Disclaimer: I hate saying these things. Therefore, I'm going to write a
poem that expresses my feelings on stupid disclaimers.
-I say it so often,
And time after time,
You still don't get it.
THEY AIN'T MINE!-
Yup, this is the grand finale of 'Shattered'. If there's any questions from reviews, or anyone guessed on the pairing, I'll post another chapter with mentions and other stuff like that. PLEASE R/R! It means so much to me!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Two days passed faster than Kaiba could have ever imagined. With every passing hour it seemed Yami was getting stronger, but still the chestnut- haired boy worried. Would the Pharaoh be ready in time?
Yami, who had been sleeping, stirred. "Mmph," he groaned. "Kaiba, I'm warning you, if that clock says any time earlier than noon, I will kick your butt through the floor."
"Sorry, Yami, but the trial is set for ten. You can't sleep through it."
"Umph. Watch me."
The Game King buried his face in the pillow, but it was too late. He was fully awake now, and he knew Kaiba knew it.
From out of nowhere a pillow flew and hit the spike-haired boy square on the head. "HEY!"
"Time to get up, my little munchkin. There is a trial waiting for you, and if you don't show up I'll personally kill you. Let's go."
Kaiba had turned to fetch Yami's clothes when he was nailed in the back of the head with a pillow. "You're not the only one with good aim, Master CEO."
"Step it up. We have places to be."
Yami moaned and raised his head, peering at the clock. "SIX-FIFTEEN?! WHAT KIND OF PERSON GETS UP AT THIS WRETCHED HOUR?!"
"Hey! I get up at six-fifteen every day," Kaiba shot back.
"Well, that answers my question," Yami grumbled.
With Kaiba's help he dressed and was ushered out the door into a waiting limo. "Um," Yami began as they drove away from the hospital, "If memory serves, the courtroom would be that way."
"We're not going to the courtroom," Kaiba replied.
"So let me get this straight: You drag me out of my comfortable, warm bed at six-fifteen ON A SATURDAY, force me to get dressed and go to court, only then to tell me that we're not going to court in the first place. So riddle me this, Kaiba: Where are we going? And don't you dare say a cozy little hamlet in the country with a porch swing built for two."
"Actually, we're going shopping."
"Shopping? Why? I don't need anything."
"Yami, if you walk into that courtroom wearing that, the judge will have a heart attack and die. Not to mention you will be attacked by every female reporter, spectator, and witness there. Plus, they're too darn tight. It makes you look like a hooker."
"HEY!"
"Well, it's the truth!"
"My clothes are fine, thank you," Yami argued. "As if that stupid trench coat is any better."
"Hmm. Someone's not a morning person, I see."
"Sure I'm a morning person. But six-fifteen is not morning! That's more like midnight!"
"I'll make you a deal. If you stop griping, I'll find you something nice and tasteful in leather."
Yami's interest was aroused. "Black leather?"
"Yup. Whatever you want."
"And a silver chain?"
"Um…maybe…"
"How about an earring?"
"No. Absolutely not."
"Please?"
"No."
"But I wanna be cool! I wanna be just like all the other teenagers on the earth! I wanna-"
"Okay, memo to me: early in the morning, you have a twisted sense of humor."
"Yup. So how about that earring?"
"Nope."
Their time in the store was relatively short, but much too long for Yami. Kaiba forced him to try on dozens of shirts, pants, jackets, and shoes until he was finally satisfied with how Yami looked. Yami, of course, was just cranky.
"I look stupid," Yami whined.
"You do not. You look fine."
"This jacket itches."
"Hey, it's your fault for wanting leather."
"This tie is choking me."
"Tough."
"These pants are chafing me."
"Deal with it."
"I refuse to wear high-heels."
"Yami, if you don't wear the stupid boots, you won't be able to see over the bar when you're getting sworn in. Now shut up and deal with it."
"I miss my buckles."
"It's only for a few hours!" Kaiba said, exasperated.
"Fine," Yami conceded. Then, a moment later: "I look stupid."
In all actuality, though, he didn't. He was wearing a pair of khakis that fit like a charm: tight, though looser than his usual leather pair. A black leather jacket covered a white button-down shirt whose top buttons were left open. Black boots with a small platform heel completed the outfit, though no one would be able to tell there was a heel on the boots.
"You look fine. Now shut up."
"Yes, O Captain, my Captain," Yami replied sarcastically. But he did stop griping.
The courtroom was packed when they arrived. "Mr. Kaiba! Mr. Moto!" the press kept crying.
"Mr. Moto, I'm Linda Tellard, with the Domino City Times! Is it true that Tea Gardiner was once romantically involved with you?"
Yami shot a confused look at Kaiba, who merely replied. "No comment."
He ushered Yami in the door and up to the desk where Yugi, Joey, Serenity, Tristan, and Ryou already sat. Across them, on the other side of the room, sat Tea. Seeing Yami enter, she got up and began heading over to them.
"Oh, jeez, not now," Yami groaned, easing himself into his chair.
Tea came up to them, a weak smile on her face. "Hi, guys…hi, Yami."
There was a long, awkward silence, during which Yami sat passively, Tea bit her lip, and Kaiba glared angrily.
"Um, I just wanted to tell you, I'm-"
"Get away from me," Yami growled in a low, terrible voice that scared even Yugi.
Tea's eyes widened and her mouth opened and closed like a fish's. "B-But I just-"
"I said get away."
At that very moment, Judge Hart entered the courtroom. They all rose respectfully and Tea returned to her side.
"This court will come to order. The case is State versus Tea Gardiner. Prosecution, you may call your first witness," the judge said.
Reynolds stood. "We call Yami Moto to the stand."
With the help of Kaiba, Yami rose and slowly made his way to the stand. His face was contorted in pain, and it was plain to see he was not fully recovered.
Grasping the handrail for dear life, Yami followed the bailiff's instructions.
"Do you, Yami Moto, swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
"I do."
Relieved, he collapsed into his seat. Judge Hart sneaked him a smile. Reynolds shuffled his papers and began to step forward.
"Your Honor, the defense objects to this witness." Anderson was on his feet in an instant, smirking.
"Excuse me?" Judge Hart exclaimed, but quickly recovered. "May I inquire why?"
"Your Honor, this witness is, as you can see, not in perfect health, thus his testimony may be impaired by pain-induced judgment. We request that this witness be removed for the good of all concerned."
"Your Honor, the prosecution would not have called this witness if he was not capable of testifying!" Reynolds protested.
"Your Honor, it is plain to see that-"
"Order! I will have order!" Judge Hart exclaimed, banging her gavel. She fixed both lawyers with a severe look. "Mr. Moto is the best judge of whether or not he is capable to testify." She turned to Yami. "Mr. Moto, can you proceed with the questioning?"
Yami nodded. "Yes, Your Honor, I can."
"Then the objection is overruled. Mr. Reynolds, please proceed."
"Thank you, Your Honor."
Reynolds began pacing before the stand. "Mr. Moto, please state your name and occupation."
"My name is Yami Moto, and my occupation? Um…unemployed, I guess."
"Were you at Domino High School on June 4th?"
"Yes, I was."
"Please tell this court the events of that day."
"Well, it was a normal day, I guess. I was accompanying my younger brother, Yugi, to school. We met up with Tea Gardiner as we went out for recess. She had been teased the day before, and I was surprised at how cold she seemed. Very unlike herself, really. Then, as we were heading for the swings, a boy named Randall ran up. Tea pulled out a gun and pointed it at him."
"I see. How did you get shot, then?"
"I was afraid for everyone's safety, especially my brother's. I knew I could reason with her, and that she would listen to me. I stepped in front of her and told her to put down the gun. I tried to stop her from senselessly injuring one of her schoolmates."
"If she had not pulled the trigger, if she had listened to you, would you have been injured?"
"No."
"Thank you, no further questions."
Now it was the defense's turn to question. Anderson stood, smirking like he had four aces up his sleeve.
"You are Yami Moto, correct?"
"Yes."
"And you are related to Yugi Moto?"
"Yes."
"You are brothers, then?"
"Objection, Your Honor, relevance," Reynolds called.
"I'm getting to that, Your Honor," Anderson explained.
Judge Hart nodded. "Overruled. But make it quick, Mr. Anderson."
"Yes, Your Honor. Mr. Moto, you claim that you are related to Yugi Moto. Why is it, then, that you have no birth certificate?"
Yami looked confused. "What are you talking about?"
"You have no birth certificate. When questioned, various sources have stated that Yugi Moto is an only child. If you are not related, why were you with Yugi on June 4th?" Anderson demanded.
Yami shot a helpless look at Kaiba. "I don't understand."
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this witness had no right to be at Domino High School on June 4th. He is not enrolled there, and has no relations attending the school. Therefore, all testimony is null and void. I ask that it be disregarded."
Judge Hart closed her eyes in thought. "The jury will disregard all testimony by this witness," she said finally, adding a helpless sigh.
Reynolds and the others paled. "That's it. Our case is gone," he whispered to Kaiba. "Our entire offense depended on Yami's testimony."
Reynolds halfheartedly called the rest of his witnesses, but none gave strong enough testimony to convict Tea. Joey had been watching Yugi; Tristan and Ryou were too far back in the crowd. Kaiba never actually saw Tea pull the trigger. The situation was hopeless.
Anderson opted not call to any witnesses, preferring to merely shatter his opponent's case. Tea was smiling now, sure that she was getting off scot- free.
Meanwhile, Kaiba was grinding his teeth in rage and frustration. How dare she get off with nothing! She shot Yami! But without Yami's own testimony, it couldn't be proved beyond reasonable doubt that she shot him!
The entire prosecution was downcast. There was nothing they could do.
"If there are no more witnesses?" Judge Hart said finally.
Reynolds started to rise. "No-"
"Wait!"
Everyone in the courtroom, including Anderson and the defense, whirled to see Yugi, standing up and staring defiantly at Tea. "I'll testify," he said fiercely.
Yami's eyes widened. "Aibou, you don't-"
"Yes, I do. She shot you, Yami, and I saw it all. She's not going to get away with that. I won't let her."
Calmly, Yugi took the stand and was sworn in. He sat down, still glaring at Tea.
Reynolds stood, positively glowing. "Are you Yugi Moto?"
"Yes, I am."
"Do you go to Domino High School?"
"Yes, I'm enrolled there as an eighth-grade student."
"Did you see Tea Gardiner pull a gun at school on June 4th?"
"Yes, I did."
"Tell us what happened, Yugi."
"We were going to the swings. Randall yelled an insult and started running toward us. Tea pulled out a gun and pointed it at him. Joey, Tristan, and Ryou ran over to us, and made a circle. Yami came out and told Joey to take care of me. He walked in front of Tea, trying to protect Randall. I saw-" Here he gulped. "I saw her pull the trigger. She shot my Yami and said it was his fault!" Yugi couldn't stop the tears from falling. "She shot him! She-"
"That's enough, Yugi," Judge Hart said gently. "You don't have to say any more if you don't want to."
"No further questions, Your Honor."
Anderson leapt to his feet. He hadn't planned for this one. His mouth opened and closed, his face turning deep red. "You say Mr. Moto 'came out'. Where did he come out from, Yugi?"
"Objection, relevance," Reynolds said almost gleefully.
"Sustained," Judge Hart said severely, with a glare at Anderson.
"Are you sure of what you saw?"
"I have never been more sure of anything in my life. I thought Tea was my friend. I know now that no friend of mine would hurt someone I care about in cold blood. She shot Yami for no reason but that he was trying to protect someone she hated." Yugi bit his lip and glanced at the jury, who were nodding and scribbling furiously.
"No further questions," Anderson said sulkily.
The court took a recess for the jury to come to their verdict. The moment Yugi stepped down, Serenity raced forward and swept him into her arms. "Yugi, you did it!" she cried happily. "There's no way we'll lose now!"
Yugi managed a weak smile. "T-Thanks."
Yami limped forward. "Aibou," he said, admiration very evident in his voice. "You-you're-"
Yugi hugged Yami. "I know, Yami. I know."
Kaiba came over to them, positively grinning. "That was really brave of you, Yugi. Without your testimony, we'd have lost. As it is now, we've got all the sentimental jury members for you and the ones we don't win by pity we'll win by your testimony. This is in the bag."
Yugi cast an almost regretful glance at Tea, who was sitting sullenly on the defense bench. "I almost-almost feel sorry for her," he mumbled.
Yami gave him a hug. "Her choices led to her fate. There is no chance for her now."
"And all this because of some teasing," Serenity said musingly. She shook her head. "It's sad to see this happen."
"Sorry to interrupt, guys, but there's a little something I have to do," Kaiba said, turning to face Joey, Tristan, and Ryou.
"Hey, Joey, look, it's the ice cream man," he called, and as Joey whirled around Kaiba turned back to Serenity and kissed her square on the lips. Her pretty eyes widened, but then softened.
Joey turned back and his mouth dropped open in shock. "Oh…my…gosh…"
Yugi giggled and Yami smirked. And right then the jury returned.
"The defense will rise," Judge Hart said. They complied. "Madam Foreman?"
A pretty blonde woman began to speak. "We the jury, on the charge of assault with a deadly weapon, find the defendant guilty as charged. The sentencing will be in a week's time. Until then the defendant will remain in custody of her legal guardians."
Serenity leapt into Kaiba's arms. "We won!"
"We won!" Yugi cried out, squeezing Yami, which caused him to wince.
"I lost," a tiny voice behind them said. Everyone whirled to face Tea, who stood sadly behind them. She tried to manage a smile. "I guess I'll be seeing you guys in about ten years," she tried to joke.
Yami glared at her. "Foolish girl," he nearly spat. "You had your whole life planned. Your way was clear. How stupid to bring a gun to school. Those two bullets, Tea Gardiner, have shattered your entire future. I hope you'll think about that while you're locked away."
Yugi frowned at her. "Why did you hurt my Yami?" he demanded, tears welling in his eyes. "Why did you do it?"
"Yugi-I-I didn't mean to-"
"But you did," Serenity shot back. "Don't heap the blame on someone else. The fault is yours, Tea. You made your choice. Now you have to face the consequences."
~*~
Yami Moto, vice-president of KaibaCorp, sat at his desk, writing in his private journal.
Well, it's June 4th again, just as it always is this time of year. That nagging pain in my stomach still hasn't gone away, but I'm just thankful I lived. After that whole ordeal two years ago, I'm glad I'm getting some rest and doing something fun for a change.
Let's see…Yugi is graduating from high school this year. My little light got skipped up a grade or two because he's so smart. Actually, so did Ryou, now that I think about it. Anyway, he insists that I go, and is forcing me to wear a tie. Sorry, aibou, but Yami wears a tie for no man. My girlfriend, however, is a different story.
Tea is still rotting in jail. Not a one of us has gone to see her, though. For all we care, she doesn't even exist. Don't feel like thinking about her right now.
Kaiba and Serenity finally hooked up. How about that? It's been nothing but agony for poor Joey, who's also graduating with Yugi, but hey. You can't fight love. I wonder how Kaiba feels about dating the sister of the "puppy dog".
Yesterday Yugi brought home amazing news: he and Ryou have been named dual valedictorians of their graduating class. Even more amazing is the fact that Joey is salutatorian. Who'd have thought, huh? Joey. Salutatorian. Don't belong in the same sentence. Just no. Sounds funny? I almost died of laughing when Yugi told me.
Tristan is leaving for college abroad in a few weeks, after graduation. He wants to be an astronaut. I know he'll make it, but outer space? Not for me.
Kaiba and I co-own KaibaCorp now. I handle the gaming stuff, he does the politics. And is he ever good at it! Scares the crap out of some of those would-be buyers. But it's all for a good cause. And I get free Duel Monsters cards! All right!
Oops, almost time to go. Going out to dinner with Mr. CEO, Serenity, and my girlfriend, Jamie.
A tap on the door roused him out of his writing. Kaiba stood there, clad in his usual attire. "Haven't changed a bit since eleventh grade, huh," Yami teased.
"Nope," Kaiba grinned back, an arm wrapped around Serenity's waist. "Ready to leave?"
Yami closed the journal and slid it in his desk. "Yeah. Let's go."
1 END
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Well? What did everyone think? I hope you enjoyed it; I know I sure did.
Yami: You enjoyed it because you killed me?!
Me: No! I enjoyed it because it was drama and humor and romance all mixed into a valuable life lesson!
Seto: Yeah. Sure. You just like to torture Yami.
Me: DO NOT! I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Yami: Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrright. Yeah.
Me: sad-puppy-eyes
Yami and Seto: Awww, we're just kidding. We love you too.
Me: Yay!
All right, question for all you avid readers: Should there be a sequel? If so, what should it be about? If you come up with some ideas or suggestions on what I should do, PLEASE tell me! And you know how to tell me: that magic purple button that says "Click to Review". I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! PUH-LEEZE READ AND REVIEW!
-I say it so often,
And time after time,
You still don't get it.
THEY AIN'T MINE!-
Yup, this is the grand finale of 'Shattered'. If there's any questions from reviews, or anyone guessed on the pairing, I'll post another chapter with mentions and other stuff like that. PLEASE R/R! It means so much to me!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Two days passed faster than Kaiba could have ever imagined. With every passing hour it seemed Yami was getting stronger, but still the chestnut- haired boy worried. Would the Pharaoh be ready in time?
Yami, who had been sleeping, stirred. "Mmph," he groaned. "Kaiba, I'm warning you, if that clock says any time earlier than noon, I will kick your butt through the floor."
"Sorry, Yami, but the trial is set for ten. You can't sleep through it."
"Umph. Watch me."
The Game King buried his face in the pillow, but it was too late. He was fully awake now, and he knew Kaiba knew it.
From out of nowhere a pillow flew and hit the spike-haired boy square on the head. "HEY!"
"Time to get up, my little munchkin. There is a trial waiting for you, and if you don't show up I'll personally kill you. Let's go."
Kaiba had turned to fetch Yami's clothes when he was nailed in the back of the head with a pillow. "You're not the only one with good aim, Master CEO."
"Step it up. We have places to be."
Yami moaned and raised his head, peering at the clock. "SIX-FIFTEEN?! WHAT KIND OF PERSON GETS UP AT THIS WRETCHED HOUR?!"
"Hey! I get up at six-fifteen every day," Kaiba shot back.
"Well, that answers my question," Yami grumbled.
With Kaiba's help he dressed and was ushered out the door into a waiting limo. "Um," Yami began as they drove away from the hospital, "If memory serves, the courtroom would be that way."
"We're not going to the courtroom," Kaiba replied.
"So let me get this straight: You drag me out of my comfortable, warm bed at six-fifteen ON A SATURDAY, force me to get dressed and go to court, only then to tell me that we're not going to court in the first place. So riddle me this, Kaiba: Where are we going? And don't you dare say a cozy little hamlet in the country with a porch swing built for two."
"Actually, we're going shopping."
"Shopping? Why? I don't need anything."
"Yami, if you walk into that courtroom wearing that, the judge will have a heart attack and die. Not to mention you will be attacked by every female reporter, spectator, and witness there. Plus, they're too darn tight. It makes you look like a hooker."
"HEY!"
"Well, it's the truth!"
"My clothes are fine, thank you," Yami argued. "As if that stupid trench coat is any better."
"Hmm. Someone's not a morning person, I see."
"Sure I'm a morning person. But six-fifteen is not morning! That's more like midnight!"
"I'll make you a deal. If you stop griping, I'll find you something nice and tasteful in leather."
Yami's interest was aroused. "Black leather?"
"Yup. Whatever you want."
"And a silver chain?"
"Um…maybe…"
"How about an earring?"
"No. Absolutely not."
"Please?"
"No."
"But I wanna be cool! I wanna be just like all the other teenagers on the earth! I wanna-"
"Okay, memo to me: early in the morning, you have a twisted sense of humor."
"Yup. So how about that earring?"
"Nope."
Their time in the store was relatively short, but much too long for Yami. Kaiba forced him to try on dozens of shirts, pants, jackets, and shoes until he was finally satisfied with how Yami looked. Yami, of course, was just cranky.
"I look stupid," Yami whined.
"You do not. You look fine."
"This jacket itches."
"Hey, it's your fault for wanting leather."
"This tie is choking me."
"Tough."
"These pants are chafing me."
"Deal with it."
"I refuse to wear high-heels."
"Yami, if you don't wear the stupid boots, you won't be able to see over the bar when you're getting sworn in. Now shut up and deal with it."
"I miss my buckles."
"It's only for a few hours!" Kaiba said, exasperated.
"Fine," Yami conceded. Then, a moment later: "I look stupid."
In all actuality, though, he didn't. He was wearing a pair of khakis that fit like a charm: tight, though looser than his usual leather pair. A black leather jacket covered a white button-down shirt whose top buttons were left open. Black boots with a small platform heel completed the outfit, though no one would be able to tell there was a heel on the boots.
"You look fine. Now shut up."
"Yes, O Captain, my Captain," Yami replied sarcastically. But he did stop griping.
The courtroom was packed when they arrived. "Mr. Kaiba! Mr. Moto!" the press kept crying.
"Mr. Moto, I'm Linda Tellard, with the Domino City Times! Is it true that Tea Gardiner was once romantically involved with you?"
Yami shot a confused look at Kaiba, who merely replied. "No comment."
He ushered Yami in the door and up to the desk where Yugi, Joey, Serenity, Tristan, and Ryou already sat. Across them, on the other side of the room, sat Tea. Seeing Yami enter, she got up and began heading over to them.
"Oh, jeez, not now," Yami groaned, easing himself into his chair.
Tea came up to them, a weak smile on her face. "Hi, guys…hi, Yami."
There was a long, awkward silence, during which Yami sat passively, Tea bit her lip, and Kaiba glared angrily.
"Um, I just wanted to tell you, I'm-"
"Get away from me," Yami growled in a low, terrible voice that scared even Yugi.
Tea's eyes widened and her mouth opened and closed like a fish's. "B-But I just-"
"I said get away."
At that very moment, Judge Hart entered the courtroom. They all rose respectfully and Tea returned to her side.
"This court will come to order. The case is State versus Tea Gardiner. Prosecution, you may call your first witness," the judge said.
Reynolds stood. "We call Yami Moto to the stand."
With the help of Kaiba, Yami rose and slowly made his way to the stand. His face was contorted in pain, and it was plain to see he was not fully recovered.
Grasping the handrail for dear life, Yami followed the bailiff's instructions.
"Do you, Yami Moto, swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
"I do."
Relieved, he collapsed into his seat. Judge Hart sneaked him a smile. Reynolds shuffled his papers and began to step forward.
"Your Honor, the defense objects to this witness." Anderson was on his feet in an instant, smirking.
"Excuse me?" Judge Hart exclaimed, but quickly recovered. "May I inquire why?"
"Your Honor, this witness is, as you can see, not in perfect health, thus his testimony may be impaired by pain-induced judgment. We request that this witness be removed for the good of all concerned."
"Your Honor, the prosecution would not have called this witness if he was not capable of testifying!" Reynolds protested.
"Your Honor, it is plain to see that-"
"Order! I will have order!" Judge Hart exclaimed, banging her gavel. She fixed both lawyers with a severe look. "Mr. Moto is the best judge of whether or not he is capable to testify." She turned to Yami. "Mr. Moto, can you proceed with the questioning?"
Yami nodded. "Yes, Your Honor, I can."
"Then the objection is overruled. Mr. Reynolds, please proceed."
"Thank you, Your Honor."
Reynolds began pacing before the stand. "Mr. Moto, please state your name and occupation."
"My name is Yami Moto, and my occupation? Um…unemployed, I guess."
"Were you at Domino High School on June 4th?"
"Yes, I was."
"Please tell this court the events of that day."
"Well, it was a normal day, I guess. I was accompanying my younger brother, Yugi, to school. We met up with Tea Gardiner as we went out for recess. She had been teased the day before, and I was surprised at how cold she seemed. Very unlike herself, really. Then, as we were heading for the swings, a boy named Randall ran up. Tea pulled out a gun and pointed it at him."
"I see. How did you get shot, then?"
"I was afraid for everyone's safety, especially my brother's. I knew I could reason with her, and that she would listen to me. I stepped in front of her and told her to put down the gun. I tried to stop her from senselessly injuring one of her schoolmates."
"If she had not pulled the trigger, if she had listened to you, would you have been injured?"
"No."
"Thank you, no further questions."
Now it was the defense's turn to question. Anderson stood, smirking like he had four aces up his sleeve.
"You are Yami Moto, correct?"
"Yes."
"And you are related to Yugi Moto?"
"Yes."
"You are brothers, then?"
"Objection, Your Honor, relevance," Reynolds called.
"I'm getting to that, Your Honor," Anderson explained.
Judge Hart nodded. "Overruled. But make it quick, Mr. Anderson."
"Yes, Your Honor. Mr. Moto, you claim that you are related to Yugi Moto. Why is it, then, that you have no birth certificate?"
Yami looked confused. "What are you talking about?"
"You have no birth certificate. When questioned, various sources have stated that Yugi Moto is an only child. If you are not related, why were you with Yugi on June 4th?" Anderson demanded.
Yami shot a helpless look at Kaiba. "I don't understand."
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this witness had no right to be at Domino High School on June 4th. He is not enrolled there, and has no relations attending the school. Therefore, all testimony is null and void. I ask that it be disregarded."
Judge Hart closed her eyes in thought. "The jury will disregard all testimony by this witness," she said finally, adding a helpless sigh.
Reynolds and the others paled. "That's it. Our case is gone," he whispered to Kaiba. "Our entire offense depended on Yami's testimony."
Reynolds halfheartedly called the rest of his witnesses, but none gave strong enough testimony to convict Tea. Joey had been watching Yugi; Tristan and Ryou were too far back in the crowd. Kaiba never actually saw Tea pull the trigger. The situation was hopeless.
Anderson opted not call to any witnesses, preferring to merely shatter his opponent's case. Tea was smiling now, sure that she was getting off scot- free.
Meanwhile, Kaiba was grinding his teeth in rage and frustration. How dare she get off with nothing! She shot Yami! But without Yami's own testimony, it couldn't be proved beyond reasonable doubt that she shot him!
The entire prosecution was downcast. There was nothing they could do.
"If there are no more witnesses?" Judge Hart said finally.
Reynolds started to rise. "No-"
"Wait!"
Everyone in the courtroom, including Anderson and the defense, whirled to see Yugi, standing up and staring defiantly at Tea. "I'll testify," he said fiercely.
Yami's eyes widened. "Aibou, you don't-"
"Yes, I do. She shot you, Yami, and I saw it all. She's not going to get away with that. I won't let her."
Calmly, Yugi took the stand and was sworn in. He sat down, still glaring at Tea.
Reynolds stood, positively glowing. "Are you Yugi Moto?"
"Yes, I am."
"Do you go to Domino High School?"
"Yes, I'm enrolled there as an eighth-grade student."
"Did you see Tea Gardiner pull a gun at school on June 4th?"
"Yes, I did."
"Tell us what happened, Yugi."
"We were going to the swings. Randall yelled an insult and started running toward us. Tea pulled out a gun and pointed it at him. Joey, Tristan, and Ryou ran over to us, and made a circle. Yami came out and told Joey to take care of me. He walked in front of Tea, trying to protect Randall. I saw-" Here he gulped. "I saw her pull the trigger. She shot my Yami and said it was his fault!" Yugi couldn't stop the tears from falling. "She shot him! She-"
"That's enough, Yugi," Judge Hart said gently. "You don't have to say any more if you don't want to."
"No further questions, Your Honor."
Anderson leapt to his feet. He hadn't planned for this one. His mouth opened and closed, his face turning deep red. "You say Mr. Moto 'came out'. Where did he come out from, Yugi?"
"Objection, relevance," Reynolds said almost gleefully.
"Sustained," Judge Hart said severely, with a glare at Anderson.
"Are you sure of what you saw?"
"I have never been more sure of anything in my life. I thought Tea was my friend. I know now that no friend of mine would hurt someone I care about in cold blood. She shot Yami for no reason but that he was trying to protect someone she hated." Yugi bit his lip and glanced at the jury, who were nodding and scribbling furiously.
"No further questions," Anderson said sulkily.
The court took a recess for the jury to come to their verdict. The moment Yugi stepped down, Serenity raced forward and swept him into her arms. "Yugi, you did it!" she cried happily. "There's no way we'll lose now!"
Yugi managed a weak smile. "T-Thanks."
Yami limped forward. "Aibou," he said, admiration very evident in his voice. "You-you're-"
Yugi hugged Yami. "I know, Yami. I know."
Kaiba came over to them, positively grinning. "That was really brave of you, Yugi. Without your testimony, we'd have lost. As it is now, we've got all the sentimental jury members for you and the ones we don't win by pity we'll win by your testimony. This is in the bag."
Yugi cast an almost regretful glance at Tea, who was sitting sullenly on the defense bench. "I almost-almost feel sorry for her," he mumbled.
Yami gave him a hug. "Her choices led to her fate. There is no chance for her now."
"And all this because of some teasing," Serenity said musingly. She shook her head. "It's sad to see this happen."
"Sorry to interrupt, guys, but there's a little something I have to do," Kaiba said, turning to face Joey, Tristan, and Ryou.
"Hey, Joey, look, it's the ice cream man," he called, and as Joey whirled around Kaiba turned back to Serenity and kissed her square on the lips. Her pretty eyes widened, but then softened.
Joey turned back and his mouth dropped open in shock. "Oh…my…gosh…"
Yugi giggled and Yami smirked. And right then the jury returned.
"The defense will rise," Judge Hart said. They complied. "Madam Foreman?"
A pretty blonde woman began to speak. "We the jury, on the charge of assault with a deadly weapon, find the defendant guilty as charged. The sentencing will be in a week's time. Until then the defendant will remain in custody of her legal guardians."
Serenity leapt into Kaiba's arms. "We won!"
"We won!" Yugi cried out, squeezing Yami, which caused him to wince.
"I lost," a tiny voice behind them said. Everyone whirled to face Tea, who stood sadly behind them. She tried to manage a smile. "I guess I'll be seeing you guys in about ten years," she tried to joke.
Yami glared at her. "Foolish girl," he nearly spat. "You had your whole life planned. Your way was clear. How stupid to bring a gun to school. Those two bullets, Tea Gardiner, have shattered your entire future. I hope you'll think about that while you're locked away."
Yugi frowned at her. "Why did you hurt my Yami?" he demanded, tears welling in his eyes. "Why did you do it?"
"Yugi-I-I didn't mean to-"
"But you did," Serenity shot back. "Don't heap the blame on someone else. The fault is yours, Tea. You made your choice. Now you have to face the consequences."
~*~
Yami Moto, vice-president of KaibaCorp, sat at his desk, writing in his private journal.
Well, it's June 4th again, just as it always is this time of year. That nagging pain in my stomach still hasn't gone away, but I'm just thankful I lived. After that whole ordeal two years ago, I'm glad I'm getting some rest and doing something fun for a change.
Let's see…Yugi is graduating from high school this year. My little light got skipped up a grade or two because he's so smart. Actually, so did Ryou, now that I think about it. Anyway, he insists that I go, and is forcing me to wear a tie. Sorry, aibou, but Yami wears a tie for no man. My girlfriend, however, is a different story.
Tea is still rotting in jail. Not a one of us has gone to see her, though. For all we care, she doesn't even exist. Don't feel like thinking about her right now.
Kaiba and Serenity finally hooked up. How about that? It's been nothing but agony for poor Joey, who's also graduating with Yugi, but hey. You can't fight love. I wonder how Kaiba feels about dating the sister of the "puppy dog".
Yesterday Yugi brought home amazing news: he and Ryou have been named dual valedictorians of their graduating class. Even more amazing is the fact that Joey is salutatorian. Who'd have thought, huh? Joey. Salutatorian. Don't belong in the same sentence. Just no. Sounds funny? I almost died of laughing when Yugi told me.
Tristan is leaving for college abroad in a few weeks, after graduation. He wants to be an astronaut. I know he'll make it, but outer space? Not for me.
Kaiba and I co-own KaibaCorp now. I handle the gaming stuff, he does the politics. And is he ever good at it! Scares the crap out of some of those would-be buyers. But it's all for a good cause. And I get free Duel Monsters cards! All right!
Oops, almost time to go. Going out to dinner with Mr. CEO, Serenity, and my girlfriend, Jamie.
A tap on the door roused him out of his writing. Kaiba stood there, clad in his usual attire. "Haven't changed a bit since eleventh grade, huh," Yami teased.
"Nope," Kaiba grinned back, an arm wrapped around Serenity's waist. "Ready to leave?"
Yami closed the journal and slid it in his desk. "Yeah. Let's go."
1 END
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Well? What did everyone think? I hope you enjoyed it; I know I sure did.
Yami: You enjoyed it because you killed me?!
Me: No! I enjoyed it because it was drama and humor and romance all mixed into a valuable life lesson!
Seto: Yeah. Sure. You just like to torture Yami.
Me: DO NOT! I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Yami: Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrright. Yeah.
Me: sad-puppy-eyes
Yami and Seto: Awww, we're just kidding. We love you too.
Me: Yay!
All right, question for all you avid readers: Should there be a sequel? If so, what should it be about? If you come up with some ideas or suggestions on what I should do, PLEASE tell me! And you know how to tell me: that magic purple button that says "Click to Review". I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! PUH-LEEZE READ AND REVIEW!
