Hey to all! Sorry for the delay school has been hectic! So much to do, so little time. Anyway, I loved the fact people are enjoying the story, I loved all the reviews so thanks so much to everyone. This has actually beaten my first story in reviews, (up to 111 and it isn't even done yet) wow! Hope you aren't upset I kept you waiting. There will be a lot revealed this chapter, and much happening, which I hope you will like.
Also if anyone is interested in Seto and Melisanne, how they met and came together, read my other story Inner Scars Deep Emotion if you wish. Let me know your thoughts everyone and now for replies!
Cartoon-Projector: Pleased you liked it, and it is hard to picture him angry, I admit. Still it has a purpose, and also will show the new feelings he's experiencing. Thanks so much!
Curtis Zidane Ziraa: I thought it would be cool to see him in action! Glad you liked it, and yes I'm sure it will work out. Kaiba did do well, and sorry for the spelling and such, I'm an awful typist at times! Hope it didn't put you off. Thanks so much for the support:
samuraiduck27: Yes, hopefully Razor will be trounced, and hope the suspense was worth the wait. Thanks a lot for the kindness!
Jon Williams: I'm so flattered, thanks. I never thought this could be as good as the series, which is fabulous! I appreciate the support!
Dark mage of sea 13: Yes, looks like the timing was good, and glad you are so enthusiastic. Thanks a bunch and hope you enjoy this!
DJ Rodriguez: I'm so pleased you liked the moments with Kaiba and Melisanne, hard to make him touching, but I tried. Yes, I bet you could be good help against Razor with Yugi. Hopefully Kitty can be protected but it won't be easy. Thanks so much for all the words!
the1koolkitty: Yes, you were right about Melisanne and Kitty is in trouble. Don't worry, I think you will enjoy this chapter, let me know. Glad you could review and I had to do a cliffie. Couldn't resist! Also, hope you managed to read Spiritual Desires and let me know your thoughts! Did the email reach you? Tell me so I know if I should send it again! Hope you enjoy what I prepared this chap!
The Six of Hearts: Good thing you can rest now, but I hope you still enjoy the stuff to come, I did leave it hanging last time. Appreciate all the support!
Michelaski: Glad you got things cleared up and can see the story. Pleased you liked it and hope you continue to!
SukiLovesAnime14: I'm happy you like it and I will continue. Hope you still enjoy it later on too! Thanks!
Younglink87: Thanks for the comments, it will be good to see Yugi fight, and yes, I believe Kaiba I cute when he's a bit less harsh! Appreciate your words!
Una1: No problem, it was nice to hear from you again. Glad you like what I'm doing with Melisanne, and yes, Yugi is ready to deal with Razor, he may be gentle, but very angered over anyone hurting Kitty. Hope you like it and thanks so much!
Chapter 12: Deeper Connections and Longings
Everything seemed so disorientated in the sight. Despite the calm nature of surroundings the tension and anger in the air was evident, though unexpected in such circumstances. It was especially surprising in the young man standing in the back alleyway, normally so peaceful and kind looking terribly infuriated. It was completely out of character for Yugi, but then again, he had never faced such a challenge before, never felt so strongly for someone, and absolutely was not going to let this thug get his way, not with his Kitten!
'No way in Hell am I going to let this brute do anything to harm her! I know I'm never angry but I can't help it, it's obvious this guy refuses to go nicely, so I have no choice. After all, I promised Kitty nothing would harm her, ever! I always keep my promises, I don't care what happens, as long as she's safe.'
"So...you're the twerp who's been hiding Kitty-cat all this time. Hate to ruin the fun, but I have orders for her to come back with me, so you'll have to find a new playmate." Razor spat, suddenly lunging out and grabbing the girl's arm, yanking her into a tight grip she couldn't escape from. She choked as an arm slung around her throat, squeezing powerfully to cut off her air supply. It just made the young man madder in seeing the terror in her hazel orbs, already outlined with shimmering tear drops.
"Let her go! I'll fight you but you have to leave Kitty alone, she's done nothing to deserve this!" he bellowed in fury, his knuckles white due to his clenched fists. The girl was already wary for her boyfriend's safety, knowing what Razor was capable of, but she wasn't the only one.
'Yugi! This guy looks lethal, I know you want to help Kitty...but maybe you should let me take over, I can handle this better than you...'
'No! I'll do it.'
But Young one...'
'Yami, I know you mean well, and you just want to make sure I don't get hurt, but please understand. At some point I have to learn to stand on my own, you can't always protect me. Besides, I'm the one who swore to Kitty nothing would harm her, and I intend to keep that oath. It's my duty to do this!' he stated firmly, quite surprising to the Pharaoh. Still, he was willing to listen to his lighter side, and he did bring up truthful words. Also, the spirit could now confirm his suspicions, the deep passion and raw energy in the boy's voice proving it.
'I know, I just want you to be careful Yugi.'
'Don't worry...but if it helps, there is something you could do to help me.'
'Name it, and I will comply.'
Kitty rasped in regaining her breath, though the thugs hold was still tight as ever. She scanned her defender's face, who looked to be concentrating fiercely in formulating a plan. Of course the girl recognised the blank glazed features now forming, seeing he was speaking to his other half. Quite frankly she was panicking inside over what would happen if they fought. Razor was burly with large muscles and plenty of power packed into bulging arms. One hit could knock you clear unconscious, and she couldn't bare the guilt if Yugi got hurt trying to save her. Maybe it was safer if he traded places with Yami, he did stand a better chance in the scuffle, but it didn't look to be so on seeing the young man return to reality, though Yugi was definitely in control, amethyst eyes fuelled with bravery and loyalty.
'Oh please, if the Gods can hear me...protect Yugi, don't let anything happen to him! Keep him safe, I can't stand the thought of losing him...'
"So, you think you can take me on twerp? Apparently you ain't got a lot of brains, otherwise you would have just let me take her away peacefully. I don't see what the fuss is about, she's not worth anything, why get yourself killed over this scrawny little girl?" he snidely taunted, finally letting go of Kitty before throwing her against the wall. She slid down to the ground breathing heavily. This only made the youth even more infuriated than ever!
"I'm sick of hearing you talking about her like that! I don't care who you are, no one gets away with bullying others like that, and I'm about to show you what happens to punk dolts who pick on innocent people."
"You are stupid, still, you do have guts to take me on kid, and I'm going to find out what they look like once I tear you limb from limb." he snarled, launching himself at the boy fist ready to smack into the store owners jaw.
Kitty screamed out, terrorised at what was about to happen. She didn't want to see it, but was shocked when Razors punch didn't come in contact with Yugi's face, but of the brick wall on the other side of the alleyway. The other man had ducked under the blow, being less bulky that the biker, and managed to elbow him in the stomach so her fell backwards with a thud. He was less than pleased, but it had showed the statistics of the battle, Razor was certainly stronger in the fight, but Yugi was faster.
Growling angrily, he attempted another assault, only for the smaller guy to avoid the hit again this time kicking him in the shins to send him down onto the rough ground. The oversized thug refused to give up, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't land a punch, always ending up on his rear! The girl bit her lip as she could do was watch, hoping for the best. Staggering up, she leaned against the wall, steadying her legs as she looked on desperately at the fight.
"I'm sick of this! Now you go down wimp!" the brute yelled out, bringing his fists up for a double strike.
The moment in time seemed to freeze in anticipation, no one clearly able to tell the outcome. The three of them were facing the final showdown, winner take all. Razor snarled like a rabid bulldog as he forced his way forward; confident he would succeed, while his opponent stood in front of him, unfazed by the upcoming attack. Kitty looked on at Yugi's calm features, eyes full of determination, an amethyst flame burning within she had never seen before. It was so dangerous, yet compassionate, drawing her in. It was simply indescribable, and despite the fear in the air, she felt safe under that gaze, as it loured her into sweet but courageous depths.
Preparing himself in a steady stance, Yugi braced his body for the assault. Razor's fists where inches from his face and closing fast! Timing his move just right, he swung his to the side, the big biker unable to turn sharp enough to catch him due to his side. Gaining all strength, the young man forced his elbow into the centre of the large man's back, making him growl in pain with the harsh crack coming from his shattered bones. He fell on the floor hard, the other boy still over him, he attempted to crawl away, but to no avail, Yugi still had to finish the job.
"It's over, now Yami!" he called out, as the puzzle glowed, the spirit still inside charging all shadow energy into the object. The Pharaoh summoned his power, as a dark black aura shot of out the Millennium item. The frightful misty wisps swirled around the thug, who could escape as he struggled to free himself from the dark magical barrier. Soon the smoke captured him in the abyss; a final futile call rang in the air as the cloud disappeared with Razor in it. He would never be a threat again, as the boy told the spirit through the mind link.
'Thanks for that Yami, I appreciated that, as well as you letting me stand on my own for once. You did great.'
'The credit goes to you Young one, for coming up with that plan to dispose of him, at least he won't cause any problems in the Shadow Realm. But right now, I think there is something you need to attend to.' he stated, closing his end of the link, to give the two youths privacy.
Coming back to his senses, Yugi looked over to the wall to see Kitty balancing herself against the trashcan, still recovering from the scare she had. He rushed over to steady her as she swayed, crashing into his chest, but he put his arms around her to hug her tight, glad she was safe.
"You okay Kitten? He didn't hurt you did he? He better not have done anything that son of a..."
"No, I'm fine, just don't resort to swearing Yugi, we just escaped the dangers of Hell, more than I can say for Razor I suppose...where did you and Yami send him?" she questioned, still glancing at the spot on the ground where they had last seen the brute being swallowed by darkness.
"Just to the Shadow Realm on a one way trip. He won't be able to come back and hurt you again, I promise." he soothed, holding her even closer. Kitty needed to talk to him about what happened, how fearful she was of what Razor could have done, what she had finally realised now, but was still a bit shaken.
They made their way into the house, going through the back door into the store. They would have to relax a bit first, because it was clear the most shocking part of the day was still to come. This was in no way an end to today's events, not by a long shot. Now the answers were about to be spilled to them all.
Watching the couple go back inside, the two renegades huffed at the failure of their comrade. They didn't know what the guy who was protecting Kitty had done with him, but it didn't matter. He would have been disposed of for his incompetence in getting the job done anyway, the storeowner had just spared them the trouble.
This was going to be somewhat more challenging than first anticipated, but the would succeed. Drake was not patient, and if he didn't have his token possession back soon it would be their heads on a platter.
It had taken long enough to find her, and that had seriously got the boss steamed, he was not about to let this technicality get the better of him getting what he wanted. Kitty was worth a good deal to the gang, ever since they had pulled her into the organisation when she was only a teenager. She was too innocent at the time to see what they had planned, but she had stumbled on it sooner or later. A few silly attempts to leave had taken place, but no one took the kid seriously. Sadly she broke away ferociously, leaving Drake a sore cheek as a parting gift.
It was completely unacceptable if they failed; she was only a silly eighteen-year-old girl off the streets, why would anyone see value in her. Still, they would retrieve her, and if the Mutou guy got in the way, they would just take care of him.
Grumbling, they sped off on their motorbikes to report back to the boss. Weaving through the smooth traffic, they didn't care on who they interfered with. They were simple thugs, no minds whatsoever. If they had been paying attention they would have noticed they had went past a black limousine going in the opposite direction, or more importantly who was watching them speed off with shock and some terror.
"Melisanne? What's wrong, are you sure you're up to going out today?" the CEO asked, on seeing she was turning a bit white again. He slung his arms around her to pull her close, feeling her tremble slightly.
"Seto, it was them! I know it was!" she exasperated, causing Kaiba to raise an eyebrow in confusion. "The bikers, it was definitely a couple of them from the gang who ambushed me in the park! Their bikes were marked with same insignia s those thugs had tattooed on themselves!"
"Are you sure?" he asked, just noticing the two dots zooming off into the distance. His blood was already boiling at the thought of the same creeps that harmed her were still hanging around the city. But what were they after? There was nothing of great value in Domino; they had just came out of a back street behind some on the shops around the corner, so what could they have been up to? Funnily enough, the Games shop was also on that avenue. Was there a connection?
'I don't really care who is involved with this, but I plan to get back at those punks for what they did to my crystal! No one hurts someone I care for and gets away with it!'
"Seto?"
The girl's voice brought him back to reality, and he looked at her kindly. Huddling close in the back of the limousine, they made there way to the far end of the city to pick up her siblings who had been watched by a maid while she was recovering.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. Our life's going to settle soon, I promise." he said before kissing her lips in reassurance. "Nothing's going to spoil it. Once we get Jun and Zi settled in the mansion it'll be perfect. I told you Mokuba would be happy to see you again."
"Yes, I just hope I don't run into any of that gang again, what if..."she voiced, but was quickly silenced with Kaiba covering her mouth with his. Just a way of saying it would all be okay, only a lot more enjoyable.
"Man, wish I could have seen you take out that creep myself Yug, I would have loved to have seen the look on his face when you clobbered him!" the blonde youth yelped excitedly, having just been told about the fight.
It was later on the evening since Joey had been out since that morning travelling the city to check up on all the stock in the invoice reports in the store as a favour to his friend. He had came back during dinner, and at that point was too busy eating to hear what he was being told. It was only once he finished his dessert did Joey actually grasp what had been going on in his absence. Mainly, he infuriated he had gone out and missed all the action!
"Knock it off Joey, like I was saying, Kitty said she would talk things out tonight, so I think you better stick around."
"Sure pal, but I'll let you handle things, you're closer to Kitty, and definitely the one she'll want to cry on. I'll have to go out again anyway to check out the inventory. I've got some cash so I'll spend the night in a motel or something."
"What, no Joey it's fine..."he pried, but the other guy shook his messy head in defiance.
"No way Yug, it may take me all night to trail up and check stuff out, I have to do some errands for myself too, lost some luggage when I arrived so I'll drive out the airport to see if it's made it through here yet. I don't want to come back in the early hours of the morning and waking you guys up, it's cool." he explained, to which his friend just nodded, he was too tired and preoccupied to argue, besides nothing could change the blondes mind once he set it something important.
The boys turned on hearing footsteps on the stairs, watching Kitty walking into the living room. Since dinner she had spent the evening in her room, composing herself for having to tell them everything about her past. It was not something that could be told easily, and to the girl it was a shameful story of her life being ruined and discarded by everyone as if she was nothing. She had never told another soul her horrendous tale but felt this was as ready as she ever would be in explaining everything. Also she didn't want to deceive those who had been so kind to her any longer, just hoping they would understand.
Sighing, she took a seat in between the boys on the couch, not able to meet their stares. Against her chest she held her precious diary/autobiography, the only companion she had before meeting Yugi: the only means she had in expressing herself or spilling her heart out when she felt it was too difficult to keep it bottled up, as if someone would actually be listening to her pleas. Straightening herself, looking between amethyst and honey eyes, she tensed.
"Well...where do you want me to start?" she asked, the blonde ready to pounce in, as always, since to Joey it all seemed a lot more confusing!
"Okay Kitty, first off, how about telling us about today, you know that biker dude who tried to kidnap you. He's with that gang that were on a rampage her last week, right?" he questioned, to which she nodded.
"They're called the Death riders, they come from another town a few hundred miles from here, nearer the coast. They get away with all their crimes cause nobody can stand up to them, they're not afraid of the police at all. They run the place, ruining everyone's lives...including mine."
"But what did Razor mean by that I had been hiding you?" Yugi questioned, holding her hand to relax her shaken nerves.
"I...well they believe...especially their leader...I belong to them." she cried out, already weeping at the painful memories flooding into her mind.
"You don't have to belong to anyone! What makes those guys, even their stupid leader, think they have rights to treat you like any old object? You're a person Kitty, not a possession." Joey fumed.
"Not to them I'm not, kind of hard for things to change since I've lived with them ever since I was about thirteen. They took me in when I had no place to go, I thought they cared, too naïve to see I was being used as a tool for their plots!" she spat in anger, though still crying terribly with Yugi now hugging her close, Joey patting her shoulder.
"What do you mean, a tool?" her boyfriend inquired.
"After I settled in they put me to work. You know, basic stuff, stealing from stores, breaking windows and painting graffiti on walls. I just had to stick to that, when they tried getting me to assault people I rebelled against it...it was then they found a better use for me..."
Both of the boys looked on concerned as she held the book even tighter to her chest. It hurt to see her so grieved by the pain of her past. They hoped letting it out of her system would make her feel more at ease. Yugi especially felt horrible in not being able to help his poor defenceless Kitten.
"I became a decoy, something to be used as seen fit. I would distract anyone in the way, lour them off while the guys did as they pleased, ride their bikes through the buildings, took what they want or just simply trashed the place. In some cases...they stole from places; knocked me over...the cops caught me and dragged me up for charges. I paid the price for them so many times."
"Why didn't you tell the cops what happened? Even say where the gang hid out so the police could do something?" the blonde asked.
"They wouldn't believe me, I was just a kid. Even if I did, they gang would find out, and I would be in for a lot worse that staying one night in a prison cell. That's why I didn't think I would get my own place when I got here, with no money and I knew employees would check records, see I had criminal offences and reject me. I was worried you would do that too if I asked Yugi." she explained.
"I understand Kitty, so these guys are after you, they want to take you back to your hometown..."
"Mainly Drake wants that, the others are just following orders, but yes..."
"Drake? Is he the leader of the Death Riders or something? He must be a real big shot if those thugs listen to him."
"Yeah Joey, he rules over them and no one contradicts him, they're too scared to disobey. He tried to stop me when I had enough and left to come here. That's why I had a gash in my thigh when I arrived. He got with a switchblade, but I hit him back and knocked him out cold, ran before anyone else could stop me..."she whimpered, suddenly leaning into Yugi, having fallen asleep from having to cope with the days events as well as the ones of her past.
Soon after that Joey left to take care of his own business, promising to come back in the morning. The other young man laid his girlfriend down on the couch to rest, while he cleaned up the apartment. When he came back he took heed to the notebook she still held close. There were still some questions he wanted to ask, but didn't wish to wake her. He couldn't ask Yami what to do, who had turned in and was meditating in the soul room, their link closed till morning. Gently, he took the small book out of her grasp and flicked to the first page.
He did feel guilty for it, it was personal to Kitty, but he wasn't sure she would be willing to answer some of the questions from getting upset, and he didn't want that. He would only look up a bit, not going too far into her life. What he did find made him incredibly sad in reading the reason Kitty was on her own and had to go with the gang.
Her parents had died caught in crossfire of gang warfare, and since she had no other relatives, she ran away, not wanting to end up in an orphanage. Only later did she find out the creepy bikers were the ones involved in the fight that killed her family, and had followed her when she ran away from the shooting. He also gathered Drake was a really slimy character, obviously toying with the poor girl. He had never harmed her sexually from what he could tell, but he was possessive of her, flirting with her and in turn trying to force himself on her a few times, but she always ran away. He had hit and slashed her before, maddening Yugi a lot, and she only hit back the last time when she finally escaped.
It was painful to think of Kitty in so much physical and emotional agony. He hated the thought of what these thugs had put her through, wishing he could send them all to the Shadow Realm like he did Razor. It was after everything they had gone through Yugi thought on what she meant to him. He had protected her today due to all these emotions inside him, fuelling his strength to keep her safe. It was only in those moments it sunk in why he needed her around so much, why he treasured every smile that graced her lips. It was sweet, compassionate feelings. It was...
"Yugi? What are you doing?" Kitty questioned on stirring from her sleep. She looked from his eyes to the book he held in his hands in confusion.
"Kitty, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have, I know I invaded your privacy in reading this but..."
"It's okay." she halted his speech. "Really, I'm not upset. I've hid enough secrets from you; you're entitled to answers. Just some of the stuff I don't even like thinking about, let alone talking about."
"Well, you did depict the stuff excellently, you should be a writer, bet you could get this published without a problem." he complimented over the silence, but it was clear Kitty's mind was elsewhere. She stood up and was about to leave when Yugi caught her wrist. He pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her soothingly so she was looking up into his eyes, as he asked what was wrong.
"I lived for so long, with the gang I mean, all the stuff they said...I was worthless, just something to be used, nobody could ever care about me. Ever since I lost my family, I never thought I could feel anything for anyone again, and I thought...no one could feel strongly for me either. I would always be alone, because no one would like me, befriend me or...love me..."she stuttered, wanting to turn away but couldn't leave Yugi's eyes.
Stroking her face, he felt so moved by her. How could anyone say that such a beautiful soul could not be loved? He had removed her glasses when she fell asleep, so now he could just take in those perfect hazel orbs, glistening with sorrow and joy at the same time. He just wanted to make her feel better, so she wouldn't cry. He had to show her she was worthy of others, on more like they were worthy of her in Yugi's case.
"Look, don't believe a word they say to you. They just wanted to make you feel bad so you would be too weak to leave, but they're just lying pigs, especially Drake. He made you feel like you couldn't get close to anyone for being used, but that's not true. You're the most amazing person I've met Kitty, I admire you for surviving all that...and, I hope you can feel for others again...because I know that people care about you..."
"What...what about you Yugi? Do you care?" she asked, which caught the male off guard. Still, he looked at her gently, with a small smile on his face before shaking his head a little so gold bangs fell over his eyes.
"No," he stated simply, which made Kitty look down at her feet, only for Yugi to catch the side of her face with his hand, pulling her head back up to meet his gaze as he caressed her cheek. "I can't say I care about you...it's not a strong enough word for what I feel. I...love you, my Kitten."
The girl was stunned, her breath hitching in her throat. He loved her? All the doubts that she had bared for so long simply drifted out of her heart, it swelled up at the words, genuine and kind. She knew herself what she had to say, for the feeling wasn't one sided, she could see that now. There was only one thing she could do.
"I love you too Yugi."
With that, he bent down and captured her lips. It was now obvious they both meant every word spoken, passion and love being poured into the kiss. Yugi's arms slid down her back to her waist to pull her close, while Kitty's hands found their way into his soft spikes, combing her fingers through red and black hair as well as brushing blonde bangs away from his face.
They pressed so close they could feel each other's hearts racing. They separated briefly, but Yugi gently pushed aside her auburn locks to plant butterfly kisses along her neck, trailing to her shoulder. With his fingers brushing her ear and neck, Kitty couldn't help gasp, shivering in bliss under the touch. In return she managed to put her hands under his shirt, grazing his chest with her fingertips.
Going back to the other's lips, the need was evident. Yugi pulled her close enough to sweep her off her feet, huddling Kitty's body into him while still kissing her. The girl held on tightly as he carried her out of the room, up the small flight of steps, finally backing up through a door in Yugi's room.
As the door clicked closed behind them, neither had felt so at peace. That night was spent in the embrace of undying love, the cares and problems of the outside world no longer mattering. It was like they were the only two people who existed in the entire world, as pure heavenly emotion was unleashed. Everything was completely wonderful; no pain could be felt, only blissful love.