I'm surprised by how many hits this story got! I know Spiritshipping pieces tend to get more hits but...

Thanks to every person who clicked on this story, and extra special thanks to all those who reviewed.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! DM GX in any shape or form nor is this in any way affiliated with TV Tokyo, Konami, et cetera. Insert more legal jargon here.


At first Juudai thought that he was dreaming himself calling his own name, but at some point he thought that perhaps he recognized the voice beckoning him. Then he realized that a part of himself had finally returned to him.

"Yubel?"

He was in a dark place, a plane the stretched out beyond comprehension in its vastness. The horizon glowed a dull gold and faded to pink in some. He was unsure of whether it was dawn or dusk, though he thought that it really did not matter. Turning his body, Juudai smiled faintly at the materializing form.

"Yes, my Juudai?" Yubel asked in a voice that was markedly feminine as she reached out a hand and stroked Juudai's cheek reverently. She smiled when Juudai touched her hand with his and brought them to his left breast.

"It's good to have you back," he said quietly.

"I never was gone. Rather, just resting a bit."

"It must have been a light sleep, then. I felt you protecting me even while you rested."

"I will protect you always," Yubel added calmly.

"Of course. We won't seperate again, even if I die and my soul is flung across the dimensions." And as he said this he felt their bond and promises congealing so that a spangle of faint blue light was also visible on the horizon. "Now tell me about what you've been up to."

"There is nothing worth relating to you. Rather, tell me of what troubles you these days. These...aeroplanes...are very uncomfortable places, aren't they?"

Juudai grinned, his face brightened by a simple mirth. "Hah, yeah. Definitely not for the claustrophobic. Though neither is New York."

"Ah, yes, the place where my Juudai will claim his crown in this lifetime."

"You bet! I'm not stopping until I'm the King of Games; I've even got Yuugi's blessing."

"That darkness has conferred blessings to fellow darkness is a very great sign. I have never doubted your greatness, but his confidence only makes me more assured of your imminent success."

"Mmhm! It's time for the king of the next generation to stand up!" Juudai said.

Yubel smiled too and even laughed. "And being able to witness your rise to power shall bring me such a profound pleasure." The blue band on the horizon exploded into a great number of colors as the sun rose on that plane. Her Juudai would obtain his crown, she thought, and for that she was truly blessed.


Juudai was the first one to wake up, but Johan was the first to actually get out of bed. The latter had been jolted awake by an alarm he could not remember setting. After giving it a second of thought, he figured that someone had come in during the night and set it for him, someone who knew of his difficulty with the time change.

Though Johan was excited to get out into the city, he was equally exhausted. The kind of exhaustion that hung over him—as though it were a thick miasma of jet lag— was the kind that pervades every muscle, so that he could of sworn that even his diaphragm was aching. But this did little to dispirit him, as he was smiling down at the perpetual migration of identical taxis with a certain childish light about his face. As such, Johan was leaning against the back of the mauve couch and peering out of his window when there was a knocking on his door.

Gathering himself, Johan pulled his gaze from the streets below and hurried over to the door. A glance into the peephole revealed Juudai to be the one knocking. Johan was quick to admit Juudai into the hotel room and usher him over to the couch as they exchanged a round "good morning". Johan sent down for coffee and then joined his friend on the couch.

"So, Yubel's back?" Johan asked.

"Yeah. Though she never was really away, you know."

Johan nodded. There was a silence for a few moments, and then Juudai sighed and cupped his head in his hands. "So what do you want to do today?"

"Well, we could go sightseeing. You know, to get a feel for the city and get an idea of where everything is. And I want to check out the Kaiba Corp building here—"

There was another knocking on the door which Johan knew to be the concierge bringing up their coffee. Quickly he went to the door and opened it, tipped the man who shut the door after him, and returned with the steaming drinks in hand. Juudai took his and nursed it in the manner that one nurses hot coffee—blowing into the sealed cup sometimes and just setting it to his lips without drinking other times.

They conversed over coffee and tried to decide on what to do next. Their next meeting was not until tomorrow so they had free reign until then. Both decided that they needed a better grip on the city and its workings, but they could not figure on how to proceed. So it was decided that they would just wander about until lunch time. Maybe they would take a ferry to Staten Island.

And so, after washing and dressing, they set out.

After taking the subway once they resolved to stick with taxis. For about twenty minutes Juudai compared the state of the New York subways to those of Domino and Tokyo, but he was cut off by their taxi jerking and wheeling and ultimately crashing into the back of another taxi. But before the two boys could gather their wits and ask what had happened, the cabbie had cursed the other cabbie and continued on his way to Central Park. And so they learned that accidents were not that big of a deal in such a harried city.

Lunch was had at a restaurant not too far into Central Park. Bordered mirrors hung in the interior of the building, while trees with leaves dyed colors appropriate for the season formed a cool, natural canopy over the patio which wrapped around halfway the main building. Johan was careful to keep his scarf wrapped tightly around his neck. Once when he was adjusting it, he saw over his shoulder a woman who he swore he recognized from an American television program, but she was gone before he could point her out to Juudai. When they finished eating they paid the bill with funds allotted by their sponsor and continued further into the park. They were passed by a great manner of people, from street performers to rollerbladers and families riding in open, horse-drawn carriages. Several times they were stopped by children (and a few teenagers) who asked for Juudai's autograph. Two of these children wandered into a relatively clear patch of grass and played a duel for them.

Finally they made it to a spot on a stone bridge stretching out across the green and murky lake on which they could sit down. Several mandarin ducks sulked beneath them until they, realizing that Juudai and Johan had no food to provide, paddled away quacking in a way that might have been indignant. Johan seemed to find this amusing, as amusemetn suffused his countenance until he was laughing.

Juudai, unable to find the humor in the situation, asked "What's up, Johan? The ducks crack a joke?"

"No, but they acted like children."

And perhaps there was a profound truth to be found in the leaving of the ducks. But Juudai did not really care to see it.

"Anyway, what time is it?"

Johan checked the display panel on his phone. "It's two ten. Oh hey, I've got a message."

"Really? From who?"

"Let me check." Johan stuck a finger into one ear and placed his phone against the other. While Juudai waited a group of bohemians walked passed, making music with copper tins and distributing leaflets. Juudai let the green leaflet handed to him float down and land in the lake, earning him a vague rebuking from his mind. He shrugged.

Johan began suddenly, "right. It's Tenjoin-kun. He is visiting his sister...and they both want to know if we would like to come to dinner at her apartment."

"Well, do we?"

"I think it would be nice to get a free dinner. And I haven't seen Tenjoin-kun or Asuka since your graduation."

"All right, we're going then," Juudai responded, not at all wondering why he was making a decision for Johan as well as himself. Johan returned the call and told Asuka's answering machine that yes, they would like to come over for dinner.

Johan and Juudai meandered a bit longer in the park, taking in entire stretches of path swathed in a ruby, ochre, orange, and yellow canopy. When they neared the exit from which they entered Johan was suddenly taken by a group of musicians performing a suspiciously unfamiliar song, prompting Juudai to think that they were making it up as they went. Nearby a man painted entirely with silver paint stood so still that Johan took him to be a statue until he winked at him and performed a flawless set of backflips. Delighted, Johan clapped his hands and tossed a five dollar bill into an upturned fedora sitting next to the man. Juudai smiled too, but ushered Johan along lest he spend all their pocket change on roadside amusements.


They arrived at the apartment building at quarter to six. The building's façade was red brick painted silver as revealed by the few patches of peeling paint. Johan suspected that the patches would be fixed soon, however, for as they walked into the parlor of the place he noted the maintained condition of the room. Cream colored marble veined with a profound black ran across the floor until it met with the lacquered panels that lined the walls. In the center of the room sat a mahogany table adorned with a glazed vase of lilacs and an enameled plaque reading Columbian Coast Apartments. They gave the family name of those they intended to visit to the doorman and he, yawning and muttering about his mortgage, directed them to the elevator a few meters away. Standing in silence, they listened to the clacking of the elevator cables as it ascended to the fourth floor.

When they stepped out they passed a harried looking woman who cradled a bemused child to her bosom. She stared after them until the doors closed.

Juudai knocked on Asuka's door. They did not have to wait long before they were enveloped by Fubuki's warm embrace. The older boy shouted greetings in Japanese as he pulled them into the apartment and led them to the living room, and Juudai just managed to kick off his shoes in accordance with the traditions impressed on him since well before he could tie his shoelaces.

Asuka closed the door after her brother and, shaking her head, joined them in the living room. The white carpet was soft between her toes.

"It's good to see you again, Asuka" Juudai managed from over Fubuki's shoulder. He grinned stupidly as Fubuki released him.

He failed, however, to perceive what Fubuki was going to next. The brunet, mustering his strength, slipped his hands under Johan's armpits, and lifted Johan off his feet. Fubuki held Johan, who squirmed despite his smile, suspended in the air.

"It's good to see you, the master of the Gem Beasts! Taking good care of our Juudai, I hope."

"I do my best, but Juudai is capable of taking care of himself, Tenjoin-kun."

Juudai looked at the scene, unable to decide if he was amused by Fubuki's act or terrified for Johan. Looking at Asuka and her reddening cheeks, he figured that Johan would be okay.

"Ah, so that is true. But you better beat his fangirls back lest they steal him away in the dead of the night!"

"Okay," Johan gasped, "I'll do my best."

"Please put him down, Fubuki" Asuka said between her hands.

"Of course," Fubuki caroled as he placed Johan on his own feet and patted his celadon head. "Good man, Johan."

"Eh heh, thanks, Tenjoin-kun."

Johan, unsure of his own gait, stumbled over to Juudai's side and smiled wanly at him while Asuka said, "If you two would sit down for a bit. Fubuki and I are almost done with dinner."

"Nah, we'll help you," Juudai offered. "Being dead weight isn't our thing."

Johan nodded his agreement as he stripped off his coat and laid it on one of Asuka's white couches.

Asuka was hesitant to consent to their help, but she gave in and asked them to set the table. Juudai was uncertain of what to do with the Western cutlery, but was helped by Johan who was at least proficient in these matters. Two minutes into setting up the table a silverware war broke out, the two of them stabbing at each other with forks while they set up spoons and knives.

Fubuki watched their fighting from the kitchen and laughed to himself. When Asuka passed him he muttered to her, "Isn't it amazing how Juudai answers for the two of them? Do you think there could be something more?

And Asuka looked hard at them—even squinted—but she could only see Johan goofing off with a Juudai who had reverted back to his old self in certain regards.

When dinner was finally served the atmosphere of the place grew somber. Johan bragged about his victory over Juudai and suggested that Fubuki and Asuka should join in their rematch, but soon he too was affected so that he glanced at everyone around the table before settling his gaze on the soup set before him, which had somehow managed to become interesting to him. It was Fubuki who kept the conversation going for he was Fubuki and that is what Fubuki does; he is the beating pulse of the party, even if it is clearly dead.

"Say, Tenjoin-kun, how is Fujiwara-kun?" Johan asked as salad was passed around. Fubuki looked to Johan and smiled slightly.

"Yuusuke is doing well these days, though he is not thrilled about having to finish three years of high school. Principal Sameshima cut him a deal, though, that if he could get through this year with perfect marks he would give him a diploma and overlook his disappearance."

"Eh, is he allowed to do that?" Johan asked, surprise apparent in his widened eyes that gleamed in the soft light pouring forth from the chandelier hanging above them.

"Well, yes and no. Duel Academia is a special institution and this is a very special case. He won't apply to a university, so there shouldn't be any problems."

"Ah, good. I wish the best for him and hope to see him in the Pro Leagues soon!"

"I will tell him that. And, speaking of Pro Leagues, how are the two of you doing?"

Johan looked to Juudai, who looked to him, and then the two of them looked to Fubuki.

"We're meeting our sponsors again tomorrow evening," Juudai answered.

"Ah, so you will be taking part in the International League next week?" Asuka interjected.

The two of them nodded. "Yeap. The main reason we're meeting our sponsors in New York," Juudai started. "They're actually a Japanese company in...um..."

"Hardware and software," Johan offered. "They build secondary duel disks—Kaiba Corporation the primary producer as they hold the patent—that one can plug into their computer via a USB port, and they publish programs to help beginning duelists."

"Yeah, that. I think that we're their spokesmen now, too."

"Or something like that," Johan finished.

"Duel Intuitions?" Asuka asked. "But why such a company? I'm sure that two of your could have done much better."

"Well, that's true, but they were really the only company that wanted to take us a pair," Johan offered. "And it's important that I exercise my darkness quickly."

Fubuki raised an eyebrow and Asuka sat quietly until she had mastered her confusion and asked, "Exercise your...darkness?"

"That he duels me as an equal duelist," Juudai added quickly. There was a silent exchanging of looks among them until Juudai continued with "So, Asuka, how's your teaching training going?"

"Very well, thank you. Right now I'm in New York to observe the tournaments and work with NADA—the North American Duel Association—to learn American duel standards and regulations."

"Good," Juudai said. Such was the manner of the rest of their conversation—Asuka staying on safe subjects and asking questions that only warranted monosyllabic answers—until Fubuki, noticing that Johan was nodding to sleep, stood up and stretched.

"There is dessert for you two, but no time to eat it. It's already eight thirty. Why don't you have Asuka pack it up and eat it when you get back to the hotel?"

"Mmm, that'd be fine. But it really isn't that late Fubu—" Juudai was interrupted by Fubuki's gesturing at Johan. Smiling to himself, Juudai said "all right. To the hotel it is," and tugged at Johan's sleeve.

Coming to himself, Johan perked his head up and watched as Fubuki moved to gather the dishes and silverware he had used. "No, I'll get them," he offered while stifling a yawn. "I'll wash the dishes, too."

"There's no need for that, Johan," Asuka said from across the table. "It's Fubuki's turn to do dish duty, so give him all your plates. And if you want, you can go ahead and throw in some extra ones for the fun of it."

"My own blood is so cruel to me!" Fubuki cried in feigned lamentation as he collected Juudai's dishes. "Shun me if you must, then. But get these two set to go."

"All right." Asuka wandered into the kitchen and began wrapping up a cheesecake. Fubuki deposited the collected dishes in the sink and joined Juudai and Johan as they floated into the living room.

"You know, I think I'll go with you guys back to the hotel. With me around no one will dare attack you."

"Really? Why would they want to attack us?" Johan inquired as he shuddered to keep himself awake. In doing so he brought a chill to his body, which caused him to shiver.

Juudai, seeing Johan's discomfort, brought the European his scarf and jacket from their place on the couch.

"Thank you, Juudai."

"Of course. Now, shall we get a move on?"

"Hold a moment, Juudai. Wait until my dear sister brings the cake—oh, and here she is!"

"Hold your breath," Asuka sighed as she handed a stripped bundle over to Fubuki. "Juudai, you tell me if this numbskull bothers you, all right? I mean it, Fubuki. No. Messing. Around. And you come back as soon as you get them to their hotel." She glared at her brother, her legs planted firmly to their spot and her shoulders tense.

"Fine, fine. On my word as the Fubu-king these two will be delivered safely. And I'll be back soon after that."

"Right...Johan, Juudai. Good luck in the tournament and stay safe. Juudai..."

Fubuki, detecting a precious moment, ushered Johan into the hallway and out of earshot.

Juudai collected his jacket and looked at Asuka, waiting for her to continue.

"I'm glad that you're...doing so well with yourself and...Johan. Really I am. Thanks for coming. And if you ever need anything please, please don't hesitate to ask me. You have my cell phone number, right?"

Juudai nodded and grinned.

"Thanks, Asuka. I'll be seeing you around."

"Yeah. See you ... around." She watched him go and forget to close the door behind him. As she shut the door herself she wondered about Juudai and Johan, but mostly about Juudai. He was cheerful again for sure—an echo of his old self—but he had still seemed so very aloof.

Maybe, she thought, it had been for best that she stayed on her own course.


When they arrived at their floor Fubuki hugged Johan and Juudai with one arm in a dramatic scene of squeezing and clamping. He released Juudai and handed him Asuka's cake, but held onto Johan a bit longer. Overcome again by some bizarre feeling neither Juudai or Johan could comprehend, Fubuki pulled Johan from his feet and held him in the air. Fubuki's sinews did not bulge beneath his coat as Johan had expected them too.

"You take care now, Johan, of yourself and our Juudai. It's a very, very important task. And you, Juudai, take care of our Johan. Do you see how slender his limbs are?"

Juudai scowled.

"Really, Tenjoin-kun, I appreciate the sentiment, but would you please put me down?" Johan asked meekly.

"Of course," and he put Johan down once more. He winked and said with a wave of his hand, "Be good you two. And mind your curfew."

He was gone when the paneled elevator doors closed behind him a few seconds later. Silence slunk as unnoticed into the as a cat into the hallway as they walked to their neighboring rooms. Juudai proposed that they watch a movie, but Johan declined, barely making it to his room before he collapsed on his bed and napped for a few hours.

Meanwhile, Juudai was absorbed in his mind, conversing with Yubel and sharing the day with her. Towards the end of their talk she brought up Asuka and asked Juudai if he had noticed anything amiss with her. Juudai shrugged and moved on, for she had appeared both content and beautiful to him, and such was his manner.