I know, I know, all of you would kill me for this, but both my beta and I agree that this is better than my old version. Thanks for all the support and what not.

Please, just tell me which you prefer: this or the older version. That way I'll know…

Happy reading!

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Chapter one

Arrival

I hate my life and I can't possibly tell you how much. I miss my old self: the one who was always care-free, energetic, selfless and caring. That part of life has been thrown away, never to be retrieved…

I've always felt this emptiness inside of me and I know where it came from. This emptiness, however, has never been filled, not even by a small bit. This very emptiness was left by my mother on the day she saw the light and went to it, ready for a new life, one that will last for all eternity.

My father is still with me, but things just aren't the same anymore. He fell in love with someone and I know I can't make him leave her. It is his life and he can live it in any way he wishes, I just wish it wasn't the way he was doing it right now.

Her name is Cassandra. I liked the idea of having a new mother, but that was before she became what children fear most from fairytales: the ugly stepmother. I welcomed her with open arms, as well as my stepsister, but I now regret that very decision.

I always think about my mother and who wouldn't? She was an angel from Heaven and no one will tell you otherwise. During my birth, the doctors told her that either she or I would die, but she said nothing and pushed on. I came out and we both were fine. When she was later asked about it, she simply stated that her daughter or son would live even it meant she couldn't. I was told this at the age of six and I've never forgotten it. Sacrificing her life for that of someone else is truly amazing and must be rewarded with eternity in Heaven.

My mother left me with one gift: a necklace. It consisted of a blue butterfly pendant on a silver chain. On the back it had five words, beautifully engraved on the silver surface: spread your wings and fly. I have spread my wings, but it seems I have a problem with the flying part, actually, I have a few.

I don't mind having a stepmother, I mind that she's trying to take my mother's place. Her rules are just too much for me, so I keep to myself and obey like a good girl, though on the inside I'm burning to break free from her chains. I will leave the moment I can, but right now I'm bonded by law to stay until the age of eighteen.

"Zandria," my father's gentle voice interrupted my train of thought. "What are my rules?"

"Stay out of trouble, pay attention and don't do something that'll harm your reputation," I simply replied, still thinking and gazing out the window.

My father seemed satisfied with the answer and continued to drive, the air being filled with light conversation between my parents and sister. I'm the odd one out and the silent one, but once word gets out…

My father turned a corner and my new torture chamber came into view, my hazel eyes catching the building. It seemed friendly enough, but school had always been torture for me, regardless of how friendly and helpful anyone was.

My father parked the car and I got out, slinging my blue bag over my shoulder. I sighed, dared myself to take a look and walked through the gates, keeping my head down. I knew what would happen and Fate answered me with its usual mocking: turning your fear into a harsher reality.

I could sense people pointing and laughing, deliberating over whether or not I should change my hair colour. I loved my flowing maroon hair, even if it clashed so badly with the pink and light-blue school uniform. I simply ignored everyone and made my way to the office, ready to make a horrible first impression. To put it bluntly: I refuse to be in the same school as my stepsister and the sooner I get expelled, the better.

Unfortunately, my father thought the same thing and told me that if I didn't behave, he would disown me. With me, being me, I simply sighed and nodded, showing that I agreed and would behave myself.

I looked up just to open the door and step inside, my parents following me as my stepsister went off to find her friends. Cassandra led the way to the office and I followed quietly, being as obedient and quite as I can before I loose control.

Approaching a brown door, my father knocked and a bald man invited us in. I mentally sighed and walked in, not wanting to look at the person in charge of my newest hell. We spent about five minutes there before I was excused. I was so grateful to get out, I didn't even say anything and bolted out the door while my parents stayed to discuss a few things.

The secretary in front requested my name and gave me my schedule, one I was to follow to the letter. I received my books and walked to my homeroom, the heavy weight of education on my back.

Walking down the halls, I made mental notes on everything: location of important rooms, possible escape routes and to inform the board that the school needed a paintjob. White walls and tiles are so boring, especially with blue lockers lining the walls. I took out my schedule and searched for my locker number. Finding it, I began to search for my locker, which, conveniently enough, wasn't even five paces from homeroom.

I punched in my combination, took a look at my schedule and placed unnecessary books into my locker and slammed it shut, locking it. I threw my bag over my shoulder and headed for homeroom, only to make contact with the hard floor.

"Man, that hurt," I quietly whispered to myself as I rubbed my sore bum.

I looked up to see the cause of my fall, only to look into the eyes of a ten-year-old. He had spiky hair, red with black tips, yellow lightning bolt bangs framed his innocent face and eyes the colour of my favourite gemstone: Amethyst.

"I'm so sorry!" he apologized in a child-like voice. "I always bump into people."

He extended a hand and helped me up. He sure has a lot of strength for his age.

"I'm Yugi, nice to meet you,"

I froze and almost mentally slapped myself. Of course! He who doesn't know Yugi was born in a barn! He's the top duellist in the world!

"Zandria," I returned the favour once I shook off my daze. "It's an honour to meet you."

"You new?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Yeah, it's my first day here,"

"Well, welcome to Domino High,"

"What? The Demonic Overly Managed Institute for Numbskull Ogres?"

He blinked before bursting into laughter.

"That's one way to put it!" he said, trying to control his laughter.

Don't you just love this kid? I froze again, a shiver running down my spine. Why do I feel like I'm being watched? There were no cameras, nor any hiding places for potential stalkers, so why am I feeling like this?

"Hey, Yug'!"

I looked past my newly-found friend and saw a blond running this way. Though taller than most young men my age, he seemed gentler. He did, however, nearly trip over his own feet when he stopped as he caught sight of me. Yugi spun around and sparked up a conversation.

"Oh, hey, Joey. How's it going?"

"Much better now that I've seen one of Heaven's angels," he responded, looking at me and I blushed.

"I'm no angel," I answered, placing one of my many bangs behind my ear. "I'm a person sent by Satan to lure and kill innocent boys."

He froze before my answer hit him and he laughed, so did Yugi.

"I'm Joey, nice to meet ya!" he introduced and grabbed my hand to shake it.

"Zandria," I followed.

"She's a new girl," Yugi added and Joey looked at me.

"You're new?"

I nodded and he continued.

"What's your homeroom number?"

"Five,"

Before I could even register what was about to happen, Joey grabbed my arm and dragged me into a random direction.

"Same as ours! You'll love it here at Domino High, I can guarantee it!"
Oh boy, aren't we off to a cheerful start?

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Thanks for reading and please leave a review! I truly apologize to my old readers for rewriting…again…but I hope you liked this better than the older version. Just let me know which you prefer…

Merry Christmas and may God bless you!