Something Special

by LeafeonLover

I just moved to Domino city and on my first day attending Domino High, I met a boy named Yugi. Soon after that I found myself getting into trouble quite often. Luckily Dark Yugi keeps coming to my rescue. Now I just have to figure out who he is and why he keeps showing up to save me. Little do I know he's trying to figure out what my irregular secret is too. OC insert. YugiXOCXYami

10. End It with a Bang!

Hi there reader LeafeonLover here

Betcha didn't think you'd be seeing me again so soon didya'?

Well there is a reason for that

And that reason is during the last few days of spring break I worked like mad at writing a new chapter for SS

It took me several days of mostly continous work but I did it!

Though I was creatively drained by the end of that

and had to go back and edit the last couple thousand words before leaving it

THEN I had to go back and edit this chapter adding a few thousand words in the process

Luckily I had a long weekend this week (one extra day off) and managed to finish it so I could update

Now getting back to that reason

It is my last term of school EVER so I'm guessing things are going to get a bit hectic real soon

And I wanted to update before that happened (even though it kinda already has)

I apoligise in advance if there is an increase of spelling and or grammactical errors it was kinda rushed

You probably won't hear from me for a month or more until school finishes

So in the mean time enjoy this chapter the last episode of season 0 I'll be putting in this story

Now onto season 1! (which I have almost finished writing FYI ;)

Oh yeah and now a special message from our sponsers (people soeem to do this all the time so I thought I'd try)

*Keiko in a magician costume pushes Yugi who is dressed as an angel onto the stage*

Yugi *blushing*: Um Leaf would just like to tell all of you...

Yami *rockin' a devil costume*: That she hopes you will all have a very happy halloween.

Ryou *dressed as a pirate*: Leaf is pretty jelly of all you people in America...

Bakura *dressed as a theif*: She wishes she could dress up and go trick or treating, I would just steal some children's candy...

Keiko: *whacks Bakura with her top hat*

Bakura: *glares while muttering*

Tea *in fashionable pink fairy outfit*: Buuuuut unfortunately that thing doesn't really happen a lot in Australia.

Joey *dressed as werewolf*: So all of you out there will make the best of this holiday...

Tristan *dressed as zombie*: To go out there and get a lot of candy and do some tricks!

Keiko: *steps away from Tristan* Ra knows our author doesn't need anymore candy *Points at Leaf*

Me: *chewing on Cherry ripe* I resent that remark.

EVERYONE: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Now without further ado

ENJOY!

---

Chapter 9

End It with a Bang! (Episode 14)

I wiped the beaded sweat from my brow placing a ragged grey cloth on the stone railing. In this moment of peace where I wasn't scrubbing away at something, I looked out on the horizon at the bustling town in the distance below.

From this balcony you can see the only half the numerous villages so close to the palace. My home happened to be on this part of town and if I squint my eyes enough, I could even make out my house from here. I took in a deep breath and exhaled the cool evening breeze.

I took up a clay pot in my hand and tipped the dirty water inside over the balcony and watched it fall to the garden below over some bushes. There was no need to waste it when it only had a bit of dirt and dust in it anyway. I placed the pot quietly on the stone railing.

I stood in content silence watching for a moment, observing as decorations were strung up from stall to stall in the village square. Fanos were beginning to be lit with torches and hung up creating a soft orange glow against the now pink sky.

A pleasant wind blew over me carrying all manner of scents with it, as well as ruffling my cloths and making my hair whip this way and that.

"****?" A voice made me jump causing the jug to fall off the railing and plummet into the garden below.

I hung over the edge of the railing watching it tumble down the wall and into a flower bush with a soft smash.

"Great, I'll have to go get that later." I huffed turning around swiftly.

The prince who was looking at me quizzically and I knew why.

"Must you always sneak up on me ****?" I questioned crossing my arms.

Honestly he was as quiet as a cat most of time. I could never hear him coming I could only feel for his presence.

"This is my chamber. Why would I be sneaking in it?" he replied tilting his head while smirking at me.

I pursed my lips, he had a point there.

"Which brings me to our next subject, why are you in my chambers?" I tried not to swallow look nervous and kept eye contact.

I had hoped to avoid this conversation all together. I'm a very busy servant. The fact that keeping the prince's quarters tidy and clean was part of my duties must have just slipped my mind. I knew if the prince found out he'd be angry and wouldn't want me doing it. I was his friend not a servant.

The prince and my mother had very different ideas about these things. I decided to do the work when the prince wasn't there and not tell him. It wasn't a big deal to me really so it wasn't hard to keep it under wraps. That was until now though.

"I'm… I'm cleaning it." I replied almost shameful.

I looked at the ground as if I'd been caught in the act of doing something bad. Honestly I didn't know why I felt like that because what I was doing wasn't wrong. I had done what I was told.

"Cleaning?" the prince blinked.

For some reason this response seemed to flare anger inside of me.

"Yes cleaning, you know that thing people do to stop their belongings from getting dirty." I explained mockingly.

I knew the prince probably hadn't ever cleaned something in his whole life. I felt a pang in my chest. I also knew that that wasn't the prince's fault. He hadn't asked to be born prince and have everything done for him.

"I know what cleaning is!" the prince snapped back at me annoyed.

I caught on to a hint of playfulness in his tone though and it made me smile. The idea of the prince angry at me made my chest very tight for some reason. For a moment the prince had a neutral expression. I tilted my head wondering what he was thinking.

He stared at me with a serious expression "**** why are you cleaning in my chambers?"

I shuffled nervously my focus shifting quickly to objects around the prince. Why shouldn't I be the one to do these things? Why does it bother him so if I am? I didn't know the answer to any of these questions but I wish I did.

"Because I was told to why else?" I sighed pausing momentarily to change my stance.

Someone who does as their told, no questions asked, is the perfect servant. I picked up the rag from the railing and twisted it in my hand as I spoke.

"Mother says I should get used to serving you, as that is the role of Guardian. One who serves and protects." I mumbled the last part so quietly I barely knew what I had said.

I glanced up at the prince who wrinkled his nose like he had just smelt something foul causing me to giggle softly before I covered it up.

"But I don't want you to serve me." he exasperated his shoulders tensing.

Serve and protect that is a Guardian's job my mother's voice echoed again.

I laughed airily "**** it's my role so I must do it, or I wouldn't be of use to anyone."

I soothed moving closer and touching a hand to his arm lightly. His shoulders relax almost immediately so I moved my hand away. He turned his head to look right into my eyes.

"But you're my equal, yet you must do the demeaning jobs of a slave." he told earnestly holding my gaze before I broke it off.

It was disrespectful to look into the eyes of royalty but I couldn't help it sometimes. His crimson gaze always seemed to capture me. We both stood on the balcony alone where I could easily feel his gaze burning into the back of my head. I looked out into the village again trying to distract myself.

I considered this statement for a moment before replying "Maybe to you I'm equal, but to everyone else I am a servant. A future guardian maybe, but right now I'm a servant, your servant."

I see the prince from the corner of my eyes, something spirited flickering in his eyes.

"My servant you say." he says a sly smirk playing on his face.

For a second I freeze knowing I've said something I shouldn't have.

What have I gotten myself into?

"As my servant I order you to no longer 'clean' my chambers your work isn't nearly satisfactory." he states pompously.

I frown and glare at him a bit before I smile sweetly.

I mock a curtsy "As you wish sire."

I say the last word with as much distaste as I can muster.

"What shall you have me do my prince? Be your personal slave, feed you sweet fruits at the throne and dance for your entertainment?" I inquire derisively.

I bat my eyelids seductively and play with a lock of my hair. The prince remains still as stone looking baffled by this change in behaviour. Even though he must know I'm not serious.

"Train with me as an apprentice and become a sorceress." I can't help a slight splutter.

It was a request I had heard over and over but one I couldn't comply to. The Guardian is physical protector of the pharaoh. Generations upon generations have gone by; none in my family have been born with any magical talent whatsoever. Then there's me.

One born with exceptional magical talents and other more unique magical talents. I sigh closing me eyes to stop my gaze from wavering and running a hand through my hair.

I want to but…

"I just… can't… I'm sorry." I bowed my head.

When I opened my eyes again the prince was standing right beside me, his crimson eyes blazing.

"Tell me, tell me why you can't." his voice sounded demanding almost harsh.

It was said like was an order from the crown prince instead of a question from a childhood friend. Those days were long gone now anyway. We had both grown up but we were still not quite adults.

"I…I…" I sputtered not knowing what to say for once in my life.

You must never tell anyone ****, more words echoed in my mind.

I smiled faintly collecting myself again "I cannot do that either."

I wish I could...

The prince was my friend and the only person in the whole of Egypt I would trust to tell.

I won't tell anyone, I promise…

It was a promise that I must keep.

"Why?" the prince sighed slightly perturbed I wouldn't tell him. I chuckled putting a hand over my mouth to stifle it.

"Because if I told you it wouldn't be a secret." I reasoned nudging him slightly smiling.

The prince pouted in a way that seemed too adorable for his handsome young face.

"If I had it my way you'd have no secrets from me." he told.

Maybe one day I will tell him.

"If you had it your way no one in the kingdom would have secrets." I rolled my eyes.

No secrets would mean no one can lie, no one can stab you in the back, no one can hurt you…

The prince smirked "Exactly."

I gave a small smile. A long time ago he had promised to protect me. I wonder if he found out what I could really do would he still stick by that promise. What would he think, or more importantly what would he do. If only he knew why I was really so reluctant to become a sorceress.

If people found out about my magical ability…. would they look deeper? Would something happen and they would find out about those other abilities? The secret I don't want anyone to ever find out about... And after they found out?

Would they shun me like a freak of nature, or use me like a tool? All these questions and with all the power I have. I can't answer a single one.

"A kingdom of peace where the people are content… and safe."

With you by my side.

"That is what I wish for." he told me seriously.

A kingdom without evil, could one even hope to get rid of the evil within let alone a whole kingdom?

"I don't know if a place like that is possible… but I think your father strives for that goal and you after him will be a great king." I choose my words carefully.

Ever since his mother's death the prince and the Pharaoh have become quite distant, which is understandable. The Pharaoh must run the country and the prince is in training so that he may one day do so himself. They both have busy schedules.

I myself have only seen the man a few times in person usually from a distance. The one time I actually spoke to him was when I first came to the palace. I learned from it is that he was a kind man. A man who has helped Egypt thrive in his years as its ruler. Yet I sense that wasn't what the prince was feeling.

It wasn't the cause of this separation. I think the prince may have learned of something to make him doubt his father's personality. Rulers must make the tough decisions and sometimes they may seem bad but turn out to be the best course of action.

Even in light of whatever discovery the prince had made they still care for each other, as you do for family even when you're mad with them.

"My father…" the prince trailed his eyebrows knitting together.

It was an odd look. The contemplative look didn't seem to have any place on such a tender face.

"He is not a selfish man, he has given his entire life to rule over Egypt with wisdom and courage." there was a long pause in which I sensed troubled feelings.

"Yet he is a selfish man in so many ways."

The prince put both his hands on the stone railing gripping it tightly in frustration. I hoped whatever has happened to make the prince act like this, that it would change soon. He breathed out deeply turning his head to look at me returning to his calm demeanour.

"So… shall you be attending the Wepet Renpet?" he inquired attempting to lighten the rather serious conversation.

The Wepet Renpet, it was a celebration that was held before the time of panting in preparation for harvest moons from now. A festival to praise the gods and pray for good fortune and fertile land for planting.

"I wasn't planning to, mother is busy and can't go and it's no fun if you have no one to share it with." I divulged slightly disappointed.

I let the quick subject change slip by without questioning.

"You should go. If I was free to do as I wished, I would go every harvest." he encouraged with a sad smile.

I usually did but maybe not this year.

"Why don't you go?" I asked curiously only causing anger to flicker in the prince's eyes once more.

It was rare to see royalty outside the palace.

"I am not permitted to leave palace grounds without permission. It is for my own safety, so attending the festival is out of the question." he explained somewhat bitterly.

I pondered this for a moment.

"That seems a little unfair." I mumbled.

A grin slowly crept onto my face unconsciously as mischief flashed in my eyes. The prince noticed this immediately.

"What are you thinking?" he inquired.

My smile must be contagious as he soon was grinning also.

I looked up into his eyes that shone with amusement and grinned deviously.

"I have a plan."

My eyes flutter open to the sound of beeping. I rolled over in bed to turn off the offending noise. Then I just lay there in silence staring into space. The sound of my alarm clock in the morning never used to bother me before I came here.

It just meant another boring day at school surrounded by annoying people that were vain and intellectually draining. Now I live in Domino and I don't have to deal with people like that anymore, usually. Even so it's like my alarm has morphed into some evil being that I despise greatly.

The first day I began going to Domino high that was the day I started having these strange dream like visions. Before that I had never experienced any dreams quite so in depth like these. Now the visions are growing more frequent to the point every time I close my eyes each night I have one.

Not only that but the person that has appeared in every dream so far has an uncanny resemblance to Yugi and Yami. This and the fact the dreams began when I came to Domino cannot be a coincidence. Then there's Yami all together, what is he? What is his connection to the Millennium Puzzle, to Yugi, to me?

Who is he? Is he the one I keep seeing in these dreams? There are so many things I could ask him next time I see him but I can ask only one question. So it better be a good one. I shook my head to clear it of the mist like sleepiness.

I got out of bed to start preparing for the day. Got dressed in my uniform, fed Meko, ate breakfast and did my hair. All those activate were normal. What made today different was how my mind kept wondering back to the dream.

As a consequence it caused me to nearly put my blouse on backwards, fill up Meko's bowl way too much –which Meko enjoyed- and brush my hair absentmindedly for much longer than I usually would. I had wasted so much time that I couldn't draw anything from the dream.

Already the smaller details had faded from my mind. I hurriedly put my hair in a high ponytail and brushed my teeth before grabbing my book bag and running out the door. I jogged down the street coming to an intersection where I shifted on my feet waiting impatiently for the walking light to turn green.

I was late.

That was something that rarely ever, if never, happened. I was always perfectly on time if not early. My mind had been trained to disregard the 'fashionably late' craze teenagers seemed to go through. I had been taught that being late was never rewarded.

It was rude, inexcusable and should never occur unless it was outside of your control. Though I didn't agree with my parents methods, and I hated to admit it, but most of the things they taught me were true.

Just as I was considering jaywalking across since there were no cars currently on the intersection and took a step forward to do so. A white limo came rushing down the road sufficiently blocking my route, but only for moment. I had to hold my skirt down to stop it from fluttering in the wind but I did notice a few things.

The limo was going at such a speed that it wasn't quite illegal, but also that it would reach the lights just as they turned green. Allowing it to pass through without having to stop or even brake. The windows were tinted a very dark shade so it was hard to see inside the vehicle, and it was going almost too fast to see anyhow.

I turned my head to watch it go. Strangely I wasn't angry that the limo was, barely, not breaking the speed limit or that I almost got run over. No, the only thing that caught my attention was the flash of a person sitting in the backseat. I only caught the silhouette but it looked like a male, tall with short hair.

I might have been wrong but it looked like he was staring in my direction. Then the limo tore off down the street and within seconds it was gone and out of sight.

Who was that?

I couldn't help the spike in my curiosity. In all the time I'd spent in Domino –almost a year now- I had seen very few limos and zero very long pure white limos with only one person in them. Before I could ponder this more my light turned green and I was sprinting once again.

In a short time I came upon the street that lead to the game store and slowed my pace to a steady stride. I could see Yugi walking at a slower than usual pace just across the road. I let out a breathe smiling to myself. That was a good sign it meant I wasn't too late and could walk with Yugi to school like I usually did.

I strolled on after him breathing so it didn't look like I had just run the whole way here. It didn't take much to catch up to him. My normal walking pace was quite fast and as Yugi was considerably shorter than me, I was the one who had to slow down to be in step with him. Not that I minded going slow.

Walking with Yugi was surprisingly relaxing. Yugi just radiated calm and I don't think anyone could help it affecting them. Yugi didn't notice me when I got closer. From my point of view nearly beside him I could see that his eyebrows were knitted together, his eyes looked a shade darker. He almost looked sad.

Yet another strange thing that happened today, Yugi was never sad.

"Yugi?" I called questioningly slightly worried that something was wrong.

Yugi stopped in his track and I very nearly ran into him. In the time it took for him to turn around –which wasn't very long- his expression changed drastically. Yugi's eyes lit up glimmering happily as he grinned at me.

"Keiko you're here!" he exclaimed joyfully.

Now I think I understood. When I didn't come on time he must have thought I was sick and got worried. I shouldn't have worried him.

"Of course! You didn't think I'd wag on the last day of school before summer break like everyone else, did you?" I laughed raising an eyebrow at him.

Indeed it was summer now. The way the early morning sun beat down on us hotly was testament to that.

Yugi shook his head at me chuckling "No, I suppose not, but then, how come you're late?"

Yugi seemed to know me almost as well as I knew myself. We continued on walking toward school as I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly.

"I was just… thinking, and I kept getting distracted." I justified looking off across the road into space.

I saw two familiar school children across the street and we waved at them. They waved back at us enthusiastically with a red and blue virtual pet in their hands. The fad involving virtual pets had ended a short time after what happened to Kujirada and Haiyama got out.

People still had and played with their pets but didn't bring them to school anymore. I no longer had my pet Nia. Not because I disliked the game but because I found someone better to take care of her. A couple days after the incident Yugi and I had meet those children staring into the window at the game store.

They had wanted to buy a digital pet with the money they'd got together but they were sold out everywhere. They looked so disheartened that I decided to give my red pet to the girl. Yugi thought our pets should stay together since they were compatible and gave his blue pet to the boy.

We told them that the pets were in "love" and that they should do a lot of data exchanges. Since the kids were, well kids, they deduced that Yugi and I must "love" each other just like our pets. That made Yugi blush and me shake my head at their childish antics.

Despite being young the two children were perfectly capable of taking care of the pets. Whenever we saw them they'd show us how much they'd grown. I was glad our pets were being taken care of by children who were appreciative.

"Keiko?" Yugi called snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Huh. Did you say something?" I blinked turning my head to look at him.

Yugi stared a small flicker in his eyes letting on to the concern he was feeling.

"I was asking what was on your mind?" he repeated slowly.

It wasn't uncommon for me to space out in class or during a lecture but not now when I was with a friend. I always gave my full attention to the people that were with me.

I shook my head giving a small but reassuring smile "No it's nothing, much too difficult to explain."

It was difficult to explain. How could I explain all the dreams I've been having, about a spirit that possesses Yugi sometimes and he doesn't even remember it? Trying to explain that would give me and probably him a headache.

"Well, if you're sure." Yugi stated sounding uncertain.

We came to school and switched our shoes before going up to homeroom and greeting the rest of our friends. The periods before lunch passed in a blur. I hardly payed attention at all unconsciously scribbling things from my dream all over the page.

I had to pull to the whole page out, scrunch it into a ball and hide it under my desk before the teacher passed by. Soon it was break and everyone gathered together for lunch period. Since it was summer time now, all the students had started wearing the summer uniform.

The guys still had to wear the dark blue dress pants but now they were rid of the blazer as were the girls. Instead the female students wore a white blouse -shirt for the guys- with a dark blue bow tied around the neck under the collar and the same short skirt.

I was a bit glad for the short and lightness of the skirt now as it made it a lot cooler than a long skirt would have been. I preferred this uniform much better to the winter one for the simply reason it meant no pink blazers. Not that I ever wore the pink blazer to begin with.

"Hey, did you see the newspaper this morning?" Yugi asked as he sat at his desk holding said newspaper.

I didn't have that much spare time on school days.

"No, why?" I queried yawning.

Bending forward slightly as I looked over Yugi's shoulder not noticing the blush that appeared on Yugi's face.

"Could it be those serial bombing incidents?" Tristan stated looking up at us while he slumped over on his desk.

I never read the newspaper or watched the news so I didn't really know about these things.

"Yeah! That's right, this is the third time." Yugi explained anxiously.

Domino was such a peaceful place I almost couldn't imagine any form of terrorism going on within the city limits.

"They say he gave a quiz to guess where the bomb was." I added skimming over the news article with precision.

Seemed like something out of a movie rather than real life.

"Quiz, what kind?" Tea asked coming over.

I stayed silent knowing the question wasn't directed at me though I knew the answer.

"They didn't write about the details…" Yugi told trailing off.

"What a hurtful crime." he sighed.

To me it sounded like it was just one person doing all these things. That meant when he was caught, like he eventually would be, Domino would go back to being peaceful again. There was always that one crazy person every now and then.

"You really like this stuff, don't you?" Joey sighed walking off uninterested in the conversation.

I wasn't really that interested but it was important for people to be warned of such things. I disregarded Joey instead turning to Yugi.

"Well not everyone in the world is good you know Yugi." I reminded leaning on a desk.

Ain't that the truth.

"Some people are just bitter and evil, like the person who is doing these things." I clicked my tongue in a lecturing way.

There were a lot of things that can happen to a person to make them go acrimonious.

"Yeah I know… but I still can't believe someone would do such a thing." Yugi looked at the paper sadly.

Yugi is quite naïve but I guess that's what makes him a good person. I couldn't help but feel if something horrible happened to him, he wouldn't be the same. So I hoped that nothing like that would ever happen. I'd make sure of it. I then noticed something and picked up the newspaper to inspect it further.

"Domino Amusement Park new summer pool area open." I read aloud.

I was much more interested in this than any bombing.

"They also have a big water slide." I noted inquisitively.

Yugi looked up at me excitement glimmering in his eyes.

"That's right you've never been to the amusement park have you Keiko?" he realised.

I wish I had.

I laughed airily while sweat dropping "No, I haven't."

I didn't want to say that I've never actually been to any amusement park in my entire life. Something that was probably strange for someone my age. Then again there wasn't much about me that wasn't strange.

"Maybe we should go… together." Yugi suggested nervously.

I thought for a moment before grinned happily.

"That's a great idea! Tomorrow is the first day of summer holidays we should go then." I decided getting a wide smile from Yugi in return.

He looked pretty excited for someone who had probably been there numerous times.

"Yeah then we'll have the whole day to have lots of fun." he agreed eagerly.

Yugi seemed like he wanted to go even more than I did. I had no idea why.

"Then it's settled we'll go tomorrow. Now, what time does it open?" I wondered looking over the advertisement.

Yugi stood up beside me to look at the paper also.

"It says here 8:00am" Yugi pointed out.

"Then we should meet up somewhere around that time." I closed the paper folding it on the desk.

That way we could get the most out of it.

"We could meet outside the game shop." Yugi proposed meditatively.

That was kinda out of the way.

"Hm my place is closer to the bus stop, why don't we meet there?" I uttered before almost slapping a hand over my mouth.

The words just slipped from my mouth before I had even realised what I had just recommended. Yugi seemed surprised but not as much as I was surprised at myself.

"Y-your place?" he repeated perplexed.

I had basically just asked someone to come to my house. I never do that, especially not to a boy. I'm-I'm not allowed. No matter how innocent and cute they may be. Then again since when did I care about the things my parents tell me to do? Never, is the answer to that question.

Besides I'd already said it now and I wasn't about to go back on it. My parents don't even care what I do, so they won't find out.

"Yes my place, I do live somewhere you know." I smirked with a mirth filled gaze.

My flash of rebellious thoughts made me stand resolute in my decision.

"I know that!" Yugi squeaked blushing deeply.

I took out a pen from my skirt pocket and held it ready to write.

"Give me your hand." I commanded holding my own hand out.

Yugi looked sideways slightly unsure before placing his left hand -the one that wasn't bandaged- on mine. I pulled it forward scribbling some words and numbers on it in with the blue ink ballpoint.

"This is my address. It's only a couple blocks from the game store, so you shouldn't get lost unless you have no sense of direction like Joey." I chuckled putting the lid back on my pen.

Yugi had walked me home once or twice if you counted last time with Yami. I wasn't about to acknowledge that had ever happened though, much less mention it to Yugi. I don't think he would remember.

He didn't usually recall things that happened when Yami was in control Yugi looked at his hand curiously pink powdering his cheek "Well if you say so…"

Yugi and I ironed out the details while we walked home that afternoon. The rest of the gang, particularly Tea, seemed to be viewing us suspiciously. I just shrugged it off.

-Yugi's PoV 7:50am-

This was possibly going to be the best day of my life. So it was safe to say I was in a very good mood, even better than usual. Gramps seemed to notice this and asked me what was going on. I told him I was going to the amusement park to have fun with a friend.

I choose to exclude the part about how it was just me and Keiko. He seemed to think there was something more between us that I didn't know about. I didn't want him to get overexcited or say something embarrassing like "The best way to a girl's heart…" or anything like that.

I was very sure he would have too if I had told him. I left the game store checking my watch and at the same time looking at the delicate yet messy writing scribbled on my hand. Even though I had written it down on paper, and knew the area of the address.

I didn't want to rub it off, it felt like something special to me. As I walked down the street I thought of all the fun things we could do together at the park. I thought briefly about Keiko and wondered what she would wear.

It was unusual to see her out of school uniform –though I had before- and even more unusual to see her in a swimsuit –something I'd never seen-. I shook my head Gramps must be rubbing off on me. Then I stopped, feeling something like, anger or perhaps jealousy being directed at me.

I looked around shortly but seeing no one I shrugged it off continuing on my way. I didn't notice my Millennium Puzzle glow shortly. It took me only a few minutes to locate the house with the same number written on my hand.

I loitered around the front porch wondering what I should do before knocking on the door softly. I heard muffled footsteps come to the door before it was flung open by Keiko. She wore a loose red tank top that had a floral pattern in the corner and light blue denim short shorts.

Her long dark brown hair had been left down and reached past her waist. When she saw me she smiled and it made my breath hitch. Once again getting that feeling like someone was angry at me in the back of my mind.

"Good morning Yugi I hoped you'd be here soon." she opened the door a bit wider.

I stood there in silent awe before realising I had to reply and snapped out of it.

"I hope you don't mind I'm a bit early." I apologised feeling my face heat up.

Is it hot today or is it just me?

"Don't worry about it I'm ready to go." she assured.

I heard a crash and some brown pebble like bits spilt all over the floor. A cat jumped down off the kitchen bench and began eating the pebbles. Keiko swung around tossing her hair lightly and looking at the feline accusingly.

"Meko couldn't you have waited for five seconds!" Keiko exclaimed in a reprimanding tone.

The white and tortoise shell cat didn't respond making quick work of the food on the ground. Meko -which I assume is the name of the cat- licked its lips in a satisfactory way. Before staring at me unblinking, it was sort of unsettling.

"You can come in ya' know." Keiko laughed at my apprehension pulling me inside the house.

Keiko went to pick up the container of what must be cat food. She must have seen my staring at the cat curiously.

"Oh yeah Yugi I never told you I have a cat." She realised to which I nodded.

That fact must have slipped her mind.

"Well this here is Meko a domestic shorthaired felis catus, Meko this is Yugi a schoolmate." she introduced while putting the container in the cupboard.

I doubted if the animal understood any of what was being said. I waved at the cat lamely. She -I presume it is a she- looked at me and meowed loudly before coming over and rubbing up against my leg purring. I was relieved. I wasn't as accustomed to animals as Keiko seemed to be.

Meaning I had never met any animals apart from maybe at the zoo.

"Huh she likes you." Keiko noted like that was odd.

She smiled walking over to me and the cat circling around my legs.

"You can pet her you know, she won't bite…probably." Keiko told me mirthfully.

I really hoped that was a joke getting bitten by Keiko's cat would not be a good way to start the day. I crouched down to pet the small animal as it continued to purr and rub against me. Her fur was very soft. I liked it.

"She's very…" I paused trying to find the right word.

"Cute?" that sounded like a question.

I didn't know Keiko even liked animals but I'm glad I got to learn something new about her. She kept things to herself a lot.

"Great now you can hold her now." Keiko announced picking up the animal and dropping her in my arms suddenly.

I faltered slightly almost dropping Meko who seemed to be enjoying all the attention despite being handled by someone inexperienced like me.

"Good now stay here and keep each other out of trouble while I get my bag." Keiko ordered wagging a finger at both of us and then retreating off down the hall.

I blinked left in mostly silence aside from the purring feline in my arms. It was only now I got to have a proper look around the house. It was quite large; the ceilings were very high, well for me anyway. They had a large flat screen TV, DVD player and comfy looking lounge chairs and sofa to my right.

On the left was the kitchen and dining table. Down the hall I could see four doors. The end one I think was Keiko's bedroom where she had disappeared into. Another was the bathroom, I could see the clean white tiles the other two I wasn't sure. One was probably the laundry.

The other, a second bedroom for her parents? This thought only led me to wonder where they were. Keiko didn't talk about them much and she didn't seem to want to talk about them either. I couldn't ponder this any further before I knew it Keiko was back with her beach bag and we were out the door leaving Meko behind.

We walked to the bus stop chatting and waited for the bus to arrive. I couldn't help the smile that was stuck on my face like it had been glued in place. Today was going to be a great day.

-Keiko's PoV-

I hadn't been planning on Yugi coming inside. I had been planning on waiting for him at the door, but plans change. I didn't want to risk him waiting outside at the door for me. Who knows the next door neighbours could be spies or informants of my parents.

I may seem paranoid but it wasn't below them to try it and they probably were too. I pulled Yugi inside. Where I hadn't wanted him to be, not because I didn't want him to see the place –which I kept sparkling clean at all times- but I didn't want him to ask any questions or to worry.

Luckily Yugi didn't and I found myself surprised by him. Meko doesn't usually get all cuddly with stranger straight away like that. From past experiences I gather her attitude toward someone is based on three things, or so goes my theory.

Firstly perceived threat to me or her, secondly persons approach to Meko and lastly whether I like that person or not. Take my mother for example she wears fur coats all the time –though I'm pretty sure their synthetic- Meko sees her as a threat.

Mother hates Meko's very existence and I show polite detachment toward her. This added together means Meko doesn't like her very much. Meko was a very smart cat, though you wouldn't know it looking at her. Once she mauled mother's legs for stepping on her tail. She wasn't hurt that much either.

It was probably more of an excuse to maul her without being seen as insane or rabid. In Meko's mind Yugi was no threat. In fact he looked a bit nervous about Meko but still friendly enough and he's my friend too. That must have been why Meko liked him so much. That didn't change how odd to see it was.

I turned my head away from the window focusing on Yugi who sat on the seat beside me. Yugi spoke happily about all the different kinds of rides and games they have at the amusement park. I listened while smiling and nodding but couldn't help feeling distracted by the four people in shades at the back of the bus.

If Joey, Tristan, Tea and Miho thought wearing sunglasses would stop me from recognising them, they were dead wrong. I had no idea why they even thought that would work in the first place. After a short ride we arrived at the amusement park and got off the bus.

I could hear the screams of people as the roller-coaster went through the loopy loop. I also heard laughter from people splashing in the water and playing other games. My chest swelled with excitement but I kept it inside so I could remain calm on the outside. I wasn't about to act like a kid alone in a candy store.

No, unfortunately there were too many people around to act that crazy. I turned my head to Yugi when he addressed me.

He eyes flittered about nervously as he blushed "Keiko, since it's just the two of us… is this a d-date?"

A date?

Is this a date?

I hadn't even considered that thought until I was too preoccupied with other things.

Was this a date?

There is only the two of us...

To anyone else it would seem like we're on a date. Yugi was a good friend and I didn't want to ruin that but I couldn't deny that I liked Yugi a lot. It just had always been more likely that my parents would set me up with someone than it had been that I would find someone on my own.

Of course I'd rather date Yugi than some random my parents picked out for me any day. We had known each other for a while now and we knew each other well, very well even. There are some things I don't want to tell but I still felt like we knew each other. I felt this so much it was almost strange.

Though I suppose by the definition of the word Yugi and I were on a date. It is a da- I was distracted from my thoughts when I saw our stalkers in shades not far off. I glared in their direction. If they wanted to come with us they could have just said so. Now unfortunately for them I would play their little game.

"We need to buy entrance tickets." I decided abruptly leaving Yugi's question hanging in the air.

Yugi seemed to forget all about his own question.

"I'll go buy them!" Yugi shouted running off toward where tickets were sold.

I waited a short ways away smiling.

"Two student tickets please." Yugi addressed the lady at the counter.

Yugi was such a gentlemen.

"A student… and child, right?" The lady asked looking down at him.

Yugi paused in the middle of opening his wallet.

Yugi raised an eyebrow at the female clerk glancing about perplexed "Who's the child?"

I shook my head trying to hide a smirk. This seemed to happen frequently to Yugi.

"Boy elementary students get the child price ticket." She pointed a finger up to the ticket prices and ages on a sign above her.

Yugi puffed out his cheeks becoming red. I could practically see the steam coming off him. I could only imagine how incredibly annoying everyone thinking you were a grade schooler would be. Of course that didn't change how funny this was.

"How rude, despite my appearance I'm already in high school!" he corrected loudly.

I couldn't help burst out laughing at this point which only made Yugi madder.

"It's not funny Keiko!" he shouted at me hotly blushing.

I knew Yugi wasn't really angry at me. He seemed more annoyed that he was so short but I thought it was cute.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry but it totally is." I waved off wiping tears from my eye.

The worker watched this exchange with moderate interest. After a moment I regained my composure then turned to the woman seriously.

"Miss I can vouch for my friend we're both in the tenth grade at Domino High." I took out my red wallet out showing her my student ID card.

She glanced at the picture of me on the card then at Yugi beside me and smiled.

"You must be telling the truth because I don't think anyone else would want to pay more for ticket. I'm sorry for the mistake." She apologised bowing to us.

She seemed like a nice enough lady anyhow.

Yugi sweatdropped waving his hands in a dismissing gesture "It's okay you don't have to be sorry."

The lady worked hurriedly to take Yugi's notes and distribute the tickets between us. Yugi seemed a bit down that he couldn't get them by himself but got over it quickly at the prospect of entering the park.

Before I could leave the worker addressed me in a hushed tone "Your friend there is very kind." she smiled.

I gazed at Yugi who was already quite far away by now.

He turned around and noticing I wasn't there waved at me "Come on Keiko!"

I smiled back at the women warmly.

"Yeah he is."

Upon entering the park Yugi and I agreed to split up and change into our bathing suits then met at the bottom of the waterslide. I went off to the girls changing room and waited for my turn keeping an eye out for a certain group of four.

I didn't see them however once I finally got into the bathroom I saw Tea and Miho there. I dived into the nearest open stall and closed the door before they could see me. Through the crack in the door I watched the two. Tea was wearing an aqua green bikini that definitely flaunted her shapely body.

Miho was much more conservative in a frilly yellow one piece.

"Why are we to follow Yugi and Keiko around? Miho think's they make a cute couple." Miho giggled girlishly.

Tea shrugged her shouldered looking back at her friend with an arrogant look.

"I suppose Joey's just jealous of Yugi." she explained.

I didn't know what Joey had to be jealous of. I supposed he might have wanted to date me before but I didn't really see Joey that way nor did he see me that way. He was more like a friendly rival to me and vice versa. I didn't think that was the real reason.

Miho thought this statement over before pointing at the ceiling like she was having a light bulb moment.

Miho gave Tea a sly look "Oh Miho sees Tea is really the one-"

"Hey, Tea, Miho are you guys ready yet!" Joey's voice echoed from outside.

I face palmed shaking my head. Joey was so impatient.

"Joey beautiful ladies like Miho need time to prepare." I heard Tristan scolding.

If I had been out there I would have whacked Joey upside the head.

"Coming!" Tea called back leaving with Miho at her side.

I sighed in relief hearing something about them going to one of the pools. I'd have to make sure to avoid that area. I quickly got changed into my swim suit and went out to meet Yugi. I walked over to Yugi who was in blue board shorts waiting by the water slide.

He didn't seem to notice me approaching because he was looking elsewhere excitedly.

"Sorry it took so long there was the biggest line up in the girl's change room." I cried irritated with all the girly girls there had been in there.

It was true there had been a huge line. I didn't mention the part about Tea and Miho being in there though. Yugi turned to look at me and for a moment it was like he was having a minor heart attack. His face turned bright red and he quickly looked away.

"What? Am I wearing something backwards?" I asked tilting my head to look at myself.

I didn't see any tags and turned back to Yugi. He was acting so… weird.

"N-n-no." Yugi stuttered waving his hands in front of him wildly.

Very weird.

"You know you can tell me if something's wrong with my outfit." I crossed my arms waiting for an explanation.

I was wearing a one piece that was scarlet red on my upper chest and black for the rest. I also had on some very short board shorts that were black and rainbow coloured. It wasn't the nicest thing I could have worn, but then again I was aiming for something that was more functional than attention drawing.

It was a last minute decision. After school the previous day I had gone out and bought these two pieces. All my other swim suits, curtsy of mother, made me want to get a bottle of gasoline and light a match.

"NO YOU LOOK FINE!" Yugi shouted still bright red.

Why was he so red? The morning sun wasn't that hot was it?

"Okaaaaaaaaaaay then since we're here let's do this ride first." I decided running up the stairs.

I had always wanted to go down a waterslide.

Yugi stood dumbfounded for a moment then chased after me excitedly "W-wait for me Keiko!"

We got to the top and found a male clerk seating people in inflatable donuts. The line was short and soon we were at the front. Yugi sat in the inflatable ring and I sat behind him.

"M-m-maybe I should sit this one out." Yugi gulped nervously looking down at the long slide.

"Come on it will be fun. Opps too late~" I encouraged pushing us forward before he could fully change his mind.

We gained speed tremendously quickly and I threw my hands in the air as we swung around the curves.

"THIS IS AWEEEESOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMEEEE!" I shouted while Yugi just screamed his head off.

If I wasn't so busy yelling I would have laughed at him. We landed with a great splash in the pool the donut ring flying out from under us. I resurfaced taking in a deep breath my hair was fully drenched within seconds.

"That was fun! I wish it had been longer though." I laughed.

Pretty good for the first slide I ever went on.

"Yeah…" Yugi agreed spitting out pool water his hair drooping slightly.

I swam into shallower watering pushing the donut toward a worker who sent it back up on a conveyer belt.

"Should we go again?" I stood up in the shallower water looking back up as I walked over to Yugi.

He nodded stiffly without a word.

I just laughed at his pale face "Just kidding I wouldn't do that to you."

Yugi let out a relieved sigh smiling at me sheepishly.

"How about something else." He suggested leading me away.

After that we did some other rides, went for a swim in the large pool and had a freestyle race with some other randoms. I noticed a guy staring at me from in the water and squinted at him. It wasn't Joey or Tristan so I just ignored it.

"Wow Keiko… you're a really fast swimmer… you should join the swimming club." Yugi praised in between pants.

I shook my head spraying water everywhere "Swimming in competitive races isn't really my thing and I'm not really that fast."

It was my turn to pick something so I decided we should go to the diving boards. Yugi was less than enthusiastic about this idea but I dragged him along anyway. I got the feeling Yugi was not the most confident swimmer. I wasn't worried though.

He could keep afloat just fine and there were plenty of life guards around as well as myself. We climbed up the ladder to the first diving board, the lowest one. Yugi went first. And by went I mean stood there looking apprehensively at the board.

"You're not walking the plank you know, but you don't have to do it if you don't want to." I gave him a reassuring smile.

Yugi steeled himself. "No I want to." He declared determined.

He stepped out onto the board and it wobbled underneath him as he inched to the edge. Yugi's determination seemed to fade and glanced at me with a less then confident look. I encouraged him with a smile and thumbs up.

He smiled back at me faintly before looking at the water before jumping off and splashing into the water. I walked onto the board next looking down as Yugi resurfaced to make sure he was okay.

"See fun right?" I yelled down at him.

He had a look like 'yeah sure' as he doggy paddled out of the way. I stood near the end of the board bouncing slightly to see how bendy it was. Where ever I went I swam quite a lot. It was practically one of the only things that stayed the same as the world around me changed.

The beaches and pools may have not been the same but the activity was. So it was safe to say I knew my way around the diving board. I looked down then up at the board above me and grinned. I climbed up the stairs to the second level. Heights weren't a great fear of mine so I didn't mind being up this high.

Hang me from a thread above people who looked like ants then I might get scared. I had to admit it was a long way down. The fastest way to get back down would be to jump off though. I walked out looking down to make sure no one else was in the way.

"Hey Yugi watch this!" I called waving to him.

He turned around in the water to look at me his eyes going wide as saucer. It was like he thought I'd die if I jumped from this high up, though it wasn't really that high. I took a few steps back for a run up. I took a few good strides and jumped off. I'm not very elegant in diving.

I prefer the basic, bomb dives and front flips or the two put together like now. I curled into a ball doing a front flip in the air and closing my eyes before hitting the water with a great splash. I loved doing front flips. It was one of my favourite things about swimming. It gave me a weird rush.

For that one moment everything freezes. Your heart stops beating and nothing but silence surrounds you. When I was young I used to climb… Big tree ones with good sturdy branches. That's why I don't mind heights. No matter if I fell from the tree because there was always someone to catch me.

All my senses came back after that millisecond and I opened my eyes. I looked around seeing the wavy form of Yugi from the bottom of the pool. He was leaning over the edge calling what I assume was my name. I just grinned in the water swimming over to his wavy shadow.

He didn't see me coming I was too far down. When I got to the edge I burst from the water spraying water in his face.

Yugi jumped back immediately yelling out "KEIKO!"

He worried too much.

I chuckled behind my hand "Scared you."

Yugi looked at me his hair wet and eyes glimmering.

"That's not funny I thought you were drowning." he huffed his cheeks pink.

I climbed onto the edge of the pool to sit beside him.

"I think you're more likely to drown then me." I pointed out splashing him.

This resulted in a water fight which I totally won. After that we lay on the plastic beach chairs for a while. The sun beat down on me heating my water soaked skin. I had always preferred summer to winter. I despised the cold. I could never figure out why. Something about the heat of summer felt so nice.

I looked at the blue sky, not a cloud in sight. I got bored of sitting around after two minutes and decided to do something. I sat up seeing a stall selling cool snacks across the pool.

"Hey Yugi want an ice block?" I looked at Yugi stretched out on his chair.

His face lit up at the idea.

"Yeah that sounds great! I can go get some." he jumped to his feet immediately.

I got up as well and stood in front of him.

"Wait wait wait!" I cried throwing my arms toward him.

Yugi stopped looking back at me quizzically "What's the matter?"

I put my hands on Yugi shoulder to sit him back down again.

"I'll get them." I told him.

Yugi opened his mouth in protest but I put a hand over his mouth which effectively silenced him.

I smiled at him softly knowing he meant well "You doing everything for me is gentlemanly and all, but I'm feeling kind of useless here."

I dropped my hand from his mouth standing up. Yugi was blushing, is it because of the heat again? Yugi definitely didn't have the same olive complexion that I did.

"Oh okay if that's what you want." he mumbled still red and finding the ground suddenly interesting.

"Just chill out here and put on some more sunscreen while I go get them." I rummaged in my bag handing him a bottle of sunscreen.

It was basically full since it was new and I didn't use a lot of it. Yugi relaxed back down in the beach chair and just held the bottle.

I quirked my brow at him "Any flavour preferences?"

He shook his head no quickly.

I shrugged "'Kay I'll be back in a minute" And off I went on the quest of ice blocks.

Dodging water gun warriors, around the pool of despair and in the line of utter boredom. As I stood in line for the tasty goods stall I looked around. I spotted Tristan playing in the water with Miho at the other end of the pool. Joey was trying to show off to some prissy looking ladies and failing utterly.

I smiled, hopeless he was completely hopeless. Tea had found Yugi and was now occupying my chair. I pressed my lips together then shrugged. Ice cream heals all wounds. I was so distracted I didn't notice a tall guy in blue board shorts come up to me.

"Hey Babe." a deep virile voice drew my attention.

I looked to my left spying a tanned, brown headed, muscly male in red board shorts grinning idiotically at me. I instinctively went into aversion mode glaring and scowling at the young man disapprovingly. I crossed my arms turning my head away from him sharply.

I had hoped he'd get the message and leave me alone. Unfortunately some men are not so smart which included this one apparently.

"I've been watching you-"

Creepy.

"-You're a pretty good swimmer."

Flattery will get you nowhere with me my stalker, I groaned inwardly.

"How'd you like to join a little swim club of mine." he grinned at me disturbingly.

I just gave him a look that read Are you serious right now?

"No thanks." I replied with casually politeness.

I was trying my best not to act on the impulse to hit him, not yet anyway.

He chuckled darkly "You don't get it babe."

My eyes narrowed as he leaned toward me. I got a good nose full of his breath and wrinkled my nose. It was awful, how can it even smell that bad. He doesn't look old enough to drink. He mustn't brush his teeth at all.

"I don't think you get it."

I stepped away from him. I got to the stall and payed for my ice creams turning around and taking a few steps to leave.

"Babe."

His arm snaked its way around my waist tugging at the top of my board shorts.

"I don't take no for an answer." he smirked.

He seriously must be stoned if he thinks I would just go along willingly. He came around in front of me stretching his arm out toward my top.

Okay now you can hit him.

And so I did just that. I kneed him in the stomach, grabbed the hand he had around my waist and twisted it behind his back painfully. His eyes were wide from the blow and shock.

"HELL NO!" I whisper shouted into his ear before pushing him roughly into the pool.

I straightened myself dusting off invisible particles from my hands. I looked up and froze meeting the crimson eyes of Yami from across the pool. He was sitting up like he was about jump over here and give the guy a punishment game. His expression was somewhere between rage and surprise.

He was obviously angry that random guy had tried to grope me, but also surprised that I had handled it so well. What's so surprising? He should know by now I can take care of myself. I blinked at him wanting to go over and talk to him. But then a kid sprayed Yami in the face with a water gun.

Yugi was in control again and ran off chasing said kid. My shoulders drooped and I began to wonder if I'd actually seen Yami at all.

Can Yami even switch places with Yugi when he isn't wearing the puzzle?

I picked up my stuff and the ice blocks I'd dropped during the attack.

I don't even know, I sighed.

Maybe the heat was getting to me. The ice blocks were still in the packet so they were still edible perhaps a bit broken but that's okay. I suggested to the vender he ban that guy from the amusement park.

Since the worker had witnessed the whole thing he called two guys to remove the male and hopefully take my advice. I walked back over to the other side of the pool handing an ice block to Yugi. It was yellow, lemon flavoured.

Mine was red, raspberry flavoured. I smiled to myself noting how Tea had left and settled back into the beach chair licking away at my ice block. My mind started wondering thinking again about if I'd seen Yami or not.

He seems to appear whenever I'm in trouble…

I thought momentarily about fake drowning to see if that would make him come out so we could talk. I dismissed the thought as quickly as it had come however as there was no way that plan would work. There are life guards nearby and Yugi might start drowning trying to "save" me.

I felt a cold sensation of my stomach and noticed my ice block was starting to drip all over me. I sat up quickly only causing the whole thing to fall of the stick and onto the ground.

"Nooooooooo my ice block." I whined watching as it turned to sludge on the sun baked ground.

That's what I get for not paying attention.

"Here have some of mine." Yugi held his ice block out to me his eyes flickering.

I blinked at him then smiled.

"Really? Thanks!" I took a chunk out of his ice block.

It looked like he hadn't eaten any of it at all. Did he not like lemon flavour? Should I have gotten a different one? Yugi saw me staring at him and smiled and began sucking on the ice block. A thought popped into my head at that moment.

I grinned at him mischievously "You know Yugi we just shared an indirect kiss."

Yugi spat the ice block out of his mouth faster than if it had been off milk.

"R-r-really?" he stuttered looking flustered.

I nodded chuckling softly at his reaction. I stopped laughing though as my vision spotty and turned black suddenly. I wasn't sure how or why because it was without warning. Ironic because the vision itself was a warning.

Sounds of screaming filled my ears but unlike the happy kind that came from the roller-coaster, these screams were filled with pure and utter terror. I saw masses of people in the amusement park running toward the exit. A large dark column of deep black smoke filled the air. Before I could get a proper look where it was coming from the vision cut out.

"Ah." I couldn't help a small gasp from escaping.

I quickly slapped a hand over my mouth but Yugi turned to me having obviously heard. He looked at me worry flooding his gaze.

"What's the matter?" he inquired hastily.

I smiled at him faintly "Brain freeze."

Yugi seemed to relax a bit knowing it wasn't serious, not fully spotting my quick lie. If I had a vision of that it must all start pretty close by.

"Hey why don't we go do something else now?" I suggested getting up suddenly.

I had to get Yugi away and keep him safe. "Um Okay." Yugi agreed still looking slightly worried.

After putting on a sun shirt and throwing our rubbish away I dragged Yugi to practically the other side of the park near an exit. It was the side of the park that had all the mechanical rides. We had left behind our other friends but I was certain that they would be alright.

I didn't think whatever was on fire would come from the water area.

"Which ride should we go on next?" Yugi wondered as we walked around the amusement park.

I wasn't paying that much attention rather looking out for any trouble.

"I dunno which ride do you recommend, you're the expert here Yugi." I looked at him before glancing away.

Looking around thoughtfully, I spotted a Ferris wheel in the distance. Though I've never been to an amusement park, I went to a carnival once. It had a Ferris wheel, only a small one but it was still so awesome especially when you reach the top.

I wanted to go on that ride not only because of that memory but being up high would allow me to see the whole part. Then maybe I could distinguish which direction the smoke was originating from.

"I love them all." Yugi announced happily.

In the corner of my eye I noticed Joey following us still wearing those ridiculous shades. I gritted my teeth in annoyance. He should have stayed with the others out of harm's way.

"How about we go this way." I decided leading Yugi away.

Joey really was no good at trailing people and not having them notice. Wisps of a plan formed in my head and I smirked. Leading Yugi around a large bush I stood and waited. Joey ran around the bush and right into me.

"AAAAHHH pervert get away from me!" I famed a scream.

Joey's shades were falling down from the impact and he looked at me mouth wide open in surprise.

"W-w-wait a moment-" Joey stuttered before muscly guys jumped on him.

"Is it true?"

"What'd you do to her!" they questioned aggressively.

Joey flailed around on the ground trying to break free from their hold.

"I didn't do anything! Tell them Keiko." Joey begged.

I gave Joey a sour disapprovingly look before waving the guys off "It's okay you can go now."

They got off and left begrudgingly giving death stares to Joey.

"What was all that about?!" Joey shouted jumping to his feet and yelling in my face.

I crossed my arms and turned my head away.

"Serves you right for being a stalker and following us the all day." I spat back at him.

At this Joey froze.

"I-I wasn't following you." he defended sweat dropping.

I turned to gaze back at him in a way that he knew I knew I was right.

"Of course you were you stick out like a sore thumb." I scoffed pointing over my shoulder with a thumb.

Yugi just watched us argue sweatdropping.

"Um since we're all here, let's all play together." Yugi suggested trying to break up the disagreement.

This fool didn't deserve it.

"Yugi." I moaned looking at him sighing then glaring at Joey.

He didn't realise what a bad idea this was.

"The more the merrier, right." he smiled at me knowing I wouldn't refuse the suggestion.

Yugi really is too nice for his own good sometimes.

I looked at him then at Joey and exhaled "Fine."

Yugi grinned triumphantly facing Joey to discuss what ride he would like to go on. I wasn't paying attention staring off into the distant turning Ferris wheel. My heart beat loudly reverberating through me as a precursor. Something bad was about to happen.

I have to do something.

I narrowed my eyes and ran off swiftly without so much as an explanation. Leaving the two confused young males alone in my wake.

"Keiko… wait, KEIKO!" Yugi yelled chasing after me.

I didn't turn around, stop or slow down. I didn't want Yugi to follow me, didn't want him close if it meant trouble for him. My heart screamed at me for me to stop but I ordered myself to pump my much longer legs faster. There was no way he could keep up.

I ran in the direction of the Ferris wheel Yugi quickly falling behind and out of sight. I got to the ride the man operating the wheel let me into Gondola number three immediately. As the ride began and I noted there was only two other gondola's with people in them. I felt bad for leaving Yugi behind so abruptly.

At least now Joey was there with him so I could worry less. My eyelids slide half closed. I imagined how much better this ride would have been with Yugi there. I shook my head No. I couldn't afford for him to be here. If something happened to him I would never forgive myself and I'm not sure Yami would like it either.

I looked out the window of the Ferris wheel scanning with my eyes and mind for where the trouble was. I knew it was close by, the feeling in my chest told me so. My heart beat quickened as I saw the small figure of Yugi come running underneath the Ferris Wheel. I face palmed, I thought I had lost him.

Yugi is determined I'll give him that. A loud metallic screeching sounded as the Ferris wheel jerked violently to a halt. Smoke began to rise from the control panel. The manager of the ride seemed to be having a freak out which didn't help me stay calm.

An uneasy feeling rose in my stomach my vision flashing in my mind. The evacuation bell rang solemnly throughout the park. Yugi looked at the smoke rising from the Ferris wheel and noticed me stuck in gondola three almost immediately.

How could he not I was pressed up against the window like an animal wanting out of a cage. Yugi yelled my name loudly but it was only faint when it reached my ears. I could tell he was worried by the look on his face.

"May I have your attention. There is a bomb in the amusement park." A women's voice announced over the loudspeakers.

That lovely feeling of dread began clawing its way into my being.

"A bomb." I muttered at no one in particular.

Just like in the paper.

I gazed down at Yugi who shouted words that were only silence in my ears. Knowing exactly where the bomb was at this point and knowing I was right in the middle of it. I shook my head at Yugi slowly.

You shouldn't have come.

I didn't even know how someone even got a bomb into an amusement park, without anyone noticing. I know this isn't some airport costumes but I mean come on. I sighed putting a hand on the window.

I'm such a trouble magnet.

My thoughts were interrupted by a voice coming from the speakers.

"Costumers, please follow the police orders and quickly evacuate the park." the women ordered calmly.

Despite the voice's calmness the crowds went hysteric stampeding toward the exit. I didn't blame them. If I weren't stuck here I'm sure I'd be making a B line for the exit as well. The only thing I was angry about was that they almost trampled Yugi in the process.

I glared at the crowd made of a majority of people I would probably never see again. I revolved my head back to Yugi getting up off the ground where he had been knocked. I waved at him to grab his attention pointed at him then at the exit nodding my head toward it also.

He watched me with knitted eyebrows and shook his head fiercely. I frowned pressing my lips together as I did the same movements only more jerkily and commanding. Yugi's hands balled into fists as he stood his ground and shook his head once with a resolution shining in his gaze.

I felt like I was telling a little kid to go to bed when they didn't want to. I ran a hand through my hair flopping back down onto the seat. Now not only was I in the middle of some crisis but I was dragging Yugi into it also. The exact opposite of what I had wanted to happen.

I saw many police men surround the Ferris wheel as well as that detective police men we had meet a while back. It really was a pain not being able to hear what was going on down there all I could do was watch. The detective spoke on the phone shortly and released a light purple balloon into the air.

It floated up to my gondola and got stuck shortly. I wasn't panicked. There was no way the balloon was an explosive or it wouldn't be able to float. Right? Moments later the balloon floated away and I briefed a sigh of relief. Then the gondola numbered one went up in smoke make my own gondola rock somewhat violently.

I bit my lip eyeing two other gondolas. One had a mother and her child in it holding onto each other for dear life and the other a man in a brown coat curled into a ball.

If that happens to a gondola with people in it there was no way they'd survive.

I looked back at the scene below me. The police couldn't seem to figure out what to do. The chief of police –I presumed- was speaking to Yugi. I hoped he was telling him to leave. Yugi's puzzle then glowed brightly. I saw it glint from all the way up here and I knew Yami had taken over.

No one else seemed to notice this, something I was used to by now. Yami took charge of the situation but appeared like he was having a hard time and stressing out big time. I leaned my head against the glass window wishing I could reassure him.

This was possibly the most dangerous situation we'd ever been in. And let's face it; we'd been in a lot of dangerous situations. I wondered if I could break the window and climb out of here. I tapped the very flimsy looking glass window of the gondola.

I broke the window and climbed onto the white metal arm of the Ferris Wheel. As I was doing so the wind picked up and I lost my balance. I fell, tumbling between the bars and hurtling toward the ground before landing with a thud, dead.

Or at least that's what I imagined what would happen if I tried that anyway.

"Yeah no." I decided.

That plan was crazy not to mention suicidal. It wouldn't help Yami save the others if I died either. I sighed closing my eyes so there was only silence and black.

Even with my powers I'm useless...

I was so frustrated I wish there had been punching bags built into the gondolas. I still have faith in Yami. I knew he wouldn't lose, ever. He was too smart for that. I didn't like having to rely on him though, or anyone for that matter. Usually there was something I could do, something I could change to make it better.

Why had I been shown a vision if I couldn't change anything. It was as pointless as I was useless. I came to realise my hands were balled tightly into fists digging my nails into my palm. I uncoiled them with a sigh instead folding them in my lap so I in a polite looking pose.

Another explosion made my gondola rock almost like a baby cradle. Only it wasn't calming in any way shape or form. It had been gondola number ten. I took a deep shaky breathes to calm my fear and rage. I prided myself on staying calm and being strong no matter the circumstances.

After all fear is weakness and weakness is not something that is meant to be displayed. I closed my eyes trying to block out my surroundings in a sort of meditative way. While I was 'meditating' my thoughts shifted. Back to the last time I had been in a Ferris wheel.

When I was young and my parents weren't around for extended periods of time -pretty much the same as now actually- I needed someone to look after me. That someone had been my aunt Aki, sister on my mother's side. She was always very nice to me and we had lots of fun together.

She lived in a very rural area which is where I climbed trees and learned not to be afraid of heights. When I was little she would tease me all the time saying things like I was such a good tree climber I must have been a monkey in another life. I smiled briefly at the memory.

Last time I was on a Ferris wheel was when she took me to a carnival that was in town. I ate lots of carnival foods like fairy floss (cotton candy), corn on the cob, hot potato chips and basically anything else I could get my little hands on.

I played dart balloons, ping pong ball clowns, strength tester and won lots of little animal toys. We stayed at the carnival until very late in the evening and watched the firework show as we rode the Ferris wheel.

It was the best time I had ever had. I was shaken violently from my thoughts as gondola number four went boom. I looked down at Yami who was staring up at me determined yet extremely worried.

He was looking very serious so I smiled at him sweetly in reassurance, he returned my smile. He always came to my rescue, and reminded me of a prince. Not the one from my dreams though, one from a story my aunt had told me that night when we got home.

~flash back~

I ran down the hall past my aunt's art room and into the spare bedroom I so frequently used. My aunt like myself had been an artist. She was the one who had inspired me to become one in the first place. She even had a well-paying job that involved arts so her house was quite large for one person.

How I had admired her. I jumped into bed wearing flannelette pyjama's that had cats all over them, feeling slightly hyper from the day's activities. Aunt Aki came into the room after me a bit slower than usual. She walked to the side of the bed pulling the blankets up over my small body.

"Auntie tell me a story." I begged sitting up and staring at her with glistening eyes.

I didn't notice how tired she looked only knowing she wouldn't refuse me.

Aki laughed airily her voice soothing like a lullaby "Okay little one I have a good one for you."

I cheered snuggling into the plump pillow behind me as she sat at my feet.

"Once upon a time there lived a young witch in the land. She came to love a young prince who was very handsome and brave and he returned her feelings."

I remember trying to imagine what this prince would look like shortly only coming up with a person who seemed familiar but had no face. I was more distracted by the fact this story involved a witch.

"A witch how could a prince fall in love with one of them, they're so ugly!" I complained loudly.

My aunt smiled patting my head in a soothing manner.

"Not all witches, this one was very beautiful, with long dark brown curls, and she was kind, to all living things." Aki twirled a lock of my own dark brown hair around her finger.

I giggled giddy at the idea of a character of this story looking like me.

"The young prince did not know of the witch's magic, because long ago the witch took an oath in fear of the people to never to use her powers." Aki told me almost sadly.

Fear can have that effect on people.

"That all changed one day. A princess from a faraway land, who was determined to marry the prince, saw him walking by the river with a young woman."

In my innocent mind this princess was the one truly meant for the prince. I could not believe a witch was meant for the prince no matter how beautiful she was.

"The princess saw the love for the young maiden in the prince's eyes and was overcome with jealously. She ran to the prince in an attempt to separate the pair only causing the prince to fall into the river. The prince could not swim."

I held my breath pulling the covers up to my nose and hiding.

"Though the witch had sworn a vow she couldn't bear to see the one she loved drown before her eyes, so used her powers to save the prince."

I let out the breath I was holding relieved.

"The princess seeing this ran back to the palace telling what she had seen to the king. She convinced everyone that the prince had been tricked into loving the prince then tried to kill him."

I was utterly horrified that a princess would lie so much. That was not how I pictured a princess to act.

"Meanwhile the young witch convinced that the prince would no longer love her, now he had seen she was a witch, fled to town."

I had always thought fairy tales to be black and white but this one was just filled with greys.

"The prince was taken but to the palace by the guards and locked in his chambers. The king believing it the only way to undo the enchantment on his son sent out guards to slay the young witch."

Death seemed like an impossible thing to me.

"Unbeknownst to everyone an evil man, a thief had been watching the whole time. He planned to use the young witch to take the king's crown the prince's right to the throne."

There was so much evil in the world it is always there.

"He followed the witch, who due to her broken heart the witch's magic was useless, and she was taken. The thief sent the guards who had been sent to slay her back as messengers. The thief knew the prince would catch word of this, come to save his love and meet his doom."

By this point I was listening closely eyes wide without interrupting.

"With no heirs to the throne the thief could easily take over as king. Indeed his plan was working the prince heard of his love's strife because of the guards outside his chamber. The prince climbed out the balcony window and dressed as a peasant escaping the palace."

Things in the real world aren't so easily escaped.

"The prince went to the spot by the river he had last seen his love and followed a trail of clues to where the thief was hiding, waiting. The princess who had lied went to see the prince only to find his chambers empty. Fearing for his son's life the king rode out with a dozen men to bring him back."

The devotion of family, something I never had.

"The prince came to where the young witch was being held and managed to free her. The witch didn't understand why the prince had come she considered herself worthless in comparison to the prince who was the future of their nation. The prince told her that it was because she had taught him all life was precious and that he loved her."

I smiled gushing at the thoughts.

"They both escaped from the dungeon only to be met by the thief. Seeing the king riding toward them in the distance the thief shot at the prince with an arrow poisoned with darkness. The witch tried to protect the prince but the arrow cut his arm. The king's men captured the thief who declared to the king his son would die a slow painful death."

Kind of graphic for a child but while I may have been innocent I was not oblivious.

"The prince had collapsed the poison quickly coursing through his veins. The young witch was once again faced with a choice. She could save the prince, but such powerful magic had a price. To save the prince's live the witch would have to remove the poison from within him only to give her life because of it. Having seen that the prince truly returned her feelings the witch performed a spell and once it was done she lay down beside the prince and was gone."

My mouth hung open.

Is that the end?

That can't be the end?

That wasn't happy at all.

"The king saw the witch do this and knew that she had truly loved the prince. The king immediately regrated his actions for he knew the foreign princess had lied and now his son's love was dead because of it. The prince woke to see his love dead beside him and shed many tears. In her death she had saved him so that he could live on. He kissed his love for the last time. The end."

"I don't like that ending it wasn't happy and besides kissing a boy is gross." I spat in disgust ruining the romantic picture.

Aki just laughed at my childish thoughts. I wasn't old enough to see any deeper meanings.

"Not all endings are happy and kissing is only for old people like me." She winked ruffled my hair.

She turned off the lamp and kissed me on the forehead getting up to leave.

"I still don't like it. I think because the prince loved the witch so much, that would be like a light to cure the dark poison then she'd be all better than they could live happily." I decided crossing my arms stubbornly.

My aunt mulled this over for a moment before smiling.

"Your right it did end like that but there was still kissing." she laughed.

My face went red and I stuck my tongue out at her "YUCK!"

Aki just laughed shortly looking very tired "Good night little one."

I fell asleep almost instantly after being tired, but awoke in a sweat after having a 'nightmare'. I ran into my aunt's bedroom crying and woke her suddenly. She comforted me and asked what was wrong.

"I had a bad dream that you were lying down sleeping and that you wouldn't wake up when I shook you." I cried wiping tears from my eyes.

She soothed me back to sleep telling me not to worry.

-End Flashback-

The next day my parents returned and took me home. I found out only a few days later that Aki had died, from something close to a heart attack. When Aki was a child she had had a weak heart and stayed in bed a lot when she was my age.

The doctors thought she had grown out of it when she got older but apparently not. I never understood how a heart as big and kind as Aki's could be so weak. I went to the funeral and saw my aunt lying in the exact same way she was in my dream, holding a bundle of flowers in her cold lifeless hands.

It was then I knew that it hadn't just been a dream it was something way different. As I got older and older I had more dreams some while I was awake. I told my parents that I had dreamed things but they brushed it off. I don't think they were ever really listening to me. I learned pretty quickly to be silent about it.

I had come to understand what they really were, visions not dreams. I never told anyone about my abilities for real. I always feared I would be rejected if anyone ever found out, but Yami and Yugi are different. After all something as strange as my gift can only be understood by someone equally as strange.

Someone who is… is… running away?

I looked out the window of the gondola to see Yami running as fast as he could away from the Ferris wheel the police in tow. I couldn't figure out where he was going. The exit wasn't in that direction. Yami ran all the way to the tower drop and jumped in, the ride taking off immediately.

The bizarre part about that was no one was at the control panel. A few seconds later Yami shot light at the person in gondola number 13.

The guy had an episode and broke out of the gondola door screaming "SAVE ME!"

Obviously he was the culprit behind all this. The police carried the man out from the building he had fallen on and the Ferris wheel began to move again. I saw Yami waiting at the platform for me. I jumped out of the gondola before the ride manager could even open the door for me.

I was eager to get out and see my friend. Also being in a small space all by yourself is unimaginably boring. I barrelled in the direction I'd seen Yami, leaving a large dust clouds behind me. But to my disappointment Yami was already gone. I shrugged it off however returning to my usual behaviour.

I'm sure he'll show up again soon, I smiled.

Besides I haven't quite figured out my next riddle anyway.

"Yugi that was so much fun I would like to do it again sometime." I declared glomping him to death.

Yugi almost fell over and the puzzle began glowing at me angrily.

I laughed airily "I was just joking, but that was definitely the most interesting Ferris wheel ride I've ever had."

Yugi sighed in relief and his puzzle stopped glowing.

"Well I'm just glad you're safe." he grinned cheerfully.

I leaned back from the hug "Thank you."

Before Yugi could question what I was thanking him for someone interrupted.

"There they are!" Miho cried as she Tea, Tristan and Joey came running over. Joey and Tristan's eyes were dilated greatly.

"S-so they were inside." Tristan stuttered.

They obviously felt bad about leaving us behind but I was just glad they all got out safely.

"Of course! Where else would we be but where the action is." I bragged smirking at them.

Joey looked at me curiously one eyebrow raised.

"What exactly happened?" he asked loudly.

I turned my head away tauntingly.

"Wouldn't you like to know." I chuckled dismissing the subject with a wave of my hand.

Yugi looked up at me and smiled "Keiko…?"

No doubt he wanted to know also.

"Well we should get going now it's getting late." I decided walking toward the exit.

I put my arms behind me head and smiling faintly.

"Wait for me Keiko!" Yugi followed after me rapidly.

The others exchanged looks of confusion before following. So I went on a date with Yugi, yes I think this would technically count as a date. I was saved by Yami once again. I can tell things are only gonna get more interesting from here on out.

---

YAY!

So a few notes about this chapter

firstly the dream/vision was supposed to be set at a time when Atem found out the origins of the Millenium Items

If I recall correctly in the anime Yami doesn't remember that but then at that point her doesn't really remember anything so it still makes sense

well in my mind anyway

The Wepet Renpet is a real thing. It was a festival that celebrated the new year and asked the gods for a good harvest that year

Fanous (or fanos in eygptian dialect so says the website I found) are laterns used for dectoration at festivals

What is our myserious past Keiko planning? read the next chapter to find out.

Secondly I wasn't sure how to write Yugi reacting to an animal since I've never really seen Yugi with an animal in the anime

weeeeeeell except that one episode with the tiger (give me one of those for a pet please :D) but I'm not sure if that really counts sooooo

I hope I wrote that alright

Meko is based on my own lovely cat who gets away with things because she's too darn cute

Also we found out a bit more about Keiko's past in this chapter and don't worry there will be more of it to come

The story Aki (Keiko's aunt) told little Keiko was partly inspired by the Vocaloid song Witch Hunt which was done by Jubyphonic (spelling?) in english dub

It's a great song so you people should check it out

Anyway I would like to thirdly give a big cheer

*confetti rains down* this story has offically reached 100 reviews!

A special shout out to Momochan77 who was the onehundreth reviewer and has already recieved her gift of virtual cookies

I would like to say thanks to all of you out there who reviewed though

Reviews keep me writing

After all there's not much point in writing something if no one reads it ;)

But reviews make me confident that people are reading an liking it

Soooo

THANK YOU!

For everything you've done all the favourites and follows as well

If you have any questions, suggestions or just wanna chat send in review or please feel free to PM me, I am ALWAYS happy to chat with anyone.

Thanks to those amazing shadow readers and reviews as well

LEAF OUT!

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