Chapter 8: Surprises Unfold
The next few weeks were blustering as Wing and Joey had begun their blooming romance. Kisses were given, flowers delivered and dates were swept over all over the calendar as Wing began to live life as a normal teenager on Earth. Serenity and Tea began to feel like her old friends Harpy Girl and White Magician Pikeru or even more like sisters to her, giving her advice, shopping together and just hung out together. Wing felt absolutely at home...but Darren did not. Darren Magi just kept to a distance and worked long hours in the ice cream shop silently as well as getting advice from Lady Orchid for his tainted heart.
"Just tell her how you're feeling, Darren.." he could remember Lady Orchid say to him the other night. "That's the only way this matter will heal."
Alright, all I have to do is.. Darren thought to himself as he got up the next morning as he put on his shirt, I'll just have to fess up and tell her how I feel.
He grumbled as he tried to find his socks and go off to take a hot shower. Darren slumped up the hallway to the bathroom muttering as he began to reach for the doorknob. As he opened the door he heard a murmuring tune that sounded vaguely like an old familiar hymn as billowing clouds of steam formed across the floor. Darren stepped onto the damp rug and saw a figure behind the floral printed shower curtain.
A burglar.. he thought angrily. He rushed towards the shower and clenched his fist as he threw the shower curtain aside which made a chinking noise as it sped across the bar revealing the person who gave a terrifying scream.
"WING!" Darren shouted, embarrassed as he saw the girl's face. Disbelief and embarrassment flooding through his veins as he tried to look away, Wing reaching for the curtain to cover herself and her body parts. "I'm sorry!"
"You pervert!" Wing cursed as she stopped the water and pulled on her pale furry dressing gown as she began to push Darren out of the bathroom. "Why can't you leave me alone?!"
"I didn't know! I am dreadfully sorry Wing." Darren stammered. "I thought it was an intruder! Honestly.."
"Yes well you..dear sir were wrong!" Wing argued as she gripped her dressing gown tighter. "You have loosen up a bit, Darren! We're staying on Earth, and the least you can do is to experience it."
"Here we go again.." Darren muttered to himself as he rolled his eyes back. "The old 'You Live on Earth and Humans are our friends deal so we must trust them' routine. Give it a rest Wing."
"Well you're the one who keeps interfering." Wing protested.
"I try not to interfere..and to this point I had enough!" Darren groaned as he glared his icy blue eyes directly at Wing. "You do what you want Wing..but I thought we came to Earth together. Now you're always with your human friends, and only argue with me."
"I work with you, don't I?" Wing answered as she began towards her room, with Darren following her.
"We never speak. We only have contact with the customers.." Darren informed with his hands crossed as Wing began to search through her closet. "Which you mostly do physical contact.."
"So I'm not as clean or graceful as you.." Wing countered. "It's not my fault I keep tripping."
"Why must we fight? Why can't we have any actual conversations as human beings?!" Darren commented.
Wing turned her head slowly and looked at him oddly, in complete silence. She was surprised as he actually referred himself to being a human since they had arrived. Wing was lost for words as she stared into space with a particular feeling resting in her stomach.
"I have nothing to say to you." Wing answered curtly as she quickly looked away. She snatched a blouse from her cabinet and slammed the door. "Just that you're a rude, sarcastic, close minded individual."
"But Wing..." Darren sighed as he placed his head on the closed door. Why must we fight?
Wing looked at herself in the mirror as she began to dress. What did Darren know? She had been surrounded by good friends, and one mesmerizing love. She had people who cared about her in the outside world that he never had known about or experienced...once tasting life as a human and being with her friends made her forget all about the Monster Realm.
"Hey babe. I heard the rude sarcastic closed minded individual crap.." a purr wafered along her bed sheets as Cat Nip pawed his big black claws on her pillow. "Were you referring about Mmmeeeoow?"
"Paws off, tabby." Wing snapped lightly.
"Awww..." Cat Nip sneered.
"Last one there!!!" Tristan's familiar cry came from outside.
"Tristan, why do we always have to do this?" Yugi groaned as he and Tea ran after Tristan.
"It's beginning to get lame."
"Not for me! I always beat you guys!" Tristan answered smugly as he touched the door to the ice cream shop as he looked up admiringly.
"I'm gonna show Wing my most treasured card.." Serenity said as she and Joey walked together, her hands clasping her Wing Weaver card. "What do you think Joey?"
"Yeah, Sweet sis." Joey snickered. "Show her a real card why don't cha not some pathetic fairy card. A real duelist like me would never call that a real monster.."
"So you're finally here..."Yugi remarked playfully as the two joined up with the others.
"Hey lover boy. Still makin' out with Wing last night?" Tristan smirked as he clutched Joey by the hair and pulled him into a headlock. "Showing the moves ol' Tristan taught ya?"
"Heck, why do I listen to you?" Joey answered nonsensically. "You haven't been out on a date since you went to get your grandmother's tonsils removed.."
"Take that back!" Tristan shouted throwing Joey a punch.
"Easy there guys..not in front of the shop." a calming voice chimed through the screen door as Wing's face appeared from the mesh on the door. "We don't want to make a mess now.. do we?"
"WING!"Joey exclaimed joyfully as she came out, he rushed over and gave her a tight squeeze. "Boy am I glad to see you!"
"Wing! I wanna show you something, that I think you'd like to see!" Serenity murmured as she held up the card. Wing glanced at it for a moment but quickly turned straight at Joey.
"In a moment..Joey, can you help me inside with the new shipment of cartons out for Lady Orchid? That would be much appreciated." Wing asked politely with a sly wink,
Joey had a hinting suspicion as a grin spread upon his face that it was about something. Tristan nodded towards him reassuringly as Tea gave him a slap on the back sending him forward as Joey and Wing entered the building alone. They climbed the stairs and headed towards the apartment each of them keeping a hold on each other until they got up towards the living space. Joey leant in close and accidentally bumped into the coffee table before sending him and Wing across the room and pinned her down next to a wall.
"Alone at last..."Joey sighed as he moved in closer to her lips, Wing slid her hand against the wall as they pressed together into a loving kiss.
As Darren walked down the hall towards the apartment door he heard voices and whispers as well as other strange noises as he went down to the shop. Minding his own business he came upon the two, embracing in the silence of the empty apartment. His heart sank as he watched the kiss unfold and rage ran through his veins rushing all through his body. He wanted nothing more than to wring the little blond boy's little neck as he began his approach.
"You!" he yelled as he broke the couple apart.
"Darren, No!" Wing screamed as Darren picked up the poker from the fireplace again and pointed it at Joey's neck threateningly.
"What are you..Psycho or somethin'?!" Joey exclaimed defensively.
"Don't touch her!" Darren warned angrily. " Don't ever touch her!"
"Darren! It's okay...please stop." Wing cried shedding tears as she grasped Darren by the arm trying to calm him down. Joey eagerly stepped forward and looked Darren in the eye.
"Take it easy!" Joey called spreading his arms out wide as he took a breath. "You don't want to mess with your sister's boyfriend. Would ya?"
"Boy..friend?" Darren spaced out the word trying to understand. His eyes widened as he couldn't comprehend what was happening. Darren glanced at Wing momentarily and focussed towards Joey..then back at Wing again. "Is this true?"
Wing couldn't respond. A deep sorrow filled within her heart, as if she had failed Darren somehow and couldn't bear to speak about Joey to him. She didn't know how it would affect him and how much it would hurt...but she couldn't bear to lie to anyone..
"I love him." she whispered to Darren and turned back towards Joey.
Darren stood perfectly still as he dropped the poker in shock. Never did three little words hurt so much. The pain beared sadness that seemed to never go away..it was lost. There was sounds of intense knocking at the door announced Lady Orchid's return from the shop.
"Kids..why isn't anyone helping me with those blinking cartons! I'm not as young as I used to be! This back can't carry what it used to!" Lady Orchid said grumpily. Silence. "Say, What is going on here?"
Another knock at the door. This time it was thundering louder than anyone could imagine. Minutes passed and the knocking increased and all eyes were to the door. Someone else was trying to get in. Lady Orchid's eyes widened as the apartment door was forced open and Yugi and the others fell out onto the floor. In behind them were five boulder muscled body guards, as a cold voice wafered in behind the men.
"I was going to ask you here first..."
"Kaiba!" Yugi shouted as a slender brown haired boy with a suitcase appeared in between the big upper class thugs.
"Kaiba? What are you doing here?" Joey asked, his teeth gritted.
"I should be asking you..Wheeler. Why are you of all people standing on my almost newly owned property?!" Kaiba scolded menacingly.
"..Newly Owned?" Serenity muttered.
"Almost?" Tristan shouted in disbelief.
"Never mind the gawking..why are you so surprised?" Kaiba asked maliciously. "I can get anything I want if I spend a whole lot of money and put my mind to it..now where's the sucker who owns this dump anyway?"
"Here..I'm the real owner of this property." Lady Orchid answered strictly as she eyed Kaiba with an almost mystical glare. "What business is it of yours to be trespassing on it?"
"Business? Alright I'll tell you my business." Kaiba stated purely businesslike as he flipped open his suitcase and showed stacks of money inside. "I'm interested in purchasing this building for one of my newest company resorts. Money is not an issue and I can give you a fair share of the profit after you sign the deal to have this dump fixed up and ready to be rebuilt.."
"SAY What?!" Joey shouted. "Since when did Kaiba Corp. have the right to gang up on public places and buy'em out of house and home?!"
"Since the board room decided to branch out into the real estate business..and even the hard multimillionaire complexes need some down time.." Kaiba replied with a sneer.
"I'll put ya down for the count!" Joey threatened, Kaiba gave a hollow laugh.
"You can't do this to Lady Orchid..she works hard too and above all has the right to own this ice cream shop!" Tea defended standing up for them. Wing closed her eyes and went into a silent prayer.
"We're not going to let you bully your way out of this one Kaiba." Yugi exclaimed bravely towards Kaiba.
"You tell'em Yug." Joey commented.
"It's not up to you but the Little Old lady Orchid." Kaiba answered tonelessly, putting one
hand in his pocket as he kept his eyes on the old woman of the house. "So...do we have a deal?"
Kaiba stopped in his tracks, frozen like a statue as he felt something tugging at his coat. Kaiba looked down to see Wing crouched down and standing on her knees as she held on helplessly on his clothes. Kaiba's icy blue eyes widened as Wing looked up. Her warm brown eyes melted away as she put her purple haired head against his shin, whispering in a language he did not recognize.
"Please..let her be." Wing whispered, "Find it in your heart to not be so hateful..find another place. Another place more suitable for your workers..."
Kaiba couldn't utter a single word. Wing carried on.
"Let my Lady be free to do as she wishes with the shop..you can find another place. In spite of all your coldness and insecurities. Please, let Lady Orchid and the ice cream shop remain harmonious and open for anyone whosoever finds it available."
"I'll be delighted.." Kaiba answered taking her hand and helping her up. "And I might find you a well paid benefit, job for you when the time is right..as my assistant secretary."
"Really?" Wing uttered, her face flushed at what Kaiba said. Darren and Joey stood right beside each other could find themselves become overwhelmingly angry as Kaiba pulled her close to him.
"You stay away from my GIRL!" They both shouted in unison. The others all gazed towards them.
"Fine. Don't bother!" Kaiba replied as he pulled at Wing's wrist, throwing her to the floor and picked up his suitcase again. "You heard my offer Orchid...yes or no?"
"Please Lady Orchid.." Serenity remarked. "Don't do it."
"You love the shop. Don't let this guy boss you around." Tristan added.
"We know this creep too well. You shouldn't do it." Tea commented.
"Now why are you whippersnappers talking to me that way?! I don't know any of you..let alone need your bugs to tell me what to do! I might be old, but not stupid!" Lady Orchid shouted loudly as everyone eyed her and waited for her words. She turned wisely to Kaiba. "As for you, young man I admire your integrity..."
"NO!" Joey shouted.
"You cannot do this! Your shop!" Darren spoke up. "Our home.."
"..Is not for sale." Orchid concluded motionless. Kaiba's face broke in shame as the wise woman nodded in the feat. "I cannot lend you my home for any of your business fat cats and some shmansy resort. I know good work when I see it and my two foster children do fine at the shop and do not need to be in your hands."
"Fine! You're off the hook for now." Kaiba replied with a glint in his eye. "But I will get this shop..with or without your permission!"
"See you guys later." he remarked giving a quick look at Wing as he went out the door with his body guards.
"Are you okay Wing?" Darren asked as he bent down next to Wing and helped her up. Wing gazed at the door with her eyes glazed, who was that guy? How come he acts such a way.
"Speak to us Wing." Serenity asked consciously, Wing looked around to the familiar faces inside, but only a shrouding figure entered her mind.
"Who..who was that?" Wing murmured staggeringly.
"Seto Kaiba. The guy from the Kaiba Corp Tower." Joey answered bitterly. "Don't trust him..I don't trust him at all."
"I felt a really strange and dark aura around him..bitter thoughts." Wing said woozily, her throbbing head ached as she clutched it. "Isolation and coldness.."
"Doesn't surprise me." Tristan remarked.
"You could sense that in Kaiba?" Serenity asked in awe. Wing nodded, but confusion and broken pieces of some other life swirled around in her subconscious. Wing closed her eyes and saw red letters on a calendar and felt the glow of candles burning as if she was back in the convent all around her.
Wing could hear voices in song mainly one voice clearly..a woman's voice.
Suddenly the scene changed into a mother and a boy in her lap on a rocking chair laughing. It seemed such a sweet moment, until a cold wind pinched at her skin..there a whirl of flashes as scenes flew by as quick as can be..her head seemed to spin and thoughts full of darkness filled in her head and suddenly..she couldn't take it anymore.
"Where's the Tower again?! I need to go there immediately." Wing shouted abruptly in panic. Darren quickly pulled away as Joey went beside her, Darren could see that Wing had still some abilities that she had in the Monster Realm, including the power to read through people's hearts.
"No way. It's not okay to see that sleaze bag after what he's done to you.." Joey exclaimed with a firm bitterness in his word.
"I cannot feel better until this is made right Joey..I'll be okay." Wing answered determinedly looking at back with her sweet innocent eyes.
"Let her go Joey.." Darren said firmly. "If she needs to do what's right..let her do it."
"Grr..fine." Joey replied with a hint of jealously as Darren smiled at Wing. "Get atta here."
"No one is leaving tonight! You may be young adults and saved my shop but I'm still the boss around here!" Lady Orchid insisted angrily as she whipped out a cane. "Now! Everyone let's get back downstairs and bring the ice cream cartons with you! On the double!!!"
I know it's a lot of twists and no one's reading it. but the Kiba thing is all my fault, if anyone asks.