An hour later the gang was getting prepared to set food on the table. Even though Yugi was back, the gang kept a quiet distance from each other. Yugi understood the reaction he was going to expect bringing Maria home. He expected his mom to look at him stupid and his grandfather too agree with his mother but Yami's reaction he did not expect. To Yugi, he and Yami were like brothers. He did not expect Yami to be so judgmental in his relationship with Maria. He thought that he could tell Yami anything and he would understand but it upset him even though he tries to keep a straight face. He was glad that his friends warmed up to Maria and his friends did what his family did not do and that was show courtesy to Maria. He happily looked at Tea as she was preparing the punch.

"Isn't she great Tea? Yugi asked.

"She seems really cool, I think we are going to be good friend." said Tea

"I am glad because Maria does not have any family in Japan, I would really appreciate it if you would make her feel welcome."

"Of course, Yugi, I apologize for being an iceberg earlier on, I was just shocked by the surprise... I mean you getting married!'

"I understand Tea, and believe me I surprise myself."

"You have always been the voice of reason among the group,"

"Thank You..Yugi"

There was a knock on the door

"That must be Maria with Alana. Hey guys please come into the living room I want you to meet Alana."

The gang went into the living room. Even though Yugi's mom was very disappointed in the marriage with Maria, she did not want to show negative emotions towards Maria's daughter. What annoyed her was not just Yugi getting married but him being a stepfather to the little one. What made Yugi want to agree to be a father to her, he is so young, and had so much time for himself to live his life before he thought about settling down. She knew her son was not a man of compulsive impulse in fact she thought that Yugi was too grounded for someone so young. Which made her happy when he decided to live in America and have an adventure but not this kind of adventure. The new Yugi she has seen this past two hours would makes her miss her prudent son before he left for America. She wanted to understand her son and his new attitude but she will not get the answers by talking to him, she will have to talk to the object of her son's affections.

Yugi quickly opened the door "Hey beautiful" he said to Maria. Then a little bundle jumped on Yugi that made him lose his balance and fall on the floor. "Nice to see you to Alana".

"I missed you Yugi!" Alana said. Yugi stood up and took Alana in and hugged her. Alana happily embraced the hug as Maria looked at them with a smile on her face.

Yugi broke Alana from his embrace as he guided her into the living room with Maria following him.

"Alana, I want to meet important people of mind"

"Hey everyone!"

The gang looked the little girl that was Yugi's stepdaughter. She was small and slender frame with medium length brown hair like her mother's. Her eyes were big and had the brown eyes that Maria carried. She had a curious and expressive look reflects her innocence. Her clothing though was a contrast to her sweet and delicate features. She wore army cargo pants with a blue T-shirt that says "New York Giants".

"Why hello Alana!" Yugi's mother said to the youngster in a sweet manner.

"Nice to meet you Ms. Moto" Alana said as she bowed in front of her"

"You are such a sweetheart" Yugi's mom says.

Yugi took Alana and sat her on the couch. "You must be exhausted Alana do you want any punch."

"Yes. Please!"

Maria sat next to her daughter and looked at the gang who were entranced with Yugi's stepdaughter.

Yugi handed Alana a cup of punch.

Joey, Tea, Tristan , Mai, Serenity and Duke, Mokuba, Rebecca sat around in a circle where Alana sat. The happily conversed with the youngster as Yugi ad Maria sat in between her in awe of their daughter and her conduct with company. From afar Yugi's mom saw the couple. "They look just like parents". Grandpa sat on the seat next to Maria as the gang had fun with Alana.

Yami was the opposite he did not want to interact with youngster he was indifferent to her presence. He stood in back of the room wallowing in sorrow over the events that just took place. He dranked his punch as he overheard the giggles and laughs coming from both parties. He kept his eyes on Yugi and he studied his every movement and interactions with Maria and Alana. In Yami's mind he did not want to give Maria and Alana the satisfaction of being part of their company. He wanted Maria to notice how afar he is from her, he turned his eyes away from Yugi and looked at Maria as he closed his mind link with Yugi. "You corrupted him, I see how you rejoice while you make him a slave to your brat. I will not let you get away with this."