Sorry about the late update! My geometry teacher just piles us with hw!
Last night it took me about 3 HOURS just to finish it! And then my computer
router got all messed up. But I managed to finish Chapter 7. Romance
features: Seto/Téa and Joey/Mai! About the first half of the chapter
focuses on Joey and Mai, then Seto and Téa, and finally Serenity.
Mamono: Lol, I'm glad you liked it! Hope you like this chappie too. ^_^
YAMIGIRL3: Yap! You don't know how much your review made me happy!!! Reviews like yours give me ideas . . . *twinkle in eye* Enjoy this chapter!!
kaz: Thanks! I hope I'm not getting too OC on Seto in this chapter. And I really hope you like the interaction between Seto and Téa.
starfire: Well, here's the new chapter ya asked for. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I no own Yu-Gi-Oh. ^^
Now onto the main event!!
Chapter 7
Love and Fear
Hopefully Mokuba got to safety, Mai thought as the score of pirates circled around her.
"Why don't you just give up," one taunted, "There ain't no way you can escape."
One by one they slowly advanced. A big, brutish fellow grabbed her arms. Mai kicked the guy's shins but he only held on tighter.
"Hey! Let her go you ghost freak!"
The pirate didn't even turn around. His "friends" moved in to take care of the blonde that had interrupted their capture.
"Joey!" Mai cried. "Forget about me, just get out of here!"
"Not without you Mai! We'll get out of here together!" the teen replied eyeing the pirates.
One swung a fist which Joey easily dodged it. Another grabbed Joey's arm but he merely kicked the guy between the legs. Unknowingly, a third pirate snuck up behind Joey wrapping his strong arms around the surprised boy's chest trapping him. Joey kicked his shins but this only caused the pirate to hold onto him tighter. While the other pirates circled around smiling darkly. The second pirate had gotten over his pain quickly pulled out a long rusty knife. He approached Joey grinning evilly.
Joey felt sweat dripping down the sides of his face. Man, he thought still struggling, what is it with these guys and knives?
The man stood before him slowly and forcefully placed the edge of the knife and made a long, deep cut across his throat but did not try to kill him immediately.
He's toying with me! Joey realized. Pain seared its way to his head causing dizziness to replace thoughts. He's eyes clouded over as he clenched his teeth shut in attempt to not scream out in pain. The blonde was unprepared for the sudden stab in his right shoulder. This time he scream. But he still heard through the haziness someone else scream as he felt his other shoulder stabbed.
"NO!! JOEY!!"
And he knew no more . . .
***
Joey was first aware of pain pulsating through his head, neck, and especially his shoulders. He could just barely feel his fingers. A soft moan escaped from his lips.
"Joey? Are you awake?"
Joey parted his eyes enough to see that someone was sitting next to him. As his eyes became adjusted to the glare of the sun which was beginning to set, he realized the person next to him was Mai.
"Mai?" his voice was ruff and cracked, "Wha-?"
She cut him off, "Don't talk; you've lost too much blood and energy already."
Joey ignored this statement, "Where's Serenity?"
Mai remained silent.
"Where is she, Mai?" Joey demanded.
Mai opened her mouth to answer but another voice beat her to it. "So the mutt's awake now. It's about time."
Mai glared at someone on the other side of Joey. "Shut it, Kaiba! He doesn't need you throwing insults at him right now. He needs rest."
Joey turned his head slightly despite the pain to see Seto standing over him and Mai.
Seto was looking at Joey without his usual smirk. His seriousness scared him. "We never found your sister, Wheeler. According to Mokuba she was taken away with the captain of those pirates."
Joey remained silent at these words allowing his mind to soak in what he had just heard. "Serenity's . . . gone?" he finally asked.
He felt something wet fall on his hand. He turned back to Mai to find her crying. Between her sobs she said, "I'm so sorry Joey. I should've kept better watch over her. It's all my fault . . ." She trailed off tears flowing down her checks. She refused to look at Joey. Mai watched the sunset through blurry eyes until a strong yet gentle hand rested on her arm. Looking over her shoulder Mai was caught in Joey's dark brown eyes. Mai felt herself being pulled into those endless, warm eyes. She was unaware of the island they were stranded on or of the pirates that had been hunting them. She knew of only one thing, the warmth and comfort of those eyes that held her.
When Joey's eyes locked with Mai's all the pain in his body disappeared. Without realizing it he pulled Mai close to him wanting only to comfort her. He carefully brushed away her tears before wrapping his arms around her fragile figure. Mai sighed contently resting her head on Joey's chest.
Unknown to them two other people sat on a small boulder farther down the beach watching them. Téa smiled at the couple leaning against Seto. He had his arm around her waist.
"Who would've thought the mutt would fall for someone like Mai Valentine," he whispered softly.
Téa laughed softly, "Be nice or I'll shove you off this boulder."
Seto looked at her in mock surprise. "You wouldn't dare."
"Wouldn't I?" she said smiling mischievously. Without warning she pushed Seto Kaiba off the boulder. But since his arm was still around her waist she fell with him. They landed on a small clump of rough but cushiony sea grass.
This time it was Seto's turn to laugh. Téa was surprised because she had never heard him laugh before. She instantly liked the sound; it was carefree and merry, very much unlike the cold and distant Seto Kaiba of Kaiba Corporation.
Turning on her side, the brunette girl's breath caught in her throat as she found herself staring into the ice blue eyes of the boy next to her. Seto's smile softened as he reached out brushing some strands of brown hair away from Téa's face. Téa felt her heart speed up as Seto drew closer to her until she could feel his warm breath wash over her face. Téa closed her eyes as she felt his lips on hers. She pulled herself closer to him so that their bodies were pressed against each other. She wrapped her arms around his neck while he had one hand in the small of her back and his other holding her head.
When they broke apart they lay motionless for a few minutes before they realized it was getting late. Seto stood up offering a hand to help Téa up. She took it willingly. They walked side-by-side together in the darkness back to the camp.
***
"So what happened, Yami?" Yugi asked.
Yami looked at all the anxious faces waiting to hear of the story of the fight earlier that day. He sighed and began, "Well, by the time I got there Mai was supporting Joey. He was unconscious at the time. I believe the only reason they were still alive and not captured was because Mai had activated her Millennium Item. Every time someone or something got near her, rose petals would appear and swirl around the two of them warding off any type of attack. When Téa, Kaiba, Tristan, Duke, and I got there we destroyed about half of those fiends. At least I think we did. After what we encountered in the jungle I wouldn't be surprised if they somehow survived."
Tristan looked up bandaging his arm where a sword pierced his skin after hitting him along side the head. "Those things fought harder than they did on the ship!"
Malik frowned, "How come they didn't turn into skeletons or whatever they were when we fought them on the beach or boat? Or do you think that these are two completely different enemies?"
Yami shrugged, "Who knows. They were, in a way, dressed similar."
"But what about that Millennium Earring the captain was wearing?" Mokuba asked. "Where do you think that came from?"
"Most likely the treasure we found on our ship was their treasure," Bakura said. "We were only getting it out of Japan for them."
"That would mean that we are wearing stolen items!" Duke exclaimed.
"Yeah, and they'll probably even kill you to get them back," Yami Bakura said.
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood," Duke said sarcastically.
Isis looked very thoughtful. "Doesn't it seem odd that these pirates chose us to carry Millennium Items for them when some of us already have Items?"
Yami glanced at her, "You're right. And now that we know that the captain holds a Millennium Item I'd stake my life on it that the fog we saw was actually the Shadow Realm."
Isis nodded.
"Hey, has anyone seen Kaiba and Téa?" Tristan suddenly asked. "Mai is watching Joey right now but where did Kaiba and Téa disappear off to?"
Yami and Yugi both choked on their food at this statement. Duke let out a snort of laughter while Isis fell on her back with silent mirth. Yami Bakura had just taken a long drink of water which he spit out unexpectedly dousing the fire and spraying everyone.
"YAMI BAKURA!!!!!"
Yami Bakura paid them no heed as he was on hands and knees laughing and coughing at the same time.
***
Serenity opened her eyes. Her head was pounding in her ears. She attempted to hold her head still against the swaying of wherever she was, but found that her hands were tied tightly behind her back. It was then that she noticed why everything was swaying. She was on a boat.
The boat pitched violently banging her head hard against the rough floorboards. She let out a small cry as pain flood her senses.
"Ah, I see you're awake now."
Serenity opened her eyes wearily watching the man in front of her. She recognized him as captain of the pirates. Her eyes widened as she realized this. She tried desperately to loosen the bonds on her hands but it was to no avail.
The captain smiled at her fruitless efforts. "You might as well give up. Those bonds were checked personally by me and even if you somehow managed to escape those ropes we are to far away from shore for you to swim to. Not to mention you'd have to go through me and my crew."
Serenity stopped knowing he spoke the truth and she didn't want to use up all her energy. She hauled herself into sitting position. "What is it you want?" she asked exhaustion evident in her voice.
"Besides that bracelet on your ankle, information," he answered.
Serenity glared at him, "Well you can forget it! I am not giving you either!"
The man smirked, "I'm afraid you won't have a choice in the matter, my dear." He stood up, "Oh, and you may call me Captain John Reed of the Black Arrow." The man left her alone in the empty room.
Serenity drew her legs to her chest and rested her head on her knees. Tears flood her vision.
"Joey, where are you?" she whispered.
*****
Agh! Another short chapter! Sorry. Well, summery of the next chapter (which could change, mind you): A new OC befriends Serenity. She's the only woman pirate in this. The group will get back to work and planning. If all goes well I should have the next chapter up by next week. *crosses fingers*
Please review so I know how I did in this chapter! Romance is a new subject for me so if you have any suggestions please tell me.
Mamono: Lol, I'm glad you liked it! Hope you like this chappie too. ^_^
YAMIGIRL3: Yap! You don't know how much your review made me happy!!! Reviews like yours give me ideas . . . *twinkle in eye* Enjoy this chapter!!
kaz: Thanks! I hope I'm not getting too OC on Seto in this chapter. And I really hope you like the interaction between Seto and Téa.
starfire: Well, here's the new chapter ya asked for. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I no own Yu-Gi-Oh. ^^
Now onto the main event!!
Chapter 7
Love and Fear
Hopefully Mokuba got to safety, Mai thought as the score of pirates circled around her.
"Why don't you just give up," one taunted, "There ain't no way you can escape."
One by one they slowly advanced. A big, brutish fellow grabbed her arms. Mai kicked the guy's shins but he only held on tighter.
"Hey! Let her go you ghost freak!"
The pirate didn't even turn around. His "friends" moved in to take care of the blonde that had interrupted their capture.
"Joey!" Mai cried. "Forget about me, just get out of here!"
"Not without you Mai! We'll get out of here together!" the teen replied eyeing the pirates.
One swung a fist which Joey easily dodged it. Another grabbed Joey's arm but he merely kicked the guy between the legs. Unknowingly, a third pirate snuck up behind Joey wrapping his strong arms around the surprised boy's chest trapping him. Joey kicked his shins but this only caused the pirate to hold onto him tighter. While the other pirates circled around smiling darkly. The second pirate had gotten over his pain quickly pulled out a long rusty knife. He approached Joey grinning evilly.
Joey felt sweat dripping down the sides of his face. Man, he thought still struggling, what is it with these guys and knives?
The man stood before him slowly and forcefully placed the edge of the knife and made a long, deep cut across his throat but did not try to kill him immediately.
He's toying with me! Joey realized. Pain seared its way to his head causing dizziness to replace thoughts. He's eyes clouded over as he clenched his teeth shut in attempt to not scream out in pain. The blonde was unprepared for the sudden stab in his right shoulder. This time he scream. But he still heard through the haziness someone else scream as he felt his other shoulder stabbed.
"NO!! JOEY!!"
And he knew no more . . .
***
Joey was first aware of pain pulsating through his head, neck, and especially his shoulders. He could just barely feel his fingers. A soft moan escaped from his lips.
"Joey? Are you awake?"
Joey parted his eyes enough to see that someone was sitting next to him. As his eyes became adjusted to the glare of the sun which was beginning to set, he realized the person next to him was Mai.
"Mai?" his voice was ruff and cracked, "Wha-?"
She cut him off, "Don't talk; you've lost too much blood and energy already."
Joey ignored this statement, "Where's Serenity?"
Mai remained silent.
"Where is she, Mai?" Joey demanded.
Mai opened her mouth to answer but another voice beat her to it. "So the mutt's awake now. It's about time."
Mai glared at someone on the other side of Joey. "Shut it, Kaiba! He doesn't need you throwing insults at him right now. He needs rest."
Joey turned his head slightly despite the pain to see Seto standing over him and Mai.
Seto was looking at Joey without his usual smirk. His seriousness scared him. "We never found your sister, Wheeler. According to Mokuba she was taken away with the captain of those pirates."
Joey remained silent at these words allowing his mind to soak in what he had just heard. "Serenity's . . . gone?" he finally asked.
He felt something wet fall on his hand. He turned back to Mai to find her crying. Between her sobs she said, "I'm so sorry Joey. I should've kept better watch over her. It's all my fault . . ." She trailed off tears flowing down her checks. She refused to look at Joey. Mai watched the sunset through blurry eyes until a strong yet gentle hand rested on her arm. Looking over her shoulder Mai was caught in Joey's dark brown eyes. Mai felt herself being pulled into those endless, warm eyes. She was unaware of the island they were stranded on or of the pirates that had been hunting them. She knew of only one thing, the warmth and comfort of those eyes that held her.
When Joey's eyes locked with Mai's all the pain in his body disappeared. Without realizing it he pulled Mai close to him wanting only to comfort her. He carefully brushed away her tears before wrapping his arms around her fragile figure. Mai sighed contently resting her head on Joey's chest.
Unknown to them two other people sat on a small boulder farther down the beach watching them. Téa smiled at the couple leaning against Seto. He had his arm around her waist.
"Who would've thought the mutt would fall for someone like Mai Valentine," he whispered softly.
Téa laughed softly, "Be nice or I'll shove you off this boulder."
Seto looked at her in mock surprise. "You wouldn't dare."
"Wouldn't I?" she said smiling mischievously. Without warning she pushed Seto Kaiba off the boulder. But since his arm was still around her waist she fell with him. They landed on a small clump of rough but cushiony sea grass.
This time it was Seto's turn to laugh. Téa was surprised because she had never heard him laugh before. She instantly liked the sound; it was carefree and merry, very much unlike the cold and distant Seto Kaiba of Kaiba Corporation.
Turning on her side, the brunette girl's breath caught in her throat as she found herself staring into the ice blue eyes of the boy next to her. Seto's smile softened as he reached out brushing some strands of brown hair away from Téa's face. Téa felt her heart speed up as Seto drew closer to her until she could feel his warm breath wash over her face. Téa closed her eyes as she felt his lips on hers. She pulled herself closer to him so that their bodies were pressed against each other. She wrapped her arms around his neck while he had one hand in the small of her back and his other holding her head.
When they broke apart they lay motionless for a few minutes before they realized it was getting late. Seto stood up offering a hand to help Téa up. She took it willingly. They walked side-by-side together in the darkness back to the camp.
***
"So what happened, Yami?" Yugi asked.
Yami looked at all the anxious faces waiting to hear of the story of the fight earlier that day. He sighed and began, "Well, by the time I got there Mai was supporting Joey. He was unconscious at the time. I believe the only reason they were still alive and not captured was because Mai had activated her Millennium Item. Every time someone or something got near her, rose petals would appear and swirl around the two of them warding off any type of attack. When Téa, Kaiba, Tristan, Duke, and I got there we destroyed about half of those fiends. At least I think we did. After what we encountered in the jungle I wouldn't be surprised if they somehow survived."
Tristan looked up bandaging his arm where a sword pierced his skin after hitting him along side the head. "Those things fought harder than they did on the ship!"
Malik frowned, "How come they didn't turn into skeletons or whatever they were when we fought them on the beach or boat? Or do you think that these are two completely different enemies?"
Yami shrugged, "Who knows. They were, in a way, dressed similar."
"But what about that Millennium Earring the captain was wearing?" Mokuba asked. "Where do you think that came from?"
"Most likely the treasure we found on our ship was their treasure," Bakura said. "We were only getting it out of Japan for them."
"That would mean that we are wearing stolen items!" Duke exclaimed.
"Yeah, and they'll probably even kill you to get them back," Yami Bakura said.
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood," Duke said sarcastically.
Isis looked very thoughtful. "Doesn't it seem odd that these pirates chose us to carry Millennium Items for them when some of us already have Items?"
Yami glanced at her, "You're right. And now that we know that the captain holds a Millennium Item I'd stake my life on it that the fog we saw was actually the Shadow Realm."
Isis nodded.
"Hey, has anyone seen Kaiba and Téa?" Tristan suddenly asked. "Mai is watching Joey right now but where did Kaiba and Téa disappear off to?"
Yami and Yugi both choked on their food at this statement. Duke let out a snort of laughter while Isis fell on her back with silent mirth. Yami Bakura had just taken a long drink of water which he spit out unexpectedly dousing the fire and spraying everyone.
"YAMI BAKURA!!!!!"
Yami Bakura paid them no heed as he was on hands and knees laughing and coughing at the same time.
***
Serenity opened her eyes. Her head was pounding in her ears. She attempted to hold her head still against the swaying of wherever she was, but found that her hands were tied tightly behind her back. It was then that she noticed why everything was swaying. She was on a boat.
The boat pitched violently banging her head hard against the rough floorboards. She let out a small cry as pain flood her senses.
"Ah, I see you're awake now."
Serenity opened her eyes wearily watching the man in front of her. She recognized him as captain of the pirates. Her eyes widened as she realized this. She tried desperately to loosen the bonds on her hands but it was to no avail.
The captain smiled at her fruitless efforts. "You might as well give up. Those bonds were checked personally by me and even if you somehow managed to escape those ropes we are to far away from shore for you to swim to. Not to mention you'd have to go through me and my crew."
Serenity stopped knowing he spoke the truth and she didn't want to use up all her energy. She hauled herself into sitting position. "What is it you want?" she asked exhaustion evident in her voice.
"Besides that bracelet on your ankle, information," he answered.
Serenity glared at him, "Well you can forget it! I am not giving you either!"
The man smirked, "I'm afraid you won't have a choice in the matter, my dear." He stood up, "Oh, and you may call me Captain John Reed of the Black Arrow." The man left her alone in the empty room.
Serenity drew her legs to her chest and rested her head on her knees. Tears flood her vision.
"Joey, where are you?" she whispered.
*****
Agh! Another short chapter! Sorry. Well, summery of the next chapter (which could change, mind you): A new OC befriends Serenity. She's the only woman pirate in this. The group will get back to work and planning. If all goes well I should have the next chapter up by next week. *crosses fingers*
Please review so I know how I did in this chapter! Romance is a new subject for me so if you have any suggestions please tell me.