Kano: And now we're returning to the Jounouchi/Honda section of this story. You do remember them, don't you?

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh. Do I? ..No, no I don't. Darn.

- I am: Stupidity -

I am the clown.

All my life I've tried to make others laugh, to make everyone around me happy.

But I've finally come to the conclusion that, when it really comes down to it, there isn't anyone around to make me happy.

I play the fool for my friends, but I could never be anything more then that to them.

Well I am more then that.

I am.

I continue on my way home. There aren't many people in this part of Domino, and for good reason. It's not exactly one of the best neighborhoods to raise a family in.

It isn't any wonder that my Mom and Serenity split as soon as Mom could find a new job. I'am starting to think I should have gone with them, and it's hard to believe that I chose to ' stick it out ' with my Father.

I guess I used to be a pretty stupid kid.

According to most people, I'am still a pretty stupid kid.

I turn onto my street, a mess of run-down buildings and crumbling sidewalks. There aren't many neighbors despite the apartment buildings, and two rival gangs who enjoy fighting their wars out on the streets have scared away even the hardiest of people.

It's hard trying to stay out of the crossfire, but I've developed my own..method of keeping safe.

Or rather I've relapsed into that method.

Honda would kill me if he knew.

The door to my apartment building was ripped off one night when the police.. or whoever, were too anxious in getting inside. It isn't so bad now, but during the winter months it can get pretty cold.

I step through the doorway and start up the staircase, stretching a little at the first landing. I haven't been sleeping as much as I should, but I don't think anyone in my position would be able to sleep either.

After all, I only found out a few weeks ago that my younger sister Serenity was slowly going blind.

It was a huge shock to me because-God, of all people, Serenity didn't deserve this.

I turn to start up the second flight of stairs, hand loosely gripping the metal railing, beginning to hate the fact that my apartment is on the top floor.

Suddenly there is a shuffle of footsteps behind me. Before I can turn around I find myself pressed face first against a wall, one arm twisted behind my back at an impossible angle.

' Hello Jounouchi. '

I immediately recognize the voice of the leader of one of those rivaling gangs - Jonas.

Shit. Why him?

He leaned closer, his mouth resting against my ear. I had to resist the sudden urge to disembowel him and strangle him with his own intestines.

I could only imagine what kind of trouble that would get me into with his ' friends '. Probably more then it was worth.

' You're such a little slut. Why don't you get down on your knees and beg for me? '

I am the clown..

I am a fool..

I am so goddamn stupid..

I heard a short thunk, and then the weight on my on my arms and back was gone. I whirled around immediately, my fist already raised to beat the crap out of Jonas, gang or no gang.

Instead I found myself staring into a pair of familiar grey-brown eyes.

' Honda, what the hell are ya doin' here? '

-TBC