IT HAS ARRIVED. Sorry for taking so long yo. I have motivation spikes like you wouldn't believe. Also it doesn't help that I'm probably doing about a hundred or so things at once or trying too. Anyways here's the second re-write for Chapter 2 of this story! (I liked how it came out better you know?)
Enjoy!
Author's note: I don't own Yugioh just this little subplot story.
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The warmth and comfort of the bedsheets and blankets kept its current inhabitant from wanting to get up. She was far to comfortable and sleeping easily. But the sleeping beauty wasn't going to stay in her slumber for long, she felt her nose twitch at a soft touch. She groaned and tried to bury further into the covers but the soft batting continued but this time there was a loud purring that reached her ears. She let out a tired giggle before reaching her hand out to pet the one responsible.
"..Mmm morning Mittens." She yawned. The cat mewed and continued to force her way under the covers with the girl. Tea laughed and allowed the feline to get under the covers. She snuggled the cat, stroking her behind the ears. The cat made her way, to snuggle into the girl's chest. The brunette couldn't help but smile again. She sat up and picked the large cat up onto her lap. She stroked her behind the ears again.
"You are a pretty girl…" She cooed to her. The cat's loud purring was heard and she sprawled all on her owner's lap. She couldn't have asked for a more suitable companion, especially whenever she was home alone. In all honestly, Tea wasn't sure she'd ever want a cat. A dog would have been more her style but she never regretted the day she found the cat as a kitten. She had become her best friend while she was alone at home. The teenage girl had been home alone more often than she cared to admit. Especially with her mother always going on the 'business' trips. Even though it was for work, the girl was sure her mother was on the lookout for some sort of companion; a male companion. If anything, Tea didn't want a stepfather. Tea often didn't like to talk matters of dating or relationship, she had tried but it didn't work out for her. She missed her own father far to much. She was far closer to him than she was to her mother, which was a little sad now that she thought on it. When her father had passed away, she was lost. Luckily, her uncle; her father's brother, stepped in to give a helping hand. She loved him just as much as she had her own father, he acted the part too. Unfortunately… all good things did come to an end.
When she was about eight years old there was news that was brought to the house, she remembered it well. It was a stormy night and the downpour was awful. Her mother wasn't home yet, she had been working at a different job at the time that worked late shifts. She was alone, waiting for her either mother or her uncle to be home. The man had forgotten something and felt awful about leaving the little girl alone. She told him that she'd be fine but wondered if he should really go out. He brushed it off with a smile and told he'd be back home before she knew it. She wished she had tried harder… several hours later there was a phone call to her house. She answered it and the officer on the other line asked her if it was the Gardner residence. She told them yes and when asked to speak with her mother or another adult she told them they weren't home and she was waiting on her uncle. That was then she knew something was wrong, she asked if something was wrong since her uncle was supposed to be home by now. The officer gave the news that there was an accident. She didn't need to put two and two together to know what happened. A good night of fun that she had planned with her uncle went down the drain. With some effort and comfort, the officer tried to comfort her and told her that two officers would be arriving to her home. She talked as best as she could, but it was hard with tears streaming down her face. She knew the emergency number for her mom, and she was smart enough to use the phone. She tried but there was no answer, so she left a tearful message. The officers had arrived, and they stayed with the little girl trying to comfort her and convince her to wait at the station instead of being alone. But it did no good, the tears had come, and nothing stopped them. An hour later, her mother called panicked and told her she was on her way home. From there it was a blur, her mother came home, scooped her sobbing child into her arms. They got the horrible news that her uncle had died in a car crash. It was a hit and run, the drunk driver had hit him head on and left the broken car to suffer. The officers had caught him, but the damage had been done. It destroyed her, Tea had not only lost one person she loved and cherished the most but now… she had lost two.
The teen wiped away any tears that threatened to spill at the memory. She often thought about it when alone...she thought about them both and missed them terribly. She wondered a small time if that was the reason her mother so often sought companionship, though it did make her sad that she wasn't enough. It was hard to determine half the time. She shook her head and looked to the large cat sprawled comically across her lap. The brunette laughed, the cat managing to clear her sad memories. Tea, with some effort, picked up the heavy cat into her arms as she just went limp and purred up a storm. She swore half the time that Mittens was part ragdoll. She snuggled the cat some more before getting out of bed with her in her arms.
"You are a big girl, you know that?" She teased the cat. She meowed in response but seemed content no matter what. She set the cat back onto the bed as she went to get dressed. She brushed her teeth and got ready, she had showered the night before. She had all the time in the world to choose what she wanted to wear. She finally pulled out a white strapless skater dress and laid it carefully on the bed. She picked out a tight tan jacket to go with it and a pair of brown knee-high boots. She got changed into this outfit fairly easily. Once dressed she pulled up the white knee-high socks. She saw her cat jump down from the bed and patiently wait for her, a light thumping of her tail on the floor. The girl had to laugh, before she got to her knees to stroke the cat behind her ears. She pecked her with a small kiss on the top of her head. She carried the jacket in her arms and smoothed out the dresses ruffles before making her way down the stairs. The cat followed her down and waited at the kitchen door as Tea got to work making breakfast. It was a simple breakfast of pancakes. She made the batter, all the while humming to herself. It was the weekend and the start of spring break. She'd be alone, since her friends were going on their vacation. Mai, as the only other girl available she thought, probably wouldn't mind hanging out. In fact, the idea of going shopping and getting pampered at a spa sounded nice. Well… that is if Mai was available. Breakfast was fairly easy and as it was cooking, she made sure that Mittens had her own breakfast all set and ready. It gave her time to think, she wanted to make plans for the week break. She sprayed the pan with a nonstick spray as it began heating up. She put on a small apron so she wouldn't spill any batter on her outfit. Her jacket was hanging on the dining room chair. She continued to hum while making the pancakes. She slid her way over to the toast to pop in a slice of bread, popping it down. She then slid her way back over to the stove to finish cooking the pancake. At least she made enough batter for one pancake, after all she was the only one there. But it was a big pancake and being a dancer, she tended to work it off with exercise. Time passed and she had it finished, plus managing to get the perfect toast. Pouring herself a glass of orange juice, she placed her breakfast down on the table and ate in silence. She saw the big cat stroll into the living room, she could only smile.
She finished breakfast and stretched in her seat. The brunette stood up and cleaned up the kitchen from making breakfast, it took a good part of her morning, but she still had time afterwards. She went back up the stairs and brushed her teeth to finish off the morning. She pulled up her phone and took a look at all her text messages while she plopped down on her couch. She had to smile, seeing a few from her friends. They had sent a few about their packing situation. Turned out that Joey and Tristan struggled at first to fit the suitcases into the car and to figure out how to fit the others. Yugi almost had to sit on a suitcase, up until Duke forcibly unpacked and directed on how to pack. Reading the complaints from Tristan about it was great. Checking the time of the texts she seen they were when she had been making breakfast, getting up early. That must have been fun. She had to laugh, laying back on the couch, propping her legs over the armrest. She was careful of her cat, whom also took residence on the couch. She rested her head against the large sleeping feline. Tea was happy for her friends getting to chill out, she might have thought about going but she couldn't leave her cat nor the house on its own for the week. She stretched her arms out across the couch, her phone laying lazily in her hand. She could use the day to relax and maybe phone up one of the few female friends she had. Serenity she knew wasn't in town, Mai she wasn't sure of. She searched through her contact list and stumbled upon the ones she had. Yugi, Joey, Tristan, Duke, Serenity, Bakura, Mai, Miho, Mokuba… she blinked and paused. Right. She also got Mokuba's number. Though… she wasn't sure he even had a cell phone, she accepted it to be nice. She hadn't texted him once and she felt bad not doing so. Admittedly she had seen him a few times online, since she also got his online message chat name. Despite helping his sour attituded brother, the kid was a sweetheart. Maybe…
She sighed and thought against it. She was sure Seto Kaiba wouldn't have it, especially after the day after yesterdays' shenanigans. The girl groaned and thought to go with her original plan. Maybe she'd invite Mai over for a girl's night hangout. Which got her thinking, did she have snacks? She shot up like a bullet, wide eyed and her phone momentarily going sliding across the floor. Her large cat didn't move an inch, acting as if this was a normal thing.
"OH NO." She exclaimed. If she wanted to even think of inviting Mai over, she needed to go shopping for things! "I need to go shopping for food and snacks! Ah!"
She stumbled off the couch, slipping once before bolting to the kitchen to grab her jacket. Once she had that, the girl ran and scooped up her phone. She tucked it into her pocket before deciding to wrestle her boots on. She grabbed her wallet and stuffed that also in the jacket pocket. The last thing she snatched were her house keys and rushed out the door.
"Bye Mittens! I'll be back later!" She called to the sleeping cat. She closed the door and locked her house before taking off down the sidewalk in a run. Pocketing the house keys, she continued to run down the street. If she made good time, she could catch the bus into town. It was a nice day she had to admit, not many clouds in the sky. It was a perfect day for the guys to start their trip. She could only imagine the type of conversations in the car. Tristan no doubt started the punch buggy game with whoever the unfortunate victim would be. Her bet went to either Joey or Yugi. He already did that once with her and she nearly slapped him for it but decided to tell him off instead. He only shrugged it off.
The jog down the street was easy, she had nothing to really worry about. She just needed to make it to the bus stop. Getting there on time was no issue, the bus had a regular schedule. Even if she had a driver's license, it was useless to her as of now. Her mother had their only car and she was gone on a trip. So that left Tea with the only other option, walking. Pulling on the jacket was easy as she reached the stop, checking the time on her phone it seemed she also made it right on its schedule. No later than a few minutes, it pulled up. She hopped on as soon as it stopped and opened its doors. She went down the aisle before taking a seat next to an elderly lady. Excusing herself to move past her to get to the seat next to the window. The older woman was kind and allowed her to do so, even waving away the concern of Tea's apology with a smile. It was a long ride, she quietly looked out the window. This was nothing new to her, she had done it at a young age herself. Though the bus driver was always concerned and made it a personal business to make sure the little girl would be alright at that time. She was glad that there were some people that were kind enough to look out for her. At least the bus drivers were. Always keeping an eye out for her in case something would go bad. There had been a few times were trouble could have arrived but luckily it didn't. She'd have been moved to the front seat where they could keep an eye on her.
The bus had stopped a few more times to pick up more passengers, and Tea even struck up a friendly conversation with the older lady. Learning that she was there on a visiting spree to visit her grandchildren. The brunette always managed to keep good conversation with anyone. When the conversation had ended, she'd turn to the window. It didn't bother her, since there were people all around them to talk to. Looking out to the day sky, it really had been a nice day so far, no clouds, no chance of surprise thunderstorms. It was great.
The bus slowed to a stop again and looking out the window, she saw it was her stop. She carefully got up and had to crawl over the older woman's lap, apologizing all the way.
"Oh dear, no need to apologize." She said with a smile, helping the girl the rest of the way over. "You're alright."
"Still I'm so sorry I had to." She told her. She gave a wave to her. "Thank you again!"
She made her way off the stop and onto the sidewalk. She took in her surroundings for a moment, she knew the store wasn't all that far of a walk but this was the closest she could get to said store. The walk would do her well. She saw there were several people out and about, probably to just enjoy the Saturday. After all many schools were out for the break. They out relaxing, no worrying about classes, no homework. It was perfect. She'd definitely need to hang out with some of her friends still there. It was too bad that Serenity wasn't in town, she would have called her. But she had gotten along with Mai, and of course the female duelist wasn't a bad person. She liked her. Tea thought to hurry it along, she wanted to get to the store to plan her night. Jogging, she kept moving forward. She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket, she took it out to look. Her friends were texting again. She wasn't paying attention to where she was going and when she rounded the corner and ran a bit further, she ran smack dab into someone that sent her backwards to the ground. She gave a squeak, her phone sliding somewhere. Groaning the teen sat up.
"Watch it!" A voice growled at her. She had heard something else go hitting the ground but didn't see what til she looked. There was a silver briefcase next to her.
"Sorry! I'm sorry! I should have been paying attention!" She apologized before reaching for the silver briefcase. It looked familiar but… why? She held it in her lap for a moment before looking to the person she ran into. "I'll take the bl- KAIBA!?"
"Gardner!?" The male teen glared at her from where he was, she must have really running fast to manage to plow him down.
"Wha!? What are you doing here?" She asked, the briefcase forgotten in her lap.
"What do you think?" He replied sarcastically. The tall brunette stood up, brushing off his outfit. He had picked something up into his hand. She took a moment to study what outfit the billionaire CEO had on. A pair of black pants on with a black shirt, the familiar black boots from his Battle City Tournament outfit. He had a pair of metal cuffs on his wrists and to top it off, the large purple trench coat with padded shoulders. Around on a string in the form of a necklace was a card. She had a feeling it was a picture thing, she had seen him wear it before.
"Oh I don't know Kaiba… why would I know?" She asked. He scoffed.
"Then why ask?"
She glared at him before getting to her feet with the briefcase in her hands. A part of her still wanted to apologize but she also didn't want to get anymore insulted.
"...I don't know. Just asking." She shrugged. He rose an eyebrow at the comment but said nothing more. She was about to offer the briefcase, now realizing it was his. It was somewhat heavy, filled with paperwork and probably rare cards. She had seen it once before.
"Hn." She was hoping not to see him over break but apparently there was a cruel trickster god that just wanted her to suffer. She looked back to him to say something but noticed something in his hand. Narrowing her eyes, she realized it was her phone.
"...Look I'm sorry, I was in a hurry and I'll take the blame." She admitted. She looked briefly to the case in her hands before glancing to the phone. He said nothing. After some time, he held the phone for her to see.
"This is yours isn't it?" The monotone edge in his voice was no surprise. She nodded, reaching a hand to take it.
"Yeah, sorry I must have dropped it when I slammed into you." She replied. The girl blinked when he held it out of her grasp. "...Um…"
"I'll take that briefcase first." He told her. She narrowed her eyes at the tall brunette again.
"...I'll give you the case, but you gotta give me my phone." She told him. "I keep to my promise."
"Sure you do." The sarcasm was thick on his tongue. She flushed lightly, did he seriously doubt her? When had she really given him a chance to mistrust her?
"Seriously I will… but I don't trust you to not give my phone back." She shot back, reaching for it again only for him to lift it further from her grasp.
"Sorry Gardner but you're not doing the bartering here." There was a sly edge to his tone. Oh no he was not toying with her now.
"Give me my phone." She told him.
"The case." He held the other hand out to take it. She thought to put it out of his reach but… he was taller, had longer arms. She wouldn't get far. Tea gave him the case as he took it with ease. Now she held her hand for her phone. For a minute she thought he wasn't going to give it back but he did. It was within inches of her grasp before it vibrated in his hand. Instead of handing it to her, he took a look at who the text was from. That famous Kaiba smirk was in place.
"Kaiba…" She started.
"Texting the geek squad? What did they not want you to join today? Oh wait." He smirked even more before looking at the messages. "Looks like they left on a vacation without you."
"Give me the phone." She swiped for it, but he held it away. 'Rude!'
"Getting a little male bonding time in, are they?" She flushed pink. Why was he doing this!? Was he just bored or was he enjoying the taunts? "I guess the nerd herd needed to let loose."
"Shut up." She swiped for the phone again and he held it higher from her grasp.
"Looks like the little cheerleader is left behind." He laughed. She flushed an even darker shade, the faint red tinting her cheeks. She jumped and swiped the phone, this time managing to get it.
"Would you quit it?" She snapped, she wasn't sticking around for this. She brushed past him. "And it's rude to look though someone's phone without asking!"
She took off again at a run, the further she got from the arrogant teen the better. It didn't take long to reach her designation. She knew she wouldn't be trailed so it was safe to enter the store. It was busy but not to busy. She quickly grabbed a cart and headed inwards. She needed the perfect snacks and food for a night. Maybe Mai would spend the night too, she'd make dinner for them. Maybe they'd go out for lunch too. She'd have to text the blonde duelist first. She was far into the aisle and pulled the cart to the side before getting her phone out to text her. Searching through her contacts as she waited. Maybe it'd be easier to ask first if Mai wanted to hang out. She rested against the bar of the cart, scrolling through her phone.
But that didn't last long.
Suddenly the peaceful music that played through the store was suddenly drowned out by gunshots. All the people in the store screamed and yelled as the system was blown out. She screamed herself and her knees buckled. The cart was shoved away in the effort, as she found herself hunched over on her knees, her head near the ground. She heard people screaming and yelling.
"GATHER THEM ALL!" She heard a male shout out. "GATHER EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM TO THE FRONT!"
She felt her heart beat hard in her chest and her hands clutched over her phone. There were shouts and people stomping about. She felt a hand grab her and yank her up before shoving her down the aisle and around to the other way.
"Move! Come on!" She went with the group, she saw the gun. Tea wasn't about to get shot for not listening. Going towards the front she saw the men, dressed with bandannas over their faces. She saw them strip people of their phones. She panicked, she couldn't lose her phone. She got shoved into another group of people, forcing her to her knees. With it she managed to shove her phone into her boot. She was lifted back to her feet by the group and led to the group line that was being formed. People were getting shoved down to their knees and forced to stay low and quiet. It was not looking good. The teen saw that the shudders for the store were closing, locking them in with this robber group.
'...So much for a nice day…' she winced mentally, getting shoved to the front of a group and next to a terrified woman. The woman, looking to be in her thirties, steadied her as they were forced to sit there in terrified silence. Tea felt her heart hammering in her ribcage, how was this happening? How were they getting away with this!? The police had to know what was happening… but so far there had been no rescues. She was sitting on her knees, her hands clasping the edge of her dress's front until it was wrinkled from her white knuckles. The customers, the staff, and the store management were being gathered to sit there. Being held hostage by this strange group of robbers and thieves. All the people were huddled together. One of their captors, dressed in black and gray a blue bandanna over his mouth and nose approached was making rounds pacing in front of them, a shotgun weighed in his hands.
"LISTEN UP! We got some demands of you lot!" He spoke, his accent southern thick. "Aye the boss will speak wit ya!"
Then a taller man stepped forward, dark tan pants, black boots, a red shirt over his broad shoulders, dirty blonde hair messy with a pair of sunglasses oer his face. He had metal arm bands on his wrists, fairly worn. A dark blue sleeveless vest with dark golden buttons aligning the collar and the outside of the sleeve holes. He wore a double necklace, with a design cross on it. But the most noticeable thing on him, was his bandanna. An American themed bandanna.
'Something is really familiar about that bandanna…' Tea thought, feeling a tad sick to her stomach.
The man stepped forward where he was in view of all of the group. He held his hand out and a machine gun was placed into it. He hoisted it into the air where they could all see it.
"ALRIGHT LISTEN UP! YOU'RE OUR CAPTIVES NOW AND YOU'RE GONNA DO AS WE TELL YOU! GOT IT!?" He shouted to them all. "THOSE DOORS AIN'T GONNA OPEN SO I SUGGEST YOU GET COMFORTABLE CAUSE YOU'RE ALL IN FOR THE LONG HAUL!"
There were cries of panic and outrage. Tea felt sick to her stomach and light headed as tears stung her eyes. She couldn't believe this was happening. Though it seemed the noise was angering the man. He raised the gun into the ceiling and shot a few rounds, taking out the lights and effectively silencing the crowd with screams of fear.
"QUIT THAT! YOU WANT TO LIVE YOU'RE GONNA DO WHAT YOU'RE TOLD! THAT MEANS SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!" He screeched at them. The intimidation with the gun did the trick and every one of them was silent. "Good little hostages! We're taking all the money but we ain't gonna be done with you yet! Do anything against what we want… and you'll all meet this little guy! He packs quite a punch!"
He waved the gun for them to see, that alone sent shivers up her spine. They were in trouble and this guy was serious. He turned to one of his lackeys.
"Hey make the demands, I know we got those pigs attentions. Let them know what kind of stakes their playing! I want our demands met!" He ordered. The man he gestured to, saluted and went towards where the management office would be. Tea was terrified, her heart was in her throat. Silent tears of panic slipping past her, but she doubted she was the only one crying. She felt the woman beside her shakily wipe a few she could see. She was grateful someone was trying to help. The teen scooted next to her and reached for her hands, for some sort of physical comfort. There were no complaints as her hands were clasped by the woman's.
"...Shh… it's okay we'll be okay…" She whispered as softly as she could manage. Tea could only nod. But she was noticeably trembling. One of the men suddenly approached her and the woman.
"Hey you!" He demanded. She didn't know who he was talking to, he knelt down next to them before tapping her with the butt end of his gun. "Yes you! Give me your phone."
"..."
"Hey didn't you hear me!? Give it here!" He demanded about to grab her.
"I-I don't have it!" She answered panicky.
"Bull roar, I saw you have it!" He snarled. "Where is it!?"
"I dropped it when I fell! It's not in my hands anymore!" She cried. The man wasn't believing her, his green bandanna covering the snarl on his lips. "It slid under the shelves!"
"I don't-"
"What's the problem?" The team leader asked as he looked over.
"Girl ain't giving up her phone, saying she dropped it and went under the shelves." The lackey explained. The boss looked over to them.
"Check her pockets see if she's telling the truth." He told him. The man did just that, checking the two jacket pockets and found nothing. He grumbled before getting up and walking away. Seemed that satisfied the boss and he moved onwards. He was called over towards that management office, disappearing behind the door. No doubt making his demands to the police. Tea cried silently clutching the other woman's hands. A couple behind them reached over to comfort her as they too were just as scared.
"Shh… it's okay sweetie…." The woman comforted her quietly. She moved to bury her face into her shoulder, the woman welcomed her to it. She had to do something, she couldn't risk staying here… she had to get out and everyone else.
"...I still have it…" She whispered, hoping the woman heard.
"...What?"
"I still have it… I… I can try to help…" Tea buried her face into her shoulder. She wanted to get them out, but… she needed an ally on the outside. Maybe… just maybe she could text someone. Mai… Mai would be a good choice. The woman seemed to shift before holding her close to comfort her.
"...Go for it sweetie... " She heard her whisper. Grateful she had a helping hand, she discreetly began to slid her hand to her boot where she had slid her phone. The couple seemed to pick up on this and also scooted in. She had more than one ally, she just hoped none of them got caught. She carefully slid her phone into her eye's view, down near legs. The couple was also hiding it so they'd make it look like they were also comforting her. She shakily began to search a number but panicked when the boss exited, slamming the door open to the management office.
"WE GOT 'EM BOYS! NOW MAKE THOSE PIGS ROLL AROUND FOR US!" He declared. Tea didn't know the number she selected but with a shaky finger texted out the message she needed to get out. She hoped the message was read loud and clear…
-Meanwhile elsewhere-
The last of the business deal finished up, Seto Kaiba was relieved for once to get it over with. It was a pain to go through, especially when the business men were idiots. Had there been any decent brains, he wouldn't have been so bored. The only entertaining thing that had happened today was running into Yugi's little cheerleader. Now maybe he could finally spend the time he wanted to with his younger brother. Mokuba had been eager for the break, having many ideas of what they could do. The limo pulled around just in time as he exited the building. The door opened before he could even reach it.
"Hiya Seto!" Greeted the wild raven-haired boy. He scooted back as his brother entered the vehicle closing it behind him. "So how was it?"
"Boring as usual." The older boy scoffed. "I'm surprised I didn't fall asleep."
"You have slept with your eyes open before…"
"One time." Seto Kaiba was far more relaxed around his younger sibling than anyone else. He didn't trust a lot of people, Mokuba was one of the very few he trusted. Mokuba laughed before sitting back.
"Now you have some time free!" The younger boy declared. "Any ideas of what you want to do?"
"Hmmm… well I don't know.. I might have work."
"Hey you promised!" Mokuba pouted, but rolled his eyes once seeing the amused glint in his brother's eyes. "Oh come on Seto!"
"Maybe I have a few -" He stopped upon the vibrating noise from his coat pocket. He frowned before fishing out the phone, he swore he turned off the thing before going into the meeting. Turning on the device there was a text message there, the number he didn't recognize but he read the message. He wore a mixed expression of distaste and annoyance.
"Huh? Whose texting you?" Mokuba blinked before scooting over to take a peek. The younger blinked again reading it. Well that was an odd message to send. It read 'plz halp'. Mokuba for one knew his brother had a thing against incorrect spellings especially in text. Even stranger it was an unknown number. But upon further inspection that number looked familiar…
"What kind of joke is this?" He asked to no one in particular. "This isn't even remotely amusing… I'm deleting this."
"Hey wait a minute." Mokuba snatched the phone before his brother could do so. Getting a look from him but ignored it. The younger Kaiba searched his own pockets before pulling out his phone, he searched his one contacts list.
"What are you doing Mokuba?"
"Wait a second I just.. Ah-ha! AH!" The younger boy jolted before comparing the numbers. "I know this number!"
"Okay?"
"It's Tea's number!" Seto Kaiba made a face, why on earth did Gardner have HIS number? Upon seeing the look, Mokuba sheepishly smiled. "Whoops… sorry Seto I think I gave her your number by accident when exchanging contacts."
"...Why did you do that?" The question was slow but accusing. Mokuba chuckled awkwardly.
"...We were in a rush and well I thought it'd be nice at times to just strike up a conversation… no wonder I didn't get any text messages." Mokuba nodded. He stared at the message on his brother's phone. "Still… it's kind of odd… you know for this to be the first message she sends."
"That's not really any of my concern…" He took his own phone back before looking to the message. "This must be just some ploy to get all nice and friendly, don't they realize I don't have time for their ridiculous friendship games?"
"...What if she's in trouble?" Mokuba pressed. "Seto, she might need help!"
"Oh please." He scoffed. "The only trouble that girl has is with those idiots she hangs out with."
"Text her back and ask." He pointed to the message. "Come on you have to be a little bit curious! Please?"
He really REALLY wanted to delete the message and forget about it, but why did he have to look at his brother at that time? Kaiba sighed before texting out the question. 'What is going on?'. Sending it, he looked to his brother unamused.
"There… it's sent. Happy?"
"Mhm." A few minutes later another vibrate came through, and immediately the message was there. This one was just one-word answers scrambled together. 'Halp trap plz troble danger help'. The two brothers furrowed their brows.
"...That doesn't seem like a joke Seto… I think something's wrong."
"..." Kaiba didn't answer this time, instead sending another text out. 'What danger and trouble?'. They only had to wait a few minutes before the next text came through. A little alarming at the words. 'trap gun help'. That didn't sound good, even Kaiba himself had to admit that wasn't a good sign. A part of him wanted to say this was a sick joke but thinking back on the girl, for one he didn't exactly take her to be a prankster to this level. Looking up, he fixed his gaze on the window separating the driver from them. "Roland turn on the radio for any news reports."
His most trusted man did so and the report that came on was not what they wanted to hear. There was news about a hostile takeover at one of the local stores. It was shut down and the rogue group, whoever it was had taken hostages and were demanding money along with other ridiculous things. The police had been stationed there it seemed like, but no one was hearing any words of the hostages inside.
"That's awful! Those people are trapped! Tea has to be there too!" Mokuba cried. It was alarming for sure, but now the texts were making sense. Looking back to the phone where the jumbled messages lay, his gaze narrowed. He couldn't believe he was about to do this...
"Turn the vehicle around, head in the direction of where that report was talking about."
-Back to the store-
Tea had been sending messages out to the receiver, praying they got them. They did and responded. She was terrified at getting caught by the goons. Her hands were shaking fiercely but hopefully they'd send help. Though approaching footsteps were heard and she hurriedly tried to slip the phone back into her boot but didn't get far. Luckily the couple behind them managed to shove it further down.
"I think you lot are getting to close!" Snarled one of the men, forcibly tearing the group apart with a few whacks with the side of the gun. Tea flinched as did the other woman when getting hit. "Now stay apart!"
"W-We're scared man! W-W-We can't help it!" The man behind her tried to reason. But she heard the loud thwack behind her and the man crying in pain. He didn't deserve that!
"Shut up!" Tea had to put her hands over her mouth to keep from fully wanting to cry out. Tears escaped her eyes as her shaking increased. This was awful. Another set of footsteps approached and she; regrettably looked up. The boss of the group was right there.
"So what do we got?" He hummed, looking over all of them. Tea shifted her gaze over to the others and they were just as fearful. "Trouble makers?"
"Yeah they were getting too close and snugly." The goon replied. The boss tsked before shuffling into his pocket for something.
"No no no, we can't have that." He said. "Makes me think you're up to something. Are you hiding something?"
"..." No one replied, to scared too. The boss gave a sigh before stepping right in front of her.
"Okay… let's try this again… how about.. You?" He said before roughly grabbing her arm and dragging her across the floor away from the group. She gave a cry of panic as did the other group. The woman, who had been comforting her tried to make a grab for her to pull her away. As did the couple behind them but they were forced back.
"No don't! She's just a child!" Cried out the man from before that had tried to reason before. He got whacked again before being told to be quiet.
"Now… let's try this." He knelt down in front of her. She watched him, afraid of what he would do. Her breathing was uneven. "Awww… come now baby girl don't be that way, I just gotta few questions. All you gotta do is answer them honestly and nothing's gonna happen… but fail to answer…"
He flipped the item he had in his hand for her to show and flipped it open to reveal the knife. She gasped and tried to recoil back from it. He grabbed a hold of her head, bringing her back. He tsked, waving the blade in front of her. She trembled, her eyes wide.
"Ah-ah. No no.." He scolded as if he were gently scolding a young child. "Don't do anything stupid sweetheart."
"..." She didn't move, shaking worse than a leaf in the wind. It was her life on the line now.
"Now… why were you getting cozy?" He asked. She flicked her gaze between the blade and his masked face.
"...Pl-Please…" She answered, tears starting to fall from her eyes. "...Please…"
"Oh come on don't start with the waterworks… that's only gonna make it worse." He said, the warning threat on his tongue. "Let me show you."
She wanted to flinch away, as her gaze became wider as the blade was placed against her cheek. Tears furiously rolled down her cheeks and she gave a gasp as it pressed against her cheek.
"See… when you refuse to answer properly…" He started slowing, cutting the blade into her cheek, slowly cutting a line into her cheek. The blood seeped from the new cut, and it stung. She whimpered as he finished the cut. But he didn't stop before placing the blade just below it and cutting a new line into her cheek. "I'll add a few little scratches to your face. And I'd hate to ruin a pretty little face like yours. Get the picture?"
"S-Stop it! Leave her alone!" Cried someone else. The boss gave a huff of irritation before pulling the blade away from her cheek after the second wound. He turned annoyed towards the source. Tea was shaking furiously, the stinging on her cheeks there. He got to his feet dragging the distraught girl up with him. She gasped and grabbed his wrist.
"Shut your traps!" He shouted. "Or else some heads are going to go rolling! Speaking of which! It's been an hour! Call them pigs and let them know what happens now."
"Yes boss!" Several of the goons suddenly went through the group of hostages and pulled out a three people. All at random and shoved them to the floor. The boss began to drag her back, but she saw the outcome of what he meant. Her heart stopped as the bangs rang out. Screams echoed along with her own. She felt sick, nauseous even. She felt like her legs were going to give out.
"NOW! SEE THAT WE'RE SERIOUS!" He yelled. "SHOW THOSE PIGS WEREN'T WE'RE KIDDING!"
Grabbing the teen by her hair, he began to drag her forward with him.
"Now I'm going to take this one with me. I ain't got my answers yet." Tea flailed a bit but tried to free herself from him, it was useless though. She was getting dragged into the office, the windows closed off and the door slammed behind them. She was shoved into the desk hard. She grunted and whimpered before sliding to the floor. She hated this, this was worse than the time getting caught by the rare hunters.
"..." She held her side where she had slammed into the edge of the desk. The teen didn't want to be alone with this lunatic.
"Now… where were we before that interruption? Oh yeah." He flipped the knife in his fingers. "I was asking you a question."
"..."
"...But now that I got you all alone sweetie, I have a different set of questions." He said, pacing around, eyeing her like a predator. She didn't like that look. "I do think I recognize you… Wheeler and Muto's little friend right?"
She looked at him fully, confused at how he knew Yugi and Joey. Wait… that bandanna…
"What's this? Don't recognize me? I'm offended." He taunted. "I thought I was a memorable face… you know before your little friends and that good for nothing Pegasus ruined me."
"...Keith…" She gasped. "...Bandit… Keith…."
"Oh you do remember me! Why I'm touched now!" He laughed before going towards her. She hastily got to her feet away from him. Backed into the wall. "See I have a few ideas… and you're just the touch to help me with them. Plus… you'll come in handy for other situations…"
He had her cornered, Tea didn't like that. Her hands pressed furiously into the wall as she tensed with him even closer. She felt revolted once he grabbed her chin.
"Besides I'd rather not hurt a pretty little face like yours any more than I have too…" He grinned beneath the bandanna. "It'd be a shame to kill ya-"
Then the worst of timing happened, her phone vibrated. She felt and heard it in her boot and saw that he heard it too. He slowly looked down to where her boot had vibrated then back to her face.
"...I thought you didn't have your phone." He growled. "Looks like I'm going to have to deliver punishment to you anyways…"
She reacted, her flight to fight response kicked in. She raised her knee, fast and hard right below the belt. The man gave a grunt of pain as he recoiled back at the hit. It was a low blow but for someone like him? It was perfect. She flung herself over the table to the other door on the other side, she tugged at it several times before finally getting it open. She heard the man snarl behind her as she fled before he roared out.
"GET BACK HERE!"
She had no time to ponder what could happen if he caught her, she had to get out. NOW. Maybe getting out she could lead the police to where she was. Even calling them. Though right now, getting away from the hostiles was far more important. That knife stung but a bullet? She didn't want to think about getting shot. Plus… she heard more footsteps chasing after her. Thank the stars for gym class. She'd probably be able to outrun them. Though… throwing an office chair here and there helped slow them down… including Bandit Keith. Of all the times to run into him, this was NOT one. The teen spotted a window and ran for it, fully intending to throw herself out but was stopped by someone grabbing her jacket and yanking her back.
"You are not getting away you little -" Keith started to snarl. She yanked herself as hard as she could away, the jacket ripping in the process. It was torn but still held. She then threw herself to the window, managing to break it and fall into the next area. She didn't have time to dwell but got up and ran. They weren't going to be far behind. She serpentined through the area, a storage area as what she could tell. Getting to an area she paused for a minute to catch her breath. Her heart was racing, and she felt light headed. She bent down, carefully removing her phone to check the message. 'What is the situation now?' It read. She took a moment to text back 'Bad, people were just shot, they're threatening others, please send help'. Sending it out she paused again and held the phone to her chest. She heard the footsteps near before she had to move again. Getting caught by goons now would not look good… especially with whatever Keith had in mind for her. She shuddered and had to take a moment not think about throwing up. It was stressful but she couldn't stop. Getting into another hiding spot, her phone went off again. Checking the message this time it read 'This doesn't look like the other messages you sent, where are you now?'. Upon looking at the number she realized she hadn't texted Mai at all, rather Mokuba. She came up with a response 'Got away from them but they're trailing me, if they catch me I'm dead.'. She sent the message out and moved again. Getting out would prove to be hard. Especially if those goons were looking for her and even Keith was on the prowl. The phone buzzed again. 'Get out where ever you can. Inform me when you escape, and I'll come to you.' She didn't even read into how serious the messages, nor did she have a chance to. She gasped hearing the men close in. Taking the courage, she bolted, not before shots rang out around her. She cried out as they just barely missed her and ran around the corner. Where was the door out!?
Now the gods of luck seemed to smile on her, she saw a door. It read Exit on the top, yes that was it! She bolted for it, but not before hearing footsteps behind her. She had to stop them now. She saw the shelf and with one swoop, she grabbed it and pulled it down, her arms screaming at the stress of it. The goons yelped in surprise but that gave her a chance to flee through the door. Barreling through it she bolted, hitting a chain link fence on the way out. Getting away from the door was idea. She hurried and ran, once out of sight behind a bush she gave a second to grab her breath back. She pulled the phone out to text Mokuba's number. 'Out. I'm in the back. Hiding behind the nearest bush to get away. I'm not going to last long.' She sent it and was afraid when she heard the somewhat angry words of Bandit Keith as he and no doubt two others exited. Her phone buzzed. 'Go to the alley and hurry.' Great, that was going to fun. She braced herself and bolted, though they saw her.
"Get her!" She urged her legs to move faster but luck had run out. She neared the edge before the caught her. Unfortunately, her ankle had also twisted in an unfortunate manner that she cried out and stumbled. Then she was yanked back with a yelp and slammed into the wall. Tea didn't get a chance to retaliate before a hand was at her throat. She gasped and tried to pry it away but to no avail. He was choking her.
"You. You are going to pay for that little action…" The blonde snarled, his bandanna pulled away and the snarl visible. "Oh I'm going to make sure you do…"
No… No no no no… she couldn't die here…! No this wasn't happening! She was so close…! The world would start going dark very soon if he kept this up. Her legs were shaking and her heart was racing in fear. It was over…
Suddenly she was freed, as Keith cried in pain. She doubled over in a fit of coughing, gaining her breath back. She heard a thwack of someone getting hit hard with a metal object. She didn't get a chance feeling a hand grab her arm and pull her forward. A very familiar voice ringing in her ears.
"Gardner move!" She didn't take a moment to gawk at the situation, but she would later. She flinched going around the corner, hearing a bullet bounce off a metal object. She was shoved forward more. She lost track of time, she lost track of where they had run, she lost track… of where she was. She was pulled to a stop, her breathing uneven and she shook. Her knuckles white, and her face no doubt drained of blood. She was almost faintly aware of someone slightly shaking her. But the events raced around her, she found she couldn't focus. Tea thought she was going to pass out. She wanted to cry out, she wanted to know she was okay. Tea only blinked once or twice when she felt something with weight be placed around her shoulders. She took a moment to look to see that there was someone there. Someone that had saved her. She didn't even glance to her rescuer's face before latching onto him. Burying her face into his chest, her hands gripping at the black material of his shirt. He seemed taken back and tense at the movement but didn't shove her off.
"...Easy Gardner." Said the all too familiar voice again, hands on her shoulders. She finally took the chance to find out why she recognized it. She took a minute to look up into the face of her rescuer. A pair of blue eyes meeting her own, even though they looked a tad uncomfortable she knew who they belonged to.
"...Kaiba?" Tea stood, stunned and confused. There was no way that this was Seto Kaiba. She had to see if this was just some illusion, was she already passed out? Gripping a hold of his arm, she was startled to find it was very much real. Now this was too much, why on earth would Kaiba save her of all people? Well he had done it before and several other times, but he always had the snarky attitude to go with it. Which lead to the next question… how did he even know? Even if he didn't answer, the fact he was studying her face made her a tad uncomfortable.
"Let's just get you to the hospital." His voice brought her out of her thoughts. A hand tilting her head to the side to show the rather nasty cuts on her cheeks. They moved forward and she suddenly winched and hissed as her ankle sent a sharp pain. The act that surprised her was that he had caught her. Though the real surprise was when she noticed the color purple draping from her shoulders. Looking to it, she saw it was… wait was it his trench coat? Okay… who was this and what had he done with Seto Kaiba? "Hurt ankle?"
She nodded not trusting herself to speak. Though she tensed when she felt like he was about to pick her up. The running of thundering footsteps caught their ears. Kaiba cursed under his breath and the two teens whirled in time to see Keith and his goons running at them. Although… it was disaster. Tea saw the gun raise, it was as if slow motion had come into play. Then as if time had caught up, the shot rang out. There was nothing to protect either of them. The bullet hit the intended target… square in the chest.
"KAIBA!" She screamed and shot out to catch as he was forced to fall back. She fell with him, buffering his fall to the ground so he didn't hit his head. The teen CEO was gripping the part of his chest that had been shot, rolling to the side. She was on her knees, her breathing uneven once more. He was hurt. She hovered over him, touching his shoulder.
'No no nonono… this isn't happening…' Her thoughts were frantic. But her heart stopped as the footsteps neared. She whirled her head to see the man behind the shot. Keith held the gun up, aiming at the fallen teen. Tea hovered more so over him, to protect him from being shot more. Her tremble was uncontrollable and her eyes shimmering with tears of fear. The gun clicked ready to shoot again.
"Sorry but this ends now." Keith stated.
"NO!" She had herself thrown practically onto of the fallen Kaiba to protect him. But the gun never went off. Instead… the sound of a helicopter reached their ears… as did the numerous amount of feet headed their way. Keith cursed out loud.
"We gotta go boss!" One of the goons yelled, turning to run away.
"THIS ISN'T OVER!" Keith shouted running after his goons. They vanished around the bend of the corner and out of sight just as the police came. Several officers ran in the direction of where they had run. It left the two teens, guarded by the police. At no better timing too, any minute longer… and there would have been blood splattered on the cement ground. A hiss of breath drew her attention. She turned back to Kaiba to see him, with a very bad tremble, trying to sit back up. She had her hands on his back and shoulders.
"E-Easy…" She said, almost surprised at how small her own voice sounded. Sitting up, she could see how white his face was with pain. He was clutching at his shoulder, right to his chest. Her eyes were drawing to the hand clutching at the fabric of his shirt, seeing some dark red staining it. He was shot right in the shoulder… dangerously close to his chest, where his heart was. The events transpired and it came crashing down on her. She felt light headed realizing the near threat of the situation… the near death that he nearly suffered, the blood seeping into his shirt from the bullet. The world was spinning and she tried to even out her breathing but to no use. The world was growing brighter every second. She couldn't steady herself. Minutes later she was starting to waver to the side before the world went dark. But before it did she heard a voice say her name.
"Tea!"
-00000000000-0000000000-000000000-
There we go! I kept some elements from the original chapter in this one as you saw. But I added some new ones so if you read to the next chapter it might not make sense since they're all getting re-written. What I might do is put a sign on each chapter saying being re-written please ignore? Who knows. I'll try to update these when I can! I'm not going to make promises that I'll get these done right away since you know... life has a weird way of keeping one busy.
But until next time! Have a lovely day!
~Katnight out