So happy you're still here and reading this. the last month has been really busy, so i hope this turned out alright.
Thanks goes to battousaisgirl16 for making me sit down and write this thing, and checking it after words for spelling errors. More thanks goes to you the readers, for the reviews and favorites. Thank you all for your support of this story.
I don't own Yugioh or Charlotte, but Airi is mine.
This might be a little different from the show, so i hope it make sense.
ENJOY!
Chapter 32
All the others, minus Marik, were waiting by the ramp by the time Yami joined them. As he approached Charlotte and Serenity were giving words of encouragement, standing separately from the rest. It was soon revealed they were planning on staying on the ship with their wounded friends. Serenity was again telling Joey she would be alright and she would look after Mai.
"I'll look after Airi for you, if that's alright?" Charlotte said softly.
Yami did he best to smile. "Thank you."
A slight shutter around them announced the ships landing. Yami caught Joey's eye and both shared a nod. This is what they had been working for from the beginning. It was a little strange to see the usually joking blond with a tint of steel in his eyes.
The Island looked like a junk yard. Pieces of curled metal protruded out of pile of rubble like bones in a disturbed cemetery. It was morbidly fitting for the recent chains of events.
"It used to be a factory for weapon building, until Seto shut it down." Mokuba said proudly. "he built the Duel Tower as a symbol of new times for KaibaCorp."
Kaiba smirked. "And I'm planning on beating Yugi at the top of this tower, and claim my right as the best duelist in the world."
"Hey Money Bags." Joey snapped. "Don't forget I'm also in this tournament. You have to get through me first before you duel Yugi."
"I still see your entering this tournament as a mistake, one I will look into once this tournament is over. Believe me, if you hadn't had the cards, you wouldn't have been allowed on my blimp in the first place."
Joey muttered some unpleasant under his breath, but was wise enough no to increase his volume.
The tower loomed above them, the only structure in the junk yard. It looked like an artistic rocket, and it would at any moment wanted to blast off. The top was a point, which was so far way from them it would be impossible to see any duels from the ground. It was just like Kaiba to want to be over the world to be on top. Yami was sure Airi would have made some sort of comment if she was here. He looked back towards the ship, expecting to see her running after them, even though he knew she wouldn't be there.
He was about to keep walking when a dark presence behind him made him stop. Teeth clenched, Yami turned to face the leering face of Evil Marik. He hadn't noticed the other millennium holder approach, which might have been for the other teen's benefit. Yami's eyes narrowed. Removing the darkness from Airi had doubled his hatred for this monster.
"Your group seems to grow smaller, Pharaoh." Evil Marik said, his teething seeming to flash like the gold rod in his hand. "Sure you will be able to complete your mission without your needed support."
In their shared mind Yugi was radiating hate, an odd emotion for him. Yami wouldn't have been surprised if his host wanted to attack now, and he would have been supportive if he did. Some how both of them were content to just glare as he walked around them to the front of the procession. The group was also silent, the recent losses to their ranks to fresh on their minds. Only Kaiba seemed to look at the other finalist with calculation.
"He still only see's an opponent." Yugi's tone was angry. "Don't he see the threat?"
"What he thinks is irrelevant." Yami said. "We are here to face Marik, not worry about championships."
"It still seems unnatural." Yugi muttered.
"Are you alright?" Tea said. The two of them hadn't realized the others were moving along. Only Kaiba had paused to see what was holding up his arch rival.
"Yes, Tea." Yami said.
He met Kaiba's eye, who pretend to ignore him. It might have been his imagination, but Yami was sure Kaiba had looked towards the blimp before turning away.
They all made it to the tower and entered. The floor was round, but didn't look at all like a dueling arena. Glancing around all Yami could see was doors located around the walls, but no indication of stairs. Standing in the middle of the floor, Roland stood waiting for them.
"Welcome to the finals of the Battle City Tournament." Roland said. "Each of the finalist must chose a door before they can progress to the duel. Chose wisely."
Glancing at the doors the same though crossed Yami and Yugi's shared minds; there didn't seem to be any difference in the doors ahead of them.
Joey on the other hand seem to take this challenge very seriously. "Let's see." he started spinning around pointing at a door while saying "one potata, two potata."
"Honestly." Tea said from behind him.
From the back of their mind Yami could hear Yugi chuckle, which helped lessen the crackling hate coming from him. At least there were some light hearted things in this mess of chaos. Yami's lips twitched slightly in a smile, but his face remained a stern mask.
"How about that one?" Yugi indicated the door close to them. It didn't seem to matter so Yami took a step towards it.
At the same moment Joey's little ritual was complete and he pointed at a door, which was subsequently taken by Evil Marik.
"Hey what about my potatas?" Joey shouted at him.
"Just pick the door closest to you, Joey." Yami said. All the spectators had already been taken out of the room, to some place Mokuba had said they would be able to see the duel. It had taken joey so long to do his ritual that there was only one door which hadn't been claimed.
"So much for that idea." Joey muttered, taking the remaining door.
The two panels slid back and Yami found a small dueling station. Stepping on the platform he had to braise himself as it started to rise. The rising platform came through the floor and he found himself over looking a octagon platform where the other were waiting for him. The other duelists were already there.
"Explain the rules Roland." Kaiba said. "and slowly so Wheeler will understand."
"This preliminary duel will decide who will face each other in the semi-finals." Roland said. "Your life points will be connected to your dueling platforms. As you lose life points your platform will rise until you reach the top of the tower. The first two to reach the top will duel the first round in the semi-finals, and the other two will face off in the second round. The winner of each of these duels will face off in the final duel of the tournament."
"four way duel, this is nuts." Yami heard Tristan say from below.
"In this duel, you are able to attack any contestant you wish." Roland continued. "To begin, plug your duel-disks into your station. Remember, this duel doesn't affect final placement."
Yami found the cord he was suppose to attach to his duel-disk. As he and the others connected their disk, lights beside them shown 4000 representing their life points for the others to see.
"Your going down, Marik." Joey announced. "I'm going to take you down personally."
"He can't do that." Yugi sounded alarmed. "if he does, then he will end up like the others."
"We'll just have to get to Marik first." Yami slipped his deck in the slot.
"It is time to decide which duelist will go first." Roland said. "Play a monster and the one with the highest level will go first."
Drawing a monster from the deck, Yami placed Feral Imp onto the field. The other monsters arrived soon after. Kaiba played Masked Beast Des Gardian, Marik Rekunga, and Joey SwordMan of Landstar.
"The order is as follows. Mr Kaiba, Marik Ishtar, Yugi Muto, and Joey Wheeler."
Kaiba looked please, as if he planned this all along. "You don't belong in this tournament Wheeler, but you better have all the luck in the world on your side." he said, drawing his cards.
"We have to keep them from ganging up on Joey." Yugi said.
"Agreed." Yami drew his cards. He was going to be the one to take out Marik before any more people got hurt. The image of Airi contorted in pain was enough to convince him he had to get there before Joey. He wasn't going to let anyone else get hurt because of him.
The duel began. The first round had no action. Yami played Big Shield Gardna, keeping an eye on Joey as he played his hand. From his friends expression it was obvious his hand wasn't the best. Joey played a face down and turned to Kaiba to see what he would do.
"I'll show you what it's like to play out of your league." Kaiba said. "Vorse Rader, attack Wheeler directly."
Yami had seen that coming. "I play my trap card, Regulation of Tribe. Because of this I can say a kind of warrior is no longer allowed to play in this match, and I pick Beat-Warriors, like Vorse Rader."
"What are you thinking?" Kaiba glared at him. "That wasn't for you, you fool."
"Joey and I are a team." Yami said. "I will always be here to protect."
Kaiba didn't look pleased. "this is a tournament, Yugi. You're suppose to be concerned about yourself winning."
"This is more then just a game, if you would only see it." Yami said.
This news seemed lost on Kaiba, who just told Joey he wouldn't be so lucky next time.
Joey was looking at his card, not seeming to pay attention to what was going on around him.
"Wake up, Wheeler." Kaiba snapped.
"I was thinking of a way to whip your sorry butt." Joey said.
"Sure you were." Kaiba sneered. "You should just be grateful your friend is hear to make sure you survive this round."
"What are you talking about?" Joey said.
"Haven't you wondered how it is Yugi has your back? I'll tell you. He just wants to make sure you face him so you wont have to face the real duelists and get humiliated."
"That's not true." Tristan shouted. "Joey's gotten here all by himself, and doesn't need help."
"Then why is he being protected." Kaiba said. "you do the math, if you can."
"That's not it." Yugi shouted, but no one heard him beside Yami.
"Kaiba you're talking out of line." Yami said. "I told you . . ."
"Wait Yuge." Joey interrupted, his tone serious. "Money bags has a point, hate to say it. I need to hold my own. I can't have you fighting my battle for me."
Yami wanted to protest, say it was different then that, but arguing wouldn't help anything. He looked back at his cards, seemingly to agree with his friend's request. Inside however he was going to do whatever it took to get to Marik first.
It was Marik's turn. He gave Yami a smirk, before summoning a new monster. With his Lord Poison, he attacked Kaiba, destroying his monster, but sending the attack damage to Joey using a spell card. Losing his points Joey rose in the air. Giving him another smirk, Marik ended his turn.
Yami's turn. It was time to start attacking. Switching his defense monster to an attack monster, he shot the attack at Kaiba, who deflected it to Marik who deflected it to Yami. Luckily Yami still had one more face down. Using his trap card Seven Tools of Bandit, he deactivated Marik's card, making him rise in the air with his decreasing life points. Yami breathed easier. Getting an attack to hit Marik helped ease some of his pent up emotions.
"Cleaver, Pharaoh." Marik said. "But you've also lost some."
It was true. His card had caused Yami to lose 1000 attack point, causing him to also rise.
"He's still protecting him." Tristan's indignant voice came from below. "Yugi lost those on purpose."
Those words hit more then the loss of his life points. Why was everyone getting riled up about his trying to help his friend? Their safety was his responsibility. He was the one who was going to take down Marik before it was too late. It that meant he had to face Marik first, then so be it.
For his turn, Joey summoned a monster, and subsequently attacked Kaiba. It was obvious the CEO wasn't pleased about being hit by an "amateur" as he rose in the air with the others. The others cheered at Joey's victory, adding to Kaiba's scowl.
Yami's chest seemed to contract as he realized Joey wanted to face Marik himself. After all he had done to keep his friend out of this, he was going after the most dangerous duelist. This wasn't going to happen.
For once Kaiba's insistence of dueling Yugi seemed to pay off. His next turn was to attack Marik Directly, sending him farther up to the top of the tower. Unfortunately this also made Joey mad because his desired opponent was getting away from him.
The next move was confusing for all. Marik attempted to attack Joey with a monster, because it was lower points, but Joey activated his Skull dice to counter act. It worked, but then Kaiba entered the game by making Joey's monster again weaker, and getting it attacked. Joey rose farther in the air.
"Kaiba helping the bad guy." Tristan said. "Like no one saw that coming."
It was Yami's turn. His best move would be to attack Marik to make sure he made it to the top. That way he could just worry about making sure Kaiba made it to the top so Joey wouldn't have to.
"Send Kaiba to duel Marik?" Yugi said, reading his thought.
"Better him then Joey." Yami said.
"Yugi!"
Yami found Joey looking right at him. "You're making a mistake Yugi, he's not the one you want to attack."
"Yes it is Joey." Yami said, as calm as he could. Why was everyone determined to keep him away from attacking his desired prey.
"You're not thinking. I don't have any monsters to defend me, I'm up for an attack."
"I don't want to attack you." Yami said, temper rising. Yugi was also getting frustrated.
"I thought we were a team." Joey said, his voice also rising. "If this is true then you'd give me my chance to attack him."
"You don't know what he can do." Yami said.
"You're not the only one who has lost someone you care about." Joey shouted. "He attacked Mai, and I'm going to make him pay."
"I won't let you."
Joey's eye narrowed. "You're not the only one who got hurt. You aren't any more noble then me. Why do you think you have more of a right to face him?"
"How would you feel if it was your sister!?" Yugi's voice shounted, coming out instead of Yami's.
All stood in stunned silence, even Yami. Yugi appeared next to Yami on the platform. Even if no one else could see him, he stood there, eyes defiantly challenging anyone to contradict him.
Joey didn't back down, but something in his face changed. He took deep breath, and then looked back right into Yami's eyes.
"I understand how this hurts you. I'd want him all to myself, and I do. But like you said, we are a team. You can't do this all by yourself, and I promised to help you get there. I can't help you if you wont let me. I've faced hard opponents before, and it's about time you started treating me like an equal opponent. If you don't do this, I know you don't believe in me."
During this talk Yugi had leaned against the side of the station, his head bowed as if he had been zapped of most his strength Yami on the other hand wanted to get on with the attacking Marik. If he was going to get to where he wanted he needed to get that monster for everything he had done to his friends.
A hand on his arm stopped him. Yugi was looking up and him, his expression hard to make out.
"Yami wait, maybe he has a point."
"Yugi, this our chance to get Marik for hurting Airi."
"We won't be able to if we are distracted. We are so focused on getting at him we can't think of the best way to do this. Arguing with our allies will only divide us, not get the job done."
"We have to defeat Marik, it is part of my reason for being here."
"I know, but we can't do it the way we are right now." Yugi swallowed. "Airi taught me emotion can either blind you, or help your resolve. I don't know about you, but I haven't been thinking strategy. All I wanted was revenge at any cost. I don't want that cost to be putting down a friend by telling him I don't believe he can duel."
"I wasn't saying that." Yami said, his tone becoming less venomous.
"I know, but we are a team. The way we are now, we can't take Marik on with a clear head."
"We can't let Marik get away with what he did."
"We didn't. She's no longer possessed with darkness, and it's thanks to you. You've made your move, now it's Joey's turn to attack him."
"And if Joey faces Marik, what's to say he won't end up like Mai, or worse?"
Yugi looked away, looking at the duel-disks as if it had the answers.
"Get on with your move." Marik said. "Are you afraid your pet won't be able to hold his own against me? You are afraid."
Yami bristled. He wasn't afraid of Marik, but he was afraid for his friend's safety. If he didn't do this, then his friends would believe he didn't have faith in them, which wasn't true. But if he did then his friend would be in danger and he couldn't have this either. However this wasn't the ideal conditions for dueling for him, or Yugi. It was normal for him to attack full out, but Yugi wasn't like that. He needed his host to be at his best, and it this wasn't the time.
"I believe he can do this." Yugi said. "He's faced hard opponents before, and he's come a long way."
Yami glanced at Kaiba. The older teen was looking smug, as if basking in Joey's defeat already. If he continued to protect his friends, then Kaiba would never lessen his ridicule.
"You're sure about this." he said
Yugi nodded, trying to hide the uncertainty Yami could still pick up.
"Beast of Gilfor," Yami said, his voice carrying through the room. "Attack Joey's life point's directly."
Joey's life points shrank to 1000 and he shot up passed Marik and took last place. Yami ended his turn, hoping he and Yugi didn't make a mistake.
Joey's turn. Instead of attacking Marik like many expected, he shot his attack at Kaiba. Over the shouts of shock from the crowd below Kaiba blocked the attack with his Ring of Destruction, and sent it back at Joey.
However, Joey have also played his Grave Robber and had stolen Spell of Pain from Marik, transferring the damage to Marik. Life points fallen to zero, Marik joined Joey near the top of the tower. He didn't seem pleased as he passed Joey, and Yami was sure he told his friend some threat on the way.
Yugi grinned, before fading back into their joined mind. Yami couldn't help feeling proud of Joey. Maybe he had a chance against Marik after all.
It was Kaiba's turn. Because Joey was the only one with no monsters, it was obvious who he would pick. As the attack flew for Joey, Kaiba shot a grin a Yami, as if telling him he was next.
Yami didn't care. Making sure Joey didn't get blasted in this next duel was his first concern.
Airi was sure she had just been asleep for a few minutes when she finally again became aware of her surroundings. It was like her limbs were made of jello, but she managed to move her fingers, slowly one at a time.
"Airi?" Charlotte said. "are you awake?"
Her mind felt clear, but it still felt hard for her to move. Gritting her teeth, she managed to move her hands. First lifting her wrist until the stiffness was gone, and then the elbow, then moving her neck.
"Are you sure that is a good idea?" Charlotte said. "I mean, you just got out of being a rigid board."
Airi swallowed. "I'm not dead, so why should I act like it." her statement was followed by coughing.
"You might be if you don't take it easy." Charlotte said.
Even though her eyes were still closed, Airi was sure her friend was smiling.
"What's been happening?" she asked, moving down to rotating her ankles.
"Well, the semi-finals have started." Charlotte said. "Roland came over the intercom a moment ago to say Joey was facing Marik in the first round.
Airi's legs stopped moving half a motion. "Heart of the cards be with him. He'll need all the help he can get."
"Second that." Charlotte said. "What exactly did the creep do to you?"
A shutter when through her at the memory of the darkness around her and wanting to give up. "I'd rather not talk about it."
"Fair enough. Is there something I can help you with at least."
"Make sure I don't pop something." Airi started coughing again.
"Can I get you water at least?"
"Yes, please."
Sound of water pouring from a picture and a straw wrapper being torn, followed by a plastic tip being prodded at her mouth. Water did feel good, and helped to clear her head.
"You should really rest." Charlotte said, the clink of glass on the side table accompanying her words. Airi ignored them and started testing her limbs again. They were still a little tingly, but moving them made her feel more alive then laying like a trapped animal.
Charlotte gave up trying to tell her to relax and let her do her thing. Eventually Airi wore herself out and slipped into another doze.
The jolt of panic woke her up what seemed like a moment later. Her eyes snapped open and almost instantly close again against the blinding light. Maybe she should have tried to move her eyes along with the rest of her. Blinking she tried to get control of what she was feeling.
It wasn't like a duel, but still there was intense panic. Chills went back through her as she remember Charlotte saying Marik was dueling Joey. She glanced over and found her friend at the window. There wasn't any need to freak her out until she knew what was going on.
Concentrating, she focused on her diadem, and asked it the question. Instead of an image, she felt light headed and nearly passed out again. Gasping she lay back heavily, trying to get control of herself.
"Airi, are you alright?" Charlotte was there in a moment.
"Just dizzy." Airi muttered. She must still be rather drained from her excursion. No convenient peeping for her for a while.
"Don't scare me like . . . what do you think your doing?" Charlotte demanded as Airi sat up.
"Something is wrong." Airi said. "I have a feeling."
"How do you . . . never mind." Charlotte said. "Look if there was something wrong then I'm sure we would have heard . . . "
Her words trailed off and Airi heard it too. Shouts and hurried footsteps came from down the hall. Charlotte forgot all about Airi and ran out of the room, joining with the panicking hoards. Cursing her inability to find out what was going on through her diadem, Airi pushed herself to her feet. She swayed for a moment before she gripped the side of the bed to keep from falling. Last thing she needed was break something along with her tingly limbs.
Making her way to the door, she looked down the hall way. All the noise was coming from Joey's room down the hall. Serenity's sobs and Tristan's shouting was proof enough of what she had suspected. Marik had won the duel.
As she watched, Yami came out of the room. He was staring at the ground as he walked as if he eyes had been frozen in that position. Yugi appeared detached near him, and collapsed to his knees on the ground next to his friend's feet.
"Marik is pure evil." Yugi told the floor, voice choked from emotion. "first Mai, then Bakura, then Airi, now Joey. What more can he do to us?."
Tears threatened to burn Airi's eyes as she watcher her brother defeat. She wanted to tell them they couldn't stop now, but she couldn't think of anything to say.
Yami hadn't moved. He continued to stare at the floor as if it would tell him what to do now. "I didn't want this to happen." he said. "why am I even here when I can't even protect my friends." he hit the wall with his fist, and then leaned his head against the wall, his body shuttering as he fought down the sobs. "I'm failing everyone."
Yugi managed to get back on his feet, turning with concern to his friend. His gaze connected with Airi's and his face seemed to brighten at the sight of her. He hurried to her, transparent shoes silent on the floor. Braised for impact Airi wrapped her arms around her brother. They stood there for a moment, just enjoying finally having each other again. Lifting her eyes back to where Yami was, she saw he hadn't move. Pain was flowing from him, melting her heart.
"Help me over." she said softly.
Yugi nodded, and the two of them made their way to where their friend stood, Airi leaning heavily on him to keep he balance.
About a few feet away from him, Yami finally realized he wasn't alone. He looked up and seeing who it was hurriedly straightened. The despair in his eyes changed to concern. Embarrassed, Airi tried to straighten, taking a few steps away from Yugi. She only made it two when her foot connected with a slick part of the floor and she swayed. Strong arms caught her and the two of them slowly lowered to sit on the floor. Now she was closer she could see the fear and worry in his eyes. She took one of his hands, and with the other one reached out and took Yugi's transparent one.
"Tell me." she said softly.
It took both of them, with the events of the four way duel, and the duel between Marik and Joey. Joey had dueled well, but Marik's shadow magic had been too much for him. He had tried a variation of what he had done to Airi, except instead of attacking her nerves, he had just delivered dangerous amounts of pain into both of their systems. Joey had been close of winning, but the combination of facing Ra and the amounts of pain had proved too much for him, and he had collasped on the field.
Yami's hand's were shaking as he finished the story. "I had to interfere. I couldn't let him get banished to the shadow realm for my mistake. But even after that he still hasn't woken up."
They could still hear the sounds of bustling around, and Tristan shout that the medical team, which apparently had been already on it's way, wasn't getting their fast enough.
"This wasn't your fault." Airi said softly.
"Yes it was." Yami said, hatred at himself spilling out again. "I shouldn't have listened to him. If anyone should have faced Marik it should be me."
"You will." Airi said. "But don't forget you also proved to everyone Joey could hold his own. He was able to hold out to near the end of the duel with an Egyptian God Card, and he still managed to place in Kaiba's tournament." she squeezed his hand. "and you kept him from getting banished. Believe me, that is something to be grateful for."
"It still doesn't excuse the fact my friends are falling like flies and I can't do a thing about it." Yugi said.
"There is." Yami said.
Yugi's head snapped up. "What?"
"We finish our mission."
Yugi stared at him, and then his eyes became determined. "You're right."
"Are you ready?" Yami said.
Yugi didn't hesitate. "When you are."
The intercom speakers crackled above them and Roland's voice announced it was time for the second semi-final duel.
"We should get going." Airi said.
"We?" Yami and Yugi said.
"Don't give me that." Airi said. "I'm not missing out on a duel of yours, especially when it's with my Ex. And besides, I wouldn't do much good around here."
Yami stood, and turned to face her, his face serious. "Can you walk?"
She met his eyes. "Not while I'm sitting."
A smile spread across his face, even managing to lighten his worry filled eyes. "I guess there is no way to stop you anyway." He reached down a hand and helped her up.
"Yugi." Tea came out of the door, looking afraid and frustrated. "Airi? You're alright!" she wrapped the girl in a hug, nearly knocking the both of them over. Airi was happy for the reception, but was glad when she finally was released. Duke and Tristan appeared in door way, apparently drawn by Tea's estimations. Tristan did look pleased she was alright, but he looked too distracted to voice or show it besides a look. Duke managed a smile, but he kept his distance, glancing at Yami.
"We better get moving." Yami said.
Tea's face again went to worried and frustrated. "Where do think you're going?"
"I have a duel." Yami said calmly.
"You can't, enough people have been hurt." Tea said. "and Joey needs you."
Yami straightened and put a hand on her arm. "Tea, if I don't go out and finish this, then what Joey fought for will have been for nothing. None of it would have counted."
There was a long silence. The gravity of all the past events were weighing on all of their minds.
Airi put a hand on his arm. "Seto doesn't like waiting." she said softly.
Yami nodded. "All of you stay with Joey. I'll take care of Kaiba."
"Airi, are you up for this?" Duke said.
Airi straightened, not allowing herself to sway in front of them. "Yes."
Tea didn't look very happy about only Airi going to support the duel, but looking from Yami to her other friends, she stepped back to be with them. "Just be careful."
Yugi looked like he wanted to say something, but he remembered he was transparent just in time.
"Go beat him, Yugi." Tristan finally spoke. "Knock some sense into Ego Head."
Yami nodded.
"Keep talking to Joey." Airi told the others. "Believe me, it helps."
The others nodded, and more well wishes were said. Yami turned towards the door and offered Airi his arm. With Yugi standing on her other side the three of them walked towards the tower, and the opponent waiting at the top.
A/N Please tell me how this was. I wrote it in four hours so it might still have some problems. I hope it was good. Next chapter will have more cute stuff in, and more about the past.
Thank you for your support. Hopefully I will be a more attentive author and get the new one up soon.
Take care and please Review.
