A/N: And onto the plot...

Thanks to Misura, Celestial, and of course, Duckydeary for reviewing. ^_^

I see him, a happy smile consuming his good natured face. His delicately small features made something stir inside me, and bile rose unprovoked at the sight of the brunette walking beside him. So sickeningly sweet. My tooth started to throb. I sucked my cheek. This was not bringing back desirable memories. It wasn't that long ago my mind was free from the dark influences of.....well, darkness. 

My body ache all over. To be honest, I've never felt so alone in this world. This is all due to one person, Yugi Motou! It's all his fault! My life, could have been unblemished, but for him!

He saw me, and waved, his leading cheerleader almost bouncing by his side. I saw the flicker of uncertainty flash in her sparkling eyes. That's right, little girl, be afraid, it might just save your life someday.

Yugi grinned eagerly at me. So disgustingly innocent. Doesn't he realise that some people do not appreciate friendship? Ever heard of solitary animals? I forced my muscles to relax, pretending to take in a deep breath of the raw, crisp air, and smiled, the mask I had long perfected slipping over my snarl flawlessly. For now, I will have to bid my time, but soon, my traps will be set. If I play my cards right, forcing Fate upon Yugi Mutou should be a breeze. After all, why shouldn't he enjoy a taste of life, when he had been so enthusiastic in helping to unleash it upon others?

"Hey, they finally let you out the hospital! That's great." He chattered, "How're you feeling? Your arm better?"

"Everything's cool." I replied, trying to calm my seething self. That smile was starting to hurt my face.

"Hey, nice earrings. Brand new too!" Téa commented. I'm so pleased she noticed.

"Yes, I needed a change, to stop being reminded of......unpleasant things, to say the least." Yes, one evil, insane, psychotic, loser Yami if I remember correctly. The doctors tried to persuade me that trauma stimulates the body and dims the memory, despite my persistent argument that nobody, can ever forget something so dark and sinister. Something that took complete control over you, gripping you in its claws, trapping you in your own petrifying fears, coating you in intoxicating, black, despair. His demented laughter was enough to reverse the flow of your blood, and make Yami Bakura look like a docile snow bunny. I should know.

"You haven't seen Tristan have you? He just ran off a minute ago for some odd reason." He asked. Yugi even smelt innocent.

"I'm not his babysitter!" I snapped. A look of hurt crossed his face, twisting his diminutive features in a most pitiful way. Pain. What would he know of pain? How can he possibly fathom what I had been through? Of all the torture I had to endure because....because of him?

He's clueless.

Soon, I'll be able to rip this mask off my face, but for now, I smile. I just smile.

~~~~

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