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‘Anzu,

Wait for me on the north steps after school today if I’m not out by the time you had your talk and get your music from Shinobu-sensai.  Remember, we’re going to the Game Shop after we drop your music off and swing by my place. 

3 Mai’

Anzu sighed as she finished reading the note, letting the paper fall from her fingers into a garbage can as she exited the empty school.  Brushing her bangs out of her eyes, she sat down upon the steps and smiled.  Mai must have gotten detention today if she was asking for Anzu to wait for her, for Shizuka is usually the person she walks home with since Anzu has been meeting with their gymnastic teacher for practice after school for up coming performance.  She didn’t mind and looked forward for the company and chance to make plans with Mai for this weekend- and at least she would have time to relax her feet before walking home, the teen realized with some pleasure.  Stretching and leaning back, the girl closed her eyes and let the world pass her by- only for a moment.

Do you remember?…

“Mokuba, you’re such a baby!”

Pain… the pain that comes everyday…

“Yeah, what are you gonna do?  Cry and tell your brother?”

Hide it all away…  Just hide it and bleed in private…

            “Ha!  You’re such a wimp- no wonder everyone hates you!”

And be forgotten.

Blue eyes snapped open and darken to sapphires on hearing such cruel jeers.  Climbing to her feet as her body protested, Anzu scanned the area to see at the gates of the school several boys picking on a smaller one.  They were pulling his hair and going through his backpack, pulling things and dumping them onto the ground while laughing.  Clenching her fists, Anzu grabbed her own bag from the steps and rushed forward to help the boy with fast, efficient strides.

I am alone, always.  No one ever stands up for me.  I am completely alone, even now.

“Hey, you boys!  What the hell do you think you’re doing to that kid?”

Chances to bring salvation for someone, even if it’s fleeting and will never last.  The pain will return.  It always does.

“Huh?”  The four boys turned to see the older teen standing only a few paces from them.

An avenging angel?  Ha.  Angels don’t exist.

“I asked what the hell do you think you’re doing to that kid!”

Justice… let there be justice.  Please.

“Ohhhhh… some sheik chick thinks she gonna stand up for you Moka-baby!” Snarled a blonde harshly, releasing the boy’s hair and turned to face Anzu arrogantly.  “What does it look like we’re doing?”

Noting the threatening tone the lead boy was taking with her, the dancer shifted her weight onto her right leg and slowly moved her left leg out more for subtle crouch.  With almost a silent voice whispering about the way her pose should be held, Anzu wondered briefly where she learned about fighting, but quickly pushed it aside.  The boy- was it Mokuba they called him? - Needed her help.  After setting her bag down by her feet, she held her arms ready to defend against punches, she gathered her courage and spoke again.

“All I see is a bunch of cowardly freshmen picking on a small boy to prove themselves men,” a cruel smile formed upon her own lips that so like the one Mai wore before tongue lashing were handed out.  “But instead, they show themselves weak and cruel.  The type of people that deserve no respect, especially from their elder.”

The boys grew still at that, forgetting quickly about torturing their victim.  Instead, they raised angry eyes at the girl, filled with ugly hate and resentment at her words.  At the truth that rang clear within them.  Two of the boys dropped the backpack and stood.  The violence seemed to shift from Mokuba to Anzu.

Everything comes back in full circle.

“If I were you, I’d leave before you do or say something you’ll really regret.” Mahogany hair hid angry eyes for a moment.  “After all, I am a senior, I have guy friends that will gladly do them same to you as what you’re doing to that boy, and I am on Shinobu-sensai’s dance team.  Nobody messes with someone on Shinobu-sensai’s dance team due to the fact that she’ll make their high school years a living hell for them.  Her and Ryou-sensai have done it several times, as you must have heard before.”

The lead boy stared at Anzu before hissing, “I thought someone that’s a friend of Mai would be cooler then this and instead, you’re just a prude bitch.”

            Cerulean eyes became bored at that remark, “how cliché of you to use such insult.  Run a long now before Mai herself comes out to play.”

            “Mai’s coming…?”

            A smirk.

            “Shit,” the foul-mouth leader snarled, nodding to his wanna-be gang.  In ungracious hurried, they left, leaving the boy and woman alone.

            Silence reigned for a moment as the dancer watch the boys leave and fade from sight.  With a satisfied smile, she felt the uneasiness of being mean on purpose leave her being.  What had possessed her to act like that?  She was spending too much time with Mai, Anzu concluded as she turned to study the damage the prats had done to the child.

            Messy, long black hair feathered around an oval face that was puffy and red that match crying Sorrel-color eyes.  Two thin arms clung to a faded bandana and were covered in several cut from pavement from where the boys must have shoved him down.  The worst of the damage was 3 inch jagged cut down the boy’s leg that was exposed through the ripped pants.  Anzu’s heart broke and she kneeled beside the frighten boy.  He was just a sixth grader.  How utterly cruel of those boys to pick on someone so young.

            “Are you okay?”  Gentle fingers touched his face, snapping him out of a daze.

            “Y-you… saved me?”  His voice was soft, like an uncertain cherub.

            Nodding in reply, the senior reached out and grabbed her bag, dragging it closer to her.  Rumbling through it, she pulled out her unused handkerchief and a bottle of water.  Looking sheepishly, she whispered, “The water is fresh- and no.  I don’t backwash.”

            Moistening the cloth, she began to clean the cut on his leg and arms.  Softly whispering words of comfort to ease the whimpers of pain and fright, Anzu nursed the boy’s wounds and assisted him to his feet several moments later.  Holding him steady, she offered a smile.  Even a little of extra kindness seemed to make the boy nervous.  Anzu fought the urge to hug him and try to fix his world.  She barely knew him anyway…

            “Thank you, Miss-.” The boy mumbled.

            “Anzu and you are welcome, Mokuba.”

            “How did you know my name?”

            “Those hoodlums said it, I was just perceptive enough to remember it.”

            The boy smiled then, giving her a full view of her innocence and the hurt that he had dealt with in his eyes.  Seeing such unbridled and true emotions in another’s eyes, the dancer was taken briefly to those distant castles in the sky.  The place that her soul went, that her heart went, when she danced and merged with the music.  This why she danced…  this is why she reached out to people.  To feel emotions…  to feel… to feel true… To be  alive.

            “Anzu-sama,” Mokuba’s voice interrupted her thoughts as he noticed the distant look.  “Are you okay?”

            “I’m fine, kiddo.  But what were you doing out here this late anyhow?” Anzu put her hand on her hip and gave him the trademarks ‘older-sibling’ look.  “School let out a half hour ago.”

            A small blush covered his cheeks, but the middle-school student replied, “waiting for my big brother.  He’s going to take me to the Card Shop today when he registers for a tournament and he said I could play with some of the kids there!”

            Such enthusiasm and innocence.  He’s a very special boy.  “Oh?  Is it the one Mr. Mutou owns?”

            “Hai!”

            “Well, I’ll be going there myself, Mokuba.  So, perhaps, we can play ‘Magic and Wizards’- that is, if you know how- if I see you there.” Anzu walked back towards the school, Mokuba close at her side.

            “That would be nice, Anzu-sama!” The boy bowed to her, eyes shining.

            “Heh,” Flashing a smile, she replied firmly, “I look forward to it then, but now, do you know where your brother is?”

            “Hai, he’s giving tutoring lessons in library to a student.”

            “Do you know how get to the library?”

            “Hai!”

            “Well, this what I want you to do.”  She opened the door for him, and then followed him into the almost empty school.  “You are to go there and wait for your brother.  Those boys might be back and I don’t want you to get hurt, understand?  And if your brother is upset about you coming into the library- tell him Mazaki Anzu said you could and even speak to me at the shop tonight.  Okay?”

            Mokuba stopped and stared at her, really seeing her for the first time.  A light of recognition- that this woman who just met him truly cared about what could happened to him.  Giving her another innocent smile, he nodded.  “Yes, Anzu-sama, I will do as you say.  Thank you so much.  I’ll tell my big bro just how cool you are and what you did for me!  We never forget a act of kindness!”

            Blushing, Anzu retorted, “I’m just doing what any other person would do.  Now get going, before my friend comes and eats you!”

            Laughing, the boy fled.

---

            “So, here’s the plan of action for the Duel Monster Tournament- we’re going to enter the Partnership League since Kaiba Seto is entering the main branch of the tournament and there is no way either of us can be beat him.” Spoke the blonde in a belly-tee with the word “QUEEN” on it.  “However, with our wits, talent, good looks, and strong decks to balance one another out, we’ll be goddesses to be recon with in Partnership League.  I learned this game from my mother and I’ll show just how well she taught me.  Watch out boy-os!”

            “So it’s okay to seduce the boy teams into surrendering peacefully?” Joked the shorter female.

            “For sure, A-chan!” With eyes glowing with excitement the girl laughed darkly, “It’ll be a supreme delight to inflict the pain of sorrow upon those weak fools!  They’ll never know what destroyed their pride and joy.  Heh, maybe we’ll even ask if we can play for cards too!  I’d like to my deck on the choicest of tournament cards, wouldn’t you? Besides, to the victors go the spoils!”

            Giving her friend a startled look, Anzu interrupted her best friend’s rant of victory and pain, “M-chan, I never you were quite the sadist when it came to winning and giving people ‘the defeat of all time’.  Almost makes me believe what Shizuka’s brother said about you is true.”

            Lowering her arms and studying her friend with a comical expression of interest and annoyance, Mai demanded, “and what would that be?”

            “Oh nothing, really don’t want to get the poor boy in trouble now, do I?” Anzu sighed loudly and walked by her friend.  “Besides, really, do you have to ask?”

            “Hrmph.” The blonde smiled slyly, “I’ll kick dog-boy anyway.  That or steal Shizuka’s lunch from her locker and let her believe her brother did it.  He’ll have another set of pretty bruises for dance!”

            “Mai!  You’re so wicked!”

            “Anzu!  You’re too nice!”

            “Bah, so just how much is the registration fee?” Asked Anzu as she took a quick glance into her wallet.

            “One hundred dollars…”

            “WHAT?!”

            “But on sale now for only twenty dollars!” The eighteen-year-old girl smirked.  “Easy there, A-chan, you look like you’re going to explode.  I was just joking.  Geez.”

            “I’m really tempted to gnaw off your ankles, Mai, for that one.” Stretching, the gymnast-dancer asked, “So, are you going to the dance?”

            “Yes, just have to go pick up my dress tomorrow and a few accessories and I’m set.” Violet eyes studied her Nikes as they walked as she briefly thought about the dress she picked out.

            “That’s cool.  Who are you going with?”  A-chan giggled at her disgusted expression.

            “No one.  No one has caught my eye, but not to mention I like going alone so I can leave when I want to and with whom ever I chose.” Kujaku Mai grinned wickedly.  “How about you?  Who are you going with?”

            “I’m not going with anyone because I’m not going.”

            Her friend snorted in disbelief, “I know at least three guys asked you to the dance, so you can’t claim no one asked you.  What’s up?”

            “Because I don’t like any of the guys, let a lone know them.”  Anzu frowned, “I just know you and Shizuka from elementary and middle school, so it was just getting reacquaint with you two, but with others…”

            “Ah, I see what you mean.” Mai poked her friend in the side, “What about Seto?”

            “What?”

            “You know, you’re Bio-lab partner.  You guys stayed after school together a few times, so should more about him then just class interaction.” The twinkle in Mai’s eyes returned.

            “Not really, he’s very introverted and likes to keep to himself about his personal life.” Anzu smiled softly, “he’s very nice though and knows Bio-Chemistry like the back of his hand.  I’m very lucky to get partnered up with him. I just know a little about it, more then most others, because I had an interest in medicine since it’s important to keep my body in tune.  Seto seemed pleased.”

            “About keeping your body in tune?  My my my, he isn’t gay after all…”

            “MAI!  I’m talking about knowing most of the basics!”

            “What?  The basics of your body?  Isn’t that kind of fast?  And you’re not going to the dance with him with that kind of relationship?”

            Red face from embarrassment and sputtering angrily, the girl clenched her fist and stopped from moving, otherwise risking the possibility of throttling her friend.  As her best friend watched, though, Mai began to laugh hysterically at the expressions that crossed Anzu’s face.  Hands on her cargo-clad hips and giving her the glare of Doom that clashed with the baby-tee with “Angel” on it, Anzu really was a sight to behold.  Tears streaming from her eyes, the blonde wisely kept walking as this went on.

            “I really hate you sometimes Mai!” Snarled the girl as she calmed down and jogged to catch up.  “You’re so mean to me at times!”

            “Mmmhmmm, revenge for not keeping in touch from when you moved away, love.” The blonde halted in front of a large, popular store with the words ‘Turtle Game Shop’ written in the window.  With an arm being slung around her friend’s neck and pushing the door open, the girl pressed her lips in a overly friendly manner next to Anzu’s own.  People within the game shop watching and thinking it was more of a kiss then it was, merely stared at the duo.

            “And it’s my way of saying ‘I love you’!” The blonde preened as she noticed everyone watching them carefully, “Hello everyone!”

            “I’m really going to gnaw off your ankles now, M-chan.” Muttered Anzu in a small, straggled voice.

            “Er, Hi Mai!” Answered a trio of boys that were gathered around the counter where a small, old man was looking at something closely and missed the entrance of the girls.

            “Jo!  Look at me like that again and I’ll slap your face off!” Sang the blonde as she crossed store towards them, with the embarrassed brunette in tow.

            “Yes, m’am!” Automatically replied the messy blonde as he ducked behind Honda.

            “Good boy.  Honda, when you get home, you better call and ask her already, got it?” Blonde glared at him until he nodded rapidly.  “Also a good boy.  Now, Yuugi, where’s the Tournament entry forms?”

            “Right here, young lady.” The short boy’s grandfather looked up with a laughing smile.  “Keeping the boys in line?”

            “Of course, sir.” The blonde female accepted the forms from his hands and gestured to Anzu.  “This is Mazaki Anzu, Mutou-san.  She moved away in our freshman year, but has returned for her final semester of school back at home with us.”

            “Ah, little Anzu!  It’s great to see you again!  I remember you from when Yuugi, Jo, Honda, Mai, and yourself use to come over here to play ‘Duel Monsters’ instead of going to the school dances.” The elder smiled fondly and shook the girl’s hand.  “You have grown into a lovely woman, I bet you give you’re father a heart attack every time you smile at a boy.”

            Yuugi blushed at that remark.  Grandpa was right, Anzu was beautiful.

            “Thank you, sir.” Anzu bowed slightly, “it’s great to be back to complete school with my childhood friends within my home country.”  Grinning the girl swatted Mai who was prodding her with a pen.  “Yeah, M-chan?”

            “Look who’s here, A-chan!” The blonde beamed at her friend now she was lounging against the counter to fill out their forms.

            “Anzu-sama!” Yelped a young boy in delight as he came from the door.  “You’re here!”

            Smiling brightly, the female answered in delight, “Mokuba!  You’re here!  Now we can play that game I owe you.”

            Running from a taller figure from the doorway, the boy gave his heroine a tight hug.  “Thank you for everything, Anzu-sama.  My brother wasn’t angry at me and he said he’d like to thank you for what you’ve done.  He thinks you’re a nice person- and so do I- in fact, you’re my new hero!  The way you handle the bullies!  So would you like to meet him now?  Yes?  Well, come here big brother and meet her already!”

            “It breaks my heart to be so quickly replaced as you’re hero,” came a smooth, arrogant voice was the obscured figure moved out of the glare of the light against the window towards them.

            “Oh no, big brother, you’re my hero, too!” The boy gave Anzu a horrified look as he realized his words.  “You’re both my Heros!”

            Patting the exuberated child on the head as she stepped back from his hug to present herself politely to his brother, she face faulted and said absently, “Kaiba Seto?”

            “It’s nice to see you too, Anzu.” The chestnut hair boy smirked to match his haughty words, but with one glance at his brother his demeanor soften.  “Thank you…”

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Author’s Notes:

This chapter now finished.  I know Mokuba is kind of nicer and more innocent, but he’s so damn cute!  -oogles over him-  ANYHOW, the plot will kick in next 2 chapters.  Yes, this not a story about romance and high school life.  It’s serious, angst-y and weird.  I love the plot.  My friends like the plot, saying how twisted it was.  Ehehehe.  I’ll try and have the next chapter done sooner then this one.  O_O;   But it will be hard.  I now have one, full-time job and college coming up.
And yes.  Mai does eat children.  XP  (Naw, you’ll find out why people fear her in this chapter and the next one).

As for Yuugi’s gramp’s game shop name, I hope I remembered it right.  ‘Cause meh stuff is packed awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy for college.  –sniffles-