It was a usual day at Domino High. The sun was shining, the kids played card games to their leisure, and once again, Yugi Moto was being picked on by the larger students.

"You're such a dweeb, Yug'" One of the kids snarled, picking him up by the scruff of his shirt. "You can't even fight your own battles, and have your friends join in."

Yugi winced, looking away from the bully and towards the mangled bodies of his friends. "Joey...Tristan..." he rasped, tears building in his eyes. He should be used to this, causing his friends pain and misery. It had been this way, since he left. No, Yugi couldn't think on him now. It'd just hurt him too much.

"Yug'...don't listen to him!" Joey yelped, forcing himself onto his knees.

"For once, Joey's right. Yugi, don't believe him!" Tristan chorused, mirroring Joey and looking up at his tiny friend.

Yugi trembled as he was shaken roughly, where had he gone wrong? Oh yes, that duel...

"Well done..." He said, kneeling down beside Yugi as he fell to his knees. "You dueled exceptionally well, just as I knew you would."

Yugi's tears fell freely as he leaned into his friend's touch as he felt a hand on his shoulder, "I-It's not fair!" he cried, covering his face with his hands to hide his sorrow from the one who had gave him so much...and yet was about to disappear from his life forever.

"Don't cry, Yugi." He murmured softly, gently resting his head against the teenager's. Their crazy hair joined together, tangling for a moment as he nuzzled Yugi affectionately. "Don't be sad, Aibou..."

"B-But, you're leaving us! You're leaving ME, Pharaoh!" Yugi yelled into his hands, sobs escaping his throat as his back shuddered.

"Yugi...You know I cannot stay any longer...but know this, Aibou. I'm always with you." The Pharaoh placed his hand gently over Yugi's heart, "As long as you remember me..."

Yugi peeked from under his hands, eyes wide and in what looked like fear. "Always." He promised, leaping forward and hugging the Pharaoh tight. "As long as you promise to find me one day...and return to me...Atem."

It had been three years since that promise was shared between Yugi and the Pharaoh. Even now, Yugi kept deep in his heart a fragment of hope that his best friend would return. But, there was one thing he had lost by beating the Pharaoh in a duel, the faith in the Heart of the Cards. And along with that hope, he lost his dueling reputation and disappeared from people's minds. Seto Kaiba had regained his title as the top Duelist and had also become the King of Games. Yugi had lost everything but his friends, which he had gained from the moment he had figured out the vexing Millenium Puzzle. But, Yugi couldn't think on this much longer as a voice pierced through his clouded mind.

"Hey, why are you bullying him?" The voice called sharply, a dangerous quality was hidden within the question.

"Because, he's a pip squeak with no life. Why? Does it matter, short fry?" The bully punched Yugi tauntingly, never breaking eye contact with the newcomer.

A choked noise of pain escaped Yugi's lips as he tried to protect himself, his eyes went to the newcomer for help but he froze. Violet eyes, tanned skin, and hair like his own. Who was this new stranger?! Was this Atem? Or was this Yugi's mind playing cruel tricks on him...?

"Why don't you leave him alone? Oh, how about this...I challenge you to a duel! If you lose, you leave Yugi alone and-"

"And if I win?" The bully interrupted.

"I was coming to that." The newcomer hissed, "If you can manage to beat me in a game of Duel Monsters, you can beat Yugi to your hearts content. And myself if that adds something to the deal."

Now, the bully had heard of this student. Joined about a year ago, and had kept himself to himself until now. Why would this quiet, peaceful kid try and save the brat? He wasn't sure, so spoke to his friends a moment.

Yugi stared at the stranger of a student, having never seen him before. So many questions flew around in his head like a hive of bees it was giving him a headache! He was dropped, and his first thought was to crawl to the stranger for protection. He did so, before whispering. "Who are you?"

Alas, Yugi's voice was never heard over the bully yelling, "Deal. Now Let's Duel!"

The stranger nodded, pulling out his duel disk and his deck before turning to Yugi. "I understand you'll have a lot of questions, Yugi. But, i'll answer only one now."

"O-Okay...tell me, what is your name?"

"My name...is..."

Oooh, aren't I just a meanie?! You'll have to read to find out who this mystery guy is!

Yami: You realize people can probably guess, right?

Yugi: Yeah, I mean it's not that difficult!

Shut up! _ This is MY fanfiction! They will NOT guess this guys name

Yami: I think they will :3

You're grounded now. Both of you.

Yami+Yugi: AWWWWWWWW

Please read and review folks ;) GEK OUT!