Got another chapter prepped an ready to go. Serenity finally gets to see everyone, including her soulless brother.
It didn't take long for Yami, Kaiba, Tea, Tristan and Duke to reach Paradius Inc. All the while, Joey was hanging, lifeless, on Tristan's back. They were quickly greeted by Mai, who they instantly realized lost her soul. Knowing who was at fault, the group rode the elevator to the roof.
They were all greeted by Raphael, who had also dragged along Serenity with him. A mixture of anger and concern flowed through all of them, now knowing that Serenity had not only been found, but had been dragged into the battle as well.
All the while, Serenity's line of sight went straight to her unconscious brother. She wanted to run to his side, but Raphael stopped her, a grip wrapping itself around her wrist.
"I'm glad that you could join us." Raphael greeted. "We were beginning to think you wouldn't make it."
"Let her go Raphael." Yami ordered.
"That I can't do. You see, we're short on staff, so we need to recruit at least one member. And while she may have turned down the first offer, we'll see what she says knowing that her soul's on the line."
"Let her go Raphael." Mai demanded. "She's been through enough and needs to go home."
"I don't take orders from you." Raphael replied. "Dartz is getting annoyed with your constant lack of respect, and he needs a new recruit. She's working for us now."
"No I am not." Serenity chimed in, pushing herself out of Raphael's grip. "I am sick and tired of this whole detestable ordeal. I'm leaving."
Right as she was about to walk out, the Seal of Orichalcos. The dome knocked her over.
"You're not going anywhere." Raphael declared. "It's already been set in stone, or else you'll lose your soul."
"Once I've defeated you, both of your fates will be sealed." Raphael boasted.
Without any further argument, Raphael began the duel. He didn't need to do much in order to keep Serenity in her place. Like Mai's the Seal of Orichalcos was activated. Yami tried to get through to Raphael the entire time. While the others could only watch as the duel went down.
Eventually, Yami had gotten through to Raphael and the duel had ended without a soul being taken. Apologies were in order, Serenity being one of the first Raphael uttered it to. She didn't say much, unsure how to respond.
That did not stop her from finally running over to Tristan. She could only stare at her brother, who lied limp on his best friend's back. She had a hard time even trying to touch him before she found herself crying.
"Duke." Tristan notified.
Duke didn't need him to say any more, going to Serenity and moving herself away from the sight. She threw her arms around the Dungeon Dice entrepreneur and continued to cry.
She wouldn't get much time to grieve before the building started to shake. It was getting ready to fall. With a Kaiba Corp helicopter arriving, the group made their way up to it. Everyone had managed to get on, except for Yami, who was trying to help Raphael.
Not wanting him to fall to his death, Raphael threw Yami up to the proper ledge. However, Raphael was not as lucky, letting himself fall so that they could move forward. It was after that moment that Yami was able to jump onto the helicopter's opened walkway.
With everyone safe, things started to set in. Yami was determined to save Yugi. Kaiba was ready to reclaim his corporation bace. And all the while, Tristan and Duke tried to counsel Serenity, promising to get his soul back.
This wasn't too hard of a chapter to write. I kind of had an idea and edited it to how I felt it would work. The idea of Serenity being asked to join, was an idea/suggestion from Autobot00001. Originally, I was going to have it be that Raphael was going to take her soul had he won the duel (which he obviously didn't), but I kind of combined the two ideas. I don't know if this will be relevant, but I knew I didn't want to have Raphael rough Serenity up, prior to the duel but possible in the flashback, because I didn't think he would and the fact that he did have a sister himself. Now I don't know if I will have a Serenity pairing be involved at all, but if I do I may go with Duke and Serenity. I digress, I'm starting to ramble.