Hi guys, sorry for the very long wait. I was busy with other things i will try to update more on this story and in my other ones too.
Chapter 9
Kiara splashed cold water on her face, she looked into the mirror above the sink. Over the last few weeks, She couldn't believe what almost happened, she almost kissed Seto Kaiba! What would've happened if Mokuba didn't walk in? She thought back at that scene again making her face heat up.
'Kiara, snap out of it!' She thought to herself.
Walking out of her private bathroom she changed into her pajamas her hand glided to the collection of books she has on the shelf stopping at one of her favorite Fairytale books, ever since she was younger she loved reading them, almost every night she would read a different one. She picked out one of her favorites to read for the night.
'Reading always helps take my mind off of things...but now I don't think I can forget that look he gave me when we got so close that we almost.…' Kiara thought lightly blushing.
Kaiba slammed his desk drawer shut, he could take his mind off of the incident, he almost kissed her. Just what came over for him to even try to attempt in kissing her? Ever since he saw her again he felt drawn to her something he never felt to any woman before. He had girls throw themselves at him making fools of themselves just to have a fling with him. He ignored any type of advances from any of them, yet when it comes to Kiara he felt these emotions towards her.
'She's a distraction to you, just look at yourself...you can't think straight, you can't have her around...if she's on your mind you could make a mistake.'
Kaiba bit his lip.
'You can't afford any mistakes! You have a company to run! Everything you work hard for! You can't ruin it!'
The next morning Kiara woke up by her alarm, getting ready for school she checked her bag, reaching for her cellphone that she put to charge on her nightstand, she saw a message from Kaiba.
'From now on send me any homework at this email address.' Kaiba
"What?" Kiara muttered reading the text again. 'Maybe he'll be too busy this week to talk..He did mention something about meeting a deadline.'After a minute she typed in her reply.
'Okay, please try to take a break once in a while..working too much can lead to exhaustion. Anyway, I'll send you any homework we get today by email. ' Kiara
After that Kiara felt a little off that morning,
"Good Morning..K...Kiara." Tabatha greeted the girl with a plate of french toast and eggs ready at the table. Tabatha started washing some of the dirty dishes. "Your father and mother already left for work, they send you their love."
Kiara smiled as she took a seat, taking a bite of french toast, Kiara tried to enjoy her meal but thoughts of that text message plague her mind. 'Maybe I'm just overreacting over that text.' She thought
"How are you feeling today?" Tabatha asked tilting her head looking at the girl.
"Fine," Kiara replied. "A little nervous about the test today."
Tabatha nodded placing the last of the clean dish on the cabinet, she walked towards the girl taking her hand giving a soft squeeze to help ease her nervousness.
"You'll be fine," Tabatha said with a warm motherly tone. "Everything will be okay."
"Easy for you to say...you panicked when you saw those bumps and cuts from that bully two months ago….and well...after I told you about that creepy director at that station."
"But it all worked out fine in the end?" Tabatha softly said, " When I was in high school it was a little rougher...oh I remember one time I was in trouble... a boy harassing me then my sweetheart swooped in saving me."
"Sweetheart?" Kiara said Tabatha nodded letting out a dreamy sigh.
"He's someone you can depend on." She said, "I'm sure someday you'll find someone you can depend on too."
'Someone I can depend on…' Kiara thought 'I...I can depend on him?...can I? He always helped me out when we were young..and he helped me out with that creep.'
After breakfast Kiara went to school, she could hardly focus, she was dropped off by her driver going into the school her eyes shifted at the student parking lot..trying to see if Kaiba changed his mind and decided to come to school in his car.
"I guess he's not coming." Kiara muttered
"Who's not coming?" A voice asked making the girl jump up in fright, she turned to see Yugi.
"Ah...well…" Kiara started feeling her face heat up, she raised her hands waving. "Hey, Yugi….Good morning!"
Yugi smiled but it felt like he was forcing it, that puzzled Kiara, Usually, Yugi would be more cheerful.
"Yugi, are you okay?" Kiara asked
"I'm fine! Everything is okay!" Yugi reassured her trying to sound even more cheerful making the blue-haired girl raise a curious eyebrow at her friend."Oh...Let's go inside…" Kiara watched as he seemed a little jumpy, she saw his hands digging deep into the pockets of his school blazer.
'Something is up...Yugi is not himself…' Kiara thought staring at the boy.
"Yeah, let's go." Kiara said, "Maybe Joey and the others are there."
She walked beside her friend wondering if something was bothering him, she knew she wasn't going to get any answers from him now.
"We have art class today don't we?" Kiara asked
"We do." Yugi said his nervous look disappear for a moment.
"I think we have to sketch something?" Kiara asked
"Yeah!" Yugi said "Although I am a little bad at drawing...what about you?"
"I'm good at it, not the best," Kiara said she smiled. "But music! That's what I'm good at! I love playing any instrument."
"Really?" Yugi said his eyes lit up. "Which do you play the most?" As he opened the door, breaking off with a cry when Joey surprised him and greeted them.
"Morning Yugi!" Joey said with a grin, he high fived Yugi, he looked to Kiara with a smile, "Morning Kiara So, what where you two talking about?"
"Music." Kiara said "Yugi asked me about what instrument I play. I play all sorts of instruments Violin, flute, Piano, and one of my favorites the tambourine."
"Sounds boring..now if you'd play the guitar or the drums now that'd be fun!" Joey said
"I guess but that's what I was doing when I was young.. I even had to learn to dance ballet was fine, it helped me be more confident in my dancing that helped me warm up more in that dance competition.." Kiara said
"Wait, you were at a dance competition?!" Téa exclaimed entering the classroom.
Kiara nodded. "Yeah, you know that old t.v. program Dance junior? Young kids of celebrity parents dancing together at a contest to win money for a charity they pick? The rules were at least one of the pair had to have a few years of dancing experience, my partner had five years of dancing under his belt..his name is Kaleb Rippon." She said Téa squealed causing the group to look at Téa.
"Kaleb Rippon?!" Téa said opening her magazine pointing it at the handsome young man with black hair, dark violet eyes, pale skin wearing a long-sleeve white shirt, and dark blue jeans. "He's known to be one of the youngest talented dancers in Japan! You danced with him?!" Téa hugged the page tightly infatuated with the male dancer.
"When we were younger, he was thirteen I was twelve." Kiara said smiling nostalgically. "We had a lot of fun during our dance practice, we came in second, that didn't matter to me it was also his debut in the professional dance world."
"Wow..that's amazing." Yugi said
Kiara rubbed the back of her head lightly blushing at the praise. "It was years ago...So...Joey, did you finally give up on the whole idol thing?"
At that, Joey stood up on his chair, one foot on the desk.
"I've done my investigating, and after two weeks, it's like I thought – there's no idol in this school!" Joey said it made Téa,Tristan and Kiara almost falling off their chairs.
"Like you thought?!" Téa repeated, looking annoyed. Kiara pinched the bridge of her nose shaking her head as Yugi gaped.
"You were investigating that?!" Yugi muttered, astonished. "Still?!"
"Joey, get your dirty shoes off the desk, that is school property!" Tristan scolded.
"And so I decided!" Joey spoke over, louder than before. "I shall become the school idol."
They all stared at his declaration. Kiara started giggling while Téa gave Joey a deadpan stare.
"What?" Joey argued, stepping down from his desk "Who says I can't?"
"Many, many people." Tristan replied.
Kiara kept on giggling, Yugi patted her back with a small grin on his face.
"Joey for you to be an Idol, it takes a lot of work, and for people to like you." Kiara stated "It's kinda like how I do in business, people need to see you and your brand to know who you are and what you do. "
"Then it's settled! Kiara you'll be my manager! " Joey declared
"Not gonna happen Joey, i'm too busy with other things...plus i don't think being a school idol suits your style." Kiara said
Joey scowled, turning to Yugi.
"Yugi, what do you think?" Joey demanded. Kiara looked as well to see Yugi snap out of his thoughts seemingly distracted. Joey's eyebrows furrowed when he realized Yugi wasn't paying any attention, which is strange.
"Yugi?" Téa said, noticing how out of it their friend was.
"What are you worrying about?" Joey asked, taking Yugi by the shoulders. "Someone bullying you? What's going on? Tell me, I'll help you!"
"Yugi, what's wrong?" Kiara asked concerned for her friend.
"Joey, be gentle!" Téa chastised, but her eyes softened when she looked to Yugi. "Everything okay?"
Kiara watched Yugi carefully, the surprise look on his face shifting into a small, nervous smile. He looked so grateful at them at the moment.
"I'm fine, really." Yugi said. "Everything is fine! But…thanks anyway guys…"
it was that moment Kiara started to shake. 'Is...someone...bullying Yugi again?' She thought
Kiara shared a look with Téa as Joey inspected Yugi a bit more. Still, he gave a nod before turning to Tristan. Kiara saw Yugi dig his hands on his pocket blazer again.
The bell rang, everyone settling into their seats. Kiara glanced at Yugi, seeing his eyes downcast. He looked so nervous while he wrung his hands, Kiara started shaking even more, this was all too familiar for her.
'He's hiding something...i will find out what it is, to help him...that's what friends do..' Kiara thought.
It was now lunch break and all of the students went to the cafeteria while others went to the gym to have some fun playing sports.
Kiara took this time to think of a strategy knowing Yugi, he would try to settle any problem he has by himself.
'He doesn't want to cause trouble to anyone…..' Kiara thought biting her bottom lip, her right hand touching her shoulder she shook her head. 'Now's not the time to remember that.'
Kiara didn't want to make him uncomfortable, so she figured the best plan was to confront him about it alone, talking it out and find a solution to whatever problem he's facing.
"Hey, Yugi." Kiara began nervously, walking up to Yugi as they left the building. Yugi froze, when she came. "You are acting a little more quiet than usual, I was just…wondering if everything is okay?"
Kiara reached out to grasp his shoulder. She felt him tense up. " I'm worried about you, you've been quiet and not acting yourself. You can talk to me we're friends.. Friends tell each other problems...and work together to solve it...you can come to me or our friends and we can help you out."
To her surprise, Yugi began to tremble at her words, Kiara felt her heart sink.
"Yugi..." Kiara said immediately, Yugi shaking his head. "Don't you trust me? You can trust me and our friends."
"Yes! I trust you!" He almost yelled, dropping his voice as he rubbed his eyes. "I'm just grateful. To have you guys as my friends. I just…something happened this morning and I don't know what to do…"
Kiara smiled wrapping her arms around Yugi in a gentle embrace.
"Let's head over at my place, we can have a couple of milkshakes and Tabatha makes the best cookies. " Kiara offered.
Yugi stared at her in surprise, he never stepped foot at her house before. "My schedule is completely free today, I have all kinds of games that might cheer you up, i even got a box of new duel monsters booster packs, you mentioned you have a deck so maybe you can help me with my deck."
"R-Really?" Yugi said quietly, looking nervous. Kiara nodded. Yugi gave a small smile, nodding. Kiara smiled in triumph, her heart thumping wildly.
"Come on, is waiting for us." Kiara said, pointing down the car the driver politely smiled at Yugi and tilt his hat at Kiara. "You can use my cellphone to call your Grandpa ."
"You live here? This is amazing!"
Kiata rubbed the back of her head as Yugi stared up at the large estate. His purple eyes were wide with awe, the gates opened. Yugi looked through the window seeing the yard neat and a large spot full of different flowers with two gardeners tending it.
They got off the car, Kiara waved at the gardeners and entered the home being greeted by Tabatha.
"My Lady...and guest." Tabatha said politely.
"Tabatha, this is Yugi." Kiara said "He's my friend from school, i invited him for some milkshakes and do schoolwork together."
Tabatha smiled nodding her head. "I'll bring in some snacks and drinks." She said
"Good! I'll have my usual." Kiara said "We'll be in the library."
"Wow, i've never seen so many books." Yugi said in awe at the shelves while Kiara was typing away on her laptop.
"Dad brings in some new books from his trips." Kiara said clicking the send button. 'There now He should receive today's homework.' Kiara thought closing her laptop. "Now let's tackle that math!"
The next hour was spent with them in the library helping each other with homework.
Yugi felt that it was nice having someone to discuss the homework with. He was used to doing it by himself occasionally asking his grandfather for help, having a friend made things a little easier. He was impressed at how Kiara tackled the work, it wasn't long until both of them were done. At that Moment Tabatha brought in a tray of snacks along with chocolate milkshake and a teacup.
"I hope this suits your taste." Tabatha said placing the tray down.
Yugi's face lit up at the first taste of the sweet treat.
"It's good right?" Yugi nodded his head as Kiara grinned. "Something sweet always lifts my spirits when I'm feeling down."
Yugi stares at her while she sprinkled cinnamon in her teacup. Kiara smiled at Yugi. "My sweet treat is just warm milk tea with cinnamon." Kiara said her eyes soften. "It's one of the few things that help me when i'm down..Anyway, we're done with homework and we got some sweets "
"Which means Duel Monsters! Oh, and I've been meaning to tell you about this card that my Grandpa showed me." Yugi added, Kiara got up from her seat.
"Wait right here while I get them." Kiara said, seeing Yugi sipping his milkshake. With a giggle, she went out of the library down the hallway to her room.
Kiara went to her desk to the second drawer taking out her deck box she then went to her closet, opening it and standing on her tiptoes as she grabbed a medium sealed box that had duel monsters pictures on the sides
"Here we go!" Kiara yelled, hearing Yugi cheer as she opened deck box, looking at the cards.
"Wow, a full deck." Yugi muttered as Kiara nodded. "So what's in that box?"
"In this box is some duel monsters booster packs." Kiara grinned Opening the box revealing different packs Yugi's eyes widen in disbelief at the large amount of packs.
"That many!?" He yelled out.
"Yep, i thought maybe you can help me and you can also take a few for yourself." She added while Yugi smiled.
"So this is my deck most of my monster cards are spellcasters and some aren't." Kiara said showing her cards."These are my charmer cards.. Wynn the wind charmer, Hiita the fire charmer, Eria the Water Charmer and Aussa the Earth charmer."
"I've heard of them, they may look weak but with the right cards they can turn things around in a duel." Yugi said he flipped a card over. "This isn't a charmer card...Performance of sword?"
Kiara nodded. "I know it's not a charmer card but there's just something about this card that I like maybe it's the design of the card." She said staring at it. "I've had it and so far it hasn't failed me yet." Unknown to her The spirit of the puzzle took over staring at Kiara then at her card.
"It reminds me of you..the facial features the same except the hair color, your odd hair color."
Kiara blinked turning her head, seeing the Millennium Puzzle glow for a moment. For a second, she was positive she heard someone else.
"Kiara?" Yugi asked.
"Uh…sorry, thought I heard someone else …" Kiara replied. "Anyway, there's still some cards I'm trying to find."
"Must be hard," Yugi said with a sympathetic grin. "Grandpa says it takes a lot of patience for someone to build a deck with the cards that they want."
"I know...to me these cards just feel right." Kiara said
Yugi shook his head. "I know what you mean. It would be so cool to see them in action one day."
"I'll hold you to a duel then." Kiara said with a grin. "Now let's open these packs and see if lady luck is on our side!" Yugi nodded his head rapidly excited to see the new cards.
After an hour Yugi stared at the cards for a moment, his free hand going to his pocket.
"Kiara…" Yugi said quietly, Kiara looking up from her cards. "I…I think I'm ready to tell you about what happened."
The next day….
"Let me at him!" Joey roared Kiara grabbed Joey's arm. "Let me go and tear Souzouji apart!"
"Joey you can't!" Kiara said holding his arm tightly.
Yugi and Joey met up with Kiara at the library at an earlier time before the bell rang, Kiara managed to coax Yugi to tell Joey what happened which is why the blonde is angry.
Kiara understood Joey's anger. When Yugi had told her of his predicament, her first thought was the same.
She heard multiple rumors about the unfortunate incident with his last three victims/audience ranging from loss of hearing to being bedrest for days.
"Joey, you can't. You'll get in trouble…" Yugi murmured, lips pursed. "I-I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."
Joey bit his lip still feeling Kiara's grip. "Just stay calm Joey. We can figure something out." She said
To her absolute relief, Joey managed to reign it in enough to give Yugi a pat on the back, She let go letting out a sigh of relief.
"Hey, it's fine. What matters is you told us." Joey assured. "There's no way I'm letting you go to one of his concerts."
"I d-don't know." Yugi replied as they walked to their classroom. "S-Souzouji was pretty clear what would happen if I don't sell any tickets…"
"No one is going to buy those tickets." Kiara interjected. "Two thousand yen? You can spend all of that at the arcade."
"Yeah!" Joey added. "Just give me a few minutes alone with him and-"
"No, Joey you can't settle everything with violence." Kiara said Joey pouted.
Kiara looked into her bag, searching for her wallet.
"I'll pay for a ticket." Kiara muttered, hearing Joey grumbles break off in a choke.
"What?!" Yugi and Joey cried, looking incredulous. Joey looked ready to faint when Kiara took out a two one thousand note yen from a wallet. She placed the money in Yugi's hand and snatched a slip of paper.
"I'm doing this to help you."Kiara replied, staring at the paper in hand.
"Wait, wait, Kiara, I can't…" Yugi began, Joey pulling them to the side.
"Yes, you can. I already purchased it, no ifs or buts no refunds." Kiara replied easily, slipping the ticket to her wallet. "That's business. And now you have one less ticket to worry about. In any case, it might lift Souzouji's mood."
"Wait…" Joey grumbled checking his pockets. He then took a ticket from Yugi as well. "I'll give you the money tomorrow. I'm not letting you two do this alone."
"But –" Yugi tried to argue, Joey waving it off. The blond looked a bit nervous, Kiara seeing him grumble.
"In any case, if it's as bad as people say it is," Joey said boldly. "I can punch Souzouji's lights out!"
"Joey what did I say about using violence!" Kiara said
"Aw, Come on Kiki " Joey replied sweetly using an affectionate nickname to her. Yugi began laughing a bit, looking at them in gratitude.
"Thanks guys." Yugi said
It was now lunchtime, Kiara made a quick trip to the library finding a private area taking out her laptop typing in the schoolwork to send Kaiba.
'The last assignment we have is Art class assigned each of us a random word and we draw it expressing it in our own artistic way whether it's in sculptures, paints or charcoal, Etc. We have at the end of the month to turn it in. I've attached the file of the word she assigned you in this letter, you want to know what my assigned word is? Hehe you'll find out when it's presented!...also don't tire yourself out, i know running a large company takes a lot of work so be sure to rest. That's all for now i'll keep you updated in any changes.
Kiara
After that Kiara let out a sigh. 'I think it's better this way..after all he's far too busy for anything...then again i had a lot of fun with him and Mokuba at the arcade. And he won me that bunny.'
"Uh..um...K...Kiara?"
Kiara almost jumped up in her seat, turning her head to the left seeing Hanasaki, her classmate, walk up to her nervously.
"Oh…Hi Hanasaki." Kiara said, a bit bemused. "What's up?" Hanasaki was a quiet one in class. He almost reminded her of Yugi, in a way. Kiara had always seen him at his desk, or in the library in a corner, reading a comic alone.
Hanasaki seemed to tremble as he stood in front of her, fidgeting nervously.
"Is…everything okay?" Kiara said. A weird sense of déjà vu passed as Hanasaki stuffed his hand into his jacket.
"I was wondering…would you be willing to buy a ticket?" Hanasaki asked softly, Kiara staring in surprise as he brought out a piece of paper. Kiara recognized the writing, the same paper in her bag. "Uhm…It's to Souzouji's show…"
Kiara gaped a bit, trying to process what she was seeing. Hanasaki was also being coerced into selling tickets? 'That no good low life Souzouji...bullying People into selling his tickets.' She thought angrily. 'Maybe i should let Joey punch the guy.'
"How many tickets do you need to sell?" Kiara asked softly, Hanasaki wincing.
"F-Five…" He admitted, his hand trembling. "Please, it would help me a lot if you could…"
Kiara felt her heart break at the tremble in Hanasaki's tone, the way that he was as if he was a scared lost puppy. So Souzouji bullied him to sell five tickets, each two thousand yenl! No one else is going to buy that! Only someone with money to burn can buy it. Kiara looked at Hanasaki's hopeful face, and she sighed.
"Give them to me, Hanasaki." She said, Hanasaki staring at her in surprise. "I'll take them off your hands."
"A-All of them? Are you sure?" Hanasaki repeated. Kiara nodded, Hanasaki's face lit up.
"I can take the tickets from you. Souzouji can't complain especially if he sees a girl there, i'll go and see if i can persuade him to stop with these concerts."
"T-Thank you!" Hanasaki squeaked, looking close to tears. Kiara could only give him a small smile as Hanasaki gave her the tickets.
How was she going to explain this to Joey and Yugi? She couldn't, she knew if she told Joey he would go and beat Souzouji up making the situation worse And if she told Yugi that would make the little guy worry even more. So now she had those tickets in her bag with the money for it tucked in her wallet. The Show is this Saturday luckily her schedule is free.
*3 days later*
Kiara let out a sigh today it's Saturday the day of the 'All Night Solo live' Kiara laid out a few possible choices for an outfit.
After a few minutes she still hasn't decided on a comfortable outfit. She had time to relax before heading out so she spent it on her computer, her cellphone rang recognizing the number, she instantly answered.
"Hi Mokuba." Kiara said
"Hi Kiara." Mokuba said softly.
"How's everything?" Kiara asked
"Fine, i was wondering if you'd like to come over to my house tomorrow to play some games? Seto got me a Nintendo switch with super smash bros. and a bunch of other games!" Mokuba cheerfully said
"I'd love too..just." Kiara stopped for a second. "Make sure to ask your brother if it's alright i don't want to inconvenience him."
"I will. " Mokuba said "In fact i think he'll love the idea of you coming over." Kiara heard something else over the phone. "I gotta go now, bye Kiara."
"Bye Mokuba, and tell Seto i said Hi." Kiara said
"Seto, let's go it's lunch time." Mokuba said with a smile. "Kiara, told me about a great place that has gyros we can go there! It's close by."
Kaiba Standing from his chair, he grabbed his suit coat and picked up the phone. "Let's go." Placing the phone back down, he grabbed his needed items and exited the office. All the while Mokuba chatted who seemed to be in a good mood.
Twenty minutes later, the two brothers were sitting on wooden picnic tabletops with delicious Mediterranean gyros.
Mokuba peeled more of the food wrapping paper from around his meal before taking another hearty bite. Even Kaiba seemed lost in how delicious it was, even if he didn't admit it out loud, Kiara recommended a nice place. Kaiba chewing seriously while staring at the warm pocket of food.
"So,what do you want to tell me?" Kaiba said
"Tell you what?" Mokuba wiped his mouth and his hands with a free napkin before taking another bite.
"Why you were whispering on your phone?" Kaiba said
"I was talking to Kiara." Mokuba said "I asked her if she wanted to come over and play Nintendo switch tomorrow."
"What did she say? " He asked quietly.
"She told me to ask you if it was okay." Mokuba said "Not wanting to inconvenience you if you were busy."
Mokuba waited on his brother to answer. Kaiba's face was so unreadable even Mokuba wondered what he was thinking. Kiara at his place? He felt that burning sensation in his chest, he hasn't spoken to her since that last email he got from her. He knew there was no way in avoiding these feelings and not wanting to upset his younger brother he thought up on something on the spot.
"I have nothing to say, I'll be busy finishing up the other projects in my work office." He said "She can come over." That made Mokuba grin from ear to ear.
"Thanks Seto!" Mokuba exclaimed.
"Kiara, you're going out for karaoke?" Her mother asked, popping in Kiara's room.
Kiara looked up from the clothes she had laid on her bed.
"Yeah. I'll be home around ten any longer i'll call." Kiara assured, her mother's eyebrows furrowing.
"And…it will be with classmates?" She asked, Kiara nodded.
"Yugi and Joey will be there. Along with some people from class." Kiara replied. She looked to her clothes, picking them up by the hanger. "What do you think, the white shirt with the black sleeve or the grey long sleeve with the cute gray fox?"
"The white one." Her mother said immediately."I can drop you off."
"No it's fine mom, i can walk there." Kiara said "I'll be walking with Yugi and Joey."
"Oh…well then text me when you're there and call me after so I can pick you three up." Her mother said."I don't want you kids wandering around late at night." Kiara nodded.
"Of course." She nodded, grabbing the long sleeve. "Now, can you help me with my other pieces?"
Her mother smiled helping Kiara on which item would be best for her outfit.
With her mother's help Kiara decided to dress in a white shirt with black cursive writing that spelled 'Don't break my heart' the long sleeves were black and white striped. Dark blue denim shorts and dark leggings along with black and white converse, for accessories Kiara wore small white earrings and carried a small black and white clutch chain purse. When She looked in the mirror of her bedroom she felt ready to go.
She went downstairs kissed both her parents on the cheek. "I'll text you both when i get there." Kiara said as she had her hand on the door. "Bye!"
"Be careful!" They said
She had to admit that the establishment was nice. The name stood out in big bright green neon letters, making an impression in the heart of downtown Domino.
"Kiara!"
Kiara smiled as Yugi and Joey came running up. Yugi was dressed in his school clothes while Joey opted to go for a black and white striped T shirt and ripped jeans. They both looked up at the karaoke place with some apprehension.
"Alright, let's get this over with i already kissed my Cd collection goodbye, i jammed to my favorite pandora tunes one last time before i got here." Joey announced, chest puffing up.
"Joey, it won't be that bad…" Yugi attempted to reassure the situation, although even he winced at the outcome slowly approaching them.
"The sooner we go in, the sooner Souzouji's show ends." Kiara replied.
Yugi didn't answer as they entered the room, Joey asking for the room that Souzouji rented for the night. Kiara fidgeted, knowing she'd had to tell them what happened with her and Hanasaki.
"Um, there's something you guys need to know." Kiara said as the attendant was busy in the computer looking up the room. Joey and Yugi stared at her curiously. "I met up with Hanasaki and….he was also selling tickets."
"What?!" They exclaimed. Kiara rubbed the back of her neck nervously.
"Y-Yeah, he had to sell five tickets for Souzouji." Kiara explained, "I felt really bad for him so…" she trailed off not wanting to finish her sentence, Yugi blinked, Joey only looked confused as Yugi gasped.
"Kiara…you didn't." Yugi said, "Tell me you didn't…"
Kiara nodded her head confirming it, she reached to her chain clutch She shifted so she could unclasp it and take out the tickets. Joey stared at them with wide eyes and gasped.
"You bought all five?!" He gaped. Quickly, he held up his hands as he tried to do basic math. "That's…that's…ten thousand yen. What the hell Kiara!"
"I couldn't leave Hanasaki like that! He seemed so lost.." Kiara tried to explain, although she winced. "I just wanted to help."
"Kiara….i'm sorry i got you involved." Yugi muttered, Kiara shook her head.
"Don't be sorry, we're friends we help each other out, through thick and thin." Kiara replied. Joey shook his head affirmingly.
"She's right, if one of us is in trouble we all are. " Joey said turning his head to Kiara "You did great helping Hanasaki out."
"Yeah!" Yugi agreed.
"Um, excuse me?" They looked to the attendant, who gave them the room number. "It's the room at the end."
"Thank you." Kiara said, the woman nodding. She walked beside her friends. "And that money is sorta a rainy day money."
"Seriously?" Joey said, narrowing his eyes. "For a rainy day?"
"No, I just have…well, i have this little lock box in my room…" Kiara began to clarify. "I budget my money weekly to keep track of my spending, At the end of each week if i have change i put it there and the end of the year any money i have in that box i use it for other things or projects i have planned...this year i plan in donating it for charity, like i did last year.
She felt her cheeks heat up as Joey and Yugi stared at her in complete awe.
"Kiara, that's great." Yugi mentioned quietly. Joey continued to stare.
"That's…yeah great." Joey began, Kiara nodded. "It's just wow, you really are something Kiara."
Souzouji stared at the three of them with disdain. The bulk of the anger was directed to Yugi. Something that Kiara didn't like. She could see that Joey didn't either, and was glowering at Souzouji darkly, occasionally tightening his fists.
Kiara thought it was a little ridiculous when Souzouji was wearing a white leather fringed suit with accented bell bottoms.
"I said I wanted a six to four ratio of girls to boys." Souzouji growled to Yugi. Yugi only shrunk back. "Instead you bring me one pretty girl, and the blonde idiot?!"
"Who's a –" Joey immediately retorted, Kiara placed a hand on his arm. Joey scowled, crossing his arms. "I'm here to support Yugi here, Souzouji. It's not my fault people aren't buying your tickets."
Souzouji only glowered back.
"Fine, in that case this will be an all-night live show of blood." Souzouji declared, throwing them all headphones. "Here, it'll let you hear my dulcet tones better."
Kiara shared a worried look with Yugi and Joey. Slowly, Kiara put on the headphones, seeing Joey give Souzouji a heated glare. Yugi only trembled. She watched as Souzouji turned the volume of his mic up to max, a sinking feeling in her chest, and felt a shiver up her spine.
"Wait that's way too– "Kiara began, attempting to take the headphones off. The next thing she knew, she heard nothing but a screech. She couldn't even make out the words. The ringing seemed to bounce around in her head, Kiara only just realizing that she fell to her knees with a loud cry. " LOUD!"
To her horror, even her vision was blurry. Kiara could see Joey holding the headphones, grimacing. It looked as if he was trying to take the headphones off, but was stunned by the horrible loud music to do so. Yugi was in a similar state of pain, staring at Souzouji with some disbelief.
Finally, the screeching stopped, Kiara gasping in relief. Souzouji seemed to be saying something.
"S-Souzouji…"
Kiara looked to see Joey glaring at Souzouji, trying to get up off the ground but stumbling. Kiara was surprised that Joey even attempted to stand. The room seemed to shift on its small stage.
" Special…guest!" Kiara could hear, the ringing still in her ears. She looked on in some bemusement as Souzouji pulled back the curtain.
"Hanasaki!" Kiara gasped, standing up so quickly it gave her a sense of vertigo. "W-What did you do to him?"
"Well, Hanasaki here told me he handed all of his tickets to you." Souzouji sneered. "I decided I would teach him a lesson for taking the easy way out."
"I can't believe you! You don't deserve a single scent!" Kiara glared at Souzouji.
Yugi and Joey checked their classmate. She was horrified to see bruises on his face. Souzouji only raised an eyebrow as Kiara glared at him. "All this for Ten thousand yen?!"
"Kiara's right! Souzouji, You don't deserve it after what you did to Hanasaki!"Joey exclaimed
"He broke the deal the minute he chose to take your pretty friend here on her deal." Souzouji said, raising an eyebrow at her.
"I did it to help him! so Let Hanasaki out of here." Kiara retorted immediately.
"N…No…"
Kiara turned to see Hanasaki blinking up at her solemnly. Yugi placed a hand on his shoulder, looking worried.
"Hanasaki…" Kiara whispered. "I'm so sorry…I was just trying to help."
"It's my fault…" Hanasaki argued. "I shouldn't have accepted the offer. I'm sorry."
"Souzouji, you bastard," Joey yelled, throwing a punch. Kiara could see Souzouji grin as he brought the mic to his lips. She cried out as he belted out a terrible screech, Joey stumbling passing out he lasted longer than Souzouji other victims. She saw Souzouji raise the mic stand over an unconscious Joey, She moved without thinking as the mic stand came slamming down on her, she let out a painful cry.
"Kiara!"
Kiara could feel her tears trail down her face as a painful sensation erupted from her back. She stumbled, feeling someone catch her. Kiara looked up and saw….Yugi? No he looked like Yugi but he's taller and his eyes are sharper.
"How dare you make my friends suffer! You even had the audacity to harm her!"The other yugi yelled out, outraged. The headphones hung around his neck, purple eyes alight in hatred. "I won't let you torture them any longer!"
Kiara stared at Yugi as he held her.
"Are you alright?" He asked softly, Kiara looking to where Joey and Hanasaki were. Hanasaki and Joey were out cold.
"F-Fine..…" Kiara replied, wincing. "My ears are ringing..and it hurts a little..so..whatever you're doing..…be careful, okay?"
Yugi only gave her a soft smile in reply, nodding. He took her by the waist, gently setting her on the couch before turning to Souzouji.
"I... think I'm hallucinating…" Kiara said as Yugi taunted Souzouji. "That's…that's Yugi…right?"
Yugi was in the middle of explaining the game using two Sound Pierrot toys.
The game was one of silence. Both Yugi and Souzouji had to keep quiet with the SP toy in front of them. Whoever made the clown dance in front of them would offered up his own life if he lost.
*Kiara's POV*
After a long while the ringing in my ears stopped I watched apprehensively as the game of silence started.
I stared at the guy that looks like Yugi he seems the exact opposite of Yugi. This person seems more sure of himself, more confident and taller. His eyes are sharper but...there's something about him that tells me that he's a friend.
I stared at the table in front of me, my eyes land on the jack the other Yugi left balancing on the glass of water. I saw as Souzouji held his microphone tighter and it wasn't long till I started to hear the faint beating over the speakers and the 'Pierrot started to dance. With the look of confusion that didn't go unnoticed.
" That's the sound of your heartbeat!" The other Yugi exclaimed
Even more baffled Souzouji exclaimed "Why is the speaker playing my heartbeat!?" Then he noticed his mike and remembered he had put it on max volume.
"Even in the midst of trouble, you don't lay down your mike...a habit that has brought you disaster! Souzouji, you lose!" He declared balefully as an symbol appeared over his forehead. He pointed a menacing finger at Souzouji and yelled "Beat Festival!"
Souzouji held his ears the same way I did a few minutes ago.
"Rock music has eight beats! So, of course, when one listens to music with a fast beat, their own heart speeds up to match it!"
At the same time we were both picking up our friends who were sleeping on the floor.
"The music's rhythm is the same as the chant of your heartbeat! Now you are, appropriately, a human karaoke!" He said as we both got out of the room.
*Game Over*
After that i called in for a ride home, picked us up. We brought Hanasaki home and I had to explain how he got so beat up to his father, after that we dropped Joey off to his place then it was just me and Yugi in the car ride, rolled up the window connecting the back seat to give us some privacy.
"Thank you again for saving us from that bully." I spoke up taking the other Yugi's hand, i stared at his sharp eyes while he raised his other hand lightly touching a few strands of my hair.
"An odd color..yet why is it familiar?" he muttered
"Um...so what's your name? I know that Yugi can't be your name too." I said softly.
"I can't remember my name." He said he explained to me that ever since Yugi completed the puzzle he felt that he woke up from a deep sleep, he can't remember his name or his past. All he knows that whenever Yugi or our friends are in trouble he would appear to help us.
"Wow…" I said he nodded holding the puzzle. "Even a spirit needs a name...i can't call you Yugi." I raised my hand placing it under my chin trying to think. "You need a name that suits you."
The other Yugi took a moment to think it over.
"I can't think of one now." He admitted.
"There's no rush." I said "You'll find the right name for you."
A light blinded me and i blinked again only to see that the Other Yugi is gone and that Yugi is looking at me with worried eyes.
" Kiara? Are you okay? " Yugi asked
"Yeah...I'm just a little tired." I said
'What the heck was that?' I thought so many things happened that i just want to sleep, after dropping Yugi off at his place i went home to changed to my pajamas i lightly winced at the pain and tried to sleep, hoping that this pain would go away tomorrow.
There you guys have it! Please leave a review! Any ideas or suggestions Pm me!