Flames to Dust [Discontinued]

Chapter 2: The Truth Hurts

"Mr.Wheeler, it seems that the driver of the vehicle that hit Yugi Muto was your father." the doctor said.

"No.. No... what this... can't be happening.... You're lying!" Joey yelled.

"Take a look at this report" the doctor said handing Joey the police report.

In the report it had stated a 45 year old man named Daniel Wheeler had driven behind the wheel drunk after a blood test was conducted at the scene. He had ran over a pedestrian at the intersection of Sakura Lane and Domino Avenue going 65 miles per hour. The individual also had a previous history of DUIs, arrests and charges for violence.

"Did your father drink alcohol often?" The doctor asks.

"Yes, I left the apartment during my sophomore year of high school to live with my friend Tristan because he became abusive to me. I don't want to talk about this anymore" Joey says sadly.

"Alright, I just thought that you should know. It had dawned on me when I saw his last name in the report and then I remember seeing you duel a couple of times during the Battle City Tournament. I'm sorry I had to tell you right now but I thought you should know." The doctor said.

"Is Yugi... going to be fine?" Joey asks.

"Yes, eventually. We'll have to monitor his condition though. His lungs are in a fragile state with the broken ribs. He could possibly get Pneumonia if he doesn't take the right precautions but we'll make sure he will be fine." The doctor replied. He then left to another patient's room.

Joey takes a moment to gather himself before entering Yugi's room again.

"Joey... is that you?" Yugi asks in a weak voice.

"Sure is, I'm right here Yug. How are you feeling?" Joey asks.

"Mmm.. everything hurts and I just feel tired. I want to.. thank you for being with me in the ambulance. That means.. a whole lot.. to me.." Yugi says as he is fighting off the medications that are making him feel drowsy.

"No problem, I'm right here if you need me" Joey says with a smile.

Yugi smiles weakly back at Joey and falls asleep.

"Mr.Muto I think I'm gonna leave now, I'll let the others know about Yugi and have them come visit. I'll find a way for all three of them to come visit Yugi at the same time." Joey says quietly.

"No that's alright Joey I'm leaving also. I'll sit in the waiting room while your friends come and visit Yugi. I need to get some fresh air anyways." Mr.Muto says.

Both walk down the hall and go down the elevator back to the waiting room.

"You guys can see him now. Just be quiet when you walk in, he's resting right now." Joey says.

"Ok thanks." the crew says.

Bakura, Tristan and Téa go up to visit Yugi while Joey sits in the waiting room pondering over the information he just learned. He then hears his phone ring and steps outside. It's Serenity calling him. "Man out of all the times to call me why now?" Joey thought to himself.

"Hello?" says Joey.

"Hey Joey how are you?" says Serenity.

"I'm fine Serenity, I'm just hanging out with some friends right now" he lied.

"Oh that's nice, um I called cause I got this phone call from the police something about dad...." she says.

"Really? Well... what happened?" Joey said trying to act surprised.