Man, I so didn't expect all that feedback! What a shocker, and only after about two days after it being posted! Thanks to you all, you made me so happy! Still busy, but I am keeping up with updates, difficult between different stories but no worries, I'll keep going! Now for the replies to all nice readers!
Curtis Zidane Ziraa: It is a shame, and more on the situation this chapter. Thanks a lot for you support of the story!
the1koolkitty: Hope it was cute enough for you. And I'm glad to know you like how the situation was handled by character's (Joey's teasing and Seto's anger) Glad you like it, would hate to upset you. Kaiba will be exposed a bit now on his little relationship, evil of me! Thanks a million, and sorry, but you didn't answer before, please say if the clothes are appropriate or if you hate them! Also wish to know if you are a goth, I'm just interested.
Pamster: All the reviews! I'm so flattered, thanks so much! Thanks for all lovely compliments on interaction between people, what was spoken about, the mystery, Yugi's visible emotions, the romance (still more to come on Kitty's fears) scene role-play (glad the line had a good effect) and the humour of interaction with Kaiba and Joey. Thanks a lot again, I appreciate this. Also, Yami will get a chance to laugh at this!
Dark Mage of sea 13: I understand, I'm swamped too. Thanks for the support, and for a proposal, just wait and see.
The Six of Hearts: more revealed in the chapter, so read on to find out! Thanks for the support!
Secluded Sapphire: I know, I do that as well, forgetting about my work and am too tempted to be reading and writing, so undisciplined. More on the secret girlfriend in the chapter, so hope you like it, thanks a lot as well.
Freakster: Thanks, since I know you are so busy! Why are you eating that sandwich if it is bad? In a sense it is funny with Kitty running, but I'm glad it worked out. Thanks a million! Waiting for a reply!
Chapter 8: A Friend and a Fear"Food! I'm starved!"
The noise of thumping footsteps crashed through the apartment, as Joey came charging down from his room at the smell wavering from the kitchen. Skidding to halt by the table, he leapt into his seat, drooling profoundly as his friend came in behind after closing the store downstairs.
"Take it easy Joey, the foods not going anywhere, anyone would think you had been starving yourself but the racket you made, I heard all the way in the shop."
"Yeah, but I can't help it Yug! The food on the plane was lousy, no wonder they put sick bags on the carrier, it's not people disliking flying that's the issue; it's the fact no one can keep the disgusting lunch down." Joey exclaimed while Yugi shook his head.
"Well, I hope my food is an improvement to you Joey, Yugi warned me about your appetite so I made plenty." Kitty confirmed as she carried the plates in and putting them down. She had prepared hot Mexican chilli and fresh rice, as well as pieta pockets as well, so there was choice and variety. No sooner did the dishes touch the wooden table the blonde began shovelling. The other two looked at him in shock.
"Shouldn't he be inhaling between mouthfuls?" Kitty asked.
"You think this is something, you should see what can do to a large pepperoni pizza. Somehow he always manages to gorge without stopping for a breath, so I wouldn't worry too much."
"But Yugi, it's just that..."
"Just what Kitten?"
The hazel eyed Goth blushed greatly at the name. Lately he had been in the habit of calling her the adorable nickname, which always made her heart flutter considerably. She had said she liked the name but still went red no matter what. When the girl questioned Yugi on why he called her that, he merely smiled gently, saying that she reminded him a cute little kitten, tame, playful and sweet. Poor Kitty had to do breathing exercises to get her pulse back to normal and her face back to it's normal colour.
"It's just that..." she explained, in a warning manner. "That's five-alarm chilli, made with real chilli peppers, and it's really spicy."
Both of them looked towards their friend, only to see him turn the shade of a fire truck, with wisps of steam shooting out of his ears. Desperately fanning his scolding tongue, the youth panted heatedly, trying to choke out one word.
"Wa...WA...Water!"
Quick as a flash, Yugi ran back into the kitchen and grabbed a glass. Filling it with water, he raced back to see his girlfriend attempting to calm Joey down. Once the blonde had slurped all the water, he breathed out in relief, though was still ventilating steam and have warned me...about that." Joey puffed, still finding it difficult to get air back into his lungs.
"Well, maybe that will teach you check your food before you engulf it." Yugi scolded, seeing his poor friend cringe a little at being shown up. Kaiba was bad enough, but he didn't need it from his best pal. The young man smiled at him though.
"Just kidding Joey, just watch out next time, I doubt you want to spend your vacation here in a hospital."
"Yeah, sorry about that. And here I was thinking I'd never find any food that fought back when you tried eating it. Guess I was wrong there."
"Well, I'll try and warn you the next time I cook." Kitty laughed.
"To be honest, despite this dish nearly melting my tongue off," he replied, taking another small bite and grinning broadly "This is the best meal I've ever had!"
The rest of the evening the threesome enjoyed each others company. After dinner they all sat down and watched a movie, but Yugi explained to Joey on his girlfriend's issue with horrors, which then made sure they watched a funny film instead. Later on they played a few rounds of cards, like gin rummy, blackjack and five-card stud. Joey had teased them about strip poker, making both teens turn cherry; they certainly weren't ready for that yet. Unfortunately when the honey-eyed man started laughing at it, Kitty took the liberty of dumping the bowl of popcorn they had been eating over his head.
Soon they played a few duel monsters games, and Joey griped about being defeated by Yugi for the fourth time in a row.
"Man, no matter how hard I practise I never manage to win once against you Yug!"
"Yeah, but you were close that time. You had me pinned more than a few times I was lucky to get out. You certainly have improved your game."
"Well, me and Mai played a lot, and I took her to the cleaners a few times. Then again...she beat two out three in arm wrestling." Joey muttered, causing his friends to roll around laughing.
"Wow, some strong man!" Kitty chuckled, making the blonde fume a little.
"Hey! I still am one of the top-notch duellists around; I've beaten some pretty tough opponents. Bandit Keith, Espa Roba, Weevil Underwood, Rex Raptor, Mako Tsunami..."
"Still, have you ever taken Kaiba down?" Kitty questioned, suddenly seeing him growl. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No, he's just a little annoyed at the many times Kaiba made him look like a mutt." Yugi explained.
"Their arguing does seem pretty well known. How did you two end up being so competitive anyway?"
"Well, to be honest it just sort of happened. I mean, I was nice to him the first time I saw him just found out he like duelling so I offered to play him sometime. A friendly gesture, but he shoves it in my face saying he would have more of a challenge playing solitaire for Gods sake!"
"So you call him rich boy, he calls you mutt. You say moneybags, he says amateur..."
"And the rest is history. The beginning of our so wonderful relationship!" Joey concludes, stretching out on the couch. "Still, like I said, I don't care what he calls me, I'm still the best!"
"I'm not so sure Joey, Kitty plays and she came pretty close to beating me a while ago. She has some skills." Yugi put in, squeezing his girlfriend's hand.
"Really, what she do, trade a kiss for a head start in life points?"
"Joey!" they both yelled at the accusation, trying not to go red at the same time.
"I'm joking, lighten up! Seriously, why don't we duel now Kitty, let me show how it's done."
"Maybe tomorrow Joey," she yawned, sitting up from her spot and standing over them. "Right now, I'm tired, I think I'll go to bed. Goodnight guys." Kitty mumbled, giving Joey a hug from behind, which he yanked her arms for.
"Woah, hold on there! You forget I have a girlfriend, and I would hate to make your boyfriend over there jealous...not that I don't think you're cute." Joey teased, returning the gesture, before letting her walk over to Yugi.
"Sorry Joey, but there is only one guy for me." Kitty smiled before embracing Yugi. He in turn pulled her down slightly, and kissed her sweetly while stroking her auburn hair with affection.
"Aw come on! Get a room you two! I'll be scarred for life if you keep that up." Joey mocked, covering his eyes and faking hissing in pain. Pulling apart, Yugi bid her goodnight verbally, as she climbed the stairs and disappeared.
"I think I have something-special here Joey, I can feel it." Yugi commented on touching his lips briefly.
"You ain't kidding, I'd have to agree there. I can definitely see something meaningful between you."
"Really?"
"You bet, only...would you keep the mushy stuff to a minimum while I'm staying here. I didn't come half way around the world to watch my best friend get laid..."
"That's it!" Yugi hollered tossing a pillow at his friend so it smacked him in the face. Laughing, Joey ended up picking up another cushion and trying to smack his friend though missing and getting a mouth full of feathers from the other attack. Soon the games turned into a concentrated pillow fight.
Little did the boys know, Kitty was watching them from the top of the stairs, smiling down on them. It was nice to see Yugi happy with his friend, he had been so lonely and outcast before, and now he could be with his old buddy and laugh it up like they used to. She could tell it meant a lot to him and was happy, as she kept looking down on them.
"Wonder if it was like this all those years ago." Kitty mumbled to herself.
"Yes, it was just like this."
The poor girl nearly jumped out of her skin on hearing the voice from no where. Spinning around, she came face to face with Yami. He had decided to wander around and had projected himself out of the puzzle. It did help he could now speak to Kitty as well, since Yugi was with Joey, and he couldn't appear in front of the blonde. Though he had an idea of his existence, seeing the pharaoh like this would probably freak him out.
"What! Yami! Please don't sneak up on me like that, Christ I nearly took a heart attack."
"Sorry, Yugi can usually sense when I appear so he doesn't scare so easily. Still, I thought it would be funny."
"Yeah, and I'm not laughing. So...was Yugi like this when all his friends were around?" she asked, and Yami nodded.
"I'm just pleased he got to see someone else from his past again. Writing letters and talking on the phone is fine, but doesn't quite compare to this."
"Well, I'm glad and might have a plan to help out more, if you an help me a little."
"But of course"
"Anyway, I'm going to sleep, night...by the way, tell me, was that you I heard snorting with laughter at Kaiba and Joey in the Games store this afternoon?" Kitty asked, but never got a reply. The spirit bit his lip before going into hysterics! He laughed very hard before disappearing, no doubt where he could have a fit without attracting attention.
"I'll take that as a yes." Kitty chortled, before going into her room and closing the door.
"Why do we have to go today? I already got a mouthful from Wheeler, two doses could kill me!"
"Will you stop fussing Seto. Come on, Joey will only be around for a little while, and it's not like you'll run into him often. I just need my new cards, he probably won't be out of bed yet anyway."
The CEO huffed as the limousine came to a stop in front of the small business. He already had enough of the mutt's petty taunts from the surprise of seeing him back in Domino yesterday. Just when he thought his life was settling, someone had to drop a whimpering pup on his doorstep. It had to happen when things were working for him. Kaiba Corp was eliminating all competition in the gaming market, plans for expansion were in progress, word on Kaiba Land was spreading like wildfire and he finally was content, having fallen in...
"Come on big brother, let's go! The sooner we're done, the sooner you can leave. That's what you want, isn't it?" Mokuba pressed as he got out and stood on the pavement by the shop doors. Sighing, Seto strutted up and went in with his sibling. Unfortunately the welcome was not what he hoped...
"Top of the morning to you moneybags!" Joey chorused, sitting on the counter grinning, while sipping a glass of orange juice. Kaiba was ready to pounce if his brother hadn't held him back and told him to keep calm.
"Hey Joey, long time no see." Mokuba chirped.
"Good to see you too kid. Certainly hope you're doing well in school. After all, we'd hate it if you turned into a stubborn sourpuss like your big brother there." Joey mocked, pointing to the elder teen. That was what set him off.
"Stop filling my brothers head with you dribble Wheeler! The last thing he needs is to have his IQ drop from being exposed to you!"
"Really, who's more stupid? You're the one who can't even keep his little love affair a secret from the press." Joey retorted, causing Mokuba's eyes to widen.
"Seto...this is great! When did you get a girlfriend?"
"Wow, this must be big on you rich boy if you didn't even tell your brother about this!" Joey exclaimed.
"That's because there was nothing to tell him about! I don't have one Mokuba; it's just some bogus story in the newspapers cooked up. Another way to make a little money by spreading scandals on me."
"Then...maybe you should make a complaint to the media quickly." Kitty's voice echoed from the stairwell, as she came down with Yugi grasping something in her hand.
"Whatever you're trying to say, spit it out!" Seto snarled infuriated. Slightly annoyed, the girl thrust the paper into his hands.
"Because now the story has spread here. The tabloids are having a field day." Kitty explained. The CEO looked through the print to see the same story again pasted in the gossip section. Gritting his teeth he scrunched the paper into a ball before tossing it away. This was not right! They were still promising pictures later on which made his blood boil. Now he would no doubt have to double security, since there would end up being a hoard of protesting fan girl's outside the mansion and Kaiba Corp by the afternoon.
"Take it easy Kaiba, I'm sure you can clear this up." Yugi reassured, but the man was too busy fuming to listen.
"Just get your cards and let's go Mokuba, I have to clear up this mess!" Seto threatened. The younger boy cringed slightly at his sibling's tone, but Yugi was quick to give him the pack of cards he wanted. However they never got through he front door of the shop, due to screaming and loud gunshots erupting outside.
"What the Hell is going on out there?" Kaiba growled, but nearly took a heart attack on a stray bullet barely missing him, as it broke through the glass part of the door.
"Everybody get down!" Joey cried out as they all crashed to floor on hearing the roar of engines, sirens and shots piercing the air outside in the street. Joey had ducked under the shelves, Kaiba gripping Mokuba close huddled under the window, while Yugi held a shivering Kitty behind the counter, feeling her quivering, just to pull her closer in reassurance. All the commotion also awoke someone else, who quickly panicked over everyone's safety.
'Yugi! What in the name of Seth is going on out here? Are you all okay!" the concerned voice of the pharaoh penetrated into the boys mind, as the ruckus outside subsided, expect for siren of police cars, officers now trying to calm people down in the streets.
'We're okay, just a little shaken. Yami, please, could you go outside and check what was going on? I don't get what could have caused all that.'
'Of course Young one, I'll be back in a moment.' Yami voiced, as he silently swooped outside unnoticed. He was horrified at the sight, so much destruction and vandalism carved all over the once pleasant place. The police were asking questions and no doubt would want something from his friends in testimony. He managed to grasp what happened in hearing brief part of conversation from still shaking people.
"I thought that gang only terrorised their own town, why are they now on the move?"
"They've destroyed everything in their wake, even the police are afraid of them..."
"Must be another issue on their deals, wonder what their after..."
The spirit slipped back into the shop, and told Yugi of all the details he got from listening in on people, of this violent gang gone on a rampage for some unknown reason and how the law officials were getting stories from everyone. The others straightened up, though still unnerved, and were going to talk before hearing shouts from outside.
"Come on men! You bunch take more accounts for evidence; the rest of us will follow! They're headed for the park!" an officer shouted as the brigades rushed down the street in cars, sirens still blaring in the distance. No one thought much on it, until they saw Kaiba had gone very white.
"Seto, are you..."
"Take the limousine back to the house Mokuba and don't leave until I get back, I have to go and check something." Seto rushed, and was gone before anyone could question what was up with him.
"You better do as your brother tells you Mokuba, it isn't safe here." Yugi said, as the boy nodded and left. The others watched, as he drove off in the black limo, hoping things would calm down. It was then that the boy noticed Kitty was crouched on the floor, looking at something in her palm. It was the bullet that had shot through the door before, but not she was seriously beginning to freak out, staring at the silver implement of death, or more importantly the symbol carved in it...
"Kitty, are you all right? You look a little sick...Kitty?"
The boys didn't, get an answer, as the poor girl suddenly fainted and would have hit the hard floor if Yugi hadn't caught her swiftly, holding her close. Though before hand, he could have swore she was muttering as she collapsed. It sounded like...
"I won't...go back..."