"Are you ready for your first day of school, Roxanne?" Yugi asked as I walked down the stairs.

I nodded. "Yep! I'm so excited!"

Yugi smiled. "That's great! I can't wait for you to meet Jonouchi and Honda!"

Neither can I.

"Now, do you remember what I told you, Roxanne?" Sugoroku said, entering the conversation. "Japanese schools aren't the same as American schools."

"I know," I replied. "But thank you for all your help, Mr. Mutou. I can't tell you enough how grateful I am for your hospitality and kindness."

Sugoroku smiled. "You're welcome, though I do expect you to get a job soon. I think you have plenty of choices from what we picked out."

I smiled and nodded. "I know. As soon as I get settled in with school, I'll start my applications, I promise."

"I know you will. Have a good day, you two."

Yugi and I then left the shop and made our way to the school. Yugi talked most of the way, while I only half-listened to the conversation. My mind kept wondering to when I met Atem. Though it has been a month since I had accoutred him, it was still fresh in my mind. I was still shocked that Atem was as violent as he was. A part of me feared him a bit, making me kind of anxious to meet him again. He had this thing about him that made me want to learn more about him. He seemed like an interesting guy to hang out with.

"Roxanne, did you hear me?"

I blinked and turned to Yugi.

"Huh? Did you say something, Yugi?"

"I was just saying that we're here."

I looked up and saw that we were at the school. Did I really space out that much?

"Are you okay?" Yugi asked. "You seem nervous."

I smiled slightly. "I'm fine. Just a little anxious."

I turned to the school gate.

"I'm ready to enter whenever you are, Yugi."

"Okay, I'll show you to the way to our class. But first, let's see if we can find Jonouchi or Honda. I want you to meet them before class starts."

I followed Yugi through the school grounds, hoping to find a sign of Honda or Jonouchi. I noticed that some of the other kids were staring at me as we walked by. I avoided their gazes, hoping that I didn't look too different.

"Here they are!"

Yugi ran over to two guys, one with wild blonde hair and the other with brown hair that stuck up in the front like a triangle, who were about to enter the building. I walked over slowly to Jonouchi and Honda.

"Jonouchi, Honda, I was glad I was able to catch up to you guys," Yugi was saying. "I wanted you to meet Roxanne before class started."

"So the American is here today?" Honda commented raising an eyebrow. "I thought she was supposed to come next week."

"Who cares?" Jonouchi replied, moving his hair out of his eyes. "I've never met someone from America before. I'm curious to see what they are like."

He leaned towards Yugi and whispered, "So, Yugi, how good looking is this American gale?"

That comment made me blush a little. Honda then noticed me in the background.

"Yugi, is this her?"

Yugi turned around and nodded.

"Yeah. Honda, Jonouchi, this is Roxanne. Roxanne, this is Honda and Jonouchi."

"What's up, Roxanne?" Honda said.

"Pleased to meet you," I replied.

"So, Roxanne," Jonouchi said, quickly moving to my side. "Tell me, what is it like living in America?"

I blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Well, is it as great as everyone says it is?" he explained. "I keep hearing that living in the U.S. is the best place to be, with all the freedoms and all."

"From what I've seen of Japan, it isn't much different," I answered. "Though I'm still getting used to the Japanese writing. It is so different from English."

For once, I'm glad I forced my mom to get me those Japanese classes I begged her for.

Just then, I could hear the faint sound of a bell.

"We should be getting to class," Honda said. "You are in our class, aren't you Roxanne?"

"I believe so," I answered, taking my schedule out of my pocket and glancing over it.

"Our class is on the second floor," Yugi added walking into the building. "We'll lead the way."

I nodded as I followed Yugi, Jonouchi, and Honda to our class. I couldn't wait to get started!

"So, Roxanne," Jonouchi asked as he, Yugi, Anzu, and I walked to the Kame Game Shop after school. "What did you think of Japanese school? Is it better than American school?"

"So far, Japanese school is so much better!" I answered, a little cockiness in my voice. "Far more interesting than what American school has to offer."

And the fact I'm going to school with the cast of Yu-Gi-Oh has something to do with it.

"I surprised that you're fitting in so quickly," Anzu said impressed. "I would think it would be hard to get used to our ways."

"Well, I did take a bit of Japanese a few years ago," I explained. "I can read the simplest words, but I have you guys to help me out with it."

"Speaking of America," Yugi said. "I just now remembered Grandpa telling me we got a new shipment of America's hit card game, Duel Monsters!"

I froze.

Oh. My. God!

"Really?" Jonouchi said. "What's it about?"

"It's a game where the players become wizards and fight with magic and monsters," Yugi explained. "I've already started making my deck."

"Sounds cool," Anzu commented.

"Have you've played Duel Monsters before, Roxanne?" Yugi asked me.

"I've collected the cards back at home, but I've never been able to play the game with anyone," I said. "To tell the truth, all my friends hate it."

"Really? Wow."

I nodded.

It was sad that I had no one play with. I couldn't understand why my friends didn't like the card game. I thought it was so fun, from reading the instructions of course. Maybe I'll finally be able to play it.

We then entered the game shop and Jonouchi automatically ran to the front desk. I followed quickly behind him.

"Hey, Mr. Mutou," Jonouchi exclaimed. "Could you hook me up with those Duel Monster cards?"

"Same with me," I added.

Sugoroku came to the front if the desk. "Sure thing," he said his hands full of Duel Monster packages. "Here are a few packages you can have."

In that instant, Jonouchi and I tore through the packages. I thought I was going to faint from excitement as I touched the cards. Holding the actual cards were a lot different from the ones back home. These where the real thing, and not just the cheap merchandise. I let out a small fangirl squeal.

Looking through card to card, I started to assemble a deck. Yugi helped Jonouchi pick out his cards while Anzu glanced at the drawings.

"The artwork is really good," Anzu commented. "Though, some of it is kind of gross…"

"'Gross?'" I said shocked. "I think they're really cool looking!"

Anzu gave me a weird look but I paid no attention to it.

Sugoroku smiled. "I'm glad you kids like it. This old man is also a fan of Duel Monsters. I even have one amazing card."

"Can we see it?" I asked, my legs shaking in excitement.

Sugoroku studied each of us carefully. "I guess I can let you see it for a bit..."

He then went to the back to the store and came back with one card in his hand. My eyes widened as he placed the card on the desk.

"Here it is," Sugoroku said. "The Legendary Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"

Anzu, Jonouchi, and I stared at the card with amazement. I couldn't believe it! I was looking at a Blue-Eyes White Dragon card! The art of the card was so realistic that I felt like the dragon was look straight at me. It was a beautiful sight.

"You know, Yugi," Jonouchi said. "We should play Duel Monsters at school tomorrow."

Yugi nodded in agreement.

We all continued to get more cards until we heard the door opened. I turned around to see a tall high school boy with short brown hair holding suitcase. His blue eyes gazed at us coldly, like they had no emotion or passion what so ever.

"What's this?" Seto Kaiba said. "Well, well. So this game store is your family's Yugi?"

"Oh, hi Kaiba," Yugi replied.

Kaiba nodded and looked around the store. "So, you guys play Duel Monsters?"

"We just started," Jonouchi replied. "You want to play tomorrow at school, Kaiba?"

Kaiba raised an eyebrow. "Let me see your cards."

Jonouchi gave him his cards. He looked at them for a brief second and then threw them to the ground.

"Please! These cards couldn't win against a paper bag. You're such a beginner!"

Jonouchi quickly got down on the floor and grabbed his scattered cards. He glared back at Kaiba, his brown eyes glowing with anger. But Kaiba ignored him, as he turned to see me.

"So, you're the new girl everyone's talking about," Kaiba said unimpressed. "You're a lot different from what I expected."

I blinked. I didn't know if Seto Kaiba noticing me should be considered an honor or not.

"What did you expect?" I asked when I found my voice.

"Well, you're from America, so I thought you would have more class. Guess I was wrong about that, since your hanging out with a loser like Jonouchi."

"Oh really?" I questioned angrily. "So just because you have a lot of money, are good at card games, and run a huge gaming business, you think you can just screw the rules?"

"Well, that is surprising," Kaiba commented. "At least you know who you're talking to."

"Why you..."

"Anyway," he continued, ignoring me. "I came here to see what kind of cards you had. If you had any good ones, I may be persuaded to buy."

"Oh, sure thing." Sugoroku started to place more cards on the desk.

Kaiba barely gave them even a glance. His eyes grew in boredom until he saw the Blue-Eyes White Dragon card.

He gasped.

"T-this…"

He stared at the card.

Next thing I knew, Kaiba slammed his large suitcase onto the desk. He opened the case to revel tons and tons of Duel Monster cards.

"I'll trade you anything for that Blue-Eyes card!" Kaiba demanded, desperation in his voice. "Name your price, and I will pay it."

Sugoroku looked down at the Blue-Eyes card, as if he forgot it was there. How does one forget a card like a Blue-Eyes White Dragon? Sugoroku picked up the card.

"I'm sorry, but this card isn't for sale. It's far too precious to me," he said as he turned to a picture on the back shelf. "An important friend of my mine from America gave me that card. This card is as important to me as my friend is. I could never give it up!"

Kaiba's left eye twitched a little. He then closed the suitcase.

"Fine…I get it. Later then."

He stormed out of the store, slamming the door behind him.

I clutched my fists together. I wanted to tell Sugoroku that Kaiba would do anything to get that card from him. Even kill him. But I forced myself to keep quiet.

"Wow that was great!" Jonouchi cried. "That was so priceless! Did you see Kaiba's face?"

He started to laugh hysterically. Anzu looked like she was about to punch him while Yugi muttered something to his grandpa. I stared back at the door. I knew this was far from over. And Yugi would experience it tomorrow.

The next day, Yugi and I walked to school. I noticed that Yugi was looking down at his cards, partially the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

"Hey, Yugi," I said. "Do you think it was a good idea bringing the Blue-Eyes White Dragon to school?"

"Well, it is a very rare and powerful card," Yugi answered. "I thought everyone would like to see it."

"Yeah, they would. Especially Kaiba."

Yugi looked up at me. "What are you saying, Roxanne?"

"Kaiba looked like he would go extreme lengths to get that card," I explained. "I'm just saying that you should be careful with it."

Yugi looked down at the card and then nodded.

"I see what you are saying. Don't worry, I'll be careful with it."

I nodded slowly. I hoped that Yugi would really listen to my advice. I would hate him to get hurt over a trading card.

I hope Kaiba has more sense than he did in the manga.

We then entered the school building and walked to our classroom. There, I could see everyone crowding around a couple of desks. I walked over there and saw Jonouchi playing Duel Monsters with some of the other students. And of course, Jonouchi was losing. Horribly.

"...And with that, your Life Points drop to zero," Jonouchi's opponent said.

He smiled happily.

"You where right, Jonouchi. This game is a lot of fun!"

Jonouchi's eye twitched. "Yeah..."

He looked up at Yugi.

"Hey, Yugi, why don't you and I have a match."

"Come on, Jonouchi!" a dark-haired boy complained. "You've been dueling for the last few games!"

Jonouchi glared at the guy. I had to admit, the way he looked at him was funny.

"Okay, Jonouchi," Yugi said as he sat down at the opposite desk. "Let me get my deck ready and we will start."

The two then started to duel. It was a very entertaining game, even though Jonouchi failed miserably at every turn. I smiled to myself knowing he would get better in the future. But as the match progressed, I kept looking around the room looking for Kaiba. I knew he would show up soon, planning to steal the Blue-Eyes card. Though a part of me wanted to stop Kaiba stealing the card, the other part wanted me to do nothing.

"You can't stop him!" my fangirl side cried. "You'll change the series dramatically if you do!"

"But Yugi and Kaiba will get hurt if you don't," my sensible side objected. "Regardless if it changes the story a bit, it is the right thing to do."

I continued to debate with myself, no knowing which side was right.

But I didn't have time to think as Kaiba entered the group. He looked down at Jonouchi, amusement in his eyes. I held back my anger. When Jonouchi and Yugi's duel was done, Kaiba approached Yugi. They started to talk. I walked a little closer to them, to hear what they had to say.

"...By the way, do you have that Blue-Eyes White Dragon in your bag by any chance?" Kaiba asked.

Yugi gave Kaiba a puzzled look. "Yes, how did you ever guess?"

I could hear the uneasiness in Yugi's voice. At least he was cautious.

"Could I see it again? I'm still amazed that you have that card," Kaiba explained.

Yugi hesitated for a bit. I glared at him.

He better not…

Yugi slowly reached into his bag. He pulled out the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

You idiot!

"You can see it for a second, Kaiba," Yugi said as he handed him the card.

Kaiba held the legendary card in his hand, his eyes growing wide. In a split second, I saw him switch the Blue-Eyes card with a fake one. He handed the fake one to Yugi.

"Thanks, Yugi," Kaiba said with a fake smile. "It meant a lot. See you later."

He then walked away, leaving everyone else to their game. I ran after him. When I caught up to him, and with everyone else out of ear shot, I said, "Just what do you think you're doing?"

Kaiba turned to me. "What are you talking about?"

"You can stop the act, Kaiba," I replied, narrowing my eyes. "I saw what you did. I saw you take the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"

Kaiba gave me a calmed expression. If he was shocked that I knew, he didn't show it.

"Even if I did, you don't have any proof," Kaiba said coldly. "Who would believe you anyway? You've only been here a day and your already making enemies. That's very smart of you."

I stepped up to Kaiba and put my fist in his face.

"You want to bet, rich boy?" I threatened.

Kaiba smiled coolly. "Do you really want to hit me? In the middle of a classroom, where everyone can see?"

We glared at each other for a few minutes. I wanted to teach him a lesson, but I knew it wouldn't do any good. I then backed away.

"This isn't over, Seto Kaiba," I growled. "You'll get what's coming to you. In the Experience of Death."

I walked away, not even wanting to see Kaiba's reaction. I went back to the group to see Jonouchi lose another match to Yugi.

I sighed heavily.

The only way for Kaiba to learn was to face Atem. I hope he wouldn't be too harsh on him. After all, Kaiba was human. Even if he was a selfish jackass, he didn't deserve to suffer.

I stood outside the school's gate later that night. I waited for Atem to be done with his Shadow Game with Kaiba. I wanted to see if he would be okay. I didn't go inside the school because I feared Atem would see me as a threat. He wasn't that fond of me last time we met. I needed to get on his good side as much as I could. But waiting out here wasn't fun.

After standing outside for like an hour, I heard the doors to the school open. Atem walked pass the door, acting as calm as ever. He moved passed me, not even noticing me.

"…Hey, Pharaoh," I said softly.

Atem jumped a bit and turned to me.

"How long have you've been there?" he questioned.

"Not very long," I lied. "I didn't know if you wanted me watching your duel with Kaiba or not…"

Atem raised an eyebrow. "What do you want?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to see how things turned out."

We began our walk back home as Atem explained what happened, how he made the monsters come to life from the cards and Kaiba's 'Penalty Game.' He sounded like he was more comfortable with me as we talked, though he was still cautious. I guess that was an improvement. When he finished his story, we walked in silence for a bit. With hesitation, I then asked, "…So will Kaiba be okay?"

Atem nodded, not even looking at me.

"He will be. After his illusion of death, he should be fine."

Or as fine as anyone would be from experiencing death.

"You know, you don't have to be so jumpy with me," Atem suddenly said, breaking me out of my thoughts. "I'm not going to hurt you."

I blinked.

"As long you don't harm my host, of course. But I don't think you would harm him. You don't seem to be the evil type."

"Uh…thanks," I said, wondering if I should take that as a compliment.

At least he didn't hate me.