A/N: I can't believe it's July already! Summer is going by so fast! Let's look at the reviews from the last chapter:
Time Thief: I'm curious about Seto. I hope he recovers soon to help out Dena and Mokuba (God knows she needs it). Ryou adorable as always. I am concerned about what the Spirit will pull on the island, esp. since they already went through his first Shadow Game. Ahhh I just can't wait for everyone to come together
You're certainly right about that! Too bad Dena isn't aware herself that she's walking right into Pegasus's trap...and it'll take some time for me to get to the chapter where a pissed Seto Kaiba flies to Duelist Kingdom to save his little brother. As for when the Spirit of the Ring is planning to strike again...well, we'll just have to find out! ;D
UndercaringUnderpaidNarrator: Pegasus knows. HE KNOWS. The quirky bugger. Tell me your secrets Pegasus. Did anyone notice Pegasus always has the most cryptic of secrets.
HOW?
*narrows eyes*
Wait...wait... what if... I bet... OHHH THATS A THOUGHT.
I know Kaiba has those cute butterfly's for Dena but guys. Anzu. Look at her. She about to pounce. I am so so so ready for this. Thank you SOOO much for the update. I'm so excited for what's next
I already sent you a PM, but thanks for reviewing once again. It motivates me to keep on writing!
~Chapter Thirteen~
Brooke clutches her duffel bag close to her side. It bulges at the sides, a sign from overpacking. Despite her foresight, that churning feeling in her stomach makes her think no matter how much she packed, she can't possibly be prepared for what waits on Duelist Kingdom. She, along with Ryou, Yugi, and the gang, stare up at the towering ship docked in Domino Pier.
About a hundred of other people were present, chattering excitedly among themselves. Nearly everyone present are holding Duel Monster decks, a clear indication that everyone has arrived at their proper destination for Duelist Kingdom.
"Would ya look at all these people?" Honda says first, glancing back and forth.
Anzu shakes her head. "All of this for a card game!"
"They must've been invited to Pegasus's Kingdom too! Everyone else here must be duelists…" Ryou observes.
"Check out the competition," Yugi says to the others in a hushed tone. He points to some figures in the crowd. Brooke follows his direction, and sees who he's talking about immediately. Her blood curdles upon the familiar sight of ugly green hair. It's Weevil! She thinks hotly to herself. What was his Japanese name again? She can't even bother to remember for someone as scummy as him.
"It's Insector Haga and Hyuzaki Rex! Winners from the most recent Duel Monster's tournament…!"
"Tough crowd…" Jonouchi trails off, his usually boisterous energy wavering for a moment.
"Miho is sure it isn't a big deal!" Miho says, trying to be encouraging. "Jonouchi and Yugi have been training all week! You two are definitely strong!"
The two boys smile weakly at Miho, since she meant well. However, them being intimidated is undeniable. Brooke smiles, mostly to herself. Good thing she knows better. It'll all turn out well in the end… Her smile disappears, when she remembers Dena. It'll turn out well, unless she saves her sister first!
"Attention Duelists!" A bold voice announces from a mic. The chattering quiets, transforming into animated murmurs. A tall figure dressed in a black suit and wearing sunglasses - Brooke wonders briefly why would anyone wear sunglasses at night time - stands at the ship's deck. "Industrial Illusions welcomes you to this event! All of you have been called here for a good reason - you chosen are hand picked the best duelists Japan has to offer! It's time to prove your titles! Board the ship! Cross the seas! And prove your worth at DUELIST KINGDOM!"
The crowd surrounding the gang erupts into wild cheers. Brooke flinches for a second. God, she hates crowds. It's all so claustrophobic. She exchanges a quick nervous smile with Ryou. From the apprehension in his face, it seems he shares this mindset as well.
"Ohoho…" Feminine laughter rises above the cheers. Brooke turns around, and immediately recognizes the voice whom it belongs to. Her luscious blonde hair and trademark purple jacket already says everything. Mai Valentine! Or...whatever her Japanese name was again. I hope it's her Japanese name. The dub was horrible with adapting the character names… Brooke reflects secretly.
"My, my, this is more like a pep rally for kids than a prestigious tournament...this may be easier than I thought!" Mai continues chuckling to herself. "Where's the real competition?"
On beat, Yugi, Jonouchi, and Honda swoon dramatically in unison. For a second, Brooke swears she saw flashing heart signs in their eyes. Each of the boys are beet red at the cheeks. Miho and Anzu are turning red similarly themselves - probably not for the same reason like the three boys, since they're antagonistically glaring at Mai. Brooke couldn't help but look at Ryou to see his reaction to Mai - she doesn't remember him reacting similarly to the other boys when she read the manga.
Yet, he wasn't even paying attention! Ryou's mind seems to be somewhere else. His gaze is set on the horizon, glazed with thought.
Brooke sighs a little with relief. Wait, why relief? What does she have to be relieved about?
"...Aren't you the kid who beat Kaiba? You're famous, y'know that~?"
"Y-yeah! T-T-Thanks!"
Brooke snaps out of her confusing thoughts, and she now sees Mai effortlessly charming the pants off of Yugi. Meanwhile, Jonouchi and Honda hover around her, desperately trying to catch her attention.
"Excuse me, but I happen to be the best friend of the famous Yugi! The name's Hond -"
"Nah, forget him, I'm Jonouchi -"
"Shut it. Your names don't make a difference." Mai says airily, flipping her hair. She puts a hand on her hip, saucily raising an eyebrow at Yugi and Jonouchi. Nodding at Yugi's gauntlet, she declares, "The point is, everyone here is competition. And anyone who stands in my way will be crushed! Remember this boys...the name's Mai Fujisaki." She sways her hips, turning her back. "Yugi-dear, try not to lose before you duel me. I'll be waiting..."
And just like that, Mai sashays away. Brooke smiles at the woman's disappearing form. Where Mai gained such confidence is beyond her.
"What a woman." Honda grins dreamily, still blushing.
"She complimented me! Me!" Yugi sputters out, completely over the moon.
"Pigs!" Miho sniffs, flipping her ponytail. Seeing her upset expression, Honda snaps out of his haze.
"O-Of course, I'm not serious about her…!"
Anzu rolls her eyes. "You said it Miho."
Jonouchi playfully elbows Ryou, who finally came out of his trance. "Man oh man Bakura, what didja think of Mai? She's a looker, ain't she?"
"What? Oh, you mean her?" Ryou smiles awkwardly, scratching his cheek. His eyes flicker to Brooke. Then he says to Jonouchi, "I mean, I can see why you would think she's attractive, but err…"
Embarrassed just listening to the conversation, Brooke gravitates to Anzu and Miho.
"I'm still sorry you can't come with us, Miho." Brooke says, giving the other girl a hug.
Miho smiles, albeit small and forced. She twirls her hair, keeping her eyes on the ground.
"Miho really, really wishes she could cheer her friends on…"
"Don't beat yourself up over it!" Anzu says firmly. "It's a miracle my father is even letting me go on this trip. It's a good thing he's so busy with work...but I'm definitely going to be grounded when I come back!" She shudders for a moment, dreading the thought. Miho smile grows a little bigger, but her eyes still shine with unhappiness.
"Save Dena and Yugi's Grandpa, okay? And Brooke?"
Brooke perks up. "Yes?"
"Look after Bakura, okay? He still has that scary Ring, right?" Miho shivers, looking wistfully at Ryou.
"O-oh, right!" Brooke says, surprised. "But why are you asking me to look after him? I mean, we're all his friends, and w-we're all going to protect him either w-way!" Oh no, not again, her stuttering is getting the best of her.
"Because Brooke, you're closest to him! If Miho could've come with you guys, I would've protected him myself!" Her face flushes from this simple declaration.
Anzu teasingly nudges Miho.
"That crush is still raging on, huh?"
"A-Anzu!"
"Oh come on, it's so obvious!"
Brooke forces a smile. Miho still has a crush on Ryou? Weird. No, not weird! She scolds herself. It's cute! It's cool! I mean, she's liked him from day one. Not a big deal. Not at all!
"Duelists! The ship for Duelist Kingdom will be leaving in five minutes! Please board the ship!"
Relief rushes through Brooke. Maybe she was just a little glad Miho didn't need to come with them. She immediately berates herself for allowing herself to feel this. Why? Why was that? So many confusing thoughts!
Miho shoves a bag into Anzu's hands.
"I packed all the best cakes and pastries from the bakery!" Miho says tearfully. "Oh, good luck you guys! Miho knows Yugi and Jonouchi will win! She'll be cheering them on from home!"
"Hey, what about me?! Will you be cheering for me, Miho?" Honda cuts in, slightly red.
Miho doesn't even glance at him.
"Silly Honda, you aren't even a duelist!"
"U-ugh! Rejected?!"
"Tough luck, buddy." Jonouchi pats his dejected friend's shoulder.
Everyone gives Miho one last hug - Brooke looking away, ashamed, when Ryou gave Miho a hug. Waving their goodbyes, they all board the ship.
Pegasus's castle was something straight out of a cartoon. Spooky towers, glass paintings, and old portraits, could he be anymore of a cliche villain? At least, that's what Dena tries to tell herself in an attempt to soothe her fears. The man in black who led her to the castle (who's wearing sunglasses in the night time mind you - what kind of idiot does that?!), hasn't said a full sentence aside from "Follow me."
Ominous much?
Finally, she and the man in black reached a set of grand doors.
"Master Pegasus is waiting inside." He informs her. Then, the man pushes open the doors.
Dena glances nervously at him.
"Not like I have a choice, huh?"
The man in black says nothing, stonily staring at her. She sighs, defeated. Ready as she'll ever be! Dena walks straight in. Loudly, like thunder, the doors immediately shut behind her. She gulps. Welp, this is the point of no return. She looks at her new surroundings.
It's a fancy-shmancy dining hall. A glimmering crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Fire roars away in the fireplace. A long table stretches across the room - and sitting right at the very end of it, is the bastard himself, Pegasus. Dena narrows her eyes.
"Dena, so good to see you made it here safely!" The silver haired man says brightly.
Just hearing how pleasant he sounded, made Dena's blood boil. Why does he sound so goddamned happy to see her? He kidnapped Mokuba!
"Don't call me that."
"Call you what?" He asks in an innocent tone. In his hand, he's swirling a wine glass. Dena scoffs at this image. How much more of a James Bond villain can he be? All he's missing is a cat sitting in his goddamned lap and a revolving chair.
"Dena." She hisses, balling her hands into fists. "Only friends call me that. And you're not my friend."
Pegasus puts a hand on his chest, acting hurt.
"I am wounded Dena-girl! After all the trouble I went through to bring you here?"
"Oh, you put me through some trouble all right!" Dena marches up to the table, slamming `her hands down. "Cut the shit old man, where's Mokuba?"
Something golden glimmers from behind Pegasus's curtain of hair. Dena's gusto dies for a moment. Memories of the Millennium Eye invading her mind rush back to her...She clenches her fists even tighter. She can't get scared of some asshole like him.
"Ooh, getting right down to business, hm? You really ought to watch that mouth of yours, it's unbecoming." Pegasus's upbeat voice hasn't changed, but a smirk makes his way to his face. Smug snake. "I shall answer your burning questions, in due time, Dena-girl. I can assure you, I have not laid a hand on Mokie-boy."
"Quit the fucking pet names," Dena snaps. "And sure, you haven't touched him, but your henchmen sure as hell did."
For the first time, Pegasus's expression turns a bit darker. He sets the wine glass down.
"Ah yes, the Big Five. Bunch of corporate imbeciles, those ones. Trust me Dena-girl, I didn't like how roughly they handled the boy myself. He is a child, after all. And my empire - Industrial Illusions - runs on the happiness of my young customers!" He gesticulates wildly, theatrical.
Dena rolls her eyes. Goddamn hypocrite is what he is.
"Now, now, don't name call." Pegasus says, his eye twinkling.
Dena jumps. It's as if he read her mind - wait a fucking second.
"Stay out of my head, bastard!" Dena snarls, clutching her head. That probably won't help, but still.
A spirited laugh comes out of Pegasus.
"Goodness me, you're on edge! Perhaps a good night's sleep may help you, hm?"
"No way! I'm not leaving this room, unless you give back Mokuba!"
"Determined, are you? I can admire that, if it didn't make you so incredibly hard-headed." Pegasus clucks his teeth, like a disapproving parent. "All in due time, I shall answer your questions and fulfill your requests. But, I have a tournament to run on-the-morrow, and I must have my sleep. As should you. I'll have Croquet lead you to a room." He snaps his fingers.
The man in black enters the room. It's the same one who led Dena all the way to the castle. Croquet, that's his name? The heck kind of name is that?
"Wait a second, I didn't agree -"
"Night, night, Adena!"
Pegasus raises his wine glass to her, that everlasting pleasant smile still on his face. Before Dena could shout one more curse, Croquet pulls her out of the room, and the doors close shut.
"Agh, this is bullshit!" Jonouchi grumbles, sitting squat on the floor. Brooke and everyone else sit cross legged, bunched up in an already crowded room. "I can't believe they don't have rooms on this ship! Isn't it supposed to be top class or somethin'?"
"Quit complaining Jo," Anzu berates him. "Be grateful they even us on the ship. Me, Brooke, Bakura, and Honda aren't even duelists!"
"Guess ya have a point…" Jonouchi grumbles, leaning against the wall.
"Besides, maybe we can socialize with the other participants!" Yugi pipes in, optimistic as always. He looks around the room, wide-eyed. "I've never seen this many duelists in one room! Jonouchi, we should try talking to the others! Maybe we can get some tips, heck, maybe even trade some cards!"
Jonouchi brightens up at hearing Yugi's suggestions.
"Heyyyy, maybe you have a point there, Yug!"
"Are you guys okay if me and Jonouchi wander around and talk to some other duelists?" Yugi asks everyone else.
Everybody nods their assent.
"Knock yourself out bud! You need all the preparing you can get!" Honda encourages, bobbing his head.
Yugi and Jonouchi grin at each other.
"Let's go!"
Then, the boys disappear into a crowd of duelists. Anzu, Honda, Ryou, and Brooke are left alone. An awkward silence hangs in the air.
Brooke fidgets. Now that she thinks about it, has she ever had a proper conversation with Anzu and Honda? Oh gosh, what does she know about them from canon again? Anzu loves to dance, but Honda...well, there wasn't much about him! Her cheeks begin to burn. Maybe she's overthinking this. Somebody has to say something, this silence was too much.
"So Brooke," Anzu says first, thankfully breaking the silence. Wait, she's talking to her specifically. Maybe this wasn't a good thing. "I guess Duelist Kingdom is a chance for all of us to get to know you better!" She gives Brooke a friendly smile.
Honda nods in agreement. "Hell yeah! How long have you known Bakura?"
On cue, Bakura and Brooke look at each other. Well, the entire story would be too complicated to explain.
"She's uh...a family friend." Ryou quickly says, covering for Brooke. "From...America. She needed a place to stay in Japan, to study here."
"Huh, who woulda thunk?"
"Where are you studying?" Anzu asks.
Shoot! Ryou probably didn't think that far for their lie. Quick, think of something!
"Uhm, actually, I was uh, homeschooled!" Brooke blurts out quickly. "So I'm not really attending school in Japan y-yet." Yeah, that should sound believable, right? Maybe she stuttered too much. Is she red at the nose? Oh god, she probably messed this up already.
"Oh? Then maybe you should attend Domino Highschool. Our entire friend group goes to school there!" Anzu suggests, warm as always.
Brooke allows herself to relax.
"Y-yeah, maybe I should."
"Hmmm, you were looking really nervous back there." Honda says, squinting at Brooke.
Okay, she definitely spoke too soon.
"W-what d-d-do you mean?"
"I'm sayin', you're hiding something." A sharp grin makes way to his face, and Honda leans in. "And I bet I can figure it out."
"Hiding something?" Brooke squeaks, burrowing her face into her scarf.
"Yeaaaaaah, hiding something! I think!" Honda pauses dramatically. "You and Bakura are totally dating."
Everyone freezes. Clearly, that was the last thing both Brooke and Ryou expected for Honda to say.
And she swears her heart stopped. In fact, that would've been a better alternative. Because now she's left with this smoldering mortification, and now everyone's staring at her and Ryou, and oh god, what is Ryou thinking - Brooke shoots up to her feet.
"No, no, no, it's not that, definitely not that, gosh Honda, why would you think that?!" Brooke says rapidly in one breath. Everyone's eyes are on her She can't take this. This is so embarrassing. So, so embarrassing. "Uhm, uhm, I have to go outside to the deck, it's getting kind of hot in here? Sorry, sorry, I'm gonna uh, I'm gonna go." Clumsily, Brooke steps over some bookbags, and she sprints for the nearest exit.
Ryou gets to his feet.
"I'm er...I'm going to see if she's okay. Brooke?"
Ryou speed walks after Brooke, leaving Anzu and Honda.
Honda blinks, dumfolded. "Was it something I said?"
Anzu promptly smacks Honda on the head.
Breathless, Brooke makes it out to the deck. The salty sea air hits her nose, and the cool wind immediately cools down her sweaty skin. Brooke takes a deep breath, trying to calm her heart. She pats her forehead with her scarf. Breathe. Just breathe, Brooke. She leans on the pole, staring into the raging waves. They're dark and murky, hungrily licking at the ship's side. It would be terrible if anyone fell in…
Brooke closes her eyes.
Did she overreact? Yeah, she totally did. Good job Brooke. Always the one to mess things up.
"Brooke?" She hears Ryou call from behind her. He came after her? She couldn't believe it.
She turns around. A worried expression is set on Ryou's face. He walks over to Brooke, looking closely at her. She averts her eyes. Why couldn't she just have acted natural back there? The answer is plain and simple: She and Ryou obviously aren't dating. No need to sweat over it. The fact that she panicked this much, only confirmed Honda's question.
What if he gets the wrong idea? Brooke thinks suddenly, her heart pounding. She keeps on digging a deeper grave for herself, just wonderful.
"You...you are all right?"
"Y-yeah. Sorry to make you worry."
"Don't apologize." Ryou laughs lightly. "I was surprised at Honda's question myself."
"Me too! Because we're friends!" Brooke confirms, her tone too force for her own good. Way to make her own case convincing. She buries her face into her hands. Could she please just melt into the floorboards? That would save her from this entire situation altogether.
"Exactly." Ryou agrees. "Honda was simply teasing. I'm sure he meant no harm."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I just blew it out of proportion, didn't I?" Brooke sighs, looking up at the night sky. Wow, she can see the stars out here. Not like she could, back in Los Angelos. Homesickness pangs in her heart. Home. Dena. God, how she longs to go back. When she was back home, at least she didn't embarrass herself in front of her favorite characters.
"Of course not. Everyone reacts differently. Don't feel ashamed for feeling embarrassed. You're under a lot of stress right now."
"I am?"
"Aren't you?" Ryou looks at her incredulously. "Brooke, you're very much far from home, and your sister's been kidnapped. I don't think anyone would blame you if you would explode a few times."
"Oh."
He's right. When he put it that way, he made Brooke sound...reasonable.
"I...ha, how are you such a mind reader?"
"I've been in your position before." He says, looking out to sea. A sad little smile pulls at his lips. "I didn't always live in the city, you know. I used to live all the way out in the country. My house was near these big open fields, and there was this huge cherry blossom tree in my backyard with a swing, and my mom grew this beautiful garden…" Ryou smiles out of nostalgia. Brooke finds herself smiling with him.
He pauses.
"Then, I started moving around all the time. And I never quite knew what home was again."
Brooke looks at Ryou, her expression concerned. But, she suspected she already knew the truth about his history.
"...Why is that? Why did you move?"
"Father's work." He shrugs. "...The accident."
Then, he falls silent, saying nothing more. Brooke stares at Ryou. There is no despair, sadness, or melancholy at all in his face. Just...hollow acceptance. Years and years of mourning got him to where he was today. A reserved and closed off, but quietly tragic young man. His face says it all.
She finds herself reaching for his hand. She opens her mouth to say something. Then she closes it. The letter never said anything about this event. What was she supposed to say? What can she say? What if she messes up?
Brooke closes her eyes, trying to find clarity.
So, she says nothing at all. She simply holds Ryou's hand, tightly. Together, they look out at the endless ocean waves, standing in each other's silence.
A/N: Believe me folks, I have a whole lotta headcanons for the YGO cast! I think it's a shame both the anime and manga never expanded on character development and backstories, and held card games in favor over these genuinely interesting characters. We the fans know absolutely nothing at all about Honda, expect for the fact he's just...there.
I want to change that in this story! And I will start by actually giving him more personality! :D
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review, because it motivates me to write faster. Thank you!