Guardians

Note: I hope you've all been enjoying this story as much as I have. It's time to get some action going, so without further ado, Chapter 16! Don't forget the reviews!

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-gi-oh or Breakaway, by Kelly Clarkson. I do, however, own the strange, twisted plot.

Chapter Sixteen: Getting to Know You (And wishing not to)

Karmina sighed and tried to pay attention as Wingweaver and Blue Eyes gave the two of them a tour of the castle and grounds. She was tired, bored, and a little overwhelmed.

And there's another pointless place that I don't care about… and another… and another. It just never ends, does it?

Nope.

The sky's still weird colored… I wonder if it's supposed to be that way.

I don't know. Shouldn't be.

She sighed again and looked up at the sky, where little fairies were flying and enjoying themselves. For the first time in her life, however, she didn't want to grow wings and fly away. Things were actually okay.

I think… I'm happy. Everything here is calm, and it's just me and Seto a lot of the time… this could be nice. I don't feel so alone anymore. I could sing a happy song and really mean it, I think. What a change.

Karmina, what's wrong in your life that you feel so sad all the time?

Oh… he cares… that's so amazing… I mean… er, I don't know. I'm just lonely, I think. Please let him leave me alone… or not. No, don't leave me alone… I don't know anymore.

You need help, girl.

Gee, thanks. It's not like I can keep you from hearing any of it.

It's scary and I hate it. What I'm thinking is supposed to be hidden.

Exactly.

Karmina gave another sigh and then thankfully realized that the tour was over. She took a few steps toward the door to her room and then she was home free. Wingweaver and Blue Eyes were off to attend to some 'business matters'.

I thought they'd never leave. Oh, sweet freedom. I could burst into song.

Alone at last… well, almost.

"Seto… um… I had f-fun today… talking to you." It's nice, talking to him… he listens. I don't know why, but he does.

"It was okay." No, don't think. She'll hear it. Don't think.

Karmina smiled. "It's weird… that we can hear each others thoughts. Don't you think?"

"You didn't stutter at all in that sentence."

"Oh… I guess n-not."

"Don't."

"I… it's just that, sometimes… I'm nervous that what I say will come out wrong, or that no one wants to hear it…"

But I do. I want to hear you talk. "That's no reason to stutter."

"I guess not."

She met his eyes, to the shock of both of them.

Oh… his eyes are so blue… and so deep… deep and blue… Wow… I feel all weird inside…

Um… What's she doing?

"Snap out of it!"

She jumped a little and then blushed. "Sorry… I just… spaced out." Who wouldn't, looking into those eyes?

"How many times do I have to tell you not to apologize?"

"At least one more… Seto. I'm not too bright, remember?"

Is she… teasing me?

"I guess I am." She pulled open the door and motioned for him to follow her. "We can sit on the balcony, if you want."

After readjusting her dress, she sat down and closed her eyes, letting the wind caress her face. In only a few moments, she'd forgotten about the other person there with her.

"Grew up in a small town, and when the rain would fall down, I'd just stare out my window. Dreaming of what could be, and if I'd end up happy, I would pray… Trying hard to reach out, but when I tried to speak out, felt like no one could hear me. Wanted to belong here, but something felt so wrong here. So I prayed… I could break away." She took a deep breath and tried not to cry. The tears started to fall anyway. "I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly. I'll do what it takes, till I touch the shy. And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change and break away." If only I could. If only that was possible. "Out of the dark-ness and into the sun, but I won't forget all the ones that I l-ove. I'll take a risk, take a chance, make a change, and break away."

She stopped again and did not pick it up again.

She's beautiful, even when she's sad. I should do something to help her… I want to, but… what should I do?

"Seto… I forgot you were there… um… I'm sorry… I got distracted…"

"Karmina, don-"

"I know, don't apologize."

I wanted to say don't move. She's so beautiful… oh no… you didn't hear anything, Karmina.

He's just saying, I mean thinking, that. It's not true.

"Your self esteem could use some help, Karmina."

"Oh shut up."

"It's true. You're a decent person; you shouldn't be so down on yourself."

"Decent? Is… that a hint of a compliment from…Seto Kaiba?"

"Maybe. Just don't tell anyone."

"I won't. I don't talk, remember."

And you should… I love hearing your voice. Forget that you heard that, too.

Never.

End note: MWAHAHAHAHA! Cliffie! Can you handle the romance! We'll just have to wait and see, won't we? Review!