Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, if I did I would be very, very rich and
have a really big mansion with a really cool car.
And a huge Jacuzzi pool with my own personal Baskins & Robbins beside it. - And I'd also put more romance in the manga =) (between Tea and Yami - hey I support those two no matter what anyone says - n_n).
But then again. Heck I'd do more romance between Yugi and Yami =^_^=. (NOT HENTAI !!)
-and veering off the point completely, has anyone ever noticed Yami's pants? The way they stick to him like a second skin?
-And the neck buckle? God, I love the neck buckle.
- What was I saying again ? 0_0.
"" is talking, is for thinking and reminiscing , ** is for coughs or sighs --- --- is for mental conversations or mental voices [] is for loudspeaker announcements.
CHAPTER TEN - The Brink of Everything
The hospital doors burst open and a mobile hospital bed went tearing through; two doctors were talking frantically as they worked on a patient.
"We need to get his lungs clear, he's suffocating to death!"
The other nodded and waved two nurses out of the way. The trolley disappeared through another set of doors and the two nurses stared after it.
"Is that the school boy?" the taller of the two asked, as she wrote up a prescription.
"I think so, saw the uniform? Very pretty, wasn't he? I hope they can do something. Do you know how it happened?"
"Fight at school or something, some bully punched him and shattered a rib."
"God, how could anyone pick on a kid that small? He's like 10 right?"
The nurse flipped through her clipboard. "no.. he's 15."
"15!?" ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Yami sneezed violently and shivered. He was still in the nurse's office; his mind was numb and for once it wasn't giving him any advice, good or bad. So he just sat there still as a statue and wishing he'd never gotten out of bed that morning.
"Yami Shingo."
Yami's head snapped up and he swallowed when he saw his principal standing there, Jou was standing beside him glowering.
"Sir." he said, his throat was dry.
"Come with me please." The principal waited for him to stand and then walked out the door. Jou kept glowering at him.
Yami walked by him, avoiding eye contact.
When they had finally reached the office, he saw a group of all the teachers standing there. They were all glaring at him. Yami went red but refused to lower his head, he would keep his pride.
"Yami, in the history of Domino High we have NEVER experienced the shame that you have brought upon us today." his principal said seriously.
Yami could only nod dumbly but refused to lower his head, he noted that his principal had pointedly left of the respect term 'san' at the end of his name. The principal was saying quite clearly he had no more respect for him.
"Where do we start? You attacked a student, we don't know what you did to keep him from talking but then your went and did it again. Jou-san vouches for the first attack, I'm sorry I did not listen to him when he first spoke. My apologies Jou-san."
Jou closed his eyes and nodded slightly in acceptance of the apology.
"You abused your training as a karate student and mortally wounded him. There's a chance he could die. What am I to tell his grandfather, Yami Shingo?"
Yami did not respond, he grit his teeth, shame rushing through him.
"Do you think you could tell his grandfather that you killed him if he dies?" the principal continued, his voice gradually sounding more and more dangerous.
Stress lines formed under Yami's eyes but he said nothing.
"Apparently Yugi-san got the second attack because he was trying to stop you from cheating, am I correct?" the principal continued.
Yami did not respond, a bead of sweat trickled down the side of his face.
"ANSWER ME!!!" the principal bellowed.
Yami winced inwardly but kept his head straight ahead.
"Where are the science papers Yami?" the principal growled.
Yami's eyes widened at the question. He looked at the principal, confusion in his eyes. "What?" he asked.
"Where have you hidden the mock exam science papers Yami?" the principle repeated himself slowly, the veins were bulging from his neck.
"They're there, I didn't take them. I had to help Yugi Motou, I left them where I dropped them." Yami replied truthfully, his stomach churning.
"I don't believe you." the principal snarled.
I DIDN'T TAKE THEM! I DIDN'T HAVE TIME.
"Principal sir, I did everything else, I punched Yugi, I hurt him a second time, I even broke into the safe but I didn't take those papers, I didn't even look at them." Yami blurted out, his voice was beginning to sound strained.
"They are missing Yami, you were the only one who touched this package, opened it, are you telling me that after all you went through to get the papers you NEVER took them? You are a liar, you've lied repeatedly during the school year and I will believe your lies no longer. WHERE ARE THE PAPERS YAMI!!?"
"I DON'T KNOW BECAUSE I DIDN'T TAKE THEM!!" Yami snarled.
The principal went red in the face and sat down at his desk. "You are expelled.."
Yami's insides froze. He had known this was coming but when the principal said it, it was like hearing it from outside his body.
"Wh.what?" Yami stammered.
"Expelled, and your entrance exam privileges are revoked. You are blacklisted as a student and if we do not get those exams papers we WILL press charges against your family. Your guardian will be notified of the circumstances. Leave the premises Yami Shingo, I never want to see you face in this school again. Jou escort him out please."
Yami was staring at the principal in horror when Jou slammed a hand on his shoulder and forcefully pulled him out of the office.
"That boy will never again go to another school in this district, I will personally see to that." he heard the principal say to a female teacher next to him.
Yami could register none of this, he barely felt Jou pulling him along by the shoulder.
Failure.dead..God help me.
I didn't take the papers. I didn't. how can they be missing?
"THERE HE IS!!" a shrill voice yelled, bringing him out of his pit of dark thoughts.
"THAT BASTARD HAS RUINED EVERYTHING FOR THE SCIENCE STUDENTS!!" another voice screamed.
Yami looked up and saw a mob of students all glaring at him like he was a murderer.
"SCREW THAT! DID YOU HEAR WHAT HE DID TO THAT NEW KID? YOU'RE BURNING IN HELL YAMI SHINGO!" one boy snarled, pointing in his face.
"You've had this one coming." Was all Yami heard before he felt a punch upside his jaw, he stumbled and barely caught his balance.
Jou was standing there, breathing hard and nursing his wrist. "I saw the state Yugi was in when they were taking him out. What kind of bastard does that!? You're going to pay, your going to feel what that kid is feeling."
Yami narrowed his eyes and rubbed his sore jaw. Then standing straight he turned, heading for the school gate.
"Where the hell do you think your going?" Jou snarled. "Stop him guys!"
Yami was football tackled from all sides and his arms grabbed and forced behind him, he fought back viciously, eyes almost insane with anger.
HOW DARE THEY ..
You deserve this.you deserve it.
Jou glared down at him. "You like picking on guys smaller than you? Huh!?"
Yami glared at Jou. "Release me." he ordered, straining against the three boys that were holding him back.
"Not this time." Jou said darkly, and pulled back his fist.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Where's my grandson!!!?" Solomon cried, hitting the front desk of the hospital. "Please! Where is he?!"
The nurse sighed again and said as patiently as she could. "Please give me his name sir..."
"Solomon Motou?" a kind voice asked behind him.
Solomon turned, tears running down his face. "I should have known something was wrong! Yugi!! Where's my grandson!!?"
The school nurse tried to calm him down. "He's in the operating room right now, the doctors are doing all they can."
Solomon barely heard her. "It's his birthday next week, he's going to be 16! He can't die, what am I going to do!" he sobbed into his hands.
The school's nurse ached when she saw the state the old man was in and said the only thing she could. "You can pray Motou-san."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yami collapsed on his front steps, beaten so badly all he could feel was pain. He couldn't remember how he had gotten home but he was here now, that was all that mattered.
I guess I had that coming from a long time.but god.if Kami-sensei hadn't come out and stopped them.
And the worse is yet to come.what am I going to tell my guardian?
He wiped a trickle of blood from his nose and staggered to his feet, feeling for the key in his pocket. His hand was shaking so badly it took him forever to push the key in the lock but when he finally managed, he took a deep breath and turned the key.
The door creaked open and Yami slowly walked in.
Kurai-san is going to be furious.
Well he's just going to have to deal with it I guess.I'll never be a doctor.Oh god what if Yugi dies?
I'm sorry mum, dad.
If he dies I'm going to jail.
I didn't mean to hurt him so badly! That's why I checked my punch, how could anyone be that fragile?
He was, just your luck .
It got so bad because he didn't go to the nurse, why didn't he go to the nurse?
He was protecting you.
But why.
Yami suddenly noticed that none of the lights in the building were on. Strange. He thought.
He staggered along until he came to Kurai-san's office and pushed the door open. "I'm home." he said. It felt stupid saying that but it was the only thing he could think of.
How does one start apologizing for ruining ones life?
Kurai-san was standing in front of a 10-foot window, staring out at the horizon. His hands were grasped tightly behind him.
"Kurai-san. I'm sorry." Yami said softly. " I don't know why I ."
He was, he truly was, he had disrespected Kurai-san on my occasions but Kurai-san had taken care of him since his parents died, he did owe him a lot. Yami realised he had not only disgraced himself, but his family and Kurai-san too.
Kurai-san raised a hand suddenly and Yami fell silent.
"When I got the call today.they said they had you had injured some boy because he caught you stealing the mock exam papers. Cheating, I believe was his very word.."
Yami just could not formulate his thoughts. Which was more important at this point? His grades or Yugi?
Yugi.I think.
I didn't cheat.
Yugi.focus on Yugi.everything else can be fixed later, but if Yugi dies.
Yami swallowed and tried to press his point. "I know but the boy that I injured."
"'Cheating?' Kurai-san broke in, "why would a 90 percent average student need to cheat?'" Kurai-san's voice was cold enough to make Yami's stomach churn.
"He then informed me that you were no such thing, in fact you were failing almost everyone one of your classes."
Kurai-san turned around, his face was calm but it was his eyes that made every hair on Yami's stand on end. They were bloodshot with rage; he was gripping the edge of his desk hard enough for the veins in his fingers to stand out.
"Kurai-san. I.I couldn't do it. But I'm in trouble, the boy. he might die, I need your help, I didn't mean for him to get hurt so badly."
"You lied to me about your grades."
Why is he going on about grades? I might have killed a boy, this could affect me far worse than grades ever could!
"Kurai-san, I know you're upset about the grades but I hurt a boy, Yugi Motou, we have to make sure he lives, his family might need money."
"SHUT UP!!" Kurai-san snarled, his hand grabbed the nearest object (the desk lamp), and with a viscous heave, threw it at Yami.
Yami dodged it barely and heard it crash into the door behind him; there was a shattering sound as well.
Raising incredulous eyes, he stared at his guardian who was just about frothing at the mouth.
"I DON'T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THAT BOY!!! LET HIM DIE FOR ALL I CARE! WHAT ABOUT YOUR GRADES!!! YOU WERE GODDAMN FAILING!?" He was coming around the table towards Yami.
Yami backed away from his approaching guardian, wondering if his guardian had lost his mind. "Kurai-san.if he dies I could go to jail."
Kurai-san paused at this, standing in the middle of the room staring at Yami. Then suddenly he turned and heavily made his way back to his desk. "You're more trouble than you're worth." he mumbled to himself.
"What?" Yami said, eyes wide. "Than I'm WORTH? What do you mean by that?"
"You're useless now, crime record, moron student, cheater. no one will let a kid with a record like that become a doctor." He was fumbling with something in his draw.
"If we save Yugi I won't have a crime record!!! And I did not cheat!!!" Yami snarled.
"Cut my losses now, forge the will again." Kurai went on mumbling to himself, ignoring Yami's words.
Forge the will?
AGAIN?
"Wh.what about the will?" Yami asked suspiciously. Then something went click under the desk and Yami froze, whatever he had been asking forgotten.
"What are you doing?" he asked Kurai-san coldly, backing up to clasp the doorknob.
Gun. it's the click of a gun.
Don't be crazy! Why would Kurai-san of all people have a gun?
Kurai-san lifted a gun from under the table and pointed it at Yami, one eye twitching.
Oh shit.
Yami noticed with impending horror that there was a silencer attached to it. No one would hear anything if it went off. Kurai-san was going to murder him.
"What the HELL IS THAT!?" Yami said, truly scared.
Brilliant question.
"I should have killed you. I should have strangled you in your sleep the night I killed your parents.Why the HELL did I think you would be of any use?" Kurai san grunted.
Yami's mind that had been working out an escape plan went into shut down mode.
H.he.
Kurai-san took careful aim.
Killed.
Pulled back the lock.
my.
Survival instinct decided it had waited long enough for Yami to move his ass and forced his body to run sharply to the left, trying to make it behind his guardian's desk. The mad dash saved Yami's life but as it was the bullet caught him in the shoulder. Blood splattered everywhere as he crouched on the other side of the desk, breathing hard.
Mother..Father.
He .he.
"MONSTER!!!" Yami screamed from his position.
Kurai-san coolly reloaded his gun. "It finally hit your brain did it? No, I'm not a monster; I'm a lawyer. A Lawyer that your parents wanted to fire. But I didn't want to be fired. They had to learn their lesson."
Yami looked behind him seeing that the window Kurai-san had been looking through earlier, actually led onto a balcony. He jumped up suddenly and slammed himself against the glass doors. The doors flew open, shattering the class as they hit the outside walls. Yami had to bite back a scream; he had forgotten about his shoulder and had stupidly broken the window open with it.
PAIN.
He felt something whiz by his head and realised Kurai had fired at him again. Gripping his bleeding shoulder he turned to face his former guardian, breathing hard. "All this time. All this time. I thought you cared about my well-being.
Kurai reloaded his gun again. "Stupid weren't you?" he clicked the gun in place with a loud snap.
Rage surged through him. "I'm going to kill you for this.I swear to god, I'll kill you." he tried to take a step towards Kurai but stumbled, feeling dizzy.
The huge pool of blood at your feet might be what's causing that.
"That's exactly what your father said when I killed your mother.and then I shot him like this."
He fired again at Yami.
Yami took it right in the hip and crashed backwards into the railing of the balcony. He gripped his hip in an effort to stem the new flow of blood. The pain was burning.
He's going to kill you.
DO SOMETHING.
Thunder rumbled in the air and the wind got cold.
Lot of rain we've been having lately. Yami thought stupidly.
"Last time and I'm rid of you and your annoying family forever.I don't know how you've managed to dodge so often but this time." Kurai-san said darkly, pointing the gun at Yami's head.
Swallowing hard, Yami looked around frantically around him for a way to escape, pulling himself up on the balcony railing and looked down. A drop of rain splashed on his palm.
He glanced back at Kurai-san who was grinning maniacally; his hand was beginning to pull the trigger. He knew he would never be able to dodge it; he literally needed a miracle at this point.
A streak of lightening tore across the sky, illuminating everything and momentarily blinding Kurai-san and Yami. Yami knew this was his last chance to escape, throwing caution to the wind he pushed himself backwards over the balcony.
When Kurai finally got his vision back the balcony was empty.
Thunder exploded, drowning out Kurai's scream of frustration.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"His right lung is filling with blood, if we don't get it clear he's going to drown." the doctor snapped. "I need the blood cleared so I can staunch the wound and sew him up."
"The hemorrhaging won't stop doctor." a nurse whimpered.
"Find a way!" the doctor snapped.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Outside the operating room Solomon stared through the window, watching the doctors working on his grandson. His face was pressed so hard against the glass the school nurse had to pull him away from it.
"There's something wrong!" Solomon wept. "What are they doing? Where is all that blood coming from?"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Oh, god he's bleeding more! Sponge it, I can find the wound at this rate!"
"Heart rate increasing doctor, he's loosing too much blood!" a nurse said sharply behind him.
"Shit!" the doctor grated, staring at the monitor that showed the internal camera. He had found it but with all the blood .
"I found it!"
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
"Shit, he's gone into cardiac arrest!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The sound of the heart monitor going haywire made Solomon nearly break the door in, it took another nurse to hold him back.
"WHATS WRONG? I'VE SEEN ENOUGH MOVIES TO KNOW THAT'S BAD!! LET ME GO!! YUGGIIIII!!!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The doctor had sewed the wound up but Yugi had lost too much blood. The heart monitor was going insane and then suddenly without warning it flat lined.
"HE'S GONE FLATLINE!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Solomon watched in horror as the doctors rushed around him, trying to stabilise him. One of them grabbed the electronic thing that he's seen doctors used in that ER show, the one that zapped patients and brought them back. He couldn't remember the name and he didn't care, it had to work for Yugi!
They pressed it against Yugi's chest and Yugi jerked, the monitor blipped but went flat line again.
They did it again.
And again.
And then they stopped; the doctor lowered his head and leaned against the bedside.
Solomon's eyes went wide. "No."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Time of death.?" the doctor said, his voice betrayed his choked throat, he began pulling a sheet over Yugi.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Solomon screamed, tears flowing freely down his face.
He just crumpled there and the school nurse and the other nurse had to catch him. The school nurse was covering her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
"YUGII!!" Solomon's voice carried down the corridor, making the two nurses at the front desk look up with knowing, sorrowful looks on their faces.
to be continued.
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
Ha! fooled you ^_^. I couldn't REALLY leave you hanging there could I? Go down please^^.
* * * * * * *
Rain poured down like a waterfall. Yami staggered down the alleyway, soaking wet. He didn't know how he kept walking, his vision was failing and finally he collapsed in the grimy water, loosing consciousness.
He kept bleeding and bleeding and the rain kept washing it away.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
He opened his eyes and stared upwards.
Where am I?
Light, dazzling light was all around him. Squinting, he pushed himself up, amazed that his shoulder and hip no longer hurt.
In fact.
He couldn't find a wound at all.
Strange.
The light intensified and Yami had to cover his eyes, but even then it kept hurting him. What's with this light? Why does it keep getting brighter?
He turned away from it and saw directly in front of him, a shadowy place. Desperate to get out of the light he headed for it and stepped into the darkness. The light stopped immediately but he also felt horribly cold.
This is so strange. what is this?
--Yami.this way Yami.---
The voice was coming from the darkness, it was without emotion. Feeling lightheaded and confused he headed deeper into the dark.
---This way Yami... come home now.---
Home?
--Home.---
Yami paused. "Where is home?"
--Come, come to where you rightly belong---
A frigid wind tore against his back and he shivered, he felt his will leaving him as the wind embraced him.
---Come now.---
Yes. Yami mumbled, eyes blank. As he moved forward into the shadows, dark arms reached out to embrace him, to pull him further into the darkness.
"Don't go that way." a gentle voice said suddenly behind him and somebody took Yami's hand.
Warmth spread through Yami at the touch and he snapped out of the daze. "Wha?" he choked, he felt like he had been suffocating.
"It hurts that way."
Yami dizzily turned and stared down.
YUGI??!!
Yugi stood there, gentle eyes wider and more innocent than before. "Come back to the light. it isn't so bright after a while."
He was dressed in a pure white robe. Yami looked down at himself and noticed he was wearing complete black. Yugi tugged at his arm gently and began leading him back towards the light.
"Yugi, where are we?" Yami asked.
Yugi looked up at him. "Who is Yugi?"
Yami frowned angrily. "You of course!! Did they let you out of the hospital already? Are you okay?"
They stepped out of the darkness and the light immediately returned, hurting Yami's eyes. "AHH!! Why does it keep hurting like this!?" Yami complained, covering his eyes.
"You did something bad.don't go back to the shadows though.your not supposed to go yet."
Yami squinted down at Yugi. "Yugi, why do you keep talking gibberish? Where are we!?"
Yugi looked truly confused. "Who is Yugi?" he asked.
"You!" Yami repeated.
Yugi's brow furrowed. "I.is that what I was called?" Yugi asked sincerly.
Yami felt like he could strangle him. "Yes you were, where ARE we Yugi?"
Yugi smiled softly. "In between."
"In between?" Yami asked perplexed.
"The light goes to a really nice place, I went there but they said I had to come back. it isn't my time yet.they told me to stop you from going into the dark." Yugi said softly.
Yami finally realised.
Purgatory?"
"Y.you died?" Yami stammered staring down at Yugi's innocent face. "I killed you."
Yugi did not respond but began pulling Yami to the side.
---YAAAMIIIIIIIIIIIIII- the voice wailed from behind them.
Yami turned towards the shadows, eyes going blank again. "I . have to."
"NO!" Yugi cried out, pulling him by the sleeve. "This way, trust me please!"
At his touch again Yami's eyes cleared and he turned away from the darkness, terrified.
Yugi was walking quickly. " I have to go now, you have to keep walking this way.don't stop.don't listen to the voices.hurry!"
Yami tried to grip onto Yugi's hand. "I'm sorry Yugi! I didn't mean for this to happen."
Yugi pulled his hand away. "Go!" He seemed to get small all of a sudden and Yami realised he was being pulled away.
"YUGI!!"
"Walk.hurry, someone who wishes you harm is coming to your body. return, don't let him talk to you! When you return, run!" Yugi's whispering voice said in the air.
"Yugi.."
"GO!"
Yami began walking in the direction, holding his sides. "I'm so sorry."
But he kept walking, ignoring the horrible voice that called to him constantly.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yami came to, gasping for air, shoulder and hip throbbing in agony. He forgot Yugi's warning and lay in the gutter shivering.
Oh god, I killed him.
Even in death he.
--I found you---
Yami looked up, shocked. "What?" he choked.
The same face, the blond haired face stared down at him. A cruel mouth grinned down at him.
---Too weak to defend your mind this time are you?---
Something flashed and Yami's last free thought was only.
Yugi.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Time of Death . 14:00 hours." the nurse said sadly, moving her hand towards the heart monitor to turn it off.
It beeped.
The nurse did a double take. "DOCTOR! WE GOT A HEARTBEAT!"
"WHAT!?" the doctor said surprised, he yanked the sheet away and began working on Yugi again. "Hurry! He needs blood!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Solomon who had been sobbing on the floor heard the school nurse squeak in delight.
"He's alive!!" Solomon choked on his tears and looked up shocked at the nurse. "What?"
He stumbled to his feet and stared in the window. The doctor was frantically ordering blood to be brought in. His face was of utter relief.
"Yugi."
Solomon pressed against the glass. "Yugi.your okay."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yami.
To be continued (yes for real this time ^^)
AN: oh gawd that took forever! (holds aching head) if there are any spelling mistakes I'm sorry, I wrote this at midnight in an effort to finish. My review list is going to have to wait till next chapter guys, I'm too tired.
But thanks to all who reviewed! ^_^
If the whole purgatory thing confused you please tell me so I can explain next chapter.
Oh please don't kill me about the whole fake 'to be continued thing'. I couldn't resist really ^^. Flame me if you wish, I deserve it XD.
And a huge Jacuzzi pool with my own personal Baskins & Robbins beside it. - And I'd also put more romance in the manga =) (between Tea and Yami - hey I support those two no matter what anyone says - n_n).
But then again. Heck I'd do more romance between Yugi and Yami =^_^=. (NOT HENTAI !!)
-and veering off the point completely, has anyone ever noticed Yami's pants? The way they stick to him like a second skin?
-And the neck buckle? God, I love the neck buckle.
- What was I saying again ? 0_0.
"" is talking, is for thinking and reminiscing , ** is for coughs or sighs --- --- is for mental conversations or mental voices [] is for loudspeaker announcements.
CHAPTER TEN - The Brink of Everything
The hospital doors burst open and a mobile hospital bed went tearing through; two doctors were talking frantically as they worked on a patient.
"We need to get his lungs clear, he's suffocating to death!"
The other nodded and waved two nurses out of the way. The trolley disappeared through another set of doors and the two nurses stared after it.
"Is that the school boy?" the taller of the two asked, as she wrote up a prescription.
"I think so, saw the uniform? Very pretty, wasn't he? I hope they can do something. Do you know how it happened?"
"Fight at school or something, some bully punched him and shattered a rib."
"God, how could anyone pick on a kid that small? He's like 10 right?"
The nurse flipped through her clipboard. "no.. he's 15."
"15!?" ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Yami sneezed violently and shivered. He was still in the nurse's office; his mind was numb and for once it wasn't giving him any advice, good or bad. So he just sat there still as a statue and wishing he'd never gotten out of bed that morning.
"Yami Shingo."
Yami's head snapped up and he swallowed when he saw his principal standing there, Jou was standing beside him glowering.
"Sir." he said, his throat was dry.
"Come with me please." The principal waited for him to stand and then walked out the door. Jou kept glowering at him.
Yami walked by him, avoiding eye contact.
When they had finally reached the office, he saw a group of all the teachers standing there. They were all glaring at him. Yami went red but refused to lower his head, he would keep his pride.
"Yami, in the history of Domino High we have NEVER experienced the shame that you have brought upon us today." his principal said seriously.
Yami could only nod dumbly but refused to lower his head, he noted that his principal had pointedly left of the respect term 'san' at the end of his name. The principal was saying quite clearly he had no more respect for him.
"Where do we start? You attacked a student, we don't know what you did to keep him from talking but then your went and did it again. Jou-san vouches for the first attack, I'm sorry I did not listen to him when he first spoke. My apologies Jou-san."
Jou closed his eyes and nodded slightly in acceptance of the apology.
"You abused your training as a karate student and mortally wounded him. There's a chance he could die. What am I to tell his grandfather, Yami Shingo?"
Yami did not respond, he grit his teeth, shame rushing through him.
"Do you think you could tell his grandfather that you killed him if he dies?" the principal continued, his voice gradually sounding more and more dangerous.
Stress lines formed under Yami's eyes but he said nothing.
"Apparently Yugi-san got the second attack because he was trying to stop you from cheating, am I correct?" the principal continued.
Yami did not respond, a bead of sweat trickled down the side of his face.
"ANSWER ME!!!" the principal bellowed.
Yami winced inwardly but kept his head straight ahead.
"Where are the science papers Yami?" the principal growled.
Yami's eyes widened at the question. He looked at the principal, confusion in his eyes. "What?" he asked.
"Where have you hidden the mock exam science papers Yami?" the principle repeated himself slowly, the veins were bulging from his neck.
"They're there, I didn't take them. I had to help Yugi Motou, I left them where I dropped them." Yami replied truthfully, his stomach churning.
"I don't believe you." the principal snarled.
I DIDN'T TAKE THEM! I DIDN'T HAVE TIME.
"Principal sir, I did everything else, I punched Yugi, I hurt him a second time, I even broke into the safe but I didn't take those papers, I didn't even look at them." Yami blurted out, his voice was beginning to sound strained.
"They are missing Yami, you were the only one who touched this package, opened it, are you telling me that after all you went through to get the papers you NEVER took them? You are a liar, you've lied repeatedly during the school year and I will believe your lies no longer. WHERE ARE THE PAPERS YAMI!!?"
"I DON'T KNOW BECAUSE I DIDN'T TAKE THEM!!" Yami snarled.
The principal went red in the face and sat down at his desk. "You are expelled.."
Yami's insides froze. He had known this was coming but when the principal said it, it was like hearing it from outside his body.
"Wh.what?" Yami stammered.
"Expelled, and your entrance exam privileges are revoked. You are blacklisted as a student and if we do not get those exams papers we WILL press charges against your family. Your guardian will be notified of the circumstances. Leave the premises Yami Shingo, I never want to see you face in this school again. Jou escort him out please."
Yami was staring at the principal in horror when Jou slammed a hand on his shoulder and forcefully pulled him out of the office.
"That boy will never again go to another school in this district, I will personally see to that." he heard the principal say to a female teacher next to him.
Yami could register none of this, he barely felt Jou pulling him along by the shoulder.
Failure.dead..God help me.
I didn't take the papers. I didn't. how can they be missing?
"THERE HE IS!!" a shrill voice yelled, bringing him out of his pit of dark thoughts.
"THAT BASTARD HAS RUINED EVERYTHING FOR THE SCIENCE STUDENTS!!" another voice screamed.
Yami looked up and saw a mob of students all glaring at him like he was a murderer.
"SCREW THAT! DID YOU HEAR WHAT HE DID TO THAT NEW KID? YOU'RE BURNING IN HELL YAMI SHINGO!" one boy snarled, pointing in his face.
"You've had this one coming." Was all Yami heard before he felt a punch upside his jaw, he stumbled and barely caught his balance.
Jou was standing there, breathing hard and nursing his wrist. "I saw the state Yugi was in when they were taking him out. What kind of bastard does that!? You're going to pay, your going to feel what that kid is feeling."
Yami narrowed his eyes and rubbed his sore jaw. Then standing straight he turned, heading for the school gate.
"Where the hell do you think your going?" Jou snarled. "Stop him guys!"
Yami was football tackled from all sides and his arms grabbed and forced behind him, he fought back viciously, eyes almost insane with anger.
HOW DARE THEY ..
You deserve this.you deserve it.
Jou glared down at him. "You like picking on guys smaller than you? Huh!?"
Yami glared at Jou. "Release me." he ordered, straining against the three boys that were holding him back.
"Not this time." Jou said darkly, and pulled back his fist.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Where's my grandson!!!?" Solomon cried, hitting the front desk of the hospital. "Please! Where is he?!"
The nurse sighed again and said as patiently as she could. "Please give me his name sir..."
"Solomon Motou?" a kind voice asked behind him.
Solomon turned, tears running down his face. "I should have known something was wrong! Yugi!! Where's my grandson!!?"
The school nurse tried to calm him down. "He's in the operating room right now, the doctors are doing all they can."
Solomon barely heard her. "It's his birthday next week, he's going to be 16! He can't die, what am I going to do!" he sobbed into his hands.
The school's nurse ached when she saw the state the old man was in and said the only thing she could. "You can pray Motou-san."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yami collapsed on his front steps, beaten so badly all he could feel was pain. He couldn't remember how he had gotten home but he was here now, that was all that mattered.
I guess I had that coming from a long time.but god.if Kami-sensei hadn't come out and stopped them.
And the worse is yet to come.what am I going to tell my guardian?
He wiped a trickle of blood from his nose and staggered to his feet, feeling for the key in his pocket. His hand was shaking so badly it took him forever to push the key in the lock but when he finally managed, he took a deep breath and turned the key.
The door creaked open and Yami slowly walked in.
Kurai-san is going to be furious.
Well he's just going to have to deal with it I guess.I'll never be a doctor.Oh god what if Yugi dies?
I'm sorry mum, dad.
If he dies I'm going to jail.
I didn't mean to hurt him so badly! That's why I checked my punch, how could anyone be that fragile?
He was, just your luck .
It got so bad because he didn't go to the nurse, why didn't he go to the nurse?
He was protecting you.
But why.
Yami suddenly noticed that none of the lights in the building were on. Strange. He thought.
He staggered along until he came to Kurai-san's office and pushed the door open. "I'm home." he said. It felt stupid saying that but it was the only thing he could think of.
How does one start apologizing for ruining ones life?
Kurai-san was standing in front of a 10-foot window, staring out at the horizon. His hands were grasped tightly behind him.
"Kurai-san. I'm sorry." Yami said softly. " I don't know why I ."
He was, he truly was, he had disrespected Kurai-san on my occasions but Kurai-san had taken care of him since his parents died, he did owe him a lot. Yami realised he had not only disgraced himself, but his family and Kurai-san too.
Kurai-san raised a hand suddenly and Yami fell silent.
"When I got the call today.they said they had you had injured some boy because he caught you stealing the mock exam papers. Cheating, I believe was his very word.."
Yami just could not formulate his thoughts. Which was more important at this point? His grades or Yugi?
Yugi.I think.
I didn't cheat.
Yugi.focus on Yugi.everything else can be fixed later, but if Yugi dies.
Yami swallowed and tried to press his point. "I know but the boy that I injured."
"'Cheating?' Kurai-san broke in, "why would a 90 percent average student need to cheat?'" Kurai-san's voice was cold enough to make Yami's stomach churn.
"He then informed me that you were no such thing, in fact you were failing almost everyone one of your classes."
Kurai-san turned around, his face was calm but it was his eyes that made every hair on Yami's stand on end. They were bloodshot with rage; he was gripping the edge of his desk hard enough for the veins in his fingers to stand out.
"Kurai-san. I.I couldn't do it. But I'm in trouble, the boy. he might die, I need your help, I didn't mean for him to get hurt so badly."
"You lied to me about your grades."
Why is he going on about grades? I might have killed a boy, this could affect me far worse than grades ever could!
"Kurai-san, I know you're upset about the grades but I hurt a boy, Yugi Motou, we have to make sure he lives, his family might need money."
"SHUT UP!!" Kurai-san snarled, his hand grabbed the nearest object (the desk lamp), and with a viscous heave, threw it at Yami.
Yami dodged it barely and heard it crash into the door behind him; there was a shattering sound as well.
Raising incredulous eyes, he stared at his guardian who was just about frothing at the mouth.
"I DON'T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THAT BOY!!! LET HIM DIE FOR ALL I CARE! WHAT ABOUT YOUR GRADES!!! YOU WERE GODDAMN FAILING!?" He was coming around the table towards Yami.
Yami backed away from his approaching guardian, wondering if his guardian had lost his mind. "Kurai-san.if he dies I could go to jail."
Kurai-san paused at this, standing in the middle of the room staring at Yami. Then suddenly he turned and heavily made his way back to his desk. "You're more trouble than you're worth." he mumbled to himself.
"What?" Yami said, eyes wide. "Than I'm WORTH? What do you mean by that?"
"You're useless now, crime record, moron student, cheater. no one will let a kid with a record like that become a doctor." He was fumbling with something in his draw.
"If we save Yugi I won't have a crime record!!! And I did not cheat!!!" Yami snarled.
"Cut my losses now, forge the will again." Kurai went on mumbling to himself, ignoring Yami's words.
Forge the will?
AGAIN?
"Wh.what about the will?" Yami asked suspiciously. Then something went click under the desk and Yami froze, whatever he had been asking forgotten.
"What are you doing?" he asked Kurai-san coldly, backing up to clasp the doorknob.
Gun. it's the click of a gun.
Don't be crazy! Why would Kurai-san of all people have a gun?
Kurai-san lifted a gun from under the table and pointed it at Yami, one eye twitching.
Oh shit.
Yami noticed with impending horror that there was a silencer attached to it. No one would hear anything if it went off. Kurai-san was going to murder him.
"What the HELL IS THAT!?" Yami said, truly scared.
Brilliant question.
"I should have killed you. I should have strangled you in your sleep the night I killed your parents.Why the HELL did I think you would be of any use?" Kurai san grunted.
Yami's mind that had been working out an escape plan went into shut down mode.
H.he.
Kurai-san took careful aim.
Killed.
Pulled back the lock.
my.
Survival instinct decided it had waited long enough for Yami to move his ass and forced his body to run sharply to the left, trying to make it behind his guardian's desk. The mad dash saved Yami's life but as it was the bullet caught him in the shoulder. Blood splattered everywhere as he crouched on the other side of the desk, breathing hard.
Mother..Father.
He .he.
"MONSTER!!!" Yami screamed from his position.
Kurai-san coolly reloaded his gun. "It finally hit your brain did it? No, I'm not a monster; I'm a lawyer. A Lawyer that your parents wanted to fire. But I didn't want to be fired. They had to learn their lesson."
Yami looked behind him seeing that the window Kurai-san had been looking through earlier, actually led onto a balcony. He jumped up suddenly and slammed himself against the glass doors. The doors flew open, shattering the class as they hit the outside walls. Yami had to bite back a scream; he had forgotten about his shoulder and had stupidly broken the window open with it.
PAIN.
He felt something whiz by his head and realised Kurai had fired at him again. Gripping his bleeding shoulder he turned to face his former guardian, breathing hard. "All this time. All this time. I thought you cared about my well-being.
Kurai reloaded his gun again. "Stupid weren't you?" he clicked the gun in place with a loud snap.
Rage surged through him. "I'm going to kill you for this.I swear to god, I'll kill you." he tried to take a step towards Kurai but stumbled, feeling dizzy.
The huge pool of blood at your feet might be what's causing that.
"That's exactly what your father said when I killed your mother.and then I shot him like this."
He fired again at Yami.
Yami took it right in the hip and crashed backwards into the railing of the balcony. He gripped his hip in an effort to stem the new flow of blood. The pain was burning.
He's going to kill you.
DO SOMETHING.
Thunder rumbled in the air and the wind got cold.
Lot of rain we've been having lately. Yami thought stupidly.
"Last time and I'm rid of you and your annoying family forever.I don't know how you've managed to dodge so often but this time." Kurai-san said darkly, pointing the gun at Yami's head.
Swallowing hard, Yami looked around frantically around him for a way to escape, pulling himself up on the balcony railing and looked down. A drop of rain splashed on his palm.
He glanced back at Kurai-san who was grinning maniacally; his hand was beginning to pull the trigger. He knew he would never be able to dodge it; he literally needed a miracle at this point.
A streak of lightening tore across the sky, illuminating everything and momentarily blinding Kurai-san and Yami. Yami knew this was his last chance to escape, throwing caution to the wind he pushed himself backwards over the balcony.
When Kurai finally got his vision back the balcony was empty.
Thunder exploded, drowning out Kurai's scream of frustration.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"His right lung is filling with blood, if we don't get it clear he's going to drown." the doctor snapped. "I need the blood cleared so I can staunch the wound and sew him up."
"The hemorrhaging won't stop doctor." a nurse whimpered.
"Find a way!" the doctor snapped.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Outside the operating room Solomon stared through the window, watching the doctors working on his grandson. His face was pressed so hard against the glass the school nurse had to pull him away from it.
"There's something wrong!" Solomon wept. "What are they doing? Where is all that blood coming from?"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Oh, god he's bleeding more! Sponge it, I can find the wound at this rate!"
"Heart rate increasing doctor, he's loosing too much blood!" a nurse said sharply behind him.
"Shit!" the doctor grated, staring at the monitor that showed the internal camera. He had found it but with all the blood .
"I found it!"
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
"Shit, he's gone into cardiac arrest!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The sound of the heart monitor going haywire made Solomon nearly break the door in, it took another nurse to hold him back.
"WHATS WRONG? I'VE SEEN ENOUGH MOVIES TO KNOW THAT'S BAD!! LET ME GO!! YUGGIIIII!!!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The doctor had sewed the wound up but Yugi had lost too much blood. The heart monitor was going insane and then suddenly without warning it flat lined.
"HE'S GONE FLATLINE!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Solomon watched in horror as the doctors rushed around him, trying to stabilise him. One of them grabbed the electronic thing that he's seen doctors used in that ER show, the one that zapped patients and brought them back. He couldn't remember the name and he didn't care, it had to work for Yugi!
They pressed it against Yugi's chest and Yugi jerked, the monitor blipped but went flat line again.
They did it again.
And again.
And then they stopped; the doctor lowered his head and leaned against the bedside.
Solomon's eyes went wide. "No."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Time of death.?" the doctor said, his voice betrayed his choked throat, he began pulling a sheet over Yugi.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Solomon screamed, tears flowing freely down his face.
He just crumpled there and the school nurse and the other nurse had to catch him. The school nurse was covering her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
"YUGII!!" Solomon's voice carried down the corridor, making the two nurses at the front desk look up with knowing, sorrowful looks on their faces.
to be continued.
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
Ha! fooled you ^_^. I couldn't REALLY leave you hanging there could I? Go down please^^.
* * * * * * *
Rain poured down like a waterfall. Yami staggered down the alleyway, soaking wet. He didn't know how he kept walking, his vision was failing and finally he collapsed in the grimy water, loosing consciousness.
He kept bleeding and bleeding and the rain kept washing it away.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
He opened his eyes and stared upwards.
Where am I?
Light, dazzling light was all around him. Squinting, he pushed himself up, amazed that his shoulder and hip no longer hurt.
In fact.
He couldn't find a wound at all.
Strange.
The light intensified and Yami had to cover his eyes, but even then it kept hurting him. What's with this light? Why does it keep getting brighter?
He turned away from it and saw directly in front of him, a shadowy place. Desperate to get out of the light he headed for it and stepped into the darkness. The light stopped immediately but he also felt horribly cold.
This is so strange. what is this?
--Yami.this way Yami.---
The voice was coming from the darkness, it was without emotion. Feeling lightheaded and confused he headed deeper into the dark.
---This way Yami... come home now.---
Home?
--Home.---
Yami paused. "Where is home?"
--Come, come to where you rightly belong---
A frigid wind tore against his back and he shivered, he felt his will leaving him as the wind embraced him.
---Come now.---
Yes. Yami mumbled, eyes blank. As he moved forward into the shadows, dark arms reached out to embrace him, to pull him further into the darkness.
"Don't go that way." a gentle voice said suddenly behind him and somebody took Yami's hand.
Warmth spread through Yami at the touch and he snapped out of the daze. "Wha?" he choked, he felt like he had been suffocating.
"It hurts that way."
Yami dizzily turned and stared down.
YUGI??!!
Yugi stood there, gentle eyes wider and more innocent than before. "Come back to the light. it isn't so bright after a while."
He was dressed in a pure white robe. Yami looked down at himself and noticed he was wearing complete black. Yugi tugged at his arm gently and began leading him back towards the light.
"Yugi, where are we?" Yami asked.
Yugi looked up at him. "Who is Yugi?"
Yami frowned angrily. "You of course!! Did they let you out of the hospital already? Are you okay?"
They stepped out of the darkness and the light immediately returned, hurting Yami's eyes. "AHH!! Why does it keep hurting like this!?" Yami complained, covering his eyes.
"You did something bad.don't go back to the shadows though.your not supposed to go yet."
Yami squinted down at Yugi. "Yugi, why do you keep talking gibberish? Where are we!?"
Yugi looked truly confused. "Who is Yugi?" he asked.
"You!" Yami repeated.
Yugi's brow furrowed. "I.is that what I was called?" Yugi asked sincerly.
Yami felt like he could strangle him. "Yes you were, where ARE we Yugi?"
Yugi smiled softly. "In between."
"In between?" Yami asked perplexed.
"The light goes to a really nice place, I went there but they said I had to come back. it isn't my time yet.they told me to stop you from going into the dark." Yugi said softly.
Yami finally realised.
Purgatory?"
"Y.you died?" Yami stammered staring down at Yugi's innocent face. "I killed you."
Yugi did not respond but began pulling Yami to the side.
---YAAAMIIIIIIIIIIIIII- the voice wailed from behind them.
Yami turned towards the shadows, eyes going blank again. "I . have to."
"NO!" Yugi cried out, pulling him by the sleeve. "This way, trust me please!"
At his touch again Yami's eyes cleared and he turned away from the darkness, terrified.
Yugi was walking quickly. " I have to go now, you have to keep walking this way.don't stop.don't listen to the voices.hurry!"
Yami tried to grip onto Yugi's hand. "I'm sorry Yugi! I didn't mean for this to happen."
Yugi pulled his hand away. "Go!" He seemed to get small all of a sudden and Yami realised he was being pulled away.
"YUGI!!"
"Walk.hurry, someone who wishes you harm is coming to your body. return, don't let him talk to you! When you return, run!" Yugi's whispering voice said in the air.
"Yugi.."
"GO!"
Yami began walking in the direction, holding his sides. "I'm so sorry."
But he kept walking, ignoring the horrible voice that called to him constantly.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yami came to, gasping for air, shoulder and hip throbbing in agony. He forgot Yugi's warning and lay in the gutter shivering.
Oh god, I killed him.
Even in death he.
--I found you---
Yami looked up, shocked. "What?" he choked.
The same face, the blond haired face stared down at him. A cruel mouth grinned down at him.
---Too weak to defend your mind this time are you?---
Something flashed and Yami's last free thought was only.
Yugi.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Time of Death . 14:00 hours." the nurse said sadly, moving her hand towards the heart monitor to turn it off.
It beeped.
The nurse did a double take. "DOCTOR! WE GOT A HEARTBEAT!"
"WHAT!?" the doctor said surprised, he yanked the sheet away and began working on Yugi again. "Hurry! He needs blood!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Solomon who had been sobbing on the floor heard the school nurse squeak in delight.
"He's alive!!" Solomon choked on his tears and looked up shocked at the nurse. "What?"
He stumbled to his feet and stared in the window. The doctor was frantically ordering blood to be brought in. His face was of utter relief.
"Yugi."
Solomon pressed against the glass. "Yugi.your okay."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yami.
To be continued (yes for real this time ^^)
AN: oh gawd that took forever! (holds aching head) if there are any spelling mistakes I'm sorry, I wrote this at midnight in an effort to finish. My review list is going to have to wait till next chapter guys, I'm too tired.
But thanks to all who reviewed! ^_^
If the whole purgatory thing confused you please tell me so I can explain next chapter.
Oh please don't kill me about the whole fake 'to be continued thing'. I couldn't resist really ^^. Flame me if you wish, I deserve it XD.