Disclaimer: I of course do not own the concept of Yu-Gi-Oh, or any characters. All rights belong to the creators. I merely borrow their ideas to fuel my own stories inspired by their brilliant world.
Summary: Yugi had one wish, and that was to have a single true friend. When gifted the Millennium Puzzle, she childishly dreamed it had the power to make her one wish come true. Little did she realize the stranger trapped inside may be the friend she was looking for. Unfortunately, nothing comes without a price. Fem!Yugi Gender Bender. Atem X Yugi. A slight retelling of the original with some unexpected twists.
Confide in Me, Beautiful Soul
Chapter Two
His skin prickled, tingling from the remaining adrenaline of her panic that was gradually subsiding, now that he was in control. He flexed his hands, marveling at the sensation of a physical body. He hadn't realized how badly he missed just…feeling. Warm, cold, pressure in general. Air in his lungs, the tickle of hair, the soft caress of fabric. Life. He gazed down at himself, pleased to see he had enough power to summon his true appearance into Yugi's body. It would be a bit awkward for him otherwise, things were definitely more comfortable this way. His gaze drifted over to the full-length mirror on her wall, and he watched himself move in brief fascination, amethyst eyes twinkling as joy soared through him.
He was finally free!
Well, sort of. This was still technically Yugi's body, and he was firm in reminding himself his takeover was temporary. If anything, her purple eyes staring back at him in the mirror served as a clear indicator that he was not actually himself, and would not ever be himself, again. He was an invader, forcefully taking control of her very existence.
He felt a stab of guilt, but quickly squashed it down.
He had put her to sleep, and she hadn't been too eager about it. He couldn't risk her knowing about him yet though, not until he understood more. He knew enough that his spirit was bound to the ancient puzzle, and without it in her possession he would be trapped inside, alone with the darkness. Maybe not even existing at all, should she choose to dismantle it entirely and toss it away. He couldn't allow that, Yugi needed him, and if he was being honest with himself, he needed her too. The idea of being alone in that cold awful place again didn't exactly leave him with warm fuzzy feelings. Neither did falling into that terrible state of nonexistence.
He closed his eyes, stepping into his soul room that now shared a hallway with hers. Her door was wide open, of course, as she had no idea how to close it after all. It suited him fine because it gave him free rein to all her thoughts and memories, though it meant she was easy prey to any other invader. He would just have to protect her if someone came knocking. He hadn't realized just how limited his connection to her was until he had finally stepped through his own door into her world. And what a world it was! Though he had no clear memories of his own origins, he knew that this new modern age was far beyond anything he expected. If he hadn't had access to her thoughts, navigating it would prove problematic. Thankfully, assimilating wasn't going to be too difficult for him now.
Carefully he stepped inside her soul room, keeping quiet as he peered around. The room reflected Yugi perfectly, echoing now what he knew to be an almost exact replica of her childhood bedroom. It was bright, with warm inviting blues. A few toys lay scattered about, hinting at the childlike innocence he knew she carried. There was a window, and it too was open, allowing a warm pleasant breeze to pass in, clearing away any stifling air. Calm. He felt the peacefulness of this place ease the tension away from his shoulders, the welcoming kindness reflected like a balm to his frazzled nerves. He found her laying in a bed, sleeping soundly, features undisturbed. His lips quirked. It seemed his presence here didn't bother her at all.
It had actually shocked him a bit, to see her for the first time. He had always had this image in his head of what he thought she looked like, and it certainly hadn't been the female chibi version of him, though that didn't make her any less cute. He knew she was small, her having groused about it countless times to his puzzle, but he hadn't realized just how small she was. How delicate and fragile. It was amazing that she could accomplish anything with those short legs.
He let out a sigh as he walked over to her bed, kneeling down to rest his arms along the edge of her mattress. Ruby eyes studied her (for here in their soul room he existed as his real self), taking in the swollen and bruised eye, cut lip, too pale skin, and dark circles. What an aggravating girl! Though he was touched that she had tried so hard to find the missing puzzle piece, he felt equally annoyed. She didn't have to be so obsessive about it, and now she was sick. Then of course she had ran into that guy. His eyes narrowed, and in the real world he opened them as he left the mental space they shared.
Speaking of which, he had a job to do.
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Yugi awoke with a start, bolting upright in bed. She hissed as a sudden throb caused a hand to fly to her head. Man, what an awful headache! She winced, cracking an eye open. She was in bed, still wearing her school uniform, hair still styled like a boy. A frown tugged on her brows, something nagging in her memory. The hand on her head moved down to her eye, feeling the smooth surface of skin. Hastily she got out of bed, noting nothing more than a general stiffness as she rushed over to her full length mirror.
A small gasp escaped her, and her fingers traced along her cheek in disbelief. Aside from a slight discoloration, her previously swollen and tender skin had all but healed overnight. She lifted her shirt, noting the same could be said for all her bruises. In fact, except for the pounding headache, she felt rather well. Even her previous illness seemed to be gone. Maybe Ushio had held back more than she thought? Maybe most of her aches had been caused by stress and lack of sleep? That had to be it. A good rest was all she had needed. 'But…wait. I don't remember falling asleep?'
Her gaze moved to her desk, but the completed puzzle wasn't there. Panic seized her for a moment, eyes scouring her room before she found it sprawled in the covers of her bed. An upside down pyramid, with the eye of Horus at its centre. She remembered working on it, the pieces finally falling into place for the first time in years. Her excitement at realizing she had almost completed it. Hesitating just before she placed the final piece in, making her wish. Then…
Pain seared across her mind, and a small grunt escaped her. 'Ouch!' She rubbed at her head ruefully. What had she been thinking about again? Her eyes caught the alarm clock on her bedside table. "Kya! I'm going to be late!" She rushed over to her backpack, zipping it up before slinging it onto her shoulder. She began to run out the door before something stopped her, a flash from the corner of her eye. Pausing, one hand on the doorframe, she turned back to her bed where the puzzle lay. "I…I should bring it." She decided, not entirely feeling like herself. 'I always bring it, of course. Why wouldn't I? Just because it's completed, doesn't mean it isn't nice to hold.' She walked over to it, hand slowly reaching for it, but for some reason she hesitated. She couldn't explain the strange conflicting emotions that swirled within her as she stared cautiously down at her most treasured item.
The puzzle suddenly glowed, and her eyes widened in surprise. She blinked, rubbing them, before staring at the item again. It looked like it always had, the light from her window illuminating half of its surface. 'Maybe that was from the sun?' She shook her head, trying to clear her strangely muddled thoughts. Feeling silly she grabbed the puzzle, her earlier hesitation forgotten completely as she turned to leave for school.
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She felt trepidation creep into her as she walked through the school gates. She was sure Ushio would be waiting, probably near some tree close to the entrance, to collect his money. Though she had the money (thankfully, as she had completely forgotten about making sure it was in her backpack before she left – in fact she didn't even remember putting it back in there) she still felt anxious that somehow, paying wouldn't be the end of it. Ushio's angry sneer flashed in her mind, and she gripped the straps of her backpack tighter.
"Hey, Yugi! Over here!"
Jonouchi's voice nearly caused her to trip over her own feet in fright. Placing a calming hand over her racing heart, she turned to greet the still battered looking teen. Despite the extensive bruising on his face, he was grinning. Concern flashed through her eyes as she took in his injuries. Clearly, Ushio hadn't held back when it came to him, and she wondered if Honda was in a similar state. "Jonouchi, hi!" She sent him a small smile in greeting as he stopped before her.
"Did you hear already?" He asked, excited.
She frowned. "Hear what?"
"Ushio! He's gone off da deep end!" Then he studied her, as if just noticing something. "You're looking better. Much better, actually?"
He said it like a question. She shrugged, "Yeah, feel better too. Guess I just needed to sleep it off."
He was about to say more when a few students suddenly rushed past her, bumping into her shoulder in their haste. Nervous whispers were shared between them as they hurried off. Some were pointing, tugging on their friends as they tried to usher them to the source of their curiosity. Jonouchi was now doing the same to her, an eager gleam entering his eyes as he remembered what he had originally come to talk to her about. "C'mon bud, come see." She allowed herself to be led along, but for some reason dread bubbled in her stomach. She felt reluctant to follow but couldn't explain why.
They rounded a corner, and Ushio came into focus, causing her to freeze.
He was beaten up, that much was obvious, but it wasn't what was so disturbing. His face was contorted, fear evident in his vacant eyes as they darted around, not able to see the actual world. His cracked lips were moving, mumbling incoherent words while a few tangible statements managed to slip out. "Melting…Melting!" He shrieked, rubbing at his arms. "All the money and it burns!"
A chill creeped up her spine, and yet she couldn't look away.
Ushio suddenly let out a loud laugh. "I am rich but I can't touch it!" Somehow, that concept seemed hilarious to him. Whatever world he was lost to clearly defied logical understanding. At least to anyone but him. It was almost like he was trapped inside his greatest hell.
Jonouchi patted her shoulder. "See, now yeah got nothin' ta worry 'bout der Yug." He didn't seem disturbed by Ushio's state at all. "Not sure what finally broke 'em, but eh we all knew it was comin."
She looked up at him in surprise. "Really?"
Jonouchi shrugged. "Guy was a terror to everyone. Anyone dat angry must have problems, right?"
It didn't seem to fit, but Jonouchi felt that was all the explanation needed. She gazed back at Ushio, watching as teachers started blocking off the area while health officials cautiously approached him. She didn't know why, but she felt extremely guilty. Something was bugging her about this whole thing, a niggling in her mind like a memory that wanted to surface but refused to budge loose. A sudden sharp pain reminded her that her headache was still very much present, and she rubbed her head in aggravation. The guilt vanished, as did her trail of thought as she winced. 'Ow…'
"Well, I guess we should go ta class before the bell rings." Jonouchi sighed, turning to leave. He glanced back at her, noticing her hand upon her head. Concern crossed his features. "You ok there Yug?"
She nodded, following, thoughts of Ushio and his unfortunate state of mind gone. "Yeah, fine."
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The remainder of the day passed by without much excitement. Honda was also amazed at her strange recovery, which started to make her feel uncomfortable. If both Jonouchi and Honda had noticed, then maybe it was a little weird how much she had healed up? She tried to think back on her injuries, but for some reason the details were blurry, and then she suddenly found she didn't care as much as she previously thought anyway. She felt fine, so obviously she was and that was that.
Instead she decided to ponder about the money in her backpack, wondering yet again just where the strange envelope had come from. She had mentioned it casually to Jonouchi and Honda, and both were impressed that she had managed to scrounge it up so quickly. She was disappointed, having thought that maybe they would be able to shed some light on it since Jonouchi had carried her home (which still made her embarrassed to think about). She was almost positive it hadn't been in her bag before she ran to their defense, but maybe she was wrong. She had been quite focused on other things lately, like finding her previously missing puzzle piece at the bottom of a lake. Maybe it really had been in her bag the entire time? Maybe it was her Grandpa who had put it there before he left?
Now that she thought about it that seemed the most logical conclusion. It was mere fluke that the amount happened to be the exact amount she needed. Her Grandpa often left her with emergency cash when he left for his trips. He could have placed it on her nightstand, and when Jonouchi threw her bag down in his haste to tend to her, maybe it had fallen in and that's when she found it?
In the end it didn't matter, she would confirm with her Grandpa when he got home in three days.
She yawned, stretching an arm above her head while her other hand covered her mouth as she rounded a corner into an alleyway, the usual route she took walking home. Despite her body being mostly healed, she still felt her energy was lagging, drastically so. Doubtless she needed to just catch up on sleep, having missed quite a bit of it lately. She had been scolded by a few teachers today for falling asleep by accident in class. It wasn't her usual practice, but she couldn't help it. She felt so drained, and oddly hungry too. She even ended up buying extra food after eating the lunch she brought, which Jonouchi teased her relentlessly over. Something about being too tiny to have such a big appetite.
She paused a moment in her footing, smiling at the memory. It was the first time she had company for lunch, as both Jonouchi and Honda had decided to sit with her. 'Maybe…maybe my wish really is coming true?'
A sudden shadow caused her to look up, and she backed away with a startled yelp at the figure who was now looming before her. She didn't get far however, as she collided into another person who she hadn't realized was behind her. Strong arms gripped her shoulders, and she froze, terrified as she glanced up to the stranger who now held her captive. She couldn't make out their face, they were wearing a strange purple-black cloak with a hood that obscured them from view. In fact, both her assailants were, and she tried hard not to hyperventilate as her new situation finally set in.
"Where is it?" The one in front of her hissed, his voice making it obvious he was male. She didn't have a chance to answer (not that she had any idea what he was talking about) before she found herself being lifted up by the straps of her backpack. The person behind her shook the bag, causing her to fall free from the straps and land on the sidewalk below. She quickly stood, grabbing at it. "Hey give that back!"
The one not holding her bag grabbed her arm, trying to pull her away. She struggled, grip tightening, when the pressure suddenly released as a familiar voice yelled in rage. "Let go of 'er yeah creeps!"
Jonouchi now stood where the man who had grabbed her was previously, an angry scowl on his face. She didn't have time to marvel in the relief she felt at his presence, for the stranger still holding her bag suddenly kicked her and she lost her grip as she fell backwards into Jonouchi. The two tumbled to the ground in a heap, and the stranger took off. Desperation filled her as she scrambled, tangled in Jonouchi, trying to get back up and give chase.
He was going to escape! Her most precious treasure was in that bag!
The thief suddenly fell to the ground, having tripped on a leg that shot out from behind some bushes near the entrance to the alley. Honda then appeared, and he quickly snatched the bag back from the hooded stranger's hands. "I believe this belongs to my friend."
The stranger got up, glancing at Honda, then at the bag he held. His companion also stood, not too far away. Jonouchi and Yugi were now up as well, and everyone remained still as they all assessed each other, stances tense.
Then the hooded figures ran away. It was so sudden, none of them had a chance to react before they were out of sight.
Honda walked over to her, dropping the bag into her hands. "You ok?"
She slung her backpack onto her shoulders, nodding mutely. She didn't trust herself to speak just yet, the fear from earlier causing her body to quake as adrenaline coursed through her. She had faced many intimidating encounters before, but nothing quite like that. It shook her to her core.
"Just who were dose guys anyway Yug?" Jonouchi huffed, Brooklyn accent in full force as he dusted off his shoulder. "What were dey after?"
She shrugged, equally confused. "I-I don't know." Her hands clutched the straps of her bag, seeking comfort that it was still there. "They just appeared out of nowhere, and asked me where 'it' was, though I don't know what 'it' even is!"
Honda and Jonouchi shared concerned glances, both able to tell just how terrified Yugi was about the whole ordeal. They couldn't blame Yugi, having two oddly dressed guys corner you alone would have any sane person rattled. If they hadn't arrived when they did…
"What are you both doing here, anyway?"
The boys looked a bit awkward. "We were worried 'bout yea, I guess. You were fallin asleep in class so often, I just wanted ta make sure you managed ta get home." Jonouchi supplied, and Honda nodded in agreement.
"T-Thank you." She didn't know what else to say to that. The kind act was so unexpected, and fortunate too. If they hadn't gone out of their way, she didn't want to know what would have happened. Something else needed to be addressed though, and she nibbled on her lower lip as nervousness coursed through her.
"How long have you known?" She suddenly asked, her question pointed at Jonouchi but her eyes refused to look at him.
He blinked, completely at a loss as to what she meant. "Huh?"
She rubbed the arm that the assailant had grabbed earlier, suddenly self-conscious. "Let go of her. You said that, when you saved me."
"Well ah, er I-eh? Did I?" Jonouchi fumbled his words, scratching his chin awkwardly as Honda looked at Yugi in shock. "You're a girl?" Then he turned to Jonouchi, "Wait, you knew about this and didn't tell me?!"
"I just recently found out alright!" Jonouchi shouted defensively, crossing his arms.
Honda's eye twitched. "But how?"
Yugi finally looked at him, also curious to the answer, though her gaze was hesitant as she eyed both boys warily. She wondered how many other people knew, and she worried if Jonouchi and Honda would tell anyone else, or if they thought she was weird now and would stop being her friend.
A slight blush heated Jonouchi's cheeks as he recalled the day he found out about Yugi, her body soaking wet from diving in the lake. "It isn't important." He huffed, refusing to answer either of them. "It doesn't matter anyway."
Honda circled an arm around Jonouchi's neck and pulled him down roughly, giving his head a noogie. "What, you think you can just say that and it be fine?! Not likely!"
The two began to bicker, punches being thrown despite hardly being healed from yesterday's fight with Ushio. Yugi watched them in bewilderment, before a small smile crept on her face. Her shoulders sagged as she replayed Jonouchi's words in her head 'It doesn't matter' and she felt herself finally relaxing. At least it seemed, for the time being, they would stay her friends.
"C'mon Yug, I'll walk yeah home alright?" Jonouchi was suddenly in front of her, sporting a new bump on his head. Honda was a bit further up the alley, having already started in the direction of Kame Game shop, which was right by her house. "We'll both walk you home." Honda added over his shoulder, hands in his pockets as he paused to wait for them to catch up.
She looked at the two of them, a strange emotion constricting her heart. Neither were going to question her further on their discovery of her gender. They honestly didn't seem to care one bit. This…this was what it felt like to have friends. True friends. Tears began to well up in her eyes, and Jonouchi fumbled away from her in alarm. "Wha? Yugi what's wrong!? Why are yea cryin?"
She laughed and wiped the tears away. "Because I'm happy."
Honda raised an eyebrow, catching Jonouchi's eye who shrugged, equally confused. Jonouchi then turned back to her. "Yug, you feelin alright? That makes no sense."
"It's just nice to have such good friends." She grinned widely at them.
The two boys blushed.
"Keh, whatever yeah idiot c'mon already."
"Jeez, how did I not notice you were a girl this whole time?"
She laughed and trailed after them, the grin never leaving her face.
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On the way home the three of them debated about reporting the incident to the police, but in the end decided against it. Partly because Yugi was too tired, and didn't have the energy to go through the interview process that was likely to happen. The other reason, which was the main one, was because they had no evidence and the whole thing sounded a bit ridiculous when explained out loud. 'Yes officer, two cloaked grown men with hoods jumped me in an alleyway so they could steal my backpack. Then they ran away when two already beaten up teenage boys confronted them. No, I can't give you any more of a description than that. No, I have no idea who they could possibly be, or why they wanted the bag of a random high schooler who looked like he belonged in elementary school. Oh yeah, and did I mention I'm actually a girl?'
She sighed, kicking her legs up and down as she laid on her belly in bed, eyes studying the completed puzzle in her hands. She had almost lost it today. Maybe carrying it around in her bag wasn't the smartest plan. She had no idea where else to put it though. She refused to dismantle it, not feeling confident enough that she could put it together again. It had taken her eight years after all, and she wanted to enjoy it. The thing was just so big though, it didn't fit easily into a pocket. Her eyes caught on a small metal loop at the top of the puzzle, and she fingered the smooth surface curiously. It was the perfect place to add a chain or something. Maybe it was supposed to be worn like a necklace?
'Actually, I think I have just the thing to use.' She thought gleefully, jumping from her bed before sprinting to one of the drawers at her desk. After digging around inside she pulled out a soft brown rope, and looped it through the puzzle before tying it around her neck. She walked over to her mirror, examining her work with a self-conscious frown. Did it look weird? It was quite a fashion statement to wear a large upside down pyramid as an accessory. Would people think she was a girl if she did it? Did she want people to even see it, having kept her treasure secret for so long?
She held it in one hand, looking down at it in concern. She moved it from side to side, trying to decide what to do. The pendant briefly glowed, or at least, she thought it had. She brought it closer to her face, examining it suspiciously without blinking. Nothing happened. 'Maybe…maybe I imagined it?' A random wave of fatigue washed over her, and she let the puzzle drop as she yawned loudly and went towards her bed. Who cared what they thought anyway. It wasn't like they didn't already pick on her, let them judge. She was going to wear the blasted thing and that was that. 'For now, I need a nap.' Falling sideways onto her bed she let out a contented sigh, knees moving up to her chest. Within seconds, she was fast asleep.
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He let out a breath once Yugi fell asleep. She was more resistant to his magic than he anticipated. It was actually baffling, having such a small slip of a girl resist him like that. Keeping his presence secret was going to be more difficult then he first realized. Especially since he had to keep sneaking energy away from her to help restore his own, while simultaneously using what he gained back to keep her mind in check. Luckily she hadn't realized her lack of spunk was abnormal in any way. He had hoped, with her recent traumas, she would brush it aside and he had been right.
Maybe healing her as much as he did was a little too risky. He hadn't been able to leave her in such a state though, and didn't regret his choice despite the risks it brought. Not only did it drain him, it triggered a lot of moments that he had to step in on. With her stubborn mind she had come close to recalling the truth a few times. He couldn't have her remembering anything, if her reaction from last night was evidence enough of how disastrous that would be.
He felt a nervous laugh escape him as he recalled her outrage. Yes, Yugi had not been pleased. The girl had managed to break through the forced sleep he placed her under while he was in the middle of dealing out punishment to that guy Ushio who dared harm her. She had a gentle nature, and did not approve of his methods. Because of her, he hadn't been able to completely banish Ushio to the Shadow Realm, where he rightfully belonged. Instead he had only managed to destroy his mind. He supposed that had been punishment enough, but still he felt dissatisfied. He had to use too much magic to subdue and erase Yugi's memories instead of doling out the justice he felt the teen deserved.
The incident had made her unconsciously wary of the puzzle though, her emotions not so easily forgotten. He had to use even more magic just to convince her to take the puzzle with her to school. He was happy it had worked, because upon seeing Ushio in person his seal on her mind almost broke completely. That would have been awful. He needed Yugi to keep him near, and those memories definitely would have caused her to toss him into the school lake herself. She just didn't understand that what he did was necessary.
He gazed at his hands, frustrated. His powers were weak. It was probably because he had been sealed away for so long. He was out of practice, clearly, if Yugi was able to best him. He needed more energy so he could properly protect her, in secret, for now. He was just thankful he had enough power left to sway her acceptance of wearing the Millennium Pendant. The appearance of those two cloaked strangers troubled him. He knew it didn't bode well. Danger was coming.
So he needed to be ready if it happened again. He couldn't do anything to help her from her backpack. She had to be in contact with the puzzle or he couldn't take control when things got bad. Today had been close…too close. He was thankful to her new friends.
For now though, he needed Yugi to rest and restore her strength. They both needed rest. With that in mind, he closed his eyes and fell into an uneasy sleep.
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Jonouchi was waiting for her when she opened her door. She blinked in surprise, wondering why he was there, leaning against her stair railing with all the casual indifference he could muster. Upon hearing the door open the blonde turned to look at her with a small grin, "Yo Yugi, what's up?"
She stepped down onto the first stair, eyebrow raised. "Isn't that my line?" He laughed awkwardly. "I just thought you could use some company on your walk to school for a change."
'Is he…worried about me?' She wondered in amazement. "Sure, I'd like that. I hope you didn't go out of your way though?"
"Eh, your place is on da way for me, it's no trouble." He quickly assured.
She smiled shyly, nodding. "Alright."
They walked in companionable silence, and Yugi peeked up at him, still not believing it was real. 'What a nice way to start my morning!' She thought, her hand drifting to the puzzle still dangling from her neck. 'Maybe this thing really does grant wishes?'
"Oh that's a good idea Yug, it suits you." Jonouchi suddenly spoke, pointing to the puzzle around her neck. She laughed nervously as a small blush crept upon her cheeks. "You think so? I wasn't too sure."
"Nah what are yeah saying? It looks great!" He smiled brightly, and she felt a swell of confidence. "Thanks Jonouchi!"
They chatted the rest of the way, joking and laughing the entire time. It was becoming increasingly obvious that Jonouchi and Yugi shared a lot of similar interests, like Duel Monsters.
"C'mon Yug! You gotta teach me!" He begged, giving her his best puppy dog eyes. She smirked, "Alright, fine! But you need to get a deck first, you are not using mine."
"Wha? But how am I suppose ta know what cards ta get?"
"You need to figure out what cards speak to you." She lectured, voice serious. "And make sure it isn't just monsters! A deck full of monsters is easy prey to magic and trap cards."
Jonouchi placed his hand on his chin, mulling this new information over. It was good Yugi had said that, because initially that had been exactly his plan. Discreetly he eyed her from the corner of his vision, noting the confidence that radiated from her whenever she spoke about the game. She was usually so shy, it was nice to see this side of her too. He was starting to realize that there was more to Yugi than he gave her credit for. She wasn't just some meek little person, bumbling along like a doormat for the world. He truly felt they would be great friends.
"Oh, we're here already?"
Jonouchi blinked, focusing back on the present as the school came into view. He hadn't realized how much time had passed, but apparently they had already arrived. It felt too soon. "Yea, I guess so."
Yugi turned to him, a bright smile on her face. "Well thanks for keeping me company Jonouchi!"
"Sure bud, anytime." He grinned back at her, feeling a warmth spread inside him. Being around her was just relaxing, he hadn't noticed it before but he often forgot his troubles whenever they talked. In fact, he found it super easy to just be himself for a change.
"Hey guys!" Honda waved at them from the entrance and began walking towards them, having just spotted them approaching. "Did you hear about the break in?"
Both Yugi and Jonouchi shared confused looks.
"No?" Yugi supplied, curiosity getting the better of her.
Honda looked worried. "Yeah, they said it happened just last night, here at the school. And get this," He leaned forward, causing the two of them to move in closer as he lowered his voice, "I overheard the principle say the cameras caught footage of the suspects, and they were wearing strange hooded cloaks!"
"You don't think…?" Yugi began, nervous dread filling her.
"Dunno, but it's a bit too coincidental if you ask me."
"Well whaddthey take?"
Honda glanced at Yugi, suddenly conflicted about spilling more. "I…I'm not sure." He said lamely.
"It's ok Honda, I can handle it. What did they take?" Really she couldn't, but she was positive her imagination would likely torment her with awful ideas all day if he didn't just spill it.
He hesitated a bit more, before sighing in defeat. "Well, I heard them say they broke into the records room, and that some student files are missing."
Yugi frowned. "Oh, well that's weird. What would they want with student records?"
Jonouchi and Honda shared a look. "Yeah, it's a mystery. I'm sure they'll catch them soon though and then maybe we'll find out." Honda supplied, but Yugi felt her nervousness grow. Clearly they were purposely avoiding saying their true thoughts on the matter. She didn't appreciate being the only one not able to see the motive behind the strange thieves' actions. She clutched her puzzle, feeling a gentle wave of comfort at the contact.
"Well we better get to class." Jonouchi piped up, grabbing Yugi's shoulders as he steered her in the direction of school. "Wouldn't want ta worry your gramps with a tardy call eh Yug?"
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Yugi peeked up and down the hall nervously. Empty. She shuffled sideways, closer to the door that she planned on slipping behind unnoticed. With one final look, she cracked open the door just a smidge, now cautiously peering inside. Empty. She held her breathe, listening. Silence. Hurriedly she went inside. The door closed behind her with a soft thump. She wouldn't have much time.
Before her was the women's washroom. If she got caught in here, it was game over.
Hastily, she picked the nearest stall, closing herself in. It was always such a nerve-wracking experience when she felt the need to use the washroom. Thankfully school was finished and most kids had gone home by now, she having stayed late since it was her turn to clean the classroom. She quickly did her business and flushed the toilet. So far no one had come inside. The loud flush drowned out her thoughts as she opened the door to her stall.
And walked straight into Anzu Mazaki.
They both crashed to the floor.
"Ow." Anzu moped, one eye closing in a wince. Her vibrant blue stare then focused in surprise on Yugi. "Kya!" Without warning Yugi felt her head violently moving to the side, a burning sensation spreading across her cheek. Anzu had…slapped her!?
"Yugi!" She shrieked. "Just what are you doing in the girl's bathroom!?" She had never pegged the quiet shy boy for a secret perv, but really, she should have guessed. Yugi's grandpa was known for his rather perverted tendencies after all. It was why she often avoided going to Kame Game Shop.
Yugi rubbed her sore cheek, backing away from Anzu in panic. "I-It's not what it looks like! I can explain!"
Anzu stood, face completely red in embarrassment and anger. Yugi had seen that famous indignant rage before, but usually it was directed at someone else for her benefit, not against her. Yugi found herself cowering as Anzu stormed over to her, arms crossed as she tapped an impatient foot. "Well? I'm waiting Muto! You better explain what you're doing here before I get the principle!"
"I-I'm a girl!" She cried, closing her eyes.
"Wha?"
Yugi peeked one eye open, glancing up to see Anzu's reaction. However, something distracted her before she reached Anzu's face. Head tilting, she pointed at a familiar shade of fabric that was poking out of Anzu's bag. "Is that…a Burger World hat?"
Anzu stiffened, then hastily shoved the fabric out of sight. "No!"
Yugi frowned. "Just what are you doing here so late after school anyway, Anzu?"
The girl fumbled before composing herself. "Is it a crime to study late and use the washroom?" Then she crossed her arms. "Anyway, don't go changing the topic Muto! What do you mean you're a girl?"
An embarrassed blush crossed Yugi's face, and she found she couldn't meet Anzu's accusing stare. "Exactly how it sounds. I'm actually a girl, Anzu."
"Why are you dressed like a boy then? And why do you let everyone think you're a guy?"
Yugi sighed, bringing her knees up to her chest. "It's complicated." She toyed with the puzzle around her neck, trying to ignore the black hole that had opened up where her heart resided. Memories, awful memories, threatened to choke her but she forcefully pushed them down. "Just believe me when I say, it's easier like this."
Anzu studied Yugi, eyes softening. She suddenly sat down beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Want to talk about it?"
Yugi turned away from her. "No."
Anzu nodded, accepting the answer, and the two lapsed into silence. Minutes passed, and Yugi finally had to ask her. "Are you going to tell anyone?"
"No, not if you don't want me to."
Yugi nodded, feeling relieved. "Thanks." She just hoped Anzu kept her word.
More silence passed between them.
"You know…" Anzu began suddenly, staring up at the ceiling. "I have a secret too."
Yugi stared at her in surprise. "You do?"
"Yep." She winked and reached into her bag. "But you gotta promise not to tell anyone either, ok?"
"Of course."
Anzu pulled out the Burger World hat, coupled now with the rest of the uniform, and handed it to Yugi. Yugi stared at it in confusion. "Your secret is you cosplay as a waitress?"
"No! I am a waitress!"
Realization lit Yugi's features. "Ah, that makes sense." A few things she had noticed about Anzu suddenly fell into place.
Anzu hadn't exactly been Yugi's friend, but she had always been friendly to Yugi. They had actually met years ago in elementary school, but Yugi had ended up transferring out shortly after due to the immense bullying she had received there. She had been surprised to find that Anzu was attending the same high school as her, though obviously the short-haired brunette no longer recognized her. Still, Anzu continued to shine her kind nature upon Yugi, randomly fighting off bullies every now and then who tried to intimidate her. Anzu had even faced off against Jonouchi and Honda once.
Lately though, the girl always seemed tired, and was often seen nervously skirting party invitations and blowing off her friends' invites to hang out after school. The treatment had begun to stir up resentment and Anzu now wasn't as popular as she used to be. Yugi had felt bad, but with her own social standing at the bottom could do little to help her. She had always wondered why Anzu suddenly risked her reputation, but it made sense if she had a job.
A secret, illegal job. Students weren't allowed jobs, after all.
"Why are you working anyway?"
Anzu sighed. "So I can afford my dream. I want to go to a famous dancing school in New York."
"Anzu that's so cool! I didn't know you wanted to do that!" Yugi sat up, a big grin on her face. "You'll be amazing! You're an awesome dancer!"
Anzu blushed, scratching her cheek. "Well, thanks Yugi. That's nice of you to say." She stood and dusted off her skirt, "But, I need to get ready for work. It's actually why I came in here, they don't like me changing there. Sorry." Burger World was only a block away from the school.
Yugi waved away her apology. "It's fine, I shouldn't keep you." She then bowed to the waist. "Thank you, for keeping my secret. I promise to keep yours in exchange."
"R-Really its fine Yugi!" Anzu squeaked, completely uncomfortable. "Don't sweat it ok?"
With a smile Yugi nodded, then waved goodbye and exited the bathroom.
Well that had been rather unexpected.
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Aaaaand that's a wrap! Another chapter down! I can't promise you they will all be this fast. Right now you guys are lucky. I'm going through some crap and completely using this story as an unhealthy means of avoiding my emotions. So that means more updates for you as I obsessively type away to keep myself from thinking about anything else, yay healthy coping strategies!
Thank you for the response so far. I'm happy to know you guys are enjoying the story as it stands. Please, continue to sate me with comments. I'm eager to know what you think, and if you like the changes. Reviews are my payment and do inspire me to keep going. It's hard to continue a story if you think no one really likes it after all.
Until next time guys!
