Didn't I say I'd post another one quickly? And you didn't believe me...unless, you did. If you did, thanks for believing me, but knowing how punctual I am with uploading, I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't.

Lucy's POV

The day passed and darkness followed: time to go to the Battle City Finals. We joined up with Joey, Serenity (Joey's little sister), Tristan, Duke Devlin (a game shop owner), and Mai Valentine. I know nothing about her, really, only that she was in Duelist Kingdom, and, from what I've heard, she's a pretty great duelist.

I know I should be talking with everyone and wishing them luck for their next adventure, but I couldn't help but think about Bakura. If he's in the hospital, I don't know how he'll enter the finals... Wait. 'Part of the plan' he said…getting wounded was part of the plan? How?

"Come on, Lucy. We're almost there," Téa said while tugging my arm. "Hey, you've been awfully quiet. Is something wrong?" Yugi slowed down and walked on the other side of me.

I want to tell her, but I need to keep quiet about this. If I can learn about my past while keeping my friends as far away from this insanity as I can, then maybe I'll be able to sleep better at night. "I'm just nervous. I haven't really been away from my mom for such a long time…"

"You'll see her again before you know it. Trust me, I understand."

Her words of comfort are calming, but I'm still worried. Since Bakura showed up with that wound, it hit me that both he and Marik are completely unpredictable, and I know there's a lot both of them aren't telling me. My heart fell to my stomach. I thought I could trust Bakura…at least a little bit, seeing as how he trusted me enough to tell me about who he really is, but… I suppose not. And how can I be sure if he's acting as Ryou? Or if he really is Ryou. I feel like I can't trust anybody…I feel so betrayed.

"Hey," Yugi spoke softly so Téa wouldn't hear, "I know things may seem bad at times, especially now, but we've got each other. The love we have for one another is stronger than anything, and together we can get through any tough situation life throws at us. If you need me, or any of us, just call, and we'll be right by your side."

Wow, he…he actually said something that helped me…and he doesn't even know what's going on…. "Thanks, Yugi," I said, and I meant it. He smiled and looked at his feet. "Hey, you look a little red. Are you okay?"

He threw his head up so quickly it made me jump, "What? Um, yeah, I'm fine, Lucy. It's probably the heat," he said, fanning himself and laughing oddly.

"But it's only 72 degrees out…"

"Heh, well with all of this walking and stuff, you know… I-I'm gonna go up ahead a little bit." He picked up his pace, leaving Téa and I behind.

My eyes followed Yugi, curious why he's acting like this. "Hey, Lucy?"

"Yeah, Téa?"

"I know you were kind of close with Bakura…" the mention of his name gave her my full attention, even though a part of me doesn't want to hear his name right now, "and, well…I just wanted to say I'm sorry. But he's a tough kid," I threw her a look that says Really? "Um…well…Okay, maybe not, but the hospital we took him to is one of the best. Besides a few bruises and stitches, he should be back on his feet in no time!"

I started to chuckle, but it sounds dark to me, as if it were not my own, "Maybe sooner than you think."

The locator cards brought us to this sort of half-finished stadium. In it already was Seto Kaiba himself. "Wow," I gawked, "that's my mom's boss? That's Seto Kaiba? He's so young!"

"Kaiba is your mom's boss?" Joey asked, flabbergasted, "Jeesh. I'd throw myself out the window if I worked for that egotistical asshole."

"What was that, Mutt?" Mr. Kaiba's voice was ice cold and unforgiving.

"Nyeh, what'd you call me, rich boy?!" Joey barked back.

Ignoring him, Kaiba turned to Yugi, "Glad to see you could make it, Yugi. It's nice to know I'll have some competition in my own tournament," Joey looked absolutely red with rage, "Of course, with Obelisk in my deck, you shouldn't stand a chance."

"Yugi has a God card too, Kaiba!" Joey protested, "And I'll be PLENTY of competition for ya! Just you wait!"

"Hmph. As if," Kaiba muttered before turning to me. I froze and felt myself shake a little. "You. You look familiar…"

I straightened up and looked him in the eye, "My name is Lucy Devereaux, sir. You may know my mother. She's new to your company. Her name is Hope Devereaux."

"Ah, yes. She's a smart woman. Should I expect you to be so as well, Ms. Devereaux?"

I smirked slightly, "We'll find out if I meet your standards, Mr. Kaiba."

He chuckled, "Excellent. Don't disappoint me," he turned his attention back to Yugi, "As for the rest of your friends, Yugi, my expectations will not be so high." The silence was enough of a response for Kaiba, who stalked away with a younger boy with bushy black hair at his side.

Breaking the intensity in the air, I asked, "How do you guys know Mr. Kaiba?"

"Yugi beat his ass after he stole Gramps's Blue Eyes White Dragon card. Since then, we've basically been enemies," Joey said through gritted teeth.

"We're not enemies," Yugi protested, "Kaiba has some good in him. He just…doesn't show it often."

"Here comes another duelist!" Téa said.

It's Marik! I feel more surprised than I should've been. I knew he was going to be a finalist. Even thinking about the sight of him makes my skin crawl. Probably just anxiety…

"Hey, it's Namu!" Yugi shouted.

Sheepishly Marik said, "Yeah, it's nice to see you again, guys." He introduced himself to those who hadn't met him yet.

The winds started picking up, blowing my hair in my face. The sands being thrown every which way disrupted my vision. Seconds later, Téa said another person was coming, but nobody could see who it was until the winds died down. "BAKURA?!" she yelled, "What are you doing here?" She, Yugi, and Joey ran to his side and began to question him about how he's able to stand and how he managed to get six locator cards. He shrugged it off and said he was fine. Then that's Bakura. I know Ryou wouldn't be stupid enough to put himself in danger again. Plus, if what Bakura said was true, Ryou would be weak from the wound…too weak to stand, probably, let alone walk.

"I'm fine. Really…" he protested, and he would've continued to do so, but another approaching figure stole everyone's attention away.

The man was a tall, brooding figure. Téa gasped, possibly from fear, and moved herself closer to Yugi. Half of his face was tattooed with hieroglyphics; the rest of him was shrouded in a purple cloak. "State your name and your business here," Kaiba said.

"I am Marik," said the man. The name seemed to infuriate and intimidate everyone, except for myself, Bakura, and the real Marik.

Joey threw some threats at the false Marik, and Kaiba did the same. Marik abducted Mr. Kaiba's younger brother? The poor kid…

I managed to creep over near 'Namu' and gave him a look that meant to hold a message like "this thing I'm about to do is meant to pull you away from other people." He nodded. I started to take a step towards him, purposefully misplacing my footing, and fell into him.

His arms caught me across my chest in an attempt to balance me, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Namu," I attempted to say in an innocent voice. Changing my voice to a hushed tone, I whispered, "Who is that man?"

"His name is Odion," he whispered back, "He's a servant of mine. He won't harm you as long as you're working for me."

"Hmph. As if I was afraid of him, anyway…"

Marik pushed me up, chuckling to himself, "I like the fire in you, Lucy…"

While trying to stand, I saw the glint of Bakura's eyes fixed on us. He held a scowl on his face, but quickly removed it as he looked away, turning his attention to follow the crowd. He's not mad at me, is he…? I would be if I were him…considering I punched him where he's already hurt. "Marik, can I—"

"Have a word with Bakura? Not for long. I saw the look he gave us…I also saw that punch you gave him earlier. It was a good blow."

"Save those kinds of compliments for when I'm kicking your ass, you snake." I shook his hands off my shoulders and went over to Bakura.

As I was approaching him, I felt the guilt grow, and butterflies in my stomach. Even when I came to a foot away from him, he didn't turn to face me, "Don't move away or anything. I just want to say something real quick—"

"Wouldn't you rather talk to Marik? It appears as if you're falling for him rather quickly…" he hissed.

"You know that's the furthest thing from the truth! I just came to apologize for hitting you earlier…I was frustrated – and still am – with this whole situation… Marik is using both of us, manipulating both of us, and it almost feels like he's trying to set us against each other by toying with us."

He never took his eyes away from what everyone else was looking at, "That may be true, but since when have I cared about how you feel?"

"…What?" I whispered, "You don't honestly expect me to believe that?"

He spun to face me. The fire in his eyes was something I hadn't seen out of him yet. It's not rage. I don't think it's anger…but they're passionate with something. "What am I supposed to believe, Lucy? That you have some deeper feelings for me and that I feel the same for you?" My eyes widened and I felt the air leave my lungs, "Is that what you want to hear? This isn't a fairytale, this is reality…and I'm far from your Prince Charming."

My heart was beating faster again. Then he has feelings for me too… "Bakura…I…"

"Just go, Lucy. Go before your master drags you away. Go before I am forced to get rid of you myself."

I need to say something. What can I say? I can't think straight…

I opened my mouth, just to say his name, but a cold, tan hand grabbed me by the shoulder, sending an unwanted chill down my spine, "Time to go, my dear. Say goodbye to your beloved." He shooed me away from Bakura, "And if you don't defeat the Pharaoh, the deal is off. Remember that, Fluffy." He smirked and led me away.

I looked back at Bakura with sad eyes. He was watching me too. As soon as our eyes locked, he looked to the ground.

Marik's tongue seemed to slither as he spoke, "You took too long, my dear. I was getting worried about you."

I didn't say anything. There was nothing I could say…

"He needs to keep his focus on the Pharaoh, and you need to as well," he nudged me in the direction of the Pharaoh and Téa, "Keep making friends."

Without hesitation, I walked towards them. "What was that about?" Téa asked.

"I was…thanking Namu for saving Bakura," I lied, "and then I went to check on Bakura. It's crazy that he's doing this."

"Yeah…I hope he doesn't get hurt."

I have a feeling that there is going to be more severe consequences than just getting hurt. He's already hurt, only worse things can come from this.

When I looked back at Bakura, his eyes were still to the ground.

The eighth duelist hasn't arrived yet, and I'm not worried. Clearly neither is Kaiba. "Bring it down and let's get going," he said to his workers, who started talking into radios to bring "it" down. What are they talking about? They're not dueling here?

Suddenly a monster-sized blimp descended from the sky and into the stadium. Everybody's gaping at it, even Marik and Bakura. After it landed, we started to board, and Kaiba chose to neglect the duelist who had yet to arrive.

Those who were duelists boarded first, and Téa, Tristan, Duke, Serenity, and I soon followed. But before we could reach the ramp to go into the blimp, two guards stopped us. "I'm sorry, but we can't allow you to pass without Dueler IDs."

"Oh, come on, Rowland, let them on! I don't have an ID either," protested the black haired boy.

"My apologies, Master Mokuba, but I'm only following Mr. Kaiba's orders," Rowland replied.

"What do you say, bro?" Mokuba addressed his big brother, "Can they come up too?"

"Eh, whatever…"

"I'll take that as a yes!" Tristan said excitedly as he ran up the ramp. The others followed close behind.

I laughed at his enthusiasm and started to run up too when I was stopped by Mr. Kaiba, "Ms. Devereaux, stay behind for a moment." His voice sent a chill down my spine and made my heart beat faster.

I tried to push my nerves down, "Yes, Mr. Kaiba?"

"I just want to be clear, just because your mother is one of my best employees doesn't mean I'm going to treat you in any special way."

I was taken aback. That's not what I expected. "Crystal clear, sir. And I never expect to be praised for someone else's accomplishments."

"Good. I must admit, I'm unimpressed with your poor choice of friend group—"

"With all due respect, sir, those people you're talking about are my friends, whether or not you approve. I haven't had the pleasure of having good friends like these in my life, and I'm grateful to them for their companionship and their ability to accept me for who I am: an imperfect human being. I don't appreciate the way you're referring to them."

He stood emotionless and quiet. His little brother was wide-eyed, and I could feel the anger coming from Mr. Kaiba. What have I done…?

Finally he opened his mouth, "It seems your mother has raised you right," he walked past me into the doorway of the blimp, "I didn't have any friends either, Lucy…look how I turned out." He turned the corner and was gone.

"Wow…" Mokuba lingered with the same expression plastered on his face, "That was really cool of you, Lucy. I think you have to really surprise and impress Seto for him to react like that."

"Thank you, Mokuba," I held out my hand, "We haven't been properly introduced yet." He took my hand and we shook. Kaiba's workers led us inside.

"There aren't enough rooms for everyone," Kaiba announced, "So, until there are rooms prepared, you'll all have to become good friends with somebody and stay with them. Decide quickly. Dinner is in an hour, and after that, we'll see who will come out on top in the first round of the finals."

"So soon?" Mai asked no one in particular, "But we just got here. Can't we rest a bit?"

Others nodded in agreement while the Pharaoh was lost in thought. "What's on your mind, Yugi?"

"It's Bakura…he's supposed to be in the hospital. I sense something is wrong, and I don't like it."

"I know what you mean…I know all too well what you mean."

Things were starting to calm down, but there's no one I can room with (that I want to). Joey was with Tristan, Duke, and Serenity. Téa was staying with Yugi. Mai refused to room with anyone. There was no way I was asking Marik, Odion, or that eighth duelist who finally showed.

That leaves me with one option…oh boy...

I rolled my luggage down the empty hallway. The dark blue doors were only emphasized by the pale walls surrounding it. I stopped at the door with the number 6 on it. I wonder if that's just another hint that he's the devil? I joked to myself. What if he says no? I know he probably doesn't want me near him…I can feel the sweat on my forehead and my heart started to beat faster as I knocked on the door.

Almost immediately the door opened, revealing a mess of white hair and a pair of dark brown eyes. I looked down at the floor, a bit embarrassed, "…Can I stay with you? Everyone else is…" I lost my voice. I cleared my throat, "Everyone else is full or…not someone I like."

"And what am I?" he asked, an eyebrow arching up his forehead.

"You're someone I realized I can't trust as much as I'd like to." I looked up at him and realized he was looking at the floor too.

When he lifted his head up, he looked left and right in the hallway. Then he stepped aside to let me pass.

"I'm surprised you're letting me stay with you," I whispered. "Especially after—"

"Just get in," he growled.

I stepped past him, dragging my bag with me. Bakura closed the door behind me with a thud. Without looking at me, he walked into his bedroom and closed the door, leaving me alone in the room. "I'll just sleep on the couch, then," I said loudly, "Do you want me to call you for dinner?"

No answer.

Yay, a defining point in their relationship! Trust me, it'll get better. Please rate and review! I need to know what you think. Also, I have a SONG for these two (because every couple needs a song!) It's called "What Have You Done" by Within Temptation. I love these twisted love songs thrown into a rock ballad...so yeah, if you're interested, go listen to it! It's really good. Feel free to throw songs at me too, I secretly love that.

Thanks for reading! Stay cool!
~Mina