For Good

Chapter 2

The graduation ceremony was finally over. The lawn of the stadium was littered with black caps, discarded once the principal made his closing speech. Now, the sea of black had separated. Friends had split into groups, bidding each other tearful goodbyes.

I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led to those

Who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

Because I knew you

Yugi, Joey, Tristan, and Tea stood in a group near the bleachers. They were in a circle with their arms around each other. They kept talking and putting off good-byes. Tears welled up in their eyes and their throats hitched. Before long, both knew that it was inevitable. This would probably be their last chance to speak with one another for a long time.

Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes a sun

Like a stream that meets a boulder

Halfway through the wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you

I have been changed for good

A tall, brown-haired, blue-eyed male approached the tearful group. It was Seto Kaiba, with his younger brother Mokuba in tow. He cleared his throat and the group broke their formation. They sniffled at stared at Seto in amazement.

"Wha-what are you doing here, M-m-moneybags?" Joey stammered through his tears, which seemed to fall even harder with each passing second.

"I came to bid you all farewell. I know we may not have been on the best of terms, but I wish you all good luck," the CEO replied.

It well may be

That we will never meet again

In this lifetime

So let me say before we part

So much of me

Is made up of what I learned from you

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now what-ever way our stories end

I'll know you have re-written mine

By being my friend

Yugi smiled and wiped his tears away with the sleeve of his graduation robe. He stepped forward and shook Seto's hand.

"Kaiba, I've decided to retire from dueling. But let me say, you were the best opponent I've ever had," Yugi said with a smile. Tears welled in the boy's amethyst eyes and he quickly turned to wipe them away.

Tea and Tristan shook Seto's hand as well. They turned and tried to console Yugi, who was currently sobbing about how much he would miss home. That left Joey, Seto's rival.

Joey cleared his throat and motioned for them to walk away from the group. Seto left his brother with Yugi and the others to say their good-byes. The two walked over to a spot beside the bleachers. It was fairly secluded, allowing Joey the privacy he wanted."Listen Kaiba, we haven't always been on the best of terms. And just to clear the air, I ask forgiveness for the things I've done you blame me for. I wanted this year to end on a good note. So, here it is."

"Wheeler, there is blame to share. We both initiated our share of arguments and threw our punches. Now that this year's over, I'm sure we'll never see each other again. None of it matters anymore. So let's let bygones be bygones."

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

I do believe I have been changed for the better

And, because I knew you

Because I knew you

I have been changed

For good

The two males shook hands. Joey smiled and pulled the other into a friendly hug. When they pulled apart, Joey laughed and ran his fingers through his dirty blond mane.

"Well Kaiba, it's been great knowing you. You're one heckuva guy. Take care," Joey said with a wave as he ran off to rejoin his friends.

Seto stood rooted in his place for a few moments. He sighed and ran after Joey. He excused himself and said his final good-byes. After that, the group slowly dissipated until no one was left.

A/N: So…what did you think? Please read and review. No flames please. Any flames will be used to light the fireworks on the Fourth of July.