YAY NEW CHAPTER!
Thank you for waiting for this chapter. Since Anime Bonzai was this weekend, and i got to have my picture taken with a Kaiba and a Yami Yugi (insert fan girl screaming), it seemed appropriate to show I lived through midterms and am still very involved with writing this story.
Thanks goes to battousaisgirl16 for editing and for all my readers. Thank you again for the support of this story. I don't know Yugioh or Charlotte, but Airi is mine.
I do need some help with the next chapter, details at the bottom, but lets get reading.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 34
The reunion of friends was a joyful one, with everyone talking at once. Despite looking a bit pale Joey acted like his old self. Explanations about Joey's recovery came from all sides. Airi stayed on the outskirts of the crowd with Yami, letting the friends enjoy being reunited. It was hard to understand everything which had happened, but from what she could understand he hadn't had a crushing sensation while being taken out by the powers. Yami's intervening defiantly seemed have helped.
Glancing back at the platform she saw Kaiba hadn't moved. Defeat was a hard thing for him to accept. She couldn't just let him stand there, even if he was first class jerk. He had been her friend at one time. Yami started to walk with her, but she motioned for him to stay. Invisible or not, this was something better done alone.
Kaiba he didn't look up, even when she was standing in front of him. He was staring down at his duel-dick as if wondering how it could have failed him. She could think of several reasons, but now wasn't the time to voice them. It was obvious he wasn't going to brake the silence, so she cleared her throat.
"You're still as good as ever." she might as well start with something true.
"Save it." Kaiba still didn't look up. "Your brother just got lucky."
"Sorry?"
"It' not over yet. Not until I make it to the top."
Airi stared at him. "Seto, you're the National Champion."
He finally looked up, eyes narrowed. "I don't rest until I'm at the top. I'm not second rate."
"Don't you ever take a break."
"There will be other opportunities. This is only a minor set back."
"How many more?" Airi's tried to keep her voice even. "This has stopped being about the game and now you're going to hound my brother just to help your ego?"
"Don't lecture me." Kaiba snapped. "You have no idea what it's like in the fast lane anymore. You're letting your talent fade, and for what? Because you think your brother is better? No," he took a step towards her. "No, you're doing it to spite me, aren't you, so I'll never be able to face you."
"Everything has to be about you." Airi refused to let her voice betray her. "Maybe if you'd look around to see some people still care what happens to you you'd become some one worth knowing."
"I don't need friends." Kaiba said. "I tried that once, and what did she do? She walked away. Don't talk to me about caring, you obviously don't."
"You were willing enough to let me leave!" Airi didn't care if she was shouting. "I shouldn't have left the way I did, and I'm sorry. You have every right to hate me, but not to interpret my actions. I didn't come back because I was sure you hated me. Why would I want to be where I'm not wanted?"
Kaiba's laugh cut the air like a whip. "That never stopped you before. Admit it, you were scared, and not even your famous game face could hide it."
"Then what's your excuse?"
"What are you babbling about?"
"Don't tell me I'm in the wrong for not making a move?" Airi snapped. "Blaming me for your own fear doesn't make you look better."
His eye narrowed. "I'm not afraid of anything."
"You didn't come after me! You're scared to admit you need other people other than yourself."
"The only person I've ever had to rely on was myself." His voice lowered to a hiss. "I don't need anyone."
Their faces were inches apart, ice blue eyes glaring into violet.
"Your talent is incredible, Seto." Airi's voice was soft. "Good thing I stayed away. I would hate to get in your way."
Kaiba straightened. His were cold enough to freeze her to the spot. She kept eye contact, refusing to show intimidation. His lip curled in a sneer and he turned away.
"You haven't done everything by yourself." Yugi's voice made him pause. "We have helped you before, and you us."
It was only then she realized both of their brothers were standing close by. Yugi, Yami stood behind him, close enough to step in if needed. Mokuba had also come up and stood close enough to hear everything. The way he was looking at his brother made Airi's insides sink. There were so many ways he could have taken what Kaiba had said, and it seemed to have been all the negative.
"I never stay in debt." Kaiba pulled Obelisk from his deck and flicked it at Yugi. "You've earned your card." he stalked off, Mokuba following close behind.
For some reason Joey started after him, saying something about challenging him to third place. Kaiba ignored him as he disappeared down to the lower level. Joey followed flanked by the others. Airi didn't move, closing her eyes in an attempt to separate herself from the arena and the island. Disagreements with Seto hadn't been fun when they were together, but now they were exhausting. Could she really blame his resentment of her?
A hand on her arm caused her to look down at her brother's worried face. She did her best to smile.
"You better go after Joey. Someone might go too far."
He didn't look willing to leave her, but hurried after his friends. She didn't miss the glance he shared with Yami as he went.
Airi left the platform and leaned on the railing. The water stretched out for miles in every direction. Seto sure knew how to throw a tournament. The ruble below stood out pale next to the water like bones discarded by savage animals. This must have been one of Seto's step-father's weapons factories. She shook her head. Some good had come out of Seto's transformation, but in some ways it didn't seem worth the hardening of his character. A few moments of silence and she realized she wasn't alone.
"Aren't you going?" her voice sounded flat. "How often are you going to see Joey challenge Seto?"
"It's Joey. It happens every time they see each other." Yami leaned his back against the railing, brow creased with concern. "Airi, what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
He didn't move, waiting on her. It almost made her laugh. The one person who could understand was invisible. One of these days someone was going to walk by and thing she was babbling at the air and call the asylum. Still if she didn't have him, she probably would have lost her mind already.
She let out a breath through her teeth. "He was upset and I had to pick the worse moments to talk to him. I started a fight and I said somethings I shouldn't have. That's it." She glared down at the ground below. She couldn't make him understand. Seto had been very important to her, and despite everything she was sure he wasn't all bad. She wasn't silly enough to think she could go back to him, not that he'd want her back anyway.
"You don't owe him anything."
She looked up. "Sorry?"
"Beating yourself up over something where there was fault on both sides won't help anything." Yami stated calmly.
"But I was horrible the day I left. I call him a user and manipulator. I'm sure he hates me."
"Does it matter?"
She shot him a glare. "You suck at being the indifferent listener, you know."
His mouth twitched, but he still looked serious. "Does it matter?" he repeated.
She closed her eyes, considering her words carefully. "No, but that doesn't mean I couldn't have done it better. I can rationalize that I was upset about Yugi being in the hospital and finding out my boyfriend only let me duel so he could have a worthy opponent to defeat. But I can't help wondering if there was something I could have done differently." she took another long breath. She could almost feel Yami's eyes on her face. "But no, it doesn't matter. I left because I felt like it was needed and because I didn't like who I was becoming." she finally turned to face him. "That still doesn't excuse may actions."
His eyes softened, but his voice remained even. "Was there another way?"
"I don't know." she looked at her hands, knuckles white from gripping the railing. "Probably."
His hand left hand covered hers, the warm pressure loosening her grip. Still she refused to look up.
"Airi, look at me."
Sighing, she met his eyes. This close she could see the warmth directed towards her. It took most of her resolve not to let the new stream of emotions mix with the existing muddle she was feeling.
"You did what you thought was right."the surety in his voice left no room for doubt. "Now it's his move."
She let out a half hearted laugh. "Count on you to bring duels into this."
"Anything for a smile." he hesitated, then placed his other hand on her shoulder. "I don't like to see you unhappy."
Her heart was pounding so hard it was hard to breath. He was worried about her? Without thinking she put her hand on his transparent cheek. She felt him stiffen, but not pull away. Reason took charge. Of course he was worried, he was her friend after all. Blushing she let her hand drop back to the railing with an apologetic smile.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." she said. "I'll have my emotions under control by the time you face Marik."
"I wasn't thinking about . . ." his eyes narrowed, fixed on something over her shoulder. "Marik."
She turned. Around on the other side of the platform backing up against the railing Evil Marik was being confronted by, of all people, Tea. In her hand was the millennium rod and was brandishing it at Evil Marik so he kept backing up. Confusion only stayed a few moments before Airi remembered Tea was being mind controlled. It looked for a moment Tea/Marik was going to finish off their enemy there and then.
Evil Marik jumped forward suddenly, seizing the rod from the other. With a push he she fell to the ground in a heap. She didn't move, apparently having hit her head.
Airi started to run. No way was Marik going to do something to a friend while she was there.
"Airi, No!" Yami shouted.
"Someone has to do something, and you're dead." she shouted back at him.
Marik looked up as she approached, arm raised as is about to send both his other self and Tea to the shadows. Airi stopped in front of him, shielding the unconscious girl from the enemy's gaze.
"Want more, do you?" he said, eyes glittering with malevolence. "I don't know how you survived the last time, but if you don't move I'll make sure you go all the way."
Her blood chilled at the thought of the dark prison she had barely escaped from. Still she didn't move. "No way are you hurting my friend."
"This is a personal matter." he took step closer. "Move before I make you."
"You can't hurt me with that." Airi nodded at the rod, diadem tightening in agreement. Out of the corner of her eye she saw someone coming out of the entrance to the platform. Yugi?
He laughed. "That's what you think. That Bakura you call friend told me some little secrets."
"You can't control me with the rod." Airi's voice shook. "It's take more than words to move me."
"There are others ways." he swung the rod. Taken completely off guard she didn't have time to duck. It connected with the side of her head with a smack against her temple. Lights popped in front of her eyes, temporally blinding her in a painful daze. She lost her balance and fell, landing hard on her hands. She curled up and covered her head with her arm in case he tried again.
A hate filled roar filled the arena and she heard a thud sounding like a fist connecting with something solid. Blinking to clear her vision she was aware of staggering foot steps.
"Lay a hand on her again and I swear by the gods I will take you to hell myself." Yami's threat came in a dragon like growl. How he had gotten here so fast was beyond her. Vision clearing she looked up to see Marik holding the side of his face with one hand, glaring at Yami who stood with his back to her. She didn't need to see his face to know his expression. She closed her eyes in an attempt to ease the throbbing.
"You'll regret this, pharaoh." Marik said.
"Leave now."
Quick foot steps announced Marik's departure. Airi wanted to do something, or at least shout something cleaver after him to show she wasn't afraid, but right now all she could feel was the pounding on the side of her head. She pushed herself up to a sitting position, but that only made her head spin more. She put a hand over her eyes, wincing as her fingers touched the bruising. Just her luck to get a headache on top of everything else.
"Airi what is it?" Yugi's panicked voice told her he had detached."How bad is it? Do you need the doctor?"
Gentile fingers lightly brushed her bruise and she looked up to see Yami kneeling in front of her. The gold eye was fading from his forehead and his sunset eyes shown with concern. "Are you alright?"
She was tired, and sick of all of this. She just wanted this to be over so they could go home and get one with their real lives instead of chasing a psycho with fantasy of world domination. None of this was their fault, why couldn't they just be left alone. She wanted to scream all of this, but the worlds refused to come.
"Is she bleeding?" Her brother asked. The anger in Yugi's eyes were scaring her. He started walking in the direction Marik must have gone, "That piece of … treating her like … I'll show him."
"Yugi come back." Yami's voice was firm. "You can't do anything in spirit form."
Airi couldn't stop herself. She broke down completely, her whole body shaking with sobs. Why did everyone have to get so worked up about her? She wasn't anyone important. All she did was give the enemy more leverage over those she loved.
Yami pulled her to him and she was in no condition to refuse. She buried her face in his shoulder, soaking his jacket in seconds. She felt safe close to him and everything she had been trying to hide inside her was released freely. Feeling Yugi's light rubs on her back only made her cry harder.
"Why didn't you just banish him now?" Yugi's voice shook, with rage or worry it was hard to tell.
"We can't undo his power of the others unless we use shadow games." Yami didn't sound pleased by this reasoning either. "Why did you come back?"
"I wanted to make sure Airi was alright. I mean, arguing with Kaiba is fool hardy on a good day, but they had a legit fight. On the elevator I felt panic." she could imagine him trying to take a calming breath. "I didn't think it would be anything like this."
She forced herself to get a grip on herself. "I'm sorry."
"Airi, there is nothing to apologize for." Yami said sternly. "This wasn't your fault."
"No," Airi pushed herself up so she met his eyes. "I'm sorry I called you dead."
He stared at her and she hurriedly added. "That was uncalled for and . . ."
She stopped because his laugh cut across her and had a much greater volume. She blink ins shock as he continued for several moments with no sign of stopping. Glancing back she saw Yugi trying hard to keep a straight face.
"It's not funny." she told the ground feeling her face growing hot.
"Airi." Yami took both her hands in his. "If I was upset by a true statement like that, then I have a very shallow soul."
"Doesn't mean I should have said it." she muttered.
"Don't beat yourself up about it. I'm thankful to whatever powers are watching over us you are alright." Yami bushed a damp strand of hair off her face and she winced as his light touch brushed the bruise. His eyes narrowed. "Though I think you and Tea should be checked before the final duel."
Tea. She had completely forgotten about the other girl. She must have been hit hard. She moved too quickly and Yami had to keep her from falling again.
"I'll make sure she's alright." he stood. Yugi took a protective stance beside her as Yami walked out of her direct line of sight.
"Why do I always say something stupid." she said to no one in particular.
"Don't take it so hard." Yugi told her. "I think he needed to laugh. I know I did."
"I should just keep my mouth shut sometimes."
Yugi didn't comment and she noticed he had become very serous.
"What's the matter?" she said.
"I think you shouldn't watch the final duel."
"What?"
"It will be dangerous, and you're not completely recovered."
"If it was me facing a crazy man, would you stay away?"
He looked at the ground. "No."
"I promised both of you I would be there until the end." Airi said. "I'm going to be there." she stopped herself before adding even if it kills me. Sarcasm wasn't appropriate for all occasions.
He didn't look happy, but nodded. "You need to see the doctor at least."
She couldn't think of a reason to disagree. It wasn't like it was a real hospital.
Yugi helped her stand. Her balance wasn't completely off but she did like having Yugi close by. Yami was helping Tea to her feet, explaining what had happened. Airi noted he glossed over the part about Airi getting hit by the rod, making it sound like she had fallen in the rush to help Tea and hit her head. Seeing them standing together made Airi suddenly feel jealous. They looked good together. Tea noticed her and her eyes widened.
"Airi you look horrible." she was at her side in a moment. "Are you alright?"
"Ask me later when I know." Airi's sarcasm couldn't be completely contained.
"Are you able to walk by yourself?" Tea seemed to have missed the fact she had managed to stand.
Before she could answer Yami was on her other side, arm extended.
"We need to see the doctors for both of you at once." he said.
Tea turned red, apparently touched by his concern. She starting saying she felt fine, she didn't even feel any pain on her head. Yami frowned, but nodded. He and Airi shared a glance, deciding in privet normal Marik's spirit had caused her to pass out when he left. This sounded too odd to be shared to be voiced in front of the other however so it stayed privet.
Airi slipped her arm with his, getting a secret pleasure at the attention. She chided herself, knowing he was only doing it because she was hurt. The three of them headed for the elevator. She guessed Yugi was walking behind them in case he was needed. She felt sorry he wasn't able to be walk with them, especially with Tea being there. She was going to have to do something about that when they got back. Assuming of course they lived through one more duel.
Thankfully the elevator was new and didn't rattle much. They came out into the sunlight, in time to see the the duel which was going on off to the side of the main pathway. It seemed Joey had annoyed Kaiba enough to get him into a duel against him. From the ways thing were looking Kaiba was taking most of sour feeling about losing his last duel on his current opponent. The duel seemed to be going in the young CEO's favor, judging by the three monsters including Blue-eyes on his side. Blue-eyes finished taking out Joey's monsters as they approached.
"You're going to lose, Wheeler." Kaiba said. "If you're smart you'll give up now."
Joey laugh, which Airi thought wasn't smart judging by the circumstances. "Ya don't know me very well Moneybags. Joey Wheeler doesn't give up, especially when it comes to stuck up punks like you."
Airi paused to watch. Joey had to be planning something if he was this confident.
"Just take your turn." Kaiba sounded bored. "It will be over soon anyway."
"As soon as I beat you." Joey drew. "I play Pot of Greed." He took two more cards. "I play Grave Robber, and with it I'm going to steel your Enemy Controller. I'll use your cards other ability to take out your Blue-eyes."
Everyone was shocked. Airi was impressed. Kaiba even looked shocked as his favorite dragon vanished from his side of the field.
"And I'm going to take a trick from your own book. I play Monster Reborn, summoning your dragon on my side of the field."
Blue-eyes switched sides of the field. Airi's stared in disbelief. She didn't think Joey had the know how or the guts to pull a stunt like that. The group cheered for him as he used Blue-eyes to take out Kaiba's Blade Knight.
"Interesting tactic." Yami said softly.
"But rather stupid on Joey's part." Yugi said behind them.
Airi didn't answer, eyes on her ex. Except for possibly for the last duel against her brother, she had never seen Seto so livid. If this wasn't a duel she was sure he would have done something to Joey's face by now.
Seemingly oblivious to the danger he was putting himself in Joey ended his turn. Kaiba drew, muttering him to himself in his anger. She caught the words "unacceptable" and "third rate duelist". His face split into a crazed grin as he saw his card.
"You will regret using my card against me, Wheeler." he sacrificed Kaiser Seahorse, which somehow counted for a double sacrifice. Another Blue-eyes White Dragon appeared. Both dragons stared down each other white scales shining in the sun.
"What good can that do?" Tristan said. "I mean, they're evenly matched. They'll only. . ."
"Destroy each other." Airi finished in a horrified whisper.
"Blue-eyes, Attack Blue-eyes." Kaiba shouted.
Airi closed her eyes shutting out the site. Still she couldn't cut out the shriek of both dragons as they shattered. To her mind came the image of Seto ripping her grandfather's card in half. So easy to destroy without a second thought. She shuttered.
"Let's go." Yami said firmly.
Tea stayed behind, shooting a worried glace as the two of them walked away. Leaning heavily on Yami's arm Airi tried to push away the memory of the crazed look on Seto's face and his satisfaction after the two dragons were destroyed. Maybe her leaving had helped trigger this behavior. If it had been or not her heart ached at the changed in his character.
Kaiba finished the duel in a few more moves. Announcing it was a waist of time, load enough for all the dweebs to hear, he stalked away. Thankfully none of them followed him down the side paths between the mounds of rubble. To say he was livid was an understatement. Crushing Wheeler in a duel only helped ease some of his anger. How dare that armature use his card, his Blue-eyes, against him. Defeating him with his Ultimate Blue-eyes was the best way of dealing with such a trespass.
Worse of all he had been shown up twice in one day, and both times in front of Airi. Why did everything have to happen while she was there? Both time he had lost to Yugi she had been there. His pace quickened along with his rising resentment. She was always there at the wrong moment. She thought he was a weakling. Her words on top of the tower proved that. She thought he was afraid, weak, only looking tough to hide his feelings. She must enjoy watching him fail while she stood safely at the sidelines. She had no right to judge how he lived his life. He didn't need any of them. He didn't even need to stay on the same island as all of them. Losing to that runt she had for a brother made his own tournament a foul taste in his mouth.
He heard footstep jogging after him and didn't have to look back to know it was Mokuba. He was the one person who didn't question his motives. His brother has always back him, so much so he had used it to take control of KaibaCorp. All those accusations about his brother being a traitor had only been an act and despite them Mokuba has stayed at his side through it all. Airi had been horrified when he told her but she wasn't an CEO. His fist clenched. No matter what he did she was always in his mind. How could someone he had cared about be such an irritation. Her expression as she walked away with her brother was burned into his mind. He had to get of this island before he did anything rash or was humiliated in front of her again.
Someone was blocking the path ahead of him. He slowed, narrowing his eyes to see them clearer. It was hard to distinguish her from the white rubble mounds around her. Still there was no mistaking Ishizu Ishtar.
"Running away?" she said, tone indifferent.
He glared at her. "I don't run away from anything. I thought that necklace of yours told you things."
"You don't believe it can."
"First words of sense you've said this whole tournament. Now if you excuse me I have other things to do that talk to delusional people."
She didn't move. "Whether you believe or not, Seto Kaiba, I implore you to stay."
"Why would I want to do that?"
Her voice became urgent. "Because the fate of the world rests on you."
He heard Mokuba gasp somewhere behind him, but he wasn't going to be affected by such claims as easily.
"Again with the end of the world." Kaiba took a step to walk around her. "I told you I don't believe in stone slabs and end of the world destruction prophecies."
She step in front of him. "Living in denial doesn't keep events from occurring. You have the one card which will give the Pharaoh and Yugioh the advantage in their duel against the evil possessing my brother."
"I only put on this tournament to defeat Yugi Muto and claim my rightful place as King of Games." Kaiba snapped, trying again to walk around her. "This was to be my day, my victory, my triumph over everything which has stood against me. Now I've lost, and I don't want to have anything more to do with this failure."
"You are running away." she said.
He whirled to face her. "I'm not afraid of anything! I am Seto Kaiba, CEO of KaibaCorp, National Champion of Duel Monsters. I'm. Not. Afraid."
She met his eyes evenly. "Yet you're letting the past rule your life."
"You talk like a fool."
"Why else would an island of ruble make you want you to leave so much. One loss interferes with your plans? Or does the criticisms from a friend stab you deeper?"
"She's not a friend." Kaiba's tone was ice. "She betrayed me."
"And you let her words bother you." Ishizu stepped closer. "You need them, Kaiba. Pushing yourself away doesn't make you stronger."
"I have my life. Stop interfering if you know whats good for you."
She nodded, face unreadable. "The choice is yours." he necklace flashed. "Excuse me, I have somewhere I need to be." she disappeared down the path the had come.
Kaiba snorted. "Am I the only one with sense?" he scoffed. "Come Mokuba."
He took a few steps, but didn't hear any movement from behind him. Turning he saw his younger brother looking at the ground, hands balled into fists.
"Mokuba, did you hear me?" Kaiba said. "I said we are leaving."
"I heard you." his brother voice was low. "I just don't think leaving is going to solve anything."
Kaiba stared at him. "What are you talking about?"
Mokuba looked up. "Going away won't change a thing." He waved his hand at the wreckage around them. "You've already done so much. What more do you have to do to prove to yourself you're not weak?"
"Don't you understand?!" Kaiba shouted. "Life back then wasn't good. I had to work to get where I am today. Today was suppose to be the day I defeated Yugi on top of that duel tower, above our cursed step-father's old factories, and doing so destroying all connections to that old life!"
"I'm part of that life too!" Mokuba shouted back, making Kaiba step back in shock. "I was there when you closed the factories! I was there when you won the national championships!" his voice broke, but he didn't look away. "Are you going to get rid of me too?"
"No," Kaiba said at once. "I would never do that to you."
"You pushed Airi away."
Kaiba's eyes narrowed. "She betrayed my trust. She's not my friend, she the sister to my enemy."
Mokuba wiped his eyes. "If she's an enemy then why are you proving her right?"
Kaiba turned to glare at the distant structure looming over him.
Mokuba continued. "No matter what you say about Yugi and his friends, they have always been willing to help us."
"I never ask them."
"They saved me from Pegasus and came to help us both in the virtual world." there was a pause. "You're still in love with Airi aren't you?"
Kaiba didn't respond.
"Are you going to prove her right?"
"Who?" Kaiba said.
"Airi. She thinks you never help anyone but yourself. That's not true, you've always been there for me. But if you walk away now you'll only prove her right."
The idea of Airi being right about something stung harder then anything. If she was right then it made his motives void. They had always been so similar; having younger brothers, intelligent, champion duelists. But he had risen above his station while she had given up everything for a little brother who somehow had inherited more skill than her. Both her and her brother were so sure they knew how life really was, the idea of either of them being right about something was too much for him. Still helping his rival win his own tournament wasn't appealing either. Her face during his duel with Wheeler appeared again before his eyes. He wasn't going to let her look at him like that again.
Roland's voice crackled over the radio on Kaiba's coat. "The final duel will commence in ten minuets, Sir."
According to the doctor who examined her Airi got off lucky with just bruising. A blow like that apparently should have left at least a cut or a scrape, not to mention it hitting so close to her eye. She guessed the diadem or just sure dumb luck was to thank. She didn't feel lucky with all the poking and prodding she received. She wished the pain pills would kick in soon. Yugi sat close by, watching intently with Yami standing near the doorway. Both were relieved at the news, but already the worry of the approaching duel shown in both their eyes.
After hearing she had been the one who had passed out under strange circumstances, the doctor tested Airi's reflexes, which resulting with her nearly kicking the poor man in the tenders when he tapped her knee with the rubber hammer. Yugi bit back a laugh while Yami watcher her closely, his eyes narrowed.
"You're nerves seemed to have had a great amount of stress." the doctor said, from a safer distance. "If you don't get any rest you might have permanent effects."
Yugi's face brightened. "So she shouldn't be watching anything-"
"I shouldn't do anything very strenuous, is that what you're saying?" Airi cut across him, giving him a look.
"Rest is the best thing. I wouldn't recommend being part of any duel in the near future."
"But-"
Again Airi interrupted her brother. "But watching them is not a problem right?"
"I don't see it as a strenuous activity." The doctor left the room to check on Mai.
"Don't look at me like that." Airi said. "I told you I was going and that's that."
Yugi let out a long sigh. "Fine."
Yami didn't seem pleased either, but had sense enough to keep his opinions to himself.
A loud rucks proceeded their group of friends before they even entered the room. Joey looked very disgruntled and be came increasingly more so as Tristan, Charlotte, and Duke made comments about his losing.
"Yuge, where did you go off to?" Joey demanded. "I needed you the most and you missed most of my duel with Kaiba."
"I'm sorry Joey." Yugi said. "I went back to check on Airi, and then some other things got in the way."
"I'm just mad you missed …" Joey trailed off, staring at Airi's face. "What happened to you? Ya look like you ran into a wall."
Airi shared a look with Yami. They had agreed it was better their friends not know. There had already been enough attack from Marik that adding more would only upset them more.
"She lost her balance and hit her head on the railing." Yugi explained. He gave her a look. "It might be from not being fully recovered."
"I'm fine." Airi quickly said. "I got a little dizzy. It's gone now."
"Are you sure it's alright?" Duke chimed in. "I mean, it looks like you got hit with a club or something."
"I'm fine." she said. "Impressive move Joey, getting Blue-eye on your side for a turn."
"Yeah, but I can't believe how upset MoneyBags got about it. Ya think I'd threatened Mokuba or something."
"Final Duel to take place in ten minuets." Roland's voice came over the speakers. "Please make your way to the duel tower."
Everyone looked in Yugi's direction. He had already strapped his duel-dick back on. He looked ready for anything. He closed his eyes and the the puzzle flashed. His lids opened to show determined red eyes. Airi's heart was pounding, chills running through her tender nerves. This was the moment everyone had risked their lives for. One duel would decide everything.
Joey broke the silence. "Lets go show them what it means to mess with us."
Echoing cheers rose from the others and they proceeded to file out of the room. Airi rose to follow them when the tall figure of Ishizu entered.
"May I speak to you?" she said to Airi.
Yami excused himself, glancing back over his shoulder as he went.
"Before you tell me any bad news." Airi said as the woman took a place in front of her. "Have you seen how this will end?"
She shook her head. "This part of the future is not written in stone so it is impossible for me to see how it will turn out."
Airi tired hard not to blow her breath out in an impatient gust. "What do you need to tell me?"
Ishizu's face became if possible even more grave. "I've come to give you some advise. During this duel, no matter what Evil Marik does to your brother or you, do not show weakness."
Visions of her time among the shadows made Airi shiver. "I don't know if I can do that."
"You must. For the Pharaoh's sake if not for your own. This duel will be a trial for him above anything else. He will need you more than ever."
"I'll do my best, but that's all I can promise." Airi swallowed. In an attempt to calm herself she started to fumble with her hair. One thing she could do was make her swelling face less noticeable. Brushing her hair in front of her face with her fingers she asked."Will you be watching?"
Ishizu seemed to grow pale, but her face didn't flinch. "I will stay with Odion. It makes little difference now if I'm with him at this time. I've spent most of the trip away, I think it will be alright for me to stay with him."
Airi nodded. No matter how this duel ended there would be little point in hiding him from Marik.
Airi stood. "Well, I guess we can't wait any longer."
Ishizu inclined her head. "I have one more thing to say. Don't give up on Kaiba so easily."
Airi blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You're belief that your friend is completely heartless is not justified. He may surprise you."
"That will be a miracle." Airi muttered. "He's not Marik, but that doesn't exactly excuse what he's done."
Ishizu gave half a smile. "He has a great friend in you. Don't give up on him."
Feeling even more muddled, Airi thanked her and headed out of the room. Yami and Joey were standing outside the door, conversing in low tones. They stopped the moment she appeared.
"Everything alright?" Yami said.
She smiled. Even with the world possible ending he wanted to make sure those around him were alright. "I'm fine. Just some last minuet counsel."
He nodded. "We'll head up then."
Airi nodded. "Just a moment." she leaned up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "For luck." she felt her self go red, though she hope she didn't look as stunned as he did. She couldn't even believe she had been so forward.
Yugi appeared at her side. "Everything going to be fine." he tone was firm, as if to make it so. He squeezed her hand and faded. Yami, still looking a bit dazed, headed towards the exit, where the others were waiting.
Joey stepped forward."May I escort ya, miss?" he offered her his arm.
She glanced towards the retreating tricolor haired boy. "Yugi and Yami put you in charge of me right?"
"Hey, can't I offer to spend a duel with my best friends sister?"
She smiled, looping her arm with his. "Sorry Joey. I'd be honored to have you as an escort."
They stopped by Mai's room on the way out to check on Serenity. Airi waited by the door as the siblings conversed in low voices. After a few moments Serenity came over to give Airi a hug and ask her if everything was alright. Taken aback Airi did her best to assure her. Over the other girls shoulder she saw Joey touch Mai's hand, saying something too low for her to hear. Charlotte appeared to sit with Serenity and Joey and Airi left soon after. Airi looped her arm through his, giving his arm a light squeeze. He smiled, but it was clear he had someone else on his mind.
The others were already at the duel tower. The group stood, talking in lower tones which was eery. Yami stood in the middle of them, only seeming to partially listening as Tristan and Duke ranted about how bad Marik was going to get beat. Marik was already at the other side of the field, waiting for it to begin with his customary toothy grin. The side of Airi's face throbbed at the sight of him, and she was glad she had someone assigned to watch the duel with.
"Duelists take your places." Roland said from the refs stand. Airi glanced around the arena. No Seto. He probably didn't want to see anymore of the finals since he wasn't in them.
One by one the group gave Yugi and the Pharaoh their best wishes. Yami accepted their words of encouragement with a nod and a thin smile. Tea gave him a hug, causing the slight pang of jealousy to hit Airi again, but it faded quickly compared to her worry. Yami turned to Joey, gripping his hand in a firm handshake.
"Good luck, Pharaoh." Joey said. "Beat this guy back where he came from."
Yami nodded. His eye finally met Airi's and she saw the one thing no one else did. Doubt. Remembering Ishizu's words she put a hand on his shoulder.
"I know you can do this. Yami." in her normal voice she added. "We're all right here for you."
Hearing his name caused his shoulders to become less ridged and the doubt was hidden with . Airi glanced to his side where her brother stood detached.
"Be careful, Champ." She glanced between both of them. "Go get him."
Both smiled, though it was only slight. She hoped that was enough. Words seemed hollow and Ishizu's warning hadn't built her confidence. The two boys combined and Yami turned and mounted the steps to the dueling platform.
"Yugi!"
All turned to see Kaiba emerge from the entrance way, Mokuba trailing him.
"Take this." Kaiba pulled a card from his deck and flicked. Yami caught it with ease. His eyes changed from stunned to realization and he slid the card into his deck without a word or glance.
Airi closed her mouth but continued to stare at her ex as he took a position behind the group. She must be seeing things. Seto was helping her brother? Was she losing her mind?
"Your brother needs to be better than he has been if he has a prayer to win against Ra." Kaiba said, as if hearing her unspoken question. "Let's see if he knows how to use that card."
"Always a test with you." Joey grumbled.
Despite everything Airi's face split into a real smile. She didn't know how and didn't really care. Seto had proved her wrong. He did care, even if it was probably only about appearances. He probably just didn't want someone else winning his tournament so he could still face Yugi at another time. For once she didn't care his reasons. This was more of the Seto she used to know.
"Thank you Seto." she said.
He finally met her eyes and they shared a look. There was something in them, but he broke contact and glared at the platform with his usual indifferent scowl before she could figure out what it was. Mokuba stood beside him, grinning. It was obvious he had something to do with this.
Airi turned back to the duel, hope more firmly placed in her heart. If Seto gave Yugi that card then it must be important, and his giving it to her brother gave them a better chance.
It was time for this nightmare to end.
It was time to duel.
A/N: There it is. I hope it was worth the wait. If not, well you can go talk to the forces running my life and argue with them. Also if Yami punching him bothered you, I'm not sorry. I really wished he did that in the real show. If it was out of character, then I apologize, but i'm still glad he did it.
Ok like I said, I need some help. The next chapter is the final duel and since Evil Marik officially knows Airi is VERY important to the pharaoh it seems right that he would do something twisted to her during this duel. the problem is what? If it is not too much trouble I would love to hear you ideas. Also note there will be no updates until I write the next chapter, and that will only happen if this problem is fixed. thus it is clear to see the more ideas i get the faster i will be able to start writing and you can start reading.
Anyway, PLEASE REVIEW! you guys are amazing. take care, and God bless.
