Nine
"You're worried about Danny aren't you?"
Yami frowned as he watched Yugi appear as a spirit beside him. The group had come back from the museum after Danny had left. Ishizu also had stated that was all she could discover at the moment and would let them know if she found out more. In the meantime, Yami was sitting on Yugi's bed inside his room and the nameless Pharaoh could not help but worry for his…well, son. He had learned to accept things like this as they come. But even then, he had to admit that finding out that the famous ghost boy Danny Phantom was his son back in ancient Egypt was a bit extreme.
"Yes. It has been over two hours and he has not returned." Yami answered the younger boy before he turned back to watch the window that shown the night sky.
Yugi smiled a bit, "It's because he's your son right? I don't blame you. I'm sure I'd be worried too." The gentle boy laughed as Yami frowned.
"I also understand what Bast was holding in that one memory," The ancient spirit began as Yugi blinked, "That was Danny. He was a baby in that memory. And that is the only memory I even have of him and it is not even clear."
"Don't worry. After this tournament, we can look more into your past. Maybe even then you can try to bond with Danny. I'm sure he will be okay with it." Yugi said as he tried to cheer his partner up.
"I suppose." Yami sighed and he thought he saw something in the distant outside the window. He stood up and could make out a figure heading toward the game shop. No doubt about it, it had to be Danny.
Danny had flown for over two hours and by then, the sun was set and a full moon was out. The white haired boy was wondering if anyone was worrying for him. He could still see the Fenton Jet parked beside the game store. For a moment, he wondered if he should go inside the jet to see if Carrie, Sam, and Jazz were there. He floated near the jet for a moment before he shook his head. He figured he can talk to them later. He turned and phased through the wall of the game store that led to his room.
The room was dark and Danny sighed as he landed softly on the floor, "Where have you been?" a familiar deep voice questioned from behind him.
The white-haired ghost boy frowned and turned as the light beside his bed went on. Yami was perched on the bed with his arms folded and he had a stern yet concern look in his violet eyes. Danny for a moment wondered why Yami was still out before he realized that this was supposed to be his father. He had a feeling that Yami was accepting the fact he was his father back in ancient Egypt.
Danny after all was able to grasp most of what Ishizu said and organize his thoughts while flying. He decided to come to a conclusion that maybe he was the son of this Pharaoh and the Queen that lay inside Catzi's Wand. However, the one thing he was concerned right now was the fact he had to enter Seto Kaiba's tournament. Should he really? He decided to fly back to the game store and discuss this with the others. And now here he was with a concerned Pharaoh questioning him where he had been like any father.
"Just flying around the city. I do it all the time back at Amity Park so it's not a big deal." Danny answered with a shrug as he floated into the air and placed his arms behind his head.
"You could at least give us a call to make sure you were fine." Yami said with a frown.
Danny gave Yami a look before the ghost boy replied, "Are you just asking that because I happen to be your son?"
The Pharaoh was caught off guard by this question before he asked, "You haven't accepted the fact that you may be my son?"
Danny shook his head, "No. I think I can handle that. I guess it's kind of funny to see you show me concern. I mean, the dad I have currently isn't the greatest dad on Earth since he was always more concerned about his hobby then me. So that's why I asked."
The half ghost boy could see Yami was a bit confused from what he told him that the young boy had to laugh a little. Yugi appeared beside Yami and he laughed as well, "He has no memories of you, Danny, so he is unsure of how to be a father just yet." The shorter boy explained while Yami sighed while rubbing his forehead.
"That is not true." The Pharaoh denied as Danny smirked.
"Well, I guess that can be a bit easier for me." The white-haired teenage ghost said as he took his arms from behind his head and folded his arms.
"All right, we can talk about that later. Do you plan on entering the tournament, Danny?" Yami sighed as he felt a little frustrated from the teasing Danny and Yugi were giving him.
The smile on the green-eyed teenager disappeared and he turned his head away, "That was the thing I was really thinking about." He answered.
"Danny, it's okay. The tournament isn't until this weekend. We can practice until then." Yugi said with a bright smile.
Turning back to face the Yugis, Danny asked in surprise, "But what about school?"
"Well thanks to Kaiba, all schools including Domino High will be closed for a few days. Plus, thanks to that attack Plasmius inflicted upon the school, it has to be closed for now anyway. So we do not need to worry about school for the time being." Yugi explained as he laughed.
Danny could see his point and he felt a little relieved to not worry about school at the moment. If Mr. Lancer were here, he would not be too thrilled of a school being closed. Putting that thought aside, the half ghost boy could see that Yami and Yugi were still waiting on wherever or not he will be entering. He did enjoy Duel Monsters and entering this one may be fun. Plus getting to know Yami a lot more along with everyone else may get to know more about his past. Not to mention they can also look more into finding Tucker as well. Finally after thinking for a few minutes, Danny sighed and said,
"I guess I can enter the tournament. But we still have to find Tucker too."
"Awesome. And don't worry. During the time, we can try to help in any way to find your friend." Yugi replied with a wide smile on his face.
Back in Amity Park, Vlad Masters sat in his easy chair. He had just come back home only a couple of hours ago and as of now, he was thinking over his conversation he had with his old friend Pegasus. And all the while, he was sitting comfortably on his easy chair in his main living room. What did the younger man mean he will fail in his plan? Vlad closed his eyes and sipped on some of his hot tea. What did Pegasus know anyway? He no longer had the Millennium Eye so it was not like he can see what the future lay ahead. Besides, what he was going to do was considered personal. The grudge he held against his ex-friend Jack Fenton and trying to get Maddie to marry him was just two of the things he had on his mind. There was also the matter of young Daniel Fenton.
Ever since Vlad had found out the boy had ghost powers, he had tried hard to get him to join his side. Caroline as well since the half ghost man always wanted a daughter too. The two refused his kind offers, however, and this frustrated him. And finally, Vlad made up as his mind that he could care less about what happens to those two and only try to make their lives miserable. Not to mention, what Danny, with the help of Carrie, Tucker, and Sam, did up in space and on his satellite, the bitter man was seething with controlled anger. As of now, he was cooking up a great plan to finally get his revenge and have Maddie. The half ghost man smirked as he thought over what Pegasus told him. So he was linked to Egypt? He snorted for he could care less about that. This was no time for a history lesson after all.
He heard a knock at the front door and he stood up. Placing his cup of tea carefully on the table beside him, he walked to the door to answer it, "Good evening, Mayor Masters, it's nearly time." A teenager in a classy jumpsuit said with a sly smile.
"Excellent. Get your team prepared then," Vlad ordered as the teenager obeyed, "Very soon, Daniel, you will not know this is coming."
He laughed as he walked back inside while the teenager rushed to a strange looking assault vehicle. Vlad knew that he was going to have everything in the palm of his hand by the time he was through.
"Seto?"
Seto Kaiba sighed as he glanced up to see his younger brother Mokuba peeking from behind the door's frame, "What is it, Mokuba?" the older brother questioned as he glanced back at his laptop.
"I was just going to let you know that everything for this tournament is nearly complete," the younger Kaiba brother reported as he inched into the room, "And that…"
"Don't mumble, Mokuba, just go ahead and tell me."
The black haired boy sighed before turning his dark blue eyes up at Seto, "Don't you think you should rest up and take a break? I mean, I know you want to settle this rival duel with Yugi, but even you need some sleep." Mokuba explained casually.
"I understand, little brother, and I will be getting some rest. But I am not staying up merely because of Yugi. I just want to make sure nothing will happen at this tournament. A lot could be at stake and I plan to make sure this last tournament I am throwing will run smoothly," Seto explained as he sighed, "I can't risk any more mumbo magic tricks going on again to interfere."
Mokuba could see the stern determined look on his brother's face and he knew better than to try to get him to go to bed early. It would be useless in any case. Shrugging, the younger brother exited the room. As he did, Seto continued to work. There was silence for another hour when the brown-haired man had an uneasy feeling that he was being watched. He frowned as he paused in his typing on his laptop and shifted his blue eyes to the side of the room. There was nothing, and yet he could feel that someone was staring at him. He wondered if Mokuba was playing a trick on him to get him to go to bed. Seto tried to go back to typing on his computer, but the feeling just won't go away.
"Mokuba?" he called and he only got silence. Now feeling very irritated, Seto got to his feet and rubbed his neck. He was hoping to finish up the rest of his work tonight. As he was stretching himself out, he heard a faint chuckle. Now alert, the brown-haired man narrowed his blue eyes and glanced around, "Who's there?" he demanded.
Suddenly, standing in front of his desk was a teenager. Seto blinked in shocked to see him come out of nowhere, "Hello Seto," The dark-skinned teenager greeted with an evil grin, "It's been centuries since I have seen you."
"Who are you?" Seto commanded as he glared at the kid, "And how did you get in my mansion?"
"Simple, I fazed inside. Plus I had a feeling what I am looking for is right here in this city. And I am pleased to see that I have found you first," the teenager's glowing red eyes seemed to stare right into Seto's blue ones, "As for who I am, you don't remember me?"
"Of course not. I have never seen you before in all my life. And there is no way you could have phased inside here. You must have sneaked inside." Seto gritted his teeth as he reached over to call security when the teenager suddenly put a strange Egyptian staff right on his hand.
"Don't even think about it, Seto. I am not here to harm you…yet," Seto glanced back at the teenager, "I am here for other reasons and you are considered involved in this too. So I figure I look into what you have planned and go from there. I will be on my way. See you again, Priest Seto."
Seto blinked as the teenager was gone in a matter of seconds. Just what the hell was that all about? He glanced at the clock and could see it was past midnight. He groaned as he wondered if his mind was playing tricks on him. And why did that kid call him Priest Seto? All this Egyptian magic crap was getting to him again. He groaned as he decided to try to go bed and hope nothing else will happen. He then thought that maybe Mokuba was right; staying up this late was really bad for him.
The African-American possessed teenager watched from outside as Seto Kaiba turned off his computer and walked out of the room, "Apparently he is not the type to believe things like magic even when it's front of him. The fool, for he will learn in due time. Besides, this Duel Monsters tournament is just what I need to get my revenge." He turned and flew off to find just the place to get signed up.
The next day, Danny went with Yugi and the others to get signed up for the tournament. He really wondered if he was even ready for this. He decided the best way to get signed up is if he went as his alter ego Danny Phantom. Something told him that was the best idea. Luckily for him, the clerk was a big fan of his that he signed up the ghost kid with no problem. Now the white-haired boy had his very own Duel Monsters disk. Joey was not exactly happy to see even Danny sign up, "That stupid rich Kaiba. I wish I can beat his sorry little-"
"Joey…" Tea cut off the blonde before he could cuss.
"Eh sorry. It's just I wish I can show Kaiba I am not a weak duelist." Joey apologized as he pouted.
The group was all walking back to the game store. As Carrie, Sam, and Jazz glanced around the city, Danny said, "I don't think you are weak, Joey. From what I see in Kaiba, I guess he has this thing where he wants to believe whatever he sees fit. So even if you beat the guy in a duel a few times, he will always think you just got lucky."
"I guess. I still wanna show him though." Joey glared up at the blue sky.
"Speaking of, any chance for a duel? I really wanna see how those things work up close!" Carrie piped up as she started bouncing on her heels.
This statement got a chuckle out of the group of friends, "That would be a great idea. Maybe we can see how well Danny can do against a few of us." Catzi said with a shrug as she glanced at her friends.
Danny frowned as they all arrived to the game shop, "Wait, you want to duel me? All of you?" he questioned to make sure he heard right.
"Not us, Danny," Tristan said as he pointed to himself and Tea, "Tea and I just stand by the sidelines since we really don't duel. But I think you can try against Joey, Catzi, Emi, and Bakura."
The ghost boy shifted his glowing green eyes to the people Tristan had pointed out, "You guys want to do this?" he asked in curiosity.
"Yeah sure! I thinking dueling you some more would help me too." Joey nodded with a grin.
"For me too. I really need to continue practicing since I'll be in it," Catzi then giggled before she added, "Even though it will be your mom doing all the dueling."
Danny had to laugh at this before he glanced at Emi and Bakura, "But you guys are not in the tournament." He pointed out with a confused look.
"No, but I'm a good duelist, Danny. So I can help sharpen your skills." The purple-haired girl said with a smile.
"And I may be of some help myself." Bakura added with a kind smile.
The half ghost boy could see that they had a point; dueling against other people would help bring his dueling level up. While getting his new duel disk out of its box, he said, "All right then. Let's try it."
The duels began. Danny found himself being able to duel just fine against Joey. The blonde gave it his all of course. Dueling against Catzi was a different matter and Bast did not take over for according the aqua-haired girl, the Queen wanted to allow her son to practice before going against her. In the end, Danny was mildly surprised to have beaten Catzi. He had some trouble with both Emi and Bakura, but he managed to beat those two as well. Despite winning those little practice duels, Danny knew he had some more practice to do.
Both Yugi and Yami coached the young ghost boy more about Duel Monsters for the next few days. Mr. Muto himself lent a hand on how to get the right strategies. By the time night before the day of the tournament came around, Danny found him with better dueling skills than ever before. A thought crossed his mind if he might even beat his own father. Danny was sitting on the roof of the game store. He had a good view of the night sky and he smiled as he stared up at the peaceful stars in the firmament. He was in his ghost form at the moment and he had a back thought that he felt that he dueled better in this form. He did not really know why he won duels better while as Danny Phantom. Furthermore, he had to be in his ghost form in order to be in the tournament since no one but his friends knew of his secret identity.
"Danny?" The boy turned to see Yami come climbing up from a ladder and onto the roof, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine," Danny shrugged as he shifted his green eyes back at the sky, "Where's everyone else?"
"Downstairs. Joey and Tristan are enjoying the food Carrie made them." Yami answered as he sat beside the white haired ghost kid.
"She is a good cook," Danny said with a smile as the nameless Pharaoh glanced over at him, "And I am glad she, Sam, and Jazz like you guys. I just wish Tucker was here."
Over the past few days, Danny, Carrie, Sam, and Jazz have gotten closer to Yugi and the gang. Sam and Tea seem to hit it right off the bat. Carrie in the meantime was having fun with Emi and Bakura more which was a little odd. Jazz on the other hand seemed more at ease talking to Mr. Muto. Danny could see why since even though his sister had lightened up a bit, she still found herself to be mature. Plus she wanted to learn more about how she might be Egypt related. And Grandpa Muto seemed to hold some of those answers. Danny in the meantime was bonding more with the spirits of the Millennium items. During the times he spent with either Yami or Bast, he found himself realizing he was probably related to them more so than his current parents. He loved Maddie and Jack of course; Yami and Bast just seemed closer to him. Or was that because of his ghost form?
"I'm sure Tucker is fine. Whoever the ghost that is controlling him wouldn't harm him. It appears he needs him for something." Yami assured his son as the two glanced up at the starry night sky.
"I guess. But he is my best friend. I just wish I knew how he was doing." Danny shrugged as he shifted his green eyes toward Yami.
"I understand. Friends and family are important," The ancient spirit pondered for a moment before he turned his calm violet eyes toward the ghost boy, "According to what Carrie and Sam said, it appears the spirit possessing Tucker is trying to find you and I. Hopefully when we go to this tournament tomorrow, Tucker will appear."
"Tucker does have a dueling deck. It could be possible," Danny answered and sighed, "But if this spirit is overshadowing Tucker, I just hope I can figure out to get to him before any harm befalls on my best friend."
Yami frowned and could see Danny looking a bit dishearten, "It's all right, Danny. We will save Tucker before that happens," the wise Pharaoh said as he placed a hand on the white-haired boy's shoulder, "The one thing we must do is never to give up. No matter how tough the game is, you must never stop trying."
Danny glanced over at Yami and gave him a grateful smile, "Thanks. You do have a good point. There have been times where I feel like I should just give up. But then, I remind myself I have a town and world to keep safe. My friends and family always count on me and it's one of the reasons I always continue to battle ghosts." The half ghost boy explained and he knew deep down from hearing tales about Yami, he could see where he got his determination from.
Yami smiled and felt a sense of pride hearing what Danny said. Despite the ancient spirit had no memories still of his past, like his feelings for Bast returning, his feelings as a father for Danny seemed to be coming back too. Over the past few days of spending time with this half ghost boy, the Pharaoh had come to terms to protect him and was starting to love him like a son. Bast had even admitted that whenever she was around Danny, she said that sometimes he reminded her of Yami. Whatever the tournament had in store for all of them, Yami was going to do by any means help Danny find Tucker, and keep this world safe from any evil that will soon rear its ugly head.
"Danny? Yugi?" a voice called out that caused Danny and Yami to glance down. It was Jazz and she turned to see the two she was looking for hanging above her, "It's time to come in. You both have to rest up for tonight."
"Coming, Jazz," Danny shouted as his red-head sister nodded before she walked inside, "Okay, as much as I love her, I am really glad I am an only child back in ancient Egypt," he paused before turning to Yami, "I am an only child right?"
This caused Yami to chuckle, "I am assuming so, since Ishizu said that there was only one child I ever had." The Pharaoh answered with a small smile.
Danny laughed as well before the two got up, "Come on, I'll just fly us down so we don't have to climb down the ladder." He offered as he took ahold of Yami's arm and he floated down gently to the ground.
"Thank you, Danny." Yami nodded in appreciation before the two walked inside the game shop.
That night, the group had to sleep inside the Fenton Jet since it was much bigger to fit everyone inside more so than the shop. Joey was full of excitement and was having a hard time falling asleep as it is. He kept the others awake by going on about what he will do during the time that Tea, Sam, and Tristan all told him to shut up.
Danny frowned as he stared up at the metal ceiling of the jet. He really hoped things will go all right. By the time morning rolled around, the tournament of Seto Kaiba's Duel Monsters was going to begin at ten am. Breakfast was rushed and Joey was cranky due to the lack of sleep. Sam offered to use the Jet to get them all to the tournament and this made the others feel grateful that they didn't have to walk. The location Kaiba was going to host the tournament was inside a building that was on the other side of the city.
Sam directed the Jack auto-pilot to the Kaiba building and the Jet took off. Along the way, Yami had taken over once more and turned to Danny, "Are you nervous, Danny?" he questioned as he watched the boy turn into his ghost form.
"Nervous? No!" he laughed before he frowned with a dead-pan expression, "Okay, I am nervous. I mean, this is going to be the first time I have to fight something that doesn't involve my ghost powers."
"Don't worry about a thing, Danny," Bast said with a smile as she walked up while putting on her duel disk, "I'm sure if you are able to battle a hard ghost, dueling in front of crowds of people should be not difficult."
"Yeah! I mean look at me!" Joey piped up as he flexed his muscles, "I managed to do just fine in front of crowds of people."
"Give me a break, dude." Tristan moaned as he covered his face.
Danny had to laugh at this. He had to admit, having these guys around did make him feel at ease. By the time the group got to Kaiba Corp. main building, the place was crowded and it was nearly 10 O'clock sharp. Jack auto-pilot landed the jet behind the building to avoid any unwanted attention before Sam opened the door. The group got out and headed for the main entrance. As they all did, Danny could feel all eyes fall upon him. He frowned as the whole audience began to whisper amongst themselves.
"Oh, people in Japan know us?" whispered Carrie, who was in her ghost form as well, to Danny as she glanced back at the crowd.
"Sadly yeah. Now come on." Danny gently grabbed Carrie by the arm and led her and the others away.
Yami took the lead and he walked toward the main doors to the building. The guard glanced down, "In order to go in, I must see your duel disk." He said as he held out a hand.
Yami obeyed by holding up his left arm that held the duel disk. The guard placed his hands on the disk and examined it. Danny wondered if he will be allowed in. Once Yami, Joey, and Bast were free to pass, the ghost boy walked up. The guard blinked in surprise, "Aren't you that ghost kid from America?" he questioned.
"Uh yeah. I figure I play a little Duel Monsters. Do I qualify?" Danny asked as he tried to remain calm.
"Relax, Mr. Phantom, you can go through. I was merely curious. My son is a big fan of yours." The guard allowed the white-haired boy through and Danny let out a breath of relief.
"Man, I wish I had fans." Joey pouted as soon as Danny walked up to him, Yami, and Bast.
"It's not fun to have fans, Joey, believe me. I've learned they only love you for only a certain amount you do. I rather be alone." The ghost boy laughed as he turned to see if Carrie and the others would be allowed in.
Luckily the guard allowed the group in, "He seemed real nice!" Carrie said with a laugh.
"But he only let us in because you're Carrie Angel." Tea point out while the others started to laugh.
"Oh. Well at least we are in right?" The ghost girl asked as Danny smiled,
"She has a good point."
Just as the group took a moment to look around, a large screen, which extended around the main hallway of the building, was turned on and on the screen was Seto Kaiba, "Well if it isn't Mr. Personality himself." Joey quipped as he folded his arms.
"Welcome duelists to my new and final Duel Monsters tournament. As you know, this one I am hosting will be a lot tougher than ever before. The rules are about the same, however, in order to advance, you will need to go to arenas and compete against other opponents. You will all start in arena one and work your way up from there. When a duelist wins against their opponent, they have the ability to advance to the next arena. Only one duel per person per arena. Whoever you duel will be up to you. The loser must leave the building.
Remember, this tournament is not for weak duelists. I have allowed minor duelists to sign up, but that doesn't mean you are good enough. The way you play and how you win will certainly show who the better duelist is. I will see you all in the last arena for only up to five duelists will be allowed to enter the last one. Good luck in your duels…yeah right."
Once Kaiba was done, the screen went black. Danny blinked from what he heard and snorted, "Wow, what a way to make all duelists feel comfortable." He said sarcastically.
Yami sighed, "We might as well see who we can duel against in the first arena." The Pharaoh pointed out as he turned to Joey, Danny, and Bast.
"But who?" the Queen questioned when a voice called out,
"Hey Yugi!" the group all turned to see none other than Weevil Underwood.
"Weevil?" Yami asked with a deep frown on his face.
"That's right! I think it's time we settled a score once and for all!" the bug duelist commanded as he pointed a finger straight at him.
Danny remembered of how Yami, his father, trampled this want-be duelist out of the last small contest. Apparently this guy never knew when to quit, "I don't think so, Weevil. I honestly am looking for a better opponent to go up against." Yami answered truthfully as he folded his arms.
"I am a great opponent! You just got lucky!" Weevil cried as a few duelists stopped to watch this exchange.
"I doubt he got lucky. He's just a better duelist than you." Danny said as Weevil glared right at him.
"What did you just say?"
"You heard me, dude," the ghost boy answered as he turned to face the four-eyed duelist, "Yugi is a better duelist than you. You're just a sore loser who keeps trying to win by cheating. I'm here to tell you that is never going to happen. As long as you keep going down the road right now, you will never beat Yugi."
Joey gave the half ghost boy a wide grin, "Couldn't have said it better myself." The blonde said as Bast looked a little worried.
"Is that so? You're that famous ghost kid Danny Phantom from Amity Park right?" Weevil questioned as an evil smirk appeared on his face.
"That's me. What's it to you?" The green-eyed teenager questioned in suspicion.
"Nothing. That's just big talk coming from a ghost kid who isn't even around back at home where he should be. If you think Yugi is good, why don't we duel to see who can face him?" The bug duelist questioned with a wide smirk.
"Seriously?" Danny asked to see if the guy was kidding.
"Yes! I challenge the oh so great and powerful Danny Phantom to a duel! Let's see if you can duel as well as you can run your mouth!" Weevil announced to the whole crowd.
For a moment, the half ghost boy blinked and wondered if he should do this. Finally he smirked and said, "Fine, you are on, Weevil."
"Danny? Are you sure? Weevil is pretty strong even if he's a big cheat." Tea warned in worry.
"Tea is right, maybe you should duel someone else." Bast put in her own thought as she placed a hand on Danny's shoulder.
"No. I am going to prove to Weevil that anyone can beat him," the white-haired boy turned to glance at his friends and finally at Yami, "And besides, I think I need to practice against any opponents anyway."
For a moment, there was silence. Finally Yami gave his son a smile right back and nodded, "Good luck, Danny, show Weevil what you can do." He said while giving him the thumbs up.
Danny nodded while returning the same gesture and turned back to Weevil, "Let's do this, dude." He said as held up his left arm that held his duel disk.