United We Stand

by Angel0y

As the Battle City Tournament kicks off, a new face appears on the scene. One that seems incredibly familiar to Yami, stirring up confusion and questions. Will the presence of this new Duelist be a hindrance or a blessing to the group? And how will it affect the future. *Set during Battle City Arc. A new twist on the outcome of the anime series.*

1. Stand and Fight

Dear Readers,

Hello once more. My muse seems to be running again, so lets see how far it'll take me. Recently I've been interested in the anime series Yu-Gi-Oh!, the dubbed version available from Funamation. I do like the series, though I find it a bit low key in some areas. I've always thought that it would be better with a little more realism and darkness added in. There is so much potential in the series that I feel the need to write up a Fanfic for it.

Now, please note that I am NOT an active player of Yu-Gi-Oh! The Trading Card Game, so my grasp of the rules is faint at best. I do however play the card game, Magic, the Gathering, which I'm lead to understand has some similarity. Bearing that in mind, most of the duel scene will either be a copy-paste from the anime series, taking monster and magic from what I've watched of the series, or made up by my knowledge of another card game and my imagination. So there will be cards mentioned that don't belong to the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe and I am fine with that. Hopeful you as my faithful readers will be ok with that as well.

Next topic is a touchy one, I know, but I'm going to touch it anyway. (Dirty Me :) ) I personally truly enjoy Fanfictions with original characters added in. While I love the characters in the series, I always daydream about my own character being inserted into the series. So...that's what I'm going to do. If people wish to flame me for that, they can and they will be ignored. I will try to keep the original characters personalities as close to the series as possible, but as the story develops, so too shall the cast.

My story will be set in the English dubbed universe and will begin at the start of the Battle City Arc. While I loved the Duelist Kingdom Arc and the Legendary Hero's Arc, I really got into the series during Battle City. The fight between Light and Dark seduced me and I loved the more active role Yami-Yugi played in the Arc. As I will be introducing an OC, which will be connected to the Nameless Pharaoh, I felt this was the best place to start my story and the easy to insert a new face. I am also unaware of the ages of the cast of the series, so ages will be ranged from 16 to 18, depending on who it is.

So with introductions and explanations out of the way, I hereby commence this Fanfic into existence. Just so I don't get a nasty letter with the words "LAWSUIT" written on the top, here is my disclaimer.

*Yu-Gi-OH! The Trading Card Game and anime series does not belong to me nor does the game Magic, The Gathering. All rights are reserved by their rightful owners, I am merely borrowing their genius.*

---

There were many things that could be said about 16 year old Yugi Muto. He was a kind hearted individual who sought to see good in everyone around him. He was exceptionally skilled at games, puzzles and particularly Duel Monsters. His eccentric (mostly due to his inability to tame it) hairstyle drew more than a few glances when he walked down the street. And he had unwavering faith in his friends to stand beside him through every trial and tribulation that should come along.

What one wouldn't say about Yugi Muto was that he towered above his peers. Well...they might, but it certainly wasn't to be taken in the literal sense. Which is what the current woe of said teenager was about as he frowned at his reflection in the floor length mirror of his bedroom. Bright violet eye scrutinised his appearance, wondering silently if he would forever be doomed to constantly lift his head to meet peoples eyes.

'You worry far too much about your appearance Yugi.'

The deep baritone voice heard only in the spiky haired boy's head drew him from his musings. Glancing beside the mirror, Yugi watched the translucence form of his partner appear. The taller, sterner faced version of him was leaning his shoulders against the wall with his arms crossed lightly over his chest, head bowed and a small amused smile dancing across his lips.

Yami...the ancient spirt that had resided within the golden Millennium Puzzle, now awakened and aware since Yugi had pieced the fragmented artifact together. A presence that, for quite some time, Yugi had denied existed. Now the mysterious entity was his most trusted friend in the world, closer to him than a brother. And as a brother, and separate mind inside him, the Darker version made for a perfect target to lay his complaints on.

"Easy for you to say, you're almost a full head taller. I just turned 16, most of my growth spurts are done now." He spoke out loud in reply to his Other Self. While he could communicate mentally with the Puzzle Spirit, sometimes it was easier to converse out loud. Particularly when the two were alone.

Yugi looked back at his reflection, tilting his head to the side slightly. Dressed in baby blue pajamas decorated with yellow stars, he certainly didn't look much different given that he was now a year older than he'd been when he'd sailed to Pegasus's Island to battle for the return of his Grandpa's soul. A memory that still haunted him from time to time. True...maybe he held his head differently and his shoulders might be slightly boarder, but overall...Yugi still saw the same person.

Yami's lips curved in a higher smile as he looked over the young boy lamenting his reflection. Ah, the trials of youth. Pushing away from the wall, the taller male moved his spirit form to stand beside his partner, looking at the twin reflection with his host. Truly, he didn't know why Yugi was so caught up in this problem, but as the elder of the two, it fell to him to comfort the child.

'That's nonsense and you know it. Since you've returned from Duelist Kingdom a year ago, you've already gain 4 inches. Even Joey's noticed. You're merely a late bloomer, so to speak. And besides all that, physical height has no merit on how others see you. Even when I take over, I am still smaller than most. Presence is what you make it Yugi, how you carry yourself. And you, my Partner, have the soul of a King, as I've said. You are strong and powerful just as you are. So stop worrying.'

Yugi sighed a bit and rubbed a hand over the back of his head, "Yah...guess you have a point there."

Glancing over at Yami from the corner of his eye, Yugi noted that his other had a pleased look on his face. Smiling to himself, Yugi turned away, heading towards his closet to dress for the day. He carefully kept his true thoughts from his mind, as Yami could easily pick up on them if he broadcasted too loudly. That the whole ordeal was a ploy to draw a few moments of amusement from the Spirit. While Yami would never voice it, Yugi could sense his near constant uneasiness. Which was understandable, given what had happened a week ago.

Yugi honestly hadn't known what would happened when he'd asked Tea to spend the day with his Dark. He'd hoped maybe that Yami might grow a bit closer to his friends, thought perhaps if he spent time in his body in a normal setting instead of only emerging when a Duel was about to take place or danger was around, that maybe Yami might learn a bit about himself. What he hadn't expected was to run into Ishizu Ishtar at an Egyptian museum exhibit and be told that his Other Self was actually the spirit of a 5000 year old Pharaoh that had once save the world from darkness and was destined to repeat this task in the future.

Needless to say, that had been a lot to take in, even for Yugi who'd once been embodied in the form of the Dark Magician and battled for his friends very souls.

Yami had said afterwards that he was glad to know a bit more about himself, but Yugi knew better. His Partner was worried, but Yami would never allow his anxiety to affected Yugi. So the young boy had to get creative in order to cheer up the Pharaoh, even if only for a few moments. He honestly didn't care about his appearance, even standing short at 5'5''. Which was still an improvement over the 5'1'' he was last year. So yeah, he was glad he was growing, and no...it didn't bother him overly much that he was most likely going to skirt the border of dwarfism for all his life. But Yami didn't need to know that.

"Yugi! Breakfast is ready! Hurry down Son, we need to open the store soon!"

The call of his Grandpa up the stairs jerked Yugi from his thoughts and he quickly dressed in his normal Domino school uniform, sliding his deck onto his belt before securing it. Given everything that had happened up till now, he wasn't willing to go anyway without his Duel Deck. Even in his own home. Sliding the heavy chain attached to the upside-down gold pyramid over his head, Yugi took comfort in the extra weight the Millennium Puzzle caused. Jogging down the stairs, Yugi was met with the heavenly smell of fried eggs and bacon. Feeling his mouth start to water, he darted into the kitchen and slide into a chair at the table.

An hour later, with a full belly and much more energy then should be legally allowed at such an hour on a weekend, Yugi contented himself with sweeping the floor of the Kame Game Shop while his Grandpa sorted out a new shipment of Duel Monster Cards that had just arrived. The air was quiet and relaxed, with a soft cooing from the radio playing in the background. Overall...it was a scene of peace. Which naturally meant in Yugi's world that it was bound to be rudely interrupted.

"Hey! Yugi! How's it going man!"

This boisterous yell was accompanied with the crashing of the glass door of the shop banging open with such force that some of the board games on the shelf rattled slightly. Solomon Muto glared up at the intrusion while Yugi jolted slightly before a joyful grin broke across his face.

"Joey! Hi, come on in. Oh...hey guys." The sight of the tall blond American was boosted when two other forms entered in behind him. Tristan waved lightly at Solomon and Tea smiled brightly while chirping out a greeting. His friends, his group and closest confidences when weirdness started to creep around. Which was rapidly becoming normal where Yugi was concerned.

"Hey Yugi. How've you been?" Ever a beacon of sunshine, Tea soften the presence of the rough and tumble street punk, even as Joey moved further into the store. He smiled back at the dark hair girl, unable to stop the slight flutter in his chest when the sweet tilt of her lips was turned towards him. He briefly sensed a trickle of amusement in the back of his mind and choose to ignore it.

"I'm good, just tidying up a bit"

Joey wrinkled his nose a bit at the broom in his best friends hands but choose to say nothing for fear that his elder mentor behind the glass counter would force the dull chore on him. Instead he grinned at the smaller boy, "Dat's cool. Hey Yuug, something I've wanted ta ask you. Have you hear anything more bout this thing Rich Boy's putting on? All I got is rumor and shop talk sorta thing."

The Brooklyn drawl in the blonds voice never failed to grow a bit stronger whenever he spoke about the higher class Seto Kaiba. While Yugi would never claim to hold friendship with the teenage CEO, he did have a great deal of respect for him, particularly as an elite Duelist. Bearing that in mind, Yugi set the broom aside and started to head into the living area of the building with an over the shoulder comment as his friends, "I got a letter in the mail yesterday, hang on I'll get it."

Joey frowned at Yugi's back as he moved away, "You did? How come you got a letter and I didn't? I swear if Kaiba's trying ta muscle me outta this tournament, I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind!"

The only female in the all male group choose that moment to speak up,

"Are you really Joey? You sure you have a piece you can spare to give out?" Tea's sapphire eyes sparkled with amusement and her lips twisted up in a cheeky grin.

"HEY!"

Laughs erupted from around the room as the group fell into peels. Joey felt his own lips lift in a smirk even though he was the butt of the joke and chuckled despite himself. Tristan chortled from his position and jabbed at his pal mercilessly, "Dude...you walked into that one."

"Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up Chuckle Boy."

Yugi giggled as he walked through the door, fishing around in the mail pile till he found the envelop he wanted. Returning to the retail shop area, he held it in the air like a victory flag, "Here it is. I haven't opened it yet."

"Well...don't keep us waiting. Let's see what Moneybag's has ta say for himself."

The crisp envelop bore the Kaiba Corp. symbol in the left hand corner and Yugi's name and address typed across the front. As he tore open the stationary, there was stirring in the back of his mind as Yami emerged, curious at the situation. Yugi felt the Spirit settle behind him, unseen by any save the Puzzle Bearer, peering over his shoulder as the teen unfolded the letter. He couldn't help himself.

'And who was saying that height doesn't mean anything?' A chuckle rumbled through the boy's brain.

'Hush Partner...our friends are waiting for your response.'

Yugi let his eyes run over the contents for a few moments. In a rare display of patience, Joey waited a full 30 seconds before demanding answers, "Soo...what's it say Yuug? How'd we sign up for dis shindig?"

Smiling at Joey's irritated tone, Yugi read the words out loud,

"Duelist, you are cordial invited to partake in the greatest Duel Monsters Tournament ever held. Registration for this event will take place from June 1st to June 4th. Please ensure you are signed up before the deadline. Rules and Regulations will be explained during the opening ceremony held on June 5th at 8:00 am in Domino City Central Square. Thank you for your consideration and may the best Duelist triumph. Signed, the Kaiba Corporation."

Yugi glanced over the list of registration places. As today was June 4th, it was the last day he could sign up for the tournament. But according to the letter, all the locations were open until 9:00pm, so he still had time to register. Which he fully intended to do. With Ishizu's warning floating in his head and the deadly events with Bandit Keith, there were plenty of questions that needed answers. Handing over the letter to his blond compatriot when asked, Yugi waited quietly while Joey skimmed the note.

"Looks like da closest place to register is over on Kimbo Street. You wanna head dere now Yugi? We can sign up together." Joey smirked over at his short friend, eye already glittering with excitement, shoulders pulled back, ready to take on any challenge. From his position as a Spirit, Yami smiled slightly. Joey was a fighter, a proud Duelist and a loyal partner. Yugi was lucky to have befriended him, and in turn, so was he through the young Light.

Unfortunately, said boy was forced to shake his head, "I can't right now Joey. Grandpa has a doctors appointment in an hour and is headed to the museum to visit a friend after that. I have to run the store while he's gone."

Solomon had stayed quiet during the exchange, merely smiling at his Grandson and his friends. Now he stepped in, placing a hand on his boy's shoulder, "You can close up early today Yugi. After all I'd hate for you to miss the deadline for the tournament. It sounds like its going to be quite the event."

"Cool, Grandpa. Thanks."

"Alright, dat sound great. We're gonna rock dis thing. Right Yugi!"

Laughter once more filled the store as Joey struck a victory pose. Tristan punched the taller man in the arm lightly with the offhand comment of, "You're so full of yourself." Which resulted in Joey throwing the chestnut haired male into a headlock, starting a brotherly wrestling match. Tea covered her mouth with her hand, giggling at the antics of her friends while moving closer to Yugi. The two observed their friends for a moment or two before the dancer tilted her head towards the spike headed youth.

"You okay Yugi? Like...really okay? I know...there's been a lot going on. How're you taking it?"

Tea looked over at her childhood friend and saw his constant smile falter slightly. Her heart sank a little and she gently placed the tips of her fingers on his arm. She really was worried about him, and about the strange soul that resided within him. So much had happened, so many life and death situations. It was a roller-coaster ride that didn't seem to want to end. It was enough to turn her hair grey, never mind what Yugi must be going through.

Said boy in question stayed quiet for a few moments, studying his rambunctious friends before responding, "Honestly Tea...I'm kinda excited...scared, but excited. If entering into Kaiba's tournament can help Yami remember more about his past, then I'm all for it. I know that if we all stick together, there's really nothing we can't do."

The female studied Yugi closely before she smiled back. Tea still felt uneasy and nervous about the whole thing, but she would stand by her friends till the world burned down, "Yah...you're right. And you know we're here for you...till the end."

"Got dat right!"

The moment was ruined by Joey's loud voice and joyful laughs echoed through the store once more as the group descended into pleasant chit chat.

---

As evening rolled around, Yugi finished up with the last customer of the day. Tea and Tristan had left the store around 3:00pm, promising to be present in Central Square for the opening ceremony tomorrow. Joey, wanting to register with Yugi, had altered between making a pest of himself on the store floor and lounging in the back room watching T.V. Currently the blond freeloader was draped across the display counter, watching with expectant eyes.

Turning the deadbolt on the glass door seemed to be the signal he was waiting for and Yugi was completely unsurprised when his friend jumped to his feet with a whoop.

"Alright! Finally...thought this day would never end. You ready to go?"

Yugi grinned back at Joey and dusted his hands together, "Let me grab my ID and we can head out."

"Cool. Meet ya out front Yuug."

A few minutes later the duo was walking side by side down the darkening streets of Domino City. The streetlights were beginning to come on as the sunlight faded and night started to take over. The heat from the summer season still lingered in the air, making Yugi debate about removing his blue school coat. But he was interrupted from the thought by Joey's voice, which was pitched in a soft tone,

"Hey Yugi. Listen...I..." Joey paused, one hand rubbing at the back of his head as he tried to gather his thoughts. His vertically challenged buddy picked up on his discomfort and smiled brightly, staying silent. That act gave the blond the courage to keep speaking,

"I wanted ta say...well...see, Serenity...my sister. She's getting prepped for her operation on her eyes tonight. And...well you know...none of dat would have been possible without your help. I've said it before and I know ya wave it off...but...I want you ta know just how much your support and friendship mean ta me. So...thanks Yugi...just...thank you...for everything."

The tall male took in a slightly shuddering breath afterwards. Saying his inner most feeling out loud was hard for him. With his family life, the drunk father he lived with and distance mother figure, as well as having to basically fight for everything he every had, Joey Wheeler was not one who openly showed his soul. But for Yugi, for this small boy that had showed him more love than his genetic donator, for him he was willing to do anything.

"Joey...it was my pleasure. But you know you earned the money for Serenity's operation on your own. Your skill and strength saw you through. I just...gave you the push in the right direction." From the back of his mind, Yugi sense Yami stir and listen in to Joey's quiet confession. The Spirit Pharaoh rumbled a soft reply, 'Well said Yugi. Joey has come a long way from when you first met him. He is a true friend.'

The two exchanged normal conversation as they came upon the building. Joey pushed open the door for Yugi and followed him inside. The bright florescence lighting made both of the boys blink for a moment while their vision adjusted. A tall wiry man stood behind the counter on the far side of the room. When the adult looked up at the pair, Yugi repressed a shudder. The man's eyes reminded him of a cats gaze, narrowed and sharp with predatory intent.

Yami growled softly in Yugi's head, but said nothing. The two approached and Yugi forced a smile onto his face, "Good evening. My friend and I are here to register for the Kaiba Corp Duelist Tournament."

Sharp eye glanced over them before a sickly smile traced across Seeker's face. More victims to check over. Master Marik would be pleased. First things first however,

"Of course, I would be happy to help. If you would please present your ID, I can register you into the system."

Both boys showed their school ID's. Yugi was rated as a 5 star Duelist and had no trouble entering. Joey however...

"What'da mean I don't qualify! Grrr...that Kaiba! How dare he try ta shove me out! Why I otta!..."

"Joey! Calm down...please...getting upsets not gonna help this." Yugi waved his hands, trying to pacify his rapidly enraging friend. This was going to get ugly really quickly if something didn't happen.

That something came as an unknown amused, musical voice speaking from behind the duo,

"Your systems database is clearly flawed Sir."

Both Yugi and Joey turned to see who'd just spoken, with the former instinctively lifting his head, expecting to see someone taller than him. To Yugi's surprise, he was almost eye level with the new person in the room. Who...was a girl?

The newcomer was a young lady, no older than Yugi. And a rather small one at that, only standing about 5'6''-5'7'' But that wasn't the feature that drew attention. What caught the boys eyes was the mop of flaming red hair she sported. As well as the way it was styled. Most girls they knew had long hair, even Tea's brushed her shoulder's now. The ruby locks ended at the bottom of the girls ears and was gelled back slightly to look almost windblown. Two longer sideburn tresses dangled down pasted her shoulders and a fringe of bangs covered her forehead. Pale milky white skin suggested American or British decent. She had high cheekbones and curving lips that were tilted in an amused smirk.

Yugi met the newcomers eyes and felt a slight blush flood his cheeks. Beautiful eyes, he thought silently to himself. Bright, emerald green orbs gazed back at him, dancing with mirth and life. That was all that he managed to think before his mind was nearly overwhelmed by the presence of his Other as Yami surged to the surface so quickly it made Yugi momentarily dizzy. And caused a little panic on his part when the Spirit of the Puzzle started to quickly speak.

'Yugi! I...I know that girl! I...'

Lost to his inner conversation, Yugi failed to notice the girl move past him, 'Really? You do? How? I mean...who is she? I don't know her.'

Reeling within his own mind, Yami struggled to understand the sudden rush of familiarity that flooded his mind. As soon as he'd seen those eyes, those crisp jeweled circles...Yami had known. He'd been nearly overwhelmed by the sensation and had reached deep to find the source...and come up blank. He knew there should be memories, a name associated with those eyes...but there was nothing. And the frustration pounded at him...because he should know, the feeling was as familiar to him as the first time he'd picked up a deck of Duel Monsters after awakening. But nothing came forward.

'I..I don't know...It's there...lingering under the surface of my mind like a whisper I can't quite hear. I...'

Yugi frowned to himself 'Do you think she's someone from your past reincarnated. Like how Kaiba embodies the High Priest Ishizu showed you. I mean, that would be a good thing right? It would mean we're unlocking more of your hidden past. Doesn't it?'

'I...maybe. I just don't know. She's so familiar...but I can't place any memory associated with her face. Its just a blank sheet.'

So caught up in his inner monologue was the young boy that he didn't notice the girl engage the narrow eyed man behind the counter,

"Clearly you don't recognise the runner up of the Duelist Kingdom Tournament. Any Duel Monster competition would be total losers to not include him in their ranks."

Not one to turn down a good thing, Joey pumped his fist at the scrawny man, "Yah...You heard the lady! I'm big news buddy and you better appreciate that!"

The register keep looked between the two and checked the computer again, eyes widening slightly when Seeker saw that the blond boy held a Red-Eyes Black Dragon as his rarest card. That combine with the support from the girl and his own plans sealed the deal.

"Oh..my apologies Sir, clearly the system is a bit slow today. Of course you may register."

Joey grinned and glanced over at the red haired girl. She was kinda cute, but his mind couldn't help compare the short fiery bob to a certain blonde's long hair that he hadn't seen in a while, "Dat's more like it. Thank for the assist Red."

She smirked back at him, "Anytime, Blondie." Joey was a bit surprised at the nickname, more so that it didn't bother him much.

Yugi was so distracted by his conversation with Yami that he didn't notice a change in the room till he heard the glass door starting to swing closed and realised the red haired girl had left. Panic gripped his mind,

'Yugi...Please! I must speak to her...I need...'

Yami blinked slightly as he was suddenly flung forward into the young boys body. So sudden was the switch that he was rendered motionless for a moment before being prodded by his other half, 'Yami! She's getting away!'

Jolted into action, the taller version jerked open the door and darted outside. Snapping his head around, he spotted the retreating form of the mystery girl that had shaken him so badly and quickly walked towards her,

"Miss! Wait, please! Miss!"

The small figure turned back towards him, a long rectangular box tuck securely under her arm. Yami felt his heart pound a little harder as those emerald eyes met with his own dark burgundy wine orbs. He glanced over her attire curiously. She wore a snug fitting peach colored tee-shirt with a slight V neckline and dark navy blue skinny jeans with a thin belt through the loops. A duel deck holder was fed through the leather and rested comfortably at her hip. But what completed her look was the long white floor length silk scarf secured at the base of her neck that ran along her spine. The wide cloth flowed through the air, coiling behind her like a protective serpent, amplifying her presence as she moved.

"Yes?"

Yami swallowed as her head tilted to the side slightly and a small smile flited over her lips. His tongue felt thick and heavy as the sensation of familiarity once more wash over him like a wave breaking on a rock. If the situation hadn't been so serious, Yugi might have been tempted to tease the elder man about his reaction to the females presence. But he stayed silent.

Yami paused, off balance. Now that he'd managed to stopped her, he honestly had no clue what to say and found himself stumbling, "I...Have we met before? I... I feel like I know you."

Pink glossy lips quirked up in another smirk, though there was no mocking behind the smile, "Do you? I'm pretty sure I would remember if I met 'The King of Games'."

Her voice was light and musical and she stood with an easy confidence Yami sorely wished he could mimic at the moment. He cleared his throat, reaching deep and utilizing his immense will to stabilize himself,

"Yes well...You seem very familiar to me. May I have your name Miss?" He needed to know her name. Maybe that simple fact alone would shake loose something from the depths of his amnesic mind. Her mouth parted to reply and Yami would never admit that he almost held his breath.

"YUGI! Hey Yuug! You forgot your Duel Disk System! Yugi!"

The loud yell split the air and jolted Yami suddenly. He spun instinctively on his toes, shifting his feet to a wider stance and lifting his arms slightly, dropping into a protective position to shield the women behind him in the same fashion he did to all his friends when danger was near. And for the life of him, he didn't understand why he reacted like that for a girl who's name he didn't even know.

Joey was exiting the building behind him, two boxes held in each of his arms forcing him to use his back to push open the door. As he turned to face Yami, a grin broke across his face, "Hey Man! Why'd you run off without your system. Can't compete without the tech, know what I mean. You're lucky I'm such a nice guy."

"What?" Yami asked confused. He turned to look over his shoulder at the flame haired girl behind him.

No one was there.

Yami spun again, eye darting about, searching for her form again. The dark street was empty, save for Joey and him. The street lights illuminated the sidewalk and a car drove down the street, headlight blinding for a moment.

She was gone.

"Yugi? Dude, you okay?"

Pulled from the shock that the girl had vanished, Yami looked over at Joey, who was staring at him with some concern. He straightened and nodded to the blond, "Yes...I'm fine Joey." As his friend handed him the long box, he remembered something, "Joey...that girl that was registering."

"You mean Red? Wha'da about her?" A wolfish grin crossed the blunt boy's face and he giggled almost scandalously, "She was pretty cute, wasn't she?"

Yami squished down the twinge of irritation at Joey's comment, "Perhaps, but that's not what I'm trying to say. You were with her when she signed up right? Did you get her name? Who is she?" He too had been to caught up speaking to Yugi to hear the conversation that had taken place.

Joey looked down at him and his eye widened slightly as he realised he wasn't speaking to his school friend anymore. Of the group of friends around Yugi, only Tea could tell immediately when Yami stepped into Yugi's form. Joey and Tristan knew about him, but it still took a few minutes for them to tell the difference between their happy-go-lucky buddy and his more stoic personality. Joey rubbed that back of his head sheepishly,

"Uhh...actually I didn't. Once the scrawny guy handed over the box to me, Red asked to register too. The guy just handed her system over and when she asked if he wanted to see her ID, he just shook his head and said there was no need, he would be a fool to not know who she was and hoped her reputation proceeded her."

Disappointment flooded him. Still no name to the face that felt as familiar as the one he currently wore. Yami shifted the box in his arms, moving back to towards the door. If the man inside knew the girl, he could put a name to the face. But as Yami walked, the skinny man appeared in the glass pane and a 'click' echoed as he turned the deadbolt.

"I thought the register locations were open later? Its only 6:00pm"

"They are, but dat guy says he was flooded with Duelist all day. Apparently we got the last systems, so he can't queue in anyone else. Guess he's closing shop for da night."

Yami fought down the urge to sigh. Such an act was beneath him and without the presence of the mystery girl, he was feeling more like himself. Joey shifted again, eye looking over him with concern, "You sure you're okay?"

'Tell him Pharaoh. Joey is your friend too, he can help.' Yugi's voiced chimed in and Yami frowned slightly at the air.

'It may be nothing Yugi. There's no need to worry Joey over it.'

A touch of steel entered into the teens voice, 'Its not nothing and you know it. This is the first real feeling you've gotten about your past since the museum. Tell him...or I will. The girls gone Yami, and the more eyes on the look out for her, the better our chances are of running into her again. Right? You're not alone anymore, remember. Let us help you.'

Yami hesitanted in his answer but felt his heart lighten a bit at Yugi's words before he spoke out loud to Joey, "It may be just a coincidence, but I had the sensation that I knew that girl. Like I'd met her before. She seemed so familiar to me...but I couldn't place any memory to her face."

Joey cocked his head to the side, "Knew her? Like...from way back when...yah know, you weren't in Yugi?"

Yami nodded in return and the blond scratched at his cheek a bit, "Well...I sure don't recognise her, but given dat she's in the tournament and how Twig Boy behind the counter acted towards her, I'd say she'll be around for a while. I bet we'll run into her at the opening ceremony tomorrow. I'll keep an eye out and pin her down if I spot her, least get a name outta her."

"That would be most appreciated Joey. Thank you."

He grinned back and clapped a hand on his shoulder, "No problem man. We'll figure dis thing out. I gotcha your back." Yami gave a genuine smile in return and nodded with more confidence. Whatever mystery lingered in his mind, he would have his friends to help him through it.

"Listen...I gotta bounce. Serenity's gonna be getting prepped soon and I want my ugly mug ta be the last and first thing she sees when her operation is done."

Yami inclined his head and Joey waved over his shoulder as he departed. Stepping back into the recesses of the Puzzle and letting Yugi take over once more, the young boy hiked the Duel Disk box further under his arm and started to head home, speaking comfort to his other half and completely unaware of the pair of jade eyes studying him from a nearby rooftop or that his blond best friend would soon run into a heap of trouble in the form of the Rare Hunter, Seeker.

---

The opening ceremony of Battle City was certainly memorable. Yugi had awakened early and headed to the square, hopeful that he could walk around for a bit and maybe spot the mystery girl that had riled up his darker half. But he was disappointed when no flash of crimson caught his eye and he stood spellbound with many others when Kaiba's massive airship passed overhead with the CEO's face on the huge screen, welcoming all Duelist to Battle City. The knowledge that only 8 Duelist would make it to the finals was certainly surprising, and completely expected from the harsh teenage. Kaiba didn't take weakness well, so it made sense that he would construct a competition to weed out the less qualified.

True to their word, Tea and Tristen had been at the Central Square to give their support to their two Duelist friends. When Joey had spotted the thin Seeker and demanded a rematch, Yugi and Yami had stepped in, questioning what had happened. Yami's cold anger had risen to the surface when he'd learned Joey had lost his Red-Eyes to the man, but more so when he saw the bruise over the blond males left eye. Not only had this man compelled Joey into a duel outside of the Battle City tournament, but he'd physically struck him as well (likely multiple times). Yugi had agreed wholeheartedly and the two had demanded retribution from the Rare Hunter. No one hurt their friends and got away with it.

The Duel had lasted hours and pushed both of them hard. The crowd had gathered around, jeering and cheering as the two pounded at each others Life Points. Joey had stayed and silently tried to warn Yami about Seeker's strategy. Due to their bond, they'd figured out what the man was trying to do and be able to prevent it. By baiting the Hunter into summoning Exodia's head and the quick used of 'Chain Destruction', they were able to stop the full summoning of 'Exodia, the Forbidden One', and defeat Seeker. Yugi still shivered in memory of hearing the dark voice that had exited the Rare Hunter body as the 'Eye of Wdjat' glowed on his forehead. They had a name for their foe now...Marik Ishtar, brother of Ishizu Ishtar.

Battle City was supposed to last 5 days before the quarter-final was held. By the time the first day of the tournament had ended, Yugi was exhausted. And so much had already happened. Between defeating Marik's minion and witnessing Joey's duel against the supposed Psychic Duelist Espa Roba, there'd been no time to search for the girl that had stirred up Yami's emotions. Yugi had been extremely proud of his blond friends victory, confident that Joey would make it into the finals with him. He'd collapsed into bed and fallen into a dreamless sleep.

And now on the second day of the tournament, tensions were high in the city. The competitors were in full swing and multiple Duels were taking place around the city. Yugi and Joey had split apart an hour ago to search for their next match, as well as keep a look out for the red-head. He couldn't help the excitement that filled him as he wandered aimlessly through the city. All around, matches were taking place, the massive virtual monsters filling the streets. Despite the situation, it was quite the sight to behold.

Yami stayed close to the surface of Yugi's mind, walking beside him in Spirit form and observing the surroundings with interest. He was watching a Duel between two young males with such keen interest that he didn't sense the sudden surge of joy his young half felt until Yugi spoke,

"Yami! Look, over there!"

Turning, he looked to where Yugi was pointing. Or more specifically, to the spot of color dotting the air in the distance. Yugi felt a grin split his face as he moved forward towards the outdoor patio café where she was sitting. They'd found her, the elusive green eyed girl. She was seated at a table, head bowed as she read from a folded newspaper.

'Its her...she's still here.'

As Yugi walked, he switched control with Yami, appearing beside him in his own Spirit form. The elder faltered only slightly before continuing forward. Now that he'd had time to adjust the sensation of remembrance where the girl was concerned, he was able to move with his normal calm confidence and grace. As he approached, Yami let his eye roam over her, analyzing everything.

She was sitting primly with her leg crossed and arms resting gently in her lap. A tight sleeveless forest green shirt with a high neck covered her torso and a pair of black shorts exposed her pale legs. A set of strappy white sandals adorned her feet and Yugi commented with amusement that her toenails were painted hot pink. The long white neck scarf was still present, tucked next to her hip and coiling around her feet. It appeared to be a signature look for her, much like Kaiba's obsession with trench coats. A black wrist cuff was on her right arm, with a matching one around her bicep. Her left forearm was covered in a matching black sleeve, likely to protect her skin from the metal clasp of the Duel Disk System.

Speaking of which, the stimulator was missing from her arm. Yami felt a twinge of disappointment that she'd been eliminated already. Till he saw the system tucked onto the seat of one of the empty chairs at the table. So, perhaps she was still competing, merely taking a break. As he got closer, Yami felt his brow furrow slightly in confusion. Her head was bobbing about and she was tapping her floating foot against the air. Yugi chimed in helpfully, pointing to her head,

'Wireless ear buds. You can see them sticking out. She's listening to music, probably transmitted from her phone on the table.' Yami refocused on the girls ears. Sure enough, he saw a small white device jammed into it. He thanked his younger half silently. Sometimes the modern technology and culture still baffled him. That made things slightly awkward. She wouldn't hear him if he spoke to her. So he did the next best thing and stepped into her line of vision, coming close enough to the table to have his presence sensed and cause his shadow to fall across her reading material.

A moment later, green eyes blinked at the paper before she lifted her face. Viridian met mulberry and Yami felt the rush of familiarity hit him again. But he kept a careful, neutral face as she reached up to remove her one of her ear buds. The pounding of drums and an electric guitar screeched from the tiny device and Yami heard a cooing female voice sing out "I can make the bad guys good for a weekend", before the music ended as the girl touched her finger to her phone's screen.

"Hello again." Yami rumbled out a greeting as she took out her other ear bud and set them aside. She smiled up at him in return,

"Hey King. How've you been?"

The nickname hit a cord in him, making him blink. So familiar...everything about her was so confusing. But he kept his poise and nodded towards her resting Duel Disk, "I'm well, thank you. Are you taking a break from the tournament?" He really hoped she wasn't out already. Something told him she would be a great challenger to face, someone to truly test himself against. Anticipation rippled under his skin as the urge to battle against her started to form.

Her smile grew and she nodded in reply, leaning back in her chair, "Moments to relax are rare to find in times like these. Best to enjoy them while you can." Her words seemed to carry some invisible meaning Yami was unable to grasp at, so he brushed it aside and gestured to the empty chair across from her.

"Wise words...May I join you in your session of reprieve?"

The girl gestured to the chair silently and Yami pulled out the seat before occupying it. He paused for a few moments, studying the crimson haired women as she set the newspaper on the table and pulled her chair forward a bit so she could rest her forearms on the table. A slightly teasing smile flitted around her lips and Yami's heart picked up pace slightly.

'You're really into this girl, aren't you?'

'I don't even know her.'

'What does that have to do with anything?'

Yugi's cheeky comment went unanswered. He loved his partner, truly he did, but the boy had a mischievous streak that would make the devil roll his eyes. He was saved from having to say more by the girls airy voice,

"So I heard you put the boots to some colossal ass-hat of a Duelist yesterday."

Yami blinked a bit at the vulgar term and Yugi broke down into a fit of giggles in his mind, snorting and repeating the term, 'Ass-hat...that's a good one.' Clearing his throat slightly, the Puzzle Spirit worded his reply carefully,

"I suppose. The man was a coward and a cheat. And he dared to injured my friend. A lesson needed to be dealt out."

To his surprise, the girls emerald orbs grew hot, anger sparking behind the luscious color and a fire started burning. One that if Yami wasn't who he was, might have cause some uneasiness on his part,

"He hurt Blondie?" Yami nodded once, making a note that the girl seemed to favor nicknames, and a soft growl rumbled out of the girls throat as she glared over his shoulder with an unhappy frown, ire radiating from her eyes, "You should've used steel toes and castrated him afterwards."

Once more, the ancient male was mildly confused (and a bit disturbed.) Ever helpful, Yugi perked up with, 'Steel toed boots. She's saying you should have kicked him harder once he was down. Do I need to explain the second part?'

'I understood that half.' Considering the Rare Hunter had been put into a comatose state and had his mind banished to the Shadow Realm, Yugi thought he'd bee sufficiently punished, which he still felt terribly guilty over. No one deserved to be trapped in the dark dimension. But she didn't know that. Yami however made a note of the vicious comment and filed it away for later.

"You've been monitoring my Duels?"

She shrugged lightly, "I keep an eye on those worth keeping an eye on. And your battles are hard to miss, King. Everyone talks about them, you've got that rep, you know."

Yami opened his mouth to response and was interrupted by the arrival of the cafe's waitress. She set a large steaming mug beside the girl. He felt his nose twitch as the scent of cloves, cinnamon and warm milk wafted over to him. Yugi piped up again, 'Chai Tea Latte. It's rather sweet with a spicy aftertaste. Not my preference, but Grandpa likes them.' He thanked his host again and looked up at the server when she turned towards him.

"Can I get you anything?" Yami shook his head politely,

"I'm fine, thank you." The waitress nodded and walked away to care for the other patrons of the café.

Yami stayed quiet as the girl picked up her beverage and took a delicate sip. A low hum of pleasure purred from her and her green eyes closed briefly in bliss as she swallowed. He found his eyes tracing the movement of muscle on the front of her throat and stared momentarily at her lips when a moist, pink tongue darted out to lick a few stray drops from the cups rim. He stomped down on the sudden surge that hit him, burying it and hoping Yugi hadn't noticed. If his other did, he chose to stay silent. Giving the girl a few moments to enjoy her drink, Yami finally said what he really wanted to.

"You know, I never did get your name. You left rather abruptly when we last met." The disappearing act she'd pulled now looked incredibly suspicious, given what Marik was doing and the ever growing dark magic that was sweeping the city. Is she working for my enemy? The thought was close to his mind and he tried to ignore the sinking feeling in his gut that he might be right in his assumptions.

A smirk glued itself to her face and she lowered the mug, "You were busy and I had places to be. Not my fault you're slow on the uptake, King."

Yami felt a frown pull at his lips, till he saw the teasing expression. She was trying to bait him and he would not comply, "Yes well, regardless I'd like to know who you are."

She took another swallow of her drink, eyes dancing with mirth. Her tone was airy and flirtatious when she replied,

"Would you? Well...I'm finding I rather like the aura of mystery. And seeing that little furrow between your brow is rather appealing. I think I'll leave it there a bit longer."

He sat back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest and studied the difficult women. She clearly had no intention of making this easy. Thus far, he'd sensed no malice or danger from her. But Marik would have all sorts under his command, including a remarkable female actor trying to throw him off balance. Still, he wanted to know who this girl was, wanted a name to the face that he couldn't seem to get out of his mind. And since they were in a Duel Monsters Tournament...

"I have an alterative suggestion then." A crimson eyebrow quirked at him,

"Oh...do tell, King."

Twisting his left arm, Yami disengaged the Duel Disk, pulling out the last free chair and set his unit on the seat. He rotated his arm slightly to adjust to the lost of weight. The system was heavier that most people would think. Flipping open the deck holder at his thigh, Yami withdrew their deck and began shuffling the cards with long, deft fingers, the movements familiar and calming. He smirked back at the girl, a challenge gleaming in his eyes,

"Duel me...right here. Nothing official as far as Battle City rules are concerned. No one loses any cards or titles. Just a friendly, classic tabletop game as it was before the world was flooded with holographic technology. If I win, you tell me your name."

She tilted her head to the side, clearly intrigued but still playing her little game, "Hmmm...and if I win?"

"You won't."

"Well aren't you the arrogant one."

He chuckled darkly, "Not arrogant, merely confident."

"If that helps you sleep better at night."

"Do you accept my challenge?" He found it hard to believe she wouldn't. Duelists were proud individuals. They rarely turned down a chance to test their skills.

"Still isn't a fair deal, King. There needs to be an offer on the table before I agree to anything. That's how the game works, don'tcha know." Yami paused in shuffling the deck. He honestly didn't know what to offer her in return. Ever supportive, Yugi chimed in.

'Cover her bill, offer to buy her coffee break.' He nodded to the cup in her hands,

"Very well...if you win, the expense of your beverage is mine."

She paused to consider the offer before a light laugh left her lips, "Taking me out for coffee already King. You don't waste any time, do you?" He didn't really know how to response to that, so he just stayed silent. After a moment, the girl set her drink aside and pulled her own deck from her hip, "Alright...you've got a deal."

The two Duelist each shuffled their deck before setting them on the flat surface for the opposite to cut. The girl ducked under the table to fish around in the brown purse on the ground, emerging with a blue ball point pen and put away her ear buds. She moved the newspaper closer, drew a vertical line and wrote '4000' twice to represent their Life Points. Yami was tempted to roll his eyes but resisted. Any Duelist worth their merit could track their own Life Points plus their opponents in their head, but if she wanted to have a physical representation, he wasn't going to argue.

She reached over and picked up her I-Phone, touching the screen a few times. A moment later, soft music played from the speakers, a female voice cooing to the beat of an electric guitar. Yugi perked up as she set the phone aside, 'Alanis Morissette. Cool, I like this singer.' Yami choose to say nothing as the lyrics for 'Guardian' flowed through the air.

They took back their respective decks and each drew six cards. Yami's focus shifted into what Yugi called 'Duel Mode'. He stared unblinking at the girl across the table, not looking at his own cards for the moment, mealy studying her expression as she sorted the small rectangles. She was good, her face did not change from the lighthearted expression she wore, staying carefully neutral and her eyes gave away nothing. He couldn't tell if she drawn a good hand or not. He waved his free hand to her,

"Ladies first." Her smirk crept higher as she drew her first card, voice boarding on sarcastic,

"Such a gentleman." Emerald eyes glanced over the new card before she added to her hand and pulled out a different card, "I'll play 'Mystical Elf' in Defense Mode. And I'll lay this card face down and end my turn." The familiar image of the blue skinned women looked up at him from the tables surface.

"My move then." He drew his card and was instantly pleased. 'Dark Magician' looked back at him from the glossy surface. Hello, old friend. Yami added the wizard to his hand and looked at his options. 'Mystical Elf' had high defence points, but if he couldn't remove her from the field, it was likely the girl would sacrifice her on her next turn to summon a stronger monster. But he had an answer.

"I summon 'Gazelle, the King of Mythical Beasts' in attack mode. Then I will play the magic card 'Mage Power'. This spell give my monsters 500 ATK and DEF points for every Spell or Trap card I control. Including the one I just played. My 'Gazelle' will then attack your 'Mystical Elf'."

He wouldn't drop any of her Life Points, as her monster was in defense mode, but it would still be destroyed as his was on the offensive. Attacking her monster while she had a face down card was a risk he had to take. If it was a trap card, he needed to draw it out to deplete her resources.

Yami waited patiently as she took another sip from her drink. This was a causal duel, so no flaunting or drama was needed. If she wanted to relax while she played, she could. Yami heard her humming softly to herself, the sound almost lost on the air had he not been so focused. She'd set her cards aside during his turn to free her hands and he was unsurprised when she flipped over her face down card and revealed 'Negate Attack', stopping his 'Gazelle' from destroying her monster. He'd used up a spell card, but she'd wasted one too. They were even.

"I'll lay this card face down and end my turn." Yami shifted back, holding his hand before him and waited for her to continue. She said nothing, and drew her card.

As she studied her hand, her lips started to move and she began to sing along with her phone's music, so very quietly Yami had to strain his ears to hear it. The sound was smooth and soothing, relaxing him almost naturally, something he blinked in surprise about. Why do feel so at ease around her? She could be a danger to Yugi and my friends?

He felt the need to speak, if for no other reason than to steady himself, "You have a lovely voice."

She blinked in surprise and a dash of color flooded her cheeks as she realised what she'd been doing. A quietly mumbled "Thanks" was the response before she continued with her turn. What happened next made both Yugi and Yami's opinions of the girl jump several levels. She gently touched her elf's card and smiled slightly to it,

"Thank you for your services. I will choose to sacrifice my 'Mystical Elf' and bring 'Kaya, Ghost's Assassin' to the field in attack mode." Yami looked over the new monster curiously. It was a Dark type, 6 star creature with 2200 ATK and 1500 DEF. He'd never seen that monster before. And her words before made him want to acknowledge her.

"Few Duelists give respect to their summons as you just did. You honor the Heart of the Cards." He was one of the few people in the world that knew the Duel Monsters were as real as any human and he aways made sure to thank his creatures, even if it was silently. The girl smiled back gently, eyes gleaming with hidden knowledge that disturbed Yami more than he'd care to admit.

"Even fewer Duelists understand the bonds between Monster and Master. But you already knew that...didn't you King?" Yami blinked, the depth of suspicion and unknown growing deeper at her words. This girl knew something, had some hidden knowledge. And he longed more than anything to draw out the answers. But first he needed to finish this match. Yugi shifted uncomfortably at the back of his mind, reminding him to use caution.

'Yugi...do you recognise that monster?'

'Sort of. I think it has some weird special ability. I'll try to remember and get back to you. Be careful.'

"I'll lay two cards face down. That's all for now."

Yami blinked, slightly surprised. She hadn't attacked despite her monster being stronger than his. He looked to his own face down card. She must have feared he'd lain a trap card, which she was correct about but he'd never give that away. He drew his card and looked at his hand. Time to kick things up a notch.

"I play 'Alpha, the Magnet Warrior' in attack mode." As soon as he'd played the metal solider, the girl shifted and flipped over one of her face down cards,

"'Just Desserts' trap card activated. You loose 500 Life Points for each monster on your side of the field." Yami didn't react as she scratched out one of the written numbers on the paper and rewrote '3000'. She nodded to indicate her reaction was done and he kept going,

"I will tribute both my monster to summon 'Dark Magician' to the field." He set the purple clad sorcerer on the table and the girl smiled brightly at the card.

"You honor me now, King. Didn't think you'd bring out your favored in an 'off-the-books' duel."

"All duels should be held in equal ranking, regardless of their nature. And with that, I will attack your 'Kaya' with my 'Dark Magician'. " As he pushed the card forward slightly to show his intent, she reached over and flipped her monster face down. Yami's brow furrow and he looked at her, "What did you do?"

"I activated my magic card." She flipped over the face down spell, "'Whispersilk Cloak'. This magic card covers my monster in a cape of invisibility, phasing it out of existence during my opponents turn."

He smirked a little, " A clever move...but you've left yourself open to a direct attack." One shoulder lifted in a shrug and he paused, his admiration for her growing as he suspected what she was doing, "You're willing to take damage to you person rather than see your creature destroyed?"

"Aren't you?" Yami faltered at the calm reply, unsure of how to answer, reverence and pride at her action flooding his system. To stabilize himself, he redirected his Magician to attack her Life Points. She reached over and wrote down '1500' for her total. He was pleased with that result, "I'll end my turn with that."

He'd hit her hard with that move and still had 'Mirror Force' face down on his field. Almost at the same moment he spoke, a wave of anxiety from his other half hit him and Yugi jabbered rapidly, 'Yami wait! Don't end your...Ah Hell! Too late! I'm so sorry, I should have remembered sooner! This is going to hurt.'

It was only due to Yami's extreme discipline and willpower that he was able to keep his face neutral as the young boy lamented in his head, 'Yugi? Remembered what? What's wrong?'

'It's Kaya's special ability. I remembered it shortly after she used that magic card. Now she can...'

"My 'Kaya, Ghost's Assassin' re-enters the battlefield on my turn. And I will have her attack your Life Points directly."

'Do that...'

Yami frowned at the table, "You cannot. My 'Dark Magician' is defending me."

"Oh, but I can King. 'Whispersilk Cloak' is Kaya's personal armament, woven from a portion of her own soul. When it is equipped to her, the magic recognises its creator and grants special properties. It hides her from all monsters and traps, shielding her from harm. Your Magician cannot see her, allowing her to sneak by and strike at her real target...you Life Points." Her lips were tilted in a victorious smirk as Yami realised his 'Mirror Force' was useless against the quick footed Assassin. He watched with annoyance as the red head marked his Life Points down to '800'.

"Are you done?" The baritone comment gave no indication of the Spirit current ire. Outwards he was as calm and collected as he normally appeared, belaying none of the nervousness that her powerful move had stirred up. She was a hell of a Duelist, that was for sure. It was rare for him to be blindsided like that.

'I'm so sorry Yami.'

'It's alright Partner, this duel is far from over.'

"Not yet, don't get your royal panties in a twist. It's not the first time you've been kicked in the teeth." Yami's narrowed his eyes dangerously at her, wondering again at the meaning of her words, and glared harshly but said nothing else as she looked over her cards again, "I'll play 'Pot of Greed' to draw two new cards."

As she looked over the new cards, an expression of glee filled her face and she grinned across the table at him.

"Time for me to finish this King. Good game." Yami didn't allow himself to blink, merely smirked, certain she was bluffing to throw him off his game.

"Oh...and how do you purposed to do that?"

She flipped one of the new cards she'd drawn and reveled the image to him. Yugi yelped in shock and Yami could only stare blankly, his heart sinking and a cold flood of ice chilling his blood, "I play the magic card 'Wound Reflection'. Do you have any responses?"

He stared at the table, shock radiating through his system. 'Wound Reflection' was an extremely dangerous card, thus was not used often because of that. It affected all players equally, showing no favoritism. At the end of each players turn, any damage taken to their Life Points was dealt a second time. As Yami had just taken 2200 points of damage, when she finished her turn, he would be hit with another 2200...which meant...

"I end my turn."

He'd...lost...?

Stunned silence echoed in his mind as Yugi reeled alongside him. Together, the two of them had face immeasurable challenges, battled through darkness and terror and emerged stronger on the other side. And aside from the extremely rare cases, they'd never faltered. Yami couldn't believe it, almost didn't believe it. After all they'd been through so far, protecting the Puzzle from the sadistic Spirit of the Millennium Ring, raging, psychotic lunatics, power hunger millionaires, virtual worlds and burning buildings...Yami had failed against a mere girl?

His vision was stuck on the table, focusing on nothing. Such was his shock that he didn't see the girl gather her belongings, deck and Duel Disk and rise from the table. He didn't see anything till the flapping of her long white scarf caught the air and jolted him from his stupor. Yami looked up at her, still not quite able to make himself move. She walked to his side and stared straight ahead before speaking. Her tone was almost soothing enough to take the sting out of the situation,

"Don't dwell on it...you always lose the first one to me."

Yami jerked in shock, eyes flying to meet hers. Standing so suddenly the chair fell backwards, he spun towards her with rage filling his face and Shadow magic coiling in his blood, "What do you mean! Who are you!"

The mystery girl started to walk backwards at his near violent action, clucking her tongue and waving a finger in the air, a slightly taunting tone taking over,

"Ah-ah-ah...that wasn't part of the deal King, remember."

He snarled darkly, moving to follow her, intending to rip the answers her emerald eyes held by any means necessary. Yugi stepped in quickly as his Dark's anger boiled to the surface, 'Yami! You can't hurt her, it isn't right!' The amnesic Pharaoh's forward motion was paused as Yugi suddenly jumped in front of him in Spirit form, arms outstretched to protect the girl. At the same moment, a new female voice broke through the haze his mind had taken.

"Sir? Are you covering the young ladies tab?" His head snapped back to look at the waitress behind him. The mistake was realised instantly and Yami jerked his head back around in synchronisation with Spirit Yugi as they looked for the girl.

Gone...

She'd vanished again, disappeared into the crowds without a trace. Yami scanned frantically, looking for the flaming color of her hair...nothing...no indication she'd ever been in the square. He spat out a rare curse, startling the waitress but she recovered quickly, accustom to dealing with difficult customers.

"No need to be rude Sir. You are paying the bill then?"

Taking in a deep breath, he turned back to the table, forcing himself to calm down and looked to the server, "My apologises Miss...and yes, this one is on me." He pulled out Yugi's wallet from his jacket pocket.

---

"What'da mean...disappeared?"

Sprawled out on the living room floor of his home (and trying very hard to ignore his aching body), Yugi rested his chin in his palm as his three closest friend questioned the recent events he'd just debriefed them on. Shortly after leaving the café, they'd been pulled into a deadly duel with another of Marik's Rare Hunters, the failed stage Magician, Arkana. Yami and him had both still been shaken from what had happened with the girl, but had quickly been forced to bounce back when they'd been shackled to the center ring with a Dark Energy Disc inching closer and closer.

The man's brutal treatment of his monsters reminded both males of the girls gentle thanks to her creatures...her willingness to place herself before them as a shield. Both had been thoroughly disgusted by Akana acts and weren't surprised when his own deck turned on him, empowering their 'Dark Magician Girl', due to Akana's callused and heartless sacrifice of his own 'Dark Magician'.

While Yami would have been happy to let the man be cast to the Shadow Realm, Yugi's tender nature wouldn't allow it and he'd saved him, tackling him to the ground. With the new knowledge that Marik knew of the Pharaoh's past life, with the history supposedly inked on his back, their quest to find the man grew even more necessary. Something else had also been learned...Marik had already said that the rules of Yugi's Millennium Puzzle stated that he needed to defeat him in a duel to earn the Pharaoh's great power. Yami had said he felt it didn't matter what type of duel it was, a loss was all that was needed. And Marik still thought the Pharaoh was undefeated, warning the pair to "Beware of the Quiet One."

Which meant the girl wasn't working for him.

"I mean, I looked away for an instant and she disappeared...Again." Yugi looked over at Joey's skeptical expression from where he sat on the couch. Next to him, Tristan was the one who replied,

"Seriously, Dude? You'll belive that an evil Spirit possessed Ryou and tried to kill me to inhabit Kaiba's brothers body, but a vanishing girl gets that look? Can we say hypocrite?"

Joey's face relaxed and he rubbed his neck, "Okay, fair point. So...you saw dis girl at the café, talked a bit with her, bought her coffee, and then she just vanished?" Yugi nodded in confirmation.

Neither Yami nor him wanted to admit that they'd dueled and lost to her (Yami because of his prideful nature and Yugi because he didn't think it mattered). Plus, given the levels of danger, keeping something like that secret was a probably good plan. What mattered more was the conversation they'd had during their meetting. The hidden tone beneath certain phrases, the gleam in her eyes when she'd looked at Yami across the table. She knew something about the Spirit of the Puzzle, that much was obvious. Now they just had to figure out what.

Much easier said than done.

"So...you think she knows something about the Spirit, Yugi?" Tea was sitting in rooms recliner, blue eyes looking over him with great concern, "How can you be so sure, you don't even know her name."

Yugi sighed a little and buried his head in his arms, trying really hard not to let the pounding headache assaulting him affect his Other half. He didn't succeed and Yami ran his presence through the young boys mind, dulling the ache slightly. 'Thanks.'

'Of course.'

"It's what she said, how she acted, how she looked at him. Like there was some big secret she knew and was dangling just out of reach. And he feels like he knows her too, he just can't remember anything. I'm certain she has some connection to Yami's forgotten past, I just don't know what it is."

Tea leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees and frowned in thought, "Maybe she's with Ishizu. I mean, Marik's got his gang of thugs running around, maybe she gathered some followers too."

"Dat could be it. Maybe she's hanging around ta help you out, keeping an eye out in case you run into something really deadly."

Yugi lifted his head, a rare frown on his lips, "More deadly than spinning discs of black magic that trap your mind in an parallel dimension filled with monsters?"

"Why are you two ganging up on me!" The loud exclamation from the blond male lighten the dark mood and made them all laugh a little as Joey glared outward in offence. The blond had won his match against the conniving Weevil Underwood, even though the little bug had tried to sabotage Joey's deck. Yugi felt a little better as the joyful sound faded from the room,

"I thought about that. But Ishizu is one of the Tomb Keepers. They supposed to serve the Pharaoh...you know...minus Marik. If the girl was working for Ishizu, I think she'd behave differently. More...respectfully."

"She mouthed off to him?"

"Well no...not exactly. I mean, she didn't flat out insult him, she just...I think she was sort of flirting with him, teasing him...you know. Kinda like how Mai acted in Duelist Kingdom. Plus she's always calling him 'King'...and I don't think its cause of title Pegasus gave me."

Tea frowned at that and Yugi tried to ignore it. He'd had a suspicion for a while that his childhood friend might have a crush on the more confident, assertive side of him, but he'd chosen to ignore it. And right now, Yugi's head was wrapped around the riddle of the red head.

Yami chose not to comment at Yugi's explanation, merely lingering nearby and pushing his headache to the side. So far, speaking everything out loud and brainstorming with his friends wasn't helping bring any answers up. But he felt better now that they knew, more support in this was always better.

"Do yah think she's a good Duelist? I mean, we're getting down ta the last 3 days of Battle City. Those that made it dis far are getting ta be the best of the best. She might get knocked out before we find her again." Joey looked upset by that thought, if for no other reason than the girls absence from the city would affect his friends peace of mind. But it needed to be said, getting hope built up to only have it torn down was really painful. He knew from personal experience.

Yugi shook his head, smiling brightly in his normal fashion, "I have a strong feeling she won't get knocked out that easily." Yami grumbled wordlessly in the back of his mind and the young boy stifled a giggle in his arm at the surly Spirit. He'd be hearing about this for weeks, he just knew it.

Tristan sighed a bit, "Well...I'm bringing Serenity to the city tomorrow, so I can't help find this vanishing chick. I mean, I look around once we get there, but I promised her I'd show her Joey's battles when her bandages came off."

The blond in question smiled fondly, nodding to his dark haired friend, "I really appreciate dat Tristan. Thanks for looking out for her."

"My pleasure."

Tea looked around, "Well, I'm not doing anything, so I can look for her. Maybe she'll be more willing to talk to another girl, open up a bit more."

Yugi smiled at the brunette, "That's would be great Tea. And Joey, you'll keep an eye out for her?"

"You got it, Yuug."

With the day done, Yugi prepared for bed. Joey opted to spend the night and the young boy brought down spare blankets and a pillow so the blond could crash on the couch. It wasn't uncommon for his friends to randomly sleep over, he had at least one change of clothes in the house for all of them. And Yugi suspected Joey stayed over sometimes to get away from his own house. Tristan never said anything, but Yugi got the feeling Joey's home wasn't a very friendly place to be.

Breakfast the next day was a rapid affair. Both Duelist ate fast and headed out, splitting apart and beginning their search. Several fruitless hours later, Yugi stood by the river, disappointment and frustration churning in his gut.

"Feels like we've looked all over the damn city. Where the hell could she be?"

'Don't curse Yugi, it undignified.' Yami appeared in Spirit form beside the young boy, looking out at the blue water.

The short boy slumped his shoulders and sighed, "Sorry...I'm just...I really want to find this girl...find out what she knows about you."

'You want to help me and I can't express how honored I am by that. But exhausting yourself helps no one. Besides...I don't think the girl will be found until she wants to be found.'

"Yah, you might be righ...Whoa!" Yugi yelped in shock, jumping backwards when a bald pale man suddenly leapt over the artificial bank and landed on the ground in front of him. With the glowing 'Eye of Wdjat' on his forehead,

"Ooohhh boy...here we go again..." he muttered before switching places with Yami.

The duel with the 'Quiet One' began hard and got no easier with time. With Marik's dark voice echoing from the puppets lips, the taunting knowledge that the Rare Hunter carried the power of an 'Egyptian God Card' in his deck and the careful strategy the mind slave employed, Yami felt fatigue and dread drag at his system like an anchor. He managed to keep his opponent from having three monsters on the field for a time, which is what Marik needed to summon the Divine God Beast, but the cost of resources he burned through was adding up.

When the 'Nightmare Steelcage' was activated, freezing his monsters abilities to destroy the slime tokens being created, his stomach dropped and he stopped breathing. The summoning of 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' shook the very heavens and ripped open veins of dark magic all around him that threatened to smother him. Horror gripped the Pharaoh's heart as the coiling, serpent dove to the earth, its voice screaming thunder that left him deaf and blind, vision only able to see the massive God made flesh, come to devour his very soul.

Yugi had whimpered in terror at the sight but stood strong beside him. With his support, Yami faced 'Slifer the Sky Dragon', despite the overwhelming power slicing through the air. The aura of the Beast was beyond massive, stretching out beyond the city. He felt like a tank was sitting on his chest, crushing every bone in his body and squeezing the life from him, drop by drop. No instinctive use of Shadow magic on his part had ever compared to this, he was an infant facing a tidal wave, about to be swept away.

Now he'd just discovered the God's special ability to lower his summoned monsters ATK points with its second mouth. The 'Quiet One' had a five card combo out, one that Yami didn't know how to break through. The cackling from the slave of Marik chilled his blood,

"Do you see Pharaoh! Do you see how pitiful you're power is to mine! Before the might of my Egyptian God...YOU ARE NOTHING!"

Distress swept him, suffocated him, dragging him to the depths of anguish. He couldn't defeat this force...this embodiment of omnipotence. His legs trembled and Yami dropped to one knee, his left arm sagging to the side. Yugi yelled to him, panic shrieking through his voice, unheard by the Pharaoh.

'We can't give up! We can't! Everyone's counting on us! Yami! Yami!' He appeared in Spirit form next to his Other, who was looking up at the God with shaking eyes, paralyzed and stunned, on the verge of surrender. Yugi tried to yank him back to his feet, but his hands pasted straight through, 'YAMI! GET UP! PLEASE GET UP!'

"HAHAHAHAHA! It's useless Pharaoh! Give up now! Place your hand over your deck! Surrender to me and I will spare the boys life!"

The offer reached his ears and lingered like a lifeline. Despair overwhelmed him, suffocating him, drawing him further into himself. Yugi...his friend...his brother...the one who stood by him...supported him...loved him...he had to protect that innocent soul...even at the cost of his own. His arm trembled as he raised his Duel Disc, finger shaking as he moved them slowly towards his deck. It was for the best...Goodbye Yugi.

"Now there's a sight I thought I would never see."

The new voice, familiar to him, penetrated the choking haze. Slowly he turned his head towards the sound, hearing his opponent grunt in confusion even as his fingers crept towards his deck.

"Its you..."

She stood on the edge of the bank, malachite orbs staring down at him. Her attire hadn't changed and the howling wind snapped the white scarf back and forth behind her like an angry, lashing tail. Her Duel Disc was held downwards and her right hand was on her hip. Her feet were planted and her shoulders were pulled proudly back. She looked...powerful...undaunted...and her presence drove Yami further down.

This is why I met her...why she's here...it was meant to prepare me for this...I see that now... His black thoughts spiral ever deeper and he almost touched his deck before her voice made him pause.

"Tell me something. Are you not a King?"

His burgundy eyes locked with hers like a laser. Despite the mammoth Dragon above, her gaze never faltered, pulling at him. Yami's voice failed...he couldn't answer. Her jeweled circles exploded with the flames he'd briefly seen before, a raging inferno threating to consume all in its path.

"ANSWER ME! Are you not a King?!" Her bellow made his frozen body twitch, his fingers moving away from his deck and he stuttered a response, the weakness in his tone bringing a feeling of shame to him,

"I-I am..."

She snarled back in rage, "I can't hear you!"

Yami felt his heart thump once against his chest, the same sensation he felt when he'd first seen her. He firmed his voice slightly, raising his head higher, feeling a section of solid ground beginning to feebly form under his feet.

"I Am."

She glared down at him, fire burning so brightly from her eyes Yami swore he could feel the heat scorching his skin, warming the bone-chilling cold that had gripped him, "A King only kneels to those he finds worthy. Tell me..."

She flung out her right arm and pointed to the smirking opponent opposite of him, making him look at the slave Marik worked through,

"Do you consider that creature worthy? Do you intend to give him your crown?"

Her words pierced his consciousness and he once again heard the voice of his partner, crying frantically, trying to reach him. 'NO! We will not bow! We will not relent! Yami! I'm here with you! We can win this together! Yami! Can you hear me! Yami! Yami!'

'Yu-Yugi...I hear you...I'm here...Partner...' Even in this moment, Yugi belived...belived they could still win, still triumph. Hope began to bloom in his chest and stated pushing away the darkness,

"Answer me!"

"Never..." Yami growled out,

"I can't hear you!"

"NEVER!" He roared to the girl, eyes snapping back to meet her gaze again as he jerked his hand away from his deck. A tiny smirk crept to her lips and she inclined her head to him,

"Then stand, King..." She paused afterwards before a snarl twisted her mouth and she stepped forward, voice climbing with power and purpose,

"STAND AND FIGHT!"

Yami was barely aware of the tightening of his muscles, but the next instant he was on his feet and facing Marik again. He turned his head towards the bank, fully expecting to find her gone again.

She wasn't...the girl stood strong and proud, looking down at him with a small smile now gracing her lips. Another figure appeared, the tall form of his rival, Seto Kaiba. Unlike the girl, the CEO stared spellbound at the Egyptian God before turning to look at him,

"Motu...You don't get to lose to anyone except me! Now! Show me what your really made of!"

With his rival challenging his skills and the girl watching him expectantly, Yami re-engaged in his duel, renewed and more determined than ever. He barely won, employing the use of 'Brain Control' and 'Buster Blader'. When the fleshy puppet Marik used drew his last card, 'Slifer the Sky Dragon' howled in agony and collapsed to the ground, evaporating with the rank smell of burning skin. The threat of harm to his friends that Marik left behind before banishing his slaves mind was foremost in the pairs head.

Yami panted as the adrenaline started to fade and his muscles quivered, making him want to take a knee again. He resisted the urge. Kings kneel only for the worthy...the girls words echoed in his mind. Glancing up at the bank, he was unsurprised to find her gone, though Kaiba and Mokuba were by the fallen Rare Hunter, fishing through his cards.

She'd appeared just when he'd given up, right as he was about to forfeit the match...and had pulled him back from the edge. That sealed the suspicion...she was trying to help him...he just wished he knew why and what she was working towards. The younger Kaiba presented him with the Egyptian God Card as the rules of Battle City decreed.

Kaiba had immediately challenged him, intending to take that hard won card. Yami had shoved his soul deep fatigue aside and demanded to see to his friends safety first. What occurred next pushed the pair beyond their limits. There was no time to rest between battling the partnered Rare Hunters, Lumis and Umbra. He was lucky enough to know Kaiba's strategies that the two had worked well together. When Kaiba had summoned 'Obelisk, the Tormentor', the duel had been over. The trench coat teen had shoved the locator cards into his hand right before his company had reported that Mokuba had been kidnapped.

Tea and Joey missing, Mokuba was kidnapped and the pair was being harassed at every turn. When Kaiba's brother had miraculously showed up, reporting that Tea had enabled his escape by compromising hers, Kaiba was along for the ride to repay a debt. Yami and Yugi didn't care either way, they needed to find their friends. The duel by the peer against a possessed Joey nearly broke them both. Yugi gave his all and true to his courageous heart, broke the control Marik had over him even as he was dragged into the frigid water.

It had been beyond exhausting. Kaiba had humphed and left afterwards, stating he would take Yugi's God Card in the finals. By the time Yugi dragged his body home, supported part way by Tristan and Duke, he'd been awake for over 24 hours, hadn't eaten in 16, competed in 3 different Duels that had nearly killed him, nearly lost a section of his Puzzle forever and almost drown in the ocean...The only reason Yugi was able to pull it all off was due to Yami's immense willpower, minor control over magic and their combine ability to switch control. But Holy Hell it ever cost them!

Yugi stumbled to his room with Tristan's help. The taller man watched as Yugi collapsed onto the bed, more unconscious than conscious. Given the hell his friend had just been through, Tristan was stunned the guy was still able to walk. Pulling off his boots and lifting Yugi's head to remove the Puzzle and set it aside, he repositioned Yugi on the bed and headed out, turning off the light as he went.

As Yami started to retreat to his Soul Room, barley able to move himself, a sudden curse from Yugi made him bust out laughing despite the pain the day had brought,

"Bloody Hell! We still don't know her damn name!"