When he sees the rope tighten, hears Yuugi make that noise...Kaiba's eyes widen, but it's not out of surprise. It's out of some other, incalculable emotion relating to his pride.

He won't lose. He will not lose! How the fuck could he look at this man, his rival, and respect himself if he got him strung up? Worse still...he didn't want to see Yuugi strung up like a taunt in front of him. Just the thought of it makes him want to vomit!

He shakes his head, and the scowl's back again, but there's something...desperate in it. Something nervous and manic and stressful.

Tick tock.

He can practically feel them over his shoulder, whispering for him to hurry, hurry HURRY HURRY HURRY!!!

This time, his foot hits the "C". Please...please let it be right! He needs this victory like he needs air!