I was about to come talk to you. Come in. (Kaiba walks in and Yusei closes the door) I've been hearing from everyone that you've been acting a little odd lately.

Kaiba: Yeah... People have wanted to help me, but I wouldn't know how much help they'd be.

Yusei: You do seem a little bit on the worried side, maybe even leaning over toward sadness.

Kaiba: ...Maybe not that far... Confused, maybe...

Yusei: Hm... Can I ask you a question? Is this a relationship issue?

Kaiba: What? ! How dare you sneak into my personal life? ! What kind of person goes around eavesdropping on his conversations with himself and...

Yusei: Whoa, whoa, relax, Kaiba! I never said I was invading your personal life! I just figured it was a relationship issue due to the way you were acting! I've never been anywhere near your personal life!

Kaiba: ...Sorry about that...

Yusei: Considering the situation, I'm not surprised by that reaction. So, is it a problem with a relationship you're in, or your feelings toward someone else, or am I completely off?

Kaiba: In a relationship... (He turns his back and stands up) That's a good one. You really think I could get in a relationship? Look at me, I act so coldly around everybody. It's a surprise anybody likes me at all. It's how I am, though, and I can't do anything about it.

Yusei: So you're struggling with feelings, then?

Kaiba: Hm... It also doesn't help that I'm afraid of what everyone will think, considering who I am.

Yusei: Hm... (He thinks for a minute) I'm trying to recall anything about you in these short few days we've been acquainted... (He goes through flashbacks in his head) No, not that... Not that, either... Wait... (He looks like he's thought of something and slowly looks at Kaiba) Kaiba... This person you like... Does it... Could it be... that you like... Serenity...?

Kaiba: ... (He falls to his hands and knees with his head hanging and shudders) What... What has happened to me...? What is wrong with me all of a sudden...? Why am I...

Yusei: Kaiba... There's nothing wrong with you... She's a very pretty girl and has a very carefree personality. I don't blame you for liking her.

Kaiba: ... (He continues shaking on his hands and knees) Is... this a bad thing?

Yusei: No, absolutely not. There's nothing wrong with you no matter who you like. Everybody has their own tastes in people, and you just happen to like her. It's not bad at all. Though I can think of one issue in this situation...

Kaiba: Is it what I'm thinking?

Both: ...Joey.

Kaiba: I figured as much...

Yusei: Yeah, he's really protective of his sister, not to mention he already holds a grudge with you.

Kaiba: ... (Finally stands back up) What do we do?

Yusei: Hm... As crazy as it sounds... Now, bear with me on this... We should probably tell Joey.

Kaiba: ? ! How is that ever going to work?

Yusei: Hm... I'm not too sure... Very carefully, I guess...

Kaiba: Hm... Alright then... I'm going to tell him now...

Yusei: What? ! You can't just...

Kaiba: Yusei... I really do appreciate your help, but I think I should take it from here.

Yusei: Are... are you sure?

Kaiba: ...Yes... Thank you, Yusei... For everything. (He shows him a compassionate smile before he exits the room)

Yusei: ? ! Did he just... smile? My god, nothing's making sense today...

...

(A few minutes later, Joey walks in the living room, where Kaiba is sitting on the couch)

Joey: Kaiba, what is up with you today?

Kaiba: Hm... (He stands up next to Joey) Wheeler... I mean, Joey...

Joey: ? ! Whoa, now I really know something's up if you're calling me by my first name.

Kaiba: About the other day...

Joey: Other day?

Kaiba: Do you really want to know who I like?

Joey: Huh? Where is this coming from?

Kaiba: I just felt I needed to tell you before I told her.

Joey: Now I'm interested. Who is it? Is it Rukia? Is it Motoko? Do you have the hots for Orihime, you dog?

Kaiba: No, no, and no. I'm... I like... I'm in love with your sister, Joey.

Joey: ? ! (He stares at him with a shocked face, but then chuckles) Alright, Kaiba, enough of the jokes. Who do you like?

Kaiba: I'm... dead serious, Joey. I'm in love with Serenity.

Joey: ... You... in love with... my sister...? ...(He seems to be growling a little) What the hell is wrong with you? !

Kaiba: ? !

Joey: How dare you tell me something like that? You aren't laying one hand on my sister you conniving little...

Serenity: JOEY! (She walks in, slightly aggravated)

Joey: ? ! Se... Serenity...

Serenity: What's wrong with you?

Joey: ? ! I was protecting you from...

Serenity: This man just opens up his heart to you, and you tell him he can't love who he wants? I believe it's my decision to make, not yours!

Kaiba: ? ! She... heard? (He blushes slightly)

Joey: But... I was just... I didn't trust him with...

Serenity: The only reason you don't want him with me is because you have a grudge with him! Do you know how caring of a guy he really is? Do you know how much he'll do to save his brother and keep him out of danger?

Joey: ...

Serenity: Kaiba... Is what you said really true?

Kaiba: ...Yes... 100% true...

Serenity: I'm actually really relieved... I couldn't find a way to tell you without being scared to death...

Kaiba: Wait... You... like me?

Serenity: (Nods and smiles) I'm... I'm so glad you feel that way... (Her eyes begin filling with tears) I thought it would be hopeless being in love with you, but... I know now that it wasn't a waste... I just wanted... (She starts choking up as her cheeks are lined with tears) Oh, I'm so happy, Seto! (She hugs him and cries into his chest)

Kaiba: ... (He smiles and rubs her head)

Joey: ... Kaiba...

Kaiba: Hm?

Joey: ...I apologize for acting like I did. Serenity's right... You should feel free to love who you want, and I shouldn't be babying her anymore. (He cracks a slight smile) She's happy, so I'm happy for you guys. (His face becomes serious again) But don't try anything funny, ya hear? If you hurt her in any way, emotionally or physically, I'm coming after you. (He smiles again) But I trust you won't do that.

Kaiba: Thanks... Wheeler.

Joey: Good.

Kaiba: What?

Joey: I'm glad you're calling me Wheeler. It's too strange for you to call me by my first name.

Kaiba: Whatever, then. (He continues smiling and embraces Serenity some more. Yusei walks out of his room and smiles)

Yusei: Well, I guess they're a happy couple, huh?

Joey: Yeah... I guess I can't really make Serenity's decisions for her anymore.

Yusei: Good for you. I bet she'll love you even more because of it.

Joey: You're probably right.

Yusei: Well, that's another relationship in the books.

Joey: Assuming it lasts more than a week.

Yusei: I wouldn't worry too much about that... My bets are they'll be together for a while.

Joey: You think?

Yusei: Absolutely. (Everybody else starts to walk in, surprised at seeing Kaiba and Serenity together)

Joey: Well, I guess we should start explaining, huh?

Yusei: You bet.

...

(Everybody is hanging around in the living room again, this time Kaiba involved in the conversation)

Yugi: So, I'm curious to find out how you guys got your powers. Ichigo, you said you were a 'Substitute Soul Reaper', right?

Ichigo: Yeah, that's right.

Yugi: What exactly is a substitute, and how did that happen?

Ichigo: Well... It's a bit lengthy of a story... A Substitute Soul Reaper is someone who has the powers of a Soul Reaper, but isn't really a Soul Reaper. They're usually humans and are given powers by another actual Soul Reaper.

Kaiba: Is that how you got yours?

Ichigo: Yeah. In my world, there are creatures called Hollows that attack the souls of humans for food. They are evil spirits, usually of people who suffered in the world or committed crimes, who died or were killed. They typically have white masks, which is where you need to cut them to defeat them. Anyway, enough of the background info. I was laying in bed one night when I saw a Hell Butterfly fly in through my window.

Joey: A Hell Butterfly? What's that?

Ichigo: They're usually two things: They're the disguises of Soul Reapers in the living world, or they can be used to communicate in the Soul Society. In this case, this was a Soul Reaper, but at that point, I had no clue. One second there's a butterfly, the next, there was a Soul Reaper standing next to me.

Serenity: Who was the Soul Reaper?

Ichigo: I found out her name later on that night, but she happened to be the person I would end up being best friends with... That Soul Reaper was Rukia.

Yugi: Ah, so that's how you guys met.

Ichigo: Yeah, I had actually seen her earlier, fighting off a Hollow that was chasing a little girl's spirit. She came into my house for the same reason. Soul Reapers typically can't be seen by humans, but somehow, I could see her, so she was shocked when I kicked her to get her attention.

Rukia: You could have been a little nicer, you know.

Ichigo: Hey, at that point, I had no idea if you were a good guy or a bad guy. Anyway, we met the Hollow downstairs and it had taken my sisters captive...

Joey: You have sisters, too?

Ichigo: Yeah, Yuzu and Karin. They were hurt, so I wanted to help, but Rukia 'forced' me not to.

Rukia: Come on, you could have been killed in that fight.

Ichigo: She bound my body with a Kido, which is like a magic-type technique, so I couldn't move. I eventually followed her downstairs, where the Hollow had busted a hole in our house. I really wanted to help, so somehow, I used all my strength and got out of the Kido, running toward the Hollow.

Rukia: That was still an idiotic move and I had to save your ass.

Ichigo: Yeah, I was a little optimistic, so Rukia took a hit for me and couldn't fight anymore. So, in order to save us, she let me take her powers to defeat the Hollow, which is how my powers were started.

Yugi: Wow... How did you get to level you're at now?

Ichigo: Lot's of training. You see... (He is interrupted by the blaring alarm of the computer) Dammit... (He presses a button and Ulquiorra appears on screen)

Ulquiorra: Well, greetings, Ichigo.

Ichigo: Dammit, Ulquiorra, can't you leave us alone for once?

Ulquiorra: Nah. I wanted a chance to kill you today, so I'm inviting you over.

Ichigo: What if we refuse?

Ulquiorra: Then I'm coming over there. So, it would be in your best interest to get down here. (He clicks out)

Naru: Great. Another pointless bout with Ulquiorra.

Uryu: Yeah, that's pretty standard. (Sighs) Let's go, guys... (They all run out)

...

(They arrive at Ulquiorra's base, where Ulquiorra is casually standing in the middle of the room)

Kaiba: (Steps forward with Serenity) Alright, look, you freak. We don't want to fight you, so why don't you just let us go?

Ulquiorra: I'm afraid I can't do that. (He snaps and a force field appears behind Kaiba and Serenity, blocking everyone else from attacking Ulquiorra)

Kaiba: ? !

Ichigo: Dammit! These force fields are really pissing me off!

Yugi: What can we do? Kaiba and Serenity are in there alone with Ulquiorra... They have no way to win!

Ulquiorra: What a clever observation, my spiky haired friend. But don't worry, once these guys are dead, I'll be coming for your puzzle.

Yugi: Err...

Ulquiorra: In the meantime, which of you should I attack? Should I attack the irritating Kaiba, or the defenseless Serenity?

Kaiba: You stay away from her. You can attack me all you want, but don't you dare touch her!

Serenity: Seto...

Kaiba: Leave Serenity out of this! I'm the one you want to attack!

Ulquiorra: Hm... Very well... (He disappears and reappears behind Kaiba, cutting his back with his sword)

Yugi: Kaiba!

Kaiba: Grr... Dammit... (He is still standing, trying to fight the pain)

Ulquiorra: Hm, you're still standing? (Ulquiorra disappears and reappears again, this time in front of Kaiba) It's useless to try and resist. (He cuts across Kaiba's stomach, causing his eyes to widen in pain)

Serenity: (Gasps) Oh, no... Seto...

Kaiba: Damn you... (He is still standing, but is struggling to do so)

Ulquiorra: Goodbye, Seto Kaiba. (He stabs Kaiba in the stomach)

Yugi: Oh, no... Kaiba!

Ulquiorra: Your screaming is useless... (He pulls out the sword, causing Kaiba to vomit blood and collapse)

Serenity: (Gasps) Seto... (She kneels next to him)

Kaiba: Se...reni...ty... I...

Serenity: Seto, what is it?

Kaiba: I... love... you... (He passes out as Serenity watches him in horror)

Serenity: No! Seto! (She hangs her head next to him as Ulquiorra walks over)

Ulquiorra: It seems he's as good as dead at this point. Now, I focus on you. (He points his sword at her) Surrender right here and I promise not to kill you.

To be Continued...