FW: It is true; I am taking over the story. *evil cackle* and there is nothing you can do so NYAH!
MW: Wait, you are in Lake Ellsinore, how can you write this?
FW: Do the words laptop computer mean anything to you?
MW: *censored swear*
FW: We do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, but I own Keiko, Kei Ishtar and Kasumi Motou.
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Kei sat on her bed, trying not to cry. Seto had told her about his vision and although from being raised by Isis taught her this was a vision, she could not help herself from crying. Seto gently held her close as she sobbed.
"Cry all you want, cry until you feel better, I swear I won't let you go."
"I swear my life to you, what you wish I shall grant you, Seto-sama." Kei said, holding back sobs to get it out.
"You know, Kasumi-chan told me the same thing. I love the both of you, but I finally see why."
"We remind you of this girl Keiko ne?"
"Yes, and I feel stupid for saying so."
Kei stopped crying a stood up. She smiled at Seto saying that today the finals would begin. She kissed him one last time and ran off to get breakfast.
Now alone, Seto wondered if he could try to talk to her again. Seto closed his eyes and his world became surreal, as if he was standing on water, and rose petals and sakura blossoms floated in the water and drifted lazily from the never-ending sky. Soon, a young girl glomped him from behind.
"I was wondering how long it would be…"
"Until I came back?"
Keiko giggled. She began to nip his ear, and he let her down. Keiko smiled at him, and even thought he could not see her face, he thought she was beautiful. He came closer to embrace her, but she vanished, leaving him back in the real world.
Seto sighed and made his way downstairs. The table was full of food, and people. Everyone but Kasumi was there. Kei sat happily next to Yami, chatting away with him. Seto smiled because she was happy, he could feel it. "Take care of her Mou hitori no Yuugi," he thought to himself. Mai was prodding Jounouchi about his behavior for the past few days, and Isis, Malik, and Rishid were grinding on Marik for his behavior and stealing of women's panties, while he pleaded insanity ((Writers: *holds up sign that reads: Try harder Mari-kun, we know your insane*)). Soon after breakfast, everyone boarded the blimp and the takeoff went on without a problem. ((Writers: YAY!)).
Seto once again, locked himself away from the others, with only Mokuba at his side, as they awaited to arrive at their destination. The control deck had windows that let him view the entire ocean, and see the endless sky. He was painfully reminded of the fact that he broke the hearts of two girls, for the love of a woman, that he is unsure actually exists anymore. Suddenly the blimp came to a lurching stop, causing everyone to fall over. Instead of beginning to decline, the blimp stayed floating in mid-air. Yuugi-tatchi came running in, and asked what all the commotion was about. Yami took control of Yuugi ((Yamis and Hikaris now sharing bodies again)) and demanded what was going on.
"Heh, someone has taken control of the blimp…what fun," a sarcastic Bakura added.
"HEY THEY ARE STEALING MY JOB!" Malik screamed in a rage
A voice, an old, evil voice, came through speakers on the ship.
"Pardon my intrusion, but I believe I shall take control now."
Seto was outraged. "As if that midget Noa wasn't enough…we have more freaks out to kill myself and the other duelists."
"Maybe you're the victim in all this." Bakura scowled at Seto
Seto just growled at Bakura. Yami continued where Seto left off.
"Just what is it you want from us? Our items?"
"I have no interest in those trinkets just yet. I need to reveal a bit of the past to you all."
The group was confused. No one fully understood what he was saying, save Isis, Rishid and Malik.
"He is here to show us a part of the past that occurred to those who have been re born." Isis said, calmly.
Seto scowled. "Not this fairy tale again. My past is behind me, and I do not believe I was some servant of a dead pharaoh who has now resurrected in the body of Yuugi Motou!"
"Can you leave me out of this? Even for a second?" A transparent Yuugi wondered to his other side.
"Correct me if I am wrong, but there appears to be some one absent no?"
The group was in shock. They all remembered that Kei and Kasumi were not present. Anzu began worry about their safety.
"IF you DARE lay one hand on them you WILL answer to me!" Seto shouted at their invisible captor.
"Do not worry, for the girl is safe."
"You mean both girls, right?"
"Like I said, the girl is fine."
Everyone was confused at this remark, but they had no time to ponder it. The duelists and those who were capable of dueling were ordered to pick a weapon and a flower of their choice. Seto and Yami stepped up first, Seto picking a white rose and a rapier, Yami picking a red rose and a thin broad sword ((Writers hold up picture of Shinken from X…just think of a somewhat medium sized sword in width, and very long…and NO that was not a perverted comment XD)). Jounouchi and Mai took their flowers next.
"Something exotic, something that smells beautiful…"
"Something as conceited as you are
Mai pounded Jounouchi on the head and took a stem of jasmines for hers. Mai's eye was caught by what looked to be a whip, but when she picked it up, it seemed to be…alive. The sword reacted to the new master by growing blades from sides of the whip.
"Umm, not my idea of a nice toy…but if you're using it Mai, why no-" Jounouchi becomes cut off by Mai elbowing him in the stomach.
"Ite…."
"Make your pick, blonde boy…" The voice was growing impatient.
"Fine fine, shut it you old bag!" Jounouchi looked through the weapons and picked out a very large and curved sword ((Tetsaiga on Jenny Craig anyone? *writers are mauled*)) and for his flower, he picked a white chrysanthemum.
"Next, Next, you girl! With the short brown hair! And the one with the rhino for a hair do! Make your pick!"
"Talk about being pushy…." Anzu muttered with a sweat drop as she chose a lily and attached some elbow blades to her arms ((looks like sai attached to large arm bracelets with a handle for control)).
"RHINO FOR HAIR?!!! WHY I OUGHTA!!"
"Honda-kun! Just hurry up and pick before he gets real angry ok?" Anzu chided
Honda thus chose a cactus flower, and for his weapon, he chose a long pole with a long blade attached to the end.
"Will anyone else choose to duel in this?"
Isis, Rishid and Malik stepped forward. Isis chose a lotus for her flower, as did Rishid, but his was red, hers was white. Isis' weapon of choice was an old looking Egyptian sword. Rishid chose what looked to be an arsenal of throwing daggers. Bakura stepped up next, and took a large dandelion for his flower. He pondered at the weapons available.
((Writers: You know those weeds that just WON'T die….
Bakura: HEY!!!! *Bakura chucks shoe at writers*
MW: HONESTLY, WHO THROWS A SHOE?!!!
Bakura: I DO!!! WHY I OUGHTA!
FW: *pauses show and has the will of the macro chasm from Excel Saga come along {she looks like a round universe with arms XP} and rewinds to where Bakura was choosing his flower* Arigatou Ms. Will
Ms. Will: So much to do, so little time…..))
"I think I will take this…" Bakura said, picking up a sharp sword curved into a flying disc.
Malik was pushed up by Rishid, and unfortunately, one weapon was left, and it had a sign saying "reserved" on it. He growled and went to chose his flower, and the only one left was a….
"A PANSY?!! YOU EXPECT ME TO WEAR A PANSY?!"
The group stifled laughs as Malik glared at them, looking as if he was going to use the Rod to rip their hearts out.
"Now, why don't you all go to the top and we'll begin. Anyone unwilling to do so will suffer…certain consequences…" the old man cackled.
"BUT WHAT ABOUT ME?!" Ootogi shouted.
"You my friend, have to watch over the younger children, seeing has how you have little experience in anything that does not involve dice."
Ootogi growled, until Shizuka held his arm, asking if he would protect her. Ootogi smiled at her and Mokuba, promising he wouldn't let them get hurt, but they had to help him if anyone else got hurt.
"Now, lets us begin…."
The group was directed to the top of the blimp, where it seemed as if they were moving, only the darkness had surrounded them, and the winds were high. A large gust of wind blew, and sent shivers down the group's spine.
"Ah, our last player has finally arrived, forgive her, she is shy."
Another wind blew the blonde hair of a young girl in sight. She slowly stepped out to the arena, wearing long black pants, and a short shirt, with a black rose as her flower. She had a locket and a beautiful choker around her neck. Another gust of wind blew her hair all around, and she looked at them with cold, dead blue green eyes. This sent shivers down the spines of everyone more so than the wind ever could.
"Who are you?" Yami demanded, taking over Yuugi, and Bakura took over Ryou, backing up Yami ((for once)).
"Who I am is of no importance to you, but why I am here is of great importance."
"Then why don't you hurry and tell us? Just for your info, I am kinda freezing my ass off bitch!" Jounouchi yelled, wanting to get started so her could warm up.
"So rude. You must not have been raised with a mother, just like me. My mother died when I was two, how about yours? Illness? Miscarriage?"
"Why the fuck do you care and what does that have to do with anything?!"
"I see, divorce, pity, I sense a great power from within you."
"Listen, could you just tell us who you are? Please?" Anzu asked in a timid voice.
The girl drew one of her two katana and pointed it at Yami. Her stare was enough to meld Yami to the very spot he was standing at.
"My name is Keiko Cynthia Crawford. You killed my father, prepare to die."
((FW: Wow, nice use of the Princess bride….))
No one dared to move. Keiko kept her stance, ready to strike whenever she pleased. She did not mean to take his rose and knock him out, she meant to kill him, and slowly.
"Your…your…" Honda stammered
"It can't be…" Anzu said, filled with more fear than before.
"WHAT DID YOU DO WITH KEI AND KASUMI BITCH!" Jounouchi screamed, running to choke her but not before she raised her other katana to his throat.
"I am not Kei, yet I am. I am not Kasumi yet I am. Did you never figure it out? I was Kei and Kasumi, they were the same person. Did you not notice they were never seen together?"
"Why? Why would you do this?!" Shizuka said, near tears and feeling betrayed.
"Why? Simple, so I could kill the one that took everything away from me. The one who made my life a living hell. First disease took my mother when I was barely a year old, and I blame myself for she became deathly ill after giving life to me. Then, you, you nameless pharaoh, took and crushed the soul of the one I loved away. You hurt him so badly inside he was starting to forget me, and was becoming obsessed with beating you! Even though I was not there, I could feel it, I could sense it. And after that, you killed my father after defeating him and stole his Sennen Eye! ((Sennen= Millennium)) That, Shizuka, is why. Revenge, the bittersweet taste of revenge."
Their captor's voice began to cackle.
"Not just yet my dear, you have to win the melee before you can kill him. Now everyone, chose your ranks. Will you be on the side of darkness, or the side of light? The side of the white rose or the side of the red? Chose."
Mai, Jounouchi, Honda, and Anzu went without hesitation to the side of Yami. Seto, Isis, Rishid, Malik and Bakura went to the side of Keiko. Bakura was only siding with her, because he felt a large pang of guilt, seeing as how she was blaming someone else for a crime he committed, and he didn't know why he was feeling guilty either. The mood was tense, and soon, the swords would be flying, and the danger would be very real. A last gust of wind blew across the stage, and the signal to begin was given.
The group was merciless in attacking one another. Even though they could feel blades cut them, they felt no pain nor drew blood. Within minutes the first flower had been struck. Rishid had dived to save Isis from a straight stab in the back by Jounouchi. Everyone paused when the last petal dropped off and drifted away. Rishid stood for a minute, complemented Jounouchi on the swipe, and feel face first towards the ground. Apparently, it was figured the flowers held control of your consciousness, and when destroyed, you were out. More slashes, more sounds of metal striking metal. Ootogi was cautiously taking whomever fell to safety by the place where he, Mokuba and Shizuka stood, watching in shock and horror. One by one, the flowers were struck clean off their owners. Anzu fell to Isis, who fell to a slash from Honda. Mai was brutally struck by Malik, who in turn got his head nearly chopped off by Jounouchi. After a half an hour of fighting, Jounouchi and Yami were left to face off between Keiko and Seto.
"Hmm, Mou hitori no Yuugi, let me take the two timing bitch, and you take Mr. Ego Brain over there."
"Jounouchi, you take Kaiba, I need to deal with her. It's somewhat personal when you are accused of murder."
Jounouchi nodded and began to square off with Jounouchi. There were many swears, insults and bits of unruly conduct between the two. Jounouchi asked why Seto fought, when the love both women held for him was a lie. Seto shook his head and said it wasn't a lie.
"And why not?"
"She would be my fiancé. I was set to marry her from the time we were children. That's why, masu inu."
Whoever was left conscious stood in complete shock.
"A fiancé…Seto Kaiba, and Keiko Crawford…shouldn't they want to rip each other throats out?" Ootogi pondered to Shizuka and Mokuba.
"Onee-san, what happened to you?" Mokuba said, his voice drifting off.
"Fiancé or not she is still a conniving bitch for two timing us and-" Before Jounouchi could finish his sentence, the last petal of his flower drifted away. Seto kicked Jounouchi's limp body on the floor, remarking "No one dares call her a bitch."
Yami was now faced with a challenge. He tried to think of a way out, but for the moment he was cornered. Seto stood between the two, his sword pointed at Yami, his eyes looking cold and dead.
"OUT OF MY WAY SETO! I WANT TO KILL HIM!"
Seto turned to the young girl, sheathed his sword and held her close.
"I will not let you do this alone. If you really want to face him alone, you'd have to kill me, and you know that."
Keiko looked up into the eyes of the man she loved. Her eyes filled with sorrow at what she had to do. She had to do this alone. She couldn't let him protect her from everything. He let go of her and stood there. He kissed her hand and said he understands what she feels. Keiko clenched her eyes shut, and took a deep breath.
~I'm gonna wake up, yes and no
I'm gonna kiss some part of
I'm gonna keep this secret
I'm gonna close my body now~
"Gomenasai, Seto."
"Aishiteru, Keiko."
~I guess, die another day
I guess, die another day
I guess, die another day
I guess, die another day~
Seto watched as his last petal floated off. Keiko's eyes were filled with tears and she held him close. Yami was confused. Keiko kissed Seto's forehead and whispered into his ear "I'll avenge what he did to you as well, love."
Fear gripped Yami as she stood to her full height, and she was as tall as he was. Maybe taller.
"For the crimes you have committed against the ones I love, you shall pay."
~I guess I'll die another day
[Another day]
I guess I'll die another day
[Another day]
I guess I'll die another day
[Another day]
I guess I'll die another day~
Yami sensed she wasn't like this normally. He could feel a great amount of sadness from her because of what she was doing. But he couldn't forgive her for trying to kill him. He was the pharaoh. No one tried to kill him. He would just have to kill her.
~I'm gonna break the cycle
I'm gonna shake up the system
I'm gonna destroy my ego
I'm gonna close my body now~
"Considering the circumstances against me, I could just throw the battle giving you your revenge."
"Then where's the fun in that?"
Yami smirked. He hadn't seen w woman like this in ages. Something stirred in his memories from the past, but he blocked them out for now. It was not the time to wallow in millennia old memories.
~I think I'll find another way
There's so much more to know
I guess I'll die another day
It's not my time to go~
The two began to fight. The air around them grew warm with their energy. Yami was able to knock away one o her katana, while delivering a nasty cut to her hand. Her left hand out of order, Keiko fought back using her only hand, while using her left as a balance.
~For every sin, I'll have to pay
I've come to work, I've come to play
I think I'll find another way
It's not my time to go~
"This is getting quite boring and repetitive. Let's add some spice to it." The old man cackled.
Yami and Keiko looked to where the voice was coming from, but soon collapsed in pain. Wounds appeared all over their bodies, and some were bleeding quite profusely. Yami took the chance from her suffering from her many wounds, and knocked her other sword away. He held his sword to her throat. He was about to knock her rose off, when he heard a familiar clicking.
~I'm gonna avoid the cliché
I'm gonna suspend my senses
I'm gonna delay my pleasure
I'm gonna close my body now~
Keiko now looked up at him with a loaded gun pointed between his eyes. Blood was running down her arms, and stained the handle of the gun. Yami dropped his sword and back away.
"You cheated"
"Business woman."
"Noted. But I thought you wanted me to suffer. Now your just going to shoot me? How boring and painless."
"If I shoot you between the eyes yes, but, if I shoot you between the legs we have different problem."
"Not one to screw around are you?"
~I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day
I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day~
"You like games, don't you?"
"It's only what my name means. King of Games."
Keiko smirked. She readied the gun to shoot and placed it on the floor between them.
"You know, one day, I am going to have to kill you."
"I'll be waiting for that day"
~I think I'll find another way
There's so much more to know
I guess I'll die another day
It's not my time to go~
Yami gave Keiko the responsibility of spinning the gun. She explained the rules. If it points at you, your dead, if it points at someone else, they are dead. If it points into an empty space, you must remove one bullet from the gun. Six chances of any of this happening. What Yami didn't know, is there is always seven bullets in a gun.
The first spin pointed to nowhere. Keiko removed a bullet. The next four spins were pointing to nowhere, and they each had removed some bullets. Shizuka, Ootogi and Mokuba held on to each other for safety.
"I can understand why she hates Mou Hitori No Yuugi, and why she wants to kill him. I went through the same thing." Ootogi said.
"She wouldn't kill us right, Mokuba-kun?"
Mokuba shook his head. He said he was surprised she even made it this far with out stopping herself.
"She loves everyone and everything, unless you really hurt her, and she thinks that's what he has done…"
Shizuka was crying for Keiko. "She must be so alone and afraid…."
The gun spun around again. Nowhere. They now each had three bullets.
"Ah, it is a draw. What shall we do now?"
"Who said it was a draw? Don't you know there is always a bullet in the chamber?"
Yami took a step back. He hadn't counted on that. What made him feel worse was it was her turn. She spun the gun and it seemed like all eternity passed before it slowed down.
~I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day
I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day~
Everyone was tense as to where it would stop. The turns were slower and slower. It passed Ootogi, Mokuba, Shizuka, and Yami, and finally stopped, pointing at something.
~Another day
Another day~
It pointed at Keiko. She stared at the gun, without any regret or remorse. She picked it up, and readied it to shoot.
~I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day
I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day~
"Now it comes to this. I feel so terrible for leaving without at least marrying Seto, or avenging the death of my father, but Fate plays strange hands. I guess it's time to fold my hand."
"You wouldn't need to ask me what to do with yourself."
"I see you hate me with passion. Understandable. I did try to take your head off. You there, girl with the ponytail with earring and flat chest, what do you think of me?"
"One: I'm A GUY! Two: It's alright, I get it a lot. Three: I am Ryuji Ootogi. I held your father as an idol, and I can comprehend why you feel so much pain. I carry no grudges against you. I have heard of the real you from him. It's sad I had to meet you when your in such a state. You looked and acted so cute before."
"Thank you, Ootogi. You, next to Mokuba-kun, your name was Shizuka was it not?"
"Hai, and I don't think you deserve to die. I don't think this was right, but we all do things like this when we are desperate. I know most of my friends will not forgive you for a long time, if at all, but you shouldn't end it all! You have a man that loves you, and his little brother looking up to you. I know you have gone through something that makes you feel cold and alone, but you'll always have someone by your side."
Mokuba just ran up and hugged Keiko, asking her not to leave him.
"Please, go back to they way you were, please."
Keiko couldn't stand anymore. She collapsed from blood loss. Her clothes were soaked in her blood, as was the handle of the gun. The gun slid away from her, and Yami picked it up. He walked over to her and pointed it right at her rose.
Mokuba looked up at Yami, his eyes filled with tears.
"What…are…you…waiting…for?" Keiko asked, taking in air after each word.
~Another day
Another day~
"STOP!!!" Yuugi was holding on to Yami's arm.
"Yu-Yuugi…why are you trying to save me?"
The group stared at her in disbelief. She could SEE both Yami and Yuugi, not to mention the difference between them.
"Please, stop, Mou Hitori No Boku, don't you understand? She is just lost and confused, please, let her live! For me, please." Yuugi's eyes were filling with tears, as he forced himself to take over. Yuugi tossed the gun off the blimp, and ordered Ootogi to get some bandages and Shizuka to get some blankets. Mokuba looked from his older brother, to his someday to be sister in law. Suddenly, they could hear his voice, and the blimp was starting to lose control. It was shaking violently.
Yuugi just remembers a cackling voice, and a large flash appearing. The next thing he knows, it looks as if he was dueling some one, but who ever it is was long gone. Everyone else seemed just as puzzled. Seto stared at Yuugi from below, and took Mokuba back to the control room.
"Hoy….where did Isis go? And Rishid, Malik and that girl….did they disappear?"
"Hey Honda, what was that girl's name?"
"I…I don't know…."
Yuugi had a look of shock on his face. No one remembered her name. He barely did, but he wasn't telling them. The blimp took a U-turn and headed back for Domino city. Ootogi, Shizuka and Yuugi confided in one another that maybe they would see Keiko again, and maybe they could really get to be friends.
Keiko stared up at the starry night sky. Her arms were bandaged as well as her hands. You could see them under her arm warmers. You could see the bandages under her pant legs as she walked into the darkness, meeting with Isis and Rishid.
"Why did you do such a thing when I told you not to. He is your pharaoh and you are supposed to fall in love with him." Isis said, a look of concern for the health of her student.
"I do not love him. I told you. I have had my own visions. I was with the one destined to be the pharaoh after him."
"You mean his brother?" Rishid asked. "Or maybe his son?"
"His brother died protecting him and he died without bearing an heir. I am destined to love, the man who made the tablet."
Isis sighed. Maybe her visions and Keiko's were missing a few details. She would talk with Keiko later, but she ushered the two into a waiting car. Isis needed to get Keiko to her new home with her fiancé. She would start school soon. Isis prayed to the gods for one thing.
Keiko's redemption. She was going to Domino High School, and Isis feared the worst for her. Keiko looked out the window the entire time. She held her gun in her hand, and slipped it into the back of her tight super low black jeans.
"Will you ever forgive him?" Rishid ask her.
"No."
"Child, you need to clear your thoughts. I know you hold something against him, but do not show it. He is destined to be a great ruler again. You must listen to him."
"Then I will remain silent, but I can't hold my temper forever."
"You're leaning in the same direction that took over my dear brother. Please don't go down the same road he did."
"He wanted power. I just want him to suffer. But I will never get that chance will I?"
Keiko began to stare at the black velvet sky. She remembered what they had said to one another.
"One day I will have to kill you."
"I'll be waiting for that day."
"I will to, Mou hitori no Yuugi. You just wait."
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Keiko: Yo. I guess all of you think I am sadistic little angst filled bitch right? Well just gimme a chance to come outta my shell, just gimme a second chance, please! I know you can all find it in your hearts, but can Yuugi-tatchi find it in theirs? Next time on Runners High, A Bottle of Emotions, Keiko emerges! Duel Standby!
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Insert Song: "Die Another Day" by Madonna.
MW: Wait, you are in Lake Ellsinore, how can you write this?
FW: Do the words laptop computer mean anything to you?
MW: *censored swear*
FW: We do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, but I own Keiko, Kei Ishtar and Kasumi Motou.
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Kei sat on her bed, trying not to cry. Seto had told her about his vision and although from being raised by Isis taught her this was a vision, she could not help herself from crying. Seto gently held her close as she sobbed.
"Cry all you want, cry until you feel better, I swear I won't let you go."
"I swear my life to you, what you wish I shall grant you, Seto-sama." Kei said, holding back sobs to get it out.
"You know, Kasumi-chan told me the same thing. I love the both of you, but I finally see why."
"We remind you of this girl Keiko ne?"
"Yes, and I feel stupid for saying so."
Kei stopped crying a stood up. She smiled at Seto saying that today the finals would begin. She kissed him one last time and ran off to get breakfast.
Now alone, Seto wondered if he could try to talk to her again. Seto closed his eyes and his world became surreal, as if he was standing on water, and rose petals and sakura blossoms floated in the water and drifted lazily from the never-ending sky. Soon, a young girl glomped him from behind.
"I was wondering how long it would be…"
"Until I came back?"
Keiko giggled. She began to nip his ear, and he let her down. Keiko smiled at him, and even thought he could not see her face, he thought she was beautiful. He came closer to embrace her, but she vanished, leaving him back in the real world.
Seto sighed and made his way downstairs. The table was full of food, and people. Everyone but Kasumi was there. Kei sat happily next to Yami, chatting away with him. Seto smiled because she was happy, he could feel it. "Take care of her Mou hitori no Yuugi," he thought to himself. Mai was prodding Jounouchi about his behavior for the past few days, and Isis, Malik, and Rishid were grinding on Marik for his behavior and stealing of women's panties, while he pleaded insanity ((Writers: *holds up sign that reads: Try harder Mari-kun, we know your insane*)). Soon after breakfast, everyone boarded the blimp and the takeoff went on without a problem. ((Writers: YAY!)).
Seto once again, locked himself away from the others, with only Mokuba at his side, as they awaited to arrive at their destination. The control deck had windows that let him view the entire ocean, and see the endless sky. He was painfully reminded of the fact that he broke the hearts of two girls, for the love of a woman, that he is unsure actually exists anymore. Suddenly the blimp came to a lurching stop, causing everyone to fall over. Instead of beginning to decline, the blimp stayed floating in mid-air. Yuugi-tatchi came running in, and asked what all the commotion was about. Yami took control of Yuugi ((Yamis and Hikaris now sharing bodies again)) and demanded what was going on.
"Heh, someone has taken control of the blimp…what fun," a sarcastic Bakura added.
"HEY THEY ARE STEALING MY JOB!" Malik screamed in a rage
A voice, an old, evil voice, came through speakers on the ship.
"Pardon my intrusion, but I believe I shall take control now."
Seto was outraged. "As if that midget Noa wasn't enough…we have more freaks out to kill myself and the other duelists."
"Maybe you're the victim in all this." Bakura scowled at Seto
Seto just growled at Bakura. Yami continued where Seto left off.
"Just what is it you want from us? Our items?"
"I have no interest in those trinkets just yet. I need to reveal a bit of the past to you all."
The group was confused. No one fully understood what he was saying, save Isis, Rishid and Malik.
"He is here to show us a part of the past that occurred to those who have been re born." Isis said, calmly.
Seto scowled. "Not this fairy tale again. My past is behind me, and I do not believe I was some servant of a dead pharaoh who has now resurrected in the body of Yuugi Motou!"
"Can you leave me out of this? Even for a second?" A transparent Yuugi wondered to his other side.
"Correct me if I am wrong, but there appears to be some one absent no?"
The group was in shock. They all remembered that Kei and Kasumi were not present. Anzu began worry about their safety.
"IF you DARE lay one hand on them you WILL answer to me!" Seto shouted at their invisible captor.
"Do not worry, for the girl is safe."
"You mean both girls, right?"
"Like I said, the girl is fine."
Everyone was confused at this remark, but they had no time to ponder it. The duelists and those who were capable of dueling were ordered to pick a weapon and a flower of their choice. Seto and Yami stepped up first, Seto picking a white rose and a rapier, Yami picking a red rose and a thin broad sword ((Writers hold up picture of Shinken from X…just think of a somewhat medium sized sword in width, and very long…and NO that was not a perverted comment XD)). Jounouchi and Mai took their flowers next.
"Something exotic, something that smells beautiful…"
"Something as conceited as you are
Mai pounded Jounouchi on the head and took a stem of jasmines for hers. Mai's eye was caught by what looked to be a whip, but when she picked it up, it seemed to be…alive. The sword reacted to the new master by growing blades from sides of the whip.
"Umm, not my idea of a nice toy…but if you're using it Mai, why no-" Jounouchi becomes cut off by Mai elbowing him in the stomach.
"Ite…."
"Make your pick, blonde boy…" The voice was growing impatient.
"Fine fine, shut it you old bag!" Jounouchi looked through the weapons and picked out a very large and curved sword ((Tetsaiga on Jenny Craig anyone? *writers are mauled*)) and for his flower, he picked a white chrysanthemum.
"Next, Next, you girl! With the short brown hair! And the one with the rhino for a hair do! Make your pick!"
"Talk about being pushy…." Anzu muttered with a sweat drop as she chose a lily and attached some elbow blades to her arms ((looks like sai attached to large arm bracelets with a handle for control)).
"RHINO FOR HAIR?!!! WHY I OUGHTA!!"
"Honda-kun! Just hurry up and pick before he gets real angry ok?" Anzu chided
Honda thus chose a cactus flower, and for his weapon, he chose a long pole with a long blade attached to the end.
"Will anyone else choose to duel in this?"
Isis, Rishid and Malik stepped forward. Isis chose a lotus for her flower, as did Rishid, but his was red, hers was white. Isis' weapon of choice was an old looking Egyptian sword. Rishid chose what looked to be an arsenal of throwing daggers. Bakura stepped up next, and took a large dandelion for his flower. He pondered at the weapons available.
((Writers: You know those weeds that just WON'T die….
Bakura: HEY!!!! *Bakura chucks shoe at writers*
MW: HONESTLY, WHO THROWS A SHOE?!!!
Bakura: I DO!!! WHY I OUGHTA!
FW: *pauses show and has the will of the macro chasm from Excel Saga come along {she looks like a round universe with arms XP} and rewinds to where Bakura was choosing his flower* Arigatou Ms. Will
Ms. Will: So much to do, so little time…..))
"I think I will take this…" Bakura said, picking up a sharp sword curved into a flying disc.
Malik was pushed up by Rishid, and unfortunately, one weapon was left, and it had a sign saying "reserved" on it. He growled and went to chose his flower, and the only one left was a….
"A PANSY?!! YOU EXPECT ME TO WEAR A PANSY?!"
The group stifled laughs as Malik glared at them, looking as if he was going to use the Rod to rip their hearts out.
"Now, why don't you all go to the top and we'll begin. Anyone unwilling to do so will suffer…certain consequences…" the old man cackled.
"BUT WHAT ABOUT ME?!" Ootogi shouted.
"You my friend, have to watch over the younger children, seeing has how you have little experience in anything that does not involve dice."
Ootogi growled, until Shizuka held his arm, asking if he would protect her. Ootogi smiled at her and Mokuba, promising he wouldn't let them get hurt, but they had to help him if anyone else got hurt.
"Now, lets us begin…."
The group was directed to the top of the blimp, where it seemed as if they were moving, only the darkness had surrounded them, and the winds were high. A large gust of wind blew, and sent shivers down the group's spine.
"Ah, our last player has finally arrived, forgive her, she is shy."
Another wind blew the blonde hair of a young girl in sight. She slowly stepped out to the arena, wearing long black pants, and a short shirt, with a black rose as her flower. She had a locket and a beautiful choker around her neck. Another gust of wind blew her hair all around, and she looked at them with cold, dead blue green eyes. This sent shivers down the spines of everyone more so than the wind ever could.
"Who are you?" Yami demanded, taking over Yuugi, and Bakura took over Ryou, backing up Yami ((for once)).
"Who I am is of no importance to you, but why I am here is of great importance."
"Then why don't you hurry and tell us? Just for your info, I am kinda freezing my ass off bitch!" Jounouchi yelled, wanting to get started so her could warm up.
"So rude. You must not have been raised with a mother, just like me. My mother died when I was two, how about yours? Illness? Miscarriage?"
"Why the fuck do you care and what does that have to do with anything?!"
"I see, divorce, pity, I sense a great power from within you."
"Listen, could you just tell us who you are? Please?" Anzu asked in a timid voice.
The girl drew one of her two katana and pointed it at Yami. Her stare was enough to meld Yami to the very spot he was standing at.
"My name is Keiko Cynthia Crawford. You killed my father, prepare to die."
((FW: Wow, nice use of the Princess bride….))
No one dared to move. Keiko kept her stance, ready to strike whenever she pleased. She did not mean to take his rose and knock him out, she meant to kill him, and slowly.
"Your…your…" Honda stammered
"It can't be…" Anzu said, filled with more fear than before.
"WHAT DID YOU DO WITH KEI AND KASUMI BITCH!" Jounouchi screamed, running to choke her but not before she raised her other katana to his throat.
"I am not Kei, yet I am. I am not Kasumi yet I am. Did you never figure it out? I was Kei and Kasumi, they were the same person. Did you not notice they were never seen together?"
"Why? Why would you do this?!" Shizuka said, near tears and feeling betrayed.
"Why? Simple, so I could kill the one that took everything away from me. The one who made my life a living hell. First disease took my mother when I was barely a year old, and I blame myself for she became deathly ill after giving life to me. Then, you, you nameless pharaoh, took and crushed the soul of the one I loved away. You hurt him so badly inside he was starting to forget me, and was becoming obsessed with beating you! Even though I was not there, I could feel it, I could sense it. And after that, you killed my father after defeating him and stole his Sennen Eye! ((Sennen= Millennium)) That, Shizuka, is why. Revenge, the bittersweet taste of revenge."
Their captor's voice began to cackle.
"Not just yet my dear, you have to win the melee before you can kill him. Now everyone, chose your ranks. Will you be on the side of darkness, or the side of light? The side of the white rose or the side of the red? Chose."
Mai, Jounouchi, Honda, and Anzu went without hesitation to the side of Yami. Seto, Isis, Rishid, Malik and Bakura went to the side of Keiko. Bakura was only siding with her, because he felt a large pang of guilt, seeing as how she was blaming someone else for a crime he committed, and he didn't know why he was feeling guilty either. The mood was tense, and soon, the swords would be flying, and the danger would be very real. A last gust of wind blew across the stage, and the signal to begin was given.
The group was merciless in attacking one another. Even though they could feel blades cut them, they felt no pain nor drew blood. Within minutes the first flower had been struck. Rishid had dived to save Isis from a straight stab in the back by Jounouchi. Everyone paused when the last petal dropped off and drifted away. Rishid stood for a minute, complemented Jounouchi on the swipe, and feel face first towards the ground. Apparently, it was figured the flowers held control of your consciousness, and when destroyed, you were out. More slashes, more sounds of metal striking metal. Ootogi was cautiously taking whomever fell to safety by the place where he, Mokuba and Shizuka stood, watching in shock and horror. One by one, the flowers were struck clean off their owners. Anzu fell to Isis, who fell to a slash from Honda. Mai was brutally struck by Malik, who in turn got his head nearly chopped off by Jounouchi. After a half an hour of fighting, Jounouchi and Yami were left to face off between Keiko and Seto.
"Hmm, Mou hitori no Yuugi, let me take the two timing bitch, and you take Mr. Ego Brain over there."
"Jounouchi, you take Kaiba, I need to deal with her. It's somewhat personal when you are accused of murder."
Jounouchi nodded and began to square off with Jounouchi. There were many swears, insults and bits of unruly conduct between the two. Jounouchi asked why Seto fought, when the love both women held for him was a lie. Seto shook his head and said it wasn't a lie.
"And why not?"
"She would be my fiancé. I was set to marry her from the time we were children. That's why, masu inu."
Whoever was left conscious stood in complete shock.
"A fiancé…Seto Kaiba, and Keiko Crawford…shouldn't they want to rip each other throats out?" Ootogi pondered to Shizuka and Mokuba.
"Onee-san, what happened to you?" Mokuba said, his voice drifting off.
"Fiancé or not she is still a conniving bitch for two timing us and-" Before Jounouchi could finish his sentence, the last petal of his flower drifted away. Seto kicked Jounouchi's limp body on the floor, remarking "No one dares call her a bitch."
Yami was now faced with a challenge. He tried to think of a way out, but for the moment he was cornered. Seto stood between the two, his sword pointed at Yami, his eyes looking cold and dead.
"OUT OF MY WAY SETO! I WANT TO KILL HIM!"
Seto turned to the young girl, sheathed his sword and held her close.
"I will not let you do this alone. If you really want to face him alone, you'd have to kill me, and you know that."
Keiko looked up into the eyes of the man she loved. Her eyes filled with sorrow at what she had to do. She had to do this alone. She couldn't let him protect her from everything. He let go of her and stood there. He kissed her hand and said he understands what she feels. Keiko clenched her eyes shut, and took a deep breath.
~I'm gonna wake up, yes and no
I'm gonna kiss some part of
I'm gonna keep this secret
I'm gonna close my body now~
"Gomenasai, Seto."
"Aishiteru, Keiko."
~I guess, die another day
I guess, die another day
I guess, die another day
I guess, die another day~
Seto watched as his last petal floated off. Keiko's eyes were filled with tears and she held him close. Yami was confused. Keiko kissed Seto's forehead and whispered into his ear "I'll avenge what he did to you as well, love."
Fear gripped Yami as she stood to her full height, and she was as tall as he was. Maybe taller.
"For the crimes you have committed against the ones I love, you shall pay."
~I guess I'll die another day
[Another day]
I guess I'll die another day
[Another day]
I guess I'll die another day
[Another day]
I guess I'll die another day~
Yami sensed she wasn't like this normally. He could feel a great amount of sadness from her because of what she was doing. But he couldn't forgive her for trying to kill him. He was the pharaoh. No one tried to kill him. He would just have to kill her.
~I'm gonna break the cycle
I'm gonna shake up the system
I'm gonna destroy my ego
I'm gonna close my body now~
"Considering the circumstances against me, I could just throw the battle giving you your revenge."
"Then where's the fun in that?"
Yami smirked. He hadn't seen w woman like this in ages. Something stirred in his memories from the past, but he blocked them out for now. It was not the time to wallow in millennia old memories.
~I think I'll find another way
There's so much more to know
I guess I'll die another day
It's not my time to go~
The two began to fight. The air around them grew warm with their energy. Yami was able to knock away one o her katana, while delivering a nasty cut to her hand. Her left hand out of order, Keiko fought back using her only hand, while using her left as a balance.
~For every sin, I'll have to pay
I've come to work, I've come to play
I think I'll find another way
It's not my time to go~
"This is getting quite boring and repetitive. Let's add some spice to it." The old man cackled.
Yami and Keiko looked to where the voice was coming from, but soon collapsed in pain. Wounds appeared all over their bodies, and some were bleeding quite profusely. Yami took the chance from her suffering from her many wounds, and knocked her other sword away. He held his sword to her throat. He was about to knock her rose off, when he heard a familiar clicking.
~I'm gonna avoid the cliché
I'm gonna suspend my senses
I'm gonna delay my pleasure
I'm gonna close my body now~
Keiko now looked up at him with a loaded gun pointed between his eyes. Blood was running down her arms, and stained the handle of the gun. Yami dropped his sword and back away.
"You cheated"
"Business woman."
"Noted. But I thought you wanted me to suffer. Now your just going to shoot me? How boring and painless."
"If I shoot you between the eyes yes, but, if I shoot you between the legs we have different problem."
"Not one to screw around are you?"
~I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day
I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day~
"You like games, don't you?"
"It's only what my name means. King of Games."
Keiko smirked. She readied the gun to shoot and placed it on the floor between them.
"You know, one day, I am going to have to kill you."
"I'll be waiting for that day"
~I think I'll find another way
There's so much more to know
I guess I'll die another day
It's not my time to go~
Yami gave Keiko the responsibility of spinning the gun. She explained the rules. If it points at you, your dead, if it points at someone else, they are dead. If it points into an empty space, you must remove one bullet from the gun. Six chances of any of this happening. What Yami didn't know, is there is always seven bullets in a gun.
The first spin pointed to nowhere. Keiko removed a bullet. The next four spins were pointing to nowhere, and they each had removed some bullets. Shizuka, Ootogi and Mokuba held on to each other for safety.
"I can understand why she hates Mou Hitori No Yuugi, and why she wants to kill him. I went through the same thing." Ootogi said.
"She wouldn't kill us right, Mokuba-kun?"
Mokuba shook his head. He said he was surprised she even made it this far with out stopping herself.
"She loves everyone and everything, unless you really hurt her, and she thinks that's what he has done…"
Shizuka was crying for Keiko. "She must be so alone and afraid…."
The gun spun around again. Nowhere. They now each had three bullets.
"Ah, it is a draw. What shall we do now?"
"Who said it was a draw? Don't you know there is always a bullet in the chamber?"
Yami took a step back. He hadn't counted on that. What made him feel worse was it was her turn. She spun the gun and it seemed like all eternity passed before it slowed down.
~I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day
I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day~
Everyone was tense as to where it would stop. The turns were slower and slower. It passed Ootogi, Mokuba, Shizuka, and Yami, and finally stopped, pointing at something.
~Another day
Another day~
It pointed at Keiko. She stared at the gun, without any regret or remorse. She picked it up, and readied it to shoot.
~I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day
I guess, die another day
I guess I'll die another day~
"Now it comes to this. I feel so terrible for leaving without at least marrying Seto, or avenging the death of my father, but Fate plays strange hands. I guess it's time to fold my hand."
"You wouldn't need to ask me what to do with yourself."
"I see you hate me with passion. Understandable. I did try to take your head off. You there, girl with the ponytail with earring and flat chest, what do you think of me?"
"One: I'm A GUY! Two: It's alright, I get it a lot. Three: I am Ryuji Ootogi. I held your father as an idol, and I can comprehend why you feel so much pain. I carry no grudges against you. I have heard of the real you from him. It's sad I had to meet you when your in such a state. You looked and acted so cute before."
"Thank you, Ootogi. You, next to Mokuba-kun, your name was Shizuka was it not?"
"Hai, and I don't think you deserve to die. I don't think this was right, but we all do things like this when we are desperate. I know most of my friends will not forgive you for a long time, if at all, but you shouldn't end it all! You have a man that loves you, and his little brother looking up to you. I know you have gone through something that makes you feel cold and alone, but you'll always have someone by your side."
Mokuba just ran up and hugged Keiko, asking her not to leave him.
"Please, go back to they way you were, please."
Keiko couldn't stand anymore. She collapsed from blood loss. Her clothes were soaked in her blood, as was the handle of the gun. The gun slid away from her, and Yami picked it up. He walked over to her and pointed it right at her rose.
Mokuba looked up at Yami, his eyes filled with tears.
"What…are…you…waiting…for?" Keiko asked, taking in air after each word.
~Another day
Another day~
"STOP!!!" Yuugi was holding on to Yami's arm.
"Yu-Yuugi…why are you trying to save me?"
The group stared at her in disbelief. She could SEE both Yami and Yuugi, not to mention the difference between them.
"Please, stop, Mou Hitori No Boku, don't you understand? She is just lost and confused, please, let her live! For me, please." Yuugi's eyes were filling with tears, as he forced himself to take over. Yuugi tossed the gun off the blimp, and ordered Ootogi to get some bandages and Shizuka to get some blankets. Mokuba looked from his older brother, to his someday to be sister in law. Suddenly, they could hear his voice, and the blimp was starting to lose control. It was shaking violently.
Yuugi just remembers a cackling voice, and a large flash appearing. The next thing he knows, it looks as if he was dueling some one, but who ever it is was long gone. Everyone else seemed just as puzzled. Seto stared at Yuugi from below, and took Mokuba back to the control room.
"Hoy….where did Isis go? And Rishid, Malik and that girl….did they disappear?"
"Hey Honda, what was that girl's name?"
"I…I don't know…."
Yuugi had a look of shock on his face. No one remembered her name. He barely did, but he wasn't telling them. The blimp took a U-turn and headed back for Domino city. Ootogi, Shizuka and Yuugi confided in one another that maybe they would see Keiko again, and maybe they could really get to be friends.
Keiko stared up at the starry night sky. Her arms were bandaged as well as her hands. You could see them under her arm warmers. You could see the bandages under her pant legs as she walked into the darkness, meeting with Isis and Rishid.
"Why did you do such a thing when I told you not to. He is your pharaoh and you are supposed to fall in love with him." Isis said, a look of concern for the health of her student.
"I do not love him. I told you. I have had my own visions. I was with the one destined to be the pharaoh after him."
"You mean his brother?" Rishid asked. "Or maybe his son?"
"His brother died protecting him and he died without bearing an heir. I am destined to love, the man who made the tablet."
Isis sighed. Maybe her visions and Keiko's were missing a few details. She would talk with Keiko later, but she ushered the two into a waiting car. Isis needed to get Keiko to her new home with her fiancé. She would start school soon. Isis prayed to the gods for one thing.
Keiko's redemption. She was going to Domino High School, and Isis feared the worst for her. Keiko looked out the window the entire time. She held her gun in her hand, and slipped it into the back of her tight super low black jeans.
"Will you ever forgive him?" Rishid ask her.
"No."
"Child, you need to clear your thoughts. I know you hold something against him, but do not show it. He is destined to be a great ruler again. You must listen to him."
"Then I will remain silent, but I can't hold my temper forever."
"You're leaning in the same direction that took over my dear brother. Please don't go down the same road he did."
"He wanted power. I just want him to suffer. But I will never get that chance will I?"
Keiko began to stare at the black velvet sky. She remembered what they had said to one another.
"One day I will have to kill you."
"I'll be waiting for that day."
"I will to, Mou hitori no Yuugi. You just wait."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Keiko: Yo. I guess all of you think I am sadistic little angst filled bitch right? Well just gimme a chance to come outta my shell, just gimme a second chance, please! I know you can all find it in your hearts, but can Yuugi-tatchi find it in theirs? Next time on Runners High, A Bottle of Emotions, Keiko emerges! Duel Standby!
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Insert Song: "Die Another Day" by Madonna.