Chapter Twenty-Nine
Bakura had continued his elaborate route home without Akeno's slight snoring discouraging him as he awkwardly balanced her and Ryou's briefcase behind his back. He shut the apartment door with his foot and dropped the briefcase carelessly. Akeno, on the other hand, he dumped on the couch, the action jolting her awake.
"Ah! What's going on?" she asked groggily. "How'd we get here so soon?"
He snorted. "You fell asleep, girl, and I had to carry your dead weight for twelve blocks," he growled.
"I-I fell asleep?" she blushed, sitting up on her elbows.
Bakura walked away from her, into the darkness of the dim apartment. There was a rattle of a chain and Akeno winced, realizing he planned on following through with his threat, as usual. He turned to face her, a smirk on his lips and the dog collar and leash in his hands. She gulped but tried not to act nervous as he approached.
"Didn't I tell you that you'd be wearing your collar again?" he asked, taking in the wariness in her expression.
She looked away from the harsh metal links and nodded. "Yes, master," she replied, releasing the hold on her dignity once again as she allowed him to slip the collar over her head. Is this all he's going to do…? Could I be that lucky?
Bakura kept the leash in his hands and gave her a wolfish grin. "Now, I believe we have some matters to discuss," he started. "You are going to tell me what exactly has made you so obedient as of late."
Akeno blinked, feeling more awake and alert. School. Those girls. The rumors. She went red and couldn't meet his eyes. "I… already told you, master," she said quietly. "I was just tired… and… I'm supposed to obey you?"
He snarled and yanked the leash so that the collar tightened around her neck. "Don't think that you can lie to me!" Bakura growled, the air growing cold around him.
Akeno's heart skipped a beat, remembering his earlier promise of the Shadow Realm. In the blackness of the room, she saw the corners of her vision flicker and grow even darker; the oppressing weight of the living shadows closing in around her.
"Wait! Please! I-I'm sorry, I'll tell you," she pleaded. "I just… I didn't want to bother you with my problems…"
Bakura paused and smirked down at her. So, the girl can now sense the Shadow Realm before it is fully summoned—interesting, he mused.
"You've never prevented yourself from being a burden to me before," he said tersely. "Now do as I say, and tell me what I wish to know."
She hung her head, caught between feeling sick and relieved that he was giving her another chance to talk before he brought them to the shadows. Oh, how do I even say this delicately...?
"I'm waiting."
"Er… well," she looked up at him and hesitated.
Bakura raised a brow at her flushed cheeks then narrowed his eyes, feeling impatient. "If you don't speak now, I'm going to force it out of you."
"I, uh," she mumbled. "There... was a rumor going around school, that's all. And… it upset me."
He stared for a moment and when it was clear she wasn't going to explain any further, Bakura growled. Akeno averted her eyes, hoping he would just become uninterested and let it be.
It's awkward enough without him being involved!
Bakura let out a short bark of a laugh. "You wouldn't happen to mean the rumor in which you were some sort of common bed-warmer?" he asked knowingly.
She gaped at him. "H-how?"
"It seems that Ryou is able to prove himself useful for once, thanks to the access of his memories," Bakura grinned at her dumbfounded expression.
H-he can do that? Since when?!
"You cannot hide anything from me, girl," he told her, haughtily. "You should know that by now."
Akeno sighed. "Well, that was it… why I was upset earlier…The things they were saying were just awful…" She put a hand to her chest and looked down at her lap, recalling the girls' faces and the boys' sly grins. "I've never been so embarrassed in my whole life," she admitted, eyes stinging.
Bakura's laughter cut through her thoughts. She looked up in surprise as he continued to cackle as if she had told some hilarious joke.
"And why would you be embarrassed?" he asked her, his laughs dying down to a deep chuckle. "You should be honored at the thought. Does a whore not have more status then a pet?"
Akeno couldn't look into his cold eyes anymore, nor could she attempt an answer.
He pulled Akeno to her feet with the leash. "You will stop acting like a fool," Bakura told her, sternly. "You will only feel misery when I desire it, understand?"
Slowly, she nodded, wanting to humor him if nothing else. But don't you always want me to be miserable?
"Speak!" he barked, making her jump.
"Yes, master," Akeno replied quickly.
"Good," Bakura said simply, shutting his eyes briefly. "Now, there is still the issue of this morning to account for…"
"This… morning?"
"Your blatant disrespect and disobedience," he explained.
Akeno's eyes widened. "B-but you were just angry because I was obeying you!"
Bakura yanked her collar. "This is exactly what I mean!" he snarled.
She stared at him, astonished. Is this guy serious?! He'd find something to complain about no matter what I do!
In her moment of stunned silence, Bakura took the liberty to haul her along by the leash. "Come," he ordered, practically dragging her down the hall.
"W-what are you doing? Master?" she squeaked, trying and failing to impede his steps.
It wasn't until they were both in Ryou's bedroom that he stopped. He gave her an annoyed look. "You question me more often than I'd like, girl."
Well, maybe if you stop acting like a cryptic creep and tell me what you're doing once in a—
Akeno gagged slightly as the collar constricted her throat. "You've done nothing but cause me trouble," Bakura leered. "And you haven't even the sense to respect your master, or at least, pretend to."
She was forced to the ground as Bakura pushed her forward. In a nervous silence, she watched him tie the leash around one of the bed posts. He turned to her with a sneer. "You are not to move from this spot until I say otherwise."
"C-couldn't I change out of my uniform first, master? It's going to get all wrinkled," she protested.
Bakura snorted. "Even on your best of days, you wouldn't look presentable. I'm sure no one would notice you looking worse than usual," he smirked.
She held back a blush of embarrassment and continued. "Then could you, at least, let me have my schoolbag? I have a lot of work to do and—"
"If you honestly think I care, you're more of a fool than I thought possible," he growled, turning on his heel.
"B-but Bakura, I—" Akeno cut herself off as he whirled to face her. "Gah! I meant to say 'master', I'm sorry! I just—"
Bakura was shaking with barely contained fury at her slip-up. She was fairly certain that he was moments away from lunging at her and strangling the breath from her lungs.
"You had better pray to whatever gods you have that I don't keep you from school tomorrow," Bakura warned. "I just may teach you a new kind of lesson."
"Please, it was a mistake," she said, starting to panic. Bakura's bouts of anger, she learned, although frightening and violent weren't nearly as bad as his sadistic urges; they seemed to be more drawn out and painful, but either way, she'd rather avoid a physical confrontation with him at all costs. Akeno placed her hands in front of her and bowed, her forehead touching the floor. "Please, forgive me, master!"
She waited for a response or a kick to the ribs but neither came. After opening her eyes, she lifted to head to see he was no longer in the room. Akeno leaned back against the side of the bed, and sighed.
Well, that could've gotten ugly… I can't believe I have to grovel just to stay alive or keep my soul intact…Well, as intact as it can be.
Her head rested against the mattress.
It's times like this that I wish Shadi would show up... He says not to give into Bakura but how can I not? I don't see him tied up to a bed like a dog! Wait till I see him! I'd like to give him a piece of my mind!
"A-A-Akeno?"
She looked up quickly to see Ryou nearly fall over in the doorway. His large brown eyes were wide with shock at seeing her in such a state.
"Ryou!"
Well… This is unexpected.
"What happened?" he gasped. "Why are you…? He did this." His voice was harsher then before and his eyes harder.
Akeno hesitated before nodding. "Yeah."
Ryou rushed to her side and knelt next to her. "I won't let him treat you like this," he told her, trying to undo her collar.
"Ryou, stop," she cried, grabbing his hands. "It'll only make things worse!"
He looked at her questioningly before dropping his hands. "Why would he do this…?" Ryou asked in a small voice.
"I… upset him, that's all," Akeno replied, loosening her collar with a finger. "It's not that bad though… It could've been worse."
"H-has it been?"
"Huh…?"
"Has he done worse things to you?" questioned Ryou.
His somber expression made Akeno look away.
"Akeno, you must tell me," he persisted. "Please."
"I can't…"
Ryou frowned, watching her carefully. "You're not… protecting him, are you?"
"No!" exclaimed Akeno, completely aghast at the thought. It's more like I'm protecting you. "Of course not! It's just… it doesn't matter."
"It matters to me," Ryou pressed.
Akeno sighed. "Just leave it, Ryou. Please."
"But, how can I? It's because of me that the Spirit can hurt you!"
"No! No, it's not your fault! I told you before, haven't I?"
Ryou's brows furrowed, his eyes hard. "You say that… but it doesn't change anything. If I were stronger…"
"Stop thinking like that! You can't keep blaming yourself for what Bakura does! He's… very powerful. I'm not sure anyone could stand up to him and live…" Except for the pharaoh, maybe. "At least you try to fight..."
"What do you mean?" questioned Ryou, blinking in confusion.
"I'm too afraid to really act out against him," Akeno admitted, hanging her head. "What little I do is only an annoyance to him, nothing really threatening or anything…"
Now, it was Ryou's turn to quell her conscience of guilt. He placed a comforting hand on her arm. "It looks like we're both doing all that we can to stop him," he smiled softy. "I suppose it just isn't enough."
"I guess not…" Akeno twisted her lips. "Uh, Ryou? Do you know why he gave you control all of a sudden…?"
"I'm afraid I don't, Akeno," he answered. "The Spirit didn't tell me anything but I could sense that he was angry. He just suddenly gave me back control which I find rather odd."
"Odd, how?"
"Well, what I mean is that the Spirit's been more… active ever since the Battle City Tournament. Though, I can't imagine why. He normally would only take control when he wanted something, say if a Millennium Item were near. And you said he's already gotten the Millennium Rod. So, what could it be?"
"There's Yugi's Puzzle?" Akeno suggested.
Ryou nodded. "Yes, he's tried taking it before, and I suspect it won't be the last. But I think it's something different this time... Perhaps, it's to ensure you won't try to leave?"
"I don't know... Whenever we're apart, he knows right away," Akeno said. "I think the soul bond has something to do with it."
"Soul bond? I thought it was broken back when we were sent to the Shadow Realm?"
Akeno shook her head. "That was just on my end... The part of my soul he ripped off is still in his own, meaning he should still be able to sense when I'm far away... I think. I mean, he is stronger than me so maybe the soul bond doesn't effect him like it did me. I don't know," she said, throwing her hands up.
Ryou let out a hum in thought. "If not you, then it must be something else."
"I wonder what he's after…" Akeno mused.
"Or who," Ryou added grimly.
"Hm. Well, whatever he's scheming, I don't think it's good."
Ryou nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think you're right about that. I just wish there was something we could do to stop him."
Akeno frowned, reflecting on her last meeting with Shadi. Should I tell Ryou…? Could Bakura be listening to us? Oh, wait! Bakura said he could see Ryou's memories! So that means—everything I say to Ryou wouldn't be a secret! This is just awful… If I tell him Bakura can use his memories against us, he'd just feel even more dejected... I hate having to keep Ryou in the dark about this and Shadi, but I guess it's for his own good. And mine too…
"Well, like we said before," said Akeno, "Neither of us are strong enough to face Bakura so, we shouldn't do anything foolish. It might be better to just go along with him."
"Akeno, what are you saying?" Ryou gasped. "You're not suggesting we… serve him? Don't you know what that would mean for the world? If the Spirit succeeds and he gains the power of all seven Millennium Items, he could destroy everything or worse!"
"What's worse than that…?"
He sighed. "The Shadow Realm, maybe? My point is, even if there's no chance of us defeating him, we must, at least, try! If not for our own sake then the world's!"
"Shh! Ryou! He might be listening!"
"I don't care," Ryou growled, looking uncharacteristically stern. "I want him to know that he can't control me without a fight, that he can't hurt the people I care about without me doing all that I can to stop him!"
"Ryou…"
She was taken aback at the determination in his eyes. Ryou cares so much and that gives him strength… Bakura was wrong about him. He isn't weak at all. Maybe… he could fight off Bakura. Because Ryou has people he cares about. Bakura will never know that kind of power. He'll never be able to equal Ryou's love and devotion.
"So, we can't give up, Akeno!" Ryou told her. "We have to keep fighting."
Akeno lowered her head and smiled. "Thank you, Ryou… I think I needed to hear that…"
He nodded back at her. "Just remember, even when things get bad, at least we'll have each other," he said with a small smile. Ryou held up his pinky. "Promise?"
Akeno hesitated, realizing the consequences of making such a promise that Bakura could find out about. But then she saw the imploring look in Ryou's brown eyes and found herself smiling. "Promise," she said, linking her pinky in his.
After their hands fell, Akeno felt slightly uplifted. "So, what should we do now?"
He blinked. "Well, I hate to sound boring but, I do have some schoolwork to finish," Ryou said tentatively.
"Me too!"
"I'll get our books," he said, standing. "A-are you hungry? I could make us something?"
"I… That's really sweet of you. I'd offer to help but…" she paused, lifting the leash with a blush.
"I understand," dismissed Ryou. "I'll be right back!"
Akeno watched him leave, feeling guilty and embarrassed that she couldn't leave the spot on the floor without risking her safety. She removed her school shoes, hoping Ryou hadn't noticed or taken offense that she hadn't removed them off before coming in.
I was asleep when Bakura brought me in so… it's not really my fault I broke custom. I'm sure Ryou would understand. A thought struck her. What if Ryou doesn't come back? What if it's him again…? Was this all a test?!
But her fears were put out when Ryou walked through the doorway, a tray of food in one hand and a pile of books tucked under his arm. He beamed, "I hope cream puffs and tea is alright."
Akeno returned the smile. "That sounds great!"
Hours passed easily, they found. Their study session went very well, and the pair realized that they really enjoyed each other's company. The only constant reminder of how they weren't alone was the collar around Akeno's neck and the jingle of the chain-linked leash. But they ignored it, or tried to.
After their homework was finished, Ryou attempted to teach her the rules of Duel Monsters which went better than Akeno thought it would. She understood the basics of the different card types, but as far as strategies went, she was uncertain. Conversation turned away from gaming and they talked about their favorite books and films and hobbies until it was late and they were very tired.
"Do you… er, want to take the bed?" asked Ryou, a blush crossing his face. "I could use the couch."
"Oh, well…" I'm not allowed on the bed. "I think I should just stay down here…"
"O-on the floor?"
Akeno nodded, cursing Bakura's cruelty. "Yeah. I'll be fine. It's not so bad…"
"Well… at least take some pillows and a blanket…"
She tried to turn down his offer but the thought of a soft cushion instead of the hard wooden floor was just too tempting. "Alright. Thanks."
And so, the two of them piled the blankets beside the bed, Ryou letting Akeno use the one pillow he had which she thanked him for profusely. He didn't feel right sleeping on the bed, above her, nor on the couch when she was on the uncomfortable ground, so he decided to join her on the floor, keeping a very good distance between them nonetheless. It was a peaceful sleep, and warmer than Akeno had experience in quite some time.
That was how Akeno awoke the next morning, feeling warm and more comfortable then she had been since the beach vacation. Ryou was already awake, and the smell of breakfast made her stomach growl.
Hm… How odd. Bakura hasn't made an appearance since yesterday. Not that I'm complaining. Now am I supposed to stay here like he said or go to school…? Probably the latter.
"We have to keep up appearances," she said to herself, lifting the collar over her head and letting it fall to the ground.
Akeno filled Ryou in about their stalkers over breakfast, suggesting they leave a bit early to loop around the opposite way.
"I can't imagine who it could be," Ryou pondered as they passed a storefront having a sale on Dungeon Dice Monsters.
"Neither can I, or Bakura. At least, he didn't seem to know. It's not like he tells me anything."
"Perhaps someone targeting duelists?" suggested Ryou. "He was a Battle City finalist, after all."
"That's true..."
All too quickly, she found herself and Ryou approaching school, her breakfast threatening to resurface. Bakura had yet to be seen that morning and it was now beginning to really unnerve the pair. At first, Akeno had been more than relieved to be rid of the Spirit for awhile but as his absence continued, it became more and more apparent that it was most likely to have negative consequences.
It's weird. More than weird, really, she thought, but her increasing worry about school drowned out his absence. Dread crept upon Akeno as she waited outside the doors of Domino High. She groaned and Ryou offered a sympathetic smile.
"I'll try to talk to those girls, Akeno," he told her. "I see Miho in third period so maybe I'll be able to explain. I wasn't even aware that she fancied me…"
Akeno managed a short laugh at his flustered face. "Thanks, but I don't think she's the problem. Miho just sort of… cried at me. It's her friends that were bothering me and their friends and so on…"
Ryou frowned. "I just wish we could clear this all up."
"Hopefully, it should clear up on its own. Rumors don't last that long," she sighed, recalling Kaiba's words from the other day.
"I hope you're right… Should I walk you to class?" Ryou offered.
She shook her head. "That's alright. I'll have to face them alone at some point."
Ryou hung his head. "I'm really sorry this happened… If I had known someone overheard us talking…"
"We've been through this already," Akeno said, nudging him in the shoulder. "It's not your fault or mine. People should just mind their own business," she said angrily. "I mean, who do they think they are?! Maybe if I walk into this with my head held high and dukes up, they'll back off!" Maybe Joey had the right idea! She balled her hands into fists, imagining meeting those girls again.
"Or you'll get another detention…" added Ryou sheepishly.
Akeno deflated. "Or that."
Akeno tied her long black hair into a bun in the hopes that she'd be less noticeable. It seemed to work, for the most part, as she couldn't feel the eyes of many students on her nor did she hear their whispering voices as she passed.
Maybe, it's all over? They all moved on and forgot about me.
As inconspicuously as possible, Akeno sank into her seat in math class. Tea turned and gave her a sympathetic smile.
"Hey, Akeno… How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Alright, I suppose. Just hoping I make it through the day."
Tea frowned. "If there's anything I can do to help…"
"Thanks, Tea."
Yugi entered class a few minutes later, quietly greeting the two girls with a smile. He went to say something to Akeno, but it was then that Mr. Kimura decided to clear his throat loudly, signaling the start of class.
"I hope you've done the practices in chapter eight, because we'll be going over them today."
Math was dull and tiring, but Akeno couldn't be bothered. Uneventful was exactly what she was aiming for.
If things keep going like this, I'll make it out alive, she though hopefully.
"I'll see you guys later," Tea said, parting from Akeno and Yugi as they left the class.
"Bye, Tea."
"See you later."
The two started off down the hall.
"So, Akeno," Yugi began, "I tried asking before, but, how are you?"
Is that the question of the day?
"I'm alright. Still really horrified about all this but… I can't do much about it," she replied. "It's not as bad as yesterday though. I think everyone's almost forgotten."
There was a loud wolf whistle behind them that drew their attention. A small group of students were staring at her, each wearing a smug grin.
"Maybe, I spoke too soon…" she groaned.
"What do they want?" Yugi wondered.
One of the older boys stepped forward. He was tall with dark purple that hung around his shoulders. "Hey, Hitoshii," he called. "Looks like you've got a thing for wimps, huh?"
"Maybe she likes being the dominant one," snickered another with greasy blonde hair.
Akeno felt her face go red.
"Don't listen to them," said Yugi, giving the group a disapproving look.
Akeno nodded, turning her back on the boys and continuing to walk with Yugi. She kept her head down, feeling her cheeks burn.
Just my luck! Maybe if I just run to my other classes, I can avoid all this.
"Don't walk away! We weren't done talking!"
She silently prayed that they weren't speaking to her, even though she knew they had to be. Maybe they'll go away if—
Two of the group blocked their path, daring them to keep walking. It was then that Akeno realized how empty the halls had become as classes carried on. She shot a nervous look at Yugi, who mirrored her concern.
"Excuse us," said Yugi firmly, trying to be as civil as possible with the rough-looking teens.
"No one was talking to you, shrimp!" leered a girl with bright red hair.
"Look, we need to get to class," Akeno tried.
They started laughing in reply, shooting each other glances. Let a teacher come by. Or a hall monitor or someone! I don't like the way they're looking at us!
"Something the matter, Hitoshii?" asked another boy quietly. He wasn't as tall or strong-looking as the others. He must be the ring leader, Akeno thought warily.
He had short dark hair, combed to one side and thin, rectangular glasses. He looks familiar though… Oh! That's right. I had a science class with him last year! Daisuke Kitsutano—he has a serious reputation! He was a senior and a real brain, but he put his smarts to devious purposes like stealing and defacing property. He was one of the most destructive students in the school! But he'd never been caught once, always pinning the blame on someone else. Akeno kept her eyes on him. This can't be good for us.
Kitsutano stepped closer to them, watching the pair calmly through his glasses. "We only wanted to speak to you. There's nothing wrong with that, is there?"
Akeno gulped, liking the calm smile on his face even less than the smug grins on his cronies. It reminded her somewhat of Bakura, the arrogant look of someone leading another into a trap. "I, er… guess not?" she answered, stepping closer to Yugi.
"Good," Kitsutano grinned, "Now why don't we go somewhere more private?"
"She isn't going anywhere with you," Yugi said protectively. "Just leave us alone."
"I thought I said I was talking with Hitoshii…?" Kitsutano growled, nodding to the two behind them.
Before either could react, one of the bullies punched Yugi in the gut, the smaller boy falling to his knees in pain.
"Yugi!" Akeno cried, attempting to rush over to her friend. Kitsutano blocked her way, the placid look on his face making her ball her fists. "Get out of my way, Kitsutano!" she ordered, looking past him at poor Yugi holding his stomach, the cronies still around him, mocking him.
"The little loser thinks he's safe now that he's got friends!"
"One hit and he's down, how pathetic!"
"Where's Wheeler and Taylor to protect ya now, huh?"
The blonde boy grabbed the chain that held the Millennium Puzzle and pulled Yugi to his feet. "This looks expensive," he grinned. "Search his pockets! I bet someone would pay a pretty penny for that deck of his!"
Yugi cracked open his eyes against the pain, "N-no, you can't!"
"Yeah? Try and stop us, wimp!" laughed the red haired girl, hitting Yugi again.
Akeno gasped, charging forward to help. "Stop it! Leave Yugi out of this!"
Kitsutano caught her wrist, pulling her away before she could reach him. "Forget about that loser. Pay attention when you're speaking to me."
"Hey! Let go! And tell them to leave Yugi alone!"
"Not yet. We have to work out our little arrangement first."
"A-arrangement? What are you talking about?!" she growled. Her gaze drifted, trying to look at her friend again, only to have Kitsutano tighten his grip to get her attention. "Ah!"
"You've been labeled the school slut, didn't you know?"
Akeno's glare faltered. "What…?" Has my reputation really gotten that bad?! Just because I moved in with a boy?! These rumors are out of hand!
"Look, I don't know how much you'll charge these jerks," Kitsutano said, nodding to his buddies, "But I'm sure you'll find me so enjoyable, you'll be begging to pay me for more!"
Akeno scoffed in disgust. "In your dreams, you creep!"
"What?! Why you little-!" he sneered, raising his hand to strike her.
There was a sudden flash of light, and the sound of bodies dropping. "I think you had better listen to Akeno," came a commanding voice. "Let her go."
Both Akeno and Kitsutano looked over to find the three cronies lying on the ground, unconscious, and Yugi standing over them.
No, wait! Akeno's eyes went wide. That's not Yugi!
"Yami," she breathed.
"W-what did you do to them?" Kitsutano demanded, eyeing his fallen comrades. "How could a wimp like you take out my best muscles?!"
"It makes no difference, Kitsutano. All that matters now is what you decide to do next," Yami said calmly.
"Ha! You think I'm scared of you?" Kitsutano glared , gripping Akeno's wrist tighter, his nails digging into her skin.
"Ow! Get off of me," she said through gritted teeth, trying to pry his hand away.
"Shut it, slut!" he sneered at Akeno.
"You'll do well not to insult my friends," warned the Spirit, his eyes darkening.
Kitsutano gave a dry laugh. "You think you're so tough, Moto? Try to hit me! Go on! I dare you!"
Yami's gaze was unwavering. "Why don't we try something else? How about we play a game instead?"
"A game?" snorted Kitsutano. "Do you really think I'm dumb enough to accept a challenge from the so-called King of Games? I've already got her, why should I bother with you?"
"Because you'll be winning this," said Yami, holding up his deck. "Your friend was right in thinking that my Duel Monsters cards would be worth something to the right buyer. If you can beat me in a game then they're yours."
Akeno gasped. Yami! He'd really risk that? For me?
Even Kitsutano was taken aback. "No way. You're dumb enough to just keep it on you?" He chuckled, "Why should I waste my time winning it from you when I could just take it?"
"If you don't think you're capable of outwitting me then you would be wasting your time, as well as ours," replied Yami with a smirk.
Kitsutano glared. "As if your reverse psychology could work on me!"
"You're just scared to face him because you know you can't outsmart someone in a fair game!" Akeno goaded. "You probably cheated your way into the honor roll too!"
"What? No, I didn't!"
"Then prove it."
Kitsutano recovered from his flustered state with a smirk. "You brats… Alright, I'll have some fun with this... But when I beat this wimp, you'll have to come back to my place. You get me?"
"W-what?!"
"Those are my terms, Hitoshii. My place after school or the locker room right now," he grinned.
Akeno stuttered a reply, still trying to tug out of his grasp.
"Akeno," called Yami. "If you agree to his terms, I promise you, I will not lose."
"Y-you can't be serious!"
"I am. Will you trust me?" Yami asked, his violet orbs piercing her.
Trust the pharaoh…? I guess I have to—there's too much at stake, and I can't beat Kitsutano by myself… Besides, I couldn't say "no" even if I wanted to, not with the pharaoh looking at me like that. He just looks so sure of himself, like there's no way he'd lose once he made a promise.
She blinked, her heartbeat starting to slow. "I… I will," she replied, nodding to the pharaoh.
That seemed to settle it as Yami nodded back and turned to face his opponent. "Before we begin, you will first release Akeno."
"Yeah right! So she can go running to a teacher?"
"Akeno gave her word on this game," the pharaoh replied. "She will not run. Isn't that right?"
She held her breath, this whole skivvy situation making her skin crawl. Akeno nodded to him, pushing down her fear. Reluctantly, Kitsutano let go and Akeno stepped back to glare at him before hurrying over to the pharaoh and out of Kitsutano's reach.
"Akeno, are you alright?" Yami asked.
She paused to examine the four crescent marks on her wrist from where Kitsutano's nails had dug into her skin. This is nothing compared to what Bakura's done…
"I'm okay," she said, glancing back at Kitsutano who was looking over his cronies' bodies. "Um, what about you?"
Yami shut his eyes briefly. "Yugi will be fine."
"I just hope you have a solid plan here and aren't just bluffing… I-if you are, we probably could run. I mean, without his goons, we stand a good chance of losing him."
Yami smiled at her. "There won't be any need for that. If we start running now, there won't be any stopping for us."
Akeno's brows met. "Well, you already knocked out his cronies, just do the same to him and let's get out of here!"
"That's not what I meant."
"Huh?"
Yami met her worried gaze. "Sometimes, it's best if we face our problems and meet them head on," he said calmly. "Kitsutano cannot be reasoned with or avoided for long… It would be only a matter of time before he would corner one or both of us. Running from him would only delay the encounter," he explained. "It's better if we're together through this, don't you agree?"
Akeno felt her cheeks warm. Her instincts were still urging her to run, despite her reassurance. There were so many times with Bakura that she'd wanted to run but couldn't. This isn't one of those times, she reminded herself. You're not alone here. Let him help you.
She gave Yami a small smile."When you put it like that... Definitely." Akeno pursed her lips, regarding Kitsutano warily. "You really think beating him in a game will make him back off though?"
"This is about more than a game. The only way to stop people like Kitsutano is to stand up for ourselves," said the pharaoh, looking from Akeno to the smug upperclassman, his expression darkening. "And to make them see that treating others unkindly will not go without consequence."
AN: The stars were aligned properly and thus I've updated. Basically, I'm so so so sorry again. *dusts off empty room* Oh my, all of the readers have left… *sees a skeleton* Except that one.
But seriously, I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported me and this fanfic. I have actually gone back and re-read every single review (almost 600! Holy—) and omg, thank you all! Everything you say means so much! And yes, I will (eventually) finish this story! I've just graduated university and now I'm hardcore working on my novel/ freelancing stuff so bear with me! I hopefully won't be this bad all the time. Just keep poking me. I also have veered slightly from my original idea for the plot and now have a lot of possibilities, so if there's any direction that you are interested in, let me know.
On another note, I just saw the new film, Yu-Gi-Oh: The Dark Side of Dimensions! It was sooooo good and it brought back all the nostalgia *sheds tear* So it's definitely inspired me :D
Anywho, I hope you liked this chapter!