Wingzero: *yawns* Too tired.
DS: -- Maybe you shouldn't have spent all that time with Ray.
Wingzero: *blush* DS!!!
DS: What?
Wingzero: Let's just start the fic.
Well, there was no turning back. Wing and I were heading towards school. She kept telling me not to worry about it. The Bladebreakers and she were going to stand behind me no matter what. I wouldn't want to mess with some of them, especially Kai. He may have the tough act on the outside, but he really does care for his team and his girlfriend. I was just glad to have friends like them, who will be with me even though I made a mistake or two.
Soon the others joined us. Kai walked by himself as DS wasn't out of her soul room. I wondered how Yami was going to react when his little sister still wants to be friends with me even after what I did. Ray and Wing were walking together as always. They were practically inseparable. The same goes for Tyson and Max. I wish I could have the same relationship they have, but my yami would never admit that he loved me. No, he would rather die than to be weak. Kenny or the chief was lost in thought. I can tell that he was thinking of new ways to improve his team's beyblades or he was thinking about a certain bit beast.
"A penny for your thoughts," a small voice interrupted my train of thoughts.
I managed a weak smile. "If it was true, then I'd be a millionaire by now."
"How are you holding up?" Kenny asked. His voice held concern in them.
"I'm hanging in there," I sighed as we walked down the familiar road. "I'm just nervous about today. You know seeing them for the first time after the incident."
"It was an accident," Kenny tried to assure me. "If they don't understand, then maybe it would be better to leave them alone for awhile. Let them adjust to the situation."
"I guess you're right," I said.
"What are you doing this weekend?" Kenny asked.
"Nothing much," I said staring at the path ahead of me. "I'm going to be working on my homework and studying. Maybe I'll finish that project we have due. Why?"
"The guys and I were planning on spending Saturday at the beach or somewhere," Kenny replied with a smile. "We haven't decided what to do yet."
"Oh."
"I was asking, because you seem down lately and I thought you could use something to cheer you up," Kenny explained. "Maybe you can get your mind off of.."
"Thank you for your concern," I said. "I'll think about it. Anyways, Tyson and Max wanted me to go out on a double or I forgot how many couples are going."
"Oh that's right," Kenny remembered. "Kai, DS, Ray, Wing, Tyson, and Max are all going on a date. How could I forget with Max and Tyson going on and on about it?"
"Maybe you've been thinking too much on improving their beyblades?" I said thoughtfully.
"I guess that could be the case," Kenny said as we headed towards the building.
We had gone earlier, because I was nervous about the whole thing. They wanted to make sure that I will have enough time so they woke up earlier. I was extremely grateful, because I knew a few of them weren't morning people. It took extreme measure to wake Tyson up. The last time I heard he had an early morning shower, since he wouldn't wake up in time for practice. This was before they had a match against the White Tigers. Wing wasn't a morning person either, but she didn't require extreme measures to wake her up. She will wake up when her alarm clock went off, though she wasn't the nicest of people when she wakes up. DS was luckier than all of us. She was allowed to sleep in, because she didn't have to attend school.
Taking our usual seats, we chatted amongst ourselves. Tyson and Max wanted me to get a date, but I was doubtful about it. Then they suggested me going with Kenny as friends. I seriously doubt that Dizzi would approve of it, because I secretly think she was head over heels for the computer genius. Kai told them to knock it off and that they shouldn't force me to go. I told them that I would go, since I wanted to get out of the house.
In no time, the bell rang signaling the ten minute warning. I could hear the other students walking down the hallways. They were either heading for their lockers or classrooms as I heard doors opening and closing. I glanced over at the clock, wishing that school would be over with, but then again, I have two more days after this. I had to face Yugi and the gang for two whole days before the weekend.
Then I saw Yugi and Joey enter the room, followed by Tristan and Tea. They were whispering amongst themselves. At one point or another, I felt their gazes on me. It was rather disturbing. I decided not to think about it. They had already taken their seats, far away from me. I wasn't surprised there. Seto and Malik walked into the room, holding hands. The blonde Egyptian had a faint blush as he walked with his new boyfriend. They too sat far away from me. The other students piled into the room, seeing as the five minute bell had rung. Two minutes before the bell rang, our teacher walked into the room.
Our teacher went through the roll call and told us to do whatever we wanted for the rest of the time. The announcements were pretty short. It was something about trying out for the basketball or baseball team, like I would ever try it. A few miscellaneous things were stolen from people's lockers overnight. I wondered why they would even bother stealing textbooks or some stationary, unless they were planning to use it for a fire or study.
While we were talking, I noticed Joey and Tristan giving me looks. Both of them had been glancing towards me every so often. They usually took up whatever side Yugi was on, as they were close friends. Seto would occasionally send a glare in my direction, though I couldn't care. He usually glared at people, even Yugi so it didn't phase me. However when Yugi glared at me, inwardly I shivered. Yugi wasn't known to hold grudges against people, even against his own darker half. I remembered the time when Yami almost killed Seto Kaiba, during a duel. Yet, Yugi eventually forgave his yami for it. Even though Malik was with them, he gave me a sympathetic look. Both of us had violent yamis so he understood what it felt like.
The first half of the day went very slowly for my liking. It was a conspiracy. Minutes seemed like hours and seconds like minutes. I could feel myself nod off a couple of times, though the teacher didn't notice. She was too busy giving her lecture to see that a couple of her students had fallen asleep. It wasn't surprising that both Joey and Tyson had fallen fast asleep, during her monotonous speech. The others were just as bored as well. Kenny had been taking extensive notes, but he had also been writing a few calculations on a spare sheet of paper. Max was drawing Tyson. I couldn't tell what position the blader was in the picture. Kai seemed to be in deep thought as usual. It wasn't common for him to be brooding over something or another. Wing and Ray were passing notes. Yugi had a glazed look, signaling that he was talking to his yami. Malik yawned a few times and started writing something in Egyptian. Seto was also writing, but it had nothing to do with the class. Tristan soon fell asleep. I was surprised that none of the sleepers were snoring.
When the lunch bell rang, everyone bolted out of the room, towards their lockers. We were hungry and wanted out of there. Besides, some of us had gotten enough sleep in her class. The Bladebreakers, Wing, and I headed towards a shaded area underneath the tree. We decided to have lunch in another place, since the others might not be forgiving. I pulled out my lunch as the others chatted away.
"So what are we going to do on Saturday?" Kenny asked the group.
"I haven't decided yet," Kai said, looking away from Tyson, who was eating like a pig.
"I'm glad we have a day off from training," Ray said with a smile.
"Don't get used to it," Kai retorted as he went back to his lunch.
"You take the fun out of life," Tyson chuckled as both he and Max started giggling. They did make a good couple.
"I invited Ryou, by the way," Kenny spoke up.
"That's fine with me," Wing said, glancing around. "What about you guys?"
"The more the merrier!" Max chirped.
"Sure thing bud," Tyson readily agreed.
"I don't mind," Ray said.
Movements towards our area caught my attention. I thought it was other students trying to find a place to eat. It was a sunny day after all. Who can pass up a chance to eat underneath the sun? Anyways, I was heading off course. That was when I had noticed Yugi and the others. They were looking for a spot to eat their lunches. I had thought they gone to eat at their usual place, but I guessed I was wrong. What had happen to it?
The group had decided to sit underneath the other tree. Seto and Malik were taking turns feeding each other. Yami had come out of his soul room to be with his hikari. Every few minutes, I could feel his gaze on me. I can tell that he wasn't just looking at me. He was glaring at me. Joey and Tristan were arguing over something. I wasn't sure what it was, but it seemed to be a heated argument. They were so adamant over it this time. Tea and Yugi were trying to keep the peace. Good luck on their parts. It was hard enough keeping Joey and Tristan separated, when they really started fighting. Seto was being Seto.
I couldn't take it anymore. I had to talk to them and ask them why they were treating me this way. Yesterday, it was an accident. I didn't mean for it to happen, but it did. We all have to accept that fact and move on or we'll never be going anywhere. I stood up and headed over towards them. They gave me a weary look as I approached their position.
"What is your problem?"
"You," Joey spat out.
"That isn't clear enough," I said, placing on hand on my hip. "You keep looking over at me and I know you're talking about me."
"It's none of your business," Tristan scoffed.
Yami glared at me. "Their actions are none of your concern."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Yugi's soft voice became hard.
"Tell you about what?" I asked him.
"About the training," Yugi replied.
"Because you wouldn't understand," I said quickly. "No one would understand what I've been through and don't you dare say that you can, because you can't."
"That doesn't mean you have to sneak around," Joey said coldly.
"Friends don't keep secrets from each other, especially major ones," Tea said about to go onto her friendship speech. "Friends care about each other to tell when something is wrong."
"You think you have the worst problem," Seto interrupted Tea, which everyone was glad. She sometimes went on and on about friendship. It became rather annoying. "Take a look around you. We each have our problems to deal with. You're not the only one who has difficulties to face. So don't tell us that we don't understand, because we do."
"You're wrong," I snapped. "You don't understand what I've been through. You don't know the pain he has caused me. You don't know what kind of torture he has placed on me for the past months or years."
"How would we know if you don't tell us," Yami asked me, with an intense glare. "I'm not some people who pry into other's businesses. I will not use the millennium eye to read minds, when I know they want their privacy."
"If I told you, he would have beaten me up," I nearly cried out. "You don't know what it's like to fear going home, to be scared of your own shadow."
"That doesn't mean you have to kill the Bakura," Joey said harshly. "I know he has made a lot of mistakes in the past, but killing isn't the answer."
"I told you it was an accident," I replied. "I didn't mean to hurt him. I was defending myself."
"You could have fooled us," Tristan said sarcastically.
"It's true," I said angrily. "I don't care if you believe it or not. What matters is that I believe it and so does my 'true' friends."
"You betrayed our trust by going behind our backs," Yugi explained. "You knew you could trust us to help you. I don't mind that you've been hanging out with your new friends, but you could have at least told us what you were doing."
"I didn't tell you, because I didn't want you to become involved," I said hastily. "This is my problem and not yours."
"What affects one of us affects all of us," Yami stated. "I have told you several times that you could have come to us should you require assistance, but I guessed it's too late now."
"We're a team, but it looks like you didn't want to be a part of it," Tea spoke up. "Back on the Duelist Kingdom, we helped and supported each other. We even risked our lives to make sure Pegasus wasn't cheating and that Yugi could have a fair duel. And you threw that all away."
"I'll be going," I said leaving them.
"Don't even bother coming back!" Tristan shouted at me.
"Good riddance," Joey mumbled, even though I wasn't supposed to hear that.
I headed back towards the area where we were eating lunch. All of a sudden, I didn't feel hungry anymore. I packed away the remains of my lunch as the others finished eating theirs quietly. They understood how I needed to spend time in my thoughts. I took one glare at Yugi and company, before going back to class.
"You okay?" Tyson asked as he saw my long face.
"I'm fine," I lied. I really didn't feel fine, but I don't want them to be worrying over me.
"Are you sure?" Max asked.
"I'm positive," I said, although I really wanted to say. "I'm positive I feel miserable."
Kenny had excused himself, saying that he wanted to check out a book before lunch was over. He mentioned something about a project that was due. The Chief took an extra class than the rest of us. Go figure. Tyson and Max wanted to spend some time alone so they too took off. What were they up to? Kai as always sat by himself, unless it was with a certain yami. Ray approached me as Wing went to the bathroom.
"You may have fooled them, but I know you aren't 'fine,'" Ray said with a serious voice.
"What makes you think that?" I asked, trying to get out of that conversation quickly.
"I can see it in your eyes," Ray said. He approached me. "You hate lying, but you don't want us being overly concerned about you."
I sighed. Man, he was too observant for his own good. "I didn't want anyone worrying."
"I know there are some issues we don't want to talk about, but you don't have to lie to us," Ray said a little hurt. "We understand if you don't feel like answering a question."
"I'll keep that in mind," I said as we headed towards our next class. As I glanced over my shoulder, I saw the Yugi and company also getting ready to go back to class.
The rest of school was pretty much uneventful. Our teachers practically droned on. Some of the students fell asleep. So what else was new? I wasn't surprised Joey and Tyson fell asleep in the middle of the lecture. It was completely boring how he talked in monotone. Who hired these teachers anyways? Are they trying to bore us to death? Just great. I made myself depressed again. I wondered how Bakura was fairing in the hospital. No doubt he would want revenge for what I did to him and kept from him.
Later on that afternoon, I was heading back to Wing's place. Wing and her yami were going to the hospital to check on my darker half. She will later tell me how he was holding up. The Bladebreakers were in training, as their team captain ordered them to. He wanted them to be ready for the next tournament. They didn't win on sheer luck. As I walked back, I felt somebody following me from a distance.
Quickly, I spun around to meet violet eyes. "What brings you here?"
"I wanted to talk to you," he replied in a serious voice.
"What do you want to talk about?" I inquired in a curious tone.
"I wanted to talk to you about you," he said. Regret and sorrow laced through his voice.
"There's nothing really to know about me," I spoke softly, since he was being sincere for once.
"Why did you do it?"
"Why did I do what?" I asked with a confused tone. Seriously, I had no clue what he was talking about. For all I know, he could be referring to that incident in the park.
"Do you have somewhere we can talk alone?" he asked.
"Sure thing," I said, motioning for him to follow me.
When we had reached my new residence, I opened the door. Wing had given me one of their spare keys, since I would be living there for who knows how long. The place seemed to be deserted as there was no one home. I dropped my backpack off in my room, before attending to company. He stood there looking around the room. Not much has changed since he has been here. The only thing that had changed was that the guest bedroom was now occupied.
"What do you want to know about me?" I asked my guest.
"Why didn't you tell us?" he inquired.
"Tell you about my yami's abuse or tell you that I was taking self defense lessons?"
"Both."
"I didn't tell you about my yami's abuse, because if I did, I knew he wouldn't think twice about killing me," I sighed as I placed my head in my lap. "He threatened to kill me if I told anyone, especially Yami. Bakura isn't too fond of Yugi's yami."
"I understand that," he said. "But the Ryou I knew wouldn't hurt a fly. What happened to make you change your mind?"
"I was scared," I sighed again. "I was scared that one day Bakura would go too far and I die. I also was tired of him using me as his personal punching bag, every time he felt frustrated. When I am at home, I worry if I offended him, even if it is just looking at him the wrong way. I constantly have to watch my actions or words, because he will use any excuse to beat me up. I don't know what it is like to wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, as I have several bruises and cuts."
"Violence isn't the answer," he said with regret. "I should know."
"I know it isn't the answer," I said, holding back my tears. "But what happens when everything else fails? I tried reasoning with him. I tried being nice. I tried being patient with him. None of that seems to work."
"Did you try to understand Bakura?" he asked.
I shook my head. "Every time I come to close to him, he pushes me away. I don't know half the time what's going through that mind of his."
"Bakura has had a rough time when he was growing up," he said with sorrow. "I can't tell you any more than that, because he hasn't told me. I understand what you're going through. I've been there." His violet eyes dimmed down as he said those words.
"You don't hate me like the others?" I inquired.
"They don't understand you," he said with a soft voice. "I know what you're going through and it isn't easy. Although, I wish you would have told me. I won't tell a single soul."
"I know you wouldn't have said anything, but I was scared of my yami," I shivered at the thought of him killing me. "No offense."
"None taken," he said, leaning back. "Back at the park........"
"It was a complete accident," I said quickly. "While you guys were busy with each other, Bakura came out of his soul room. He started attacking me for no apparent reason, when my reflexes kicked in. Without any thought, I powered up and fired a blast at him. From what Wing said, my powers were increased, since I was very emotional at the time. I think that was what caused my attack to overpower his."
"If I were in your position, I probably would have done the same thing," he said. "I try not to fight, but if I do, I only fight to defend myself or those I care about. I only use violence as a last resort." He sighed. "How are you holding up?"
"Miserable," I admitted to the violet eyed teen. "My friends think I was trying to kill my darker half, when it was really an accident. They all treat me as I was some traitor. Bakura had been beating me up practically every day until recently. He's now in the hospital because of my mistake. Other than that, my life is peachy."
"In time, they'll forgive you," he tried to sound assuring. "They need time to cool off. You caught us by surprise back there with that burst of energy."
"I even surprised myself," I managed a weak smile.
"You never know what you're capable of until you're pressed to doing it," he said thoughtfully. "I never knew I could stand up to him until I tried."
"I know what you mean," I said. We gave each other knowing glances. "Speaking of which, how is Bakura doing?" Wing and DS were going to visit my darker half, but I wanted to know.
"Bakura was in critical condition last night," he said in a serious tone. "He survived the night and will make a hundred percent recovery. It will take awhile though."
"That's good to hear," I said, relief in my voice. "I may not like him, but that doesn't mean I want him to die."
He nodded his head. "I have to be going. My partner will be wondering where I've gone off to. I told him I would meet him an hour after school."
"Okay," I said, leading him to the door. "Thank you Malik for everything."
"No problem," Malik said before we exchanged our goodbyes.
Wingzero: I have no idea where I'm heading with this.
Ryou: SAY WHAT!!!
Wingzero: Not so loud!
Ryou: Okay.
Wingzero: Anyways, I gotta do my homework. Ja!
DS: -- Maybe you shouldn't have spent all that time with Ray.
Wingzero: *blush* DS!!!
DS: What?
Wingzero: Let's just start the fic.
Well, there was no turning back. Wing and I were heading towards school. She kept telling me not to worry about it. The Bladebreakers and she were going to stand behind me no matter what. I wouldn't want to mess with some of them, especially Kai. He may have the tough act on the outside, but he really does care for his team and his girlfriend. I was just glad to have friends like them, who will be with me even though I made a mistake or two.
Soon the others joined us. Kai walked by himself as DS wasn't out of her soul room. I wondered how Yami was going to react when his little sister still wants to be friends with me even after what I did. Ray and Wing were walking together as always. They were practically inseparable. The same goes for Tyson and Max. I wish I could have the same relationship they have, but my yami would never admit that he loved me. No, he would rather die than to be weak. Kenny or the chief was lost in thought. I can tell that he was thinking of new ways to improve his team's beyblades or he was thinking about a certain bit beast.
"A penny for your thoughts," a small voice interrupted my train of thoughts.
I managed a weak smile. "If it was true, then I'd be a millionaire by now."
"How are you holding up?" Kenny asked. His voice held concern in them.
"I'm hanging in there," I sighed as we walked down the familiar road. "I'm just nervous about today. You know seeing them for the first time after the incident."
"It was an accident," Kenny tried to assure me. "If they don't understand, then maybe it would be better to leave them alone for awhile. Let them adjust to the situation."
"I guess you're right," I said.
"What are you doing this weekend?" Kenny asked.
"Nothing much," I said staring at the path ahead of me. "I'm going to be working on my homework and studying. Maybe I'll finish that project we have due. Why?"
"The guys and I were planning on spending Saturday at the beach or somewhere," Kenny replied with a smile. "We haven't decided what to do yet."
"Oh."
"I was asking, because you seem down lately and I thought you could use something to cheer you up," Kenny explained. "Maybe you can get your mind off of.."
"Thank you for your concern," I said. "I'll think about it. Anyways, Tyson and Max wanted me to go out on a double or I forgot how many couples are going."
"Oh that's right," Kenny remembered. "Kai, DS, Ray, Wing, Tyson, and Max are all going on a date. How could I forget with Max and Tyson going on and on about it?"
"Maybe you've been thinking too much on improving their beyblades?" I said thoughtfully.
"I guess that could be the case," Kenny said as we headed towards the building.
We had gone earlier, because I was nervous about the whole thing. They wanted to make sure that I will have enough time so they woke up earlier. I was extremely grateful, because I knew a few of them weren't morning people. It took extreme measure to wake Tyson up. The last time I heard he had an early morning shower, since he wouldn't wake up in time for practice. This was before they had a match against the White Tigers. Wing wasn't a morning person either, but she didn't require extreme measures to wake her up. She will wake up when her alarm clock went off, though she wasn't the nicest of people when she wakes up. DS was luckier than all of us. She was allowed to sleep in, because she didn't have to attend school.
Taking our usual seats, we chatted amongst ourselves. Tyson and Max wanted me to get a date, but I was doubtful about it. Then they suggested me going with Kenny as friends. I seriously doubt that Dizzi would approve of it, because I secretly think she was head over heels for the computer genius. Kai told them to knock it off and that they shouldn't force me to go. I told them that I would go, since I wanted to get out of the house.
In no time, the bell rang signaling the ten minute warning. I could hear the other students walking down the hallways. They were either heading for their lockers or classrooms as I heard doors opening and closing. I glanced over at the clock, wishing that school would be over with, but then again, I have two more days after this. I had to face Yugi and the gang for two whole days before the weekend.
Then I saw Yugi and Joey enter the room, followed by Tristan and Tea. They were whispering amongst themselves. At one point or another, I felt their gazes on me. It was rather disturbing. I decided not to think about it. They had already taken their seats, far away from me. I wasn't surprised there. Seto and Malik walked into the room, holding hands. The blonde Egyptian had a faint blush as he walked with his new boyfriend. They too sat far away from me. The other students piled into the room, seeing as the five minute bell had rung. Two minutes before the bell rang, our teacher walked into the room.
Our teacher went through the roll call and told us to do whatever we wanted for the rest of the time. The announcements were pretty short. It was something about trying out for the basketball or baseball team, like I would ever try it. A few miscellaneous things were stolen from people's lockers overnight. I wondered why they would even bother stealing textbooks or some stationary, unless they were planning to use it for a fire or study.
While we were talking, I noticed Joey and Tristan giving me looks. Both of them had been glancing towards me every so often. They usually took up whatever side Yugi was on, as they were close friends. Seto would occasionally send a glare in my direction, though I couldn't care. He usually glared at people, even Yugi so it didn't phase me. However when Yugi glared at me, inwardly I shivered. Yugi wasn't known to hold grudges against people, even against his own darker half. I remembered the time when Yami almost killed Seto Kaiba, during a duel. Yet, Yugi eventually forgave his yami for it. Even though Malik was with them, he gave me a sympathetic look. Both of us had violent yamis so he understood what it felt like.
The first half of the day went very slowly for my liking. It was a conspiracy. Minutes seemed like hours and seconds like minutes. I could feel myself nod off a couple of times, though the teacher didn't notice. She was too busy giving her lecture to see that a couple of her students had fallen asleep. It wasn't surprising that both Joey and Tyson had fallen fast asleep, during her monotonous speech. The others were just as bored as well. Kenny had been taking extensive notes, but he had also been writing a few calculations on a spare sheet of paper. Max was drawing Tyson. I couldn't tell what position the blader was in the picture. Kai seemed to be in deep thought as usual. It wasn't common for him to be brooding over something or another. Wing and Ray were passing notes. Yugi had a glazed look, signaling that he was talking to his yami. Malik yawned a few times and started writing something in Egyptian. Seto was also writing, but it had nothing to do with the class. Tristan soon fell asleep. I was surprised that none of the sleepers were snoring.
When the lunch bell rang, everyone bolted out of the room, towards their lockers. We were hungry and wanted out of there. Besides, some of us had gotten enough sleep in her class. The Bladebreakers, Wing, and I headed towards a shaded area underneath the tree. We decided to have lunch in another place, since the others might not be forgiving. I pulled out my lunch as the others chatted away.
"So what are we going to do on Saturday?" Kenny asked the group.
"I haven't decided yet," Kai said, looking away from Tyson, who was eating like a pig.
"I'm glad we have a day off from training," Ray said with a smile.
"Don't get used to it," Kai retorted as he went back to his lunch.
"You take the fun out of life," Tyson chuckled as both he and Max started giggling. They did make a good couple.
"I invited Ryou, by the way," Kenny spoke up.
"That's fine with me," Wing said, glancing around. "What about you guys?"
"The more the merrier!" Max chirped.
"Sure thing bud," Tyson readily agreed.
"I don't mind," Ray said.
Movements towards our area caught my attention. I thought it was other students trying to find a place to eat. It was a sunny day after all. Who can pass up a chance to eat underneath the sun? Anyways, I was heading off course. That was when I had noticed Yugi and the others. They were looking for a spot to eat their lunches. I had thought they gone to eat at their usual place, but I guessed I was wrong. What had happen to it?
The group had decided to sit underneath the other tree. Seto and Malik were taking turns feeding each other. Yami had come out of his soul room to be with his hikari. Every few minutes, I could feel his gaze on me. I can tell that he wasn't just looking at me. He was glaring at me. Joey and Tristan were arguing over something. I wasn't sure what it was, but it seemed to be a heated argument. They were so adamant over it this time. Tea and Yugi were trying to keep the peace. Good luck on their parts. It was hard enough keeping Joey and Tristan separated, when they really started fighting. Seto was being Seto.
I couldn't take it anymore. I had to talk to them and ask them why they were treating me this way. Yesterday, it was an accident. I didn't mean for it to happen, but it did. We all have to accept that fact and move on or we'll never be going anywhere. I stood up and headed over towards them. They gave me a weary look as I approached their position.
"What is your problem?"
"You," Joey spat out.
"That isn't clear enough," I said, placing on hand on my hip. "You keep looking over at me and I know you're talking about me."
"It's none of your business," Tristan scoffed.
Yami glared at me. "Their actions are none of your concern."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Yugi's soft voice became hard.
"Tell you about what?" I asked him.
"About the training," Yugi replied.
"Because you wouldn't understand," I said quickly. "No one would understand what I've been through and don't you dare say that you can, because you can't."
"That doesn't mean you have to sneak around," Joey said coldly.
"Friends don't keep secrets from each other, especially major ones," Tea said about to go onto her friendship speech. "Friends care about each other to tell when something is wrong."
"You think you have the worst problem," Seto interrupted Tea, which everyone was glad. She sometimes went on and on about friendship. It became rather annoying. "Take a look around you. We each have our problems to deal with. You're not the only one who has difficulties to face. So don't tell us that we don't understand, because we do."
"You're wrong," I snapped. "You don't understand what I've been through. You don't know the pain he has caused me. You don't know what kind of torture he has placed on me for the past months or years."
"How would we know if you don't tell us," Yami asked me, with an intense glare. "I'm not some people who pry into other's businesses. I will not use the millennium eye to read minds, when I know they want their privacy."
"If I told you, he would have beaten me up," I nearly cried out. "You don't know what it's like to fear going home, to be scared of your own shadow."
"That doesn't mean you have to kill the Bakura," Joey said harshly. "I know he has made a lot of mistakes in the past, but killing isn't the answer."
"I told you it was an accident," I replied. "I didn't mean to hurt him. I was defending myself."
"You could have fooled us," Tristan said sarcastically.
"It's true," I said angrily. "I don't care if you believe it or not. What matters is that I believe it and so does my 'true' friends."
"You betrayed our trust by going behind our backs," Yugi explained. "You knew you could trust us to help you. I don't mind that you've been hanging out with your new friends, but you could have at least told us what you were doing."
"I didn't tell you, because I didn't want you to become involved," I said hastily. "This is my problem and not yours."
"What affects one of us affects all of us," Yami stated. "I have told you several times that you could have come to us should you require assistance, but I guessed it's too late now."
"We're a team, but it looks like you didn't want to be a part of it," Tea spoke up. "Back on the Duelist Kingdom, we helped and supported each other. We even risked our lives to make sure Pegasus wasn't cheating and that Yugi could have a fair duel. And you threw that all away."
"I'll be going," I said leaving them.
"Don't even bother coming back!" Tristan shouted at me.
"Good riddance," Joey mumbled, even though I wasn't supposed to hear that.
I headed back towards the area where we were eating lunch. All of a sudden, I didn't feel hungry anymore. I packed away the remains of my lunch as the others finished eating theirs quietly. They understood how I needed to spend time in my thoughts. I took one glare at Yugi and company, before going back to class.
"You okay?" Tyson asked as he saw my long face.
"I'm fine," I lied. I really didn't feel fine, but I don't want them to be worrying over me.
"Are you sure?" Max asked.
"I'm positive," I said, although I really wanted to say. "I'm positive I feel miserable."
Kenny had excused himself, saying that he wanted to check out a book before lunch was over. He mentioned something about a project that was due. The Chief took an extra class than the rest of us. Go figure. Tyson and Max wanted to spend some time alone so they too took off. What were they up to? Kai as always sat by himself, unless it was with a certain yami. Ray approached me as Wing went to the bathroom.
"You may have fooled them, but I know you aren't 'fine,'" Ray said with a serious voice.
"What makes you think that?" I asked, trying to get out of that conversation quickly.
"I can see it in your eyes," Ray said. He approached me. "You hate lying, but you don't want us being overly concerned about you."
I sighed. Man, he was too observant for his own good. "I didn't want anyone worrying."
"I know there are some issues we don't want to talk about, but you don't have to lie to us," Ray said a little hurt. "We understand if you don't feel like answering a question."
"I'll keep that in mind," I said as we headed towards our next class. As I glanced over my shoulder, I saw the Yugi and company also getting ready to go back to class.
The rest of school was pretty much uneventful. Our teachers practically droned on. Some of the students fell asleep. So what else was new? I wasn't surprised Joey and Tyson fell asleep in the middle of the lecture. It was completely boring how he talked in monotone. Who hired these teachers anyways? Are they trying to bore us to death? Just great. I made myself depressed again. I wondered how Bakura was fairing in the hospital. No doubt he would want revenge for what I did to him and kept from him.
Later on that afternoon, I was heading back to Wing's place. Wing and her yami were going to the hospital to check on my darker half. She will later tell me how he was holding up. The Bladebreakers were in training, as their team captain ordered them to. He wanted them to be ready for the next tournament. They didn't win on sheer luck. As I walked back, I felt somebody following me from a distance.
Quickly, I spun around to meet violet eyes. "What brings you here?"
"I wanted to talk to you," he replied in a serious voice.
"What do you want to talk about?" I inquired in a curious tone.
"I wanted to talk to you about you," he said. Regret and sorrow laced through his voice.
"There's nothing really to know about me," I spoke softly, since he was being sincere for once.
"Why did you do it?"
"Why did I do what?" I asked with a confused tone. Seriously, I had no clue what he was talking about. For all I know, he could be referring to that incident in the park.
"Do you have somewhere we can talk alone?" he asked.
"Sure thing," I said, motioning for him to follow me.
When we had reached my new residence, I opened the door. Wing had given me one of their spare keys, since I would be living there for who knows how long. The place seemed to be deserted as there was no one home. I dropped my backpack off in my room, before attending to company. He stood there looking around the room. Not much has changed since he has been here. The only thing that had changed was that the guest bedroom was now occupied.
"What do you want to know about me?" I asked my guest.
"Why didn't you tell us?" he inquired.
"Tell you about my yami's abuse or tell you that I was taking self defense lessons?"
"Both."
"I didn't tell you about my yami's abuse, because if I did, I knew he wouldn't think twice about killing me," I sighed as I placed my head in my lap. "He threatened to kill me if I told anyone, especially Yami. Bakura isn't too fond of Yugi's yami."
"I understand that," he said. "But the Ryou I knew wouldn't hurt a fly. What happened to make you change your mind?"
"I was scared," I sighed again. "I was scared that one day Bakura would go too far and I die. I also was tired of him using me as his personal punching bag, every time he felt frustrated. When I am at home, I worry if I offended him, even if it is just looking at him the wrong way. I constantly have to watch my actions or words, because he will use any excuse to beat me up. I don't know what it is like to wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, as I have several bruises and cuts."
"Violence isn't the answer," he said with regret. "I should know."
"I know it isn't the answer," I said, holding back my tears. "But what happens when everything else fails? I tried reasoning with him. I tried being nice. I tried being patient with him. None of that seems to work."
"Did you try to understand Bakura?" he asked.
I shook my head. "Every time I come to close to him, he pushes me away. I don't know half the time what's going through that mind of his."
"Bakura has had a rough time when he was growing up," he said with sorrow. "I can't tell you any more than that, because he hasn't told me. I understand what you're going through. I've been there." His violet eyes dimmed down as he said those words.
"You don't hate me like the others?" I inquired.
"They don't understand you," he said with a soft voice. "I know what you're going through and it isn't easy. Although, I wish you would have told me. I won't tell a single soul."
"I know you wouldn't have said anything, but I was scared of my yami," I shivered at the thought of him killing me. "No offense."
"None taken," he said, leaning back. "Back at the park........"
"It was a complete accident," I said quickly. "While you guys were busy with each other, Bakura came out of his soul room. He started attacking me for no apparent reason, when my reflexes kicked in. Without any thought, I powered up and fired a blast at him. From what Wing said, my powers were increased, since I was very emotional at the time. I think that was what caused my attack to overpower his."
"If I were in your position, I probably would have done the same thing," he said. "I try not to fight, but if I do, I only fight to defend myself or those I care about. I only use violence as a last resort." He sighed. "How are you holding up?"
"Miserable," I admitted to the violet eyed teen. "My friends think I was trying to kill my darker half, when it was really an accident. They all treat me as I was some traitor. Bakura had been beating me up practically every day until recently. He's now in the hospital because of my mistake. Other than that, my life is peachy."
"In time, they'll forgive you," he tried to sound assuring. "They need time to cool off. You caught us by surprise back there with that burst of energy."
"I even surprised myself," I managed a weak smile.
"You never know what you're capable of until you're pressed to doing it," he said thoughtfully. "I never knew I could stand up to him until I tried."
"I know what you mean," I said. We gave each other knowing glances. "Speaking of which, how is Bakura doing?" Wing and DS were going to visit my darker half, but I wanted to know.
"Bakura was in critical condition last night," he said in a serious tone. "He survived the night and will make a hundred percent recovery. It will take awhile though."
"That's good to hear," I said, relief in my voice. "I may not like him, but that doesn't mean I want him to die."
He nodded his head. "I have to be going. My partner will be wondering where I've gone off to. I told him I would meet him an hour after school."
"Okay," I said, leading him to the door. "Thank you Malik for everything."
"No problem," Malik said before we exchanged our goodbyes.
Wingzero: I have no idea where I'm heading with this.
Ryou: SAY WHAT!!!
Wingzero: Not so loud!
Ryou: Okay.
Wingzero: Anyways, I gotta do my homework. Ja!