Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Kawaita Sakebi ❯ polymerzation, Harpy Lady & Crush card ( Chapter 7 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Aloe 
Mai looks for Kaiba.
Mai flashback.
Dinner.
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Psychological | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 12.18.2003 | Pages: 4 | Words: 2.8K | Visits: 159 | Status: Work In Progress
Mai looks for Kaiba.
Mai flashback.
Dinner.
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Psychological | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 12.18.2003 | Pages: 4 | Words: 2.8K | Visits: 159 | Status: Work In Progress
***
Polymerization
A magic card that fuses two or more monsters together to create a stronger monster.
***
"Hey Yuug. Stuck minding the store?"
"Yup."
"Where's everyone?"
"Back room. Tristan and Mai are dueling, Tea's making cookies, and I think Yami's helping."
"Cookies!"
"Hey, it's Joey!"
"Hey man-"
"Joey Wheeler, get your hands out of the cookie dough!"
"Mph, good cookie dough."
"Joey, you must desist."
"NOW, Joey."
"I attack with Harpy Lady, which reduces your life points to zero."
"Ouch! All right, already."
'Hey, good move-"
"Not again. This game sucks."
"You must have patience and practice more often, Tristan,"
"Here, Trist, have some cookies, it'll make you feel better."
"These aren't too bad."
"Give me some-"
"Well, we only burnt one batch."
"Hey, pass me the plate. No, with the cookies. Literal dork."
"You said to cook them until they were brown. I was following your instructions."
"Yuugi-- cookies!"
"Yeah, but when they start smoking--"
"Mai Valentine-- the victor-- now welcomes all challengers!"
"Shouldn't it be victoress?"
"Gloat a bit more, oh Kaiba-ish one."
"You're just jealous-- here, have another cookie."
"Where is Kaiba these days? I haven't seen him lurking in the background."
"Haven't seen him at school, have you, Yuug?
"Huh?"
"These are good."
"Don't they usually have more chocolate?"
"There would've been more in the cookies if Yami hadn't eaten half the bag before we started making them."
"Kaiba-- you seen him lately?"
"Eh, they're ok like this."
"Mokuba says he's been cutting class and working 24/7."
"When was Mokuba in here?"
"Seto Kaiba works, and the world trembles."
"What about school?"
"When you're that rich, who needs school?"
"Are there any more cookies?"
"If you help me make more, there will be."
"Joey, stop eating the sugar."
"That's the best part. And there isn't any cookie dough left."
"Hm, wonder why."
"Here, I'll get you a bowl and spoon, why bother with the cookies?"
"Who needs a spoon?"
***
Could this house be any bigger? Wonder if he's ever gotten lost. Getting lost in your own home-- now that would be embarrassing. And who would you ask for directions? Maybe there's a map around here or something. How many rooms do you need anyway-- bet most of them are just sitting here gathering dust. Lovely. Guards at nine o'clock. Think Mai: should you just brazen it out or sneak? Brazen first, then, if that fails, sneak, I guess. Don't even want to think about how much security is in here.
Ding, dong, Avon calling. Here we go--
***
Should be the next door on my right. Glad I ran into Mokuba, that certainly made things easier.
Locked, that figures. Huh. Turn the stereo up a bit louder, won't you? He's got good taste in music, though. Now for the handy lock picks.
Almost got it-- almost--
Ah, here we go--
"Hello Kaiba, I brought you some cookies."
***
"Hey, hey, calm down. Of course it was locked. It just wasn't a very good lock."
***
"Really, I wasn't trying to stalk you. Mokuba was worried about you. I was worried about you. Even Joey was worried about you."
Ok, maybe he wasn't worried, but he did notice you weren't skulking about."
"But how did you get-"
"I told you, Mokuba was worried about you. I had his help. And a tight shirt. And a rather nice set of lock picks."
"What do want from me, Mai?"
"Well ... if you're handing stuff out, ten thousand dollars in small, unmarked bills would be nice."
"Will you take a check?"
***
"Kaiba, you can't hide in here forever, you'll run out of cookies."
"I'm not hiding, I'm working."
"Fine, you can't work forever."
"Don't be stupid."
***
"Mai, stop staring at me. Fine, exactly what do I have to do to get rid of you?"
"Let me help you."
"No one can help me."
"You can't fix it by yourself."
"I beg y-"
"For one thing your color sense sucks. The sky clashes with the trees, and the people look flat.
"Oh."
"So, give me a job. I'll help you fix it."
"Not good enough."
"I'll go away... for now."
"What is this, blackmail?"
"Yup."
"Isn't that a bit low, even for you?"
"Nope, I'm broke. Poor and hungry. Starving, even."
"Here, have a cookie."
***
"Ok, fine, you win. You're hired. Now get out."
"As you wish, boss. I'll be back tomorrow to discuss game colors with you."
Thunk.
"Missed me."
Crash.
"Missed again."
Crash!
"Ow! Ok, ok, I'm leaving."
***
I did it. I actually did it-- bypassed the security system, managed to corner the elusive Kaiba in his lair. And I got a job out of it. Sweet.
***
These cookies actually aren't too bad. Bit skimpy on the chocolate chips, though. What did she want? Why go to all that trouble over a job? She has to be planning something. I'll have to minimize her computer access. Get her my cell number, that way she won't have any excuse to come here again. And change the door locks.
***
Harpy Lady
Level 4 monster. Attack: 1300 Defense: 1400.
***
Of course I'm fine, Joey. In fact, aside from the minor skirmish with the five headed dragon, the fact that I almost bit it, and the possibility of spending the rest of my life as pixels wearing a fur bikini, this job's really not bad.
***
I was so helpless. I don't do helpless. Not since-
No, Mai, don't think about it, you don't want to think about it-.
Quickly, you idiot, find your friends, they'll distract you.
"Yuugi ... Joey ..."
They're gone. They left without me.
"Yami ... Tristan ..."
- they left me alone-
"Tea ... Mokuba ..."
This isn't acceptable. I won't relive this.
"... Seto ..."
I won't. You can't make me. My mind, my rules. My-
***
"Mai, you can change in here."
"No, it's ok, I'll just put my shorts on over my suit."
"But you'll be all wet. You can use my shower, there's no one home but us."
"What about your brother?"
"Oh. Yeah. Well ... he's on the computer, he won't even notice. Trust me."
"But-"
"Look, if it really bothers you, I'll go downstairs and watch TV, ok?"
"I guess."
***
"Oh, what a pretty little mermaid we have here. Why didn't Holly tell me what a pretty little mermaid you are? Come here, pretty mermaid, let me show you my waterbed. Ouch! You bi- that hurt!
***
"Look in the mirror, aren't we lovely together? Oh, sorry, that was my deck, wasn't it? Here, I'll just kinda kick it unto the floor."
***
"Why won't you hold still? I think if you hold still it won't hurt as much."
***
"You're supposed to kiss me or something, instead of just lying there."
***
"You're bleeding on my sheets. That's gross, these were new. Now I'm gonna have to wash them.
Are you laughing at me? No one laughs at me. I said, no one laughs at me."
***
"Stop it! Stop laughing! You know what, you're really mean. I saw you and I thought she's pretty, she's nice. And I liked you. You're the first girl I ever liked. But you laughed at me. That's really rude. That makes me feel about two inches tall, and you shouldn't do it."
***
"Mom, I'm sorry I was late getting home. It honestly wasn't my fault. See--
***
"That's a pretty little story. Did it take you a long time to think of it?"
"You don't believe me."
"No, I don't. Mai, you need to learn to take responsibility for your actions. You had every opportunity to get home on time. No one tied you down or locked you up, did they?"
"Not as such. But-"
"Well then, Miss, consider yourself grounded."
"For how long?"
"Until you become the kind of girl we know you can be."
***
I won't be broken. He can't break me. They can't break me. No one will break me, I will never be tamed. I will be a harpy-woman, beautiful and dangerous. Men will fall at my feet, will worship me and I'll sneer as I crush them.
Today, as a symbol, I remove all unworthy cards from my deck. My pet harpies, symbol of my strength, protect me--
"Mai Valentine, do I smell something burning? You'd better not be smoking, young lady. Mai, unlock your door this instant. We don't lock doors in this house. It's not polite."
***
Poor Mom. She still wonders what happened to her innocent Mai-girl.
Huh. Well, that didn't go the way I expected. It wasn't nearly as bad as it used to be. In fact, it was kinda pathetic. Guess I can thank Pegasus for that-- who'd have ever thought he'd be useful. Justin, you innocent fumbling fool, it's time for me to move on. I hope you're properly wracked with guilt, and I really, really hope you've improved your technique.
I'm done with you. I didn't think it was possible, but I'm finally done with you.
***
"Hello, Yuugi. I'd like to see what you have in the way of new monster cards."
***
***
Crush Card
A trap card that destroys all monsters with an attack strength over 1500.
***
"Morning Boss."
"Mai."
"Coffee? Here."
"What's in this?"
"Just coffee. Why?"
"It's early and you're cheerful."
"Minor epiphany, long standing problem resolved."
What are you doing?"
"Modifying my deck. Here, I've got some colour palettes and sketches for you. Tell me what you think of these-"
"They aren't harpies."
"No. More coffee?"
"Yes. Interesting designs."
"More practical than chain-mail, I thought."
"Not as strong as metal armor, though."
"But lighter."
"Hm."
"Easier to render, perhaps?"
"Those are male monsters."
"Yes, they are. You could claim it was magic, then it could be both lighter and stronger."
"Why are you adding more monsters to your deck?"
"I thought it might make my harpies happy. Also the matte finish eliminates the annoying landscape-reflected-on-the-armour problem the programmers were whining about."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, they didn't like my earlier suggestion to tint the armor pink."
"Do happy harpies have a lower attack strength?"
"No, but their defenses are lowered."
"Hm. Must make a note of that."
"Is that a challenge?"
"Not now, I have a meeting. Here, give me those sketches to take with me, I'll run them past the other programmers."
"You can't hide forever, Kaiba. Sooner or later you'll have to face it. But when you do, you might find that it's not be as bad as you feared.
"Later, then. I'll check my schedule."
"You're hopeless, you know that, Hon?"
"Yes."
***
"Hey Boss, brought you some dinner."
"Brown nosing again, Mai?"
"No-- hungry. Here, dig in."
"I suppose this means you feel entitled to eat with me."
"No, it means I choose to eat my dinner here. I can't help it if you happen to be working here as well. More rice?"
"Yeah."
"Here, Kaiba, pass me the veggies--"
"Where's the other set of chopsticks?"
"Here. Do you see any napkins?"
"Did you get any chicken?"
"I think there's some, check the larger box."
"Here."
"Thanks. There ought to be some sodas in there somewhere. Hey, hand it over. No, the other one: I don't want that one-- you shook it, I saw you."
"If you insist."
"Ack! What- oh, ick! How did you-"
"You'll notice I'm not opening mine."
"You jerk! You shook them both, didn't you?"
"Mm."
"You're evil. I'm gonna-- Hey, hold still."
"Oh man, that's cold."
"Payback's a bi- Ahhhhh!"
"It sure is.
***
Shall we call it a draw?"
"I guess so, since I'm out of soda."
"I'm not."
"Come on, Kaiba, you wouldn't attack an unarmed--! No!
***
"Is that your cell?"
"Yeah, ugh, you got it all wet."
"Oh, poor Kaiba-boy. Here, I'll take that away and wash dishes or something."
"Kaiba? Are you-"
"Don't ask ... stupid ques-"
"Kaiba?"
"Get your hand off of me. No one touches me without my permission.
I knew it was improbable that someone would help me, but I thought that, surely, for Mokuba, one of Yuugi's groupies would make a rescue attempt. Based on your obviously furtive actions in the chopper, I figured you were the lucky fool who'd drawn the short straw. I figured that, instead of finding Mokuba, you had found a few of Pegasus' goons, and they'd slapped you around a bit.
For a few moments I actually felt sorry for you.
But I remember now, I remember everything. You were there, watching. Sitting, curled in his lap, eyes half shut, staring at me.
What's wrong Pegasus? Kaiba-boy wasn't enough entertainment? Wasn't stimulating enough?
Did you think about Pegasus when you kissed me, Mai?
Huh? Answer me that.
Look at you: crying because Pegasus wouldn't let you kiss him.
So that's why were you sad, that night-- Yuugi won the duel and hurt your precious lover. That's why you didn't want to be around them. Oh, poor Mai. Did you want me around as a memento of your last night with Pegasus?
What did you do when you went home, Mai? Did you call you friends? Boast about your ringside seat? Did you remember to mention how I lay there--humiliated, unwilling, soulless, pathetic?
"No, Kaiba that's-"
"Get out. Get the fuck out."
"Please Kaiba-"
"Mai, I suggest you leave quickly."
"Listen--"
"Go now. My security is on its' way."
***
Aww, what's the matter Seto-boy? Were you betrayed again? You're getting weak, Seto, you let her get too close. You were considering kissing her, weren't you? Go on, admit it-- confession is good for the soul. Might even do you some good, you poor soulless freak.
Silly, silly Seto-boy, you can't trust anyone, remember? You've never been able to trust anyone. Can't depend on anyone. Everyone fails you, loathes the very sight of you, why should she be any different?
Mokuba, I'm sorry, I thought she was trying to help you-- I thought maybe, for your sake she might have been willing to get hurt.
After all, Yuugi, (the hero, the magnificent king of games) won back all the souls.
Idiot! Sentimental fool! That wasn't for your benefit-- he wrangled the best deal he could. You'll be at his mercy forever, now. Didn't you realize that? No? Did you conveniently forget that little fact? Did you really think you'd escape unscathed? I wonder what he'll ask of you? Will you like it?
Will you look forward to it? Shudder with fear and anticipation?
Maybe if you're really lucky, Mai will watch again. Maybe she'll even kiss you. You liked that, didn't you? Your very first kiss?
What's the matter, Seto-boy? Aww, you aren't crying are you? I thought not: after all, this shouldn't bother you.
You're above all this, remember? Go ahead, examine it dispassionately. Don't let it control, consume you. Use it to your advantage. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
I will end this, control it. My mind, my rules. I am strong. I will face myself, and the world with dignity, without fear. I can, I will survive this.
That's right, Seto-boy. Clench your fist, straighten up. I do so like to see the fire in your eyes. How long will you be able maintain your facade, I wonder, before you burn out completely.
Remember, I'll be waiting for you in the darkness.
Polymerization
A magic card that fuses two or more monsters together to create a stronger monster.
***
"Hey Yuug. Stuck minding the store?"
"Yup."
"Where's everyone?"
"Back room. Tristan and Mai are dueling, Tea's making cookies, and I think Yami's helping."
"Cookies!"
"Hey, it's Joey!"
"Hey man-"
"Joey Wheeler, get your hands out of the cookie dough!"
"Mph, good cookie dough."
"Joey, you must desist."
"NOW, Joey."
"I attack with Harpy Lady, which reduces your life points to zero."
"Ouch! All right, already."
'Hey, good move-"
"Not again. This game sucks."
"You must have patience and practice more often, Tristan,"
"Here, Trist, have some cookies, it'll make you feel better."
"These aren't too bad."
"Give me some-"
"Well, we only burnt one batch."
"Hey, pass me the plate. No, with the cookies. Literal dork."
"You said to cook them until they were brown. I was following your instructions."
"Yuugi-- cookies!"
"Yeah, but when they start smoking--"
"Mai Valentine-- the victor-- now welcomes all challengers!"
"Shouldn't it be victoress?"
"Gloat a bit more, oh Kaiba-ish one."
"You're just jealous-- here, have another cookie."
"Where is Kaiba these days? I haven't seen him lurking in the background."
"Haven't seen him at school, have you, Yuug?
"Huh?"
"These are good."
"Don't they usually have more chocolate?"
"There would've been more in the cookies if Yami hadn't eaten half the bag before we started making them."
"Kaiba-- you seen him lately?"
"Eh, they're ok like this."
"Mokuba says he's been cutting class and working 24/7."
"When was Mokuba in here?"
"Seto Kaiba works, and the world trembles."
"What about school?"
"When you're that rich, who needs school?"
"Are there any more cookies?"
"If you help me make more, there will be."
"Joey, stop eating the sugar."
"That's the best part. And there isn't any cookie dough left."
"Hm, wonder why."
"Here, I'll get you a bowl and spoon, why bother with the cookies?"
"Who needs a spoon?"
***
Could this house be any bigger? Wonder if he's ever gotten lost. Getting lost in your own home-- now that would be embarrassing. And who would you ask for directions? Maybe there's a map around here or something. How many rooms do you need anyway-- bet most of them are just sitting here gathering dust. Lovely. Guards at nine o'clock. Think Mai: should you just brazen it out or sneak? Brazen first, then, if that fails, sneak, I guess. Don't even want to think about how much security is in here.
Ding, dong, Avon calling. Here we go--
***
Should be the next door on my right. Glad I ran into Mokuba, that certainly made things easier.
Locked, that figures. Huh. Turn the stereo up a bit louder, won't you? He's got good taste in music, though. Now for the handy lock picks.
Almost got it-- almost--
Ah, here we go--
"Hello Kaiba, I brought you some cookies."
***
"Hey, hey, calm down. Of course it was locked. It just wasn't a very good lock."
***
"Really, I wasn't trying to stalk you. Mokuba was worried about you. I was worried about you. Even Joey was worried about you."
Ok, maybe he wasn't worried, but he did notice you weren't skulking about."
"But how did you get-"
"I told you, Mokuba was worried about you. I had his help. And a tight shirt. And a rather nice set of lock picks."
"What do want from me, Mai?"
"Well ... if you're handing stuff out, ten thousand dollars in small, unmarked bills would be nice."
"Will you take a check?"
***
"Kaiba, you can't hide in here forever, you'll run out of cookies."
"I'm not hiding, I'm working."
"Fine, you can't work forever."
"Don't be stupid."
***
"Mai, stop staring at me. Fine, exactly what do I have to do to get rid of you?"
"Let me help you."
"No one can help me."
"You can't fix it by yourself."
"I beg y-"
"For one thing your color sense sucks. The sky clashes with the trees, and the people look flat.
"Oh."
"So, give me a job. I'll help you fix it."
"Not good enough."
"I'll go away... for now."
"What is this, blackmail?"
"Yup."
"Isn't that a bit low, even for you?"
"Nope, I'm broke. Poor and hungry. Starving, even."
"Here, have a cookie."
***
"Ok, fine, you win. You're hired. Now get out."
"As you wish, boss. I'll be back tomorrow to discuss game colors with you."
Thunk.
"Missed me."
Crash.
"Missed again."
Crash!
"Ow! Ok, ok, I'm leaving."
***
I did it. I actually did it-- bypassed the security system, managed to corner the elusive Kaiba in his lair. And I got a job out of it. Sweet.
***
These cookies actually aren't too bad. Bit skimpy on the chocolate chips, though. What did she want? Why go to all that trouble over a job? She has to be planning something. I'll have to minimize her computer access. Get her my cell number, that way she won't have any excuse to come here again. And change the door locks.
***
Harpy Lady
Level 4 monster. Attack: 1300 Defense: 1400.
***
Of course I'm fine, Joey. In fact, aside from the minor skirmish with the five headed dragon, the fact that I almost bit it, and the possibility of spending the rest of my life as pixels wearing a fur bikini, this job's really not bad.
***
I was so helpless. I don't do helpless. Not since-
No, Mai, don't think about it, you don't want to think about it-.
Quickly, you idiot, find your friends, they'll distract you.
"Yuugi ... Joey ..."
They're gone. They left without me.
"Yami ... Tristan ..."
- they left me alone-
"Tea ... Mokuba ..."
This isn't acceptable. I won't relive this.
"... Seto ..."
I won't. You can't make me. My mind, my rules. My-
***
"Mai, you can change in here."
"No, it's ok, I'll just put my shorts on over my suit."
"But you'll be all wet. You can use my shower, there's no one home but us."
"What about your brother?"
"Oh. Yeah. Well ... he's on the computer, he won't even notice. Trust me."
"But-"
"Look, if it really bothers you, I'll go downstairs and watch TV, ok?"
"I guess."
***
"Oh, what a pretty little mermaid we have here. Why didn't Holly tell me what a pretty little mermaid you are? Come here, pretty mermaid, let me show you my waterbed. Ouch! You bi- that hurt!
***
"Look in the mirror, aren't we lovely together? Oh, sorry, that was my deck, wasn't it? Here, I'll just kinda kick it unto the floor."
***
"Why won't you hold still? I think if you hold still it won't hurt as much."
***
"You're supposed to kiss me or something, instead of just lying there."
***
"You're bleeding on my sheets. That's gross, these were new. Now I'm gonna have to wash them.
Are you laughing at me? No one laughs at me. I said, no one laughs at me."
***
"Stop it! Stop laughing! You know what, you're really mean. I saw you and I thought she's pretty, she's nice. And I liked you. You're the first girl I ever liked. But you laughed at me. That's really rude. That makes me feel about two inches tall, and you shouldn't do it."
***
"Mom, I'm sorry I was late getting home. It honestly wasn't my fault. See--
***
"That's a pretty little story. Did it take you a long time to think of it?"
"You don't believe me."
"No, I don't. Mai, you need to learn to take responsibility for your actions. You had every opportunity to get home on time. No one tied you down or locked you up, did they?"
"Not as such. But-"
"Well then, Miss, consider yourself grounded."
"For how long?"
"Until you become the kind of girl we know you can be."
***
I won't be broken. He can't break me. They can't break me. No one will break me, I will never be tamed. I will be a harpy-woman, beautiful and dangerous. Men will fall at my feet, will worship me and I'll sneer as I crush them.
Today, as a symbol, I remove all unworthy cards from my deck. My pet harpies, symbol of my strength, protect me--
"Mai Valentine, do I smell something burning? You'd better not be smoking, young lady. Mai, unlock your door this instant. We don't lock doors in this house. It's not polite."
***
Poor Mom. She still wonders what happened to her innocent Mai-girl.
Huh. Well, that didn't go the way I expected. It wasn't nearly as bad as it used to be. In fact, it was kinda pathetic. Guess I can thank Pegasus for that-- who'd have ever thought he'd be useful. Justin, you innocent fumbling fool, it's time for me to move on. I hope you're properly wracked with guilt, and I really, really hope you've improved your technique.
I'm done with you. I didn't think it was possible, but I'm finally done with you.
***
"Hello, Yuugi. I'd like to see what you have in the way of new monster cards."
***
***
Crush Card
A trap card that destroys all monsters with an attack strength over 1500.
***
"Morning Boss."
"Mai."
"Coffee? Here."
"What's in this?"
"Just coffee. Why?"
"It's early and you're cheerful."
"Minor epiphany, long standing problem resolved."
What are you doing?"
"Modifying my deck. Here, I've got some colour palettes and sketches for you. Tell me what you think of these-"
"They aren't harpies."
"No. More coffee?"
"Yes. Interesting designs."
"More practical than chain-mail, I thought."
"Not as strong as metal armor, though."
"But lighter."
"Hm."
"Easier to render, perhaps?"
"Those are male monsters."
"Yes, they are. You could claim it was magic, then it could be both lighter and stronger."
"Why are you adding more monsters to your deck?"
"I thought it might make my harpies happy. Also the matte finish eliminates the annoying landscape-reflected-on-the-armour problem the programmers were whining about."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, they didn't like my earlier suggestion to tint the armor pink."
"Do happy harpies have a lower attack strength?"
"No, but their defenses are lowered."
"Hm. Must make a note of that."
"Is that a challenge?"
"Not now, I have a meeting. Here, give me those sketches to take with me, I'll run them past the other programmers."
"You can't hide forever, Kaiba. Sooner or later you'll have to face it. But when you do, you might find that it's not be as bad as you feared.
"Later, then. I'll check my schedule."
"You're hopeless, you know that, Hon?"
"Yes."
***
"Hey Boss, brought you some dinner."
"Brown nosing again, Mai?"
"No-- hungry. Here, dig in."
"I suppose this means you feel entitled to eat with me."
"No, it means I choose to eat my dinner here. I can't help it if you happen to be working here as well. More rice?"
"Yeah."
"Here, Kaiba, pass me the veggies--"
"Where's the other set of chopsticks?"
"Here. Do you see any napkins?"
"Did you get any chicken?"
"I think there's some, check the larger box."
"Here."
"Thanks. There ought to be some sodas in there somewhere. Hey, hand it over. No, the other one: I don't want that one-- you shook it, I saw you."
"If you insist."
"Ack! What- oh, ick! How did you-"
"You'll notice I'm not opening mine."
"You jerk! You shook them both, didn't you?"
"Mm."
"You're evil. I'm gonna-- Hey, hold still."
"Oh man, that's cold."
"Payback's a bi- Ahhhhh!"
"It sure is.
***
Shall we call it a draw?"
"I guess so, since I'm out of soda."
"I'm not."
"Come on, Kaiba, you wouldn't attack an unarmed--! No!
***
"Is that your cell?"
"Yeah, ugh, you got it all wet."
"Oh, poor Kaiba-boy. Here, I'll take that away and wash dishes or something."
"Kaiba? Are you-"
"Don't ask ... stupid ques-"
"Kaiba?"
"Get your hand off of me. No one touches me without my permission.
I knew it was improbable that someone would help me, but I thought that, surely, for Mokuba, one of Yuugi's groupies would make a rescue attempt. Based on your obviously furtive actions in the chopper, I figured you were the lucky fool who'd drawn the short straw. I figured that, instead of finding Mokuba, you had found a few of Pegasus' goons, and they'd slapped you around a bit.
For a few moments I actually felt sorry for you.
But I remember now, I remember everything. You were there, watching. Sitting, curled in his lap, eyes half shut, staring at me.
What's wrong Pegasus? Kaiba-boy wasn't enough entertainment? Wasn't stimulating enough?
Did you think about Pegasus when you kissed me, Mai?
Huh? Answer me that.
Look at you: crying because Pegasus wouldn't let you kiss him.
So that's why were you sad, that night-- Yuugi won the duel and hurt your precious lover. That's why you didn't want to be around them. Oh, poor Mai. Did you want me around as a memento of your last night with Pegasus?
What did you do when you went home, Mai? Did you call you friends? Boast about your ringside seat? Did you remember to mention how I lay there--humiliated, unwilling, soulless, pathetic?
"No, Kaiba that's-"
"Get out. Get the fuck out."
"Please Kaiba-"
"Mai, I suggest you leave quickly."
"Listen--"
"Go now. My security is on its' way."
***
Aww, what's the matter Seto-boy? Were you betrayed again? You're getting weak, Seto, you let her get too close. You were considering kissing her, weren't you? Go on, admit it-- confession is good for the soul. Might even do you some good, you poor soulless freak.
Silly, silly Seto-boy, you can't trust anyone, remember? You've never been able to trust anyone. Can't depend on anyone. Everyone fails you, loathes the very sight of you, why should she be any different?
Mokuba, I'm sorry, I thought she was trying to help you-- I thought maybe, for your sake she might have been willing to get hurt.
After all, Yuugi, (the hero, the magnificent king of games) won back all the souls.
Idiot! Sentimental fool! That wasn't for your benefit-- he wrangled the best deal he could. You'll be at his mercy forever, now. Didn't you realize that? No? Did you conveniently forget that little fact? Did you really think you'd escape unscathed? I wonder what he'll ask of you? Will you like it?
Will you look forward to it? Shudder with fear and anticipation?
Maybe if you're really lucky, Mai will watch again. Maybe she'll even kiss you. You liked that, didn't you? Your very first kiss?
What's the matter, Seto-boy? Aww, you aren't crying are you? I thought not: after all, this shouldn't bother you.
You're above all this, remember? Go ahead, examine it dispassionately. Don't let it control, consume you. Use it to your advantage. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
I will end this, control it. My mind, my rules. I am strong. I will face myself, and the world with dignity, without fear. I can, I will survive this.
That's right, Seto-boy. Clench your fist, straighten up. I do so like to see the fire in your eyes. How long will you be able maintain your facade, I wonder, before you burn out completely.
Remember, I'll be waiting for you in the darkness.