AN: This chapter begins the battle city arc! Enjoy!
Chapter 8
Lindsey POV
That was agonizing in so many ways… Apparently one hour to Mai means 6…
Lindsey had gotten home at nearly nine at night. She and Mai had gone to the mall to go bathing suit shopping. Lindsey got a basic black bikini with jeweled accents. Mai on the other hand bought eight, because one she couldn't decide, two, she really wanted to wow Joey. They had also grabbed dinner at a nearby burger joint.
Before going to bed she gathered everything she would need. Sunscreen, her favorite fluffy beach towel, camera, black flip-flops, and she picked out her outfit.
Tomorrow is going to be perfect! Just pure relaxation. Hopefully.
Mai scoffed. "Where is Joey? It's 11:15!" She was not too pleased. Mai was wearing nothing but very small shorts and her purple gold studded bikini top with flip-flops. Lindsey felt very insecure compared to her. She herself was wearing dark wash shorts with an off shoulder loose cream shirt, with her bikini underneath. Her hair was in a loose side braid.
"I can call him?" Yugi suggested.
"No! Let's just go!" Everyone gave a nervous look as Mai walked towards the elevators and they all followed. They exited on the ground floor only to see Joey running towards them
"Nyeh! Sorry I'm late!" He said frantically.
"Let's just get in the car and go!" Mai snapped. They walked out front to Mai and Duke's cars. Mai's was a purple convertible BMW, and duke's was a red convertible mustang. "Tea and Lindsey, You're with me."
"Then looks like I got Yugi, Joey, Tristan and Bakura!" Duke said happily.
I wonder where Seto is? He said he would come… Maybe he'll meet us there?
"Shotgun!" Bakura called. Yugi, Tristan, and Joey groaned as they got into the back seat.
"Tristan! Move ya big ass ova! It's taking up da whole seat!"
"I'll move my big ass over when Yugi moves his skinny ass to give me more room!"
"Guys can't our asses just get along?" Yugi laughed nervously.
Lindsey bursted out laughing as she got into Mai's car. "God I love those boys."
"Don't we all." Tea laughed.
The gang had been driving for quite some time. Lindsey took front seat, Tea took back. They were about 25 minutes from Domino beach. Mai could see in the rearview mirror that boys were horsing around having a good time. The girls on the other hand, were having some girl talk.
"So Mai," Tea spoke. "What's up with you and Joey?"
Mai sighed. "I wish I knew Tea. I really do. I feel like he maybe likes me but then he'll just pretend like I don't exist. This whole mixed signal thing is getting real old, real fast. Anyway, enough about me. Who are you crushing on Tea?"
Tea blushed, and Lindsey became tense and attentive. "Uh, that's kind of a secret."
"Oh come on! Were all friends here right Linds?" Lindsey didn't respond until Mai elbowed her.
"Huh? Oh yea! Totes besties for life!" Lindsey said in an obnoxiously preppy voice.
Why is Mai asking such a ridiculous question? We know she likes Yugi. That's why she hates me. Strongly.
"Sorry guys. I just don't feel comfortable telling anyone yet? What about you Lindsey? Interested in anyone?"
Lindsey smiled. "Actually, yes Tea. I am."
"And that is?"
So, yea, I have some feelings for Yami, but it'll really eat at Tea if I tell her I like Yugi… but she has been nice to me lately… I'll play nice.
"Me. I really just love myself." She could see Tea's look of confusion in the back seat.
"I'm not sure if you're being serious or not." Tea laughed. Lindsey gave a cringy smile. "Oh come on" Tea continued. "What about Kaiba? There's gotta be something there!"
Lindsey's eyes widened and she was about to reply with a snide comment when Mai said, "We're here!"
They parked their cars, and the boys nearly leaped out with excitement! "Yea! Nothin' but relaxation and beach babes!"
Tristan laughed. "You said it Joey!" Everyone grabbed their stuff and headed off towards the beach. They found the perfect spot and set up the blankets and umbrellas. The beach was fairly full today. Lots of people were in the water swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, while the rest were in the sand playing volleyball, tanning, and making sandcastles. The day was literally perfect.
"Hey Joey. Beach volleyball?"
"Hey Tristan? Yea beach volleyball!" The boys stripped off their shirts so they were just in their swim trunks. Joey's were black with yellow tribal like patterns on it, while Tristan's were striped shades of baby blue. Lindsey was slightly shocked to see that they had fairly nice abs. They ran off towards the courts.
"Alright well Bakura and I are going surfing." Duke and Bakura both wore plain black swim trunks and they too had nice abs. They ran with their boards towards the water.
Are all my friends like secretly hot? Where did all this muscle come from?"
"Well, I'm tanning." Mai lay out on her beach towel in the sun.
"Same." Tea lay out next to her in a pink bikini.
Lindsey had removed her cream shirt leaving her in only her bikini top and shorts. "I'm gonna walk down the beach."
"Mind if I join?" Lindsey smiled at the recognized voice. She looked up to see Yami, shirtless as well.
Holy hot abs! The pharaoh did well in his time.
"Yea sure lets go!"
Yami POV
"Oh bloody hell!"
"Bakura, you're supposed to stand up!"
Lindsey and Yami laughed as they passed by. They were walking just at the waters edge. "So, are you enjoying yourself?"
"Actually yes. I don't think I've ever been to a place like this before. It's peaceful."
Lindsey laughed. "It's a beach. It's supposed to peaceful. Oh! How pretty!" She pointed to a tide pool area that no one was around. They decided to walk over and sit in front of the tide pool. They watched as two fish played around in an anemone. "This is nice." She leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Very."
"Yami. Psst. Yami!"
Yugi? What are you doing here?
"Making sure you do something about the pretty girl on your shoulder!"
What do I do?
"Anything other than what you're doing now."
He put an arm around her and she nuzzled into him. "Lindsey can I ask you something?" She nodded. He pulled her back so he could look her in the eye. "Would you mind if I-" Lindsey looked confused. He cupped her face and slowly started to lean in. She smiled when she realized what was going on.
They were less than an inch apart, lips almost touching. "Ahem."
They broke apart and Lindsey looked over only to find herself staring into a pair of furious cobalt blue eyes.
Lindsey POV
"SETO! You're here! So glad you made it!" Lindsey stood up quickly and faced Seto. He was wearing his usual all black outfit with his badass sleeveless grey trench with the talking collar. Lindsey could see Mokuba playing in the water through her peripheral.
Seto's stare was like knives going through your skull, and it chilled you to the bone. He said nothing except, "Mokuba, we're leaving. Now."
"But Seto we just got here." He replied with a groan.
"I said were Leaving. Move." With one last icy stare at Lindsey he left along with Mokuba. Lindsey's mouth was agape, and she was shocked speechless. Yami came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Lindsey? Talk to me. Are you okay?" He was concerned.
She looked at him but then quickly turned away. "We should get back to the others." She started walking away before Yami could respond.
No matter how much he hides it I know I'm hurting him. But in the end someone is always going to get hurt….
They got back to the gang and saw everyone was packing up. It was only four, which fueled Lindsey's confusion. "Why are we all packing up?"
Mai answered, "Apparently, the announcement of a very exclusive tournament is going on tonight in Domino Square. These invites just showed up at our beach site. Word is, any duelist who is worth dueling has been invited and will be there. Definitely not something I want to miss."
Uh oh. Could Seto's tournament be starting tonight?
"Must be big." Mai nodded.
"Exactly. Which is why we need to get home, get changed, and be there. Now let's go guys!" The gang gathered their stuff, loaded up the cars, and set off for home.
Lindsey decided to go to Kaiba Corp and talk to Seto before heading out to Domino Square. She showered and let her hair air-dry. It dried in its usual waist length ringlets.
If duelists are going to be around, I'll have to dress the part. I know Seto said I shouldn't enter, but I still have a physical image to uphold.
She settled for a new look. She had a trench like Seto's only no shoulder padding, no talking collar, hers was pure white with black buttons, and it went just above the knee. Underneath the trench was a black strapless skin-tight dress that was a much shorter than the trench. She bound the waist with a black belt, and topped it off with black stiletto boots, and a black deck holder fastened to her thigh. She did cat like makeup and finally felt like perfection.
If I can't duel, I might as well dress to kill!
She shot Mai a quick text, slipped her deck in her deck holder just in case, and headed out to Kaiba Corp.
Meet you at Domino Square at 8. Got errands to run.
Lindsey confidently walked into the lobby of Kaiba Corp and nearly turned every head. Several mouths were open to the floor, and a couple women, including the receptionist had scowls on their faces. Lindsey walked up to the receptionist's desk.
Her nametag read Missy.
That look on her face…. She must be so friendly…
"I'm here to see Mr. Kaiba."
"Do you have an appointment." Lindsey's brow rose at the sound of the attitude in Missy's voice.
Well, two can play the mean girl game..
"Do I look like I need an appointment?" Lindsey snapped back. "I'm Lindsey Walsh. Now tell me where I can find Seto!"
"That's Mr. Kaiba to you!" Missy looked enraged.
"No, it's Seto to me, Mr. Kaiba to you, cause you mean nothing to him. Now, where is he?" She looked hurt but defeated.
"B1f. In the testing arena."
Testing arena?
"Thank you, Missy." Missy scoffed and Lindsey walked to elevator and soon arrived at B1f. She walked down a colorless corridor until she heard a man over a PA system.
"All hands standby for the test of the new duel disk system."
Duel disk system. What the hell is going on?
"You're crazy if you go through with this Seto! Without the safeguards, those monsters could really hurt you?"
Mokuba?
Lindsey kept walking until she reached a control room. In it she found Mokuba, and several other employees. She looked down through the glass and saw Seto standing there with some weird invention on his arm.
"Mokuba, what's going on?" He turned to face her.
"Oh, hey Lindsey. Seto is doing the final test for the new duel disk system that's going to be used for the tournament. Except he turned off the safeguards, and I'm worried he'll get hurt." He had a sad look on his face.
"Probability of Injury, 90%." A nearby employee state.
"Why don't you keep your calculations to yourself!" Mokuba snapped on one the employees.
"I'm just doing my job." The employee said apologetically.
Lindsey put on a hand on Mokuba's shoulder. "I'm sure he'll be fine Moki, just relax."
"But Lindsey, the duel robots deck contains all three Blue Eyes White Dragons, his injury risk is high." Lindsey silently gasped, but said nothing.
"Launching holographic projectors." Two disk like projectors flew out of Seto's duel disk. Lindsey's eyes widened.
Seto set a card face down and summoned Battle Ox. Lindsey watched in disbelief as it appeared with the use of the projectors. Battle Ox was taken down, and Seto then summoned four monsters. The computer summoned Blue Eyes White Dragon next.
Mokuba cried, "Turn off the machine. Now!" Lindsey had no words.
Seto sacrificed a monster and summoned Dragon Seeker, in order to destroy the Blue Eyes, but the computer countered by summoning Lord of Dragons. The computer equipped it with Flute of Summoning Dragon to summon the other two dragons. They were then fused together to create, Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon.
Seto smirked, "Just great." Lindsey's mouth dropped and she was in disbelief.
He wanted that to happen? I don't get it.
"That dragons neutron blast will disintegrate Mr. Kaiba into dust!"
"WHAT?!" Mokuba shrieked. "Get out of there Seto!"
Seto drew a card and sacrificed three monsters. "Obelisk the Tormentor, I summon you!"
Obelisk the what?!
Bright lights appeared and a huge blue monster appeared before them.
Lindsey took a step back as she gasped. "What the hell is that thing?!"
"No way! That Egyptian god card is humungous!" Mokuba yelled.
"Egyptian what!?"
"Obelisk, I offer you my remaining two monsters. Absorb their power to increase your own."
"I've never seen anything like this," the employee said. "Obelisks attack points are off the charts!"
"Obelisk, attack now. Show Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon why you're the tormentor. Attack, Fist of Fate!" Lindsey watched as Obelisk punched the Ultimate Dragon and it shattered causing the Computers life points to reach 0. The computer then began to explode.
Oh my god. He plans to enter the tournament with that thing?!
Seto exited the dueling arena and entered the corridor. Lindsey ran out of the control room and shoved him into the arena across the way and slammed the door shut.
"You mind telling me what the hell that thing was."
"That thing is the Egyptian God card Obelisk the Tormentor and he's the key to winning this tournament." Seto smirked.
"Egyptian God card? I don't understand. I haven't heard of this card ever. What is going on." She was flustered and very obviously displaying fear. In fact, Lindsey was absolutely terrified at the power of this card.
"I'll explain. This," He pointed to his duel disk. "Is a duel disk. Rather than using duel arenas, we'll use these. I'm testing the use of my new invention as well as the power of this card."
"Where did you get that card?"
"It was given to me by someone who knew it could obviously only be handled by a top ranked duelist such as myself."
Lindsey took a deep breath. "Seto you can't use that card. It's too powerful. You could get hurt, or worse you could hurt someone else. Please don't use that card."
"Don't be ridiculous Lindsey. I'm the only one that can handle this card, and I fully intend to use it in this tournament." A tear slid down Lindsey's cheek and she shook her head.
"You're a fool. You're a goddamn fool Seto. How could you use a card that could put others in danger?" He was speechless.
She's crying again. Why do I always seem to make her cry. But I have nothing to say to her. I'm using this card in my tournament whether she likes it or not.
He said nothing. He just walked out the room without a single word, leaving Lindsey alone. When he was a distance away and knew everyone was out of hearing range, he whispered, "I'm sorry Lissey."
Yami POV
Finally on our way to Domino Square. You ready for the big announcement Yugi?
"Mmhmm! According to Ishizu, the fate of the world depends on this…"
Yami and Tea had met up prior to heading to Domino square. They had gotten word of a new artifact at the local museum that allegedly came from ancient Egyptian times which had peaked Yami's interest. There they met Ishizu. Though Yami is not sure what is going on, Ishizu had told him to gain possession of three cards referred to as the Egyptian got cards. Yami had never heard of these before but took Ishizu's warning seriously. He would do what he could to get these cards and save the world.
Yes. Whatever it is will not be easy. But I have faith we will prevail.
"Yeah!"
"Mai said the tournament is supposed to be announced tonight." Tea and Yami had grabbed a quick dinner before heading to the square. Yami took it as a friendly get together. Tea thought it as much more but would never admit it.
"Yes. I must enter and win this tournament to fulfill my destiny."
"Just be careful Yami." He nodded.
"There you are!" Mai was running over along with Joey and Tristan. Mai got to Tea and put an arm around her. "You're looking snazzy Tea. Is this a date?" Yami looked over his shoulder to see if Lindsey was around. He breathed a sigh of relief when she wasn't.
"We're just friends Mai," Tea said.
Everyone silently laughed while Yami looked uncomfortable. "Anyway, do you know whose hosting this tournament Mai?
"I have no idea. It's a mystery. Nobody seems to know. Everyone I spoke to got an anonymous invite. But there is a buzz going around that it's someone with a ton of cash, and an obnoxious attitude. I'd guess Kaiba."
"Kaiba? Dat sneaky rich punk! I'll take him out. You watch me!" Joey got into one of his battle stances.
"Easy Joey. Easy. Let's go find Duke and Bakura." Tristan dragged Joey off into the city.
"Idiot…" Tea Sighed.
"If the events of the past are to happen again, I must face Kaiba in this tournament." Yugi said aloud.
"What are you mumbling about? Anyway, no one knows for sure who it is that is throwing this thing."
"I suppose we'll find out soon." Yami said.
"It's pretty safe to say it's not Pegasus again." Mai said with a scowl.
"Speaking of Pegasus, this is beginning to look like Duelist Kingdom all over again."
"You can say that again. There certainly are a lot of familiar faces in this crowd. Most of whom I'm not happy to see." Tea was looking around.
"Ah! You're right. That's Weevil Underwood and Rex Raptor." Tea groaned. To the left stood the blue haired boy Lindsey had dueled at school. Next to him was a short boy with long brown hair wearing a beanie. Rex was known for his use of dinosaur duel monsters.
"And that's Espa Roba." Mai pointed to a weird looking kid with blue hair. "They say he uses psychic powers to duel."
"And Mako's here to!" Tea exclaimed. Tea pointed to a darker skinned man wearing nothing but ripped pants. He had long black hair and carried what appeared to be a spear. Mako is well known for using card related to the ocean.
"If what Mai says is true, then this tournament is going to have one new wrinkle…."
"And there he is now…" Joey and Tristan returned with Bakura and Duke in time to see Kaiba's face on a huge monitor. But not just Kaiba, Lindsey too.
Yami gasped. "Kaiba and Lindsey!" Kaiba looked cocky as usual, but Lindsey looked more solemn.
"Wow it's Seto Kaiba and Lindsey Walsh!" A couple people in the crowd said, followed by several, "Seto is so dreamy," comments and, "Lindsey is one fine girl." Seto spoke first
"Greetings Duelists. Welcome to the town of Domino. But more importantly, welcome to my tournament."
"I don't know which is bigger, his ego, or his melon on the big screen." Mai said, and the gang laughed.
"Let's hear what they both have to say." Yami said very seriously.
"I see each of you received your invites, to Kaiba Corps exclusive Duel Monsters tournament, and you had enough brains to show up here tonight." Lindsey was stone faced on the monitor. The crowd of people cheered.
"Rich boy just insulted all of ya and you're cheering? Okay then.." Joey was confused.
"Lindsey looks so sad." Bakura noticed. "I wonder why."
"I'm sure she'll tell me tonight back at the apartments." Mai said. Bakura nodded and Yami 's eyes grew more intense. Kaiba spoke again.
"Being that you are all elite duelists, I've added special rules to my tournament, just for experts. Lindsey here will explain."
She gave a nervous look and said in a small voice, "You will duel using these new improved duel disks." She held one up that was fastened to her wrist. "
"Check that out!" someone in the crowd exclaimed. "That Kaiba Corps got the coolest products!"
Lindsey continued. "Another new rule designed for the tournament, is that before each duel, both players must ante up their rarest card, and the loser of the duel forfeits their card to the winner." Lindsey held up her Magician of Black Chaos, as she said this.
"Forfeit my Dark Magician!?" Yami exclaimed.
"Not Red Eyes!" Joey gasped.
"That means losing even one duel can ruin my deck!" Mai said.
Seto spoke again. "My competition will make Pegasus and his Duelist Kingdom tournament look like a joke." The crowd cheered. Just then a helicopter approached the large crowd of duelists.
Kaiba was hanging off of it as well as Lindsey. Kaiba stuck a finger in the air and exclaimed, "Don't forget to register and pick up your duel disk!" Lindsey spoke next.
"Exactly one week from today, the Battle City tournament will begin." She wasn't thrilled. With that said they flew off towards Kaiba Corp. The crowd cheered one last time and everyone slowly started to leave.
"Why on earth is Lindsey with Kaiba right now?" Duke asked.
"I told you, I'll find out tonight." Mai said. "For now we should all go home and get some rest. Let's meet back here tomorrow to register and get our Duel Disks." Everyone nodded and they separated and went home for the night.
Seto POV
Lindsey had not spoken to Seto since the announcement of the tournament. The only reason she had helped him announce it, is because he asked her to in an attempt to get her to forgive him. She said yes because she knew it would make him a little happy and Lindsey and Seto's friendship was on the rocks lately. They were sitting in his office.
"Well, are you going to speak to me?" Seto asked
"No."
"Stop being difficult."
"Okay. Then I'll leave." She got up and starting to walk away.
"Lindsey, are you serious? Stop." He got up and crossed the room. He grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her around. "If I promise to be careful and only use this Egyptian God card if it's absolutely necessary, will you talk to me?" She shook her head. "What if I let you enter the tournament and do everything in my power to keep it from your mother?" Lindsey pondered a moment, then shook her head.
"I'm sorry Seto. Please know I'm not mad at you. You are entitled to your own decisions, and this is what you want. I have no right to judge you. I just don't agree with this tournament at all, and I want nothing to do with it." She gave him a quick hug and left leaving Seto alone and blank faced.
I seriously don't understand her sometimes… I'm almost positive she's pissed at me… so why is she hiding it?
Lindsey POV
*Lindsey! Where are you!? I've been texting you for hours! Are you home? *
*Sorry Mai. No I'm not home. I'll be there soon.*
*Where are you?*
*I'll be at Yugi's*
Lindsey set the last text just as she arrived at Yugi's place. She knocked on the door and Yugi's grandpa answered.
"Oh. Hello Lindsey. What brings you by at this hour? It's nearly midnight."
"I'm sorry Mr. Muto for coming so late, but I really need to talk to Yugi and the pharaoh. It's important." Solomon nodded.
"Go on upstairs, he's in his room."
"Thanks." Lindsey climbed the stairs and made her way towards Yugi's room. She pushed open his door and found him sleeping.
How do I wake him up without making him mad?... Ah! Screw it! I've had a bad night and I need a little fun!
She walked over to his bed. She grabbed his mattress and flipped it over while at the same time yelling, "Wake up bitches!"
Yugi yelped as he flew and landed on the hard floor. He rubbed his hipbone. "What the heck was that for Lindsey?" Yugi looked like he was in pain.
"Cause it was fun, and I need to talk to Yami so, Switch over. Here." She grabbed the Millennium puzzle off his desk and threw it at him. The puzzle flashed, and Yami took over.
"What is it Lindsey." He was standing up now.
"You plan on entering the tournament don't you?"
"Of Course. Why?"
"It's not safe Yami!"
"I know."
"No. You don't. Seto possesses a card with power that is unheard. That card took out the ultimate dragon in one punch. I believe it can even take out the Crystal Magician. It's dangerous."
"I understand. But know that I have to enter this tournament. The fate of the world could depend on it." Lindsey started to tear up.
"Then I'm entering with you. If I can't convince you not to enter, then I'll be right along side you. Seto would never play that card against me. I'll do what I can to keep you and everyone else safe."
"Oh. Thank you, Lindsey." Lindsey nodded and launched herself at Yami. Yami hugged her back. They stood like this for a while until Lindsey pulled back. They locked eyes and Yami starting leaning in for a kiss but Lindsey turned her head so he caught just her cheek. "Lindsey?" He said questioningly.
"I'm so sorry Yami. Believe me, I want to, but not now. I just can't" A tear rolled down her face. "I'll see you tomorrow, or whenever. I gotta go. I'm sorry." She quickly exited the room, and sent Mai a text.
I hope you're still up cause, Good News: I'm entering the tournament. Bad News: I'll explain over a carton of Ben and Jerry's and a box of tissues. Moral of the story, my love life sucks. Be there soon. Xoxo.
Tears were streaming down her face and she stepped out into the cold night air and made way towards her apartment.