Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! Or Yami. Oh, if I owned Yami… (drool), that dog collar would be more than just decoration. Trust me.

This chapter was a little strange to me—I wasn't sure what to do about the Kaiba's ghost and Mokuba episodes, since a few elements are missing (Kaiba's not in a coma and Mokuba's body is safely at the Kaiba Mansion… can't say the same for his soul, though). So, I skipped it. It shouldn't change much, so I hope you don't mind that I'm heading straight for the Ryuzaki duel.

Let us begin!

YGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYGO

"Good luck to you guys!" Ryota Kajiki called out, waving his harpoon in the air. Yugi and the rest of his friends were walking away from the cliffs and the sea, waving and smiling back at the fellow duelist.

"Yeah! Good luck to you too, Kajiki!" Jou yelled in response. They strolled away until Kajiki was far behind the trees, and the roar of the ocean was no longer in their ears. Jou sighed.

"What a guy… that Ryota!" the blond admitted. His gaze wandered back behind him towards the sea, a content look on his face. "There's something about him that you just can't hate."

Yugi nodded. "Yeah—he's so determined to reach his goals and win that boat, to fulfill his dreams."

"I guess all the duelists on this island are here with their own hopes and dreams," Anzu added. Everyone hummed in agreement.

"Us too!" Jou said proudly, puffing out his chest. "Yugi and Yami have to help Gramps, and I've got my sister! We all got our reasons to be here."

"Except people like Haga," Hanasaki interjected. "They just seem to be here for the fame, and they'll do anything to get it."

"But at least that's a goal," Honda said, gently nudging the short blonde in the ribs. "What about that Mai Kujaku? What's her reason to be here?"

Jou shrugged. "She said money and traveling," he answered as he crossed his arms behind his head. His voice was distant, a slight smile on his lips as he spoke. "But I don't think she's that shallow—I bet she's got something to fight for too."

Like honor, Jou thought—that was a noble cause to be battling for. Maybe the whole money and riches thing was a guise she pulled.

Or maybe she is shallow, he thought, and his expression changed to that of a sulk. Ah well… maybe if I see her again, I'll ask—though, I doubt she'd ever tell me anything, knowing her—

"Hey, Jou! You in there?" Honda waved his hand in front of the blonde's face. "Earth to Katsuya!"

"Huh?" Jou snapped back to reality, as he brought his arms down and looked about, confused. He saw Honda's agitated face peering at him intently. "Oh, hey sorry man. Just thinking."

Honda smiled. "Yeah, I kinda got that when you zoned out." He slapped Jou on the back, grinning as the blonde winced at the amount of force he put into it. "Just keep the thinking for the duels, eh? We don't need you wasting brain power, now do we?"

Yugi followed along side of Jou, his violet eyes watching his best friend, a smile on his cherub face. He felt Yami snuggle closer to his soul, obviously content, as they were now clear of present threats—Yugi nuzzled into Yami's hair, and the spirit hummed in pleasure.

What is it, Yugi? Yami asked curiously.

Nothing, Yugi responded, cuddling his protector as he soaked in the spirit's overflowing warmth. He could feel Yami's overall joy, and it lifted Yugi's spirits to be overwhelmed with it as well. I can't just show my love for you whenever I want?

That's not it—I just thought you were in need of me. And you know that I will always accept tokens from you, light one—anything from you is a blessing unto me.

The high pedestal of worship again. Yugi lightly decided to change the subject matter. So, what did you think of Ryota Kajiki, Yami?

The spirit cracked open one crimson eye, as he peered at his small master. Kajiki-san? He was a fine gamer, of that I know. If he did make it to the semi-finals, I would be honored if we were to battle him once more. Then Yami opened both eyes, and they looked away, into the distance.

However, he added, if he is ever tempted to throw a harpoon in your direction ever again, I shall have to reprimand him—what good fortune he has such skill with that weapon, or else he could have severely hurt you, Ma-Yugi.

Yugi's smile broadened. He knew Kajiki meant nothing by the harpoon—it was only to show Yugi that he meant business when he baited him to a fight. Still, he could understand Yami, since the spirit tended to be very cautious of anything and everything Yugi came into contact with.

And Yugi loved him all the more for it—protecting him, never letting anything come close to harming him... Yami was the ultimate guardian, and Yugi knew that he would never let his light get so much as a paper-cut as long as he was around.

Yugi petted Yami's hair. I know you'd never let that happen anyways Yami—you sense those things before I can even react. I'm always safe with you.

Yami said nothing at first—he hoped that what Master said was true. He could protect Master from things like weapons and people like Haga, but when it came to the Items, and to Zorc… he felt as hopeless as he did trapped within the Puzzle.

He wondered if he could protect Master from dangers like that as well. He had already failed once, in losing to Pegasus and letting Mutou-sama have his soul misplaced.

Who was to say that something like that couldn't happen again? He never knew—anything could be possible. What if Bakura attacked, or the Items thought him weak and undeserving?

But I am undeserving, Yami thought bleakly. I am unworthy, of Master's presence, and this life. I have done nothing but become a burden—to Master as well as his family and friends. My being here has placed them in harm's way… and yet, Master loves me all the same—

Yami? Master's voice reawakened Yami from his thoughts—that sweet and heavenly voice. Are you alright? What's wrong?

It is nothing. Nothing his benevolent Master should be worried about… he did not want to impede Master with things that lay ahead, in both the near and far future. And yes, Yugi, I will always be there to protect you. I promise you… and I love you.

I love you too, Yami. Yugi kissed Yami's cheek, and then snuggled deeper into him, like he would a big stuffed animal. He could hear Yami sigh against him, blissful. Always….

"Alright, let's go to the next place!" Jou yelled enthusiastically—his loud voice startled Yugi and Yami, but both relaxed after they realized it was only their friend. Everyone followed Jou's lead through the meadows and woodlands for a while in silence, until they finally came across some wandering duelists in the clearings.

"Hey, you!" Jou shouted to one of the gamers. A guy with black hair turned around. "Wanna duel with me?"

Jou and the others walked up the boy, and he smiled a little. "Umm, I guess so—" His eyes fell on Yugi, who was just behind Jou. "W-wait… that guy with you, he's Yugi, isn't he?"

Yugi nodded. "Yeah, I'm Yugi."

The guy nodded nervously. "I think I'll pass, then," he said to Jonouchi. "I—I don't want to have to fight Yugi next…." He turned and ran away very swiftly.

"Hey, wait!" Jou shouted at him. The kid never turned around, disappearing into the trees. Jou groaned, turning back to his friends. "What was with that?"

"I don't believe it," Anzu said, shaking her head. "That guy just saw Yugi's face and took off. It's like they're afraid of him."

Yugi blinked. "Of me?" He couldn't believe that either. Where he was once looked down upon and picked on, now he was feared by other people? He shrugged it off—with Yami around, it was hard not to be feared.

The commotion seemed to stir Yami, who played with Yugi's hair a bit. You see, Yugi? You are finally receiving the reverence that is deserving of your greatness.

Yugi blushed. I wouldn't call it that exactly. They're afraid of me.

Yami nodded. Indeed—they fear your supremacy. You are powerful, Yugi, and it is now that it becomes you. I am content that now others witness it as well. Yami kissed into Yugi's hair. Congratulations, Ma-Yugi.

Yugi sighed at the tongue slip. Are we going to have to work on that again?

I shall try to fix that.

It's no big deal, Yami.

"What should we do now?" Hanasaki asked.

Jou puffed out his chest. "What else? Hunt down more duelists, of course! I gotta get more star chips if I wanna catch up to Yug over here!" He patted Yugi on the back. "Ain't that right, Yugi?"

Yugi nodded. "You know it, Jou. Now let's go find someone for you to beat."

20 minutes later….

"This is impossible!" Jou exclaimed, holding his head in his hands. Another duelist was running on his heels towards the mountains, after just confronting Jou. "Isn't there anyone on this island who wants to duel me?"

What cowards, Yugi thought to Yami as they watched Jou stomp the ground. That was the fourth guy in a row. I can't be all that terrifying, now can I?

Yami shrugged. Yugi, I have been connected to your soul for quite some time. I have seen you—when you wish to be, you can be quite intimidating.

Yugi cocked an eyebrow in surprise. Really? he asked. Do I ever intimidate you?

Yami chuckled heartily. Of course not, light one. Why would I ever be afraid of you?

Just checking. Yugi snuggled Yami's shoulder, and the spirit petted his hair affectionately. Right now, he felt as high as high could be—despite their troubles Yami's caring warmth made his whole spirit soar amongst the clouds. When Yami was content, Yugi felt it through his being like he were feeling that way himself; it was hard not to smile when Yami was in good spirits.

That didn't help Jou out much, however.

"This is a problem," Anzu said to Honda. "We can't get anyone around here to fight Jou. Yugi scares them all away."

"Yeah," Honda agreed, "but if we let him go off by himself he'll probably get his butt kicked…."

Jou's face turned red with annoyance. "Hey, shut it over there! I don't see you dueling!"

"Same for you," Honda said.

Jou growled. "Look, what does it take to—?" He was interrupted by a loud, obnoxious laugh, evidently female and very close by. Jou cringed a little. Hey, I recognize that voice! It's—

"Oho ho ho!" Mai Kujaku chortled, coming out from behind tree. "We meet again, Jonouchi!" Yugi looked up, noticing the noise.

It's Miss Kujaku again, he said dully to Yami.

The spirit nodded, glimpsing through his Master's eyes. Ah, so it is. I wonder what it is she wants now.

Maybe she'll duel us.

It's a possibility. Let us see what occurs, light one.

"It's you!" Jou exclaimed. "The Harpy Lady! Mai Kujaku!"

Mai nodded, smirking. Her eyes swept the entire group. "Oh, look, it's the rest of your little friends too. I see that you guys are glued to the hip, as usual. Do you all walk in a line too? Maybe you were ducklings in your past life."

Anzu growled, still remembering the hostility that flowed between her and the blonde woman. "We-we're not ducklings!" Ooh, if I get my hands on that woman I will—

"And hello to you, Yugi," Mai said, turning to look at Yugi.

"Hello, Miss Kujaku," Yugi said cautiously. Even he didn't trust Mai; especially not after she used her cheating tactics on Jou.

Mai sighed. "Be honest, Yugi… isn't it annoying to have all these people tailing after you? I bet if you were alone, you'd have been at the castle a long time ago."

Yugi inwardly chuckled—he didn't know where she got that idea. If it wasn't for Jonouchi, he would have never figured out how to get rid of Haga's advantage. It was his friends' cheering for him and Yami that kept them strong. If he had been without their support, he might not be where he was currently.

Yugi thought about it for a moment—no, he would do alright without his friends. With Yami at his side, he had all he could ever need. He would win, just because he had Yami. His friends supported him, but Yami completed him, making him whole, and without a need for anything else.

Yugi did not answer her. Mai shrugged. "Talk much?" She turned back to Jou. "Jonouchi, I let you defeat me last time, but this time you have to fight my slave!"

"Your slave?" Jou snorted. She "let" him defeat her? I beat you fair and square, Mai! Jou thought, annoyed. And I don't care what rookie you got to play for ya! At least I can finally get someone to duel me…. "Who would duel for you?"

Mai smirked. "See for yourself!" She stepped off to the side, and Dinosaur Ryuzaki emerged from behind it. "Ta-daa! Meet your opponent!"

Ryuzaki chuckled. "I don't think I need an introduction. Long time no see, Yugi! How you doing, Jonouchi?"

What the—? Yugi stared at Ryuzaki, surprised. That's the runner-up from the Regional Tournament, Dinosaur Ryuzaki! How did Mai get him to duel for her?

"Whaddya say, Jou?" Ryuzaki said. "Wanna duel me?"

Jou looked fired up. "Yeah, I'll take you on!"

Ryuzaki grinned. What a sucker… I guess I should thank Mai for setting up this duel, even if she has to run around and call me her "slave". He cringed. Well, at least once I beat this guy, I can get my revenge against Mai! If she keeps her promise, then I'll get to duel her again… I can't believe this numbskull actually beat her!

"Jonouchi, wait a sec!" Honda said. "Let's think about this!"

Jou ignored him, still fuming. "#&$... I'm not a duckling!"

Mai snickered. Heh… what a simple guy. I wish I could play Jou again and win back my star chips myself, but that would be immature; plus, I have eight as it is, so it's not like it really matters. If Ryuzaki beats Jou, and then I beat Ryuzaki, then it's the same as beating them both!

Anzu stood beside Jou, watching Mai cautiously. What's the matter with this woman, going after Jou like this? It's obvious that she's afraid of losing to Yugi and Yami! Her blue eyes glanced over at Yugi, who was also standing at Jou's side. Wait and see! Yugi and Yami will support Jou just like they did last time!

Yugi listened carefully, looking between Mai, Ryuzaki, and Jou. He heard Jou mumble, "I'll do it!" Yugi felt Yami curiously stare at them all, as he wrapped his arms around the light one.

Looks like Jonouchi finally found a challenger, Yami observed.

Yeah, but its Dinosaur Ryuzaki. He was the one who lost to Insector Haga in the Regionals. His duelist level is way higher than Jou's. Yugi looked confidently at the blond. I hope Jou can win against him.

Yami nuzzled Yugi. I have no doubts he shall. Jou has proven himself against Kujaku-san—and if he is ever in need of assistance, then we'll be there for him, to help him at a moment's notice. We owe him as much.

Yugi nodded, trying to ignore the tingling of his senses as Yami nipped his ear playfully. It seemed the spirit was becoming a little… restless. Well, I believe in him anyways. With his new-found magic, I bet Jou can whoop Ryuzaki flat!

"Is that Battle Box okay with you?" Ryuzaki asked, pointing to a duel box a few yards away. Jou nodded.

"Yeah, that's fine! Let's just get started!"

"Okay," Ryuzaki answered. He and Mai started walking towards it. "We'll be waiting there for you when you're ready!"

"Get him, Ryuzaki!" Mai cheered, feigning glee. Everyone watched them go with an assortment of various thoughts.

After a moment, Jou broke the silence as he glanced at Yugi. "Hey, Yug?"

"Yeah, Jou?"

"I have a favor to ask you," he said. Yugi looked at his face—it was stern, not like the normally bubbly Jou he had come to be used to. The commanding tone of his words made Yugi nod absently.

"Sure Jou," he answered. "What do you need?"

"Yugi," Jou said, his eyes looking into the distance, "this duel… I don't want you or Yami to give me any advice."

Yugi's eyes widened. Jou…? Yami watched, unresponsive. The rest of the gang had overheard Jou's answer as well, because their faces froze with shock, which quickly gave way to panic.

"Jou!" Anzu breathed. "What are you saying?"

"Are you nuts?" Honda retorted. "That guy's not someone you can beat at your skill level! What are you thinking, man?"

With all their protests, Jou smiled warmly. "Yeah, pretty dumb of me, eh?" he asked, staring up at the sky. "In my mind, I'm yelling at myself 'what are you doing, you idiot? Why did you just say that? Take it back!'"

It was true, Jou knew. Inside he was struggling to take back the words he said. How foolish he was being—without Yugi and Yami to give him advice, Jou was sure to fall flat on his face. It was only with Yugi and Yami's help that he stayed focused during his duel with Mai. He couldn't have won without them.

Yugi grasped Yami's hand, his eyes trained on the blond. Jou….

"If I bet all my star chips in this duel and I lose, it's over," Jou continued. He brought up his Duelist Glove, the gauntlet bearing only two star chips. "I won't be able to save Shizuka's eyes, and I'll be a failure…." He took a deep breath. "But… I want to win on my own this time!"

Everyone looked at him, silent. Jonouchi…!

"Don't you see?" Jou asked. "If I can win, then Shizuka can win too. That's how I feel." He looked amongst his companions with warm eyes. "So if I win today, on my own, then my sister can win, and get back her eyesight! I'm gonna win on my own, for Shizuka's sake!"

Yugi smiled. Jou… if that's what you want, then go for it!

Yes, Yami thought. If Jonouchi wished to handle this duel with his own hands, then so be it. As a friend of Master, Yami respected the blond's wishes.

"Would you do me that much, Yugi? Yami?" Jou placed a hand on Yugi's shoulder. Yugi nodded firmly.

"Of course, Jou!" Yugi said confidently. "We believe in you! You'll do great out there!" He turned to everyone else. "C'mon, guys! Let's all root for Jou!"

Yugi's words seemed to lift the others' spirits. Their faces cracked into smiles, as things like, "Y-Yeah!" and "You're right!" resonated between them. Jou smiled, looking down at Yugi's grinning face.

He knew he could trust Yugi's words. Those two would respect his wishes, for they knew what pride meant to Jou.

He could feel the strange new magic he had obtained from his last duel, running through his veins like a fiery liquid. It tempted him, coursed through him like a dizzying drug. It made him grin; the power of it overflowed from him, but he kept it contained. If he wasn't clear-headed, he might lose.

He looked at his friend. Yugi had given him his trust. Now Jou would have to return the favor, and he planned to, with all his being.

Yugi, Yami… thank you, both of you. I'll make you proud.

He walked over to the Battle Box, where Ryuzaki waited for him.

YGOYGOYGOYGOYGOYOYGOYGOYGO

Alright, folks! Jou's ready to take on Mai's "slave"! Can he beat the runner-up in the Regional Tournament, second only to Insector Haga? Find out next Friday!!

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