Here you go. I really hope you like it.

This chapter is especial dedicated to ZabuzasGirl and other Kaiba/Airi fans who made sure this got posted as soon as it did. I do hope Yami/Airi hopefully will enjoy this too.

Special thanks goes to battousaisgirl16 and my beta Noel for proof reading.

Enjoy

Chapter 30

Evil Marik's toothy grin threatened to join at the back as she collapsed. He stepped forward, keeping on eye on her companions in the distance. They were far enough away, and too stunned, to be a threat to him. All he needed to take was a trophy and then he would get out before the Pharaoh's Spirit returned. It would be fun to see his reaction, but then again he might be more powerful when enraged.

She looked so pitiful laying on the ground it was pathetic to think she had outsmarted him. Even if it was proven to be worthless in protection, taking the diadem would be more of a blow to the host. He reached for it.

A strong force pushed against him, making him step backward. Surprised, looked back. There was no sign of life from her, but the headpiece was shining, as if daring to attack him again. It only dimmed when he stepped back. Glancing down he realized he still had the Millennium Rod. He wasn't about to put his source of power down for a mere trinket.

Glancing back up he realized the group was starting to recover, and the boys looked ready to kill. Taking them out would be simple, but retreating would be easier. Besides, leaving now would give them more time to revel in the loss of the foolish girl.

With a swish of his cape he sprinted back for the ship. All the way his eyes glittered with mirth. The pharaoh would get quite a welcome when he returned.


The virtual world was so close the real Domino it was unnerving. Yami would have believed it to be real if all the streets and building hadn't been deserted. The Kaiba Corp was only a few buildings down, but he was still painfully aware of how much time it took to get there. He hoped Airi's duel was going alright. It was impossible to feel their connection through the electric currents sustaining them in this world.

He caught up with Yugi in the elevator, where he spun his host around to face him.

"Yugi we don't have much time before all of this self destructs."

"We can't leave Kaiba, even if you think he deserves it." Yugi said.

"I never said that." Yami said as the doors closed. "Where are we going?"

"The place Kaiba would go if he's facing a rival and doesn't want anyone else to see." Yugi pushed the top button. Neither of them had to voice their dislike of the privet dueling arena. Yami was sure his host was thinking of his first duel with Kaiba, the duel that had started it all. Now they were returning there to save his rival. Life was one big puzzle.

The doors opened. The sight before them was straight from a horror movie. Kaiba, who apparently had just won, was on the dueling platform facing the intimidating form of Gozaburo. At that precise moment the stepfather turned into something resembling a red and fiery demon and flew right at Kaiba.

"Kaiba!" Yugi shouted. "This way."

Kaiba leaped off the platform, narrowly missing being run over. The two of them both headed up the side stairs. Yugi was quickly left behind by the older teen's longer stride. Despite the surprise of his query disappearing, the demon was quick to follow. Feeling the demon catching up with them Yami took over, giving a slight advantage against the amount of stairs. Yugi tried to take control again, but Yami only pushed him towards his soul room.

"Stay there." he ordered. Yugi might have protested, but Yami wasn't listening.

Following the retreating end of Kaiba's coat round a corner he practically fell through the doorway. As soon as Yami was through, Kaiba slammed the door into the perusing demon's face. The lock clicked into place, followed by an enraged roar.

The roof was deserted, but sky lights and other machines to numerous to name.

"Now what?" Kaiba said. His was answers by bangs as the monster behind the door started to bang against it.

"Don't you have a plan?" Yami said sarcasticly. He walked to the edge of the roof, wanting to be as far from the door as possible.

"Take the portal" Noa's digitized form appeared out of now where.

"Where is this portal." Kaiba demanded.

"You'll have to jump of the roof."

"The ro-" Kaiba's incredulous was interrupted by a shuddering pound on the door.

"Go now, I'll hold him off."

"Aren't you coming?" Yami said.

"I have nothing to go back too." Noa said. "I don't have a body, I don't belong."

The doors burst from its hinges.

"Go!" Noa shouted, throwing himself at the red demon which had appeared.

As one Kaiba and Yami jumped. The air shuddered around them as they fell and then everything went dark.

Yami opened his eyes. He was sitting in a pod similar to the one Yugi and the others had used to save Kaiba in his virtual world. Realizing he was wearing an odd headset he pushed it off, triggering the pod's opening. Sitting up he noticed another pod's lid rising and Kaiba also emerged. Good thing he made it because Yami wasn't about to go back in for him.

"That was a major waste of time." Kaiba stood; checking to make sure his duel-disk was still working. Yami glanced around, noting all the other pods were empty.

"Thank heavens we're all alright." Yugi said.

"The other must have made it to the ship by…" Yami's voice faded as memories of what he had felt a moment ago returned. Airi had been dueling, but now that emotion was gone. Fear froze his heart as he sensed nothing.

"Yami what is it?" Yugi sounded scared.

Instead of answering Yami started running for the door. He heard Kaiba yelling something after him, but he ignored him. If something had happened to her…

The doors were open and he was nearly blinded as he charged into the sunlight. Stopping he shielded his eyes, blinking furiously to try and spread up their adjustment. After a few blinks he noticed his friends a short distance off. The girls were being escorted back to the ship by Duke and Tristan, while Joey and Mokuba knelt down next to a prostrate figure.

Still a little blinded, Yami tried to make sense of this. Mokuba would stay behind to make sure his brother got out, but why would Joey be staying behind, and more importantly why was there someone lying on the ground? Unless . . .

"Airi?" Yugi's voice was soft, but it sounded like thunder in Yami's ears. Before he could say anything, his host had detached and was running towards the small group.

"What is this?" Kaiba said behind him. "Don't they know we're going to be blown up unless they move?"

Yami didn't move. Joey looked back at him and the look on his face affirmed his worst fears. His nightmare like memory flashed again before his eyes. A woman like Airi dead in his arms. No. this had to be a mistake. She couldn't be… He started running after his host, heart pounding as fast as his thoughts. He had to be wrong. That wasn't her. It just couldn't be her.

Joey stood as they approached, and tried to intercept him,but Yami pushed him out of the way. Yugi was already on his knees, transparent face close to his sister's. He was saying something urgently to her, but Yami couldn't hear it.

Airi lay ridged and still. Her stone like face seemed to be etched in pain. Every inch of her was tight, as if she had frozen in mid contort. Her first were still clenched, testifying she had been in agony. Her eyes were closed, but there was no life of sleep behind them. The diadem seemed to glow, but it was a haunting light, as if admitting defeat.

"No." Yami sank to his knees. Tentatively he placed a hand over hers and jerked it away. There was so much darkness it was like the entire shadow realm was living inside of her. Tears stung his eyes. Why hadn't he come sooner? He reached up and placed a hand against her cheek. She wasn't dead, her light breath tickled his palm. Her body seemed to still be functioning, despite the evidence of muscles constriction, but with the shadows this didn't mean there wasn't any damage.

"Is she?" Yugi's eyes stared up at him, shining with the inability of shedding tears in his spirit condition.

Yami nodded, avoiding his pleading stare. She was with the shadows now.

Yugi's small frame started to tremble and he faded back into their shared mind. A few moments later an overwhelming feeling of loss and sobs came from Yugi's soul room. With each sob, Yami felt his own guilt and distress tearing at his soul. He should have been able to stop this. He promise nothing was going to happen to hurt them, and the moment he wasn't here the one thing which could hurt those he cared about had come about.

There was only one person who could have done this. Yami stood, rage fueled by his guilt consuming him like an inferno. Only someone as powerful and evil as a dark spirit would hurt his angel. He felt the shining of the eye on his forehead as his inner powers came to the surface with his passion.

"Marik!" he screamed at the towering air ship. "You will pay for this! No matter what it takes I will take you down!"

Someone touched his shoulder and he turned sharply, fist drawn back in case of a fight.

Joey stepped back, hands raised to ward off an attack. "Yugi, It's me remember?"

Yami turned away, letting his power slide back into submission. He couldn't let his emotions rule like this. Now that the worse had happened, it was up to him to carry on like he had promised her. Now he didn't see how that was even possible. It was his fault there was an evil here in the first place, and now Yugi had lost another family member.

"Why are all of you standing around her like idiots?" Kaiba's voice was sharper than usual. "The island is going to explode in a few minutes."

"Don't you understand?" Joey rounded on him. "She got hurt, probably to keep old crazy hair away from all of us, and you're just standing there."

"I don't want to be blow up, stupid."

"Who are you calling-"

"Enough." Yami snapped. "If we don't go back now then her sacrifice will have been in vain."

Joey refused to move, until Yami gave him another death glare. He took a few steps away, but didn't go any farther. Mokuba would have also refused to move except his brother's order left no room for argument. He ran back to the ship, probably to make sure all systems were back under their control.

Yami gently gathered Airi into his arms. She leaned stiffly against him as he started walking for the ship. The image from yesterday flashed across his eyes again, but he pushed it away. She wasn't dead, though she might as well be with the hole inside of him.

"Hurry up." Joey said. "How much time do we have?"

"I wasn't counting." Kaiba snapped.

Yami focused on hurrying to the zeppelin. With the dead weight and his swirling emotions he seemed to be moving too slow. As they approached the ramp it started to move farther away with the departing ship. Now it was near impossible for him to get on.

Suddenly Kaiba cut in front, scooping Airi into his embrace.

"Shorty." he said.

With his long legs it was easy for Kaiba to jump on board and disappear into the ship. The group appeared at the entrance, leaning out to shout encouragement.

"We have to raise the ramp or we can't take off." Roland's voice came above the others.

"You raise it, I'll punch you out." Charlotte's answered.

Tea and Tristan inched their way down the ramp, holding out their hands. Even with the mass of the ship it all Joey and Yami could do to keep up with it. Yami's legs felt on fire.

"Yugi Jump!" Tea shouted.

With one final burst of speed, Yami leaped and caught her hand. He barely made it onto the steps, nearly falling down them in the process. He was almost kicked in the head by Joey as he managed to catch Tristan's hand and swung wildly at the force of his friend's pull.

"Get up here before you're swept off." Duke yelled from the top of the steps.

Fighting against the rising air current they climbed in, being tipped in at the last moment by the rising ramp. They all landed in a heap on the floor and instantly Yami found himself squashed by the others.

The hurried incline of the ship taking off sent them rolling across the floor, thankfully relieving Yami from the crushing weight. An explosion rocked the air around them, shaking those who tried to stand up back to the ground. Smoke and flames lit up the windows, but they were far enough away they weren't worried about lighting on fire.

"Wow." Tristan said, sitting up. "That's the last time I play video games for a while."

"Do you think Noa got out?" Serenity said.

"Personally I don't care." Joey grumbled.

"Yugi are you alright?" Tea's voice was hesitant.

"Please excuse me." Yami muttered, getting to his feet. Not looking back at them he hurried to Yugi's room. If Kaiba would have put her some place, it would be there.

Airi had been placed on the bed, and the covers draped over her. Kaiba was putting her duel-disk on the side table, face grim.

He wasn't alone in the room. Yami froze in the door way as Ishizu turned to face him, her necklace flashing. The sight of her was the last straw.

"Why didn't you do something?" he yelled at her. "Your necklaces can see the future, why didn't you stop her?"

She said nothing, fueling his fury. "You said you were here to stop Marik's evil, but you couldn't even prevent part of Yugi's family from being hurt. What good are you tomb keepers anyway?"

"Don't yell at her. None of this is her fault." Yami looked over at the bed to see a detached Yugi sitting on the edge of his sister's bed. His hands were holding his sister's clenched fist, as if hoping to warm her up.

The droop of the boys shoulder and pain in his host's voice would have been enough to send Yami on a massacre rampage through the ship, taking out everyone who go it his way, but Yugi's calm voice eased the fire burning him inside. Physically, or verbally, hurting people wouldn't bring Airi back. He took his frustration on the far wall, punching with all his might. The burn in his knuckles was surprisingly satisfying.

"I need to go check on the ship." Kaiba's footsteps headed for the door.

"Thank you." Yami said, still starring at the wall.

"It was the only way to get you on this ship." Kaiba stated flatly. "My rival blowing up before I could face him in the finals would be a true waste of time and money."

"What?" Yugi looked up in disbelief.

"You're still having the tournament despite everything that has happened?" Yami's anger threatened rise again and this time to rip Kaiba's face off.

"It wouldn't look good to get this far and not end it, would it?" Kaiba disappeared down the hall way.


In his own room Kaiba sat at his desk, for once ignoring the computer screen. He didn't feel like working, which was unnatural for him. This was not going anything like he had planned. First of all his programming had been tampered with, which was unacceptable. Second he had wasted time dealing with a short little kid whose only claim to brilliance was being a spy and a copycat. That was the only reason he could have gotten all those memories.

He removed his duel-disk and tossed it onto his bed. Watching his past over again had been unsettling. How had the little punk gotten all those memories of his childhood? Well he wasn't very good. He hadn't gotten any of the memories which would have actually hurt, not that he, Seto Kaiba, would have allowed them too.

It had been uncomfortable when he and Mokuba had been shown the memory the taking over of Kaiba Corp. Pretending to be angry with his brother so Gozaburo would trust him and then depending on Mokuba's loyalty to get the remaining company stock had been the only way Kaiba could get the company. He should have explained it to Mokuba before this. That is what she had said.

The thought of Airi made his eyes narrow. On top of everything she had to go and get hurt, or whatever epidemic was happening around here. He had checked her duel-disk's memory chip before Yugi had arrived, and found out her last duel had been a tie, on her move. Only Airi would have been able to pull something that crazy off. However, knowing she was still one of the greatest duelists didn't make him feel better about her current condition. He felt how stiff she was in his arms.

He closed his eyes trying to push these confusing feelings away. He hadn't felt this confused about his feelings since elementary school. Come to think of it, she was the reason his life had taken a twist.

It was the break period and all the other kids were hanging out together and playing games. Not Seto. He was in his usual corner of the class room by the windows. His portable chess board was out and he was seeing if he could think of a new strategy. It was rather dull being the best already at something. None of the other kids at the orphanage were near his level, and because of that no one wanted to play. Not that he minded. The other kids weren't worth being his friends. Letting people get close was a sure way to get hurt.

He had reset the chess board, but wasn't interested in going through another set of moves again. He looked out the window down at the school yard where the younger classes were having fun playing. He could see Mokuba having a good time below, which eased his mind considerably. His brother could have fun on the playground, but when it came to after school all those so called friends he made would desert him. That is why Seto knew friends were cheap. They only got what they could out of you and then left.

"Excuse me."

He looked up to see a girl was standing across the table from him. She was small and had the strangest hair. It looked like a phoenix with the gold and red mixed in with the light brown. She seemed to have been standing there for quite a long time, judging from the looks some of the other kids were giving her.

"May I help you?" Seto said, more out of curtsy then intention of helping.

"I wanted to introduce myself to you properly. Since we didn't get a chance yesterday."

"I don't recall meeting you yesterday." Seto would have remembered someone with crazy hair like that.

She blushed, but didn't back down. "It was a rather short meeting. I think you might have mistaken me for one of those goons picking on your brother."

Seto finally met her eyes; Violet and determined. Then he remembered. He had been held back after class by a teacher who couldn't believe his test scores were so high at his age. He told Mokuba to wait for him in the park so they could walk back to the orphanage together. When he had finally gotten there he found some bullies picking on him, and this girl was the only one standing between his brother and a pug faced jerk. Despite knowing who the bad guys were, he had yelled at her to mind her own business.

"Sorry about that." he said, looking back out the window.

"It's alright, you were rather worked up." she shifted her stance in embarrassment. "I thought that was a great thing you did."

Seto gave her a look, "I thought girls don't like fighting."

"I'm talking about defending your brother no matter what." she flushed again. "I have a little brother too, and I don't think I could do anything like that."

"You are rather small."

She raised her eyebrow. "Is that all you see strength it? Half those thugs were taller then you."

"Yeah, but I could still take them. I don't think you could beat anyone."

"What about in games?"

"No one uses game to decide strength."

"You don't know many games then."

Seto pretend not to have heard. "Is there anything else you wanted to say."

"Do you want to play chess?"

He finally faced her again. Her tone hadn't sounded like a threat. She sounded friendly , like she was his . . . friend.

He shook his head. "I'm not interested."

"You have the board set up."

He rose to leave, feeling uncomfortable. "I don't feel like it."

The soft click of a game piece on the table made him look down. A white knight had been moved from behind the pawns and now stood out waiting for the black pieces to respond. The girl pulled up a chair and sat expectantly.

"Your move." she said, smiling up at him.

Seto stared at her. She was very different then the other girls around here. He guessed he owed her for trying to help his brother out yesterday. He looked down at the board. It was an interesting first move, and he was never one to step away from a challenge. He resumed his seat. His hand paused before choosing a piece. "I don't play with strangers."

"Airi." she said, extending her hand.

"Seto." they shook, and the game started.

By the time class resumed it was Seto 3 Airi 2.

Seto leaned back in his chair. That had been something he had always wondered at. How had he allowed himself to let his guard down for her? She had been able to get under the armor he was already building for himself. It had nearly stopped his heart in shock when she had said "see you tomorrow" as she left the class room that day, and even more so when she had shown up at his table the next day ready to play again. After chess had officially been 'over played', she had brought him his first duel monster's starter pack, and his fascination for the game of Duel Monsters began.

Their school friendship had lasted a little over a year, until his adoption. He told her goodbye before the day Gozaburo would arrive at the orphanage, unsure if he would be back at school the next day. The first few days at the manor house had been like being in a cage. School, meals, everything was done inside the walled grounds. He had promised to write, and his first and only letter had been told her about his gloom and boredom. He mustn't have been good at hiding his emotions back then because she had arrived two days later saying she was a study partner.

She had come by daily, making his lessons bearable. After a while he had discovered deserted properties where he created his secret labs. She was the only one to have special access. However, even with her presence, living in his new home was difficult. His stepfather was not the easiest person to live with, and he was nearly always on Seto's nerves. The greatest challenge was being able to think for himself. Seto was smart, and his stepfather knew it. He wanted to use Seto's designs for his weapons.

Seto joined his finger tips together, contemplating. Airi had believed in him and she had been so willing to help out, even if she was bad with the computer programming. she was still the first to see the plans, and told him they could bring gaming to a new level. It hadn't been so long ago, when it seemed like nothing could have gotten between them.

Seto through the book across the room. Only alone in his lab he would allow himself to show emotion. He wasn't going to crack for anyone. If Gozaburo didn't use his invention the way he designed it, then he couldn't have it. Leaned again the table, head bowed as he tried to think of some way around his stepfather's stupid rules. This wasn't the way he wanted things.

Arms wrapped around his middle. He froze for a spit second before realizing who it could be.

"You're early." he said

"I arrive when needed." Airi said. "Mokuba said you have another fight."

"I showed him my design."

She stepped around to face him. He avoided her concerned eyes. After all these years it was still uncomfortable to acknowledge someone really cared.

"It didn't work?" she sounded confused.

"It worked perfectly." he took a few steps away. "He said it would be a perfect weapon."

"Weapon." the disgust in her voice reflected his own. "Is that all he can think of? How many more deaths does he want?"

"It's for duel monsters, and it will always be for that."

She took his hand. "It's your machine. Being able to create believable images appear while playing the game will be a new experience. If you want this, then nothing your stepfather does will stop you."

"He'll make it his way. He owns the company."

"I know you too well Seto." her smile lifted his spirits. "I'm sure you already have a plan to get out of this. You always have a way out."

He let his fingers intertwine with his. "You seem confident."

"Because I know you?" she gave him a look. "Come on, give me some credit."

"I am." he stepped closer. "You are an incredible girl, Airi. There is something I've been wanting to discuss with you."

"You know I can't help you with your game ideas. You won't even tell me what monster you chose for the heroine yet."

"I'm not talking about games."

She blushed, but she didn't look away. That was one thing he admired in her; never backing down from the unknown. "What is it?"

"Be my girlfriend." it wasn't a question.

"Girl . . . Friend?" her eyes shone like jewels, and her smile was dazzling. "Of course."

"Then it is official." he let one of his rare smiles appear. "And you are correct, I do have a plan to make sure my technology isn't misused."

"I knew you would."

"Now that is out of the way, there is one more thing."

Without giving himself time to analyze this decision, he kissed her. It was sweet, though she was defiantly surprised. For a split second he was afraid she would pull away. She might be his girlfriend now, but he had never been one to show much physical affection. However after the initial shock, she kissed him back, with all the warmth he expected from her.

They slowly separated and she rested her head against his chest, sighing in content. Seto ran his fingers through her hair, allowing his mask to slip farther in a relaxation.

For the first time in a while, he felt complete.

His nails dug into his palm. That day had been the best day, and the worse. It had been the beginning to his success, but he hadn't counted on how much his following actions would affect him. To take control of the company, he had to play the game of office politics, and that included using those around him as pawns on his board. He had to make his stepfather think he was in control and to do that he had to pretend to turn against his brother.

Leaking his secret alliance with the Big Five, he blamed the action on Mokuba. As he suspected, his stepfather had stepped in and pretended to befriend his brother. This was the false security he needed to get the rest of the company's stock. When the time came to confront Gozaburo it looked as if he wouldn't be able to succeed without the remaining stock. Fortunately for him, Mokuba's loyalty proved to be true and he stood with his brother, meaning the last stock belonged to Seto. His stepfather had fled, and Kaiba Corp was his.

Because of the strategy, he couldn't let anyone know what he was really doing. Mokuba had never been told. Until Noa made it a point to bring it up in that virtual trap, there hadn't been a reason to explain. His plan had worked out perfectly. The only problem was Airi found out how he had treated his brother, and wasn't as convinced it had been such a great idea.

Shock and horror reflected in her eyes. "How could you use him like that?"

"It was necessary."

"Tricking your brother to get the company was necessary?"

"You know it was the only way." he snapped. "The real world isn't simple Airi. Business is a game of survival. If I didn't do something, my holograms would help making more war machines. Now because of my plan I am able to make the game of Duel Monsters more real and enjoyable to all."

She turned away, but he could tell he already won. "Have you told him?"

"There is no need. It worked and all is forgiven."

She didn't turn back from the prototypes of the pods, his new idea for a game. She glared down at her reflection, uncertainty reflected back at her. He knew he had to make a move now before he risked dragging this discussion any further. He took a step forward, standing directly behind her.

"Airi, you know it was necessary. This is a different game then what you are used to. You are used to fair rules, but here there are no rules except for 'power rules all.' If you can't handle this, then maybe we need to rethink a few things."

"I understand why you did it Seto." she leaned against him. "I'm glad it worked out. I just can't believe you used your brother like that."

"I didn't enjoy it."

She turned, looking directly into his face. "Promise me you won't use anyone like that again."

"I told you this is a different world, and I play by the rules which work."

"But you are fair. If there had been another way you would have taken it."

"If there had been."

"There is always another way." she took his hands. "Please promise me you will not use anyone like that again, if at all possible. For me, Seto."

He could see how much this meant to her, but there was no real way to get around he had to do what he needed to stay on top.

"I will try."

She smiled, relief evident. "Good." she wrapped her arms around him. "Congrats, President Kaiba. Youngest CEO in the world."

"You now this changes things." he stroked her hair. "Now you are the girlfriend of an important and powerful man. Think you are up to the challenge?"

She pulled back, her expression mocking indignation. "Me, unable to handle the heat? I'll be able to handle whatever they throw at me." he violet eyes sparkled as she met his. "Besides, as long as I have you with me, I'll be able to handle anything."

That had been true. Up until the end she had done anything and everything to be the successful girlfriend he required. Her deck changed and her strategy became unbeatable. She was the top duelist in Japan, in a relationship with the top CEO, and intelligent. They had been perfect, but there had always been his own plans.

He only felt slightly guilty for lying to her. Truth was, he still needed her to get to the top. She became the best Duelist in Japan by the time she was fifteen, with him close behind. He was the one everyone praised for the technology used for the duels, but he was still was behind her at something. To become the more powerful, he would have to beat her at her best skill. Dueling.

He had pushed her hard, wanting her to be the best so when he finally made it to the top it was truly a great victory. She wouldn't have been mad. She always said all she wanted was his success. She knew how much he wanted to win, but saw it more of a friendly revelry. He know only those at the top were respected, so he had to be the top.

He didn't expect her to over react.

"Airi Muto Defeats Weevil Underwood." the announcement filled the auditorium, barely understandable over the cheering of the crowds. Seto stood in the entrance way to the backstage area, watching Airi raise a hand to the audience. It had been a simple battle. Weevil was under her level in every way and it had been easy for her to crush him. In the lights her hair shone gold and red like a sunset. She turned and started down the steps, slipping her deck into its holder.

"Congratulations." Seto said as she approached.

"Nice bug squishing." Mokuba said.

"Thanks. I wish he would stop whining when he loses. It gives me a headache." Airi bushed some hair out of her eyes. "You just have one more duel and then we're in the finals?"

"I shouldn't have trouble."

"Of course you won't." she smiled. An attendant handed her a plastic cup of water, and she accepted without acknowledging them. Her face slipped into a moody mask, her thoughts wandering.

"Stay focused, it's not over yet." Seto was getting slightly annoyed. Ever since they had arrived she had been distracted. She had even asked him if she had changed, which she had, but he had told her this wasn't the place for talks. Fortunately her new attitude hadn't affected her dueling skills.

"Do you know who your next opponent is?" she said, draining it in one swallow and tossing the empty into the trash.

"I'm sure it's going to be-"

"Miss Airi." Roland appeared, interrupting his employer.

"What is it?" Seto said, annoyed about being interrupted.

"We have a call for you on the private line."

"How did they get my number?" Seto knew for a fact he never gave his number to anyone.

Airi held up a hand, her glance telling him to be quiet. "Who is it, Roland?"

"A Mr Solomon Muto."

"Gramps? What does he want?"

"He says it's urgent."

"Doesn't he know we are in the middle of a tournament?" Seto said.

"I'm not dueling right now." Airi snapped. "Where's the phone?"

Roland removed a private mobile from his pocket. It was one of the main lines of the company, but still private so only a few could access to the Kaibas directly. Pressing some buttons he handed the phone to Airi.

"Grandpa? Yes it's me. You're where?" her face paled. "What's happened? Where's Yugi? What?" her hand went to her mouth. For a few moments there was nothing, but the slight mumbling of the other person's voice. Finally Airi's hand lowered, her eyes shining with tears. "No I'll be there in a few minutes." the phone closed with a snap.

"What's happened?" Mokuba said.

Airi handed the phone to Roland. "Please tell the judges I will have to drop out."

All three men around her stared. Seto couldn't believe what she was saying. To leave now would be one of the greatest shames in the dueling world. She would be disgraced, and he would by association.

"Are you sure?" Roland said.

"And please have the car out for me."

"No you don't." Seto said. "You're not going anywhere."

"Yes I am." Airi turn, wiping her eyes with the back of her sleeve. "Yugi's appendix exploded and he's in surgery right now. I have to go."

Mokuba's eyes widened, but Seto refused to show any sympathy. There were warning signs for these things, she should have noticed before and planned accordingly.

"You are in the middle of a tournament and you will finish."

"Um, do you still want those orders carried out?" Roland said.

"You are no longer needed." Seto said, before Airi could speak. His employee disappeared.

"I have to go Seto." Airi said. "My brother needs me."

"He has your grandfather." Seto said. "You are in the middle of one of the most important tournaments of your life and I'm going to make sure you finish it."

"Hang the tournament." Airi snapped. "If it was Mokuba you wouldn't be standing here talking about duels."

"Don't use my family to illustrate your problems. Mokuba, leave us." Seto ordered. His brother also disappeared, glancing over his shoulder. Seto and Airi stood eyes locked. Her expression was worried and confused. Seeing he was losing control of the situation he switched tactics. "You agreed to finish this tournament."

She looked confused. "What's wrong with you? Why is this so important to you that I finish?"

He had hoped she wouldn't ask that. The answer was his own victory, but there was no way to say that in a way she would understand. No one else understood his motives. He had to think of something, but for once his genius was failing him.

His silence said more then he wished. Her eyes widened in horror, but then narrowed. Alarmed he stepped forward, but she moved away from him.

"I see." her voice shook with hurt. "You only want me to win so you have a worthy opponent to duel against."

"You're the only one who I have never been able to defeat." now it was exposed he couldn't stop himself for saying it.

"You promised me." she said. "This was the only reason you kept me for all these years? For your final glory?"

Her accusations bruised his ego more than anything. "Don't think you're the better person. You know your brother was hurting before and you still came to duel."

The hurt in her violet eyes became horror. She looked at the floor, obviously filled with disgust with herself and confusion. Seeing his words had gotten her attention, he couldn't help smirking.

"You say a lot about the heart of the cards, but it seems like your heart is starting to get corroded. I know dueling is power, and I plan on being the most powerful duelist in the world. Even with all my plans, nothing will get between me and my brother. I can't say the same about you."

During all this her head had been bowed, her arms wrapped protectively around herself. Now her arms lowered, her hands balled into fists. Her gaze met his and he was alarmed to see a fire in her eyes he had never seen before.

"You want the top duelist?" her voice was even,but tears slid down her cheeks. "I'll make it easier for you. With me gone, you won't have to worry about defeating me."

He stepped towards her, but she held up a hand, warning him to stay away. "We're through Seto." her voice shook, cracking his heart with her sincerity. "Good bye." she turned and started to walk away.

"You can't do that." Seto desperately tried to think of reasons for her to stay. "If you leave you'll leave everything we've worked for."

"You want to win, go ahead. That's all you care about anyway."

His fist clenched. Who was she to think he was selfish. She was the one thinking about herself. "I care about much more." he snapped. "I have my company, and most important I have my brother."

She stopped. Maybe he had managed to talk some sense into her. She turned to face him, but there was only pain in her eyes.

"I have a brother too." she started walking again, but faster. In seconds she was gone.

Seto stood there, in shock. He had been dumped and lost his greatest rival in one moment. This couldn't be happening. He was the youngest CEO and competitor in the international championships. No one dumped him.

Every time he remembered, he only became more resentful. She had been his friend, the love of his life, and she had walked away from him in one moment. Seto still couldn't understand how she could get to him the way she had. He should hate the sight of her, and forbid her name in his presence. But why had he been so shaken by her lying motionless on the ground, ridged as a corps.

The way she had treated him at the finals had been despicable, but for some reason, she was still part of him. He had finished the game and kept her favorite monster as the heroine's secret identity. He returned her locket, even if she didn't deserve it. Again their first meeting played across his mind.

"I'm talking about defending your brother no matter what. I have a little brother too, and I don't think I could do anything like that."

Maybe that is why he hadn't disgraced her as he should have. He had wanted to get back at her for betraying him and leaving when he needed her most, but doing so would damage his image. That is what he told himself anyway. Maybe the truth way he still cared about her. She was an older sister, like he was the older brother to Mokuba. He couldn't knowingly plaster her name worse than the critics already had. Instead he only made sure the attention was centered on his victory. Selfish, but it kept her out of the papers.

The door opened and he spun in his chair to see Mokuba enter. His brother's face was grim.

"All the systems are back under our control. Charlotte managed to free up most of the system."

Kaiba frowned. He hated the idea of the girl who had assaulted him in the streets of Domino fixing his system. "Everything will be back on schedule?"

"We may be a day behind, but the duels will proceed as planned."

"Excellent. We should still be able to broadcast the duels live, even if we are late."

Mokuba shuffled his feet. "Are you sure you want to keep going?"

"I never back down when I start things, you know that."

"But Yugi doesn't seem in any condition to continue. No one has dared go in his room since Ishizu left."

"If he can't duel, he'll have to forfeit."

"You can put it off."

"We've lost enough time. The sooner I duel Yugi, the sooner things will finally improve. I will be on top, respected as I should."

"You're still mad at her, aren't you?" Mokuba said. "She never let you defeat her when she was your rival, and now you want to take it out on her brother."

Seto's turned in his chair so his back faced his brother.

"I saw how you were when she first left." Mokuba continued. "And your face when you saw her when we got out of the virtual world. You're still in love with her aren't you?"

"Isn't there something on the ship you should be checking on?" Seto's tone was cold.

"I'll go make sure Charlotte still has everything under control." Mokuba said. "Before I forget, the medical staff called to tell you they will arrive at the island an hour after we do."

"I didn't send for the medics."

"Well anyway, they called to confirm your orders." The door closed, leaving him alone again.

Seto rose. Pulling out the card shaped locket, he pressed the small brown oval in the center. It popped open to reveal a picture of a younger him and Airi taken soon after they became a couple. She smiled so brightly, he accused her of blinding the camera man.

Why was she always getting in the way? She blocked his planned victory, even though he became National Champion. She tried to keep him away from the blue-eyes her grandfather had. She had even managed to get out of dueling him in his own tournament. Now she was sick and complicating his plans to finally beat Yugi once and for all. He snapped the locket shut. She better recover or he would never forgive her.

Or himself.


A/N So how was it? I'm sure you Locketshipping people( is that a good name for it?) loved this. I'm expecting lot of comments from you. I'm also expecting to hear from the Yami/Airi fans too.

Long and short of it, I'm expecting lots of comments, and if i don't I'm very disappointed in you.

thank you for reading. All of you are the best readers I could ask for. Hopefully I'll get the next part up soon.