A/N: No ownership…only in my dreams, then again Seto lies in my fantasy so…don't own him though. I need to thank Akewataru for the inspirational idea for this chapter. I kinda twisted her idea a bit, to suit my needs, but it was an awesome one-thank you!

Chapter 24

The Ultimate Betrayal

"Don't put yourself in harm's way Serenity. Once you leave here-and you better leave here-don't come back. I have faith in Mokuba and my men, you have to stay away or you'll get hurt." He was softly squeezing her shoulders for emphasis. Trying to imagine her in a cold desolate room, like the hole he was in, proved unbearable.

"I love you Seto." Her eyes searched his, imploringly. "I will do anything to save you. Until Mokuba shows up, I'll work with Roland and the others to get you out." She pulled him down for a quick kiss, which lingered. There was a second knock and she hastily made her way to the door. There was longing in their eyes as she turned to him.

"I will get you out," she vowed. Then, she was gone. The soft click of the door never sounded that harsh before. The room was even worse now than it had been before, it was as if the sun was permitted to shine, but then doused just as quickly.

Seto circled the room, running his hands nervously through his hair. His captivity had meant nothing; there had been no way they could convince him to betray his company. Serenity just gave them their pawn. If they threatened her, he would have to fold his hand. Stupid woman. He was only able to think straight in this prison due to his knowledge that the people he cared about were safe. He no longer had that comfort. Where the hell was Mokuba? It was a good thing that no one knew where Mokie was. If the good guys didn't know, then the bad guys would be clueless as well. Powerless was not a feeling he was use to, and he decided, there and then that he hated it.

Was it too much to hope for that the Scooby gang wouldn't screw this up? He shook his head, then laid down on the bed. Closing his eyes, he thought of how good it had felt to hold her. There was a feeling of elation in his being that frightened him. No woman had ever affected him the way she did. He rolled onto his back and folded his arms behind his head. "Where are you little brother?" He growled low.

Serenity, clad in the rare hunter's robe, and Mai made their way back to Tristan's room. Twice they had to duck into smaller bedrooms and, once, a bathroom. Fortunately, luck was on their side and their scheme had gone unnoticed.

Serenity dashed into the room and threw herself on the bed, while Mai locked the door. Leaning against it and breathing heavy, Mai slid to floor against the barrier. She had come quite close to losing to that damn hunter. He had been cheating, not that it surprised her, but because of her heightened fear for Serenity, it had almost gone unnoticed. She nervously flipped through her deck, smiling at her trusted Harpie Ladies. Her deck never failed her. Even her few losses were due to poor calculations on her part and, of course, Yugi's and Joey's skills. Covering her deck within her hands she sighed.
"Oh Joey, I could so use a hug right now." She murmured. Simply thinking of his warm soft eyes, and his fierce over protectiveness made her grow warm. She thought of their first kiss, and the time she admitted she loved him. It was a defense mechanism. It happened whenever she had fear, and fear was coursing through her veins at an alarming rate. She shook her head, trying to focus on the 'here and now'.

"Quick, Serenity, get the robe off and hide it again. We have to make like nothing happened. We just explored a bit and that's all." She rose to her feet and pulled Serenity up off the bed. Tears were streaking down Serenity's cheeks, but she managed to hold back her sobs. Slowly, Mai pulled the robe off of Serenity. It had to get placed into the backpack before it was seen by any of Tristan's goons. Thankfully, that whole situation was over. The next time they saw Seto Kaiba again would be when they released him.

"You better go clean up in the bathroom before Tristan comes in and sees you like that. We won't be able to explain why you're so upset." Mai led the crying doe-eyed girl into the adjoining bathroom. "You told him didn't you?" Mai asked, gently.

"I told him I loved him," Serenity sobbed softly, not being able to hold back. "I also told him I would get him out." She looked down, then back to Mai, "Please tell me we'll be able to save him Mai. I don't think I could handle losing him. I love him so much."

Biting her tongue, Mai shut Serenity in the bathroom. The truth was, she had no idea. Would they be able to save him? Would Tristan find out? Would Mokuba ever show himself? Were they all ready screwed? She needed answers to so many questions and she had none.

Serenity crossed to the sink and gazed at herself in the mirror. Mere heartbeats had passed since she was in his arms. Having been held, touched, and kissed by lips that brought her such pleasure, were the sole reasons for her sanity. It had taken every ounce of strength to leave him there, alone. How the hell could she go on with her charade of liking Tristan? If he touched her tonight she would retch and die. Seto's touch was everything; Tristan's was no better than a corpse's.

A slight knock caused her to snap out of her trance. Mai called in to tell her that they were wanted for dinner. Great…just perfect. She grabbed a washcloth and ran it under the ice-cold water. Softly, she pressed the cold wet cloth to her face and eyes. Hoping, against hope that she could cover up her crying. If it didn't look too bad, she might be able to say that there was something in her eye and it had caused her a lot of distress. Tristan was an idiot; he would buy anything she fed him. Well, open wide…asshole.

She searched her purse for her make-up and quickly freshened her face. She still looked like she had been crying, but it was better. Thankfully, Visine would take the red out. Too bad it didn't work instantaneously. When she walked out of the bathroom, it was with a soft glide. Gone was the girl who trudged into the bathroom, looking for a window to toss herself out of. Serenity was back to normal, and ready to free the man she loved. Her confidence was still present as her thoughts cleared. It was time to continue with the plan. She took a deep, albeit ragged, breath and smiled at Mai.

"You look better," Mai smiled, the girl had made an amazing recovery. "Do you think you can handle this, or do we feign illness and leave?"

"I'll be fine. I just have to keep my head clear, and my mind on what's at stake. If I fail too many people will be hurt and I won't stand for it." Her brown eyes no longer resembled a doe's; her eyes now looked like a tigress's. She looked like she was on the prowl and felt like she would take no prisoners. No mercy would be on Tristan when everything fell down, and it would fall down, right around his big stupid ears. Jerk…

"I hope you like filet mignon Serenity. I wanted to have something special planned for our first night together." Tristan smiled at her all sweet and fuzzy like. It was sickening. Twice he had tried to take her hand, but fortunately, she had seen the signs and quickly used her hand to lift her glass or use her napkin.

"I think the meat is a bit gamy. It tastes like it was ill prepared. I'm hardly enjoying this second class meal." Mai turned a snobby nose up at a blushing Tristan. "I've had better cuisine at McDonald's. I honestly think you should look into hiring a new chef. Obviously, this one has no talent. Did they work in a hospital or a morgue before here?" She looked down at the forkful of meat she had skewered and made a disgusted face.

"If the food is so bad may I suggest a restaurant?" Max asked her, snidely. If he could have, he would deliver a sharp slap across her smug face.

"Are you asking me out? Because I would have to say no-gutter trash isn't my style. I prefer men, not pigs." She hmphed and then turned her attention back to her plate. Pushing the food around was getting boring. However, if she looked at her watch again it may look obvious.

"You have a tangy wit to you." Max smirked. "I think you just need the right man to tame that bitchy side."

"You couldn't handle the bitch in me, I'd tear you apart in two minutes flat." The growl she used was menacing and severe. If he thought of touching her she was going straight for his jugular, with her fork. She clenched her fingers around the utensil, readying herself

"That's a theory I'd like to test. Maybe after dinner we could…"

"We have to leave after dinner," Serenity interrupted. "I have to get home Tristan. I'm still a tad weak from my ordeal in that fire." She gave a soft cough, for emphasis.

"Don't let Max bother you Serenity." Tristan slipped his arm around the back of Serenity's chair. "As long as I'm in charge he'll stay in line. He works for me you know." He puffed out his chest, as if he were somebody important. Serenity had the urge to slam her elbow into him.

"I must insist you stay through dessert…Miss." Max offered. "We have a floor show that I'm sure you'll find amusing, or at the least, interesting."

"A floor show?" Mai asked, trying to hide her nerves.

"Well, if you're done with your mediocre meal we could begin." Max sneered at the blonde.

"Is Tristan going to duel one of you idiots? Maybe you could demonstrate the new cheating techniques…" Mai challenged.

"A tongue as razor edged as yours could cause you harm, beauty." Max tried to stroke her cheek. Mai slapped it away.

"Control your dogs Tristan or I'll relieve him of what little manliness he has." Mai threatened. Oh Joey, thank God I have you. I have to remind you how much I love you tonight, and how thankful I am for someone as wonderful as you…

"Max, they are our guests and I expect you to treat them with respect…understood?" Tristan snapped at the rare hunter. Unfortunately, he missed the death glare that was shot his way by Max. The boy was insolent, and eventually, would be dealt with. Max turned back to Mai, she would be dealt with too, but not in the same fashion. He had plans for her. He had to suppress his thoughts, before his body gave away his eagerness.

"Now, Serenity, I wanted to give you something that would make you feel better." Tristan stroked a finger down her cheek, and then turned her chin, so she was face to face with him. She tried to hide her disgust. His smile let her know that her efforts were successful.

"Just being here with you makes me feel better." She cooed.

Being in Seto's arms earlier did wonders for me. Just knowing I am in the same space he is does more for me than you ever will…

"Bring him in," Max called out, to no one in particular.

Serenity's eyes widened at the sight brought before her.

There was Seto Kaiba, struggling between two rare hunters. A third had his hand buried in Kaiba's chestnut brown hair, tugging his head back with vengeance.

Mai's eyes immediately went to Serenity. It was make or break time. Earlier tears and sobs over this man wracked the girl's small frame, now she had to put up a front. Mai closed her eyes tight for an instant. Serenity wasn't ready for this…

All eyes fell on Serenity. The awareness of the hard gazes was more than unnerving. Suddenly Tristan's arm around her shoulder felt like a cobra, ominous and oppressive. How could she do this? What should she do? Max's steel glare warned of the consequences she would face if she flinched at Seto's treatment, worse yet, the rare hunter who hated her came into the room. She would die tonight, of that she was sure. The only question that remained was, which of the rare hunter's would slay her. Maybe Tristan, in a fit of rage, would deliver the fatal blow.

With a voice that shook, slightly she asked, "What is he doing here?"

"I know you knew he was here Serenity. My question is, did you come for me or for him?" Tristan's eyes looked demandingly at her.

"I knew he was here." Serenity tried to sound cross. "I just didn't think you would parade him in front of me."

"I just thought I would give you the opportunity to tell him how you feel." Tristan offered. He hated the idea that he had to put Serenity through this trial, but he had to satisfy Max's curiosity. Having her loyalty tested was more than annoying, he knew she loved him, and that was all that mattered.

Taking a deep breath, she finally managed to turn her eyes towards Seto. He was fuming! She knew if one of the men slipped their hold, hell would break lose. Eyes that were warm and gentle for her a short time ago, were frigid and unyielding now. She swallowed hard and bit her lip; this wasn't what she wanted. Her heart was screaming, but it had to be still. If she faltered now, all would be lost.

Tristan smiled smugly at Kaiba, "how does it feel Seto Kaiba?" He stood up and tried to stare the CEO down. "How does it feel to lose the girl you want-to me?" Tristan stroked his fingers through Serenity's silky hair. She tried, desperately hard, not to flinch at the unwanted stroking. She wasn't his dog…

"Get your filthy hands off her!" Kaiba growled, menacingly.

"You don't like it when I touch my girlfriend?" Tristan smirked at the struggling man. He knew Kaiba would kill him if he broke free, but three hunters were able to contain him, for now. "She's mine Seto Kaiba. She wants me…don't you Serenity?"

All eyes turned to the girl who was tearing apart at the seams. How would she handle this? She had to prove loyalty to one man, but the loyalty to the other was at stake. There was no way to win this, she sadly realized. Her mouth opened slightly, then closed. She was here to save the man she loved. If she had to damn herself to do, so be it.

"I finally get to thank you, Seto Kaiba, for being stupid enough to trap yourself, so I could get free." Slowly, she stood. "If you had been a bit smarter, I would probably still be at your mercy, wouldn't I?" She felt his eyes narrow on her. They had never looked at her so coldly before. Her heart felt pierced and shattered with each word.

"You belong to me Serenity." Kaiba returned through clenched teeth. "Do you think that boy could make you happy after you've been with me?"

She was staring into his eyes now. Honey brown meeting glacial blue. She longed to know if he knew she was lying, he had to know it was a game, just a lie. She had confessed her love only moments ago.

She picked up Mai's water and splashed it in Kaiba's face. She, for a split second, thought of slapping him, but that would have caused her to shed tears. "Get a life, I was never yours. How dare you insinuate I was? How the hell could I love someone as harsh and cruel as you?"

His eyes narrowed on her face. Please Seto don't fight me. Can't you see this is hard enough on me without you arguing against me?

"Well Max, I think you could put our friend away. He belongs in that small room, where he can't hurt any other unsuspecting girl." Tristan approached Serenity, who was still trying to calm hers nerves.

Without her awareness, he turned her and grabbed her in a swooping kiss. His tongue swept into her mouth, stealing her breath and almost making her gag. His left hand tangled in her hair while his right arm tightened around her body, tugging her fiercely close. She pressed her hands against his shoulders, trying to free herself, whimpering at his force.

Kaiba's struggles reached a fevered pitch. It would have been easier to hold a feral tiger. He yanked and pulled, used his legs to kick, he twisted and growled, but the three men, along with two more, held him fast. Suddenly, Max took the butt of his gun and swiped it at the back of Kaiba's head, causing him to pass out.

Serenity was released from Tristan's grasp. His hands were still on her waist to steady her. Her fingers flew to her lips, while she stifled the urge to spit out his rancid saliva. Her heart hammered in her ears as she realized what had happened.

"I'm sorry it had to happen that way Serenity," Tristan whispered against her ear. "I had to test you, so Max would trust you." He pulled back so he could look down at her flushed face.

I love when she blushes. She's such an innocent little angel. I bet that was her first intimate kiss. I only wish it could have been done in private, but there will be so much more time for that now.

He kissed her forehead and smiled at Max, as Kaiba's limp body was dragged from the room. Mai was staring blankly at the CEO; she watched a trickle of blood turn his collar a crimson color. Sharing that with Serenity would be a mistake…

"Tristan, I need…can I be excused?" Serenity's flight or fight response kicked in. Her senses screamed to fight, but to save Seto she would merely fly.

"Of course, darling." Tristan licked his lips. She was so overcome by his kiss she was probably going to recover herself. It probably took all her strength to hold back. He knew she would have urges, and he knew she would come to him when she was ready to explore them.

She nearly stumbled from the room, turning blindly down one hall, then another. Tears began stinging her eyes. The last thing Seto had seen before he was cold cocked had been her and Tristan in a lip lock. Did he know she hated it? Praying silently, for his understanding, she wandered aimlessly for a few moments.

Tristan's grotesque, acrid, sulfuric bile had replaced the warm, sweet, gentle taste of Seto. Her mouth felt violated, raped by that creature. She had been tested, and had passed. What had it cost her? Her pride, her dignity, her heart? Could it have cost her his love? Would Seto still want her after that display? He had nearly turned rabid when she was grabbed. She didn't resist. Did he understand why? It was a sneak attack by a coward.

So many thoughts turned in her head; her stomach lurched. She wanted to gather herself and get the hell out of this asylum.

Suddenly an arm grabbed her from behind. She was pulled back against a man's form, a rare hunter? She had no idea who it was. She could tell he was strong, and quite angry.

One of his arms snaked around her waist while the other held a knife against her tender throat. No scream escaped her lips. She had past the point of shock.

"Give me one good reason why I don't slit your worthless throat-you bitch." He growled against her ear. The knife pressed closer, as she swallowed hard.

"Go ahead," she whispered in defeat, her hands guiding his, pressing the blade closer. "You would save me a lot of trouble. I think I'd rather be dead at this point."

A/N: Am I evil? Please say yes…make my day…lol! Hmmm how fast would you like an update? Special cookies for anyone who guesses who it is…you have lots of choices…Tristan, his Dad, a rare hunter, Max, Umbra, and the list goes on and on…could it be an escaped Seto Kaiba? I wanna hear your guesses peoples…if you get on my case I will hammer out Chapter 25 post haste…if not…I'll let you twist. PMSing, so sue me…lol! I also want to give many thanks to you all for all the awesome reviews! I am humbled and not worthy…but I thank you for the support and the ideas!