A/N: Say hi to the newest chapter of Surviving Through Changes. This'll be when we get back to the duels.
Disclaimer: Don't feel like writing one right now.
Chapter 34
Egotistical Men
Inside the tent
(With Mina)
Minako Aino abruptly sat up and immediately regretted it as a shockwave of pain flowed through her system. Luckily, she hadn't opened up her wound again. In fact, from what Mina could tell in that moment, the wound was healing up pretty quickly, which was odd.
Of course, her injuries were the least of her worries as she felt her forehead. Even though they weren't there, Mina could still feel the crane symbol marks that E.E. had carved into her skull before pronouncing that as soon as her father died she would never be able to free herself from E.E.
That message had been for her mother, Yumi Aino, but what bothered Mina was that Yumi wasn't what E.E. had called her by.
"Cecelia," Mina thought as she calmed herself down. She turned her gaze to Tea, who was lying in a sleeping bag next to her. Mina's sudden alertness hadn't aroused her.
After wiping away the cold sweat from her forehead, Mina slowly unzipped the tent and stepped out. The night air was cold and crisp, but Mina didn't mind much. The fresh air was soothing to her senses.
Then, out of nowhere she felt the violent rustling of the wind. Along with it came a familiar sound.
The sound of a helicopter.
Mina's crystal blue eyes gazed up at the night sky and caught sight of a helicopter headed toward their campsite.
"Mina?"
"Joey," Mina gasped, turning around to find Joey leaning against the trunk of a tree near the tent. He was beginning to stand up. "What's going on Mina?"
"See for yourself," she told him, looking up at the sky again as the wind blew harder. The sound was getting louder as the helicopter loomed closer. It woke everyone up within minutes.
"Someone apparently doesn't understand the concept of a good nights sleep," Joey stated as he watched Tristan rub his eyes.
"No kidding," Tristan agreed, walking over to him. "Who is flying that thing?"
"I think I know," Mina stated, her eyes never leaving the helicopter as it finally touched the ground. The blades began to slow and eventually stopped.
Everyone waited in anticipation as the door of the helicopter opened revealing our favorite young C.E.O.
"Kaiba!" Yugi exclaimed, fully awake.
"What's he doing here?" Joey asked.
No one answered him and an awkward silence filled the air between them.
That is…until Mina finally spoke.
"Glad you made it out okay Kaiba," she said. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd let Pegasus's goons get ya."
Kaiba's eyes glanced down at the bandages peeping out of the jacket Mina wore. "It would appear that they ended up getting to you."
"I'm alive, so it's no big deal." Mina stated.
"Whatever, it's not like I care that much." Kaiba replied. Mina glared at him for that comment, but he pretty much ignored her as he turned his attention toward Yugi. "I haven't seen you since our duel Yugi."
Yugi nodded while reaching into his pocket. He quickly pulled out Kaiba's deck and held it out to him. "Here take your deck."
Kaiba took the cards.
"Just consider it a thank you for that duel you helped me win," Yugi continued.
"Thanks," Kaiba replied turning away. "You'll be compensated for all of your trouble."
He had started on his way when Yugi stopped him. "Hold on Kaiba, I was thinking that since we're all headed toward the castle you could stick with us. Of course you'll need some star…"
"Don't be so naïve," Kaiba interrupted, "this isn't just a game for me Yugi. I'm here to save my brother, not to win some silly prize."
Mina scowled from where she stood. "That's not why he's here either."
Kaiba barely glanced at her. "Whatever, it's not like I care about why any of you are here anyway."
The jerk started on his way again, but this time he was interrupted when Joey decided to step in.
"Why that rich snob," he began, walking defiantly toward Kaiba before rushing to the left in order to get around Kaiba and block him from the path he was walking on. He even grabbed his collar just to prove that he meant serious business. "Listen rich boy, I understand you wantin' to get ya brother back, but don't go thinking you're the only one with a noble cause alright! We all have something to fight for and reason to go after Pegasus, so either get in line or deal with me!"
Kaiba stared down at him as Joey's grip tightened.
"That's right hot shot," Joey continued. "I ain't scared of ya."
"Nice grip," Kaiba scoffed, a subtle smirk on his face as he grasped Joey's gloved hand tightly. "Now let me show you mine."
"AAAH!" Joey screamed as Kaiba twisted his arm slightly before jerking him to the ground behind him.
"Joey!" Mina shouted as Artemis began hissing next to her.
"Are you alright," Yugi asked while rushing over to where his friend laid.
"That was uncalled for," Bakura commented, glaring at Kaiba from where he stood. "He's got a bad wound on his shoulder."
Tea rushed over toward Joey. "Check his pulse Yugi. Make sure the wound hasn't opened up."
"I'm fine," Joey muttered, pushing himself from off the ground. He flinched slightly at the pain coming from his shoulder, but he could manage.
"Do you honestly think I'll let the rules of this tournament or anything else stop me from dealing with Pegasus?" Kaiba asked.
"Forget Pegasus!" Joey exclaimed furiously. "You've got me to deal with now."
Kaiba rolled his eyes as Joey got to his feet. "Forget it. You'd be better off dueling against an opponent you can actually beat, like an infant or a monkey."
"What'd you say!"
Tristan sighed. "That monkey comment gets him every time."
"You're telling me." Mina thought irritably. "Why do guys have to ego trip all the time. It gets old after a while."
"I don't have any time for your nonsense," Kaiba stated, turning away yet again. This only made Joey angrier.
"Go ahead and run!" he snarled. "Everyone knows your nothing but a washed up has been!"
"Joey, be careful of what you say to him," Yugi warned when Kaiba stopped. "Kaiba may be a creep, but he's still considered the top duelist in all the world."
"Not anymore."
"Kaiba isn't going to let Joey get away with that," Mina thought.
"I bet ever since you wiped the floor with him, the guy can't play a trap card without twitching," Joey continued.
Mina just shook her head and sighed. "This is not going to end well."
"Joey, just let it go man," Tristan told him seconds later.
"Yeah, this is the wrong guy to pick a fight with," Tea added. "Besides that you're not fit to duel right now."
Joey ignored them. "What do you say money bags?"
If looks could kill, the venomous stare Joey received from Kaiba would have done just that. However, in Kaiba's eyes was a flash of amusement. He was suddenly eager to duel the blonde idiot. The young man obviously saw an opportunity on the horizon.
"On one condition," he stated with a smirk. "We play using my newest innovation in holographic technology."
"What does that mean?" Yugi asked.
"It means if Joey is really that eager to duel me he'll have to do it using my latest holographic system."
Mina raised her eyebrow and gave a discreet knowing nod at Artemis. He nodded back. He knew as well as she did that Kaiba was up to something with the new duel system.
"Its a new high-tech dueling device that allows players the realism of arena matches in any setting."
"Looks like a regular briefcase to me," Joey stated, noting how Kaiba was holding up the silver briefcase proudly.
Kaiba put the briefcase on the ground and snapped it open. "It's in the briefcase you moron." He took one out of the case and tossed it over to Joey. "It's technology is unprecedented."
"Looks like a flying saucer."
"Don't be an idiot. This is the most state of the art modulator ever built. So if you think you have what it takes to handle it just strap it on."
"Fine then," Joey replied, fastening the metal brace around his right wrist. He observed that the actual duel disk was fastened to a long cord that led to the brace he was now wearing.
"Okay, now what happens?" he asked.
"Insert your dueling deck into the display drive recognizer," Kaiba ordered, following his own instructions. "A life point count will light up and keep score for you the whole match." He drew a card from his deck. "Then choose a card to play and place it on the digital card reader." He placed his card onto the center of the disk. "I think the rest will explain itself."
Joey nodded as he put his own deck into the display drive on his wrist. He drew five cards and picked one to put onto his card reader when the time was right.
"All set?" Kaiba asked.
Joey nodded.
"Then lets duel."
"You got it."
Bakura sighed. "I hope Joey isn't in over his head on this."
"I feel the same," Tea stated.
"Prepare yourself," Kaiba shouted as he tossed the disk like he would a flying saucer. "I summon my Battle Ox!"
As the duel disk spun, thousands of glittering lights made a spiral on the field on which Joey and Kaiba stood.
"Wow, check that out. Its raining glitter!" Tristan exclaimed.
"Yeah like something from an enchanted dream," Tea added dreamily until the nasty Battle Ox appeared.
"Aaaah, or a nightmare!"
"That's a hologram?" Yugi asked, clearly astonished.
Kaiba laughed. "It's a hologram of unprecedented realism. It breaths, snarls, and my technology even projects its odor!"
"You're telling me," Joey stated. "That thing really stinks. It's a good thing he won't be around for very long." He placed his card onto the disk. "I play my Armored Lizard!"
The disk spun and the monster appeared in a spectacular show of glittering lights.
Kaiba didn't bat an eyelash. "Axe slam attack."
The two monsters clashed and for a short moment Joey thought that his monster had withstood Battle Axe's sword. Unfortunately for him, the Battle Ox had cut his monster to shreds.
Kaiba: 2000
Joey: 1800
"What!" Joey screamed. "I can't believe that thing just cut my lizard in half!"
"This new technology isn't for the feint of heart," Kaiba stated. "The technology is intended to force duelists to think on their feet. If it's too much for you, then give up now."
"Fat chance of that rich boy." Joey retracted the duel disk. "I'm a quick learner so watch. I set the card, spin the disk, and bingo, the Flame Swordsman appears!"
Kaiba didn't respond, which in turn made Joey move before thinking about what he was doing.
"Flame Swordsman attack!"
"Wait Joey, Battle Ox is resistant to all fire attacks!" Yugi shouted.
"Too late to tell him that now," Mina commented irritably.
Joey agreed that it was pretty bad timing as his monster was crushed and he lost two hundred more life points.
"Why am I not surprised?" Kaiba asked. "Maybe you should let Yugi make your moves for you, or better yet, why don't I teach you some of the advanced moves the hard way."
Joey groaned. "Give me your best shot."
"You'll regret those words," Kaiba replied setting taking his Battle Ox off the disk. He later returned it along with another card. "Mystic Horseman and Battle Ox merge to become Rabid Horseman."
The Battle Ox's upper body with a horse lower body appeared onto the field.
"You think I'm afraid of a deformed pony!" Joey snared angrily. "Go Swamp Battle Guard."
It was defeated easily.
Kaiba: 2000
Joey: 1400
"Axe Raider!"
Also defeated.
Kaiba: 2000
Joey: 1100
Joey's life points went down.
Joey: 900
And down.
Joey: 700
And down.
Joey: 500
Until he finally fell to his knees clearly ready to quit.
"That's right Joey," Kaiba taunted. "Fall to the dirt like a whimpering dog."
"Come on Joey!" Tea shouted, trying her best to support him. "You're the best at coming back from behind."
"She's right!" Tristan stated. "Now get up man. Don't let Kaiba get away with calling you a canine."
Mina could see that Joey wanted to give up, but his pride wouldn't let him do it. No matter what, Joey would fight to the end.
"Maybe…maybe there's more to him…no what am I thinking. He's just letting his ego rule him like always. Still, he seems awfully determined to prove himself. Kaiba however…he's just being a jerk."
"My friends are right," Joey said finally as he rose. "No one calls me a canine!" He drew his card and placed it onto the disk. "Say hello to my Red Eyes Black Dragon."
Red Eyes Black Dragon: 2400
"INFERNO FIRE BLAST!" Joey screamed as the dragon blew the deformed pony away in a flash of red light.
Kaiba: 1600
Joey: 500
Joey smiled. "How do ya like that!"
Kaiba chuckled to Joey's obvious bewilderment. "It's just like a novice to rejoice when there's nothing to celebrate. The round may belong to you, but the duel is about to be mine."
"Say what!"
"Your dragon is powerful, but it pales in comparison to my ferocious beast."
"Not good," Mina thought.
Yugi gasped out. "Does this mean…"
"I summon out the legendary Blue Eyes White Dragon!"
The roar of the marvelous dragon scared Joey half to death as it appeared onto the field. The end had come.
Blue Eyes White Dragon: 3000
"Attack with White Lightning now!"
The dragon roared as the white blast spouted from the dragon's mouth. In seconds, Joey's dragon was gone. His life points had dropped to zero.
"No," Joey muttered, falling to his knees again.
"Joey!" Yugi shouted rushing over.
Kaiba looked down upon the blonde. "That's right Joey, stay down. Stay down like the sniveling defeated dog I've turned you into."
Tea, Mina, Tristan, and Bakura rushed over as well.
"You alright buddy?" Tristan asked.
Tea sighed. "It's okay kiddo."
All the while Mina was growing increasingly irritated by all this. The duel to begin with had seemed stupid, and Kaiba's attitude was a pain in the butt, but now things were getting personal. Mina didn't appreciate that one bit.
"I'll say my system has proved to be quite effective," Kaiba was saying. "Not only did its realism shock Joey into total submission, but just look at him. He's moping like a frightened dog with its tail between its legs, which exactly how I intend to leave Pegasus."
"But this is Joey," Yugi pointed out.
"Yeah you jerk," Tea agreed. "Did you have to take his confidence away along with his dragon? Joey was just starting to believe in himself as a duelist."
Yugi nodded. "That's right. Beating him doesn't give you the right to humiliate him."
"Quiet Yugi!" Joey ordered. "Don't give this guy the satisfaction."
"Look kid, you don't think Pegasus would give you any more mercy than I did do you?" Kaiba asked. "I understand that the heart of the cards is a powerful philosophy and that it works well for you Yugi, but I need to duel my own way. I can't afford to risk something new and maybe Joey shouldn't either unless he likes life as a dog."
Mina's fists clenched, her anger suddenly flaring.
"Scrounging on the scraps of past victories and begging for mercy out of real duelists," Kaiba continued. "I suppose that's all Joey will ever know because unlike me he's a worthless punk that only knows how to ball up his fists. That's all he'll ever be and deep down he already knows it."
That was when Mina couldn't take it anymore. She marched up to Kaiba and smacked him hard across his face. The silence that followed was filled with a mixture of astonishment and tension.
A shocked expression showed in Kaiba's eyes as he turned his gaze back on her. He didn't reach to touch his cheek, but it stung pretty badly.
"That's enough," Mina told him, leaving no room for argument. "You listen and listen good Kaiba. Joey may not be as good of a duelist as you, but he's definitely a lot stronger than you are."
Kaiba raised his eyebrow. "I hope you don't mean physically. You saw the way I handled him earlier."
"What I mean is that he's a stronger person than you are," Mina explained. "Sure, Joey is impulsive, temperamental, and a bit idiotic, but underneath all that is a really great guy who put his life on the line to protect me. The only people you care to protect are yourself, your brother, and your precious little company. Everything else is apparently insignificant to you."
"Are you done?" Kaiba asked, "I don't have all night to listen to this."
"No one is asking you to stick around," Mina fired back. "We can handle ourselves fine and we know what Pegasus is capable of."
"The wounds on you and that mongrel would prove otherwise."
Mina couldn't say anything to that.
"Pegasus invented the game of duel monsters," Kaiba told them all, "which means that he has every card and every strategy available to him. The only chance I have at saving my brother is playing by my own ruthless rules and not his."
"We understand that but…"
"There's no buts about it Yugi," Kaiba cut in. "Even someone as talented as you will lose easily to Pegasus if your not prepared."
"Why do you say that?" Yugi asked.
Kaiba sighed. "Pegasus uses more than just mere skill. I've seen him use something that's more powerful than any card."
"Did you now?" Mina asked.
"It was exactly one year ago at the Intercontinental Championship in New York City," Kaiba began. "A novice duelist, Bandit Keith, had made it to the final round. He was facing Pegasus and throughout the game, the creator of duel monsters toyed with his opponent. He even went so far as to call a random kid from the audience to finish the duel for him after scribbling notes on a piece of paper. The kid ended up beating Keith in a matter of minutes due to the instructions on that paper. It was like Pegasus knew what Bandit Keith was going to do before he did."
Yugi nodded. "The exact same thing happened when I dueled him."
"I can only hope that my new duel disk system will give me the edge I need to stop him," Kaiba admitted. "If that doesn't work…"
"That still gives you no excuse to take it out on us," Mina interrupted. "It also doesn't give you the right to turn Joey into your guinea pig!"
"Using the duel disk in a practice duel was the only way to test it," Kaiba argued, his temper flaring up. "You don't understand that this is war for me Minako. Your friend just ended up being a casualty."
"I understand perfectly well Kaiba," Mina replied. "You've already forgotten that Pegasus has done his share of terrible things to all of us. Not to mention that for some of us defeating Pegasus is the only way to make everything right again. I understand how you feel, but betraying and using people who care about your well being will get you nowhere Kaiba."
"Goodbye ribbon girl."
Mina sighed as he turned away. "You wouldn't be alive if it hadn't been for me, so the least you can do is show me and my friends some respect."
Kaiba just kept moving. "You'll be compensated for your trouble."
"YOU CAN SHOVE YOUR STUPID COMPENSATION DOWN YOUR THROAT AND CHOKE ON IT FOR ALL I CARE YOU STUPID NO GOOD JERK!
The loud, angry words echoed throughout the night, and Kaiba stopped.
"I'm only going to say this once." he said, slightly glancing back at her.
Mina was startled by the intensity in his stare. "Say what once?"
He hesitated.
"Well…"
"Thank you for saving my life, Mina."
He turned away again and Mina said nothing more. She was too shocked by his sudden gratitude.
"Did he just call me Mina?"
"Wait, Kaiba!" Yugi shouted. "We may not agree on our methods but at least we both know that Pegasus has to be stopped. I hope you'll succeed in finding Mokuba."
Kaiba glanced back yet again. "I hope the same for your endeavors. Just pray that our paths don't cross again before all this is over. Goodbye."
He finally drifted away from sight and into the shadows of the night.
Pegasus stared out of his window as he drank his wine.
He laughed. "Oh, I sense you coming Kaiba. And when you finally do arrive I'll be ready to trap you."
"Master Pegasus."
The eyes of the evil villain glanced back at his subordinate. "I know what you've come to say Croquet. That wretched girl still lives."
"Should our assassination squad set out to kill her again?"
"No, there's no need anymore," Pegasus told him. "I'd rather deal with her myself anyway. After all, if she wants a cent out of me now she'll have to defeat me in a duel. Now that I can't read her mind the prospect of her beating me is quite possible."
"Then what should we do when she arrives?" Croquet asked.
Pegasus smiled. "No need to worry. Just leave that to me."
A/N: And that's the end of this chapter. Please review.