Chapter 7: Goodbye

"What do you mean it isn't over?" asked Jonouchi.

"Jonouchi," replied Yugi, "This man is like Caesar. He was a traitor; he takes over a place, or in this case attempts to, and he returns to his home and looks like a hero. Now, I killed Denwa, so now his friends in the yakuza are truly after you and Shizuka. They will come back and try to take your head. They're past masking the crime. They are determined on a cold murder, no matter who goes down in the process."

"But Yugi, what are we supposed to do if the yakuza want to kill us?" asked Shizuka now shaken by fear.

"Well," he replied, "they'll follow you if you try to run away, but they wont risk going to Osaka. They're afraid of the Yamaguchi-gumi. That fear will keep them from you."

"But, we'll never see them again," said Ryu.

"Really, would you rather see them in yakuza body bags torn to pieces?" Yugi replied. The room fell silent until Jonouchi got up and said, "We have no choice. Shizuka, we have to go back to Osaka. I'll go to the station and get us tickets for the TGV." Jonouchi left without another word.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Later that day, Yugi was himself again and had told his other friends about what happened. "What?" Honda exclaimed. "You guys are going back to Osaka?"

"Yeah. Sad but true." Jonouchi replied. "We're leaving on Monday at 10. We won't be able to come back for some time. Let's spend our free day tomorrow to say goodbye."He didn't say another word until the bell had rung.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

The next day, Yugi and his friends were determined to enjoy their last day with Jonouchi and Shizuka. Shizuka was with Yugi and the others, but Jonouchi wasn't with them. "Hey Shizuka, where's Jonouchi?" asked Yugi.

"Oh, he says he has unfinished business. He and Mai will catch up with us later. He shouldn't be long."

Jonouchi was sitting in a chair across from Mai. They were in her apartment a few blocks down. "Mai," he muttered, "I love you."

"I know Jonouchi-chan. I love you too."

"no Mai, you don't know," replied Jonouchi as he went over to Mai and got on his knees. "Mai, I think about you every minute of every day. Come with me to Osaka. Marry me. Become Jonouchi Mai. I beg you, marry me."

"Jonouchi, you don't have to beg. But I can't marry you yet." She walked over to the window as Jonouchi followed. The two looked out and saw Yugi, Shizuka, and the others walking down the street, laughing and smiling. "You have to protect her. You can't take care of both of us. But someday, I promise on my honor, my humanity, my soul, that when you are truly ready, I will marry you and forever be Jonouchi Mai."

She pulled up his hand and grasped it firmly in promise as she kissed him, for what was sure not to be the last time. After she broke off the wonderful kiss, she said, "Now, we better head down and join the others. It is the last day that you'll be here." The two dashed out of the apartment.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

The day of departure had arrived. The TGV to Osaka left at 10. Yugi and the others were there to wish off Jonouchi and Shizuka. "Wow, I can't believe that you're bringing so little with you," Yugi commented.

"Yeah, but do what I told you to do," Jonouchi replied. "Sell the apartment and the furniture and send me the money. An apartment opens in Domino, and it's gone in two days. Well, what's say we not go for a sappy movie parting. We'll come back soon enough."

The two began boarding the train as Shizuka called, "Goodbye guys!"

"We'll come back soon enough. Bye everyone!" yelled Jonouchi as they took their seats on the train and departed Domino station.

On the train, Jonouchi couldn't stop thinking about Mai's promise. He began muttering a song under his breath completely in tears. He sang:

And I swear,

By the moon and the stars in the sky,

I'll…be…there.

He could no longer sing because of all his tears. He looked back up and Shizuka said, "Katsu-aniki, you told me that you never need to cry. No matter who it is that you're leaving behind, they will always be here, even if they are not. That's what you told me."

"Yeah sis, you're right. Thank you." Jonouchi replied. He wiped away his tears and looked out the window, but all he could still see was Mai Kujaku's smiling face. Throughout the scenery, all he saw was her. Through the grasslands, foothills, mountains, and he evne saw her in the cherry blossoms falling from a slender tree, somewhere, where he knew he was always with her.

-THE END

(for real)