Yay!! Another chapter!!!

Yami- that went faster then planed... I worked hard!

Yugi- Megumi-chan... is there more fluff with yami and I in this kinda... and there is also implied JoeyxSeto since only two people voted, both for that couples...I NEED YOU TO VOTE PEOPLE PLEASE!

Yami- calm down, they will...-glares at readers calm down Yami, no need to send innocents to the Shadow realm...

Yami- aww... -glomps That's Bakura's job!

Bakura- YES!!! -evil laughter- I WILL send them to the Shadow realm!

Ryou- but... Bakura... thats mean...

Bakura- quiet Hikari!

Ryou- -eyes widen and water- but...but...-sniffles-

Bakura- ah... -hugs Ryou- now now... no tears... oh lord... Yugi! Disclaimer please...

Yugi- OK! -smiles- Megumi doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Or any of it's characters! Only some manga, DVD's and posters! Please review after you read! Reviews make Megumi-chan work harder and write more!

Yami- on with the story!

Chapter 2
The Torch Is Lit, A New Battle Begins

It was another normal day at Domino high school. Well... as normal as you could get when you're a high school boy with a mystical millennium item with magical powers and a ancient spirit spirit that could send everyone and anyones soul into the shadow realm before you could say "thats game", but to be blunt, it was normal.

Once again, our favorite group of dueling scoobies was gathered around a desk playing duel monsters. Joey was dueling Tea at the time, and once again, he was taking a good long time about making his move.

"Joey!" Tristan whined, "Make a move already..." he said, giving his blond friend an annoyed look.

"Okay, here you go tough guy!" Joey said, placing a card down on the field to attack Tea's face down monster,

"My rock orge is gonna rock your block off." Tea blinked once, and flipped over her face down monster to reveal a weaker monster.

"Yeah Tea, like that wimpy monster has a chance against my giant rock guy!" Joey said triumphantly, "Give it up!" he laughed happily.

Tea blinked again and reached for a card in her hand,

"Guess I don't have a chance unless I use..." he pulled the card she was looking at from her hand and placed it on the field, "The breathe of light card." she said, a slight mocking tone in her voice.

"Huh? Can she do that?" Joey asked, blinking in confusion and staring at the magic card that was on the desk like it was an alien that had just jumped out of a miniature spaceship.

"Oh yeah!" Yugi said, his chin resting in his hand as he watched the duel in amusement, "The breathe of light wears down rock monsters." he explained smiling.

"And reduces them to ruble." Tristan added, smiling at the fact that he actually knew something about the game.

"Eh?!" Joey gasped in shock, a awed look on his face as Tea smiled and said,

"That brings your lifepoints down to zero Joey! Once again you lose and I rock." Yugi winced slightly at Tea's teasing, but knew it was friendly joking and chose to ignore it.

"You stink at this game." Tristan laughed, looking at Joey with his hands in his pockets. Joey lost another duel? Yugi, perhaps you should coach him... I don't think I've seen the boy win a duel yet... Yugi chuckled to himself, shutting his eyes for the moment, appearing in the hallway that separated his and Yami's 'soulrooms'. Yami! Don't be mean. He said, smiling. I meant no offense aibou... I've just never seen him win... and thought he could use some help. Yugi smiled and nudged Yami in the side, I know, I was just messing with you. Now that I think about it, we haven't dueled in a while either. Wanna play a game when we get home? ... I'd like that aibou. Yay! Yugi opened his eyes and smiled as Joey continued to have his little episode.

Yugi chuckled and stood up, smiling at all of them,

"I'm gonna go grab some lunch from the cafeteria ok?" he said smiling, "I'll see you guys after class." and with that he bowed his head slightly and walked out of the room. Yugi... I'm sorry, I normally take over your body in the morning while you're still asleep and make you something... Yugi chuckled and continued down the hall, That's alright Yami, we were out late last night... it was a busy one what with Kaiba and all...Which reminds me... he wasn't in school today... I wonder where he is... We shouldn't worry about it... You sent a part of him to the shadow realm Yami, I'm sure he's a little out of it... Was that to much? I'm sorry... Stop saying sorry Yami, it's fine, you sent away his evil side... you helped him out, I can't complain there. Still... I think I went a little over the top... Nah... but I really was looking forward to another lunch of yours Yami... where did you learn to cook? Or use modern day appliances for that matter?As far as cooking goes... I don't know, it just came to me, how I can use the stove and what not without making anything... blow up as you so clearly were screaming I might do the first time I cooked...Sorry... but most people who don't know who to use a stove or microwave do end up blowing something up...It's fine Yugi, but I learned from watching you and your grandfather. Wow... you're fast...Thank you, but you might want to turn right. Huh? Why? Because unless you want to crash into the wall and go past the cafeteria...Oops, thanks Yami.

Yugi shook his head lightly, blinking as he came back to the 'real world'. Smiling, a small blush adorning his face, he walked into the cafe and stood in line, waiting for his turn before gathering together a small, healthy, yes yummy, lunch. With a slice of double fudge chocolate cake for desert. ('cause who can't resist Chocolate cake???) Walking outside, he smiled as he walked over to his favorite Sakura tree in front of the school and leaned against it, facing the wall that surrounded the school. The tree's large trunk blocked him from view, so that the only way he'd be found is if someone knew he was there, or if they walked around the tree. (or if they climbed over the wall... but it's cement people, I doubt James Bond or Cody Banks are suddenly gonna wanna pull a mission at Domino High School... -narrows eyes at Dan- and no the dude from mission impossible won't come either...-raises eyebrow at Emi- and neither will Jack Sparrow!!! Now let me continue!)

Smiling Yugi looked down at the puzzle,

"You can come out now..." he leaned against the tree as the puzzle glowed and Yami appeared in front of him in his spirit form, cross legged and smiling at Yugi, (you know... that transparent spirit thingy?)

"Are you sure this is ok?" he asked, leaning forward slightly and resting his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands.

"Yeah, don't worry, only I can see you, and no one can see me, so there is no one to hear me talking to you... or as far as they can tell, myself." Yami chuckled and smiled at Yugi,

"I see... as long as you don't mind." Yugi shook his head, and started eating his sandwich,

"I have a treat for you when I'm finished with this." Yugi said, taking another bite of the sub.

"Oh?" Yami said, tilting his head, "What's that?"

"You'll see..." Yami watched as Yugi finished up his lunch, and took a sip from the bottle of water he brought. Grabbing a fork from his backpack, he pulled out the slice of cake that he bought earlier and held it up,

"Cake." he said, knowing nothing else needed to be said as Yami's full attention fell on the treat in Yugi's hand. Yugi chickled as Yami uncontentious licked his lips. After all, few people knew Yami had a sweet tooth, and everyone knows what happens when you have a sweet tooth.(1) It tends to take over sometimes. Yugi smiled and opened the container holding the cake, forking out a bite and he held it up to the spirit, who looked at Yugi hesitantly,

"You can use your magic to make yourself solid for a few minutes, don't worry about me... I'll be fine." (2) Yami hesitated a moment longer before smiling slightly at Yugi. The puzzle glowed again, and the pharaoh sat in front of him, no longer transparent. Yugi smiled and held up the bite of cake, hand shaking slightly. Yami, noticing this, quickly took the bite and gently took the fork from Yugi, pushing him back against the tree saying softly,

"For me to have a body... it takes a great amount of your energy... I'll do the feeding ok?" he said, taking another forkful and holding it up to Yugi's mouth. Yugi blinked once, and felt a blush creep up his face. Leaning his head forward slightly, he took the mouthful of cake and leaned back against the tree, the warm, yet tight feeling returning to his chest.

A few minutes later, they both sat there, in a much better mood now that they were full of chocolate cake. Yami glanced at Yugi out of the corner of his eye, a slight blush now growing on his face. Yugi... he thought to himself, silently, Why... why is it... that around you... I feel this way? What is this feeling... I don't know... he sighed and leaned forward slightly, turning to Yugi he opened his mouth but stopped dead as he saw Yugi leaning against the tree panting.

"Yugi!" he shouted, jumping up, "I'm so sorry! I've been out to long! Hold on!" he said, as the puzzle glowed again and Yami disappeared. Yami... I was fine... just a little tired... Still... you have half a school day to finish, I can't risk you getting sick... I still can't do that without weakening you! I barely remember how to use magic as it is... I can't be doing that until I can do it without hurting you... It's alright Yami... it was fun while it lasted but...

"Yugiii!" Joey's voice came from a few feet away, "Hey! Yugi!" Joey is calling you, we can talk later, during English. Don't you hate it when I pay attention to you and not class? All rules must be broken at some point, and besides, you're good at English, you won't suffer missing a few minutes. If only you were like that everyday... Yugi stood up, brushing himself off, already feeling stronger now that Yami was back in the puzzle. Walking out from behind the tree, he ran over to Joey, who smiled and tugged him along the school grounds, stopping at two metal bars that were there to hang from, climb or flip. (if you've seen the anime you know what I'm talking about)

"Hey... Yugi, can I get your help on something?" Yugi nodded, walking over to the shorter of the two bars and climbing up on it, sitting with his legs dangling down as Joey leaned against the taller bar, his arms draped over it.

"Well... I thought it over... and Tristan's right, I can't win duel monsters to save my life!" he said, sighing,

"Why is it that I can never win, huh Yug? What's the secret to winning?" Yugi blinked, expecting a question about school or help with homework,

"Well..." he started, thinking about his answer, "Let's start be checking you're deck Joey." Yugi said, leaning back and hooking his knees around the bar before flipping off backwards and landing on his feet. (anyone who's used bars like that knows how thats done right?)

"Nice one Yug." he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his deck, holding it out to Yugi who took it and started flipping through. Yugi flipped through the deck for a few moments, a range of rather humorous expressions appeared on his face as he looked at the cards. He winced and tried to keep a straight face, as it was rather hard since Yami was laughing himself silly at seeing Joey's deck.(3) Shaking his head and looking up at his friend with an honest look,

"No one could win with just these cards Joey...Your deck only has monster cards." Joey nodded and said in a voice that clearly thought it was normal for a deck to be like that,

"You got it, I filled it with every butt kicking monster I could find." Yami, who had just composed himself, started laughing again. Yugi shut his eyes for a moment, to see Yami doubled over in the hallway, holding his sides as he howled with laughter. Opening them again, and threatening to scold Yami mentally later he said,

"No way, thats not how the game works Joey..." he said in a kind, yet honest still voice, "Duel monsters is all about combining your monster cards with your magic cards..." and Trap! Yami added, only able to stop his giggles for a few moments before losing control of himself again.

"Huh?" Joey said, leaning forward slightly, eager to lean something new about the game.

"With no magic on your deck, your monsters will get creamed every time."

"Ah.." Joey stood up straight and ran around the bars, grabbing Yugi by the shoulders and leaning in a determined look on his face,

"See?!" he said, in a determined, slightly desperate, and excited voice, "That's the kinda stuff I need to know! Yugi, you've gotta help me learn more! Please teach me!"

"Ah..." Yugi stared at him, blinking, clearly not expecting that either. Oh! Yugi, say yes! I'll help to... well, help you teach him anyway! Help him!Oh, so you're done laughing? Yugi said mockingly, sending the pharaoh a reproachful look through their mind link, Yes, yes I'm done... sorry about that... it was uncalled for... That's not all it was...Please let's teach him?Of course, he's our friend. Your friend, he has no idea I exist, he knows me to be you, he thought it was you dueling Kaiba alone, not with me. My friends are your friends too, remember that. ...I guess so...

After school, Yugi walked to his house/gameshop with Joey.

"My grandpa's the real expert," he explained as they walked, "Talk to him, he can help you out much more then I can." Joey nodded as they continued to walk. It wasn't that far from the school, so they got there fairly quickly.

"Hey grandpa!" Yugi shouted as they walked inside, "Granpa I brought you a new student!" he said happily, as he walked over to his grandfather who was hanging a duel monsters poster up on the wall above a shelf holding several different kinds of games.

"Huh?" Yugi grandfather muttered, turning on the step latter he was standing on to look at who Yugi had brought, "Student?" he repeated, glancing at Joey in questioning.

"I was hoping since you know more about duel monsters then anyone... if maybe you'd teach me?" he said, smiling politely, unable to hide the eagerness in his voice. Yugi's grandfather smiled and climbed down the later, turning to look at Joey thoughtfully,

"Teach you? Really now, duel monsters is a very complex game..."

"Yeah, tell me about it." Joey said, shoving his hand in his pocket and grinning, "Tea's beaten me three times already, and I'd barely last five minutes with Yugi if he didn't play teaching games with me."

"Actually..." Yugi said, smiling up at Joey, "Tea beat you five times in a row Joey." Joey gapped at Yugi,

"What?! Five times? Gee thanks..." he muttered, turning back to Yugi's grandfather, who gave him a serious look,

"Yes, I'm willing to teach you. But only if you're willing to spend sleepless nights and long days doing rigorous training." Yugi started at his grandfather, trying not to laugh. Your grandfather is cruel, scaring Joey like that... Yami said, chuckling at the look of shock on Joey's face,

"Ah..." Joey hesitated for a moment before giving the old man a nervous look, "Aha... piece of cake."

"With an attitude like that... you might not be worth training!" he grandfather said in a snappy voice, causing Joey to jump and gulp again. Yugi grinned for a moment before winking at his gradfather and turning to Joey. Smartmouth! Call him a smartmouth! Think it'll work? Yugi snickered mentally, putting a serious look on his face,

"Nice going there smartmouth!" Joey whimpered and dropped to his knees bowing to Yugi who jumped back in shock, a clear look of suprise on his face as Joey continued to bow and beg,

"Please Yugi! Help me convince him! I will work hard I promise!!!" Yugi winced slightly, taking pity on his friends gullibleness (not a word...) and threatened Yami with another lecture later, as he had completely lost it in giggle-town again,

"Listen Joey...teaching you duel monsters is just to big a challenge...even for my grandpa." Joey looked down at the floor, refusing to show his face as Yugi's grandfather coughed, now having a hard time keeping a straight face,

"It's not...impossible..." he said slowly. Causing Joey to jump and look up at him, a desperate look in his eyes.

"You mean it gramps?" he said, staring at the old man. Yugi's grandfather gave Joey an odd look,

"I never said I couldn't do it... but! If I agree you must work hard!" Joey gasped slightly, staring at Yugi's grandfather shocked, yet determined,

"I'll do it! I'll do anything you tell me! I promise!" he said, a strong air in his voice. Nodding Yugi's grandfather shut his eyes and crossed his arms,

"Fine, then we'll begin your instruction immediately my young friend, and believe me! Under my teachings you will learn!" he said cracking his knuckles, then placed his hands on his hips,

"Now, can you name the most powerful duel monster?" Joey got a nervous look on his face again, laughing nervously,

"Uh... no..." he said slowly, looking up at Yugi's grandpa with a nervous look on his face.

"Can you name the weakest?"

"Um... uhh... no... not really no." Yugi's grandfather gave Yugi an odd look,

"You do know what a trap card is don't you?"

"Well...uh... kinda...ah... I have no idea." Joey said slowly, now more worried about his physical and mental well-being then his dueling skills. He...doesn't know what a trap card is? I guess not...How could you have let him duel like this??? I didn't know it was this bad... You sure have unique friends... You're not all that normal either... I don't ever remembering claiming to be normal Yugi. True... Yugi's grandfather sighed loudly, ignoring Yugi, who now, like Yami, was no longer able to control his bad case of the giggles and had to excuse himself upstairs.

"I can see I have my work cut out for me..." he muttered, kneeling down next to Joey and launching into a detailed expression of trap and magic cards, to Joey, who was sitting on his knees, paying dead close attention to Yugi's grandfather. If only school were this entertaining... I'd be one of the top students there...(hell, if Joey actually paid attention as much as he was now, he'd already be a top student...Megumi! Don't me mean to Joey! I'm not! She does have a point... Who cares if she has a point! Don't pick on people! Fine fine... back to the story...)

Upstairs in Yugi's room, Yugi sat in the middle of the floor, legs crossed and two decks in front of him, they were both identical, save for Exodia, which was currently sitting on the desk next to them, after all, it was unfair for only one person to have such a powerful card for something like a teaching duel. Yami, who was back in his spirit form, sat across from Yugi, waited as Yugi shuffled both decks and sat them down.

"Thank you for your help aibou... I wish I was more powerful... as of right now, I can do very little with physical objects without taking over your body..."(4) Yugi smiled up at his 'other self' and shook his head,

"Oh, thats alright!" he beamed, "I mean, the fact that you can hold small things like cards, and hold my backpack for set amounts of time, thats a great accomplishment for you right?"

"As of right now it is..." Yami said, looking at Yugi.

"Well then, no need to worry, it'll be fun seeing how much stronger you can get! You never know, maybe you'll be able to make your own body for longer periods of time without us getting tired."

"I hope so aibou... now," he smiled, looking at the cards in his hands, "Let's duel!"

Later that day, Yugi and his friends sat in the living room of the house Yugi lived in with his grandfather attached to the game shop next door, and on the second level. Gathered around the TV, the four excited teens (five, if you include Yami who was technically sitting on the arm of the chair that Yugi was sitting in, although only Yugi could see and or sense him) sat around the TV waiting for the program to start.

"Welcome to the duel monsters duel dome!"the announcer shouted on the TV, "Tonight the finals of the duel monsters regional championship will be decided. 200 duelist competed in this tournament and now, only two remain. Put your cards together for Weevil Underwood, the bug brawler, and Rex Raptor, the dino dueler!"

"A bug boy and a dino dude!" Joey said, annoyed, "What kind of match is that? I should totally be in there."

"We know you've been training for weeks Joey..." Tea said, smiling kindly at her blond friend, "But they're pros, champs, they're in another league, you're just not ready for them yet."

"Sure... rub it in." Joey smirked, crossing his arms.

"And on top of that..." Yugi said, leaning forward slightly to look at Joey, "You're so tired you can barely keep your eyes open." He chuckled lightly as Joey snored softly, his head bobbing forward onto his chest,

"I think grandpa's lessons have been really tough on him..."

"He's tuckered out from a card game???" Tristan asked, raising an eyebrow, "He must be really out of shape man... I need to get him on the track team or something." Tristan snickered, "It's true what they say... you snooze you lose!" Joey awoke with a start, a crestfallen look on his face,

"I must have been nuts to think I could learn this crazy game..." he muttered as Tea laughed kindly.

"Time for your lesson." a voice said behind him causing Joey to jerk around on the couch and look at Yugi's grandfather,

"What? I'm not done yet?!" he said, sounding alarmed and exhausted.

"Not by a long shot slifer slacker.(5) I know you've been working hard Joseph, and I know you're tried, but you're really coming along as a duelist. I'm quite proud of you." Joey beamed at the older man, his eyes tearing up slightly,

"Gramps... thank you!" he said, still smiling, leaning forward as if to hug the old man, who didn't notice Joey's movements and walked over to Yugi, causing Joey to fall with a "CRASH!" to the floor.

"By the way, this package came for you Yugi." he said, holding it out to him.

"A package? For me? What is it?" he asked, looking confused.

"I don't know, just came in the mail." he said, dropping the package in his grandson's hands. In..dus...tri...al... Ill...usi...ons? Yami asked, confused, What's that? It's a gaming company.. like Kaiba Corp. Does that mean it's run by a rich snob too? Ahaha, Yami, don't be mean, Kaiba was under the 'influence' of his dark side, and I wouldn't know anyway, I've never met the owner.

"Industrial Illusions?!" Joey said, jumping over the couch and looking at Yugi in awe, "That's the company that made the duel monsters game! Why would they be sending you a package?... No offense meant."

"I... have no idea." Yugi said, a thougtful look on his face, "Maybe they heard I beat the world champion?" With help of course... I didn't do all that much... Are you kidding? You pretty much did everything! This package is as much yours as it is mine, if not more.

"You mean Kaiba?" Tea asked, scrunching up her nose in thought. Yugi shrugged,

"Yeah, I mean, it wasn't an official match or anything... we weren't playing for honors or prizes or anything... well... I guess it could go under honors, but thats not the point. Kaiba dropped out of the tournament because of me..."

Begin Flash Back

"Draw your last pathetic card Yugi. So I can end this Yugi." Yami smirked and looked at Kaiba,

"My grandpa's deck has no pathetic cards Kaiba, but it does contain...the unstoppable Exodia!" he shouted, holding up the fifth and final piece of the puzzle.

"What?!" Kaiba shouted, terror now on his face and in his voice, "Impossible!" he shouted, staring at Yami in horror.

"I've assembled all five pieces of Exodia. All five special cards, all five pieces of the puzzle!" he said, happily, as Exodia appeared on the field in a rather flashy way.

"Exodia..." Kaiba repeated in terror, "It's not possible! No ones ever been able to call him!"

"Exodia!" Yami called to his monster, "Obliterate!" Kaiba screamed as Exodia attacked and destroyed all his monsters. (Can he actually do that? Isn't that against the rules? Lol lol jk jk)

Yami LP-400

Kaiba LP- 0

"Yugi!" Joey shouted happily, "You did it! You won!"

"This can't be.." Mokuba said, from the other side again, "My brother never loses..."

"You play only for power Kaiba..." Yami said, looking at him, "And that is why you lost, but if you put your heart in the game, there is nothing you can't do."

"But how... how could I have lost to him..." Kaiba muttered to himself, staring at the ground almost in a trance.

End Flashback

"Man..." Joey sighed, placing a hand on his forehead, "Just thinking about Kaiba's name gives he a headache..." He shut this eyes, a small frown playing on his face, But... why is it that I can't stop thinking about him all the same? Man... that stupid jerk did something to my head... I swear... rich snob... probably planted a spybot in my head or something high-tech and fancy like that...damn rich super-nerd Bill Gates like bastards.

"Whoa! Guys, that Raptor fellow just stopped Weevil!" Everyone turned to the TV, interested,

"Wow... hey, Yugi." Josy said, not looking away from the TV, "Are these guys any good?" he asked, narrowing his eyes slightly at the dueling pros (-coughcough-obligatorycameos-coughcough-)

Yugi nodded, looking at the screen with a serious face,

"Oh yeah, they're both really tough customers. Weevil's got a bug fetish, and as weird as it is, he's good with them, he's got a monster bug deck, and he's a great strategist. Then you've got that Rex Raptor fellow and his dino deck, he uses their power to overwhelm his opponents, and he's always got a magic card behind him when he needs it."

"Little itsy bitsy bugs against dinosaurs? Man, Raptor has this one in the bag!"

"I dunno Joey, don't count Weevil out, remember, he's a pro, perhaps better or worse then Raptor, we'll find out soon." Your friend shouldn't count the smaller one out so easily... just because one is small... doesn't mean one is weak... I know, but Joey still doesn't know much about this game yet... besides, usually... the bigger person is the stronger and better person... That's not true Yugi, I know it's not. Why do you say that? You're much big, and better then most people at pretty much everything. Yes aibou... but that doesn't make me the strongest... they're are things more important then simply being tall, strong, and good at games. What makes you say that? What do you mean? What could have happened that would make you think you're not as strong as you thought? I meant someone greater, kinder, and stronger.And who's that??? Weevil? Kaiba? Grandpa? No. Joey?Yami chuckled, No aibou... I met you. You...met...me? The match is almost over, you might want to watch hikari. Yugi blinked, staring at the TV but not really seeing it. Me? He thought, a blush growing on his face yet again, He... thinks I'm strong? Kind? Great? And... he called me light... why did he call me that? I mean... when he started calling me partner... that was... odd enough... but now... light? Why...? he blinked, the tight feeling returning to his chest, gulping he gripped his shirt over his heart, the painful, yet warm feeling taking over, And why does this feeling keep coming back? What is it... Why can't I understand it... I've never felt it before...

Sighing, he turned back to the TV, just in time to see the ending of the duel as Weevil played a magic card, destroying the Twin Headed King Rex summoned by Rex the previous turn. He sighed again, not listening as the announced declared Weevil the winner, and the fans cheered loudly causing Tea to turn down the volume, complaining that it was too loud and hurting her ears.

"Wow... a King Rex... squashed by an insect!?" Joey said, half question, half shocked statement. Yugi blinked and glanced at Joey's surprised face before turning back to the TV as the announcer yelled,

"And now! A special honor for our new champion! Here to present to him his award, the creator of duel monsters and president of Industrial Illusions, ladies and gentlemen and fellow duelists, Mr. Maxamillion Pegasus!" The audience on the TV erupted into even louder applause as a panel in the floor opened and Pegasus was slowly raised up into the stadium. In his hands he held a golden cup-like trophy. Smiling at the audience, he walked slowly over to Weevil and bent down, handing him the trophy and said with an all too innocent smile,

"Congratulation's Mr. Underwood." Weevil's eyes widened slightly, at the sight of Pegasus.

"Ah... t-thank you sir..." he said, raising his hands and taking the trophy slowly, a blush covering his face in embarrassment.

"Now, as the regional champion allow me to invite you to participate in a much bigger tournament, taking place on my island, duelist kingdom!"

Even later on that night, Yugi's grandfather walked into the back room, setting a pitcher of water on the table and several glasses,

"Oh! What with the excitement of the tournament and all, you forgot to open your package Yugi." he said, nodding to the white box sitting on the chair next to Yugi.

"Oh... right..." he turned and picked up the box, pulling off the packing tape and opening. Pulling up the lip flaps he blinked several times as everyone leaned in and looked inside.

There was a tape, a glove and two star like chips. Blinking again, Yugi started at it for a moment longer, wondering if this was supposed to be serious, or a joke. ...wow Yugi, you sure get strange gifts from fans... Shut up Yami! Yugi snapped as Yami laughed, It's not a gift from a fan... it's... It's...? Hell if I know... And you say I'm an airhead sometimes? Well you are! I lived in a puzzle for only god knows how long! I have right to be confused about modern day things! You however, grew up with the, and don't have an excuse. Tell that to Grandpa, he can't use a computer to save his life. Do you honestly want me to? No... Didn't think so.

"It's... some kinda... glove?" Tea asked, not all that sure what to make of it.

"And some stars..." Joey pointed out, wincing as he noticed how stupid he just sounded.

"Maybe there's an explanation of the video?" Tristan said, as Yugi reached for it.

Yugi stared at it for a moment, a small frown on his face. I bet it will explain the clown gear and the star chips... maybe it's your acceptance video to clown school? I never applied to clown school!!! But you got that letter in the mail... That was junk mail!!! You mean you didn't want to send it? No..Oh... oops...Oops?? What do you mean 'oops'... What did you do?! Well... last week when I was making your lunch, I saw it sitting there and I filled it out for you and sent it in... I thought it'd be helpful...YOU WHAT?!?!?!??! Ahahahahaha I was kidding aibou! Kidding! Yami! I swear, after everyone leaves you are SO dead! Yami snickered, I'd like to see you make it through that crazy labyrinth that is my soul room in one piece. I'll manage, you wouldn't let me wonder in it alone... I might get hurt. That was the idea... Yami!!! Kidding... You're an evil prick... Yes, but I'm your evil prick. Yugi blushed heavily at Yami's last statement, not understanding why.

"Well Yug, gonna put it in?" Joey asked, looking at Yugi with a wondering look on his face. Shaking his head, he stood up and walked over to the VCR, putting the tape in.

"Wait!" Tea shouted, looking at the tape in fear.

"What?" Yugi and Joey said at the same time, looking at her confused.

"Well..." she hesitated, "Has anyone see 'The Ring'?" Yugi blinked, and stared at Tea,

"Yeah... why?" Tea's eyes widened as she eyed the tape,

"Well...it...it..."

"It?" Joey said, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"It... it might be an evil tape sent in by Kaiba or someone else who wants us all dead so they sent this tape with an evil spirit in it to suck our our souls or something violet or unpleasant like that to rid us from them forever and we'd go missing and no one would ever find our bodies till years later when most of the skin and flesh is gone and they'll put us in a museum and go 'oh look at the poor little teens! They never stood a chance in the real world! They should have all just minded their own business and left rich people like Kaiba alone!"(6) Everyone stared at Tea as if she had just grown an extra head, looks of up-most shock and confusion on their faces. Tristan looked at a loss for words, Joey just sat there staring stupidly at her, Yugi's grandfather blinked several times, trying to figure out just what drugs it was that girl might be on, or what combination of them might have brought this on, while Yugi look just plain dumbstruck with his mouth hanging open slightly. Aibou...? Is that girl alright? Uh... I...think...so... she always seemed mentally stable...Are you sure she's not insane? Or smoking something? She doesn't seem the type... If you're sure... I... think I'm sure... You don't even know do you? Right now? No, I don't...

In the end it was Yugi who regained himself first and placed a hand on Tea's shoulder,

"Um... Tea... I know the movie must have ah... scared you... but you must remember... it was a movie with actors that was done with a script and not at all an actual ruse to kill everyone who went into some house or anything of the sort... ok?" Tea whimpered once and nodded,

The TV was covered in static for a moment before Pegasus' face appeared on the screen.

"Seven days!" he said mockingly a grin on his face. Tea screamed and dove behind the house as the Pegasus on the TV chuckled, "Please excuse the corny jokes, I just saw this wonderful movie about a house and a family who haunted it, and it was quite amusing, sorry if I annoyed anyone. Anyway... Greetings little Yugi, I'm Mazamillion Pegasus, but I suspect you knew that. I've heard terribly interesting things about you little Yugi." Yugi blinked and looked at the TV, a surprised look on his face.

"You amazing duel with Seto Kaiba just amazed me, winning in such a short time as well. I want to see and test these amazing skills of your personally. Right here, and right now, we'll have a special duel with a set time limit. In the end the person with the most life points will win. Are you ready?"

"Wha?" Yugi said, giving the TV a look as if it, an inanimate object, had suddenly grown limbs and started to sing and face. Behind Yugi. Joey snorted,

"What? You can't seriously expect to duel a videotape can you?"

"That's crazy... and..." he looked at Yugi, "One might question your sanity!"(7) Tea gave Tristan an annoyed look,

"Like you're one to talk about sanity..."

"Hey!"

"Well it's true..." The Pegasus on the TV chucked and a glow appeared under his eye,

"No, it's magic!" Yami's attention was suddenly drawn to the TV, Yugi! Watch out! This is a shadow game! Get away! Now before- he stopped dead as the whole room seemed to go dark and shadows took over everything. Freezing Yugi's friends behind him in time. AN icy chill filled the room and Yugi shivered, rounding on the TV,

"What's going on!?" he shouted, looking scared, his voice trembling slightly, "What have you done to my friends?!" Pegasus laughed again,

"I'll retuern them back to normal, when we finish our game little Yugi." Yugi growled and glared at Pegasus,

"Then it's time to duel Pegasus! You'll-" he was cut off as Yami growled, Yugi, stay back, this is way to dangerous for you, I can't risk you getting hurt, not here, the Shadow realm is nothing to laugh at. I'm doing this.

There was a flash of light, and once again, Yami stood (well sat really) looking at Pegasus with a dark look,

"Start the clock and make your move Pegasus..." Yami said, a smirk on his face.

"Of course!" Pegasus said, all to cheerfully, "Let's begin!" he said, leaning back to reveal another paper area, like the ones Yugi and pals used at school, the VCR beeped and suddenly the timer was set for 15 minutes.

"Nervous Yugi boy?" Pegasus said as he drew, setting a card face down on the field, "Because you really should be. You've never faced anyone like me before." he said, smiling still. Again, Yami smirked, drawing a card,

"You may be good..."

"I assure you, I am." Pegasus interrupted. Yami, ignoring him said,

"But I'll beat you and save my friends." Pegasus chuckled, something glowing behind his hair again,

"You won't save anyone with that dragon card." Yami gapped at Pegasus, pure shock in his eyes. How did he... Yami thought, looking at the Kamori Dragon in his hand.

"I told you Yugi-boy, you've never dueled anyone like me before. I know every move you'll make. Before you can even think to make it." Yami glared at Pegasus, uneasiness taking over.

"Knowing every move you'll make gives me an advantage wouldn't you say Yugi-boy?"

"What?!" Yami snapped, still glaring.

"For example, I can anticipate your next play, and counter it with this dragon capture jar!" A bright light shot forward from the TV and blinded Yami,

"Urgh..." he groaned, covering his eyes with his arm to block the light as much as he could.

"It draws yoru dragon from your card and into the jar! Never to be used against me in this duel." Yami growled again and looked at Pegasus, an uneasy look on his face. This is crazy,... he thought, gritting his teeth, This is crazy... first he reads my mind, then he brings the monster on my card to life...

"This place is known as the shadow realm." Pegasus started, "A Mystical place where monsters can be brought to li-" he was cut off as Yami snapped,

"I know what the bloody shadow realm is you limey fruitcake!" Yami! Yugi said, shocked, Don't talk like that! There might be children present! Yami looked around and said sarcastically, Oh yes, look at all the little kiddies running around with their little puppies and kites, please forgive me, I didn't mean to soil their pure little minds... Yami... Yugi started, warningly, Calm down aibou... I'm sorry...No no it's fine... just keep dueling...

"Do you believe in magic in this game?" he asked, looking at Yugi.

"You would know, you invented this game." he muttered darkly, pulling a card from his hand and got ready to play it.

"What id I told you I didn't invent it?" Yami froze, his eyes widening,

"What?" he asked, unable to stop himself. (after all, he hasn't gotten his memories back yet)

"The ancient Egyptians would hold games like this called the 'shadow games'. Powerful pharaohs would hold magical duels in different dimensions much like we are now. But they used real magic and real monsters, they were so powerful in fact, that the Egyptians lost control of the monsters and they nearly destroyed the entire world." Yami's eyes widened. No! He's lying... thats not true... but then... why...why does it seem so fa miler?

Shaking his head he looked back up,

"It's a good story Pegasus but these monsters... they can't be real..." he said, faltering in the end, as he questioned his own beliefs on the subject.

"Tell that to by dragon piper!" Pegasus said, summoning said monster. Pegasus grinned, "And it's flute brings out your dragon! Only under my control!" he said happily, as the Komori dragon appeared on his side of the field, sending an attack towards Yami,

"I have to counter attack... Silver Fang!" Yami shouted, a greenish wolf appearing in front of the monster as the Komori Dragon seemed to melt through the TV sending a burst of flames towards Yami, of which the wolf intercepted as some flew past and around Yami. Urgh... the heat.. this is nuts...

Pegasus LP- 2000

Yami LP- 1500

"Aha, as you see Yugi, these monsters are very real." he laughed again, "and also quite dangerous!" he started laughing again, as if it was a good joke. Yami growled at Pegasus again, giving him a dark look.

"Oh man Yugi-boy, you are entertaining indeed! The way you growl and sneer, it's really quite amusing!" Pegasus smiled, earning another dark look from Yami,

"Ah.. it's funny, and so naive of the powers of your millennium puzzle..."

"What?" Yami said, eyes widening slightly. Did Pegasus know something about his item that he didn't?

"5000 years ago a powerful pharaoh lock away the powers of the shadow game and all the monsters away."

"Yeah... and... what's this got to do with me?" Yami said slowly, suddenly nervous.

"The pharaoh lock away the magic in seven mystical millennium items. Cool huh?" Yami blinked, his brow furrowed in thought,

"And... you're saying my puzzle is one of them?"

"Oh yes yugi-boy, and it's got magical powers that could change your life if you only knew how to use them... in fact, your items is a very important one, I mean, not all the items have spirits in them, only yours does." (but then again, he didn't know about Bakura) Yami frowned again,

"But why are you telling me this?" he said, wondering if it was all a hoax.

"Why?" Pegasus repeated, tilting his head slightly, "Because, I need you to know about it, thats why, but perhaps I've said to much, after all, the clock is still going and we need to return to out little duel."

Yami sighed, a frustrated look on his face, He's right...I'm running out of time... and I still don't know if this is some weird trick... or if he's really reading my mind... In front of him, Pegasus lifted his hair that covered his right eye, a golden on in it's place in the same shape as the one around Yami's neck. Yami frowned, reaching for the zombie card in his hand, but stopped as Pegasus smirked, But wait.. he knows what I'm going to do... maybe... it's got something to do with that weird eye... he stared at it for a moment longer, That's it! That weird eye must let him somehow see the cards in my hand... or something of the sort, so no matter what I pick, he's always one step ahead of me... but... that gives me an idea... Yami thought, a smile appearing on his face.

"Hurry up Yugi-boy, time is running out, for you and your little friends." Pegaus is expecting me to play a card in my hand... Yami closed his eyes in thought, a plan forming in his uber hott bishie head of his. Opening his eyes his mouth twitched, But what if I play a card even I haven't seen yet! I'll draw a card straight from my deck, and play it without looking at it! He thought, smiling.

"I already know your plan to play the zombie warrior." Pegasus said, a smirk on his face, "And I plan to counter it with a trap card that makes even zombie cards lie down and play dead!" he said, happily.

Yami smirked, giving Pegasus a look that clearly said ,'mwahahahaha I am better then you n00b'

"Not this time. You may be able to see the cards from my hand, but even you can't see the cards I pull from the deck." Pegasus' eyes narrowed as he gave Yami a look,

"Hm?" he said, a frustrated and confused look on his face,

"My next card is..." Yami paused, flipping it over, "The dark magician." Pegasus frowned, sighing and placing a hand on the side of his head,

"Ooo... the big scary dark magician..."

"Mock me all you want Pegasus... but my magician will destroy that dragon."

"Do whatever you want if you think it'll help..." Pegasus said, clearly bored.

"It'll do more then help, it'll bring you closer to defeat, and me closer to saving my friends."

"Then by all means, play it..." Pegasus sighed, closing his eyes, "You're wasting time giving me a victory speech anyway..."

"Dark magician!" Yami shouted, as the monster appeared in a swirl of smoke, "Dark magic attack!" he shouted as the magician attacked, lowering Pegasus' life points.

Yami LP- 1500

Pegaus LP- 1200

Pegasus blocked his eyes for a moment as the dragon disappeared with a flash of light and smoke before turning back to the field and laughing.

"Nicely played..." Pegasus said, smiling for the 100th time or so that day, "But by playing your magician you've allowed me to manipulate you once again. Yami frowned, a questioning look on his face.

A turn later, Pegaus used a monster magic combo, copying the Dark Magician's magic attack and using it on the elf swordsmen (wasn't that the Celtic Guardian??? They changed the name in Episode 2...) lowering Yami's life points.

Pegasus LP- 1200

Yami LP- 400

"Well, it appears time is almost up, and since I have more life points, I win." Yami jumped,

"Not yet! You left out your mage to a direct assult!" 8 seconds left. Pegasus' eyes narrowed as Yami summoned the summon skull 5 seconds left. (summoningly xD) and sent it for an attack, two seconds left.

Time was up. The skull hadn't made it.

"Well, it appears we've run out of time, but how close was that? If you had been able to complete your attack, you would have won. But I didn't did I? I have taken measurement of you talents today Yugi Motou and next time we shall play for far high stakes."

"I'm down with your games..." Yami said darkly, glaring at Pegasus.

Pegasus made a 'tut'ing nose as he waved his finger at Yami,

"You say that like I'm giving you a choice in the matter... but I'm not." he raised the hair away from his eye again as it glowed, he smirked,

"I found, given the proper incentive, anyone can be made to play my game." Yami covered his eyes and a blinding flash filled the room for a second. Dying down almost instantly. Yami looked up in horror as he saw Yugi's grandfather on the TV, static in the background.

"Yuuuggiiii!" his grandfather called, in pain and horror, looking as if he was pushing against the glass of the TV. Yami leaned back in horror, a feeling of great guilt filling him as he breathe, and something like a sob caught in his throat.

Yugi took over and launched himself forward at the TV, shaking it as the shadows slowly disappeared,

"Grandpa! Grandpa!" he shouted, shaking the TV more.

"Yes... we'll play a again.." Pegasus voice said as it died, "How else will you get your grandfather's soul back?" his laughter filled the room and slowly died along with the shadows.

He felt Yami disappear into his own dark and dreary soul room. Cauing Yugi to worry, the room Yami's soul lived in before he started hanging out with Yugi in his, or staying out in the hallway, was filled with pain and fear, he knew Yami hated it there, and would do just about anything to avoid going in it.

Yugi whimpered, a sob catching in his throat as if he wanted to cry but the fear and shock wouldn't let him. Yugi... Yami's voice said, un-naturally quiet, even for him, Yugi... I failed... I...I'm so sorry...please... forgive me... then silence filled the air and the room around him.

1- Ok, I have no proof Yami actually has a sweet tooth, but thats the fun of fan fiction. I get to make that crap up.

2- I know, that doesn't happen in the anime... but I've seen it happen in more fics I can count... and I wanted to add fluff, so I winged it a bit... . I might change it a bit later.

3- The thought of Yami laughing himself silly, that mental image is hilarious don't you think?

4- In the anime, Yugi and Yami touch each other (uh... not... in that kinda way) a lot, even though one is in spirit form, so I figured, Yami could do simple things like hold cards and what not in spirit form without using much magic.

5- Yeah... it's sad, I'll admit, I watch Yu-Gi-Oh! GX... but it's hilarious!! I swear, every episode has some of the best jokes (well... teh best corny camp ones anyway)

6- Yes, yet another Yu-Gi-Oh the abridged series joke! I adore it, they are the best videos on YouTube and I think you should alllll watch them! They are so freakin funny! LittleKuriboh is a smart man! A very very smart man!!! Oh and there was a "The One Ring To Rule Them All!" joke in there too!! Extra cookies to those who get it! (TORTRTA was by Legendary Frog)

7- Peoples sanity get questioned a lot in this fic huh? -snickers- funny... but it's fun to question ones sanity!

MorKlis- Thanks, glad you like it. Yeah I know, lots of tiny typos... guess I'm lazy xD sorry about that. And you're right! Yami and Yugi totaly never talked enough in the anime! No matter HOW close they got!! That's why I'm writing this to fix that! ;D -gives you a cookie-

Tricia-You're right... that WAS annoying... I never understood the point of that since he only did it in the first season... it never made sense to me... -shakes head- it's like Naruto how the American people had to make that whole "Believe it!" line filler since Japanese words are longer then American ones. -gives you a cookie-

enlightenedforces- Actually, the first chapter only took me a few hours, and less then a day, I wrote the whole thing a night when I suddenly got the idea and was really bored, I didn't have to reference much at all (Yeah... I'm THAT obsessed with Yu-Gi-Oh... 14 and I still adore it...-sighs- -gives you a cookie- Hope to see more reviews, and yes, confused little Yugi's ARE cute! Thanks for keeping up with updates and what not! Hope to see your reviews again!

Kai Sohma- -huggles back- Hey! Long time no chat! (get on gaia more you!!!) And yes, this WILL be crazy long! But that means I'll have something to do this summer... . and most likely next... and perhaps the one after that... xD I'll update as much as possible though ok? -huggles again- how's that plane ticket comming? lol you gotta come visit soon! I miss you and Pengicon is comming up!

radical-rebel- Yes I know you were sitting on the couch with me when you reviewed, you were sleeping over my dear neighbor. AND YOU GOT YOUR COOKIES!!! AND POCKY!!! Remember? The lovely little chocolate Korean ones sitting on front of us? And the unlimited pocky??? Yeesh! Greedy! Thanks for the review though, and you and Kai-chan (thats my friend from the other side of the US remember?) are the only ones who voted. And for the same thing, so... if more people vote for that (or if people are poopy and no one else votes) it will end up JoeyxSeto

Now... REVIEW!!! Click the little button and review you fools... REVIEW!! OR ELSE!!!! -growls- Review or Bakura sends you to the Shadow realm!! And you know he will, he likes to do that.

Bakura- -evil grin- ehehehehe foolish mortals... I will send you all to the Shadow realm! Yay! And you'll all die! Yay! And you'll be gone forever Yay! I love this! Yay!

(-snickers- more LK humor, I love his videos -huggles LK-)