Chapter 11

Falling Fer You?

Mai's POV

"Stop it, Joey!" I screamed as he came barreling out towards Kaiba and myself. Obviously, all my warnings for him to stay put went right out the window. I've never seen him so angry, as he took a swing at the other one's head. But Kaiba was ready for him. He got up quickly, and ducked so it went whoosh! over his shoulder. Joey came in with another punch, but by then some Kaiba henchmen, waiting in the wings, had seized Joey and pulled him back, arms pinned.

It's like Kaiba expected him to react this way! I thought. But why? What was he thinking! He's up to something, but what. . . I have to figured it out, or Joey's in trouble!

I stood up too, my chair clattering across the restaurant's floor. I expected Joey to struggle, but he 'seemed' subdued. Seemed. Just when I thought he was controlling himself, he suddenly thrashed to the left, wrenching free of one of the bodyguardmen and knocking another back. One man was still pinning up his arms from behind, so he shifted his weight to the back, causing him to stumble and trip backwards, knocking a waiter with a tray full of dishes to go flying. A bald man, the restaurant's owner, was gripping his hair (or lack thereof) in despair. I could tell that he wanted to throw us out, but once he saw that it was 'Kaiba' in the fight, he shut up.

People who were eating got up but didn't run away, just moved to the side. Some of them were even cheering and posting bets on who'd win. I mean, really.I tried shouting to Joey to stop, but he was past hearing. I could see that crazy blaze in those dark brown eyes as he knocked away the last of the bodyguards of with a foot. What was wrong with him? Couldn't he see that this was exactly what Kaiba'd expect him to do! He fell right into his trap!

For once in my life I didn't know what to do to stop this¦. and just stood there in helpless shock. Luckily, Serenity came rushing in just then. The room was a mess, tables turned over and people gaping. I felt horrible when I saw the expression of horror on her face, like if it were my fault. I guess Tea must've told her everything . . . . "Stop it you two!" she shouted over their snarls and the excited whooping of the crowd. When that didn't work, she went and did what I thought was a very, very gutsy thing: rushed out and put herself right in the middle of them. Immediately Joey stopped. Kind of.

"Move, sis!" he snapped in a voice I've never heard him use. It sounded almost . . . . .possessed, he was so angry. Serenity shook her head no, with tears in her doe, almond shaped eyes. When he tried to sidestep her, she just moved to the side with him, blocking him. If this were another time, I might've laughed, because she was a whole head shorter than he, yet her size was successful to stopping him, even though he just knocked away four grown men. I knew Joey wouldn't dare to hurt her, but that just made him even more frustrated. He kept hopping as if he were trying to jump right over her, to get to Kaiba. Meanwhile Kaiba was leaning back casually with his arms crossed, as if this whole thing amused him. "I said, move Serenity!"

"Calm down first." Some of the crowd booed for stopping the fight. " . . . .and tell me what is going on!" She looked from face to face angrily.

"NO I will not calm--" Joey said in shout, then looked over at me as if he'd just noticed me there. I saw a flash of pain and hurt in his face. "Didja see what I saw, sis! I saw him kiss her!" he pointed at me. "What do ya think of your boyfriend now, huh?" he shouted, pointing accusingly. "Huh!"

The crowd drew in a sharp breath as Serenity turned slowly until her eyes met Kaiba's. I could tell that she was asking silently.His expression didn't flicker.

"It's not true, Serenity," I tried to explain. "He's mistaken! He just pretended to. . ..I swear it on my life! " I glanced over at Kaiba disgustedly, or for help, but he just narrowed those stony eyes of his a bit and continued to observe us, lips tight.

"I know what I saw!" Joey yelled, charging again towards him in rage. By now, one of the goons had recovered and gotten up to stop him as he continued to struggle. Serenity finally said:

"I don't know what happened, but how can you two hurt me like this?" she looked from her brother to her boyfriend and back again. "How can you force me to choose .. . . ." she had to stop, but she went on bravely, " between my best friend; my own brother . . . ." she looked at Joey, then back to Kaiba. " and . . .the one . . . I love! How could you two put me in this position?" she shouted,balling her fists.

At this point, many things happened all at once. When she said those things, I watched Kaiba's calm, cool face, suddenly register with an instant shock.

Was this the first time she said that she loved him? It, itwas! "Awwwwwww!" I whispered under my breath atthe declaration. Immediately I was turned into a sap. How sweet! And the crowd around us got the general idea and sighed along with me too. "Awwww!" they chorused happily, only to be stopped by Joey's glare looking around.

Meanwhile, I guess Kaiba was really taken aback, or in shock or something, because suddenly Joey swung out again, managing to pull free of the guy holding him back before swinging out at the CEO. He ducked to the side, but too late. It glanced off. Instantly, the shocked look quickly was replaced by pure anger. Oh great, I thought. Now he's done it!

Serenity didn't get to see any more, because she turned away after her statement, and ran away, covering her face. I felt sorry for her and wanted to see if she was all right, but I certainly couldn't leave them wringing each other's throats. Kaiba would probably give him a good thrashing; he was taller, stronger, and out-numbered Joey five-to-one, with his men. But after Serenity left, Kaiba surprisingly backed off, glaring.

"Nice going, you pathetic mutt," he sneered. "I'll finish you off later, and then you'll really regret trying to trap me . . . ." he threatened viciously over one shoulder, before turningaway off in Serenity's direction. He was followed by his goons.

When he was gone, I turned toward Joey released. "Why didn't you listen?" I yelled. "I told you to stay put! You've ruined the plan!" He ignored me and immediately turned towards his sister's direction also with a hateful expression on his usually friendly face. He didn't like his little sister just confessing her love to his worst enemy, I figured. No surprise there. Around us the crowd dissipated, seeing that action was over. I grabbed his arm. "Don't. Let him go after her," I told him. "She's not your responsibility anymore. She's his."

I believed this wholeheartedly, but then I was thinking I should've kept my mouth shut by the way he turned slowly and glared at me. I almost felt sad right then, because I knew something bad was definetly going to happened.

"WHAT do ya mean 'she's NOT my responsibility!'? he exploded suddenly, so loud that I jumped away in fright.

" It didn't come out the way I meant . . . . "

"You think she because she's said that she in love with a creep, and practically betrayed our whole family, she's not my sister anymore?" I shook my head, since I couldn't talk. "Well, let me tell ya something! You don't know anything about what it like to have real family, and friends. The word loyalty is probably a foreign concept to you! In the real world, we don't turn our backs, like you do, even ifthey turn their backs on us." He took in a deep breath to deliver the last, final blow, "Family is important and friends are real. NOT imaginary, like yours!"

I couldn't stand to hear anymore. I turned and sped off as fast as I could.

Joey's POV

I watched her whirl away and run with a sinking feeling. I knew by the way her face in that perfect porcelain skin had twitched, I had hurt her. "But she knows better than to provoke me when I'm angry!" I told my conscience to soothe it. Then how come your gut feels like you'd swallowed a hockey stick? Face it . .. you were jealous when you thought you saw them kiss!

"Arghhh!" I yelled, hitting my head against the wall in frustration. "You stupid,stupid." The restaurant owner had been just about to approach me, probably about the mess we'd made, but jumped away. Good. Send the bill to stupid Moneybags. . . .

It seemed weird, but I didn't even feel any pain, hitting my head over like that. But just earlier, I had felt pain when I saw them together like that. and then just now when I'd yelled at Mai for what she'd said. But the head didn't hurt. I knew it was because it was physical rather than inner pain, which hurt a hell of a lot more. A lot more . . . .

It was strange, I thought, as I slowly backed away from the wall, feeling a bump welling on my forehead. When I'm fighting, I don't feel any pain. It was like I'm in this 'Zone'.. . . . I could feel myself slipping into it once again, a zone where nothing hurt and pain didn't exist. Only when it was over, did I feel guilt and sore from my wounds inflicted. . . .

. Shaking my head to clear it, I got up. Well, I can't change the past. Right now, I had to find Mai. Even if I were the last one she wanted to see right now . . . . I was uneasy, but I left, gathering my courage up.

3rd person POV

Mai stood on the edge of a cliff, a few hours after the incident. The moon rose like a pale face cloaked in black. After she'd ran away, she'd gone straight to bed, ignoring Tea's concerns and nitpicking. She didn't want to see anyone. Then she went outside, and started walking down the ocean in the dark.

My feet hurt, she thought distantly. It had begun to drizzle with rain, and the air was slightly foggy. She took off her $500 shoes and left them there. I should leave . . . . .

Instead, she glanced down at her hand, which had her deck in it. And remembered . . . . .

flashback

15 year old Mai Valentine skipped up happily in her large plush room. She set her schoolbags down and eagerly ripped open a packet sent to her. The shiny foil fell to the floor. Cards!

Wow, they are so pretty, she thought, admiring her first Harpy Lady. Stupid boys down the street! Said I'm too dumb to beat them in this!she thought, a scowl on her pretty face in memory of their hateful words.

I'll show them, she thought, taking out more packet and ripping them open.I'll show those stupid boys, who think they rule the earth and women are just slaves! Arrogant pigs! She studied each word written in the cards, tossing her long blond hair over her shoulder. And maybe. . . .I'll make a friend . . . . . Kneeing down on the soft, thick white carpet, she began to play and sort.

end flashback

Well, at least it wasn't all for naught, Mai thought, reminiscing. I did get to meet some .. . .nice . . . .people . . . . .. and I beat those boys in my very first try! she thought with a slight smile. It's bad enough to be beaten by a girl, they'd said, but by 'wimpy' girl-cards! They didn't show their faces out of shame for weeks. It had given her a perverse satisfaction.

The smile left her face, as she studied the first top card, Mirror wall. It was one of her favorite trap cards, because she always thought there was something in attacking yourself. Or more precisely, in making the other attack themselves. Earlier, she'd been talking with Kaiba before he saw Joey and figured out their scheme, just about it. He'd been silent, but I think he was paying attention . . . .she got the impression he was thinking of his humiliating loss to Yugi, during battle city.

Ah, Yugi, she thought. Never had she met anyone more dedicated to dueling. They weren't close or anything, but she knew right when she'd first met him, standing next to Joey, in the boat to duelist kingdom, something was different about the little guy. It seemed he was the mantra "the meek shall inherit the earth." She'd had lost to him once, but unlike those boys, who would've taunted her, he was a nice guy about it.

I wish .. . .more men were nicer, she thought, cold and huddling her wet jacket tighter around her body. I wish they wouldn't say hurtful things. Joey's words kept floating back to her: "Friends are real. NOT imaginary!"

Part of her wanted to go back and give him a good kick. But the other part was just . . . .defeated. Because I know he was right, she thought, staring at the cool, glittering waters below her. They shone black, against the starless sky, like an ebony trampoline. Like if she were to jump on them, it would bounce her so high, she'd fly into the sky. The glimmer of a golden light shone in the east, signaling dawn. She checked her watch: 3:39 am. But not for a while. . . . .

I look like the walking dead. Ugly. She stared down at her reflection in the water. Her clothes were wrinkled and dirty. Her hair had frizzed up into limp strands, still held up messily. Makeup was a complete mess . . . .

I ought to jump into my 'trampoline'. . . . .and fly up with . . . . . .my 'imaginary friends' . . . . .her hand tightened into a crushing fist . . .. and nearly fell off as someone called, "Wait!"

"Don't jump!" Huffing and puffing with effort from the steep, Joey stood behind her, staring..

She moved, but only to drop down and sit on the edge. "I wasn't going to jump." she muttered dully. "Though you almost knocked me off, screaming like that . . . . ."

He sat next to her, carefully, studying her smudged and the listless expression on her face. " . . . .Then . .. what were ya gonna do?"

"Drop these into the ocean . . . ." she held out her hand over the waters and released her fingers. With alarm, he realized it was her DM deck.

"Hey! Stop dat!" With effort, he managed to grab them from her before they fell. Sighing with relief, he started sorting them affectionely. "Why do ya want to do dat fer. . ."

She didn't answer nor look at him. Just stared out into the night bleakly. He couldn't help be confused. I thought she'd be ready to kick my head off! Not that I don't deserve it . . . . There was another long silence as he puzzled it over until finally, she said softly, "To get rid of my 'imaginary' friends , I guess . . . . ."

Her bright amesthyt eyes, once shining with haughty independence, were now so dull and lifeless that guilt tore through him. "I shouldn't of said those things to ya . . . .I'm sorry."But the words stuck in his throat. "Ya shouldn't of made me so angry!"

She covered her face, shaking her head so hard that her light blond curls bounced about. "You were - are -completely right. . . . .It is t-true . . . . ." Mai shifted away, turning her back. He saw her reach up to scratch her face, at least that's what he thought she was doing, until he saw glints of tears falling, in the darkness.

"Aw, come on, Mai, don't cry. I'd rather . . . . you kick me, hit me, yell at me, anything but don't be sad. . . " He tried to reach out to her, but she pulled away.

"Don't pity me . . . ." she insisted, but her hands were shaking. "I'm not mad or anything, so just go away!" It hurt her pride to let him see her so pathetic . . . .

"I'm not! Just a favor payback . . . .you know. . . . . when I found out about my sister, you were there for me . . . . so let me be there for you." he insisted.

She hesistated, holding her breath, and looking him over. "I don't know . . . ." she mumbled.

"Come on. I took a bath!" he smiled winningly.

Slowly, she let him hold her in silence, shivering, listening to the soothing sound of waves below for a moment. In the distance, someone's radio played, the music soft and drifting but audible.

He recognized the music. It gave him the bit of courage to clear his throat and speak. ". . . .Dat first time you were there for me, I-I. . . . really appreciated it." Staring out into the ocean, he wound one of her soft blond curls around a fingertip, looking back down as it sprung back.It's like the music sayin' what I'm trying to say. . . . still it's so hard! What if she . . . .laughs . . . . .? Joey felt a big knot in his stomach, but blurted on, "I lied . . .when I said our kiss didn't mean anything. It did. . . ." He hesistated as he felt her stiffen up in his arms. She must be surprised to hear that . . . .he figured.

She started to interrupt, but he rushed on. "Lemme finish. . . .remember I was so mad dat day and I punched the wall? Well, I didn't feel any pain, because I couldn't stop thinking bout you, all through the night . . . .I can't say what I'm trying to say . . . . . . . . ."

As he paused, Mai smiled freely, since he couldn't see it; her head was aganist his chest. I think you're saying it very well . . . . She was touched by his words, but she wasn't about to react . . . . yet. "And you fell down on your face afterwards," she reminded him, her voice muffled aganist his chest, laughing silently in the dark in memory of it. The early sun was started to light up the sky a golden brown, the color reminding her of his hair.

"Yeah . . . .I fell . . . " he said, distantly also remembering. " . . . . in love wit you . . . .." The last part even took him by surprise, because it had just sort of slipped out. Oh great, I sounded like a complete sap . . . . .! She probably gonna die laughing at how cheesy that sounded, Joey thought, slapping his forehead hard in frustration at himself, causing bright stars to shimmer and dance about. Ow. Ow. Ow Note to self: don't do that when you gotta big bump from hitting your head aganist a wall before . . . whoa, lookit all da . . . pritty . . . . . shtars. . . . . . . . then blackness as he fell backwards in the grass.