I can't believe it! People actually liked the last chapter? I was steeling myself for flames! I was shocked! But it was a nice kind of shock. You people are so nice!!!
I have HUGE exams on Tuesday and Wednesday and they care currently killing me! I really think I'm going to fail them!!! Pray for me please! So, I won't be able to update for at least three days. I'll try to update as soon as I can.
Warning: Prepare yourself for fluff!
l33t k1w1 - Okay, that's good. I was worried people would complain about Toru's OOCness. You like the mysterious guy coming in the picture? That wasn't in my original plan but while I was writing the last chapter, he just sort-of went out. It's weird. Now I have a different and a bit more complicated plan. But I can handle it!
Red Butterfly - Thanks for the compliment! I wasn't really expecting that many good reviews!
Deathliger - Sorry about Phantom Fish... Hmm... I really should study cards more. That's the only thing hindering me from writing a full duel, I don't exactly know what cards are used for what purpose. So you like Reiko? I will let her duel with Ko, I promise. How did you know that Hakuoh would appear in the 52 episodes? I'm still thinking about Boy George but there is a good chance that I might put him in.
Kausi - You're so nice. You really like my fic. that much? I think I'll make Yui and Hakuoh meet soon.
SxT - I know the pressures of school, don't worry. I'm glad you reviewed. I had a feeling you would like Chapter 7. :) I hope you like this one.
Stephanie - I hope this chapter is all right. I'm taking exams that include my whole state. I live in Australia.
The Terminator - I am putting Boy George in. Thanks for the compliment!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Duel Masters.
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Duel Guard
A Dream
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Shobu looked around him. He was in a huge arena for Duel Masters. Looking around, he saw a large amount of white soldiers, like when he dueled Hakuoh before. Shobu could see Mimi, Saiyuki and Rakudah on the stands, cheering him on. At least he thought they were cheering him on. He couldn't exactly hear his friends. Everything was silent even though he could see people yelling. It was very eerie.
Shobu looked up front at his opponent. All he can see, however, was a huge shadow, a darkness looming in front of him. Time suddenly seemed to stop as the darkness slowly dissolved, leaving four figures. Three of these figures had black cloaks with their hoods up. The middle figure was wearing the same clothes as the Temple Guardian but they were all mere shadows. A much taller shadow loomed behind the four. Shobu knew instantly that the shadow belonged to Master.
He suddenly heard Master's insane laugh.
"Look at your friends Shobu."
Shobu, unable to speak, looked back at the others. He saw a cloaked shadow looming behind his friends. The shadow slowly covered his friends in darkness. Shobu opened his mouth to yell but no sound came out.
Shobu threw back the covers, panting as he sat up in cold sweat.
"It was just a nightmare Shobu... Just a nightmare..."
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Mimi, Saiyuki, Rakudah and Shobu were taking a walk towards the Competition building. Shobu yawned from time to time and the three looked worriedly at him.
"Shobu, is something wrong?" Mimi asked worriedly. Shobu gave her a weak smile.
"I'm just tired Mimi. You really shouldn't worry."
"Why are you so tired?" Saiyuki questioned. "Yesterday's duels?"
"No. Last night, I couldn't sleep properly..."
Should he tell them what he dreamt off? Looking at his friends now, he remembered the shadow that loomed over them. What did it mean? What was that shadow doing behind his friends, away from the rest of the shadows?
Shobu decided against telling them. It would just worry them and it might make Mimi loose concentration.
Shobu, you're dreaming. She doesn't like you THAT much to let you occupy her thoughts.
Shobu sighed sadly. Mimi immediately noticed this.
"Shobu, are you okay?" Mimi asked worriedly, almost urgently, stopping him from walking further as she stepped in front of him. "Tell me what's wrong. You're my friend! I know something's bothering you!"
"It's nothing Mimi, I told you," Shobu said tiredly. He wasn't in the mood to argue with her. "I'm fine."
The next thing Mimi did surprised Shobu greatly. She clenched her fists and began to yell.
"Shobu, I thought you were my friend! Friends tell! Can't you see I'm so worried about you?! Why won't you tell me what's wrong?! Don't you trust me?! Don't you trust me at all?!"
Shobu was silent. Mimi unclenched her fists, a very hurt look on her face. She lowered her head, her hair hiding her eyes.
"So this is how it is, huh, Shobu?"
"Mimi, I-"
"Shobu Kirifuda! I thought I was your friend! Now I guess I'm sorely mistaken!" With that, she ran off.
"Mimi!" Shobu yelled, an almost desperate tone in his voice. (A/N: Did I over-do it there?)
Shobu sighed deeply and looked at the ground. Saiyuki approached him.
"I messed up, didn't I?" Shobu said, clenching his own fists.
"Shobu, Mimi is a good girl. She'll forgive you," Saiyuki said comfortingly.
"Yeah buddy," Rakudah piped in. "Give her time. And of course, apologize."
"If she doesn't avoid me or anything," Shobu muttered under his breath. They never noticed a pair of eyes watching the whole thing.
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Mimi stared at her feet. She was at the place where she usually went. (A/N: You know that place with the sea or something? Where she reflects, i.e. the time she gave Shobu another chance to duel Mikuni? You people remember that?)
Should she have ran off like that? But she just wanted to know what was happening with Shobu. She was his friend. He should feel confident in telling her his problems and his worries.
"...Don't you trust me?! Don't you trust me at all?!"
He remained silent. He didn't say, "Of course Mimi!" or "I do Mimi." Instead, he kept silent. And his silence told her so much.
Oh Shobu... It hurts...
"Mimi?"
Mimi quickly brushed away her tears and looked up. She saw Jimmy Three-horn.
"Hakuoh... What are you... You're dueling as Jimmy Three-horn?!" she asked in shock.
"Mimi, keep it down," Hakuoh said, placing a finger on his lips.
"Sorry," Mimi whispered. Hakuoh stood next to her.
"Something is wrong," he said softly. "You've been crying."
"I-I had something in my eye," Mimi said, rubbing her eyes. Hakuoh shook his head.
"No, you were crying. I know you were. I would know since I'm your my friend Mimi, just like Shobu is."
"That's where you're wrong," Mimi muttered darkly. "Apparently, I'm not his friend."
Mimi didn't see Hakuoh's eyes but she knew that he was shocked at what she said.
"What do you mean?" he asked slowly.
Mimi told Hakuoh the whole story. Hakuoh listened attentively, not stopping her to ask questions even once.
"He was just silent Hakuoh! He was just standing there! And then, I yelled at him. I told him I thought I was his friend but apparently, I wasn't. I then ran off."
Hakuoh was silent. Mimi looked at him apprehensively, wanting to know what he would say.
"Maybe he has an explanation," Hakuoh said finally. "But he can't say yet. Maybe he's just looking out for you and his other friends by not telling you what's bothering him. I'm sure Shobu doesn't want to hurt your feelings. For the short time I've known him, I am very certain that he treasures his friends a lot. I know he trusts you Mimi. I see it every time you two are together. I don't even think you were that close to me. I'm sure he trusts you a lot.
"As for what is bothering him, he will tell you when he is ready. Just be patient and let him know that you'll always be there for him just as you, Aizen and Mikuni were with me. He will surely appreciate your friendship and will tell you his problems. Being patient is hard, I'm sure. But in the end, it will be all worth it because you will prove to him that you will be there always no matter what."
Mimi smiled at Hakuoh. She sniffed and wiped away her tears.
"Thanks Hakuoh! You're a great friend!"
"I'm happy to help," Hakuoh replied with a smile. "Now Mimi, could you do me a favor and not tell anyone that I'm here as Jimmy Three-horn. Not even Shobu if you can help it. I don't want anyone finding out."
"Sure," Mimi said with a bright smile. "I have to look for Shobu and apologize. I better hurry too. For all I know, they have already scheduled a duel for me."
"Same here," Hakuoh said. "I'll see you around."
"Bye!" Mimi said, waving at him as he left. "Thanks!"
"You're welcome!"
Mimi smiled brightly. She felt better now. Of course Shobu had a good excuse. He would never hurt her feelings on purpose. Like Hakuoh said, Shobu treasured his friends. How could she forget that?
With a confident smile on her face, she went towards the Competition.
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"Shobu, you have a duel with... some guy I don't know," Rakudah said, reading the duel board.
"Shobu will beat him!" Saiyuki said with a grin. "Let's go!"
Shobu reluctantly looked at the entrance. He then followed Saiyuki and Rakudah.
His opponent was already waiting in the arena. He smirked as Shobu faced him.
"You don't look too well," his opponent daunted. Shobu was ignoring him.
I'm so sorry Mimi...
The duel started. Shobu, however, wasn't really into the game. Saiyuki and Rakudah noticed this immediately.
"Rakudah, Shobu's heart isn't in the game," Saiyuki said worriedly. "He is so troubled."
"I know," Rakudah replied. "It probably has something to do with Mimi."
"Most likely," Saiyuki said, nodding her head in agreement. "If only-"
"No!" Shobu yelled. He only had two shields left!
"That quick?!" Rakudah cried. "B-but... Shobu's never lost shields that fast!"
"Shobu! Focus on the duel!" Saiyuki yelled.
Shobu's opponent still had all his shields.
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"I have a duel a bit later on with... Kintaro?" Mimi was looking at the duel board.
"Mimi?"
Mimi looked up to see Yui. "Hey Yui!"
"Do you have a duel right now? Where's Shobu?" Yui asked curiously.
Mimi looked back at the duel board. He currently had a duel. "Let's go watch him Yui, that is if you don't have any duels yet."
"No, later," Yui said with a smile. "The same time as you."
They went towards the room where Shobu was dueling.
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The duel was not looking good. Shobu was able to break three of the enemy's shields but he only had one left and it was the other's turn.
"Prepare to loose Shobu Kirifuda!" his opponent yelled.
At that exact moment, Mimi and Yui went in. Mimi immediately saw what was going on with the duel.
"Shobu!"
Shobu was staring at his cards, hands trembling. He looked up slowly. He looked surprised to see Mimi.
"Mimi?"
"I know you can beat this guy Shobu!" Mimi yelled. She gave him the peace-sign. "You're the best! Remember that!"
Shobu stared at her before smiling. "Thanks Mimi!" He then faced his opponent with a grin.
"Okay, you can attack me now," he said.
"Ike! Break his shield!"
Shobu's last shield broke. It was a shield trigger.
"YES!" Saiyuki, Rakudah and Mimi cheered as Shobu dealt the final blow after breaking the opponent's remaining two shields. Yui was smiling.
"Todome da!"
"YAY! GO SHOBU!"
Shobu went over to them. He looked shyly at Mimi.
"You forgive me?"
"Of course," Mimi said, eyes tearing up. "Only if you forgive me."
"Of course I do Mimi," Shobu said with a smile. "You're my friend."
To his shock, Mimi hugged him tightly. After recovering from his shock, he blushed and awkwardly hugged her back. Saiyuki and Rakudah smiled knowingly at each other. Yui, however, was thinking deeply.
So Shobu and Mimi have feelings for each other... Interesting... Should I tell Master?
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That's probably the mushiest thing I've ever written... Tell me if it's too mushy for you guys and I MIGHT not do it again.
For those who want a ShobuxMimi moment, there it is... sort-of. I hope you're satisfied. I have no idea why I decided to write a chapter like that. I'm just probably in the mood for some mush between Shobu and Mimi.
Chisakami Saiyuki