Chapter Two: The Invitation
"Class, there will be a new student who will be joining us today. She-" the teacher was cut off by one of his students shouting for joy, particularly a boy.
"Yes! I won the bet!" he then turned to his seat mate, "I'll be taking that five hundred yen, dude!" he said grinning forgetting that a teacher was in front of them.
His seatmate just sweat drop at his friend's stupidity, "Um...Keito," he then pointed at the person at the front, "A teacher is in front of us."
Keito looked at the front and panic was written all over his face, "I'm very sorry!" he said as he bowed then sat back at his chair.
The teacher cleared his throat so the other students will turn their attention to him, "As I was saying, she just came from Egypt and I hope you all can get along with her. Please come in, Ms. Yamada."
A little girl with long black hair and Hetechromia eyes (violet and yellow eyes) came inside the classroom and stood in front of her classmates, "Nice to meet you all. My name is Yamada Saki." then bowed to them.
"She's so tiny!" one student whispered.
"I bet she's just the same height of that Motou kid. I think she might be even shorter!" another whispered.
Soon it became a whole lot of whispers about her small height which gave a slight frown on her face, "Why am I so short?" she thought.
"Okay, that's enough comments about Ms. Yamada!" the class quiet immediately and the teacher turned to Saki, "You may seat next to Mr. Mutou." he then turned to the class, "Mr. Mutou please raise your hand."
Saki saw a small hand at the air and went towards there. As soon as she saw her new seat mate, an emotion of familiarity came to her; as if she meet this boy before but knew she never meet someone with a hairstyle like that...did she?
"I'm not really sure if I meet someone like him since I can't remember anything from my past." she thought as she sat on the chair assigned to her.
Though she wasn't the only one who was experiencing this emotion, somewhere within Yugi, he too can feel the emotion of familiarity but the thing is, it's not from him.
It has been a few months since Yamada Saki has moved to Domino city and it has been since Saki and Yugi have been very good friends, along with the gang of course. Though it has been a few days since Kaiba Seto lost to Yugi in a duel and unfortunately, Yugi's grandpa's soul was taken away from his body and was kept under the creator of duel monsters: Pegasus. Now the only way for Yugi to save his grandpa is to participate in the new dueling tournament, the Dueling Kingdom which is hosted by the abductor of the soul of Mr. Mutou.
Saki sighed as she begins to walk home, "So much has been happening and not all of them are good." she then looked up at the orange red sky, "and I hope everything will turn out good especially for Yugi-chan." she thought. (Yes, boys may use the suffix -chan.)
"Saki-chan!" she heard a voice behind her and saw Yugi running towards her.
A smile went up to her face, "Hey Yugi-chan!"
Once he finally caught up to her and panted a bit, "You're walking home alone? At this hour?" he asked.
"Yeah, I was at the library doing some research and I'm walking home alone since Natsuki-san is away for a week." Saki was usually fetched by her hyper guardian Yamada Natsuki but since her occupation is to be a traveler, she sometimes go overseas to do her job.
"Oh? Then can I accompany you?" he asked with a small blush creeping to his face.
She giggled at this, "Sure, I don't mind if it's with you, Yugi-chan."
Yugi just smiled sheepishly but can't help but to feel a jealous aura somewhere within himslef. He sighed mentally, "I swear, you get jealous pretty easily." Yugi thought as he sent it as a message to the ancient pharaoh who is residing in the Sennen Puzzle he has.
"I'm not jealous, aibou." The pharaoh replied as Yugi rolled his eyes a bit.
As they started walking home, they were talking about random things then their topic soon went to duel monsters. Ever since Saki went to the game shop, she became so interested with duel monsters but it could be because of her first cards that so happens to be the five Kuriboh brothers. The moment her eyes laid on it, the Kuriboh brothers soon appeared; in front of Yugi, his grandpa and Natsuki-san (she always fetch Saki from school, if she can that is). It was a big shock for the trio, seeing a real duel monster but Saki soon explained about the Sennen locket and that it was doing that ever since she woke up from the hospital.
As they approach the game shop, Saki turned to Yugi, "So I guess I'll see ya in a few days? With the Dueling Kingdom going on and all; you're going to be out of town."
He nodded, "Yeah, I guess." he said as he scratch his head a bit but then looked down, "I just hope I can get grandpa's soul back."
"If it's you, I know you can, Yugi-chan." she said as she took his hands, which again turned on the ancient spirit's jealousy mode on again, "And for good luck."
The spirit of the Sennen puzzle immediately saw what was going to happen and switched right away before her lips touched his cheek. Since her eyes were closed she didn't see the glow or the change of appearance, so she just let her lips touch his cheek. Once they were out of contact, the spirit switched again, delighted to feel her lips on his cheek, again with no idea why in the world he did such act.
She then ran towards her home, which is a few blocks away from his, "Wish you luck, Yugi!" Saki shouted as she waved bye to him.
Yugi just looked dumb folded at what happened and had a slight blush on his cheeks as he waves back at her, "You really can't help yourself, huh?" There was no reply, just a sigh of content.
As he goes inside his home, again he can't help but to feel to notice that there was a delightful aura , "You seriously have a crush on her, you know." he said as he walked up to his room to get things ready.
On Saki's side on the other hand was quite strange, she received a letter and package from an anonymous sender and inside the package is a crimson glove with two stars and a video tape. This immediately made her mind go haywire. The last time she saw something like this was when Yugi's grandpa's soul was stolen, "Relax there, Saki. You don't exactly know what's going to happen and he can't just take your soul since he gave you a glove and stars so it must be that he wanted you to participate as well. Yeah, that's it! He just wanted you to participate in his private dueling tournament. Yeah." she thought happily as she tried to calm her mind but then went haywire again, "But why me though? I'm not famous or anything, I didn't beat a champion like Kaiba so why does he want me to participate? More importantly, how did he know I even exist?" then her eyes landed on her Sennen locket, "Could it be that he found out but my locket? From what Yugi said, he wanted his puzzle so he must also want my locket."
Siding away her thoughts, she played the tape hoping it may light up some questions, without any damage. With no one with her right now, there would be no soul taken away and Natsuki will be arriving next week.
The picture of Pegasus popped up to the screen, "Hello there, Yamada Saki. You must be wondering why I invited you to participate in my tournament."
She just nodded at the screen, "Well, you must have at least one clue; like I want that Sennen item of yours as well as Yugi-kun's puzzle. But knowing you, you won't be coming here because you know that I want that item of yours and you can't stop Yugi-kun because of his grandfather, am I right?"
Saki just watched in silence, "Not the talker I see." this comment made her gasped a bit, "How in the world did he knew I'm not talking?" she thought as she searched from her spot some hidden cameras.
"No, there are cameras in your home, Ms. Saki. But there is one person missing."
She looked back at the television screen again, "No way, he couldn't." she whispered but it was in hearing range.
A chuckle came from the speakers, "Oh yes, I have." he then turned to right a bit revealing Natsuki unconscious on a bed.
"Natsuki-san!" she said as her hands went up to the screen and her Sennen locket glowing; summoning the Kuriboh brothers.
"Oh, so you can summon some of my beloved duel monsters." he smiled a bit, "Your Sennen item might be just what I need."
Kuri?
The Kuriboh brothers looked a bit confused but soon changed to concern once they saw their master in distress. They went towards her trying to soothe her.
"What have you done to Natsuki-san?"
His eyes went to the lifeless body then towards to the worried girl, "Oh nothing, just knocked her out or maybe," he then held up a card with Natsuki's image, "She became just like Yugi's grandfather. At least now, his grandfather won't be so lonely." he then kept away the card.
Tears soon came to her eyes, "N-Natsuki-san."
"Now let's have a deal shall we, Saki-chan? You go and participate to my tournament and if you win, then I'll release your precious guardian but if you fail, " he chuckled a bit, "You will end up just like your precious guardian and Yugi's grandpa. I do hope to see you duel after all, you were trained under Yugi-kun." after that the screen went blank and Saki collapsed to the floor crying.
"Natsuki-san."
It was time to board the cruise with all the participants that Pegasus has chosen himself. As this was going on, Saki can't help but to sweat drop from her spot behind the crates at Jonouchi's childishness. But it was all for his little sister anyway. He really wanted to help her in anyway he can, "I wish I had an older brother like Katsu-chan." (In the Japanese version, Joey's name is Jonouchi Katsuya. I'm sorry if I didn't clear this in Chapter 1: The Prologue.)
Just then she saw Yugi coming to view and handing Jonouchi one of this star chips, she smiled at the view, "Good 'ol Yugi-chan, saving the day." but then realized that she had to go and line up there soon but she waited until they were in the line itself.
Truth be told, she didn't want to let them know about her case with Pegasus. She didn't want to burden them her problems; they have enough problems to deal with as it is. She doesn't want to add it up even more. Plus if Yugi and the gang hears about her deal with Pegasus and the consequence she has to face if she fails, then they wouldn't even let her step out of her own apartment until the end of tournament.
After one last look, she saw that they were in the line, she immediately went to the back of the line; waiting patiently to board the ship. She gripped onto her bag pack filled with food that she needed to survive and lowered her hood more so that they wouldn't see her eyes. If someone started to rumor a girl with Heterchromia eyes is on board the ship, Yugi and Jonouchi will start to think that she also joined the tournament and will want to have answers to how she got into the tournament and why she is joing the tournament.
Yugi and Jonouchi were at the railings of this ship as it departs the Domino Pier. Their homeland disappearing to the horizon and soon all they could see is the vast ocean. The taller of two smiled in happiness, "I guess even people like Pegasus isn't all bad I mean he was thoughtful enough to let me get in his tournament. Even though he stole your grandpa's soul, he can do nice things from time to time."
Yugi just nodded, "And Yugi," he then looked at Jonouchi, "I owe you big time; for giving me one of your star chips." he said as he held out a small golden star.
The small boy shook his head, "Don't worry about it, Jonouchi-kun. You don't have to do anything in return."
But Jonouchi can be stubborn at some times, "No, I'll make it up to you, Yugi. You have no idea how much participating this tournament means to me. It may be the only way for me to save my little sister's eye sight."
Yugi just let it go, knowing Jonouchi will do everything to convince him that he does owe him something.
"Ah! I got it!" Jonouchi exclaimed which made Yugi a little interested on what is on his mind, "When we get back to Domino City, I'll help you win Saki's heart! It's perfect!" he said, feeling a bit proud of himself with coming up with that kind of idea.
The spirit of puzzle also heard Jonouchi's idea and went into a rage of jealousy though he had no idea why he is feeling such emotion, "You're really confusing sometimes, mou hitori no boku. It's obvious you like her." he told the ancient spirit within him and looked at the proud grinning Jonouchi, "I don't think that's going to work out, Jonouchi-kun. I mean Saki-chan and I are just friends-"
Jonouchi then cut him off, "Yeah just friends now but with the help of the great and charming Jonouchi, you two will be a couple in no time." he then sighed in agreement to himself, "Yep! I can see it already, Yugi. You and Saki going to school and home together, Saki giving you bento, you helping her at some subjects..." he kept on going on and on about "romantic things" that Yugi and Saki would do if they were a couple.
Yugi just sweat drops at his friend's matchmaking idea and scratched his head a bit, "But aren't we already doing some of that stuff already? And why can't he understand that Saki and I are contented as being friends?" he thought.
"I agree with you 100%, aibou. Though I don't know why I am even feeling jealous."
Yugi sweat dropped at the spirit, "I told you, you secretly like her."
Just then a blonde woman came to their place, "Ah! Are you really Mutou Yugi, the one who defeated Kaiba?" she exclaimed which made the two boys turn their attention to her and blush at the sight of a matured lady, "My my, I didn't thought that a shortie like you can beat Kaiba Seto." Yugi blushed at the closeness of the woman to him.
"My lady, I am a good friend of-" Jonouchi was cut off by Mai's conversation to Yugi.
"Even though you're a shortie, I won't go easy on you, Chibi-chan." she then turned to Jonouchi, "As for you, in this tournament or any other tournament, you're either a champ or a chump. I hope to you would crush this guy and duel with me, Chibi-chan." she said then walked away, "I'm Kujaku Mai." was the last thing she said before entering the ship.
"Please duel me!" Jonouchi shouted at her.
At an another part of the ship, particularly somewhere in the corridors, a short girl wearing a light blue hoodie with the hood covering her eyes, white cargo shorts and red high cut converse shoes was wandering aimlessly. Clutching onto her black bag pack, trying to subside the fear that she actually got lost in the ship, "Why did Yugi-chan and Katsu-chan have to be outside?" she thought.
She saw them earlier by the railings and immediately went inside the ship so that there would be a smaller chance of them meeting or running into each other.
Soon she saw an open door nearby and smiled, "My salvation!"
She ran there and saw there were many duelists around; all trading their cards with others hoping it would make their deck stronger. As she was looking at all these, she failed to notice a young woman heading her way, also failing to notice the short girl. They soon bumped into each other but Saki was the only one who fell.
"Ah! I'm sorry! I didn't see you." when she looked up, she saw that the woman was taller than her and eeped, "Or maybe I just wasn't looking in front."
Her hood suddenly fell off and her multicolored eyes are finally revealed, surprising the older woman, "Saki-chan?" she asked.
Saki raised her head a bit more and now without her hood, she can perfectly see a familiar pair of amethyst orbs, "Mai-san?"
She was then picked up from the floor and was twrilled around and around, "How many times do I have to tell you that I want you to call me 'Mai-chan' and not 'Mai-san'?" she said in glee and stopped to look at Saki's face and smiled, "Still innocent as ever."
Saki just grinned back, "Nice to meet you again too, Mai-chan."
Mai placed the little girl back to ground, "So what are you doing here, Saki-chan? Are you also invited to participate the tournament?"
Sudden realization came to the girl, "I can't tell Mai-chan that I'm here to save Natsuki-san! I can't burden her..." she thought as she came up with something quick, "Um...I guess Pegasus must have heard that I was trained under one of the greatest duelists in the world." she said as she scratched her head a bit, "Can't say Yugi-chan, they might meet at some point and then Jono-chan and Yugi-chan will surely know that I'm also participating in this tournament."
"Oh? So what's his or her name then? I heard that Mutou Yugi, the best duelist in the world is in Domino City as well as Kaiba Seto, the second best duelist. So which of the two boys, Saki-chan?" she said with a mischievous smile.
"I don't like that smile on her face." she thought, "I'm sorry but I don't want tell you, Mai-chan. It's something that I want to keep a secret I mean once the whole world knows I was trained by one of the best duelists in world, I might have a paparazzi and stuff. I hope you understand." she said with big teary eyes.
Mai just hugged the girl again tightly, "It's okay! I understand! If you're uncomfortable about it, then I won't bug you about it.
Saki sighed mentally and was placed back to the ground, "Well, I guess I 'll see you around, Mai-chan."
The older woman nodded, "Yeah but next time, don't think I'll go easy on you, Saki-chan. Even though you're cute and innocent as an angel, I may be the one to bring you home again." then she left.
Saki dashed away knowing that Mai will soon realize that she also wanted to know what's happening with Natsuki, "I can't just lie about Natsuki-san with her!" she thought as she kept on dodging people.
As soon as Mai looked back, Saki was no where to be found, "Either she's really fast in blending in the crowd or she's just really short."
SPLASH!
Jonouchi dived down to the sea to retrieve the five Exodia cards that Haga threw in order "to defeat" it. Yugi immediately went to check if his friend is still alive after the splash, "Jonouchi-kun!"
"I got one of them, Yugi!" Jonouchi shouted from below as he kept on swimming hoping to find the other four.
Yugi shook his head, "Don't! There are other important things than cards!"
Jonouchi just ignored his plea, "I have a chance to help this time! If I can't make it, then who will take care of Shizuka?" Jonouchi thought.
As he got another card, a wave swallowed him and this pushed Yugi to his limit. Yugi bravely dived into the cold waters and began swimming towards Jonouchi who was beginning to sink. The young boy immediately grabbed the taller boy to keep him from sinking even more, "Hey Yugi. I got two of them, I'll just have to find the other three." he said still determined to find the last three cards even if it costs him his death.
"No! Forget it, Jonouchi-kun! Life is more important." Yugi said trying to persuade the boy to stop his search.
Just then a rope ladder appeared beside them and Yugi looked up and saw Honda (Tristan, Honda Hiroto) and Anzu (Tea, Mazaki Anzu) above, "Hurry and climb up!"
Yugi nodded and began swimming towards the ladder while dragging Jonouchi along with him. As soon as they were on board the ship, Yugi thanked Anzu and Honda for helping them but Honda replied with a, "Hey, we're all a team and we should stick together no matter what." the little boy nodded at this. Jonouchi on the other hand...
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to get all your cards back, Yugi." even though Yugi is telling him that it's okay and that it doesn't matter, Jonouchi ignored this, "I couldn't help anybody, not you, Yugi...not even my little sister, Shikzuka."
The gang suddenly have an interest here, "You see, her eye sight was really bad to begin with and soon she'll be blind foreve if she doesn't have an operation but that operation costs a lot. That's why I need to win the prize money, for Shizuka."
Yugi went towards the crutching Jonouchi and patted his shoulder, "Don't worry, Jonouchi-kun. I know you'll get the prize money for your sister."
Jonouchi smiled at this, "Thanks, Yugi."
But then, realization struck Yugi, "Hey, Honda-kun, Anzu-chan." calling the attention of the non-duelists, "Where's Saki-chan?"
"Oh, we tried contacting her but no matter what we did, we couldn't reach her. Soon we found out we were running out of time so we decided to just came here without her." Anzu explained.
This explanation made Jonouchi stand up again, "What? Why did you do that? She might think that we're avoiding her or something!" then he grabbed Yugi by the shoulders and making go in front of him, "Not only that, I think it would be better if Saki was here. I mean she'll finally see Yugi in action! And maybe I'll wip up some romantic moments and stuff." he said while grinning like a monkey.
Yugi and the rest of the gang sweat drop at Jonouchi's comment, "Actually, Saki-chan did see me duel before."
Confusion struck Honda, "Huh? How? She wasn't with you when you dueled Kaiba, so how?"
Yugi smiled proudly, "Because I was the one who taught her how to duel so there would be some cases where in we would duel each other."
Jonouchi smirked at this and leaned down at Yugi's height, "So you couldn't train me to duel but you can train Saki to duel, huh?"
"What? No!" Yugi denied with a slight blush and started to twiddle with his fingers, "I just thought that it would be the perfect way to become friends with her. I mean she came there at her first day at school and bought her first cards but doesn't have a clue on how to use them. I just though it would be kind of me to help her since grandpa was busy too."
His smirk just becomes wider and the whole night for the gang just kept on going with Jonouchi and followed by Honda teasing poor little Yugi on training Saki in dueling.
On the upper deck on the other hand, Saki stood there looking at the stars, "There like the ones in Egypt," the face of Natsuki popped up, "Hold on there, Natsuki-san. I'll save you." she thought with determination. But unknown to her, a suspicious figure was watching her not far behind.