Chapter Five-Betrayal

Veronica's second night in Noa's virtual world was less dissatisfying. She'd slept well, after eating a good dinner of ham and cheese sandwiches. Now she was awake, and in a new outfit. She had to hand it to Noa. He could definitely pick out clothing. Her new blue and white shirt and vest combo went great with the black jeans! She looked around the rather dismal looking forest clearing. It seemed darker than it had been the night before, which was odd. Perhaps it's about to rain….but does it really rain in virtual reality? She decided with Noa, you could never tell. She started walking, with no real idea of where she was going.

As she walked, Veronica thought about the things she'd accomplished so far. For the first time, she was having to test her limits, and nerve in order to reach her goal. Last night's battle with Duke was so cool! I wonder if I'll ever get to duel him in real life. I've been a fan of his for a long time too. I wonder who my next opponent will be….

"Ronnie…. There you are!"

Veronica whirled at the sound of her brother's voice. "Oniisan?" In her surprise, she called him by her favorite name for Seto.

"Yeah….it's me." Vincent stepped over to her, and smiled. "I've been so worried about you, Baby. Noa came and told me where you were."

"He did?" The younger Skylar's eyes widened. "I didn't think he'd do that for me."

"Well, he did." Vincent held out his hand to his little sister. "He also told me a secret way to get to the Virtual Key without doing your last duel."

"Cool!" She smiled at him. "Let's go!" She walked up ahead of him a bit.

When her back was to him, Vincent smirked. It wasn't him. No,he too was just a creation of Noa's, and he was about to lead her off course, into the Castle of Dark Ilusions. Named for the card, it was far more dangerous than it's namesake. Especially in Noa's world. "Veronica, wait up! We have to go this way." He grabbed her wrist gently, and led her in the right direction of the dark fortress.

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"Are you sure this where he told you?" Veronica asked a while later.

"Yep! Right in there." Vincent told her. He proceeded to lead her up the long steps of the gray castle.

Veronica was hesitant though. Why would Noa send her into such a dangerous place? "Wait..this doesn't feel right, Vinnie…"

"You don't trust your friend Noa?" Vincent asked her, an edge in his voice. "This is the way, now let's go!" He nearly dragged her up into the castle.

"Ow! You're hurting me, Vinnie!" Veronica yelped. When he let her go, she looked at him. "Are you mad at me or something?"

"No, of course not." Vinnie smiled at her coldly. "I'm just disappointed in you, that's all."

"Disappointed? Why?" Veronica took a step back, staring at Vincent sadly.

"Well, you're not helping. You're always in my way." Vincent told her.

"But…."

"The only thing you're good for is a show piece for tournaments." Vincent continued, ignoring her.

"Th-that's not true!" Veronica just about screamed. "Why are you saying these things? What have I done wrong?!"

"Everything you've ever done was wrong! Don't you realize you're the one whole killed Mom and Dad? Your constant ailments worried them to their deaths!"

"No! Stop! It's not true!" Veronica was in tears now. "You're lying!"

Vincent slapped her now. "Watch who you're calling a liar, you ungrateful brat! You wouldn't remember because you were little. But I speak the truth." He turned his back on her now.

Veronica backed up in shock now. Vinnie had , of course, punished her before, but never before had he hit her. Her tears streamed, as she stared up at him in shock. "Vinnie….?"

"It's Vincent. I hate when you call me Vinnie." He said sharply. He seemed to be looking for something. "That door over there will lead you to the Key. I have to go."

"No! Please don't leave me here alone, Vincent! Please!!" Veronica's pleas were in vain though. Her brother walked right out the castle, the doors banging shut behind him. The girl stared into the darkness through her tears. This definitely felt real.

After a moment, she pulled herself together, and headed to the door Vincent had pointed out. She turned the knob, and walked in, cautiously. The sight that met her eyes caused her to shake uncontrollably. She was right back where she started. In Noa's base. How could Vincent have lied to her in this manner?! Now she'd never get home. Suddenly, a sickening thought occurred to her. Maybe Vincent didn't want her to go home. She collapsed to the floor in uncontrollable tears.

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"Veronica?" Noa's voice spoke her name gently, as he pulled her close to him. "Ronnie? What happened?"

Veronica curled up against Noa's chest in tears. "H-he hates me, Noa…My brother hates me!"

Noa hid a smirk, as he petted her hair gently. "I'm sure he doesn't…."

"H-he was saying the most h-horrible th-things!" Veronica exclaimed, swallowing hard.

"I'm sorry, Veronica. I really am." Noa told her soothingly. Inside, he was gloating. She'd never trust that brother of hers again. Now it was his turn to play with her. "You can stay with me…"

"I don't belong here, Noa." Veronica replied sullenly, as her tears dried up.

Noa cupped her chin in his hand, and tilted her face to look up at him. "You can. I love you, Veronica. I'd always take care of you. Let me be your oniisan."

Veronica began to cry even more. Even as her brother, Vincent had never held her this close. Never had he made her feel as safe and secure as Noa was right now. "Okay, Noa…..I'll stay with you."

Noa smiled genuinely now. "Come. Let us get you a bath. You still have a long way to go in order to complete the quest."

With renewed strength, Veronica followed her brother into the bathroom. "I love you, Oniisan."

"I love you too, Otoota." Noa replied sincerely.

"Noa? Do you really think I'll be able to finish the quest?"

"I don't think it, Ronnie. I know it." He showed her now how to turn the water on. "I'll be in the control room when you're done."

"Okay." Veronica smiled, as Noa left. Having Noa as a brother, even if it's only here in the virtual world is great. He'll never hurt me at all. With those thoughts, Veronica stepped into the lavender scented bath.

(A/n:Oh this is way too much fun to write! Thank you to everyone who's read and reviewed this so far. It's really great to know there are people out there who are willing to read a fic about Noa)