14 Awkward Encounter

A few hours later...

[Yuna POV]

"Now, Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand, attack and defeat his Gemini Elf!" I shouted.

I watched Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand soar into the sky before puffing up its chest and unleashing a deadly beam that wiped out the last monster on my opponent's field. The duelist gasped in shock as he couldn't comprehend his loss.

As we were lowered to the ground, the duelist handed me his remaining Star Chips with a face as if he had eaten something sour while I collected my winnings with satisfaction.

After finishing lunch with Mako, I decided to set out and part ways with the fisherman so I can search for more duelists to battle.

Now I have five Star chips, half the amount I needed to enter the castle. In my opinion, it was a good result, and I earned myself a break. The sun was also beginning to set so I should find somewhere to rest.

However, even during nighttime, I have to be alert for duelists, especially the Eliminators, they were people Pegasus hired to purposely remove weak participants from the match. I don't know where the man got those Elimnatiors from since from the show, each and one of them got something wrong with them.

Well, if I play it safe then I should be fine...

As I wandered through the forest and I searched for an area that could block the cold. The sun was setting as the orange light illuminated the leaves, my pace quickened as walking in the dark was not really ideal.

*Rustle rustle....*

Huh, what was that!?

My head darted to the noise occurring in a nearby bush. Was it a wild animal? I observed keenly while tension crept up my body. If it was an animal please be small like a rabbit, I don't want to be forever known as the girl that got mauled by something like a mountain lion while participating in a Yugioh Tournament...

I nervously stepped backward as the sound grew louder and more intense.

WHOOSH

Suddenly, a figure burst out of the plantation and rushes towards my direction. At first, I thought it was a beast, but instead, the figure had the appearance of a small boy. He wore a miss matched red shirt with a striped orange sleeve and blue pants while his face was hidden by a light blue bandana.

I was momentarily stunned as the boy bumped into me before running away. However, in the corner of my vision, I spotted something shiny in his hand. My body moved in a flash, and I snatched him by the wrist.

The boy struggled while my mind was still in a daze at the impulsive action. My body became rigid like a statue, and I felt like I was going to faint. I couldn't believe it, did I really just do that? My face turned white as sheets and felt like I'm going to cry even if I was the one that caught him.

I'm not a child kidnapper I promise!

Wait, Mr Officer, what were you doing with those cuffs?!

"Let go!" The boy screamed as he struggled desperately, snapping me out of my intrusive thoughts.

However, I refused and gently shook my arm. Suddenly, multiple small objects spilled out of his palm, and I gasped. They were my Star Chips! When that boy bumped into me, I sensed something was wrong, and I was right!

See, I'm innocent, innocent, I tell you! Even if this seemed wrong, these were all my Star Chips we were talking about! You better think twice if you're going to steal them!

However, what do I do now?

The boy continued to fight against my restraint; the bandana covering his face loosened and fell to the ground. The boy's face was fully revealed; he has long black messy hair and large purple eyes.

Eh?!

Isn't he Mokuba, Kaiba's little brother!? What was he doing here!?

My brain went to shut down as I was hit with another shock of the century...

[3rd POV]

"Get your hands off me!" Mokuba growled and tugged on his arm.

Unfortunately, Yuna was still tightly gripping him by the wrist, and he was stunned by her strength. Mokuba glanced at his capturer and froze. Why does she feel strangely familiar...

Her luscious blue hair, those cold eyes, and her beautiful face...

The boy's eyes widened, and Mokuba tugged with all his strength. He managed to escape her grasp and dropped to the ground. Mokuba stared into Yuna's eyes and gulped, fear overwhelmed his thoughts as he felt that her eyes were piercing into his soul.

However, that fear soon transformed into anger, and Mokuba growled: "You're the one that defeated my brother, right!? You're Sano, aren't you!?"

She nodded, and Mokuba scowled: "It's all your fault!"

Yuna gazed at Mokuba silently before slowly bending down to meet his eye level: "My... fault?"

"Yes, that's right!" Mokuba yelled as he gradually regained his confidence: "Ever since that duel, he changed!"

Yuna frowned at his absurd claim: "He hurt... Grandpa."

"I don't care! I will get my revenge!" Mokuba said as he stood up full of vigour: "I challenge you to a duel!"

10 minutes later...

"How could this happen...." Mokuba muttered as he stared at the empty life point.

Mokuba clenched his fists in frustration. Never had he felt this useless before, sprouting all this nonsense on avenging his brother, but he couldn't even land a single scratch. Mokuba glanced at his emotionless opponent, who was indifferent to his pathetic appearance.

As the duel arena set both of them down, Yuna nodded at Mokuba before leaving quietly...

[Yuna POV]

As I walked, my brain was in turmoil. To think I would meet Mokuba here and recalled that at the beginning of the arc, Pegasus kidnapped Kaiba's brother in an attempt to take over Kaiba Corps. Then Kaiba has to duel Pegasus just to get his brother back, but unfortunately, he lost, so Yugi has to save him.

Well, I wouldn't mind helping, but Mokuba seemed to be really mad at me, and I don't have the conversation skill like Yugi to change his mind, so it's best if I just leave. After all, he should encounter the main crew soon enough.

But...

I slightly turned and glimpsed at the boy stalking me from behind a tree. Why were you still following me??

I sighed and decided to ignore him. Daylight was running out, and I still haven't found a spot yet, so I should be quick. After wandering for at least an hour, I finally found a clearing that I think it's safe and comfortable.

I set my bag down and carefully build a small campfire. Thankfully, I brought the required camping tools, or else I really don't know how to survive in the wilderness. I stared at my hard work with pride as the sun set fully.

I could still sense Mokuba's gaze, which hindered my work speed. Was he going to stalk me all night? Thinking anymore today will really hurt my psyche, so I continued to ignore him and reached for the instant noodles in my bag. I boiled some water and poured them into the noodle cup.

I smiled with contentment; no matter in which life, cup noodles will always be the best food for loners like me. I glanced at Mokuba's obvious hiding place and sighed. Honestly, why was he still here? Doesn't he hate me?

In the end, after contemplating to myself, I hesitantly opened my mouth: "C...come out." I muttered but loud enough for him to hear me.

Mokuba flinched, and he cautiously stepped into the clearing. He approached like wary prey and sat down opposite me. Noticing my gaze, his brows narrowed: "Don't misunderstand, I still don't like you!"

Ouch... I felt an invisible arrow just pierce my chest. For some reason, those words hurt even more when said by a child...

As the noodles were cooked and I decided to put the depressed feeling aside and dwell on them later. I excitedly crawled towards my cooked meal, used my chopsticks, and picked up the noodles excitedly.

The delicious smell entered my nostril, and I grinned, wahhh it smelled so good! I quickly grabbed a chopstick full and brought it towards my mouth. However, I stopped and noticed Mokuba's jealous appearance.

The boy stared in contempt at the instant noodles in my hand, and when our eyes met, he hurriedly looked away. When I refocused on the food, Mokuba was again gazing at the food like a sad puppy.

Ehhh, what's with that expression? I feel so guilty now...

I sighed and set the noodles down. I gently pushed my dinner towards him, and Mokuba frowned: "Hmph, I'm not even hungry!"

What were you lying for? Even a blind man can tell, you know? Fine, if you want to play that game, then let's play!

I took the bowl back, and Mokuba had eyes full of regret. His hands subconsciously reached out, and he looked at me like an animal caught in the headlights: "W...well, my brother tells me I can't skip dinner!" He lied.

I slid my instant noodle over, and he hesitantly grabbed the meal. As the noodles entered his mouth, Mokuba sighed with relief before vigorously wolfing the food down. Watching Mokuba eat also made me a little hungry, thankfully, I have more in my bag, so I don't have to starve.

We ate in awkward silence; both of us were too anxious to make a conversation. With each passing second, I felt more embarrassed and lost my appetite, and I glimpsed at Mokuba, who was eating with a calm expression.

He must have been through a lot, separated from Kaiba and kidnapped onto an unknown island before escaping into the wild while trying his best to survive, yet right now. He looked so relaxed...

I admired his confidence...

Why was he like this?

I want to be like him...

As curiosity got the best of me so, I anxiously asked: "A...arent s.. scared?"

"Hmmm? Scared?" Mokuba raised his head and shrugged: "I'm terrified right now."

What do you mean? Are you terrified? That's impossible...

"How?" I said with a bewildered tone.

"Being scared doesn't make you weak. " Mokuba explained: "That's what big brother told me."

"That.... so." I stared at the ground, deep in thought.

"So, how about you?" Mokuba questioned: "What's with you stuttering all over?"

I don't know what to say as my heart felt heavy. I hugged my legs and buried my face into my knees with a downcast expression: "People ...scary..."

While drowning in my sad thoughts, I heard someone snickering across from me. I lifted my head and saw Mokuba trying his best not to break down into laughter: "What kind of fear is that? It sounds so stupid!"

You're right... it's stupid, but fear's still fear...

Mokuba giggled and lay on his back as he watched the stars: "Well, you should just believe in yourself more, you know? Who cares what other people think?"

If only it were so simple as that...

Even now, your own opinion of me was horrifying...

I smiled wryly and pinched Mokuba's cheek: "C..cute." I softly muttered.

Mokuba blushed and hurriedly sat up: "Who are you calling cute!? Hmph!"

As I continued to tease him, I began to relax gradually. Was this the child's plan all along? Probably not. Well, I'm grateful nonetheless.

Suddenly an ominous voice resonated in the forest and stopped us in our tracks. The hair on the back of my neck raised. A man emerged from the dark forest, wearing an all-black suit with a top hat, a cane, and a white theatrical mask covering half his face. His outfit reminded me of a musical about a musician that haunted an opera or something.

On his wrist were two large duelling gauntlets already filled to the brim with star chips. I immediately stood up and nervously clenched my fist: "Eliminator..."

"Oh? You know about us?" The man chuckled: "That saved us some time, then you know what I'm here for..."

The Eliminator turned his head and spotted Mokuba as his lips curved into a smile: "And also, that boy needs to come with me..."

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