Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Journey to Heaven ❯ Payback ( Chapter 17 )

Note: I got a new domain, guys! It's still in the infant stage now, but I will post images there and my fictions there! Lady Goddess Sephiroth did the coding and her sister. It looks so awesome! Check it out!!! www.bakurasgirl.com

 

Kat: `Do-it-yourself Vasectomy kit'…$29.95. Painkillers…$5.95. No more Chibi Kaibas for Seto to handle: Priceless.

Kura Magician Girl: *hands Barnes and Yami plushies* here you go. Ryou will be okay.

I Is Me: *laughs* sorry about the typo. You're right…I can imagine cameras with tongues licking Seto. *sweatdrops*

Beysie: It was exhaustion.

Broken Time: Noooooo…….I did not. *smile*

Crazy Kins: Ryou will live….Not the Plastic school-lunch spork of doom!!!!

Tari Helyanwe: When it rains, it pours. This chappie is a good payback chappie by Umi and Robbie.

Draza: *hands Asher plushie* Pull his strings and he mumbles `Fire' and `Burn'.

Anubiset: I won't stop, don't worry. *hands Aten and Robbie plushies*

Lady Elfskye: *hands Ryou plushie as peace offering*

Shadow of Light: I so want that `Nightmare Wheel' card…it goes with my deck of Fiends and Zombies.

 

 

Note: This chappie takes place 1 month later. Umi's cards `The Sea Prince', `Neptune's Blessing', and `Neptune's Rage' are all mine. I don't think these are actually cards in the game.

 

 

Payback

 

The tall muscular man in uniform pulled out his badge and showed it to the woman at the reception desk. “I am here to see Hayden Kaiba.”

The nurse shifted her eyes warily between the Sergeant and his companion. “What is this in regards to?”

“I need to talk to Hayden Kaiba in regards to his adoptive father.”

“Which one?”

“Seto Kaiba.”

The nurse handed Barnes a sign-in sheet. “A guard will be required to accompany you into Hayden Kaiba's room.”

“That will not be necessary.”

The nurse nodded. “It is quite necessary. Hayden Kaiba has violent tendencies and he can be unpredictable.”

“Fine.”

A tall man dressed in a white doctor's suit entered the lobby. “I will take you to Hayden. Let me give you a warning. Do not go near Hayden and do not touch him. He will get violent.”

“I won't.”

Barnes followed the man. “When did Hayden enter here?”

“Three years ago. He was admitted by his adoptive father, Seto Kaiba.”

“Why did he enter here?”

“I'm not at liberty to discuss that, sir.”

Barnes narrowed his eyes. “This is police business, sir.”

“I must inform the family if I answer any questions regarding Hayden's case. I'm sorry, sir, but I can't break patient confidentiality.”

Barnes' lip curled in frustration. `I had better put a spy in here, too…..We'll get our information no matter what.'

The man opened the door to a room.

Hayden was inside a padded room, rocking himself. “Uncle….Uncle….can't do it….Don't make me.”

Barnes looked at the boy. “Hayden? Hayden Kaiba?”

The teen looked up, his red hair disheveled and his green eyes were wide with fear. “What do you want? Are you here to take me back to him?”

Barnes raised his eyebrow. “Are you afraid of going back to him, Hayden?”

Hayden slowly stood up. He staggered to Barnes. A wild look magnified in Hayden's eyes. “Did he send you here to fuck me again? You'd like that, wouldn't you?....Whoever you are.”

“Seto Kaiba rented you out? I don't want to hurt you, Hayden. I am your friend. Tell me what he did to you.”

Hayden leaned up to Barnes. “He…..fucked me hard……and he made the others watch.”

Barnes crossed his arms. “He made the others watch?”

Hayden laughed and nodded. Tears came from his eyes as he laughed harder. “He made me fuck him….and I did! I fucked him royal! He wanted me to! I'm a bad little boy!”

Barnes turned to the nurse. “Are you people aware of this? That Seto Kaiba is a child molester?”

“Well……Hayden had undergone a traumatic incident with his uncle a few years ago. His uncle was released from prison and kidnapped him. It was alleged that it was this same uncle who forced Hayden into sexual situations. Mr. Kaiba admitted him here since he had become too dangerous ”

Barnes grinned. `That's all I need to know…..perfect.'

Barnes' companion snickered. “I didn't know Hayden was here. I wondered why I hadn't seen him around school.”

The sergeant turned to his son and whispered. “Sometimes you can lead them to answer your question even if they are reluctant in the beginning.”

Hayden bent over laughing. “He wanted me! He wanted me to do it, so I pounded him into the floor! Then he pounded me into the floor!” Hayden reached into his hair and tugged at his hair roughly. “Why did he make me do it?! WHY?! WHYYYYYYYYYY??!!! BASTARD! FUCKING WASTE OF LIFE!” The red-haired teen threw himself onto the padded floor and punched it with his knuckles hard. “I WANT TO KILL YOU!”

Hayden dug his fingers into the padding and slammed his fists onto the padding.

Barnes backed away and left the room with his son. “This is perfect, Eric. Seto's going to spend the next twenty years in prison if I have anything to say about it.”

The guard left the room and locked it behind him. A moment later, Hayden threw himself against the door of the room. His angry face steamed the unbreakable glass. “I'M GOING TO KILL YOU! I'LL RIP YOUR TONGUE OUT! DIE!”

Barnes turned to the guard. “Thank you for all your help. Let's go, son.”

*******************************

Aria opened her eyes and felt her stomach turn with nausea………again. `Oh Ra damn it……'

The girl ran to the bathroom holding her mouth. Every morning for the past month it was the same thing. Wake up. Run to the bathroom. And, well…you get the idea.

Her body shuddered this morning as her stomach emptied all of its contents into the toilet.

`Yuck,' the girl thought as she sighed. She wiped her mouth as her father knocked on the door.

“Baby girl? You ill?”

Aria coughed. “Just an upset stomach, dad…..I'll be okay.”

The girl sat at the edge of the bathtub and took deep breaths. “I had better not be pregnant again. How could I be? I haven't slept with Umi since the rape.” Aria's eyes widened and she covered her mouth. “Oh sweet Isis….do NOT tell me Keith got me pregnant! Well…for that matter….it could have been any of them. This is impossible!” Aria's mind flashed back to Keith's face laughing at her. She cringed. “I don't know who was the bigger asshole: Me for loving him….or he for doing what he did.” Aria stood up and brushed her teeth. `How could this happen? I didn't think it was possible to get pregnant so soon after losing my baby.'

Aria stopped.

`Oh sweet Isis……don't tell me that I'll lose this one, too. That is, if I am pregnant again. I don't know if I can do that again. I guess I'll have to buy another pregnancy test.'

Aria rinsed her mouth out and spit. She flushed the toilet and left. She peeked her head into her mother's bedroom.

Ryou was laying in bed, his eyes opening and shutting weakly. “Hello, baby girl. Sick again?”

Aria nodded. “Yes.”

Ryou reached out and took his daughter's hand. “Aww…poor baby girl.”

Aria sat by her mother. “How do you feel, mother? Your color looks a little better.”

“It's taking me a while to get my strength back, isn't it? I never thought that exhaustion would take this long to get over.”

Aria held her mother's hand. “Mother, you spent so much time worrying about other people. You really should take better care of yourself.”

Ryou sighed. “I know, honey. I'm trying.”

The girl leaned down and hugged her mother. “I know you are, mother. Do you need anything?”

“Your father is getting me a hot tea, sweetheart. We can go see your brother today. I'm hoping the doctors will release him soon.”

“His color is getting better.”

The white-haired man sighed. “I can't wait to bring your brother home. It's so….quiet around here. I miss the violin music he used to play when he painted.”

“Yeah…I miss hearing him play his violin.”

Bakura entered with a hot cup of tea and some toast for his husband. Ryou sat up slowly and smiled up at his lover.

“Thank you, Bakura.” Ryou took a bite of toast. “Any news about Seto?”

Bakura sighed. “The police say that they have questioned Hayden about his treatment from Seto.”

“And?” Ryou asked as he sipped the hot tea.

“The media's turning that all against Seto. The media is playing him up like some fucking rapist.”

Aria stood up. “Can't Uncle Seto just buy his way out? That's always worked before.”

“I know Moneybags would have tried that by now. Maybe he should offer them more.”

Aria sighed. “I miss Uncle Seto.”

“We all do, honey,” Ryou said. “We all do.”

**********************************

Robbie and Umi watched their targets from far away. The two boys slipped their duel disks on their arms and walked to the football field.

Robbie limped as he slipped his deck into the slot.

Umi narrowed his eyes as he saw the two competitors approach them from the other end of the field. “These two are going to seriously pay for hurting my Little Mermaid!”

Robbie narrowed his eyes. “They are not going to get away with hurting the people I love and care about.”

The four boys met in the center of the football field.

Eric laughed. “So, you two losers decided to show up today for this?”

“Shut your mouth, Barnes! How dare you rape Aria!” Umi growled. “I'm going to teach you some manners!”

Eric grinned. “What's the matter, Tsunami? Upset I plowed her before you could?”

Robbie held back Umi. “No, Umi. We'll settle this with brains….not force.”

Jason laughed. “That's only because you know you could never beat us if it came to our fists, Limpy! You would be no competition! Limpy and Chicken-of-the-Sea trying to overpower us!”

Eric and Jason laughed. Robbie and Umi growled under their breaths.

“If you two turkeys want to TRY to beat us, then you are welcome to try. You two losers are going down!”

Eric grinned. “I get to take Limpy down!”

Umi narrowed his eyes. “No! You're the one I want, Eric!”

Jason smirked. “I didn't think you were queer, too, Tsunami!”

“I'll take down Limpy. It's going to be a pleasure putting you in your place, Morgan!”

Robbie narrowed his eyes. “I'm much better than you think, Barnes! You've been avoiding the hell out of me since Aten was rushed to the hospital and I returned to school. Admit it! You're afraid to face me because you know you're going to lose! That's why you've been avoiding this!”

“Me, afraid of you? You've got to be joking! You're funny, Morgan!”

Jason grinned. “Then I get to duel the `Chicken of the Sea', huh? Fine. Okay, Fish-Boy! Let's do this!”

Eric held up his hand. “No, Jason. I get to take down Limpy first! Show me what you got, cripple!”

Robbie narrowed his eyes and raised his arm. His duel disk beeped and prepared for the duel. “I'm going to make you eat those words!”

Eric licked his lips. “Just like I ate Aria? You should have had tasted her, Limpy…She was such a good little fuck. But then again…I wonder if your leg is not the only `limp' thing on you!”

Umi growled and Robbie grabbed him. “You son of a bitch, Eric!”

“No, Umi! Eric's mine!”

Jason laughed as he slid his deck into his slot. “You and I are next, Tsunami!”

Robbie turned to Umi. “Ignore them. You concentrate on your strategy to kick Jason's ass in the meantime.”

“HEY, MORGAN! Stop fucking around and let's do this, Gimpy!” Eric growled.

“Since I'm in a hurry to kick your ass, we'll start at 4000 life points.”

Robbie and Eric drew their cards.

Eric grinned. “Okay, Morgan, time to show you what real dueling is all about! I summon `Armored Lizard' (1500/1200) in attack mode and I play `Sparks' which brings down your Life Points to 3800!”

Robbie looked up and shielded his eyes from the fire balls raining down on him. The fire felt so real!

Robbie's counter dropped to 3800.

“I place one card face down and I end my turn, Cripple.”

Robbie drew a card. “I play `Robotic Knight' (1600/1800) in defense mode and I play one card face down.”

The teen narrowed his eyes. `Eric likes to beat his opponents down by powering up his monsters. It's best if I go on the defensive until I know what he is planning.'

“End turn.”

Eric laughed. “Is that the best you can do? I play one monster card face down defense mode and I equip my Armored Lizard with the Malevolent Nuzzler, raising his attack points to 2200! I attack your pathetic Robotic Knight!”

“TRAP CARD! CASTLE WALLS! It raises my defense my 500 points. I now have 2300 defense points! You lose 100 Life Points and I don't lose my Robotic Knight!”

Eric stamped his foot angrily. “That was a cheap shot!”

Robbie smiled. “If you can't take it, Eric, I think you should go home!”

“I won't let a gay, homo, faggot cripple beat me, Morgan! I place one card face down and end my turn!”

Robbie pulled a card. `Limiter Removal'! And I have `Barrel Dragon' in my hand! If I can get `Barrel Dragon' on the field, I can double his attack strength!.......He only has a few cards in his hand. I better take two out of there. I can't give Eric a chance to sacrifice.'

“I play the magic card `Delinquent Duo!' I pay a measly 1000 Life Points. I get to randomly select one card from your hand and send it to the graveyard. Then you select a card and send it to the graveyard. Easy, no? I think I'll choose……the card in your left hand.”

Eric's eyes widened. “MY `CAT OF ILL OMEN!' Damn you, Morgan!”

Robbie's Life Points fell to 2800. “I also sacrifice my `Robotic Knight' to summon `Swordstalker' (2000/1600) in attack mode! I attack your Armored Lizard!”

Eric laughed as his Armored Lizard shattered.

“What's so funny?”

“Your attack activated my trap!'Enchanted Javelin!' I may lose 500 Life Points from my destroyed monster, but I gain 2000 Life Points thanks to your monster's attack!”

Eric's Life Points rose to 5900.

Umi gasped. “Come on, Robbie! Think next time you attack! This is Eric!”

Eric laughed. `Robbie only has 2800 Life Points left! I'm going to pound him so bad he won't know what hit him!'

“End turn,” Robbie said calmly.

Eric pulled a card. “I summon `Nimble Momonga' (1000/100) in defense mode. I also place one card face down. End turn, Limpy.”

Robbie sighed as he pulled his next card. `Man Eater Bug'. I can use this alright!'

“One card face down. I attack your monster with my `Swordstalker'!”

The little beast shattered and Eric grinned. Eric's lifepoints rose to 6900 points.

“What the hell? Why did you gain points?”

“It's the effect of my `Nimble Momonga.' I can increase my Life Points by 1000 and I get to Special Summon two cards of the same name in face down defense position.'

Robbie looked at his duel disk. `He has three times my Life Points!' He raised his head to see two cards appear in defense mode.

“End turn, Morgan. You are a dead man!”

Robbie pulled a card and looked up, his face full of determination. “I summon `Wolf Axewielder' (1650/1000) in attack mode. I end my turn.”

“I sacrifice my one `Great Angus' to summon `Empress Mantis' (2200/1400) in attack mode!”

The insect appeared on the field, its antennae twitching.

“Go, my Empress! Attack his Swordstallker!'

The warrior exploded as the insect attacked him. Robbie's Life Points fell to 2600.

“I summon my `Great Angus' (1800/600) in attack mode!” The large beast appeared on the field, roaring with fury. Robbie's eyes widened as he looked up at the large furious beast. Eric laughed. “You look afraid, Rob! You should be!”

Umi gasped. “Robbie! Do something!”

Robbie looked at his hand. “Damn it!”

“'Great Angus! Attack Limpy's `Wolf Axewielder!'”

The great, furious beast charged towards the wolf holding the large axe. The wolf exploded and Robbie's Life Points dropped to 2450.

Robbie struggled to stand on his feet. `I must win….for Aten and Aria's sake.'

“End turn, Morgan.”

Robbie pulled out a card. “I have to turn the tide of this duel somehow. Maybe this will stop him in his tracks….at least for a little bit. I summon `Tactical Espionage Expert' (1300/1200) in defense mode. Since he was summoned successfully, you can't play Trap cards.”

Eric growled. “That's bullshit!”

“I also play my `Royal Command' trap card. Your flip monsters are useless! This is a continuous trap. End turn.”

Robbie sighed. `I think I managed to stop him until I can get more machines on the field. He has `Great Angus' and `Empress Mantis' on the field. Come on, deck.'

“I summon one of my favorite cards, `Giant Rat' (1400/1450) in attack mode! I also play `Remove Trap' to get rid of your `Royal Command'! End turn.”

Robbie pulled a card from his deck. “There's a resemblance between you and that giant rat on the field, Eric!”

“Very funny, fag-boy. Just go!”

Robbie flipped a card. “I summon `Man-Eater Bug' (450/600) in defense mode! Your `Empress Mantis' is gone!”

The insect hissed as it shattered.

Eric growled. “You bastard!”

“I also equip my `Tactical Espionage Expert' with `The Reliable Guardian', raising his defense points to 1900. I end my turn.”

The boy pulled a card and snarled. `Laser Cannon Armor'! This is useless! My insect was destroyed! I can't use this!...But I can destroy his `Man Eater Bug.'

“'Great Angus!' Destroy the Man-Eater Bug!”

The charging creature destroyed Robbie's monster. Robbie could feel the creature's hot breath on him. The fangs and the hot breath startled him, but he tried to remain calm.”

“End turn, fairy.”

“I play `Backup Soldier'. I can select up to three monsters in my Graveyard with an attack of 1500 or less and add them to my hand.”

Robbie sifted through his graveyard. The only monster he could take was Man-Eater Bug. “I place one card face down and end turn.”

“I play `Humanoid Slime' (800/2000) in defense mode! End turn.”

Robbie grunted. `I have to end this duel soon….my foot's beginning to hurt real bad.' The boy shifted on his feet uncomfortably.

“What's the matter, cripple? Your poor foot hurting you? Poor crippled…USELESS….fag.”

Umi clenched his fists tightly. His body started to shake from fury. He was having a hard time biting back what he wanted to tell Eric.

Robbie winced as a pain shot up his leg from standing on it for too long. Robbie fell to his knees as the pain radiated through his body.

“No…can't……stop.”

“Robbie, are you okay?” Umi asked.

“My foot……it's cramping again.”

Eric laughed. “What a useless punk you are, Robert! Why don't you do everyone a favor and jump off of the Domino Bridge? It's one less cripple to worry about….and one less gay-wad!”

Robbie struggled to his feet, trying to ignore the burning in his body. “No! I will beat you!” Robbie pulled a card from his deck. `Jinzo! That makes two machines in my hand! He has one monster more than myself….and a hell of a lot more life points.'

“I play…Man Eater Bug…and I destroy your `Humanoid Slime'.”

The slime shattered.

“I end my turn.”

“I play `Leghul'(300-350) in attack mode and he attacks you directly!”

The insect raced past Robbie's monsters and bit into his arm. Robbie's Life Points dropped to 2150. Eric ordered his `Great Angus' to attack the Man Eater Bug again. The monster shattered from the attack.

“You can't beat me, Robbie. End turn.”

Robbie pulled a card from his deck. “I summon `Atomic Firefly' (100/200) in defense mode. One card face down. End turn.”

“Leghul, attack Robbie again!”

The insect attacked as Eric pulled another card. Robbie's Life Points dropped to 1850, while Eric's Lifepoints remained at 6900.

“Robbie, he's kicking your ass!”

“I sacrifice my `Giant Rat' and summon `Two Thousand Needles' (2000/1800) in attack mode! I attack your `Atomic Firefly!'”

Robbie's monster exploded, sending Robbie flying back onto the ground. Eric watched as his Life Points dropped to 5900.

“What the fuck?!”

Robbie struggled off of the ground. “You lose 1000 Life Points for destroying my monster.”

“You'll pay for that! End turn!”

Robbie pulled a card and grinned. `It's time to end this!'

“I play `Cost Down'! I sacrifice my `Tactical Espionage Expert' to summon one of the most powerful machines in my deck! `BARREL DRAGON, COME FORTH!'”

Eric's eyes widened as a large monster appeared on Robbie's side of the field. The mouth of the dragon opened and roared as the cannons aimed directly at Eric. The bully's lip trembled in fear as he stared into the face of the dragon. Robbie reached out and pet the Barrel Dragon.

“Impressive……isn't he?”

Eric backed away slightly.

“Now…my `Barrel Dragon' (2600/2200) is in attack mode! I attack your `Leghul'!”

The Barrel Dragon moved its cannons towards Leghul. The barrels exploded, sending blasts of energy at the insect. Eric was thrown back and fell on his ass.

Eric's Life Points dropped to 3300.

Umi cheered and clapped his hands. “GO ROBBIE!”

The boy wavered again on his bad foot, but gave Umi a smile.

“End turn, Eric!”

Eric pulled out a card. `I have only one card that can beat that monster and I haven't pulled it yet!...I guess this will have to do.”

“I place one monster face down defense….End turn.”

Robbie grinned at his next card. “I summon `The Obnoxious Celtic Guardian' (1400/1200) in defense mode. My `Barrel Dragon' attacks your Two Thousand Needles!”

The little beast was quickly defeated by the Barrel Dragon. Eric's Life Points fell to 2700.

“No! I'm losing Life Points to a weak cripple! I won't let you beat me, Gimpy!”

Robbie narrowed his eyes. “I will, Eric!”

A smile crossed Eric's face. “Maybe the next time, I should take Aten like I did Aria. I'm not gay like you…..but I'm sure he'd be just as easy to manipulate as his sister.”

“Stop it!”

Eric smiled. If he could play with Robbie's mind, it may distract him and interrupt his strategy. “Why, Robbie? Are you jealous that I took Aten?”

“What?!”

“You heard right! I fucked him royal like his sister! All of us did! I know you wanted to be the first to stick it to Aten, Robbie, but that pleasure's already been taken!”

Robbie clenched his fists as tears pooled in his eyes. “Tell me you didn't rape Aten! DON'T TELL ME YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT!”

Eric grinned. “You'll find out what a fabulous fuck he is for yourself, Limpy. Are you done your turn or not?”

Robbie's eyes were cast down to the ground. `Eric……did what?'

“CRIPPLE! ARE YOU DONE?”

“……Yes.”

Eric pulled a card. “Alright, Limpy! Prepare to meet my ultimate beast! I SACRIFICE MY `GREAT ANGUS' AND MY `DES KOALA' TO SUMMON `GOGIGA GAGAGIGO' (2950/2800) IN ATTACK MODE!”

Robbie didn't watch as the reptile attacked the Obnoxious Celtic Guardian. Robbie's Life Points dropped to 1600. Eric's remained at 2700.

Umi called to Robbie. “Rob! Pay attention!

`……Eric….Aten….I never knew.'

“EARTH TO ROBERT ALLEN MORGAN! WAKE UP!” Umi called. The teen in cut-off jeans and a tank top ran to his friend and shook him. “Robbie, come on! Focus!”

“But…..Aten….”

Umi gave Robbie a small pat of his cheek. “Robbie, wake up! Focus on this duel!”

Robbie clenched his eyes shut and tears streamed out. “Aten…..”

“No, no crying! Come on, Robbie!”

Eric laughed. “Aww…the little baby is crying! Just like Aria and Aten cried when I fucked them both senseless!”

“Umi…I can't do this! I can't!”

Umi grabbed Robbie's shoulders tightly. “Don't be such a drama queen! Come on, Robbie! Eric is trying to screw with your mind! You can't take your mind off of this duel or you are going to lose!”

Eric laughed. “If you lose, Morgan, you have to pay the price!”

Umi growled. “Robbie, snap out of it! I bet you he never went near Aten! All this is a ruse to get you side-tracked!”

Robbie looked up at Umi with his large blue eyes. “You think?”

Umi rolled his eyes. “Hey, genius! You're the smartest one on this football field and you know more than all four of us combined! You can't tell he's trying to get to you?! Come on, Rob. Don't let that land-lover get to you!”

Robbie took a deep breath. “You're right, Umi. I'll try.”

Umi reached into Robbie's pocket.

“HEY! GET YOUR HANDS OUT OF MY POCKET!”

Eric groaned. “Will you two please stop fucking around?”

Umi grabbed the ring box out of Robbie's pocket. “You're still carrying this around?”

“I don't know how to ask Marik yet if I can marry Aten.”

Umi opened up the box and showed Robbie the rings. “Look at these rings, Robbie. The boy you want to marry believes in you, Rob. Aten will give you strength when you need it. All you have to do is trust in yourself.”

Robbie reached out and took the ring box. “You're right, Umi.”

“End turn, Limpy. Your turn.”

Robbie pulled a card. “This will end this duel! I summon `Element Soldier' (1500/1200) in attack mode! I play `Limiter Removal'! The attack of my machines are doubled! My Barrel Dragon now has 5200 attack points!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

Robbie raised his hand. “ATTACK ERIC'S `GOGIGA GAGAGIGO'!”

Eric's Life Points plummeted to 450.

“NOW, MY ELEMENT SOLIDER! ERASE THE REST OF HIS LIFE POINTS!”

The soldier with a spear thrust the weapon into the reptile's scaly skin.

The monster exploded and Eric was thrown back by the force.

His Life Points dropped to 0.

Robbie closed the ring box and put it back into his pocket. He limped up to Eric, his body shaking from the radiating pain from his foot and unbridled anger at Eric. “Nothing that I say will convey how much I hate you, Eric Barnes. You hurt my friends and you hurt the people I love. How does it feel to lose to a cripple……..loser?”

Eric stood up and stood toe-to-toe. “You made me look like a fool, Morgan. You're going to die for this!”

Eric turned and walked away with a limp himself. The force of Robbie's last attack had twisted his leg.

Jason turned to follow Eric, but Umi grabbed Jason's sweater.

“Where do you think you're going, Jason? We have a score to settle now.”

Jason laughed. “You still want to duel me, Fish-Boy?”

Umi grabbed Jason and held him close to his face. “You hurt my girlfriend and I want payback!” The teen threw Jason to the ground.

“You will duel me, you snake!”

Jason staggered off the ground and shoved his deck into the disk. “Fine by me, fishy!”

Jason and Umi's Life Points raised to 4000.

“You first, Aqua-Man.”

Umi drew a card. “I play `Aqua Madoor' (1200/2000) in defense mode and one card face down. End turn.”

Jason drew a card. “Defense mode? You have got to be shitting me! I play `Fire Kraken' (1600/1500) also in defense mode. I activate `Ookazi'! You take 800 points of fire damage!””

Umi screamed as hot fire surrounded him. Sweat formed on his body from the heat. Robbie tried to dash into the flames to help Umi, but couldn't run through the flames.

“UMI!”

“I'm okay, Robbie!”

Umi's Life Points dropped to 3200.

Jason snickered. “Talk about feelin' the burn, right, Aqua-Man? I end my turn. Freak.”

Umi drew a card. “I sacrifice my `Aqua Madoor' to summon its counterpart, `Neo Aqua Madoor' (1200/3000) in defense mode! Try to get through these defenses!”

Jason sneered at Umi. “Oh, I will. Don't you worry! I sacrifice my `Fire Kraken' to summon `Thestalos The Fire Monarch' (2400/1000). I get to discard one card in your hand to the graveyard. If it is a monster, you take damage equal to the level of your monster times three hundred. I'll take the fourth card from the right.”

Umi narrowed his eyes. “It's a monster.”

“How many levels is it?”

“It's my `Creeping Doom Manta'. It has 3 stars.”

“You take 900 points of damage!”

Umi's Life Points dropped to 2300. `I'm almost halfway beaten! Come on, Gods of the Sea….Don't let me down.'

“I equip my monster with `Molten Destruction' and I raise his attack points to 2900.”

Umi laughed. ”It's still no match for my monster, Jason!”

“No, but the next card you play is going down in flames! End turn!”

Umi drew a card. “I place one card face down. End turn.”

Jason drew a card and ordered his fire monarch to attack. `The Furious Sea King' shattered as his card was attacked.

“He didn't look too furious for me. Now he's fish bait!'

Umi growled. “End turn?”

“Yeah, whatever.”

Umi drew a card, his body still sweating from Ookazi. “I play `7 Colored Fish' (1800/800) in defense mode! I play `Neptune's Blessing' raising my Life Points by 500.” Umi's Life Points raised to 2800. “I place one card face down. I end my turn.”

Jason grinned. “I remove my `Fire Kraken' from play to summon `Spirit of Flames' (1700/1000) in attack mode! I equip him with another `Molten Destruction' and that brings him to 2200! Go, Spirit of Flames! Attack his `7 Colored Fish'!”

Umi cried out. “I play `Block Attack!' My monster is safe! And yours is destroyed!”

Jason growled. “Shit!”

Umi laughed. “And you lose 500 life points!”

Jason's Life Points fell to 3500.

Umi grinned `He only needs a few more monsters in his graveyard before I can wipe him out completely.'

“End your turn, Jason?”

“No!”

Jason drew a card. “I play `Darkfire Soldier #1' (1700/1150) in defense mode. I play another `Ookazi'!

Umi cried out again as the flames enveloped him, the burning heat scorching his skin. His Life Points fell to 2000.

Jason laughed at the other trembling duelist. “Now I end my turn.”

Umi's trembling hand drew a card. “I sacrifice….'7 Colored Fish'…and….'Neo Aqua Madoor' to summon…my…'Sea Prince' (2950/3000) in attack mode. I…destroy your Fire Monarch!”

The Mer-Man with the trident speared the Fire Monarch, making him shatter and Jason's life points fall to 3450.

“You're all washed up, Jason….”

“What are you talking about, freak? This duel has just begun!”

Umi grinned. “No….you're all washed up.”

Jason laughed. “Impossible! I have almost double your Life Points!”

Umi grinned. “Not anymore! I activate `Neptune's Rage!' It takes 500 points for each monster in your graveyard and your hand! And I count your two Ookazi, your Thestalos The Fire Monarch, and your `Spirit of Flames' That makes 2000 just in your graveyard alone! You have 4 cards in your hand. That would make another 2000 points. You're all washed up!”

A torrent of water sprayed from the card and washed Jason and Eric several feet away.

Jason's Life Points were extinguished.

Umi and Robbie walked over to Jason and Eric laying on the ground, their clothes soaked with water.

“You punks deserve worse than what you got! Both of you stay from Aria or you'll get worse than this!”

Robbie limped beside Umi as they walked away from the school. Robbie stopped as they walked towards the hospital.

Umi turned. “Robbie? What's wrong?”

“Thank you, Umi. Thank you for helping me get even with Jason and Eric.”

“That's what buds do, Rob. They watch each other's ass. Well…not literally, you know.”

Robbie smiled. “I know what you mean, Umi.”

“Just…don't watch my ass too closely, okay?”

The blue-eyed boy laughed. “Okay. I promise not to watch your ass. But, it looks so damn tempting!”

Umi groaned and rolled his eyes. “I'm flattered…not interested, but flattered.”

Robbie laughed. “Just kidding, Umi! Where are you off to now?”

“Aria's house. She told me at school she had something important to tell me. What about you?”

“To my new home…the hospital.”

“When's the last time you saw your mom?”

Robbie shifted his weight. “I went home a couple days ago. I spent last night at Aten's bedside again. I'll go home tomorrow. Mom understands. When all this is over, I do owe her a game of cards, though.”

“Okay, Rob. Well, I'll talk to you tomorrow.”

Robbie watched Umi leave. He looked up at the store beside them. `Captain Smiley Buns'. “I wonder if Marik is working.”

Robbie limped into the store and there was Marik at the cash register dressed in his outfit. “Hello,Marik.”

Marik groaned. He hated anyone seeing him in his costume. It was embarrassing to say the least. “Hi, Robbie. Can I take your arr-der?”

“Can I have a …..Manatee Milkshake.”

Marik sighed. “Would you like to try our new Spicy Sea Fries with that?”

Robbie chuckled. “No…thank you…umm….sir.”

“What about our…..sweet Isis, I hate this…..Silly Sea Sandwich? It's so silly…it's…..oh, fuck it. Is that it, Robbie?”

Robbie's lip trembled as he tried not to laugh at the yami. “Yes…….sir.”

Marik turned to get Robbie his milkshake and the teen covered his mouth as he laughed. On the back of Marik's outfit was stitched `Caption Happy Buns….where our Buns are always happy.'

Robbie's face turned red with laughter as he put the money on the counter.

Marik turned. “What are you laughing at, Morgan?”

“Nothing….umm…..sir.”

Marik put the milkshake on the counter. “Gimme money.”

Robbie wiped his eyes free of tears of laughter and shoved the money to Marik. “Umm…Marik. I have something I want to ask you. But I can't do it here. Can I come talk to you about it?”

“I have to stay late tonight to clean the French fry oil. Try getting me tomorrow night.”

Robbie nodded. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”

“If you are going to the hospital, tell my son I love him, Robbie,” Marik called after him.

`That makes two of us,' Robbie thought as he limped away.

*******************************************

Robbie walked into Aten's room as Katie was helping Aten out of bed slowly. Aten winced as his legs folded.

“Hey, Aten! Going to try getting out of bed again today?”

Aten gripped onto Katie's shoulders tightly. “Hopefully I won't fall on my ass like I did the last two times.”

Katie held the struggling teen. “Aten, you weren't strong enough to stand up. The doctors want you to try again today.”

“I know.”

“It's a good thing you aren't too heavy, Aten. That would make this harder on you.”

Aten raised an eyebrow. “Of course, if I fall forward, you do realize you'll be under me.” Aten gave her a wink.

“Watch it, Son of Marik Ishtar…..”

Aten laughed. “Only kidding. Now, slide off a bit further.”

Robbie watched Aten slide a little more off of the bed. Aten was leaning against the bed on his feet.

“Katie,” the teen shuddered in fear as his body started to go weak.

“Come on, big boy. I know you can do it.”

Aten slowly pulled himself away from the bed.

“Katie, do you need help?”

“No, Robbie, I can do it. Take a step, Aten. Hold onto me, kiddo.”

Aten's nails dug into Katie's shoulder as he took his first step away from the bed with her help. “Katie…..”

“You're doing fine, Aten. Take another step.”

Aten took one more step on shaky, unsteady legs. “I don't know if I can do this.”

“Let's try to get to the window,okay?”

Aten leaned on Katie as he walked to the window. Robbie moved Aten's IV holders with him. When they reached the window, Aten looked down on the city. His palms rested against he window as he surveyed the city. The nearby KaibaCorp building was clearly visible. Below, people scurried around the streets, cars drove and horns beeped. The tree branches waved with a slight breeze which ruffled their leaves. Aten looked up at the bright blue sky. The birds were soaring freely above him. They flew among the clouds, blissfully unaware of the realities of the world below.

“To think…..I could have missed all this,” Aten said softly.

“Missed what, Aten?”

Aten looked over at Katie. “Life.”

Robbie reached up and rubbed Aten's back sadly. Aten almost lost his life.

“I could have missed the sky…..the birds….the trees….the feel of the sunshine on my body. I could have lost it all.”

Katie wrapped her arm around Aten's waist. “You did, Aten…..about four times. We didn't think we could bring you back the last time.”

Aten looked up at the sky. “Never take this for granted, Katie…..life is short….all of this could be gone in a heart beat.” Aten looked at her with his brown and purple eyes. “Take it from someone who knows what it's like.”

“It is beautiful.”

Aten raised his hand carefully and touched the glass. “I want to go outside….I want to go home.”

“I know you want to go home, Aten. The doctor says you're not ready yet.” Katie turned to Aten. “Do you want to go back to bed?”

Aten took Robbie's hand. “Can I walk around with Robbie a little before my shower?” Aten gave her large chibi eyes.

“You are evil, Aten Ishtar.”

“I was conceived by darkness, you know. What else do you expect?”

Katie sighed. “Truth enough. Robbie, don't let Aten become too tired. If he needs help, get one of the nurses to get a wheelchair.”

“Okay.”

Aten grabbed the mobile pole holding his IV's. He grabbed Robbie's hand with the other. The blue eyed teen supported Aten as he carefully took his steps.

“How was school?” Aten asked as they slowly made their way to the hall.

“It was okay. Mr. Jensen was given a sever reprimand for being so strict with you. I told Mrs. Gansey what happened when you collapsed.”

Aten nodded in approval. “He always made me wait to use the bathroom. He knew I was on water pills. He kept giving me “D”s on my papers. Jensen knows I'm dyslexic and he knows English is not my first language.”

Robbie sighed. He could tell Aten was tiring already. His Egyptian accent was being spoken with a hint of British. It was always a joke between them that only Aten could speak Arabic with a British accent and vice versa.

“Well, he got a tongue lashing from the principal he won't forget.”

“Anything else?”

Robbie stopped as Aten stopped to catch his breath. “Umi and I dueled Eric and Jason.”

Aten's eyes widened. “WHAT?!”

“Umi and I dueled Eric and Jason. We couldn't let them get away with hurting you, Aten.”

“Who won?”

Robbie smiled proudly. “Umi and I kicked their asses, Aten. But like the stubborn jackasses they are, they probably won't learn their lesson yet.”

Aten smiled. “Thank you, Robbie. I wish I could have been there.”

“No, Aten….you don't.”

Aten started to walk again slowly. “How was lunch?”

Aten knew lunch was a big part of Robbie's day. In the cafeteria, Robbie would critique the food from `edible' to `toxic waste.' The way to Robbie's heart was his stomach…and Aten knew it was Robbie's weakness.

Robbie cringed. “Lunch? I didn't know what would happen first: Either my meatloaf was going to crawl off my plate or the veggies were going to evolve into super-intelligent and hairy beings. Lunch was awful.”

The Egyptian teen laughed. “Well, I thought my lunch was going to cluck back at me. The kitchen half-cooked my chicken breast.”

Robbie chuckled. “When you get out of here, Aten, I want to take you to the Riviera. They have a menu there that's is so awesome! Mom and I go there before church on New Years Eve every year. I'd love to take you there. Just the two of us.”

Aten raised an eyebrow. “The salads there cost ten dollars alone! How can you afford a three course meal for two people?”

Robbie pat Aten's hand. “Don't you worry. I've got you covered. Besides, you don't eat much.”

The Egyptian smiled. “That's nice, Robbie. I'd like that.”

“Well, don't mention it, Aten. It will be worth it. You'll see.”

“With you, it's always worth it, Robbie,” Aten said.

Robbie turned and grabbed Aten before he could lose balance.

“I…I think we should go back,” Aten winced with pain. “Besides….I'm so dirty! I need a shower.”

Robbie called to a nurse. “Can I get a wheelchair for him? Let me help you, Aten.”

The nurse held a wheelchair as Aten slowly lowered himself onto it. As he sat down he sighed and looked back.

“Halfway down the hall. Not bad,” Aten said with a smile.

Robbie wheeled Aten back to his room.

Katie finished changing the sheets on Aten's bed. “Back already?”

“I made it halfway down the hall,” the Egyptian said, his face beaming with pride.

Katie clapped. “That's our little miracle! Are you ready for your shower?”

Aten blushed. “Umm, Katie? As nice as it is to have the nurses come in and wash me, umm…would it be possible if Robbie does it?”

Robbie's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. `What did he just ask?!'

Katie shrugged. “That's okay with me, Aten. Do you want to wash Aten up, Robbie?”

Robbie stood there silent.

“Robbie?”

“Umm…well…I…umm..”

Aten looked up at Katie. “I'm not that heavy. I just need Robbie to help me in and get me the soap and shampoo. What do you say, Robbie?”

“Umm…sure.”

“If you need help, Robbie, just push the emergency button in the bathroom.”

Katie shut the door behind her.

Aten looked up at Robbie with a smile. “Are you sure you want to do this, Robbie?”

Robbie walked up to his friend. “Why wouldn't I?”

The blue-eyed boy leaned down and kissed Aten on the lips gently. Aten slipped his tongue between Robbie's lips and reached up to cup Robbie's face in his hands. Aten felt Robbie's fingers move over the hospital gown to get access to his shirt, unbuttoning it slowly….button by button. Aten had insisted to wear a shirt to hide `MINE' that was carved into his back by his grandfather. He didn't want anyone to see his back. For that reason, he had never gone shirtless.

Robbie opened the shirt and removed it from Aten's body slowly.

Robbie leaned down and kissed Aten's dark skin, his lips peppering kisses along Aten's collarbone. Aten let out a whimper as Robbie ran his hands over Aten's exposed chest. The feel of Robbie's hand on his skin was something that he always enjoyed and feared at the same time.

Tears filled his eyes, grateful to be feeling Robbie again.

Robbie's hands drifted lower on Aten's body and the Egyptian tensed. “Robbie,” his voice cracked.

Robbie pulled back. “Did I scare you? I'm sorry.”

Aten swallowed hard. “No…no. Don't be.”

Robbie nodded. “Let's get you into the shower then.”

Robbie helped Aten stand up from the chair. Aten walked slowly as he held onto his friend.

In the shower, Robbie untied the back of Aten's gown. Aten removed the gown and pulled down his boxers timidly.

Robbie's eyes skimmed the sight of the naked Egyptian teen.

“You're so beautiful, Aten,” Robbie said reaching up to Aten's cheek.

[You are so beautiful, grandson…] a voice sounded in Aten's mind.

Aten closed his eyes tightly and turned his face away. “No…don't.”

“Aten, what's wrong?”

Aten shook his head. “It's nothing…I…the lights…must be too bright or something.”

Robbie raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I'm sorry, Robbie,” Aten said as he laughed uncomfortably.

“Okay,” Robbie said as he turned on the water. He grabbed the soap and shampoo and put it in the stall.

“Robbie? Can…can you come in with me?”

“Sure, Aten. If that's what you want. If I make you feel uncomfortable, you let me know.”

Aten nodded. “I want you to come in with me.”

“How hot do you want it?”

Aten's chest seized and he swallowed hard again. “W—What?”

“How hot do you want the water?”

Aten sighed in relief. “I like it pretty hot. Not cold water.”

Robbie set the temperature. “Let me help you get in first.”

Robbie helped his friend in and casually peeled his clothes off of himself. Aten watched as Robbie's naked form slipped into the shower. He looked down at his own naked body and up at Robbie's back turned to him in the shower.

Then it hit him: They weren't two children, two three year olds bathing in the tub together anymore. They were teenagers now, whose bodies had matured and developed.

Aten's hand gripped the metal bar to keep himself standing. Robbie turned to him and smiled. The black curls on his head were falling limp from the cascade of water falling around his naked body.

Robbie held out a hand and Aten grasped it. “Walk into the water, Aten.”

Aten stepped closer and pressed himself against Robbie.

“I love you, Aten. It's been so long since we could do this. I'm glad we're able to do this again.”

“It has been a very long time since we've….touched each other.”

Robbie grabbed the shampoo as Aten rinsed his hair. His long white and blond hair fell limp as the water saturated it. Robbie spilled some shampoo on his hand. “Can you turn around, Aten?”

Aten turned slowly, his face turning red from embarrassment about his carved back.

Robbie placed his fingers in Aten's hair and started lathering the peach shampoo into the Egyptian's white and blond hair. In front of Robbie's sight was `MINE' carved along the left side of Aten's back, the scars dangerously close to Aten's spinal cord. Robbie let his fingernails scratch Aten's scalp.

A little purr was heard from the boy.
”Are you enjoying this, Aten?” Robbie giggled.
”Who wouldn't?”

Robbie smiled. “Don't turn around yet, I have to condition your hair.” Robbie placed some conditioner in his hair and continued to knead the shampoo into Aten's thick hair. “Who's hair do you have?”

“My mother's hair is thick like mine.”

“That would explain it, Aten.”

Aten groaned in disappointment as Robbie's fingers left his hair.

“My turn,” Aten said turning around. He grabbed the shampoo and dug his fingers into Robbie's wet hair. Robbie pressed his forehead to Aten's chest, enjoying the touch of Aten's fingers in his hair.

The Egyptian smiled. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Mmmmm…..so good.”

“There's my answer, I guess.”

Both boys laughed.

Aten conditioned Robbie's hair and ran his fingers through the hair as it was rinsed.

Robbie squinted afterwards. “I think I got shampoo in my eye.”

Aten giggled. “Poor Robbie.”

The Egyptian kissed the corner of Robbie's eye lightly.

“Oh, I got shampoo here, too,” Robbie said pointing to his cheek.

Aten kissed Robbie's cheek.

“I got some shampoo on my chin.”

Aten kissed Robbie's chin and moved to his lips.

Both boys pressed against each other in the shower, their bodies touching intimately as the water from the shower slid down their bodies.

“Aten…..”Robbie whimpered. “I was afraid that we'd never be able to do this again.”

“I know, love. I know. I love you, Robbie.”

“Aten, I love you with all of my heart,” Robbie sniffled.

Aten's fingers brushed against Robbie's cheek. “I'll love you until my dying day, Robbie. That will never change.”

Robbie grabbed a washcloth and lathered it with the water. Aten leaned over to kiss him. Aten could feel Robbie's washcloth brush over his skin. The washcloth left a trail of suds along his body.

“Turn around, Aten.”

“No.”

“Aten, turn around. I promise I won't hurt you.”

Aten slowly turned around, exposing his scarred back to Robbie. He shuddered as he felt a kiss on the back of his neck.

“Poor Aten.”

The washcloth brushed lightly over the scarred tissue. He could feel the washcloth creeping into the crevices created on his back.

[You belong to me, Aten! You….are….Mine.]

Robbie saw the Egyptian's shoulders drop and the body start to tremble. “Aten? It's not bad. I'm done your back…….Aten?”

Aten turned around, his eyes full of tears. He reached out and grabbed Robbie, pulling him against him tightly. “Hold me, Robbie.”

Robbie held the trembling teen in his arms as Aten started to sob. “Baby, it's okay. Shhh….”

“I'm sorry, Robbie.”

“Aten, you just hold me as long as you want.”

Aten sniffled and blinked as he held onto Robbie. His friend just held him in the shower, the hot water falling around them, bathing them and filling the room with steam.

“Just hold me….”

Robbie held Aten against him, stroking Aten's wet hair and pressing against him. “I've got you, Aten…..always.”

The two boys remained still in the shower, caressing the other's body in a silent embrace.

************************************

Umi knocked on the door and Bakura opened the door. “Hello, my daddy's friend! Is Aria home?”

“She's upstairs. No spawning.”

“Yes, sir!”

Umi ran upstairs and knocked on Aria's bedroom door. “Little Mermaid? I'm here!”

Aria opened the bathroom door. “Umi, I'm in here.”

Umi ran to the bathroom door. “How are you, baby?”

Umi placed a kiss on her forehead. He saw a box in Aria's hand.

“How am I? I'm pregnant.”

 

 

Updates: Friday