I had hoped to publish this yesterday. Unfortunately, I had some issues with my lap top and it crashed all my files. I thought I had lost all my work! Luckily, we got everything back again..

Warnings: Some swearing and a bit of violence.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh.


Broken Dreams

Chapter 2. Not the Best First Day!

Approximately sixteen years later...

It was their first day at at high school. Yugi Mutou was excited, but could not help the feeling of trepidation that was coiling in the pit of his stomach.

He was almost sixteen but being fairly small for his age, looked closer to twelve. His size hadn't really bothered him at grade school because he had not been that much smaller than most of his peers, and the younger pupils were mostly smaller than him anyway. It had only really become noticeable over the last year when nearly all the kids his age, including his brother, had started to shoot up and he hadn't.

Standing in front of his bedroom mirror, the feeling of trepidation grew when he saw his reflection.

While Atem's uniform looked good on him, Yugi's uniform, of navy blue blazer and matching trousers, looked a little baggy. Even when he hitched the trousers up and kept them in place with a belt, they were still too long and bunched around his ankles.

Apparently, the uniform he was now wearing, was the smallest size they had in stock. He looked like he was wearing a navy blue sack!

When they purchased the uniform, Grandpa had told him not to fret about it, saying he would grow soon enough. But while his brother had recently had a major growth spurt, growing several inches in a matter of months, Yugi was still waiting for his. It just didn't seem fair! He just hoped the other kids wouldn't start teasing him again this year.

Since Atem's growth spurt he had been a bit of a chic magnet! Yugi had lost count of the number of girls that had tried to attract his brother's attention in recent months. Yugi couldn't help being slightly envious, especially when his own girlfriend Anzu (well she wasn't exactly his girlfriend, yet!) kept flirting with Atem. Yugi hoped that when he finally had his growth spurt, he too would become a chic magnet. Maybe then, Anzu would finally see him as more than just a friend.

"Are you ready to go Yugi?" Atem walked up beside him in his perfectly fitting uniform and shot Yugi a lopsided grin via his reflection in the mirror.

"Yeah," Yugi nodded. "It's a shame Grandpa had to go on that urgent trip to Egypt. I know he wanted to be here to see us go off to high school for the first time," he said sadly.

"Well, it couldn't be helped. It's not every day that the new ambassador of the Supreme Council of Egyptian Antiquities asks you to meet with them in person," Atem replied, proud of himself for getting his tongue around her long job title.

Yugi grinned at Atem. "It's really cool, don't you think? I wonder what he..or maybe its a she, wants Grandpa for.. Perhaps they made a major discovery that they want Grandpa to help with. Egypt really excites me. I think I want to be an archaeologist when I graduate." Yugi's voice was full of excitement.

Atem snorted. "The dead don't interest me. Our dad would still be here if he hadn't been trying to dig up the dead," he said a little bitterly, but smiled anyway and patted his brother on the back. He would support Yugi's interest in following in Grandpa and their father's footsteps, even though archaeology left him cold.

"But... Yami! You know what Grandpa said. It was a freak accident that caused Dad's plane to crash. You can't blame the dead."

The two boys trotted downstairs to put their shoes on. They both went quiet when their mother appeared. They realised that she must have heard them due to the sad smile on her face.

"Have a good first day you two." She handed them their bento lunch boxes and gave each of them a kiss. "Look at you both, I am so proud of you. I know your father would have been proud too." Deep down, she hated that they had lied to the boys about their father and how he had died. But Sugoroku had discussed it with the tomb keepers and it had been decided that it was for the best. Hana had not had any say in the matter, but went along with it because she wanted to protect her precious boys.

She was not bitter about what had happened and still cherished her memories of Pharaoh Atem from that one night they had shared. His gift to her had been her sons and they looked so much like him. Particularly Atem, or Yami as his friends called him. Even his voice was almost identical now that it had broken.

"Sorry Mum, we didn't mean to mention..." Yugi hesitated.

"It's okay sweetheart," Hana hugged her son. She released him but kept her hands on his shoulders and smoothed out his crumpled, oversize jacket. He looked too young and innocent to be going off to high school. She just hoped that he would be okay.

::::::::::::

Surogoku entered Ishizu's office, wondering why she had asked him to come all the way to Egypt. What could be so important? "Congratulations on your new role Ishizu." He greeted her with a polite hug.

"Thank you Sugoroku. I trust you had a good journey. Would you like some coffee?" She smiled when he replied that he did.

Sitting down with their coffee, Ishizu began. "I am sure you are wondering why I called you here in person? Firstly, I wanted to inform you that Mahado and I are to be wed."

"Congratulations, it's about time!" He chuckled. She remained serious and continued.

"The tomb keepers clan have also suggested that we keep a closer eye on the two princes now that they are starting high school. My Tauk has been active recently and has shown me that the future is in peril. Mahado and I are hoping to move to Japan in the near future so that we might be on hand should anything arise. I am also hoping to bring an exhibition of Egyptian artefacts to Domino Museum. Unfortunately, these things take time to arrange, so it is not likely to be until next year. We also have to apply for our work permits and visas which can also take time."

Surogoku nodded. "And what do I say to Yami and Yugi? I was hoping to hold off telling them of their true identity for a little longer. They are typical teenage boys and are looking forward to the future, like any other kids their age. Do you know when this trouble will arise?"

"Unfortunately not. I should hold off telling them anything for the time being, or at least until we know more. I am not sure what destiny has in store for them, or what role they are to play in all of this just yet. But when the time comes for evil to rise, you are to give Yugi the Puzzle. My Tauk has shown me that he is the one chosen to complete it. Beyond that, details are a little sketchy."

::::::::::::

Yugi had no idea of the conversation taking place in Egypt as he strolled into the playground with his brother at his side. His only concern was that he suddenly felt incredibly tiny. Some of the seniors were already eighteen and looked so large! Being naturally shy and quiet wasn't going to help him much either. Both his brother and Anzu had warned him that bullying was a bit of a problem in high school. Especially for kids that were shy and timid, making them easy targets for bullies.

Atem said that he would do his best to keep an eye out for him, but couldn't always guarantee to be around. So unless he learned to stand up for himself he would have problems.

A large gorilla of guy suddenly approached them. At only just over five feet tall, Yugi felt like a midget. Even Atem at almost five foot six was dwarfed by him.

"Mutou! What you doin bringing this little squirt to school with you? Shouldn't he still be in grade school?!" Atem knew this thug from the football club. He had little talent or skill, but terrified the opposition with his crunching tackles and bad attitude. He was only kept on the team because his father was a police officer and one of the coaches. Atem was always glad not to be playing against him!

The comment made Yugi shrink back slightly. The gorilla noticed and leaned towards him until he was right in front of Yugi's face and sneered. "Boo!"

The gorilla's breath smelled strongly of cigarettes. Yugi tried his best not to react, but could not stop the involuntary flinch. Sensing his fear the gorilla burst out laughing. "Man, this year is gonna be fun. I got me a little runt to torment."

Feeling nervous, Yugi stepped back slightly.

"USHIO!" Atem was now in between Yugi and the gorilla. "Leave my brother Yugi alone, or you will have ME to answer to." Despite pulling himself up to his full height he was still several inches shorter and carried a much leaner build than Ushio who was also a year older. He appeared to be no match for the much larger boy.

Anticipating a fight, an eager crowd was now starting to gather round. "Wow," Yugi heard someone murmur. "It's only the first day and Mutou has already challenged Ushio to a fight!"

Oh shit! Yugi thought. It's only my first day and I am already causing trouble for Yami! That guy will kill him. Yugi wished he had the courage to help his brother, but he was frozen with fear. He wanted to cry, but knew that if he did, the other kids would subject him to endless ridicule. So he just stood there and did nothing. He hated himself for it.

The gorilla, who Yugi now knew was called Ushio, suddenly swung a fist towards Atem's head. Atem had very fast reactions and saw it coming, so he was easily able to duck out of the way. "Missed!" He taunted. "You're too fat and slow Ushio."

What on earth is he doing taunting that bully like that? Yugi felt terrified for his brother.

Ushio growled angrily. "Fuck you Mutou!" He swung again and this time Atem grabbed his arm with both hands and using his bodyweight and momentum twisted it down and round in a full circle. Not wishing his arm to be broken, Ushio tried to follow the motion with his body. The result was that he lost his balance and ended up laying on the ground. He tried to lash out with his feet but Atem jumped out of the way.

Happy to see a well known bully being belittled, the crowd started laughing. Many of the students had been forced to hand over money and valuables to the oversized bully. Most were terrified of him and hated him.

Knowing that he wouldn't be identified, someone took the opportunity to pluck up the courage to shout. "Ushio you big ugly fairy." To which, loud laughter erupted.

Red faced and now fuming, Ushio launched himself off the ground and barrelled straight into Atem, knocking him to the ground and punching him in the stomach. He aimed another fist at Atem's head, but Atem managed to bring his arms up to parry the blow, but he was now in a very vulnerable position and things were not looking good. Ushio grabbed his collar and slammed him against the ground, winding him.

Seeing the terrible situation his brother was now in because of him! Yugi, at last managed to overcome his terror. He ran straight at Ushio throwing himself onto Ushio's back and gripping him in the tightest head lock that he could in an effort to pull him off his brother. The momentum Yugi had gained caused the pair roll away from Atem and Ushio ended up on his back with Yugi's body squashed underneath him. Yugi tried to maintain his headlock on Ushio but the thug managed to bring an elbow back and into Yugi's ribs, winding him and causing him to release his grip. Ushio grabbed Yugi's collar and stood up, pulling Yugi with him.

Atem meanwhile was staggering dizzily to his feet, clutching his stomach and coughing slightly. He saw Ushio grab Yugi by the collar with one hand and pull his other arm back ready to unleash a heavy punch with the other.

Because he was a bit dazed he wasn't able to get there in time. "No! Yugi!" He cried, knowing the punch would most likely break his brothers cheek or jaw.

Just at that moment, another boy emerged from the crowd. He was a tall boy with shaggy blonde hair. He grabbed the wrist on Ushio's raised arm and pulled him round. "Pickin on smaller kids are we? Ya fuckin coward!" He slammed his fist into Ushio's solar plexus with much force, causing the larger boys eyes to bulge in pain as he let out a loud groan and slumped to his knees coughing. A knee to the jaw sent him sprawling.

"Well well, wha d ya know! My first day at this school and I meet new dudes, who are just lookin for a beating. Katsuya Jonouchi's the name. You would do well to remember it." He stood over Ushio just in case he had any ideas about retaliating.

A loud cheer went up from the crowd.

Anzu had seen the crowd forming and decided to see what the fight was about. She hadn't expected to find her two favourite boys in the thick of it. "Yugi! Yami!" She came running over. "Are you hurt? Let me see?" She threw her arms protectively around Yugi.

While the fight had been going on, the teaching staff were all attending a final staff briefing in preparation for the new school year. They certainly did not expect a brawl to take place on the first day.

As soon as news reached the staff room, three of the male teachers and one of the female staff ran outside to intervene. When they got there, they found the senior hall monitor Ushio laying on the ground, with one of the new year ten students standing over him. They recognised the new student as the trouble maker who had been expelled from Rintama. The Mutou twins were there too, looking slightly roughed up. One was standing there with blood running from his nose. The other, who looked like he should still be in grade school had his face buried in the cleavage of one of the new female students.

This sort of behaviour was considered unacceptable and the school's good reputation was being put at stake. Boys fighting and a girl holding a boy's face against her chest in what appeared to be a promiscuous way, were against school rules!

All five students were summoned to the head masters office to explain their actions.

Despite being in trouble, Yugi couldn't help but grin as he walked towards the head masters office.

He had been friends with Anzu since they were six and been crushing on her on and off for the last three years. Of course they had hugged politely, as friends often do when greeting or saying goodbye, but she had never held him like that before! Had she even realised where his face had ended up? Probably not because last time they hugged they were the same height!

Ushio was being dealt with first, so they were told to clean themselves up a bit and then wait outside for the headmaster to call them in. Atem had suffered a nosebleed so he popped into the boys wash room to clean the blood off his face.

"Mutou Yugi!" The teacher snapped him out of his thoughts about Anzu. "Take that stupid grin off your face? This is no laughing matter!"

Yugi was not used to being shouted at and jumped slightly. "S..sorry S..sensei," he stuttered, bowing his head and shrinking into the plastic chair.

Atem joined them, his face was now clean but his shirt was stained with blood. "Mum's going to kill me when I get home." He slumped into the remaining chair next to Yugi.

From her seat on Yugi's other side, Anzu fretted. "I hope they don't write to our parents about this!" Her school record had been impeccable up until now and she really didn't want that to change.

The blonde haired boy sat in the chair opposite, picking at a bit of loose skin at the base of his fingernail. It wasn't exactly the best start to his first day at a new school either, but shit happened and he was used to it.

He looked up when someone spoke to him. It was the bigger of the two spiky haired kids. "You will make it sore if you keep doing that!"

"Huh! What?"

"Your finger nail. That's what my mum always tells me. I'm Atem by the way but my friends all call me Yami." He leant forward to offer a handshake. "Thanks for helping us out."

"No probs Ate.. Yami," he shrugged. "The little guy was about to take a bad hit and I couldn't stand by and do nothin." He accepted the handshake. "I'm Katsuya but everyone calls me Jonouchi."

Anzu looked over at him. "Hi Jonouchi, I'm Anzu. Thank you for helping Yugi."

At the mention of his name, Yugi's face reddened slightly with embarrassment. He really didn't like to appear needy and weak; especially not in front of Anzu. Girls didn't go out with weedy guys who couldn't defend themselves. "Y..yes, thank you Jonouchi, but I could have handled Ushio on my own," he smiled sheepishly.

Jonouchi grinned at him. "Really! Yeah, well it didn't look like it to me at the time. Guessing you don't want to look like a wimp in front of ya chick eh?" He blurted rather tactlessly.

Being referred to as 'Yugi's chick' annoyed Anzu; especially being called 'chick.' Who does this loud mouthed yob think he is? "I am not..." she began tersely, but was cut off when the head masters door opened and a teacher stepped out and barked at them to be silent.

A snarling Ushio was escorted from the headmasters office and lead away by the teacher. "Watch your backs," he mouthed at them as he walked past.

Completely unafraid, Jonouchi just grinned at him and stuck his foot out, almost tripping Ushio. "Oops sorry! Just needed to stretch out, I got cramp."

Ushio contemplated retaliating but since he had just been threatened with expulsion, managed to refrain from doing so. He would wait until they were outside the school premises and then get them.

Jonouchi had some guts baiting the schools most notorious bully like that. The three teens sitting opposite him had to place their hands over their mouths to stop themselves laughing out in disbelief.

The deputy headmistress was standing in the doorway watching them. "Mr. Takeuchi will see you all now. And you had better wipe those silly smiles from your faces. Fighting and promiscuous behaviour are unacceptable at Domino and will not be tolerated."

Promiscuous! How dare she suggest such a thing! It took all of Anzu's will power not to answer the teacher back.

Mr. Takeuchi was surprisingly nice. He allowed them to explain their side of the story and nodded his understanding. Ushio was already on thin ice at the school, and if it was not for the fact that his father was in the police force, he would have already been expelled by now.

After giving them a few words of advice about avoiding any further trouble, he let them go to their classrooms.

As good fortune would have it, Atem, Yugi and Anzu found that Jonouchi was assigned to the same class as them, along with another boy, who turned out to be good friends with Jonouchi, called Hiroto Honda. Yugi didn't particularly like him at first because he had bullied Yugi after Grandpa had thought it was a good idea for Yugi to go to the local youth club to help him make more friends. Honda had been at the club and had been pretty mean to him; deliberately walking across a floor puzzle Yugi was doing and making a point of stepping on Yugi's fingers in the process. Honda had also taken the money his grandfather had given him to buy some sweets. After that, Yugi had refused to go to the club again.

However, once they all got to know one another Honda apologized for the torment and actually paid him back the money he had taken from him.

They all became good friends, and at last, Yugi had some friends to play some of his games with.


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