Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh; that is the property of Konami and the creator Kazuki Takahashi. I do own a Bible and my idea for the story.

Chapter 18: Meeting Kind Strangers

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it" - Hebrews 13:2 NIV

"My name is Chris" answers the little girl. "Well it's nice to meet you, Chris," says Tea as she approaches Chris to shake her hand. Recovering from their initial fright, all the boys get up and greet Chris as well. "This is such a beautiful wolf you got here" comments Tristian as he tentatively sticks out his hand to pet the wolf. Skye (as Chris calls her) sniffs Tristian's hand and gives him the signal for him to pet her.

Nothing is said for a few moments as Skye receives a petting session from Tristian (and is enjoying every minute of it). Once the session is complete, everyone's attention is brought back to Chris. "So Chris, how come you are out here in the middle of the night" ask Tea. "Oh um well, it just so peaceful out here that I sometimes like to take long walks out in the forest at night." replies Chris sheepishly. "Well, don't your parents worry about you being out here in the middle of the night?" questions Tristian.

Chris's head droops at the mention of her parents. "I-I lost my mother and father a long time ago" she replies with sadness in her voice. Cringing at her response, Tristian immediately apologizes "I'm sorry, to have brought that up". "It is okay" replies Chris as she tries to reign in the sadness, "like I said it was a long time ago and it's now just my grandfather, Skye and me".

"Where is your grandfather anyway?" ask Duke. "Oh, he's back home waiting for Skye and me" answers Chris, "in which case, we need to get going. I've been out here longer than normal and Grandfather might start to worry" she says as her and Skye turn to face the direction they came. "Um if you don't mind me asking" questions Joey, "where is your home exactly?" "Oh, it's not that far from here actually. We just got to go southeast of here and we will be back where Grandfather is" explains Chris as she points in the direction of her home.

With the destination in mind, the group takes care of their makeshift camp site and follows Chris and Skye towards their home.

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The moon continues to shine brightly in the night sky. Peeking out in between the leaves of the trees as the convoy moves along. Skye and Chris are in the lead, with Tea close besides Chris and the boys right behind them. The group continues their walk in silence, eager to reach their destination.

Another moment passes and Tea decides to break the silence. "So Chris, would your grandfather be okay with you allowing us to spend the night?" she questions. "Oh yes, Grandfather wouldn't mind. We don't get many visitors out here that often. So, it would be a nice change of pace to have some company" replies Chris happily, "And besides, Grandfather is always telling me that we should always look for opportunities to help those who are in need; especially if it's in our power to do so." "Well, your grandfather sounds like a very kind and wise man" says Tea. "He is" replies Chris, "we are not that far from Grandfather now. We should be there once we cross this tree line."

Nothing is said once Chris makes this declaration as the group moves through the trees. Once they have cross over, the convoy sees that they have reached the base of a cliff. In the distance a fire can be seen and a figure is sitting close by it. Chris calls out to the figure "Grandfather, we are back and I found us some company" she yells. The figure (now known as Chris's grandfather) stands up and turns around to face the group. The man appears to be either in his late 50s or early 60s. He is about 5ft 8 in tall, with sliver gray long hair, and a sliver gray beard. He is also wearing Mid-Western Native American clothing with a white slash on his waist and another one upon his head. In one of his hands is a wooden staff, which is decorated with white feathers at the top.

Chris's grandfather looks at her with a look of relief in his grey eyes. "Oh Chris, there you are. You were starting to get me worried" he chides her in his regal sounding voice. Chris has the grace to look shameful at her grandfather's chide. "I'm sorry Grandfather; we were walking in the woods; when we found these nice strangers" she replies as she gestures towards the gang. Taking notice of the group, Chris's grandfather walks up to them and introduces himself.

"Well, this is quite unexpected. Welcome friends my name is Ironheart" replies the man as he greets the gang, "what brings you all to my home?" "Well, it was your lovely granddaughter, who brought us here" replies Tea; "we ran into her and Skye in the woods when she offered for us to stay with you tonight (if that is okay with you)?" adds in Tea. "Oh it's no problem" says Ironheart, "we don't get many visitors out here so we would be honored to have you for the night".

GROWLLLLLLL

A stomach's growl interrupts the greeting session, as the attention is now brought upon a certain blondie. Feeling embarrass, Joey's cheeks have a light dusting of pink on his cheeks as he holds his stomach (in an attempt to quite its protests). Taking notice of the attention that he is getting, Joey's cheeks go from a dusting of pink to bright red. "Um, sorry about that but we haven't eaten anything all day" says Joey shyly as he scratches one of his cheeks.

"Oh my, that is terrible" comments Ironheart, "where are my manners, excuse me for not asking sooner. But, I'm safe to correct that you are hungry, yes?" The gang shakes their head to Ironheart's question. "Oh my, well Chris lets go and prepare some supper for our guest" says the older man to his granddaughter, "please make yourselves at home." At this request, the gang proceeds to sit around the fire, while their hosts prepare the long waited meal.

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"Ahhhhhh, now that hit the spot" comments a very happy Joey as he rubs his stomach. "Yes it is" chimes in Tristian (who is doing the same thing). "Yes, thank you" adds in Duke and Tea to their kind host. "You are welcome" replies Ironheart as he rejoins the gang by the fire. "It's nice to have some company for supper huh Grandfather" comments Chris from her spot next to the fire as she pets Skye. "Yes it is" he replies.

A moment passes as everyone is content on staring at the fire.

Turning to face Tea, Ironheart proceeds to ask her a question. "I don't mean to pry. But, what is a group of teenagers doing out in the woods this late at night?" At the question the group of friends' expressions changes from complacent to sadness. "It's a long story." replies Tea solemnly. Ironheart gives them a sympathetic look to encourage them to continue. "We actually got separated from a good friend of ours," chimes in Joey solemnly, "That's why we were in the woods when Chris found us". "Oh I'm sorry to hear that" replies Ironheart, "how did you get separated from him?"

"We were on a runaway train and we managed to get off in time; but Yami didn't" answers Joey once more. "Oh no" gasp Chris. "We tried to follow, but it was no use" adds in Tristian, "We managed to find the wreckage of the train; but, we have reason to believe that he managed to escape before it wreck." "Where do you believe he went if he did managed to escape" questions Ironheart further.

"We believe he went somewhere down the river" replies Tristian as he continues to stare at the fire. "We are hoping to continue our search in the morning" chimes in Duke. "Well, it's very fortunate that my granddaughter found you then" replies Ironheart. Everyone then turns to look at Ironheart with curious eyes. "I know these woods like the back of my hand. I can help you in your search for your friend in the morning. If you would let me" continues Ironheart.

At hearing Ironheart's offer to help search for Yami, the air surrounding the gang goes from being depress to excitement and thankfulness. "Are you sure?" questions Tea as she tries to retain the hope in her voice, "you are already offered us food and shelter for the night (which we are thankful for by the way). It wouldn't be too much trouble for you?" "It wouldn't be trouble, child. Like I've been telling my granddaughter here, when an opportunity comes to help those in need arise. If it's in my power to do so, I always jump at the chance to help others."

"We thank you for your help, Ironheart" replies Tea feeling very grateful for the additional help. "YAWWWWWWWNNNNN, I'm sorry" says Tea after a yawn escapes her mouth, "I guess I am more tired than I anticipated" she says as she rubs the sleepiness from her eyes. Not long after Tea apologizes, the curse of the yawn makes itself known throughout the group; as each member tries to suppress their own tiredness.

"Well, that is the cue for bedtime" says Chris in a sing-song voice. "Well, I guess you're right, Chris" says Ironheart as he proceeds to stand up. "I guess we need to arrange sleeping arraignments. Tea, you can sleep with my granddaughter in her tent and the boys can sleep with me out here next to the fire". "YEAAAAAA, I finally get to have a sleepover. Come on Tea let's do this." exclaims Chris as she proceeds to grab Tea's hand and forcing her follow to their shared tent.

Shaking his head at his granddaughter's antics, Ironheart proceeds to follow the duo to the tent to get the spare bedding material for the boys and himself for the night. Once, everyone is settled in; they all procced to fall asleep after a very long and tiresome day.

And that ends this chapter. Well, now we have spent these last few chapters on the gang; I feel like picking up (in the next chapter) on Yami and the Stranger. Hope y'all are still enjoying the story; so please R&R.

Until next time,

LadyRaider92