Sorry this took so long everyone, it's been almost and entire year last I checked... I worked on this here and there, but it's finally finished. Life keeps me busy, so I don't know when I'll be able to post the next one.
Hope it was worth the wait!
"How are you feeling Mai?" Asked Bakura, though it was more for his job than actual friendship.
"Fine, I guess." She muttered, not really in the mood to chat. The fact that she practically terminated her relationship with Seto still ate away at her, even if she knew she was better off. Before she knew it, there were cheers irradiating from the main door and her newly made friends came in to congratulate her.
"Mai that was incredible!" Tea exclaimed.
"You were amazing!" Serenity added.
"I never knew you were so skilled Mai!" Yugi chimed in.
"Bah! I had faith in her da whole time!" Joey said proudly, rubbing his thumb against his nose.
"Guys, that's sweet and all, but I'd rather be alone right now." Said Mai, hiding her disappointment behind her forced smile.
Her friends turned to her in surprised. "What's wrong?" Yugi asked after a short silence.
"Nothing!" She said curtly and Joey took her hand in his.
"Is it because of what happened with Seto?" He asked softly, surprising even himself with his gentleness. Mai didn't speak. She'd always made up excuses for the man's behavior towards her, but she was ready for something more, something warm instead of cold… something – someone like Joey…
She nodded and the boy sighed. He was about to speak when Bakura started. "I'm sorry fellas, but I really need to give Mai her medication now." He said, showing them the device in his hand.
"A shot?" Mai exclaimed, hearing about this for the first time. "I really don't need one, I feel fine!"
"You're healed, it's not the same." The pale boy explained. "If I give you this, you'll have all of your strength back by the next round, not to mention a nice rest."
"Then why don't you give one to Weevil over there? Doesn't he need his strength back too?" She gestured to the boy in the next room being treated by the blonde nurse.
"Well sure, but he's not fighting in the next round, so I'm not authorised to give him the shot. Don't worry Mai, you'll be awake for the round coming up after this one."
The girl winced from the thought of being knocked out by a drug. She really didn't want to take it, she would much rather stay awake for every fight. Then, it hit her, "Wait, if only the winners get the shot, then why isn't Atem resting? He won against Tristan last round!"
Suddenly, all eyes were on Atem, who as of yet, had remained quiet behind the small group of friends. There was no use for the shot since he hadn't been the one to fight, but he couldn't possibly tell them that… He eyed Yugi and Bakura, but as usual, it was Nurse Cecelia who came to his rescue.
"Atem did take the shot." She said as she strolled into the room, leaving a tired Weevil with a hyperactive chained-up Rex. "Since Atem's ability allows him to move at an incredible speed, his nervous systems works the same way with drugs. He was only out for a couple of minutes." Her explanation was quite convincing and actually seemed quite genuine. The others were satisfied with the answer and didn't question it any further, but Bakura couldn't help but wonder what lies she might have told students and gotten away with seeing as how talented she was at lying.
Before he knew it, the pale boy was trapped between a muscular pair of arms that lifted him off of the ground and spun him around.
"I feel great!" Marik exclaimed as he tightened his hold on the white haired boy. "Man! I've never felt better in my life! What on earth did you give me?!"
The gang laughed at the exaggerated gesture. The Egyptian nuzzled the smaller boy's neck as he continued to squeeze the life out of him, but then, he noticed the syringe in his captive's hand and panic swept over him. He snatched the object and threw it against the wall behind them.
"Marik!" Bakura cried as the other's gasped. The taller teen shook his head vigorously with a scared expression distorting his handsome features.
"No! No more needles!" He shouted, swinging his arms in an X shape.
"That wasn't for you dummy." Bakura smacked the other's shoulder annoyingly and crossed his arms. "Now, Mai can't get her shot!"
The gang cheered at the good news, but then, Cecelia stepped up. "Not quite, we have some spare ones in the back room. I'll be right back." The cheers died down in disappointment as she left and returned with a brand new syringe. "I will ask you all to leave now please."
The group of friends nodded and quietly made their way out of the room. Atem had to drag Marik away who kept his eyes locked with the white haired boy. Only Joey remained.
"I just wanted to say, get well Mai."
"I'm not sick you idiot." She giggled with her fist in front of her mouth. "I hope I'll be awake for your fight, but if not, good luck."
"Well I'm glad you still have a sense of humour! And don't worry about me, I'll be just fine!"
With a thumbs up, he spun on his heels and quickly walked out the door.
The next two facing off had been announced five minutes earlier. Serenity had followed Mokuba on the sidelines and had tried to calm him down without success. The boy paced rapidly back and forth with a hand under his chin. Nothing the girl said seemed to be getting to him, it was as though he was in his own little world.
"Do you have a battle strategy?" Asked Serenity, though the boy continued to ignore her.
"I bet Duke will be tough to beat." She added, but the answer was again, silence.
"So… Do you know what weapon you'll choose?" Still no answer.
"… I'm pregnant and Duke's the father!" Serenity exclaimed, making the boy's eyes shoot open with shock. He struggled to find his words, but before he could speak, Serenity raised her hand to keep him quiet.
"Well, I'm glad you were at least listening to me." She said with a roll of her eyes.
Mokuba sighed and took a seat next to her. "I'm sorry. I really want to win, but I can't afford to be distracted."
"I didn't realise I was a distraction." The brunette answered disappointedly, lowering her head.
"You're not! I just meant –" Mokuba said in hopes of cheering her up before he was interrupted by Pegasus's voice beaming trough the speakers.
"I will now invite Mokuba and Duke to join me on stage!" The principal announced.
"Good luck!" Serenity said, all traces of sadness gone from her face.
"Thanks!" The long haired boy jumped from his seat and was one step away from the stage when he gave the pretty brunette one last glance. "Just so we're clear, you're not really pregnant are you?"
Serenity giggled. "What do you think?"
Satisfied, Mokuba ran up to meet the host and his adversary while Serenity met up with her friends. Mokuba decided on a bo-staff while Duke chose a pair of laser beam-shooting gloves. When the buzzer rang and the force field was up, Duke didn't hesitate a second to put his ability to use. His arms stretched out and latched on to Mokuba's bo-staff, tugging him towards him thanks to his superior strength. The small boy was dragged off his feet and he couldn't manoeuvre out of the situation until he got closer to his adversary. Unfortunately, Duke was one step ahead. He launched himself forward, retreating his body to its normal size and struck Mokuba down with a head-butt.
Duke followed by kicking the boy, who was clutching his head on the floor, in the abdomen. Mokuba rolled over a few times to put so distance between them. He stood up hastily, still rubbing the top of his head and glaring up at the boy he detested. Mokuba was determined more than ever to kick his ass now and for good.
He took a fighting stance and waited for Duke to make the first – or rather second – move. The green eyed boy smirked, believing he easily had this one in the bag, and turned to wink and blow a kiss at Serenity. This angered Mokuba who had had enough of jerks trying to show off or take advantage of girls. He grunted and charged towards Duke. His rival saw the assault too late and a fist connected with his cheek. He stumbled backwards and tripped over himself.
Mokuba was walking dangerously close and on instinct, Duke fired the laser beams in his direction. This forced the boy back and gave him time to stand and focus on the task at hand. No more distractions! He fired again, but Mokuba dodged each green beam, slowly making his way forward with side flips and cartwheels. Before he knew it, Mokuba had reached his bo-staff and swung it at Duke's calves, tripping him onto his backside. Mokuba seated himself on Duke's chest and tightened his legs around his middle to minimise his breathing. He then karate-chopped his weapon in half and stabbed each broken side into Dukes hands, breaking his laser-beam gloves and pinning his against the floor.
Duke screamed, but the smaller one's hands found themselves around his throat and squeezed, silencing him. Duke, having found himself trapped, had no other option but to use his legs. He wrapped them around the boy's waist twice and once around his throat to choke him and hopefully push him away. However, Mokuba was persistent and remained on top of Duke even though he could hardly breathe as well. He had a killing-lust-filled desire in his eyes leaving Duke to fear they would both die this day.
Thankfully, Mokuba decided to change things up by smashing into the pretty boy's face. After a few hits, Duke was forced to release the smaller boy when one hit in particular, caused one of his teeth to shoot out of his mouth. The crowd gasped in disgust. It only took two more hits for Mokuba to send the teen out of consciousness, but he continued to swing his fist anyway as well as throwing in some curses. He swung and swung, not caring about the blood splattering back into his face.
"You egocentric monster! You dumbass fucker! Asshole with money! Douchebag shit! I'm going to kill the fuck out of you!"
There were voices telling him to stop, but Mokuba ignored them. He hadn't heard the buzzer go off either nor the sound of footsteps rushing behind him. A strong hand held his arm in place as he struggled to bring it down. His fierce eyes met that of the principal's and he immediately softened up. His eyes wandered to his bloodied hand and the mutilated face of an unrecognisable spoiled rich kid.
Mokuba sprung to his feet. He felt claustrophobic under the crowds' whispered judgments as though he stood in front of a courtroom. It felt like that day all over again… the day he and Seto were brought to court after having been discovered as mutants. They were freaks, unwelcomed by society and sent into exile – sorry – school, at Darkwing High. Back then, Seto had abandoned him, forced him to live on his own. Mokuba hoped, he wouldn't do the same now…
His dark eyes searched frantically for his brother. He was getting dizzy from all the turning around and he began to hyperventilate.
"Mokuba, come with me." Bakura urged him to follow by gently leading him with a hand on his back.
Mokuba hadn't even noticed that Duke had already been taken away until he was seated in the medic room. Nurse Cecilia was just about done repairing his face, though Duke didn't seem too thrilled. Who would be? Once she was done, Duke stood up, flashed Mokuba a death glare and walked out with whatever pride he had left.
On his way out, Mokuba heard someone telling Duke to watch it, it sounded familiar. Walking in was the man Mokuba had been searching for, but no longer wanted to see.
"Sir, you can't be in here!" Nurse Cecelia spoke first.
"Since my company provided most of the equipment for this tournament I think you will agree to spare me five minutes with my brother." Said Seto in an equally authoritative tone.
The blonde contemplated this. She agreed to five minutes and went into the back room with Bakura to give them some privacy.
"What do you want?" Asked Mokuba annoyed as he crossed his arms.
"Isn't it obvious? I wanted to congratulate you on your victory."
A jolt of hope coursed through Mokuba's body and made his eyes pop out of his head. "Really?! You watched me fight?" He said, excited at the idea that Seto was there for him.
Seto looked down and scratched the back of his head. "Well, actually, I only saw you walking off after you were declared the winner." Mokuba's head dropped in disappointment. Tears overwhelmed his eyes hidden under his bangs. "Mokuba, I'm sorry I missed it, but that's no reason to cry! Honestly, I just needed some air and lost track of –"
"Shut up!" Mokuba looked up, eyes red with anger. "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP! I've had it with your excuses!"
"Mokuba, where is all this coming from?!" Seto tried to reason with his brother, but was cut off again.
"Listen here you self-centered asshole! I've had it with your lame ass abandonment issues! You only ever come to me for work related problems, but what about me?! Huh?! Father abandoned both of us! But I never abandoned you like you did me! You don't fucking care about anything but money and girls! I'm just a nuisance to you! I-I fucking hate you!" He stopped his rant to regain his breath and wipe away the tears before speaking again in a low menacing tone. "When I was punching Duke in the face back there, I was visualising you. That's why I couldn't stop myself, that's why I wanted to kill Duke!"
Seto stared dumbfounded at his brother. His mouth was ajar and unable to form a single word.
"Get out!" Mokuba shouted with a finger pointed at the door.
By this time, the nurse and her assistant were handling the situation. Bakura was trying to calm Mokuba while Cecelia politely asked Seto to leave, which he did. Still shell-shocked by his brother's revelation, Seto didn't notice the small brunette waiting outside and bumped into her, sending her crashing to the ground.
"Sorry, I didn't see you there." He held out a hand for Serenity, but the girl shook her head and dusted herself off.
"I bet you are." She said sarcastically, about to walk past him, but was held back by a firm grip around her arm.
"I am." He held her in place for minute, neither saying a word. Serenity shook his hand away and was about to walk in when Seto added "I'm sure you can give him better company than me."
With that, the CEO of KaibaCorp walked away without looking back.
Yugi, Tea, Atem and Joey sat at their usual spot, discussing the upcoming match.
"Aren't you at least a little bit worried about fighting Seto, Joey?" Asked Tea worriedly.
Joey simply crossed his legs and slouched in his chair with his arms crossed behind his head. "Of course Tea! Someone has to put that jerk in his place! He has no right to come walsin' in here like he owns da place. He ain't no more special than us!" Suddenly, he straightened up and his expression became much deeper. "Also, I made a promise to Mai."
"Awe you're too cute Joey!" Tea exclaimed with a hand on her cheek, before returning to her worrisome expression. "But in all seriousness, be careful Joey, Seto is really strong, you could get seriously hurt!"
"I know, I know! Jeez Guys, have a little faith in me will ya!"
"Sorry Joey, good luck in your match, I'm sure you'll do great." Said Yugi as he placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder.
Atem, who until then had remained quiet in his seat, rose and began walking down the bench seats.
"Where are you going?" Asked Yugi when he saw Atem had reached ground level.
"I'm going to go find Seto to wish him good luck. It's not that I don't agree with you Joey, but Seto is also my friend and like everyone he deserves support. I'm not asking you to like him or anything, but get to know him before you judge him. That's all I have to say."
His expression was neutral, but his words were harsh. It was true that none of them had really taken the time to have a real conversation with the rich CEO, it was much easier to simply jump to conclusions. Whereas Joey felt betrayed, Tea felt enlightened. Atem was right, Tea was all about friendship and everyone deserved a fair shot, and she would make sure Seto got his…
Serenity closed the door quietly behind her. Mai had just woken up and was congratulating Mokuba on his victory, though he didn't seem proud of it.
"So this means, Joey and Seto are going to fight next…" Said Mai pensively, her eyes staring intensely at the floor.
"Whatever, I don't care…" Said Mokuba, shutting his eyes firmly to remove the image of his brother from his head.
"You should care kid. You and I will be fighting in the next round, and I don't want to fight against someone who isn't going to take me seriously." Said Mai in a motherly-like fashion. "I think I'll leave you two lovebirds alone now."
"We're not lovebirds." Serenity snapped, keeping her eyes on the floor, covered under her bangs.
"All right, all right, sorry." Mai raised her hands in defense, though not really serious about the apology.
"You're not usually this quiet," Said Mokuba, staring tiredly at his crush, "what's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong with you?!" Serenity snapped again, her tear-filled eyes meeting Mokuba's. "You almost killed someone! Doesn't that mean anything to you?!"
"Of c-course it does!" Mokuba stuttered, taken aback by her sudden attack. His guilt was already pounding on his conscience, he didn't need to be reminded of that. Yet this cute girl was here, terrorised by his actions. He had to defend himself, he didn't know what else to say. "That asshole had it coming… he…"
"Shut up!" she screamed, unable to hear his excuses. "Will you stop being so vulgar?! It's so hard on the ears! And it's annoying! You told me you hated violence! But the way you were fighting Duke… you're such a liar Mokuba! I'm so tired of people like you taking me so lightly!"
Those words were like darts, successfully striking the center of his heart. It hurt, but he couldn't deny what he had done. Mokuba lowered his head in shame, not wanting her to see him vulnerable.
"Well, aren't you going to say anything?" Serenity's voice was almost begging, but Mokuba remained still and quiet. The girl didn't press the matter any further and exited the room.
Bakura entered from the backroom quietly. "I didn't mean to overhear." He said, feeling awkward. Mokuba shrugged him off and offered his arm to the pale boy, who injected him with the healing drug.