Another chapter is done. I'll admit it's both fun and a bit of a challenge to write this, along with another season 4 story (that's a crossover). But all in all, it's just fun to work on.


First Serenity, and know Yugi. Two very close people two Joey now compromised. Just when he thought he was starting to brighten up, things just didn't go the way he expected.

The gang had yet to make their next move. Having to head to Professor Hawkins' lab in Florida for some more information about their enemies and their plan. They still had a little time before they had to catch the train so they decided to take a moment to relax before leaving. Joey's expression was blank as he glared at the laptop screen in front of him.

Deciding to talk with Joey, Tristan sat across from him at the table. Since Tea was focused with the pharaoh and Rebecca and Duke was conversing with Hawkins, he knew somebody had to give their attention to Joey.

"You doing okay buddy?" Tristan inquired.

"As good as I'll ever be I suppose." Joey admitted, giving Tristan his attention.

"We'll figure this out."

"I know. I'm just concerned. Especially after I got this."

Joey slid his phone over to Tristan, a photo displayed from a text. Tristan dragged it over to him to get a better look. What he saw was Serenity, slightly battered with the message this is only the beginning plastered beneath it. It disturbed Tristan, but at least Serenity wasn't roughed up too much, and she was alive.

"And when I checked my email, I found this."

Joey turned the computer around, playing a video.

The camera was adjusting, before a clear shot of Mai and Serenity presented itself. Mai seemed eerily proud while Serenity showed signs of concern. Tristan kept his sight set on it.

"Morning Wheeler." Mai greeted. "As you can see, Serenity's doing fine. She's eating, sleeping, and listening quite well. We're just having so much fun. Although, I bet that's not what you want to know. You're probably wondering what it'll take for me to release her. Your soul being the obvious prize. To be honest, I don't think even then I'll release her."

Mai gazes back at Serenity for a moment before looking at the camera again.

"I'm really enjoying the company. She's a lot better than those losers."

"Joey, help me." Serenity pleaded, trying to worm her way onto the camera. "You're right Mai isn't herself. Please, I need you to…"

"Be quiet." Mai ordered, a hand providing some punishment on her face. "Hasn't your mother told you not to interrupt other people's conversations? Now, if you want your sister's safety secure, you will duel me and I will take your soul. So long Wheeler. See you very soon."

The video ended and Tristan was appalled by Mai's display. The fact that the one person that Serenity looked up to would hit her, was horrific. Not to mention the emotional turmoil that Joey was wallowing in. Unable to contain his aggression, Tristan smashed the table with his fist, startling everyone.

"I'm going to kill her." Tristan aggressively suggested, standing up.

Tristan was about to storm out of the when a hand, Tea's to be exact, grabbed onto his arm.

"Tristan stop." Tea ordered. "You need to calm down."

"Why? Didn't you see what she was doing?"

"Yes, she's getting a little more violent, but you have to do realize that she's not in the best state of mind. She needs help, not threats."

"That is no excuse. If her actions continue to escalate, Serenity could die."

"It won't." Joey chimed in.

"Say what?"

"She may be getting aggressive, but she's not going to take it too far. Here, take a look."

Joey, turned the screen back around and toyed with the video and paused it at a certain frame. He then showed it to Tristan.

"Look at her expression. This was just as she was turning the camera off. I doubt she even noticed."

Tristan studied the frame a little bit, before he noticed what Joey was talking about. Mai's expression had changed. Gone was the malicious grin and the cruel intent in her eyes and in its place was a slight sense of worry and concern. It was almost as though she felt bad for what she did to Serenity. As if she felt regret for what she did.

"That alone tells me that part of our Mai is still there." Joey stated. "I don't think she entirely wants to hurt Serenity, but she knows that it will get to me so she does it. While I feel that she does think of us as nothing more than enemies, Serenity is the only one right now that can get Mai to react differently. That gives me hope that Mai and Serenity can be saved."


So I thought I'd have this chapter go back to Joey. I don't know if there will be another one that goes back to them before Mai and Joey's duel, but I thought I'd get at least one in now.