Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Kawaita Sakebi ❯ Cold wave, Jigen Bakudan & red medicine ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Aloe 
Amusement park, and adventures therein.
Joey & Kaiba.
The next morning.
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Psychological | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 12.18.2003 | Pages: 7 | Words: 4.9K | Visits: 147 | Status: Work In Progress
Amusement park, and adventures therein.
Joey & Kaiba.
The next morning.
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Psychological | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 12.18.2003 | Pages: 7 | Words: 4.9K | Visits: 147 | Status: Work In Progress
***
Cold Wave
Until your next turn, neither you nor your opponent can play or set any Magic or Trap cards.
***
"Big brother, big brother, wake up!"
"... Uhuh?"
"Come on, get up, get up, get up, you promised-"
"Wha time-"
"It's going to be eight o'clock soon and you said we'd go at eight--"
" 'm getting up--"
"Come on already. I brought you coffee with lots of sugar and-"
" 'Offee?"
"Here you go."
"Why are you standing in front of the clock?"
"Come ON big brother, you're wasting time."
"What time is it, exactly? Move."
"Hey!"
"Mokuba, it's four thirty in the morning."
"I wanted you to to have plenty of time to get ready."
"There's nothing going on yet. Normal people are still asleep."
"Yeah, but we can see them setting up the booths and rides and get cotton candy and popcorn and breakfast and you can check your e-mail before we go--
"I'm getting up. Better bring me more coffee."
***
"Come on guys, get up!"
" ... Don' wanna go t' school-"
"G'way."
" ... Jus' five more ..."
"Oh, for-- Tea, I told you we'd have to wake them up. Ok, lazy boys-- we're dressed and ready to go and you're still asleep. You're the ones who wanted to leave this early, remember?"
" 'k..."
"... ugh ..."
" 'm gettin ..."
"You wanna make the coffee, or shall I?"
"You make the coffee, I'll buy donuts."
"Donuts?! Didja get the kind with raspberry jelly and chocolate sprinkles on top? Or some of the chocolate creme kind? Hey ... where are they?"
"Dork. I haven't bought them yet. Want to go with?
"I guess."
"Well, Joey's up, anyway."
"That's always progress."
***
'Where's the rest of the donuts?"
"Who drank the all the orange juice?"
"I think there's a box left somewhere around here"
"I did not realize that it was your personal property, Tea."
"Who ate all the chocolate ones? Those were mine!"
"Hey, pal, you snooze, you lose."
"You told me all the donuts were gone."
"Quit whining, you've eaten nine of them."
"Right here-- Tea's orange juice."
"That looks like a listing of the ingredients--"
"You have to look closer, the print is small--"
"Where's Yuugi?"
"Still doing his hair."
"Joey, if you can't sit still, I'm gonna make you clean the dishes."
"He uses more gel than I do."
"At least he brushes his hair."
"Just how much coffee did you drink?"
"Uhm-"
"I do not see your name here."
"Where's the dish towel?"
"Tea, quit teasing Yami."
"Hey Yuug."
"Donut?"
"Where's the coffee?"
"Thanks--"
"I think I drank the last of it."
"How 'bout some juice, then?"
"We're out."
"Here, Yuugi. I saved you a cup. Cream?"
"Thanks."
"Hey--"
"Guys, it really is getting late--"
***
"Big brother, let's go--"
"Wait a moment."
"That's what you said half an hour ago, if you don't hurry up we're gonna miss everything.
"One moment-"
"I'm going to unplug the computer."
"Wait."
"I'm reaching for the plug...."
"I'm putting on my coat."
***
"Wow."
"This place is huge."
"Look guys, cotton candy-"
"Yeah, they really went all out this year--"
"I want some-"
"Who wants to go where?"
"Do they have a ferris wheel?"
"I want to ride the roller coaster."
"See if they have the blue kind."
"I'll ask. Do you want pink if they don't?"
"You're crazy-- that's dangerous."
"If I die, I'll die happy."
"I'll go on the roller coaster with you, Mai."
"Cotton candy?"
"'I love this stuff."
"Me too."
"Ugh. Too sweet."
"This from the girl who ate half a box of donuts."
"Any one else want to come with us?"
"Lovely, just what you guys need: more sugar."
"Here, Yami, try this--"
"I'm going to save you from yourselves. Hand it over."
"No way-- this one's mine, go buy your own."
"It is fuzzy. Why would you wish to eat this?"
"Trust me."
"At least share. Thanks."
" 't's good, I promise."
"Hey, man, slow down-"
"Joey, forgive me if my definition of edible food differs from yours.
"Here, Yami, I'll eat some first-"
"It is rather interesting, sweet and-- It vanished?!"
"Uh-huh. It does that."
"Yami, my friend, let me introduce you to a roller coaster."
"It talks?"
"I've got to see this--"
"I still want to ride the ferris wheel."
"I'll go with you."
Ok, guys, let's meet back here in an hour--"
"Who has a watch?"
"Here, you can have mine."
"It's not pink, is it?"
"Tristan, do I look like the kind of girl who'd wear a pink watch?"
***
"Come on, Seto, I wanna to go again 'cause you can see the whole fairground from the top and everyone looks really, really small, like ants or bugs or-"
"Yes, I am aware of that. Unfortunately."
"Look, Big brother, bumper cars- I wanna try the red dragon. Hurry up--"
***
"Yami, are you ok?"
"Yeah, man, you look kinda green--"
"That was most ... interesting. Excuse me."
"Yuugi, stop laughing. It's not funny."
"-- his face-- s-sorry-- Yami--"
***
"Look, a haunted house--"
"There's no way I'm going anywhere near--"
"It'll be fun."
"Uh-huh."
"Well, I'm going-- who's with me?"
"I'll go."
"Me."
"No way, I'm staying right here."
***
"Big brother, look, games!"
"Oh joy."
"Come on, you said you'd play-"
"Chess, maybe. But this--"
"There's a lot of games, Seto, they gotta have one that you like, you just have to look harder--"
"I only play games when it's possible to win."
"But look at that one-- All you have to do get a ball inside a bucket. That's easy enough--
"Mokuba, look at the physics involved. Given the relative angle of the bucket and--
"But you can win a stuffed dragon. See? I wanna win a dragon; I could put him on my bed."
"Poor dragons, stripped of their pride and stuffed."
***
"Come on, Yami, I'll show you the games."
"What are the large animals for?"
"They're prizes: you win a game and you get to take one home."
"But why would I require one?"
"If you don't want it, it's considered acceptable to give it to a friend."
"Why would they require one?"
"Yami, it's gifts like those that spawned the saying 'it's the thought that counts.'
"But if the thought is all that is required--"
"Hey, Yami, look, they've got stuffed Dark Magicians."
"Really?"
***
"Big brother, do you have more money?"
"Mokuba, I told you it was not possible to win. The odds of actually managing to throw a ball at the precise angle and speed needed to win are not in your favor.
"I win once more and I can get the really, really big dragon."
"Really? I admit I am impressed."
***
"Joey, I'm impressed, you're surprisingly agile. I didn't think it was actually possible to actually climb one of those ladder things."
"Eh. Just takes practice."
"So, Mai, which one of these do you like best?"
"That's really sweet, Joey, and it's a nice thought, but I have to admit, I'm not really much of a stuffed animal person."
"It's not for you, it's for Tea."
"Oh. Well, in that case, I'd go with either the pink bear or the stuffed petit angel."
"Angel it is."
"Good choice."
***
"Look! Look! Isn't he wonderful? I got a blue eyes white dragon, just like yours, Seto. Look, he's bigger than I am."
"You'll need a bigger bed."
"What do you think I should name him? I don't care that he won't fit on my bed, I can sleep with him on the floor."
"Just have Jane put your sheets directly on the dragon."
"Hmmm- I wonder if I could get a dark magician to match--"
"Wouldn't you like to ride the ferris wheel again?"
***
"Who's up for a snack?"
"Where are Joey and Tea?"
"Yeah, I haven't seen them in a while."
"Me either."
"I'm sure they'll be back ... eventually."
***
"Seto, can I get another cotton candy?"
"You already bought three."
"You ate the last two."
"Very well."
***
"Hey, Trist, look, bumper cars."
"Cool, man."
"You guys coming?"
"No way, I've seen you drive."
***
"Look Seto-- a roller coaster!"
***
"I wish to experience the ferris wheel."
"No you don't, trust me."
"Wuss. How can you ride roller coasters and not like ferris wheels?"
"I'm afraid of heights, ok."
"I'll go with you, Yami. See, the real purpose of a ferris wheel is to throw things at the people dumb enough to walk below you. If you aim outwards--"
***
"Come on, Seto, let's go again."
***
That was most enjoyable."
"Wanna go again?"
"I will require another cup of ice cubes."
***
"One more time, please, big brother ..."
"Do we have to?"
"Yes."
***
"Guys, I'm going to get a soda."
"I'll go with you."
"Me too, I'm hungry."
***
***
Jigen Bakudan
Offer this monster as tribute to destroy all monsters on your side of the field and inflict direct damage equal to one half of your monsters' attack points.
***
"Please, Seto, it's the last time, I promise. Come on, why are you just standing there holding unto the bench?"
"Mokuba, it's time to go. I have work to finish."
"Can I get another soda, first?"
"I suppose. Make it quick. I'll just sit here ..."
"Do you want some more cotton candy?"
"NO! No, I'm fine."
***
At least I don't have to be cheerful, that would be impossible. But, even so, aloof and disdainful isn't much easier. I am cold, so cold, inside and out.
I'm tired of being cold, being alone, afraid. I try to keep from shivering, watching them from a distance, basking in the reflected warmth, the small embers of laughter and conversation thrown my way. They don't see how bright they are-- glowing, burning with warmth. Living fire, light and laughter.
Pathetic, is it not? No doubt. But, still, I find myself edging closer, listening, wishing.
How do they do it? The effortless banter, teasing, the subtle signals, I don't understand any of it. What is the second secret language that the rest of the world seems to speak-- to be born able to speak. Who do I go to to learn it? What do I do to become human? To fit in? When does it become effortless, enjoyable?
I am afraid to try-- to have my stilted attempts falter and fail, to become more alienated than before. Better for them to think my disdain is planned, that I live only for my work.
If I moved a bit closer, I could hear better, perhaps they wouldn't notice. Too close, and the teasing, the Kaiba-baiting will begin again. Too close and their unconscious banter will falter, their eyes will darken, their posture become defensive, and the the taunting will start.
I wish I could understand--
I miscalculated so badly with Pegasus. And again with Mai.
I actually thought she might have been trying to befriend me. I wanted to hope. To believe that the dinners and cookies signified friendship, rather than a desire to brown-nose the boss into shorter hours or a raise.
Fool that I am, I had even started to wonder if perhaps, she wanted me around; that when she brushed against me, it wasn't entirely accidental, when she smiled at me, when she winked at me, she might actually care about me ... just a tiny bit.
I hadn't realized how much I had come to anticipate her presence ...
Besides, her sketches were good.
But how can I reconcile her actions now with the indisputable fact that she was draped across Pegasus' lap, watching?
Why didn't she try to help me?
It doesn't make sense. She had no reason to be involved so passively. No reason to be involved at all, actually. Not unless she belonged to Pegasus, and what's more, shared his eccentric tastes.
It would certainly explain her lack of shame. Her ability to look at me as though nothing happened. I suppose if this was normal behavior for her, if she found it enjoyable, she'd hardly be shamed by it.
I give up. I wonder if I could run KaibaCorp from a remote monastery somewhere. Maybe one that required a vow of silence.
Wonderful. And here comes Mokuba dragging Yami and Tea. Wonder what these fools want?
***
"Big brother, look who I found-- "
"Kaiba."
"Hey, Kaiba."
"Tea, Yami."
"Seto, guess what-- Mai said she'd go on the roller coaster with me, she says they're her absolute favorite ride. And Tea likes cotton candy too, almost as much as you do, and Tea and Yuugi are going to try to win a stuffed Dark Magician. I could help them."
"Mokuba, we were leaving."
"Kaiba, I'd be happy to watch Mokuba for you."
"Please, I want to ride the roller coaster again."
"Indeed, Kaiba, he would not be burdensome."
"Who has some change? I need another fifty cents--"
"Here, Joey. Now scat: go find Mai or something."
"Hey, hey, hey! It's the great Kaiba, come to mingle with us commoners."
"Look, a mutt running loose. I thought the animals on display had to stay in their cages."
"Kaiba, did Pegasus really give your soul back? Because, frankly, I don't see much of a difference."
"Joey, you know what? I won a dragon-- one of the really, really big ones. You wanna see him?"
"Mokuba, I'm leaving. You may stay if you wish, provided you take a bath when we get home-- you'll need it to get rid of the fleas."
"Hey, Kaiba, I was curious--"
"Joey, let's go-"
"--did Pegasus really make you wash dishes? Or was that snob talk for something else?"
"Come on Joey, you're gonna embarrass your friends--"
"Why Mutt? Curious or jealous?"
***
"Gary, home."
"That's some dragon, Sir."
"It's Mokuba's. Just shove it in the trunk."
***
Stupid, innocent bastard. How much does he suspect, I wonder? And how much more did I inadvertently give away? I suppose they can get together and have a good laugh at my expense. No doubt Mai has all sorts of wonderful stories to share with them. Won't the Mutt enjoy that? Won't they all?
Yuugi and his groupies, out for a day of fun and Kaiba-taunting.
Why am I always the target? Why am I perpetually unwanted, alone? Why am I so different? Why can't I turn my brain off and blindly meander through life like they do? Why can't I be normal? Why can't they accept me? Why is nothing I do ever good enough? Why can't I make anyone happy? No matter what I do, no matter how hard I try--
Different. Always different. Too smart, too tall, too rich, too loud--
I ask too many questions, see deception too quickly, won't shut up, won't shut down, won't fit in, won't parrot answers, won't lie for the common good. Won't waste my time with trivial bull, won't pander to stupidity.
Why am I the outcast? I'm not the one at fault. Sure, I'm the one who broke the curve, but that's only because they were stupid. So I'm smarter than you? Tough. At least you don't spend your life alone, hopelessly outnumbered, pandering to idiots.
You're always going to be alone, Seto. Get used to it. Pegasus was probably the best you'll ever get.
Even if you did manage to find someone who'd tolerate you, who was smart enough to understand you, how would you ever manage to get near them without panicking, without shutting down?
Who'd understand that? You'd alienate them instantly. You can't even manage to sit through a meeting, so how would you ever manage to--
I guess that rules out the possibility of ever even paying for it.
No one will ever want you. No one will touch you, hold you, love you. It's never going to end. You're going to spend the rest of your life alienated, isolated, damaged, and worthless.
***
Wait. Wait a minute.
I'm through scrabbling for crumbs. I don't need you. I refuse to need you. I have the VR, with a bit of hacking--
I'll create my own world. My rules. No fluctuations, no random misinterpretations, no taunting, no pain, loneliness. No one to use me, betray me, misinterpret my actions.
If I make a mistake, if I panic, if I shut down, it doesn't matter. I merely reprogram and start over.
***
It was easier than he thought. Voices and images of Yuugi and his entourage were were still digitized, still saved in the VR system's memory. A bit of programming, some mathematical analysis of their personalities (based on their previous actions in the game), combined with memories gleaned from game conversations, and he had his very own set of digital puppets.
He locked the lab doors, strapped himself in, loaded the program, and entered the virtual world.
Seto walked around them, studying them, as they stood still, asleep, bright bits of colour in the bare, white VR room.
He stretched his hands out, filled with the giddy realization that if he brushed against them, they would awaken, interact.
He reached toward Yami--
"Kaiba."
"Yami."
"Where am I?"
"You're inside a virtual reality program."
"Am I needed for a duel?"
"No ..."
"Then it appears that my presence is not necessary at this time. Goodbye Seto Kaiba."
"Hey ... wait!"
And Yami disappeared in a small puff of smoke that looked oddly like a millennium puzzle.
***
He reached toward Joey, then, smirking, drew his hand back and punched him.
"OW! Why'd you hit me?"
"You deserved it, Mutt."
"I don't have to stay here and listen to this."
And Joey shimmered, shrank, grew fur, and was gone.
***
Yuugi. Yuugi was always a safe choice. Kaiba reached out--
"Yuugi."
"Hey Kaiba, do you know where we are?"
"You're inside a virtual reality program."
"Oh, that's cool. So, I could be anywhere, right?"
"I suppose."
"Wow. You know, I've always wanted to see ancient Egypt."
Yuugi smiled at Kaiba, shimmered, and was gone.
***
Kaiba looked warily at Mai, considering his options. This whole exercise hadn't exactly gone how he had planned. Should he even bother-- Still, he'd gone this far--
He reached out--
"Hello, Seto. How are you, Hon?"
"Mai, is that you?"
"It's a version of me, yes."
"A version?"
"Remember, Seto, you programmed a certain amount of random variance into the program. Everything that happens here is possible, though some events are a bit more probable than others.
"So if I kissed you?"
"Mm. You could always try it and see what happened--"
"No."
"Hon, I can tell you that I wouldn't mind it, but I can't say for certain what the real Mai would do. Speaking strictly mathematically, of course, she wouldn't complain too much."
"I must admit, I find you infinitely preferable to the real Mai."
"Why do you say that?"
"She watched with Pegasus as he-- "
"Is that so? Given Mai's previous behavior patterns, that doesn't seem a particularly probable scenario."
"I saw her sitting there. With him. On him."
"Perhaps there is another reasonable explanation for her behavior."
"Certainly: humiliation, future blackmail."
"That also seems fairly improbable. Unless, of course, there was the possibility that it would net her a very large amount of cash."
"Really. Are you certain you're entirely bug-free?"
"Quite certain. A more probable scenario includes a failed rescue attempt."
"Why would she bother? Why would anyone?"
"Why wouldn't she?"
"No one else ever wanted to help me."
"Past events may influence future ones, but they do not dictate them."
"That sounds like a bloody fortune cookie."
"It was. But, as I recall, she was quite taken with it."
"How can you talk about yourself in third person?"
"Seto Kaiba, I'm a talented and versatile computer program, but I am not Mai Valentine, nor will I ever be. You can ask me for advice, and I will freely give it, You can rant, and I will listen, you can kiss me, and I will respond. But I can not replace the real Mai, nor should I. You're no fool, Kaiba, you know this."
"I know you can't hurt me."
"I can't love you either. Perhaps the real Mai could."
"It's not worth the risk."
"That for you to decide, Seto. But I will tell you this: It's foolhardy to make a decision with only part of the necessary data."
"I thought you were only a computer program."
"And, as such, I am immensely logical."
"But-"
"Enough. It's very late, and It's time for you to go home, Seto."
"No. Please--"
"Do not worry. I will be here when you return. I am programmed to be, after all."
"But-"
"Lie down, close your eyes, slow your breathing and relax. I will wait until you are asleep before terminating the program."
"Mai?"
"I'm still here. Sleep now, Seto Kaiba."
***
***
Red Medicine
A magic card that increases your life points by 500 points.
***
"Good morning Miss Mai."
"Good morning, Jane. Have you seen Master Kaiba?"
"Not since last evening, Miss."
"Oh?"
"He's been down in the lab all night; you know I don't go down there. That place gives me the creeps."
"I couldn't agree more, Jane, but I have some rather urgent information for him."
"Regarding that computer world of his?"
"Does he ever talk about anything else?"
"I wouldn't know."
***
"Good Morning, Gary. How are you?"
"I'm fine, Miss Mai."
"Gary, the main and side lab doors are locked from the inside. Is there another way in?"
"If the doors are locked, Miss, I'm sure Master Kaiba doesn't want to be disturbed."
"I'm sure you're right, Gary, and I promise not to bother him. I just want to leave him some information-- it won't fit under the door.
"Uh-huh."
"Please Gary--"
"Leave it with me, I'll make sure he gets it when he comes out."
"All right, scoot over then; I'll just sit here and wait with you."
"You're worried about him, aren't you?"
"Of course not. I just want my paycheck."
"Miss Mai, you're gonna owe me some cookies."
"Deal. Chocolate chip?"
"With nuts this time. The lab has a drop ceiling in order to make cabling easier. Next to the lab is a small storeroom. Here's the key. Remove the ceiling tiles, climb up into the ceiling, across and down into the lab. Be careful-- it's an eight foot drop, and the tiles won't hold your weight. Once you're inside, you can unlock the far left door without setting off the alarm. You can also get to the console that will allow you to override and open the VR pods.
"Thanks, Gary."
"Shall I hum the Mission Impossible theme for you?"
"Nah, better not jinx it."
***
He's right. I feel like a spy in a b-grade movie. Just what I needed to start my day. I suppose after another cup of coffee this wouldn't seem quite as plausible. But he's not going to hide again. Not this time.
***
I hope these shelves hold my weight, or I'm going to find out real quick just how good my health plan is. I wonder if this counts as an on-the-job injury. I can just see the paperwork for that one.
Ah, and there he is, all the way in the back-- last pod on the right.
***
Oh, Seto-- What have you done? You've been crying-- I've never seen you cry. Not even after Pegasus finished-- What twisted nightmare were you reenacting?
***
Great. Now I'm dreaming about her. I've had vivid dreams, but this is ridiculous. I can smell her perfume, feel her hands in my hair, on my face, hear her voice--
"Seto-- it's time to wake up.
Come on now, wake up."
It's a dream. It's got to be. She said she was going to end the simulation once I slept, but I still hear her. This has got to be some weird bleed over between the VR world and REM sleep. Interesting. The sensations are markedly more pronounced, particularly touch and taste.
Taste? Wait-- I didn't program in taste. It didn't seem particularly revenant for the original hack-and-slay adventure game.
Hm. Perhaps I should consider adding--
"Come on, Princesses only need one kiss to wake them. Princes are larger, though, so I guess it takes more magic. Huh. I'll just have to kiss you again."
She's so warm.
"Mai? What are you doing here?"
"Boy, you have led a sheltered life, haven't you. Kaiba, please talk with me."
"There's nothing to say. What you and Pegasus were doing together is none of my concern."
"Actually, that's not quite true."
"Oh? I don't recall him asking for my permission."
"No, he didn't."
"Well, there you go, then. There's nothing more that needs to be discussed. You can leave now."
"No, I'm not finished yet."
"Yes, I believe you are. And coming down here to try and seduce me into listening to you isn't going to change that. I'm not that desperate. Save it for Pegasus. If you can find him."
"I wasn't trying to seduce you."
"Oh? Than just what does constitute seduction; I'd love to hear your definition."
"Would you prefer me to tell you or show you?"
"At the moment, neither."
"Good, then you'll have plenty of time to listen to me."
"Actually, I'm really rather busy, you see, I fired one of my consultants, and I'm trying to finish her job."
"I'm sure I could finish her job for you."
"You're assuming you have the necessary qualifications."
"Apparently I'm not the only one who assumes things."
"I think you are. I base my deductions on concrete evidence."
"Perhaps your evidence is inaccurate."
"What's inaccurate? You were holding him, sitting in his lap. You were su-."
"Yes. Yes, I was."
"Then I have nothing more to say to you."
"Kaiba, I'm sorry, ok. I did the best I could. I tried to beat him, I was so close, so damn close. I couldn't do it. He knew the cards before I played them; he knew my whole deck. He could read my mind. I'm so sorry, I tried. Maybe if I was Yuugi, ok, but I'm not, I'm not the king of games. Don't think I went willingly to his bed.
"Why did you duel Pegasus?"
"That night, I went to get something to eat. When I found the kitchen, I also found you, washing dishes--"
***
"That's a pretty story. Did it take you a long time to think of it?"
"You don't believe me."
"No, I don't."
"Fine. I give up. You win, Kaiba. I gave you the information, you choose what'll you'll do with it. I wanted to help you. I tried, I failed. So be it; I'll leave now. Goodbye, Seto Kaiba."
Cold Wave
Until your next turn, neither you nor your opponent can play or set any Magic or Trap cards.
***
"Big brother, big brother, wake up!"
"... Uhuh?"
"Come on, get up, get up, get up, you promised-"
"Wha time-"
"It's going to be eight o'clock soon and you said we'd go at eight--"
" 'm getting up--"
"Come on already. I brought you coffee with lots of sugar and-"
" 'Offee?"
"Here you go."
"Why are you standing in front of the clock?"
"Come ON big brother, you're wasting time."
"What time is it, exactly? Move."
"Hey!"
"Mokuba, it's four thirty in the morning."
"I wanted you to to have plenty of time to get ready."
"There's nothing going on yet. Normal people are still asleep."
"Yeah, but we can see them setting up the booths and rides and get cotton candy and popcorn and breakfast and you can check your e-mail before we go--
"I'm getting up. Better bring me more coffee."
***
"Come on guys, get up!"
" ... Don' wanna go t' school-"
"G'way."
" ... Jus' five more ..."
"Oh, for-- Tea, I told you we'd have to wake them up. Ok, lazy boys-- we're dressed and ready to go and you're still asleep. You're the ones who wanted to leave this early, remember?"
" 'k..."
"... ugh ..."
" 'm gettin ..."
"You wanna make the coffee, or shall I?"
"You make the coffee, I'll buy donuts."
"Donuts?! Didja get the kind with raspberry jelly and chocolate sprinkles on top? Or some of the chocolate creme kind? Hey ... where are they?"
"Dork. I haven't bought them yet. Want to go with?
"I guess."
"Well, Joey's up, anyway."
"That's always progress."
***
'Where's the rest of the donuts?"
"Who drank the all the orange juice?"
"I think there's a box left somewhere around here"
"I did not realize that it was your personal property, Tea."
"Who ate all the chocolate ones? Those were mine!"
"Hey, pal, you snooze, you lose."
"You told me all the donuts were gone."
"Quit whining, you've eaten nine of them."
"Right here-- Tea's orange juice."
"That looks like a listing of the ingredients--"
"You have to look closer, the print is small--"
"Where's Yuugi?"
"Still doing his hair."
"Joey, if you can't sit still, I'm gonna make you clean the dishes."
"He uses more gel than I do."
"At least he brushes his hair."
"Just how much coffee did you drink?"
"Uhm-"
"I do not see your name here."
"Where's the dish towel?"
"Tea, quit teasing Yami."
"Hey Yuug."
"Donut?"
"Where's the coffee?"
"Thanks--"
"I think I drank the last of it."
"How 'bout some juice, then?"
"We're out."
"Here, Yuugi. I saved you a cup. Cream?"
"Thanks."
"Hey--"
"Guys, it really is getting late--"
***
"Big brother, let's go--"
"Wait a moment."
"That's what you said half an hour ago, if you don't hurry up we're gonna miss everything.
"One moment-"
"I'm going to unplug the computer."
"Wait."
"I'm reaching for the plug...."
"I'm putting on my coat."
***
"Wow."
"This place is huge."
"Look guys, cotton candy-"
"Yeah, they really went all out this year--"
"I want some-"
"Who wants to go where?"
"Do they have a ferris wheel?"
"I want to ride the roller coaster."
"See if they have the blue kind."
"I'll ask. Do you want pink if they don't?"
"You're crazy-- that's dangerous."
"If I die, I'll die happy."
"I'll go on the roller coaster with you, Mai."
"Cotton candy?"
"'I love this stuff."
"Me too."
"Ugh. Too sweet."
"This from the girl who ate half a box of donuts."
"Any one else want to come with us?"
"Lovely, just what you guys need: more sugar."
"Here, Yami, try this--"
"I'm going to save you from yourselves. Hand it over."
"No way-- this one's mine, go buy your own."
"It is fuzzy. Why would you wish to eat this?"
"Trust me."
"At least share. Thanks."
" 't's good, I promise."
"Hey, man, slow down-"
"Joey, forgive me if my definition of edible food differs from yours.
"Here, Yami, I'll eat some first-"
"It is rather interesting, sweet and-- It vanished?!"
"Uh-huh. It does that."
"Yami, my friend, let me introduce you to a roller coaster."
"It talks?"
"I've got to see this--"
"I still want to ride the ferris wheel."
"I'll go with you."
Ok, guys, let's meet back here in an hour--"
"Who has a watch?"
"Here, you can have mine."
"It's not pink, is it?"
"Tristan, do I look like the kind of girl who'd wear a pink watch?"
***
"Come on, Seto, I wanna to go again 'cause you can see the whole fairground from the top and everyone looks really, really small, like ants or bugs or-"
"Yes, I am aware of that. Unfortunately."
"Look, Big brother, bumper cars- I wanna try the red dragon. Hurry up--"
***
"Yami, are you ok?"
"Yeah, man, you look kinda green--"
"That was most ... interesting. Excuse me."
"Yuugi, stop laughing. It's not funny."
"-- his face-- s-sorry-- Yami--"
***
"Look, a haunted house--"
"There's no way I'm going anywhere near--"
"It'll be fun."
"Uh-huh."
"Well, I'm going-- who's with me?"
"I'll go."
"Me."
"No way, I'm staying right here."
***
"Big brother, look, games!"
"Oh joy."
"Come on, you said you'd play-"
"Chess, maybe. But this--"
"There's a lot of games, Seto, they gotta have one that you like, you just have to look harder--"
"I only play games when it's possible to win."
"But look at that one-- All you have to do get a ball inside a bucket. That's easy enough--
"Mokuba, look at the physics involved. Given the relative angle of the bucket and--
"But you can win a stuffed dragon. See? I wanna win a dragon; I could put him on my bed."
"Poor dragons, stripped of their pride and stuffed."
***
"Come on, Yami, I'll show you the games."
"What are the large animals for?"
"They're prizes: you win a game and you get to take one home."
"But why would I require one?"
"If you don't want it, it's considered acceptable to give it to a friend."
"Why would they require one?"
"Yami, it's gifts like those that spawned the saying 'it's the thought that counts.'
"But if the thought is all that is required--"
"Hey, Yami, look, they've got stuffed Dark Magicians."
"Really?"
***
"Big brother, do you have more money?"
"Mokuba, I told you it was not possible to win. The odds of actually managing to throw a ball at the precise angle and speed needed to win are not in your favor.
"I win once more and I can get the really, really big dragon."
"Really? I admit I am impressed."
***
"Joey, I'm impressed, you're surprisingly agile. I didn't think it was actually possible to actually climb one of those ladder things."
"Eh. Just takes practice."
"So, Mai, which one of these do you like best?"
"That's really sweet, Joey, and it's a nice thought, but I have to admit, I'm not really much of a stuffed animal person."
"It's not for you, it's for Tea."
"Oh. Well, in that case, I'd go with either the pink bear or the stuffed petit angel."
"Angel it is."
"Good choice."
***
"Look! Look! Isn't he wonderful? I got a blue eyes white dragon, just like yours, Seto. Look, he's bigger than I am."
"You'll need a bigger bed."
"What do you think I should name him? I don't care that he won't fit on my bed, I can sleep with him on the floor."
"Just have Jane put your sheets directly on the dragon."
"Hmmm- I wonder if I could get a dark magician to match--"
"Wouldn't you like to ride the ferris wheel again?"
***
"Who's up for a snack?"
"Where are Joey and Tea?"
"Yeah, I haven't seen them in a while."
"Me either."
"I'm sure they'll be back ... eventually."
***
"Seto, can I get another cotton candy?"
"You already bought three."
"You ate the last two."
"Very well."
***
"Hey, Trist, look, bumper cars."
"Cool, man."
"You guys coming?"
"No way, I've seen you drive."
***
"Look Seto-- a roller coaster!"
***
"I wish to experience the ferris wheel."
"No you don't, trust me."
"Wuss. How can you ride roller coasters and not like ferris wheels?"
"I'm afraid of heights, ok."
"I'll go with you, Yami. See, the real purpose of a ferris wheel is to throw things at the people dumb enough to walk below you. If you aim outwards--"
***
"Come on, Seto, let's go again."
***
That was most enjoyable."
"Wanna go again?"
"I will require another cup of ice cubes."
***
"One more time, please, big brother ..."
"Do we have to?"
"Yes."
***
"Guys, I'm going to get a soda."
"I'll go with you."
"Me too, I'm hungry."
***
***
Jigen Bakudan
Offer this monster as tribute to destroy all monsters on your side of the field and inflict direct damage equal to one half of your monsters' attack points.
***
"Please, Seto, it's the last time, I promise. Come on, why are you just standing there holding unto the bench?"
"Mokuba, it's time to go. I have work to finish."
"Can I get another soda, first?"
"I suppose. Make it quick. I'll just sit here ..."
"Do you want some more cotton candy?"
"NO! No, I'm fine."
***
At least I don't have to be cheerful, that would be impossible. But, even so, aloof and disdainful isn't much easier. I am cold, so cold, inside and out.
I'm tired of being cold, being alone, afraid. I try to keep from shivering, watching them from a distance, basking in the reflected warmth, the small embers of laughter and conversation thrown my way. They don't see how bright they are-- glowing, burning with warmth. Living fire, light and laughter.
Pathetic, is it not? No doubt. But, still, I find myself edging closer, listening, wishing.
How do they do it? The effortless banter, teasing, the subtle signals, I don't understand any of it. What is the second secret language that the rest of the world seems to speak-- to be born able to speak. Who do I go to to learn it? What do I do to become human? To fit in? When does it become effortless, enjoyable?
I am afraid to try-- to have my stilted attempts falter and fail, to become more alienated than before. Better for them to think my disdain is planned, that I live only for my work.
If I moved a bit closer, I could hear better, perhaps they wouldn't notice. Too close, and the teasing, the Kaiba-baiting will begin again. Too close and their unconscious banter will falter, their eyes will darken, their posture become defensive, and the the taunting will start.
I wish I could understand--
I miscalculated so badly with Pegasus. And again with Mai.
I actually thought she might have been trying to befriend me. I wanted to hope. To believe that the dinners and cookies signified friendship, rather than a desire to brown-nose the boss into shorter hours or a raise.
Fool that I am, I had even started to wonder if perhaps, she wanted me around; that when she brushed against me, it wasn't entirely accidental, when she smiled at me, when she winked at me, she might actually care about me ... just a tiny bit.
I hadn't realized how much I had come to anticipate her presence ...
Besides, her sketches were good.
But how can I reconcile her actions now with the indisputable fact that she was draped across Pegasus' lap, watching?
Why didn't she try to help me?
It doesn't make sense. She had no reason to be involved so passively. No reason to be involved at all, actually. Not unless she belonged to Pegasus, and what's more, shared his eccentric tastes.
It would certainly explain her lack of shame. Her ability to look at me as though nothing happened. I suppose if this was normal behavior for her, if she found it enjoyable, she'd hardly be shamed by it.
I give up. I wonder if I could run KaibaCorp from a remote monastery somewhere. Maybe one that required a vow of silence.
Wonderful. And here comes Mokuba dragging Yami and Tea. Wonder what these fools want?
***
"Big brother, look who I found-- "
"Kaiba."
"Hey, Kaiba."
"Tea, Yami."
"Seto, guess what-- Mai said she'd go on the roller coaster with me, she says they're her absolute favorite ride. And Tea likes cotton candy too, almost as much as you do, and Tea and Yuugi are going to try to win a stuffed Dark Magician. I could help them."
"Mokuba, we were leaving."
"Kaiba, I'd be happy to watch Mokuba for you."
"Please, I want to ride the roller coaster again."
"Indeed, Kaiba, he would not be burdensome."
"Who has some change? I need another fifty cents--"
"Here, Joey. Now scat: go find Mai or something."
"Hey, hey, hey! It's the great Kaiba, come to mingle with us commoners."
"Look, a mutt running loose. I thought the animals on display had to stay in their cages."
"Kaiba, did Pegasus really give your soul back? Because, frankly, I don't see much of a difference."
"Joey, you know what? I won a dragon-- one of the really, really big ones. You wanna see him?"
"Mokuba, I'm leaving. You may stay if you wish, provided you take a bath when we get home-- you'll need it to get rid of the fleas."
"Hey, Kaiba, I was curious--"
"Joey, let's go-"
"--did Pegasus really make you wash dishes? Or was that snob talk for something else?"
"Come on Joey, you're gonna embarrass your friends--"
"Why Mutt? Curious or jealous?"
***
"Gary, home."
"That's some dragon, Sir."
"It's Mokuba's. Just shove it in the trunk."
***
Stupid, innocent bastard. How much does he suspect, I wonder? And how much more did I inadvertently give away? I suppose they can get together and have a good laugh at my expense. No doubt Mai has all sorts of wonderful stories to share with them. Won't the Mutt enjoy that? Won't they all?
Yuugi and his groupies, out for a day of fun and Kaiba-taunting.
Why am I always the target? Why am I perpetually unwanted, alone? Why am I so different? Why can't I turn my brain off and blindly meander through life like they do? Why can't I be normal? Why can't they accept me? Why is nothing I do ever good enough? Why can't I make anyone happy? No matter what I do, no matter how hard I try--
Different. Always different. Too smart, too tall, too rich, too loud--
I ask too many questions, see deception too quickly, won't shut up, won't shut down, won't fit in, won't parrot answers, won't lie for the common good. Won't waste my time with trivial bull, won't pander to stupidity.
Why am I the outcast? I'm not the one at fault. Sure, I'm the one who broke the curve, but that's only because they were stupid. So I'm smarter than you? Tough. At least you don't spend your life alone, hopelessly outnumbered, pandering to idiots.
You're always going to be alone, Seto. Get used to it. Pegasus was probably the best you'll ever get.
Even if you did manage to find someone who'd tolerate you, who was smart enough to understand you, how would you ever manage to get near them without panicking, without shutting down?
Who'd understand that? You'd alienate them instantly. You can't even manage to sit through a meeting, so how would you ever manage to--
I guess that rules out the possibility of ever even paying for it.
No one will ever want you. No one will touch you, hold you, love you. It's never going to end. You're going to spend the rest of your life alienated, isolated, damaged, and worthless.
***
Wait. Wait a minute.
I'm through scrabbling for crumbs. I don't need you. I refuse to need you. I have the VR, with a bit of hacking--
I'll create my own world. My rules. No fluctuations, no random misinterpretations, no taunting, no pain, loneliness. No one to use me, betray me, misinterpret my actions.
If I make a mistake, if I panic, if I shut down, it doesn't matter. I merely reprogram and start over.
***
It was easier than he thought. Voices and images of Yuugi and his entourage were were still digitized, still saved in the VR system's memory. A bit of programming, some mathematical analysis of their personalities (based on their previous actions in the game), combined with memories gleaned from game conversations, and he had his very own set of digital puppets.
He locked the lab doors, strapped himself in, loaded the program, and entered the virtual world.
Seto walked around them, studying them, as they stood still, asleep, bright bits of colour in the bare, white VR room.
He stretched his hands out, filled with the giddy realization that if he brushed against them, they would awaken, interact.
He reached toward Yami--
"Kaiba."
"Yami."
"Where am I?"
"You're inside a virtual reality program."
"Am I needed for a duel?"
"No ..."
"Then it appears that my presence is not necessary at this time. Goodbye Seto Kaiba."
"Hey ... wait!"
And Yami disappeared in a small puff of smoke that looked oddly like a millennium puzzle.
***
He reached toward Joey, then, smirking, drew his hand back and punched him.
"OW! Why'd you hit me?"
"You deserved it, Mutt."
"I don't have to stay here and listen to this."
And Joey shimmered, shrank, grew fur, and was gone.
***
Yuugi. Yuugi was always a safe choice. Kaiba reached out--
"Yuugi."
"Hey Kaiba, do you know where we are?"
"You're inside a virtual reality program."
"Oh, that's cool. So, I could be anywhere, right?"
"I suppose."
"Wow. You know, I've always wanted to see ancient Egypt."
Yuugi smiled at Kaiba, shimmered, and was gone.
***
Kaiba looked warily at Mai, considering his options. This whole exercise hadn't exactly gone how he had planned. Should he even bother-- Still, he'd gone this far--
He reached out--
"Hello, Seto. How are you, Hon?"
"Mai, is that you?"
"It's a version of me, yes."
"A version?"
"Remember, Seto, you programmed a certain amount of random variance into the program. Everything that happens here is possible, though some events are a bit more probable than others.
"So if I kissed you?"
"Mm. You could always try it and see what happened--"
"No."
"Hon, I can tell you that I wouldn't mind it, but I can't say for certain what the real Mai would do. Speaking strictly mathematically, of course, she wouldn't complain too much."
"I must admit, I find you infinitely preferable to the real Mai."
"Why do you say that?"
"She watched with Pegasus as he-- "
"Is that so? Given Mai's previous behavior patterns, that doesn't seem a particularly probable scenario."
"I saw her sitting there. With him. On him."
"Perhaps there is another reasonable explanation for her behavior."
"Certainly: humiliation, future blackmail."
"That also seems fairly improbable. Unless, of course, there was the possibility that it would net her a very large amount of cash."
"Really. Are you certain you're entirely bug-free?"
"Quite certain. A more probable scenario includes a failed rescue attempt."
"Why would she bother? Why would anyone?"
"Why wouldn't she?"
"No one else ever wanted to help me."
"Past events may influence future ones, but they do not dictate them."
"That sounds like a bloody fortune cookie."
"It was. But, as I recall, she was quite taken with it."
"How can you talk about yourself in third person?"
"Seto Kaiba, I'm a talented and versatile computer program, but I am not Mai Valentine, nor will I ever be. You can ask me for advice, and I will freely give it, You can rant, and I will listen, you can kiss me, and I will respond. But I can not replace the real Mai, nor should I. You're no fool, Kaiba, you know this."
"I know you can't hurt me."
"I can't love you either. Perhaps the real Mai could."
"It's not worth the risk."
"That for you to decide, Seto. But I will tell you this: It's foolhardy to make a decision with only part of the necessary data."
"I thought you were only a computer program."
"And, as such, I am immensely logical."
"But-"
"Enough. It's very late, and It's time for you to go home, Seto."
"No. Please--"
"Do not worry. I will be here when you return. I am programmed to be, after all."
"But-"
"Lie down, close your eyes, slow your breathing and relax. I will wait until you are asleep before terminating the program."
"Mai?"
"I'm still here. Sleep now, Seto Kaiba."
***
***
Red Medicine
A magic card that increases your life points by 500 points.
***
"Good morning Miss Mai."
"Good morning, Jane. Have you seen Master Kaiba?"
"Not since last evening, Miss."
"Oh?"
"He's been down in the lab all night; you know I don't go down there. That place gives me the creeps."
"I couldn't agree more, Jane, but I have some rather urgent information for him."
"Regarding that computer world of his?"
"Does he ever talk about anything else?"
"I wouldn't know."
***
"Good Morning, Gary. How are you?"
"I'm fine, Miss Mai."
"Gary, the main and side lab doors are locked from the inside. Is there another way in?"
"If the doors are locked, Miss, I'm sure Master Kaiba doesn't want to be disturbed."
"I'm sure you're right, Gary, and I promise not to bother him. I just want to leave him some information-- it won't fit under the door.
"Uh-huh."
"Please Gary--"
"Leave it with me, I'll make sure he gets it when he comes out."
"All right, scoot over then; I'll just sit here and wait with you."
"You're worried about him, aren't you?"
"Of course not. I just want my paycheck."
"Miss Mai, you're gonna owe me some cookies."
"Deal. Chocolate chip?"
"With nuts this time. The lab has a drop ceiling in order to make cabling easier. Next to the lab is a small storeroom. Here's the key. Remove the ceiling tiles, climb up into the ceiling, across and down into the lab. Be careful-- it's an eight foot drop, and the tiles won't hold your weight. Once you're inside, you can unlock the far left door without setting off the alarm. You can also get to the console that will allow you to override and open the VR pods.
"Thanks, Gary."
"Shall I hum the Mission Impossible theme for you?"
"Nah, better not jinx it."
***
He's right. I feel like a spy in a b-grade movie. Just what I needed to start my day. I suppose after another cup of coffee this wouldn't seem quite as plausible. But he's not going to hide again. Not this time.
***
I hope these shelves hold my weight, or I'm going to find out real quick just how good my health plan is. I wonder if this counts as an on-the-job injury. I can just see the paperwork for that one.
Ah, and there he is, all the way in the back-- last pod on the right.
***
Oh, Seto-- What have you done? You've been crying-- I've never seen you cry. Not even after Pegasus finished-- What twisted nightmare were you reenacting?
***
Great. Now I'm dreaming about her. I've had vivid dreams, but this is ridiculous. I can smell her perfume, feel her hands in my hair, on my face, hear her voice--
"Seto-- it's time to wake up.
Come on now, wake up."
It's a dream. It's got to be. She said she was going to end the simulation once I slept, but I still hear her. This has got to be some weird bleed over between the VR world and REM sleep. Interesting. The sensations are markedly more pronounced, particularly touch and taste.
Taste? Wait-- I didn't program in taste. It didn't seem particularly revenant for the original hack-and-slay adventure game.
Hm. Perhaps I should consider adding--
"Come on, Princesses only need one kiss to wake them. Princes are larger, though, so I guess it takes more magic. Huh. I'll just have to kiss you again."
She's so warm.
"Mai? What are you doing here?"
"Boy, you have led a sheltered life, haven't you. Kaiba, please talk with me."
"There's nothing to say. What you and Pegasus were doing together is none of my concern."
"Actually, that's not quite true."
"Oh? I don't recall him asking for my permission."
"No, he didn't."
"Well, there you go, then. There's nothing more that needs to be discussed. You can leave now."
"No, I'm not finished yet."
"Yes, I believe you are. And coming down here to try and seduce me into listening to you isn't going to change that. I'm not that desperate. Save it for Pegasus. If you can find him."
"I wasn't trying to seduce you."
"Oh? Than just what does constitute seduction; I'd love to hear your definition."
"Would you prefer me to tell you or show you?"
"At the moment, neither."
"Good, then you'll have plenty of time to listen to me."
"Actually, I'm really rather busy, you see, I fired one of my consultants, and I'm trying to finish her job."
"I'm sure I could finish her job for you."
"You're assuming you have the necessary qualifications."
"Apparently I'm not the only one who assumes things."
"I think you are. I base my deductions on concrete evidence."
"Perhaps your evidence is inaccurate."
"What's inaccurate? You were holding him, sitting in his lap. You were su-."
"Yes. Yes, I was."
"Then I have nothing more to say to you."
"Kaiba, I'm sorry, ok. I did the best I could. I tried to beat him, I was so close, so damn close. I couldn't do it. He knew the cards before I played them; he knew my whole deck. He could read my mind. I'm so sorry, I tried. Maybe if I was Yuugi, ok, but I'm not, I'm not the king of games. Don't think I went willingly to his bed.
"Why did you duel Pegasus?"
"That night, I went to get something to eat. When I found the kitchen, I also found you, washing dishes--"
***
"That's a pretty story. Did it take you a long time to think of it?"
"You don't believe me."
"No, I don't."
"Fine. I give up. You win, Kaiba. I gave you the information, you choose what'll you'll do with it. I wanted to help you. I tried, I failed. So be it; I'll leave now. Goodbye, Seto Kaiba."