Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Duellist League ❯ Battle Stage 16; Seperate Journey's! Mai's Way ( Chapter 16 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

A group broken, Mai and Kaiba only have each other. Will these two unlikely partners be able to co-exists as the forces of darkness make their first appearence?

Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 06.04.2008 | Pages: 12 | Words: 7.9K | Visits: 182 | Status: Completed

Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who reviewed this chapter.

Battle Stage 16: Separate Journey's! Mai's Way

The silence, only broken by the sobs echoing from the tent was overwhelming. Kaiba's fists were clenched so tight the indents in the skin were beginning to bruise. He wanted to express his rage and with Anzu being female that only left a single viable target. “Jyoonouchi, Katsuya…” He whispered looming over the downed teen.

“Save it Kaiba, I don't want to hear it…” Katsuya mumbled nursing a split lip.

“You don't want to hear it, you miserable shit! Kaiba spat grabbing Katsuya by his collar dragging him to his feet. “Low life scum is better than you!” Kaiba yelled striking him across the face before picking him up again, “I called you mutt, but even the lowly animals pale in comparison to you!” Kaiba yelled raising his fist again.

“That's enough Seto.” Mai said raising her voice cautiously wrapping her fingers around his wrist. Kaiba scowled and relented.

Jyoonouchi dropped to his knees, “Thanks Mai, at least someone's on my side…”

Mai's eyebrows arched sharply, “On your side, you miserable!” She spat slapping Jyoonouchi she sent him sprawling, culching his jaw, “I'm on Yuugi's side, how could you do this!”

“I didn't do anything! It's a bunch of lies! Jyoonouchi yelled.

“So, Yuugi is a liar?” Kaiba jabbed.

“No! That's not what I'm saying!”

“Then it isn't a lie?”

“It is, but, ARGH! Someone's feeding him lies!” Jyoonouchi yelled.

“The only one who was feeding him lies was you mutt!”

“I'd never…”

Kaiba's eyes flared as he grabbed Jyoonouchi by the collar again lifting him off his knees, “Scum, you've always been out of Yuugi's league, a lackey, a cheerleader like that good for nothing slut. Yuugi's always been one up on you, always been better.”

“It's not true…”

Kaiba continued as if Katsuya hadn't spoken, “So you did the only thing you could, you took his woman…”

“It's not true!”

“She was the only woman he had eyes for, couldn't you see that!!” Kaiba screamed raising his fist again.

“Seto!” Mai yelled, “He's not worth it, let's get out of here, ok?”

Kaiba grunted and nodded letting Jyoonouchi drop back to his knees, “You will never be in our league, stay away from Yuugi and I, if you don't, we will crush you.”

Kaiba and Mai left the camp leaving Anzu and Jyoonouchi alone in their shame. After an hour of walking the two stopped in a small alcove of trees, Kaiba lit a fire and boiled some water for coffee. Mai sipped staring at him, “What?”

“I never thought I'd hear you say nice things about Yuugi.”

“He deserves better, nothing more.”

“I can't disagree, I just never…”

“Neither did I.” Kaiba agreed rolling the cup between his palms.

After resting for several more hours the two set off again. The forest became denser as the path curved into a valley. The route cut through the forest and in and around several small villages. The tall trees kept the temperature mild making the path soft under foot. Mai and Seto walked until almost noon slowing as they approached a small enclave of buildings.

“Let's stop for lunch.” Kaiba suggested, Mai nodded and they entered a dank wood panel tavern, the bar sat in the centre with oil lanterns hanging over most of the tables. Shadows danced against the walls mingling with the figures they belonged to. Kaiba and Mai sat at a table near the entrance and ordered.

“How's the Ramen?” Kaiba asked stirring his own noddles with his chopsticks.

“They're fine, how are yours?”

“Fine.”

“The two fell back into silence and continued eating glancing up at each other occasionally. Mai sat staring out into the street as Kaiba finished, “Why are you travelling with me?”

“That's an odd thing to ask.”

Kaiba looked back into her eyes, “It's the correct question.”

Mai shrugged, “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“Hmph, if you say so.”

As the two got up to leave a muscular young man wandered over to the table and lent against the edge in front of Mai, “Hi sweetie, going my way?”

Mai smiled, “Nice try, but I've heard better.”

The guy returned her smile, “Let me buy you a drink and you can help me, improve my lines.”

“No thanks.” Mai responded slipping around him to Kaiba's side.

“Come on…” The guy said approaching Mai until Kaiba stepped in between them, “The lady said no.”

“Get lost.” The guy responded attempting to push Kaiba out of the way. Before Kaiba could react Mai grabbed his wrist, “Leave it Seto.”

The guy raised an eyebrow, “Seto, as in Kaiba?”

“That's right.”

“Excellent, I challenge you to a duel!”

Kaiba smirked, “Get real, I don't duel losers.”

Kaiba and Mai began walking away, “What about your lady friend?”

Mai laughed, “Sorry, I don't duel losers either.”

“Cowards!”

Kaiba paused at the door, “Coward?”

“That's right, coward.”

“Mai place her hand on Kaiba's shoulder, “Don't waste your time, you have a gym battle coming up…”

“That's right, listen to your girlfriend and run along.” The guy said sniggering while Kaiba and Mai remained in the doorway.

“We're not running anywhere sweetie, I just don't want Seto wearing himself out before his gym battle.”

The guy laughed, “Fine, but we play by my rules.”

He removed a duel disk from his bag and threw a device about the size of a memory stick to Mai. The device was shaped like half a tear drop the shell was black plastic with the seam sealed with crimson rubber. The non-curved side was impacted by a jack.

“What am I supposed to do with this?” Mai asked holding up the device.

“Plug it into your duel disk just under the life point counter.” He responded activating his duel disk.

“Hey! You know the rules Kaworu, all duels, outside!” The owner yelled pointing to a sign above the bar.

“Yeah, yeah.” Kaworu responded leading Mai and Kaiba outside.

Mai placed the device under the life point counter, the life points flashed onto the screen white. They quickly disappeared and returned, this time crimson. Kaworu smiled, “Let's duel.”

The coin toss went Mai's way.

Mai Kujyaku Life Points: 8000

Kaworu Life Points: 8000

::Mai::

“Let's get this over with I draw;

1. I summon Birdface (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/4 ATK/1600 DEF/1600) in attack mode;

2. I play two cards face down and end my turn.”

::Kaworu::

“Fine by me, I draw;

1. I play Cost Down (Spell) and sacrifice a card to the graveyard to downgrade all cards in my hand two stars;

2. Now I can summon Vampire Lord (Dark/Zombie/Effect/5 ATK/2000 DEF/1500) in attack mode;

3. And that card I sent to the graveyard? It comes back with Monster Reborn (Spell);

4. Welcome back Molten Zombie (Fire/Pyro/Effect/4 ATK/1600 DEF/400) in attack mode;

5. Molten Zombie's special ability allows me to draw a card when it's summoned from the graveyard;

6. I play two cards face down and end my turn.”

::Mai::

“I draw;

1. I'll activate God Bird Attack (Trap) and sacrifice Birdface to destroy both your monsters;

2. Birdface's special ability activates when its sent to the graveyard;

3. Hello my Cyber Harpie (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/4 ATK/1800 DEF/1300) in attack mode;

4. I also play another Harpy Lady (Wind/Winged Beast/4 ATK/1300 DEF/1400) in attack mode;

5. Now Elegant Egotist (Spell) turns my Harpy Lady into the Harpy Lady Sisters (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/6 ATK/1950 DEF/2100) in attack mode;

6.I play Lightening Vortex (Spell) and send one card to my graveyard to destroy all monsters on your side of the field;

7. Harpy Lady Sisters, Cyber Harpie, ATTACK!”

Cyber Harpie's attack inflicted 3750 points of direct damage to the opponent.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 8000

Kaworu LP: 4250

As the dust cleared from the attack a crimson liquid dripped onto the ground from Kaworu's chest. Kaworu touched the wound and laughed licking the blood off his fingers, “Pain, is an exquisite experience, don't you agree.”

Mai recoiled, “What the hell have you done?”

“The game is a foot.” Kaworu responded with a smile.

::Kaworu::

“I draw;

1. Vampire Lord's effect allows it to return to the field during my stand by phase;

2. But it won't be here for long, I sacrifice Vampire Lord to special summon Vampire Genesis (Dark/Zombie/Effect/8 ATK/3000 DEF/2100) in attack mode;

3. I'll use Vampire Genesis's special ability and send Fushioh Richie (Dark/Zombie/Effect/7 ATK/2600 DEF/2900) from my hand so I can summon Ryu Kokki (Dark/Zombie/Effect/6 ATK/2400 DEF/2000) from my hand to the field in attack mode;

4.Vampire Genesis attack Cyber Harpie;

5. Ryu Kokki attack Harpy Lady Sisters!”

Vampire Genesis's attack destroyed Cyber Harpy; Ryu Kokki's attack destroyed Harpy Lady Sisters.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 6350

Kaworu LP: 4250

The blows to Mai's monsters went through them and struck her, causing the blonde to leave her feet and collapse. “Mai, get up!” Kaiba yelled, she lay on the ground for a few moments before rising to her feet. Mai grasped her shoulder blood seeping between her fingers. “What the hell have you done, what is this thing?” She yelled holding out her arm the blood dripping down onto the device.

Kaworu laughed, “It's a terminal device, it makes the duelling experience real.”

“What do you mean real?” Kaiba growled.

Kaworu grinned, “You should know High Priest.”

“What!”

“Pegasus Crawford, he turned this game into a game for children. It's not, duel monsters needs to return to the ways of blood! The time when the fate of the world hung on a single duel monsters match, where duelling is the providence of kings, not wimpering children.”

“So, you're attempting to revive the old ways on your own?” Mai asked grasping her shoulder firmly hoping to stem the blood loss.

“Alone? No, not alone, they're coming, some of them have already arrived.”

“Who?”

“We have no official name, no title to describe who we are. I guess you could call us the Duellist Underground.”

Kaiba's eyes narrowed, “The underground…”

“You've heard of us?”

“Treating duel monsters as an excuse for murder, yes I have heard of your disgusting practice.”

“Oh dear, I think I've offended the High Priest.” Kaworu noted with a laugh, “But, enough with this, it's your move Mai Kujyaku.”

Mai Kujyaku LP: 6350

Kaworu LP: 4250

::Mai::

Mai drew a card, blood from her hand smeared and dripped onto it, “I draw;

1. I'll play Monster Reborn (Spell) to summon Cyber Harpy (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/4 ATK/1800 DEF/1300) back to the field in attack mode;

2. I'll also summon Hand of Nephthys (Wind/Spellcaster/Effect/3 ATK/600 DEF/600) in defence mode;

3. Then I will activate Hand of Nephtys special ability and sacrifice Hand of Nephthys and Cyber Harpy to summon Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys (Fire/Winged Beast/Effect/8 ATK/2400 DEF/1600) in attack mode;

4. And I'll add Harpie's Hunting Ground (Field/Spell) Malevolent Nuzzler (Equip/Spell);

4. Harpie's Hunting Ground increases the attack and defence points of all Winged Beasts two hundred points;

5. Malevolent Nuzzler increases Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys's attack seven hundred points;

6. This increases Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys's attack nine hundred and defence two hundred (ATK/3300 DEF/1800);

8. Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys attack Vampire Genesis;

9. Two cards face down.”

Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys's attack destroyed Vampire Genesis.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 6350

Kaworu LP: 3950

::Kaworu::

“I draw;

1. I'll play two cards face down;

2. Now I sacrifice Ryu Kokki and send the card in my hand to the graveyard to summon Flame Majin - Hell Burner (Fire/Fiend/Effect/6 ATK/2800 DEF/1800);

3. Flame Majin's special ability activates increasing Flame Majin - Hell Burner's attack two hundred points (ATK/3000);

4. I'll activate my two face down cards Pot of Greed (Spell) and Axe of Despair (Equip/Spell);

5. Pot of Greed allows me to draw two cards;

6. And Axe Despair increases Flame Majin's attack one thousand points (ATK/4000);

7. Now Flame Majin - Hell Burner ATTACK!!”

Flame Majin - Hell Burner's attack destroyed Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 5650

Kaworu LP: 3950

Mai held her shoulder gasping, blood now trickling from her forehead. Kaworu's shirt was torn open blood soaking into his pants, “Is this what you call fun you sick bastard?”

Kaworu licked the blood off his lips, “Oh yes, much better than the regular duel.”

::Mai::

“I draw;

1. I summon Harpy Lady 2 (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/4 ATK/1300 DEF/1400) in defence mode;

2. Summoning Harpy Lady 2 activates Harpy's Hunting Ground's second ability destroying one Spell or Trap card on the field, like your Axe of Despair (ATK/3000)

3. I'll play three cards face down and end my turn.”

::Kaworu::

“I draw;

1. I lay a card face down;

2. And add Fairy Meteor Crush (Equip/Spell) to Flame Majin - Hell Burner;

3. Flame Majin ATTACK!”

Flame Majin - Hell Burner's attack destroyed Harpy Lady 2.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 4050

Kaworu LP: 3950

::Mai::

Mai's breathing was uneven as she drew her card, “I draw;

1. I'll summon Amazoness Paladin (Earth/Warrior/Effect/4 ATK/1700 DEF/300) in attack mode;

2. I'll play a card face down, that's all.”

::Kaworu::

“I draw;

1. And ATTACK!”

“And fall into my trap, Mirror Wall (Continuous/Trap) this card halves the attack of your monster (ATK/1500), meaning your attack fails!”

Flame Majin - Hell Burner's attack fails, Flame Majin - Hell Burner is destroyed.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 4050

Kaworu LP: 3750

“One flaw in your plan dear woman, you must sacrifice two thousand life points every turn, and you have four thousand life points left.”

“We'll see about that, I draw;

1. Mirror Wall activates (LP: 2050);

2. But it's ok because Life Absorbing Machine (Continuous/Trap) recovers half the life points I lost last turn, and two completely recovers my life points;

3. I'll summon Harpy's Pet Baby Dragon (Wind/Dragon/Effect/4 ATK/1200 DEF/600) in attack mode;

4. I'll add Gust Fan (Equip/Spell) to increase Harpy's Pet Baby Dragon's attack four hundred and decreases it's defence two hundred points (ATK/1600 DEF/400);

5. Harpy's Pet Baby Dragon and Amazoness Paladin attack!”

Harpie's Pet Baby Dragon and Amazoness Paladin's attacks inflicted 2900 points of direct damage to the opponent.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 2050

Kaworu LP: 850

::Kaworu::

Kaworu examined the burns on his arms from Harpy's Pet Baby Dragon and grinned, “I draw;

1. I play Contract with the Dark Master (Ritual/Spell);

2. And send Berserk Dragon (Dark/Zombie/Effect/8 ATK/3500 DEF/0) from my hand;

3. To summon Dark Master - Zorc (Dark/Fiend/Ritual/Effect/8 ATK/2700 DEF/1500) in attack mode;

4. ATTACK!”

Dark Master - Zorc's (ATK/1350) attack failed, Dark Master Zorc was destroyed.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 2050

Kaworu LP: 600

::Mai::

“I draw;

1. Mirror Wall activates (LP: 50);

2. Life Absorbing Machine times two activates (LP: 2050);

3. Dian Keto the Cure Master (Spell) increases my life points one thousand (LP: 3050);

4. Another face down card activates Hysteric Party (Continuous/Trap) which summons all my Harpy Lady's in the Graveyard back to the field;

5. Welcome back Harpy Lady (ATK/1500 DEF/1600);

6. Cyber Harpy (ATK/2000 DEF/1500);

7. Harpy Lady 2 (ATK/1500 DEF/1600);

8. Now I'll sacrifice Harpy's Pet Dragon and Amazoness Paladin to summon Harpy's Pet Dragon (Wind/Dragon/Effect/7 ATK/2000 DEF/2500) in attack mode;

9. Harpy's Pet Dragon's special ability increases it's attack and defence three hundred points for every Harpy Lady on the field (ATK/2900 DEF/3300);

10. Sadly this has to end, Harpy's Pet Dragon ATTACK!”

“Not just yet, activate face down card Blast Held by Tribute (Trap) this activates when you declare an attack with a tribute summon monster. This card destroys all monsters on your side of the field and inflicts one thousand points of direct damage.”

Mai Kujyaku LP: 1050

Kaworu LP: 600

“Hate to ruin your fun sweetie, but you're not the only one with a spare face down card.”

“Oh?”

“Activate face down card Rope of Life (Trap) I send my hand to the graveyard, to return Harpy's Pet Dragon to the field and increase it's attack eight hundred points (ATK/2800).”

“Oh very nice, I see now.”

“See what?”

“I see why you were once the number one ranked female duellist in the world.”

“Still am sweetie.”

“Maybe…” Kaworu replied with a chuckle.

::Kaworu::

“I'll draw;

1. Two cards A Feather of a Phoenix (Spell) and Book of Life (Spell);

2. A Feather of a Phoenix forces me to discard one card to the graveyard to return a card to the top of my deck;

3. Book of Life returns a Zombie sub-type monster from my graveyard, welcome back Ryu Kokki (Dark/Zombie/Effect/6 ATK/2400 DEF/2000) in attack mode;

4. My last Pot of Greed (Spell) allows me to draw two cards from my deck;

5. I'll add Axe of Despair (Spell) to increase Ryu Kokki's attack one thousand points (ATK/3400);

6. ATTACK!”

“Sorry sweetie, Mirror Force (Trap) destroys all your attack position monsters.”

::Mai::

1. End game, Harpie's Pet Dragon ATTACK!”

Harpy's Pet Dragon's attack inflicts 2800 points of direct damage to the opponent.

Mai Kujyaku LP: 3050

Kaworu LP: 0

Kaworu was knocked back onto the ground as Mai tumbled backwards, falling into Kaiba's arms, “I'm fine…” She whispered groggily.

“No you're not…” Kaiba mumbled putting her arm around his neck.

Kaworu rose to his feet, “You've won today, but the rest of us will be arriving soon, the advice of a friend, stay out of our way.”

“Thanks.” Kaiba responded helping Mai away.

Kaworu watched them fade into the forest smiling, his body glowed slightly as his appearance began to change. His blonde hair lengthened to the waist as the colour changed from blonde to white. His skin went pale, his pants turned into ripped faded jeans with his shirt turned to feature a Union Jack design under a black leather jacket, “One thing you should have learnt by now my friends.” He whispered lighting a cigarette.

“Never doubt a thief.”

To Be Continued…