Chapter 10! Yay! A 2-digit chapter! I'm progressing!

People really like the ninth chapter! I was afraid you people would say it was too mushy. I DO try you know. I hope you like this chapter though it doesn't have mush!

Review Replies:

Ryujinn-God of Dragons - You're a first! Thanks for the compliment. Are my chapters really that short? I will try to make them longer if I can.

The Terminator - You liked that chapter? Good! Thanks for the card info again! I don't know what site you're talking about though... Or maybe the site just didn't appear when you typed it? Check your review. I really think you were supposed to paste a web address there.

Lady Sapphira - I thought you didn't like my story anymore... It's okay! I understand! Was that chappie good? I hope people like this one.

Deathliger - I will try to write more mush. You've seen the Japanese opening song! I wish I have!

Kausi - THANK YOU!!! You really like the last chapter? I'm happy!

SxT - People ARE saying my chapters are too short. I can't help it! They look long when I write it... You like my fic THAT much? I wouldn't want to get you in trouble...

l33t k1w1 - I will try my best to put more mush between Shobu and Mimi if that's what you really want. Thanks for reviewing!

Stephanie - Thanks for the support! And thanks for reviewing!

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Duel Masters!

XDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXD

Duel Guard

The Three Remaining

XDXDXD

Master was watching a screen. It was Shobu's different duels. He was studying the way Shobu dueled.

Those can be improved...

He then pressed the intercom button.

"Yui, come here."

After a few minutes, Yui appeared in her normal clothes. She wasn't wearing her glasses though.

"You called, Master?"

"Have you analyzed Kirifuda's fighting techniques?"

Yui's face had a cold exterior. It always had whenever she was around Master.

"I have. Seeing him now makes me doubt Master. He doesn't seem good enough to face me."

Master laughed and stood up. He went around his desk and faced Yui.

"That's what a like about you. So full of confidence yet it's not all air. You have great skill to back it up."

"It is necessary to do your bidding, Master," Yui said with a bow. Master smiled, pleased.

"Now, now, tell me. What is Kirifuda's greatest weakness?"

Yui prevented herself from stiffening visibly. One thought came in her mind.

Mimi.

Should she tell Master?

"His friends Master," Yui answered instead.

"I know that. Which one of his friends?"

"I do not know that yet," she said with fake earnest. "They all seem equal to him."

Master looked down at her before turning away. "So you say."

Yui's eyes widened slightly. He knows I'm lying...

"Tell me Yui," Master said, looking out of his window. "What is Kirifuda's relationship with Mimi Tasogare?"

"She is his friend," Yui said, almost bored. She hoped he would listen to her.

Master looked at her, a sinister smile on his lips.

"You know I have spies around, right Yui? Then how come what they say is a contrast to what you claim?"

"I only see them as friends," Yui insisted. "I don't even see them alone."

"So you say," Master said. "Oh and by the way, Tenkai visited me. He was being generous and told me that if you needed disciplining, I should take you to him."

Yui's eyes widened visibly with fear. Master smiled cruelly.

"You are dismissed."

Yui stood stunned for a second before running off. She ran through the hallways. She quickly went in her room and shut the door, sinking down the floor. She hugged herself as she trembled.

No... No... No... Not Tenkai... Anybody but Tenkai. He would hurt anyone, including Norihiro and Shobu!

XDXDXD

"Don't be upset anymore Kintaro," Rakudah said. "At least you got further than me."

"And that duel with Mimi was so yesterday," Saiyuki said with a frown.

"I can't help it," Kintaro said with a sigh. "Okay, I'm over it now."

Shobu, Mimi and Toru were still on the competition. And bumping into Aizen and Mikuni yesterday, so is Aizen. Kokujo is also still in the competition. And to the surprise of the others, so was Yui.

Shobu, Rakudah, Saiyuki, Kintaro and Rakudah were on their way to the competition.

"I still can't believe Yui is still in the competition," Kintaro said with a huge frown. "She's staying longer than me! And I was a white soldier!"

"Maybe Yui is very talented," Mimi said thoughtfully. "And like Shobu said, we have never seen her play. For all we know, she's one of those very quick learners... geniuses."

"Well she does have the look of a genius," Kintaro said and Rakudah nodded his head in agreement. They were both thinking of Yui's huge glasses.

"Don't be mean!" Saiyuki scolded. "Kokujo's an evil genius yet he doesn't have glasses!"

"But that's different Saiyuki!" Kintaro argued. "Some evil geniuses don't need glasses!"

Rakudah watched as Kintaro and Saiyuki argued. Shobu was reading the dueling board. One name got to him.

Jimmy Three-horn?! Hakuoh?!

Mimi, fortunately, saw him and tugged him a bit away from the rest.

"Don't tell anyone it's Hakuoh," Mimi whispered sternly. "He doesn't want anyone to know."

"You knew?!" Shobu asked in disbelief.

"Just yesterday," Mimi said with a shrug. "I bumped into him. Keep it a secret." Shobu nodded.

"Okay. For Hakuoh."

"So," Mimi said, looking at the board. "Who're you dueling?"

"Some person I don't know," Shobu replied. "You?"

Mimi looked at the board for her name. When she saw her opponent's name, she slapped a hand against her forehead.

"Who is it?" Shobu asked. Mimi pointed and Shobu read the name. "Boy George? He's here?!"

Suddenly, Rakudah, Saiyuki and Kintaro were all ears.

"Hey, isn't he the guy who has a crush on Mimi?" Kintaro questioned. "The one with the pacifier and dresses up like a baby when he obviously isn't?"

"It's quite childish in my opinion," Rakudah said.

"Well I like keeping the child in me."

The five spun around and saw none other than Boy George himself!

"Hey," Shobu greeted. "I didn't know you were in this competition."

"I'm hoping to face you again," Boy George replied. "But a kaijudo match is only allowed at the semi-finals. That means we both have to make it there."

"That means getting through me first," Mimi said. Boy George looked at her.

"I'm looking forward to our duel. See you later." He left.

"A kaijudo match is allowed at the semi-finals?!" Shobu said excitedly. "I can't wait!"

Saiyuki was looking at the duel board.

"Toru's going against Aizen today... The former Fourth Guardian."

XDXDXD

"How are your duels?" Knight asked Hakuoh.

"They're doing pretty well," Hakuoh said, taking a sip of his tea. They were in the usual garden again. "But Mimi already knows. I think Shobu would do so soon."

"I'm always so busy," Knight said with a frown. "I rarely get to see Shobu now. The Saito company's successor is keeping me busy." At seeing the raised eyebrow from Hakuoh, Knight added, "He's male." Hakuoh's eyebrow raised up higher if it were possible. "No! Not in that kind of busy! He looks like a kid for goodness' sake!"

"I didn't say anything," Hakuoh said calmly, almost in a sing-song voice.

"Whatever Hakuoh."

Hakuoh put his tea down, his expression serious. "Well, just make sure you get some time for Shobu. He has been... bothered... lately."

"Bothered?" It was Knight's turn to raise his eyebrow.

Hakuoh gave a nod. "I talked with Mimi yesterday and - I don't know if I should be telling you this but here goes - they had an argument, you could say. Something has been bothering Shobu lately, keeping him from focusing."

Knight stood up. "Thank you for the information Hakuoh. I'll leave now."

Hakuoh stood up as well. "Do you want me to take you to your car?"

"No need."

Hakuoh nodded and Knight left. A small breeze blew, lifting his hair slightly.

Shobu bothered... I wonder if it has something to do with the new Temple Champion and Guardians...

Hakuoh looked up at the sky.

I really want to help you Shobu...

XDXDXD

Mimi and Boy George faced each other. It was a good thing that this match was taking place after Shobu's duel. Shobu, Saiyuki, Rakudah and Kintaro were watching. Norihiro called and said that he won't be able to come because he was sick. He really sounded upset.

"Activate shields!"

"Deploy shields!"

The duel officially began.

Mimi was doing really well against Boy George. She has even broken two of his shields already.

"Mimi's going really well," Rakudah said with a grin. "Compared to last time."

"Mimi's not holding back," Saiyuki said excitedly.

"She shouldn't since Boy George might pull a really good move and catch her off guard," Kintaro said, face serious.

"You're doing really well Mimi," Boy George said, grinning. Oh Mimi, you are so enchanting... The way you look, the way you move... It's just so perfect!

"Ike!"

Mimi broke another one of his shields. Boy George shook his head.

"You're doing really well Mimi," he repeated. "But sorry, love. I have to win this match."

"Don't call me 'love'," Mimi said hotly.

"'Baby' then."

"Don't try to be like Austin Powers!"

The match suddenly turned to Boy George's favor. Shobu, Rakudah, Saiyuki and Kintaro watched in suspense as Mimi was suddenly left with no shields! (A/N: No, it took a few turns. This isn't just one turn people! Not THAT fast.)

"How fast," Rakudah said in awe.

"Now, the final blow," Boy George said. "Todome da."

The four spectators sighed. Mimi lost.

"Sorry Mimi," Shobu said as she approached them.

"It's all right," she said with a bright smile. "And why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything."

"That was really good though," Rakudah said. "You held out longer than last time!"

"I am improving," Mimi said, smiling.

"Good match Mimi," Boy George said, coming over to them. "It was such and honor, and a pleasure, to have dueled with you. I'll see you later then. Bye."

"I still say he likes you," Kintaro said as Boy George disappeared around the corner.

"Well too bad for him," Mimi said with a slight frown. I like someone else... She stole a glance at Shobu and then blushed. She quickly looked away when he turned to her. Saiyuki watched this with a smile.

"What about Aizen and Toru's match that's on now?" Saiyuki asked eagerly. "Let's watch that!"

"What about Yui?" Shobu asked, frowning. "She's our friend and we haven't seen ANY of her FULL duels. Don't we owe it to her to watch?"

"She just finished now," Saiyuki said. "Her duel was the same time as Mimi's."

"Well maybe we can see the last bit of her duel," Shobu said stubbornly.

"Okay, okay," Saiyuki said with a deep sigh. They then hurried off to the room where Yui's dueling. When they were about to get in, Yui went out from the door. She almost slammed against Shobu. Shobu, however, was blinded with the light that reflected from her glasses.

"I can't see! I can't see! I'm blind!" he was yelling around in panic. The other sweat dropped.

"I'm sorry Shobu," Yui said apologetically. "I didn't know you were going in."

"He's just overreacting, don't worry," Saiyuki said. She placed her hands on her hips. "Can we please watch Toru's duel now?!"

"Excited aren't we?" Mimi murmured to her. Saiyuki turned red to the roots of her hair - which was already reddish in the first place.

"I-I-I just w-want to see..." She was flustered and stuttering. Mimi chuckled.

"Calm down Saiyuki. I was just teasing you."

"Teasing her about what?"

The two looked up at Yui. Her glasses flashed as she stared at them. The two younger girls blushed.

"Can I tell her?" Mimi asked. Saiyuki nodded, blushing hard.

"Saiyuki has a crush on this other duelist. His name is Toru Kamiya," Mimi whispered in Yui's ear.

"Oh," Yui said, looking over at Saiyuki. "Do you now?"

Saiyuki nodded her head, blushing brightly.

"It's a secret," Saiyuki whispered.

"I'll never tell," Yui said, making a cross over her heart. "Besides, I don't know him."

"You'll know when we watch him duel," Saiyuki replied.

"Okay," Yui said with a smile.

They went over to the room where Toru was dueling. Many of Toru's fans (mostly girls) were cheering for him.

"Toru's doing well against a Guardian," Mimi said, watching the match with sharp eyes.

"You know him, he spends most of his time improving his deck - making it stronger," Jimirah said, going to them. And of course, thinking about Saiyuki. He grinned impishly to himself though no one noticed. What if I told her? Ooh... I want to see the look on Toru's face! I could just imagine it! That would be so good! But I wonder what she feels for him...

He watched Saiyuki closely. He noticed how she watched Toru closely, not taking her eyes off him. Her eyes were also worried - for Toru, Jimirah realized. His smirk widened.

OH! She likes him back! This is just too good! But nothing's gonna happen with these two! I'm sure the other won't be willing to take the first step! But it will be good entertainment to see them together...

Jimirah started laughing in his head, his thoughts wandering on how the two would be together in each other's presence.

"OH MY! IMPOSSIBLE!"

Jimirah jumped, his mind back in reality. The one who yelled was Kintaro. Jimirah noticed how everyone was standing up.

What happened?

He tapped Rakudah on the shoulder. "What just happened?"

"Didn't you see?!" Rakudah exclaimed. "Toru just pulled a fantastic move! Aizen is open to attacks now!"

Jimirah quickly looked up, just in time to see Toru give Aizen the last blow.

"Todome da!"

Toru's girl fans cheered! Others, however, looked either shocked or amazed. Even Toru looked shocked at beating a former Guardian, the fourth one at that!

"Way to go Toru!" Shobu cheered. "You're going to the next round!"

Toru stood still for a moment before giving a slow smile. "I guess I am!"

"I'm happy for you Toru," Saiyuki said cheerfully without thinking. Realizing she said that out loud, and in front of him, she immediately blushed. "W-what I meant was-"

"What?" Toru asked, looking intently at her. They stared at each other, not paying attention to those around them. Only Mimi and Yui noticed though.

"What's happening?" Mimi whispered to Yui.

"I think it's one of those 'spur of the moment' things," Yui whispered back. They looked at the couple for a moment before nodding their heads.

"Yup, I think that's it."

"I think so too."

The moment between the two was ruined though.

"Great work Toru!" Jimirah exclaimed, clapping the boy at the back a bit too hard. Toru almost fell over Saiyuki but was able to balance himself. He was blushing.

"JIMIRAH!"

"What?!"

Saiyuki was blushing as well. Mimi nudged her as Yui smiled mischievously.

"Ooh... What happened back there?" Mimi whispered to Saiyuki, grinning evilly.

"Do share," Yui added, her tone teasing.

"N-nothing happened," Saiyuki stuttered. "I-it was kind-of like the 'spur of the moment' thing..."

"Told you so."

"I'll listen more to my elders next time."

"You make it sound as if I'm old!"

"You are older than us."

"But not by years and years!"

Shobu, Kintaro and Mikuni were talking with Aizen.

"That was good," Aizen said cheerfully. "I'm surprised he was just a white soldier in the Temple!"

"You're taking this well," Mikuni commented.

"It's all good," Aizen reassured him. "Really. This just proves that I need more practice."

"If you say so," Mikuni said with a shrug. "Let's go back home now, shall we?"

"Sure. Bye Shobu, Kintaro."

"Bye Aizen! Mikuni!"

The two former Guardians left. Yui watched them go and then looked at Shobu.

Toru Kamiya... He is good enough to defeat a former Guardian. If so, I must have him closely watched... Omi would do nicely.

XDXDXD

"Poow widdle Nowihiwo is still sick?"

"Go away Omi! You're not helping!" Norihiro cried out weakly. He threw the blanket over his head.

Omi's eyes narrowed instantly. "You do know that you're supposed to be watching Kirifuda and Tasogare, right?"

"Of course I do!" Norihiro said, throwing back his blanket. Omi's smile returned as if nothing happened.

"That's good," he said in a sing-song voice. "Really Norihiro! You should lighten up a bit!"

"Omi, get away from Norihiro. You might catch his illness," Reiko said sternly in a motherly-way as she entered the room. "The last thing we need is for another Guardian to get sick."

They were in a brightly-lit room with white walls. It looked like a normal boy's room though it was inside the Temple.

Reiko took Norihiro's temperature and whistled. "You won't be leaving this room for a while, that I assure you."

"Fun," Norihiro muttered. He sat up. "Where's Yui?"

"Dueling," Reiko replied. "She just called, in fact, and told me that the ones remaining in the competition are Shobu, Toru and Kokujo." She turned to Omi. "By the way Omi, can you please learn who Boy George is? It is Yui's request. This person has defeated Mimi Tasogare in a duel."

Omi's eyes widened with delight. "I'm on it! See you two later! Get well Nowihiwo!"

"SHUT UP!"

"I just love annoying that kid," Omi said with a laugh as he left. Norihiro was brooding, thinking of many ways to kill and torture the young man.

"'Kid'! I'll show you who's a kid! You act more childish than me!"

"You know Omi just loves irritating you," Reiko said with a grin. "Though I must say, you are amusing when you are annoyed."

"Not you too Reiko!"

"I would say that I was just kidding... But that would be a lie."

"ARGH!"

There was suddenly silence. No one spoke for a few moments.

"So it's just three more, huh?" Norihiro said quietly. He looked up at the ceiling. "Our plans are going on perfectly... Soon enough, the stage would be set."

"Uh-huh."

They both sighed at the exact same time. Soon enough, they would face Shobu themselves.

XDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXD

THAT was a very long chapter for me to write! I hope you people are happy!

YAY! I finished my exams! Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah! (does victory dance) But I will have another HUGE set of exams next month so... But that won't be 'till next month so you're in luck! You just have to urge me to update by reviewing!

Chisakami Saiyuki