Disclaimer: Still don't Yugioh, any of the characters, or anything else related to the story.
[….] - Yugi's visions
Thanks to everyone who reviewed, I wasn't expecting the response that I got. Your praise means a lot to me.
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5 o'clock couldn't come fast enough for Yugi. He found increasingly difficult to concentrate on math problems when in just a few short hours, you would be learning about a past that remained hidden from you all your life.
"How's the homework coming?"
"Slowly Yami. It is really hard to sit here and work when you are about to get answers to your past."
"There is no guarantee that Grandpa will tell us, Yugi. If what you say is true, that it is too difficult for him to talk about, then we may learn nothing."
"But we have to, I need to know the truth, about who I am."
"I know, but you have to be prepared for the worst too. Obviously something awful happened to your parents or they would still be here. Now, were you are too little to remember, Grandpa isn't. Especially since one of your parents was his child. I have heard a saying in this time that no parent should out live their own child. That life becomes a painful reminder, not that they become bitter or hateful or anything like that, but a reminder that their own flesh and blood is no longer with them. That they couldn't do anything to protect their son or daughter from death."
"Everyone dies at some point though, right?"
"Yes, but it is even worse when you out live your own child. The pain is overwhelming."
"You say that as if you are speaking from experience."
"Sort of. You have to remember that back in ancient times, children sometimes died right after birth, it was much more common since the technology wasn't there yet to keep them alive. I saw it happen to a lot of my people."
"Oh." Yugi gave a him a small smile. He didn't quite believe Yami's explanation, but then again, Yami never really talked about his time in Ancient Egypt. He often wondered what his yami's life was like before the shadow game and the containment. There had to be more to Yami's life than just that, but Yugi never pried. If Yami wanted him to know, he would tell him in time.
"Well, it is almost closing time, shall we go and talk to Grandpa about your parents?"
Yugi nodded, his voice failing him. 'I am going to finally learn where I come from.'
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Sugoroku had just turned the lock to the Turtle Game shop when he heard his two grandsons coming down the back stairs. Just listening to the heavy steps the two boys took, he knew something was bothering them.
"Yugi? Yami?"
"Yeah Grandpa. Are you done closing up?"
"Just finished. Is something wrong Yugi? You sound a little distance."
"Um…"
"He wants to ask you some questions." answered Yami, pushing Yugi into the front room.
"About what?"
Yugi lowered his glaze. "About my parents."
Sugoroku sighed quietly to himself. He knew that one day Yugi would ask these very questions, though he had hoped to put it off for a couple more years. "I guess it is about time that I answered them. You shouldn't been kept in the dark of your own family history."
"Really Grandpa? You'll tell me?"
"Yes, you are old enough to know the truth. Come let's go upstairs and get comfortable."
The trio walked upstairs and went over the couch and sat down.
"So what were my parent's names? How did that meet? Which one do I take after. What happened to them?"
"Aibou, slow down. One question at a time. I have a feeling that this is a difficult topic for Grandpa anyway."
"It is okay Yami. Yes this is a more troubling issue, but I don't blame Yugi for being excited about learning this." He took a deep breath and began his story.
"I remember the day so clearer, that day being your birth Yugi. I was supposed to be out on excavation, but due to your upcoming birth, I cancelled the trip. I wanted to be there for my first grandson's birth. Your mother had to be the most excited of all of us though. She couldn't wait to hold you in her arms. Rachel was like that though. Kind, gentle, and loving. This birth meant a lot to our relationship as well. See, my daughter and I never had a real close relationship growing up. By the time she went off in the real world, our relationship was non existent. We hardly talked, wrote, anything. To me, she didn't exist. But then, that phone call came, saying that she was pregnant. I never really approved of her husband, I thought he was just using her and taking advantage of her kindness. But I couldn't be farther from the truth. Your mother was Nichols' world. He would do anything for her, even give up his life for her. I just wish I had seen that earlier. Anyway, I didn't take word of the pregnancy to well at first, I wasn't ready to be a grandfather, but as time past, and my relationship started to heal, I got more and more excited about your birth. It was going to do a world of good for this family. Even then, you were helping people.
And then that day came, you entered the world. Even back then you had that wild mane called hair. I think you must have taken after your father in that aspect. He too a mess of blond hair. But your personality, that is your mother all over."
"So what happened to them?"
"You were only about two weeks old when Rachel died. Her death was so sudden, so unnecessarily. But I guess that is how the fates work sometimes. She was walking home from the grocery store when two robbers, a brother and sister, ran outside the local bank. They were both trapped and knew it. In hope to make an escape, they grabbed your mother to use as a bargaining chip. Only things didn't go quite as planned. To make a long story short, the two thieves got scared and well."
Yami gasped in horror, knowing full well what he going to say.
"They killed her Yugi, Murdered her right there in the streets."
"MOMMA!" Yugi sobbed. He felt Yami pull him into his arms and rock him gently. He may not have known who his mother was, but to know how she died, to know that it shouldn't have happened liked that, it was painful…too painful.
Sugoroku sat down next to his natural grandson and rubbed his back. He was afraid that Yugi would react like this. The boy didn't have an evil bone in his small features, and learn that a horrible crime like that was committed in his family, the news had to be overwhelming. This was the main reason why he never wanted to tell Yugi the truth about his parents. Yugi was overly sensitive. News like this could kill him. "Do you want me to continue with the story Yugi?"
He didn't want to know anymore, but if he ran now, then he would never work up the courage to ask again. "Please."
"The news of your mother's death shocked the community deeply. It hit your father the hardest though. Nichols drove himself into a deep depression, one I am afraid that he couldn't bring himself out of. I hardly ever saw him smile. The only time I did is when you were with him. You brought so much joy into his life. You were his light. But I guess the darkness was too much for him. One day, about a month after Rachel's death,, he went to sleep and didn't wake back up. He didn't kill himself, like people thought, his heart simply wasn't able to beat anymore. In my honest opinion, he died of a broken heart. I know he loved you Yugi, both of them did. You were their pride and joy. It was just a cruel twist of fate that took them from you."
"So why aren't they're any pictures of his parents?"
Sugoroku gave a small laugh. "Well there is a small story behind the reason why there aren't any from the day you were born. See, Yugi here, came about a week early. And normally, that wouldn't have been a problem, someone could have just grabbed the camera. The problem was where they were"
"And where was that Grandpa?"
"A soccer game. Your mother and father both loved the sport. A goal had just been scored by the home team, and you started kicking her stomach.. At first she thought you were just cheering along with them, but by half time, her contractions were getting closer and closer together. Rachel didn't want to leave the game, Nicholas practically had to drag her away from the game. You my dear, were almost born at the soccer field. And after your birth, pictures were taken, but for some reason, your parents were never in them. I don't know why. "
"So mom was a sport's fan?"
"The biggest. Loved playing them too. She excelled in track and soccer during her youth."
"And dad?"
"Was more practical. He ran his own business so to speak. Nichols was really head strong. Your parents personalities were as different as day and night, but that is what made them love each other. They were perfect for one another, I see that now."
"Do I have any other relatives? Aunts? Uncles? Cousins?"
"No, Rachel was my only daughter and Nichols never mentioned having siblings. Not to mention parents. I never heard him talk about them."
"I see. Well, I think I better go work on my project." Yugi stood and walked dejectedly out of the room.
Yami started to go after him when Grandpa grabbed his arm. "Let him alone for awhile. He has a lot to digest right now. It is best that we leave him alone and let him work out his feelings."
"I guess so, but I can feel his soul, screaming out for help."
"I knew this news would overwhelm him, which is why I put it off for as long as I could. Yugi did deserve to know the truth, but the truth was so bleak, I had to protect him."
"I don't blame you for your actions."
'Maybe you should, there is so much more that I didn't tell Yugi. Some thing that would affect him, me, and even you Yami.'
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That night, Yugi found it exceptionally difficult to sleep. His minds was spinning with all the revelations he had learned.
//Are you alright aibou? It is nearly 3 and you have school tomorrow. You need to get some sleep.//
/I know, but just can't. My mind is still running with all the information I learned this evening./
//How do you feel, I mean, about learning about your parents?//
/I won't lie, it does hurt Yami, but there isn't anything I can do about that. But at least now, I have a name, and some memories. Sure, they are not mine, but it is more than what I had before./
//And yet, you are not happy, I can sense that.//
/My mom was murdered. It is a little hard to be happy after hearing that. But it isn't just that, I just keep thinking of all the things I didn't and won't get to do with my parents./
//I understand.//
/Yami?"/
//Yes Yugi?//
/Did you have a family back in Egypt?/
//…//
/Well did you?/
//I would rather not talk about Yugi, if that is okay with you.//
/So you did have one./
//I never said that.//
/You never you didn't either./
//True, but I really don't like really the past, even if they are good memories. I didn't like the person I became my the end of my time there.//
/Oh, okay. I won't force it out of you. If you don't want to tell me, that is okay too. I understand./
//Thank you, aibou. Now you better get some sleep. You have school in the morning.//
/Okay, night Yami./
//Night Yugi.//
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Yugi sat down next to Joey and Tristan underneath the tree where they normally met to eat lunch.
"Hey Yugi, feeling any better? Yesterday you looked like the whole world was coming to an end."
"I am better, thanks Tristan."
"If you don't mind me asking Yug, what was wrong?"
"I'll explain when Tea arrives. Where is she anyways?"
"Oh that right, you don't have first period with her. There is a new girl in our class and Tea volunteered to show her around. Speaking of which, here they come now."
Yugi turned to look down the hill. He easily spotted Tea and the girl walking next to her. She easily stood at Yami's height, if not taller. Her golden brown hair was done in a long French braid that stopped right at her waist. She wore jeans with a gray short sleeve shirt. A red jacket was tied at her waist.
"Hey guys!" shouted Tea, as she and the girl trudged up the hill.
"Hello Tea and um… sorry I don't know your name." said Tristan.
"Forget name, can I have your number?"
"You must be Joey. Tea warned me of you and your cohort in crime Tristan, which I am assuming is you."
"Awe, Tea. You already ruin my chances with her, thanks." Joey said grinning and laughing at the same time.
"As soon as you spoke Joey, she would have known."
The girl laughed, and then noticed Yugi. Her expression flickered from shock to disbelief, but quickly recovered. "Hi, my name is Raya." she whispered softly, eyes gazing.
"Yugi." As he shook her hand, a vision flashed before him.
[ A young woman, dressed in Egyptian garments sung softly to the tiny infant in her arms.
Her voice was soft and gentle, her words filling the room. She carefully laid the baby into his crib, kissing it on it's forehead. The woman rose from her position and headed for a door, only to stop abruptly. Her purple eyes filled with fear as she slowly backed up towards her child. Opening her mouth to speak, no sound came. Then, a horrifying scream.]
"You ok?" Raya asked, noticing Yugi's blank expression.
"Huh? Yeah, I am sorry. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night." 'What was that all about? I don't think it was a vision warning me of a danger, but maybe it was.'
"You too? I was so nervous about starting today, that I couldn't sleep either."
"You don't look nervous Raya." commented Tristan as he sat back down.
"Thanks, but I really am."
"How come."
A wicked grin crossed Raya's face. "From all the horror stories Tea told me."
"TEA!"
"I'm joking don't worry. She actually told me that she was going to introduce me to the greatest group of friends a person could ever have."
"Really?" the three guys exclaimed.
"Maybe." Another smile.
'She has a really pretty smile. I just can't get over the feeling that I know her from somewhere.' "So where are you from Raya?"
"I was born and raised in America. I moved here last week to study."
"You said I, what about your family? Didn't they come too?" asked Joey, as he took a bite out of his apple.
"No, my foster family remained behind in the States. I am what you call an Independent."
"What's that?"
"That means Yugi, that I am considered an adult, that I receive no financial support from my biological parents."
"You mean, you are living on your own?"
"Yes. While I lived in the States, I lived with my foster family. And then I was offered a chance to come here and study. I jumped at the opportunity."
"No offense Raya, but how can parents disregard their children like that, I mean it is awful."
"In some cases, it is Tea. I guess you can say my situation is unique. I may have parents, I just don't remember. I was found wondering the streets, battered and bruised. Excluding last year, I have no memory of my last fourteen years. But while I was in the hospital, no one claimed me, so I filed for independency. I didn't want to live in an orphanage."
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."
"It's okay, you didn't know. Besides, I don't regret my decision at all."
"So how long are you staying?"
"Throughout the rest of the year, and then some probably."
"Awesome, hey how about after school we show you around the town Raya?"
"I wish I could, but I have to meet the movers at my house, they are bringing the rest of my stuff today. Hey, I know. Would all of you like to come to my place, that way we could get to know one another better and then once the movers leave, you could show me around?"
"Okay with me, Tea, Tristan, Yugi? You all in?"
Everyone nodded. "What's your last class of the day Raya? We'll meet you there."
"Um, let me look. Okay, I have history last."
"Hey, Joey and I are in that same class."
"Really? That's good, I'll finally know someone in my classes."
"What other classes are you taking?"
"The regular ones, language arts, math, history, physics, and then I am also taking art 100 and music 100."
"Wow, you must really be good in art and music, if you are already taking senior level courses."
"I am okay, but.." The ringing of the bell cut Raya off. "I guess I will see the rest of you later then."
"In history class." shouted Joey, as she and Tea stood up.
"Yeah, you can help me keep him awake." added Yugi.
"I can think of a few ways to keep dear Joey up."
"You know, we have faced a lot of scary things, but that comment right there scares me more."
The gang laughed. "Come on Raya, I'll show you were you're art class is."
"Thanks."
"Oh Yugi, ask Yami if he wants to come with us later. I bet he would like to meet Raya too."
"Yami?" 'No, it couldn't be.'
"My older brother." Yugi explained.
"Oh okay." Raya closed her eyes. "Oh how I missed you.' Quietly, she entered her classroom 'Raya, you need to stop girl. He's dead, gone. Never to return. But why do I get this strange feeling when I am around Yugi?'
Meanwhile, two doors down.
'There is something more to Raya then it seems. I have this funny feeling that I know her from somewhere, but how? And who was that woman in my vision? What happened to her and how does she connect to Raya? Or does it? Whatever it is though, this is going to be one interesting adventure.'
~ Author's Note: What is the secret that Yugi's Grandpa is hiding? How does Raya know Yami or does she? And what is the significance of Yugi's vision?
Please Review
[….] - Yugi's visions
Thanks to everyone who reviewed, I wasn't expecting the response that I got. Your praise means a lot to me.
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5 o'clock couldn't come fast enough for Yugi. He found increasingly difficult to concentrate on math problems when in just a few short hours, you would be learning about a past that remained hidden from you all your life.
"How's the homework coming?"
"Slowly Yami. It is really hard to sit here and work when you are about to get answers to your past."
"There is no guarantee that Grandpa will tell us, Yugi. If what you say is true, that it is too difficult for him to talk about, then we may learn nothing."
"But we have to, I need to know the truth, about who I am."
"I know, but you have to be prepared for the worst too. Obviously something awful happened to your parents or they would still be here. Now, were you are too little to remember, Grandpa isn't. Especially since one of your parents was his child. I have heard a saying in this time that no parent should out live their own child. That life becomes a painful reminder, not that they become bitter or hateful or anything like that, but a reminder that their own flesh and blood is no longer with them. That they couldn't do anything to protect their son or daughter from death."
"Everyone dies at some point though, right?"
"Yes, but it is even worse when you out live your own child. The pain is overwhelming."
"You say that as if you are speaking from experience."
"Sort of. You have to remember that back in ancient times, children sometimes died right after birth, it was much more common since the technology wasn't there yet to keep them alive. I saw it happen to a lot of my people."
"Oh." Yugi gave a him a small smile. He didn't quite believe Yami's explanation, but then again, Yami never really talked about his time in Ancient Egypt. He often wondered what his yami's life was like before the shadow game and the containment. There had to be more to Yami's life than just that, but Yugi never pried. If Yami wanted him to know, he would tell him in time.
"Well, it is almost closing time, shall we go and talk to Grandpa about your parents?"
Yugi nodded, his voice failing him. 'I am going to finally learn where I come from.'
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Sugoroku had just turned the lock to the Turtle Game shop when he heard his two grandsons coming down the back stairs. Just listening to the heavy steps the two boys took, he knew something was bothering them.
"Yugi? Yami?"
"Yeah Grandpa. Are you done closing up?"
"Just finished. Is something wrong Yugi? You sound a little distance."
"Um…"
"He wants to ask you some questions." answered Yami, pushing Yugi into the front room.
"About what?"
Yugi lowered his glaze. "About my parents."
Sugoroku sighed quietly to himself. He knew that one day Yugi would ask these very questions, though he had hoped to put it off for a couple more years. "I guess it is about time that I answered them. You shouldn't been kept in the dark of your own family history."
"Really Grandpa? You'll tell me?"
"Yes, you are old enough to know the truth. Come let's go upstairs and get comfortable."
The trio walked upstairs and went over the couch and sat down.
"So what were my parent's names? How did that meet? Which one do I take after. What happened to them?"
"Aibou, slow down. One question at a time. I have a feeling that this is a difficult topic for Grandpa anyway."
"It is okay Yami. Yes this is a more troubling issue, but I don't blame Yugi for being excited about learning this." He took a deep breath and began his story.
"I remember the day so clearer, that day being your birth Yugi. I was supposed to be out on excavation, but due to your upcoming birth, I cancelled the trip. I wanted to be there for my first grandson's birth. Your mother had to be the most excited of all of us though. She couldn't wait to hold you in her arms. Rachel was like that though. Kind, gentle, and loving. This birth meant a lot to our relationship as well. See, my daughter and I never had a real close relationship growing up. By the time she went off in the real world, our relationship was non existent. We hardly talked, wrote, anything. To me, she didn't exist. But then, that phone call came, saying that she was pregnant. I never really approved of her husband, I thought he was just using her and taking advantage of her kindness. But I couldn't be farther from the truth. Your mother was Nichols' world. He would do anything for her, even give up his life for her. I just wish I had seen that earlier. Anyway, I didn't take word of the pregnancy to well at first, I wasn't ready to be a grandfather, but as time past, and my relationship started to heal, I got more and more excited about your birth. It was going to do a world of good for this family. Even then, you were helping people.
And then that day came, you entered the world. Even back then you had that wild mane called hair. I think you must have taken after your father in that aspect. He too a mess of blond hair. But your personality, that is your mother all over."
"So what happened to them?"
"You were only about two weeks old when Rachel died. Her death was so sudden, so unnecessarily. But I guess that is how the fates work sometimes. She was walking home from the grocery store when two robbers, a brother and sister, ran outside the local bank. They were both trapped and knew it. In hope to make an escape, they grabbed your mother to use as a bargaining chip. Only things didn't go quite as planned. To make a long story short, the two thieves got scared and well."
Yami gasped in horror, knowing full well what he going to say.
"They killed her Yugi, Murdered her right there in the streets."
"MOMMA!" Yugi sobbed. He felt Yami pull him into his arms and rock him gently. He may not have known who his mother was, but to know how she died, to know that it shouldn't have happened liked that, it was painful…too painful.
Sugoroku sat down next to his natural grandson and rubbed his back. He was afraid that Yugi would react like this. The boy didn't have an evil bone in his small features, and learn that a horrible crime like that was committed in his family, the news had to be overwhelming. This was the main reason why he never wanted to tell Yugi the truth about his parents. Yugi was overly sensitive. News like this could kill him. "Do you want me to continue with the story Yugi?"
He didn't want to know anymore, but if he ran now, then he would never work up the courage to ask again. "Please."
"The news of your mother's death shocked the community deeply. It hit your father the hardest though. Nichols drove himself into a deep depression, one I am afraid that he couldn't bring himself out of. I hardly ever saw him smile. The only time I did is when you were with him. You brought so much joy into his life. You were his light. But I guess the darkness was too much for him. One day, about a month after Rachel's death,, he went to sleep and didn't wake back up. He didn't kill himself, like people thought, his heart simply wasn't able to beat anymore. In my honest opinion, he died of a broken heart. I know he loved you Yugi, both of them did. You were their pride and joy. It was just a cruel twist of fate that took them from you."
"So why aren't they're any pictures of his parents?"
Sugoroku gave a small laugh. "Well there is a small story behind the reason why there aren't any from the day you were born. See, Yugi here, came about a week early. And normally, that wouldn't have been a problem, someone could have just grabbed the camera. The problem was where they were"
"And where was that Grandpa?"
"A soccer game. Your mother and father both loved the sport. A goal had just been scored by the home team, and you started kicking her stomach.. At first she thought you were just cheering along with them, but by half time, her contractions were getting closer and closer together. Rachel didn't want to leave the game, Nicholas practically had to drag her away from the game. You my dear, were almost born at the soccer field. And after your birth, pictures were taken, but for some reason, your parents were never in them. I don't know why. "
"So mom was a sport's fan?"
"The biggest. Loved playing them too. She excelled in track and soccer during her youth."
"And dad?"
"Was more practical. He ran his own business so to speak. Nichols was really head strong. Your parents personalities were as different as day and night, but that is what made them love each other. They were perfect for one another, I see that now."
"Do I have any other relatives? Aunts? Uncles? Cousins?"
"No, Rachel was my only daughter and Nichols never mentioned having siblings. Not to mention parents. I never heard him talk about them."
"I see. Well, I think I better go work on my project." Yugi stood and walked dejectedly out of the room.
Yami started to go after him when Grandpa grabbed his arm. "Let him alone for awhile. He has a lot to digest right now. It is best that we leave him alone and let him work out his feelings."
"I guess so, but I can feel his soul, screaming out for help."
"I knew this news would overwhelm him, which is why I put it off for as long as I could. Yugi did deserve to know the truth, but the truth was so bleak, I had to protect him."
"I don't blame you for your actions."
'Maybe you should, there is so much more that I didn't tell Yugi. Some thing that would affect him, me, and even you Yami.'
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That night, Yugi found it exceptionally difficult to sleep. His minds was spinning with all the revelations he had learned.
//Are you alright aibou? It is nearly 3 and you have school tomorrow. You need to get some sleep.//
/I know, but just can't. My mind is still running with all the information I learned this evening./
//How do you feel, I mean, about learning about your parents?//
/I won't lie, it does hurt Yami, but there isn't anything I can do about that. But at least now, I have a name, and some memories. Sure, they are not mine, but it is more than what I had before./
//And yet, you are not happy, I can sense that.//
/My mom was murdered. It is a little hard to be happy after hearing that. But it isn't just that, I just keep thinking of all the things I didn't and won't get to do with my parents./
//I understand.//
/Yami?"/
//Yes Yugi?//
/Did you have a family back in Egypt?/
//…//
/Well did you?/
//I would rather not talk about Yugi, if that is okay with you.//
/So you did have one./
//I never said that.//
/You never you didn't either./
//True, but I really don't like really the past, even if they are good memories. I didn't like the person I became my the end of my time there.//
/Oh, okay. I won't force it out of you. If you don't want to tell me, that is okay too. I understand./
//Thank you, aibou. Now you better get some sleep. You have school in the morning.//
/Okay, night Yami./
//Night Yugi.//
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Yugi sat down next to Joey and Tristan underneath the tree where they normally met to eat lunch.
"Hey Yugi, feeling any better? Yesterday you looked like the whole world was coming to an end."
"I am better, thanks Tristan."
"If you don't mind me asking Yug, what was wrong?"
"I'll explain when Tea arrives. Where is she anyways?"
"Oh that right, you don't have first period with her. There is a new girl in our class and Tea volunteered to show her around. Speaking of which, here they come now."
Yugi turned to look down the hill. He easily spotted Tea and the girl walking next to her. She easily stood at Yami's height, if not taller. Her golden brown hair was done in a long French braid that stopped right at her waist. She wore jeans with a gray short sleeve shirt. A red jacket was tied at her waist.
"Hey guys!" shouted Tea, as she and the girl trudged up the hill.
"Hello Tea and um… sorry I don't know your name." said Tristan.
"Forget name, can I have your number?"
"You must be Joey. Tea warned me of you and your cohort in crime Tristan, which I am assuming is you."
"Awe, Tea. You already ruin my chances with her, thanks." Joey said grinning and laughing at the same time.
"As soon as you spoke Joey, she would have known."
The girl laughed, and then noticed Yugi. Her expression flickered from shock to disbelief, but quickly recovered. "Hi, my name is Raya." she whispered softly, eyes gazing.
"Yugi." As he shook her hand, a vision flashed before him.
[ A young woman, dressed in Egyptian garments sung softly to the tiny infant in her arms.
Her voice was soft and gentle, her words filling the room. She carefully laid the baby into his crib, kissing it on it's forehead. The woman rose from her position and headed for a door, only to stop abruptly. Her purple eyes filled with fear as she slowly backed up towards her child. Opening her mouth to speak, no sound came. Then, a horrifying scream.]
"You ok?" Raya asked, noticing Yugi's blank expression.
"Huh? Yeah, I am sorry. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night." 'What was that all about? I don't think it was a vision warning me of a danger, but maybe it was.'
"You too? I was so nervous about starting today, that I couldn't sleep either."
"You don't look nervous Raya." commented Tristan as he sat back down.
"Thanks, but I really am."
"How come."
A wicked grin crossed Raya's face. "From all the horror stories Tea told me."
"TEA!"
"I'm joking don't worry. She actually told me that she was going to introduce me to the greatest group of friends a person could ever have."
"Really?" the three guys exclaimed.
"Maybe." Another smile.
'She has a really pretty smile. I just can't get over the feeling that I know her from somewhere.' "So where are you from Raya?"
"I was born and raised in America. I moved here last week to study."
"You said I, what about your family? Didn't they come too?" asked Joey, as he took a bite out of his apple.
"No, my foster family remained behind in the States. I am what you call an Independent."
"What's that?"
"That means Yugi, that I am considered an adult, that I receive no financial support from my biological parents."
"You mean, you are living on your own?"
"Yes. While I lived in the States, I lived with my foster family. And then I was offered a chance to come here and study. I jumped at the opportunity."
"No offense Raya, but how can parents disregard their children like that, I mean it is awful."
"In some cases, it is Tea. I guess you can say my situation is unique. I may have parents, I just don't remember. I was found wondering the streets, battered and bruised. Excluding last year, I have no memory of my last fourteen years. But while I was in the hospital, no one claimed me, so I filed for independency. I didn't want to live in an orphanage."
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."
"It's okay, you didn't know. Besides, I don't regret my decision at all."
"So how long are you staying?"
"Throughout the rest of the year, and then some probably."
"Awesome, hey how about after school we show you around the town Raya?"
"I wish I could, but I have to meet the movers at my house, they are bringing the rest of my stuff today. Hey, I know. Would all of you like to come to my place, that way we could get to know one another better and then once the movers leave, you could show me around?"
"Okay with me, Tea, Tristan, Yugi? You all in?"
Everyone nodded. "What's your last class of the day Raya? We'll meet you there."
"Um, let me look. Okay, I have history last."
"Hey, Joey and I are in that same class."
"Really? That's good, I'll finally know someone in my classes."
"What other classes are you taking?"
"The regular ones, language arts, math, history, physics, and then I am also taking art 100 and music 100."
"Wow, you must really be good in art and music, if you are already taking senior level courses."
"I am okay, but.." The ringing of the bell cut Raya off. "I guess I will see the rest of you later then."
"In history class." shouted Joey, as she and Tea stood up.
"Yeah, you can help me keep him awake." added Yugi.
"I can think of a few ways to keep dear Joey up."
"You know, we have faced a lot of scary things, but that comment right there scares me more."
The gang laughed. "Come on Raya, I'll show you were you're art class is."
"Thanks."
"Oh Yugi, ask Yami if he wants to come with us later. I bet he would like to meet Raya too."
"Yami?" 'No, it couldn't be.'
"My older brother." Yugi explained.
"Oh okay." Raya closed her eyes. "Oh how I missed you.' Quietly, she entered her classroom 'Raya, you need to stop girl. He's dead, gone. Never to return. But why do I get this strange feeling when I am around Yugi?'
Meanwhile, two doors down.
'There is something more to Raya then it seems. I have this funny feeling that I know her from somewhere, but how? And who was that woman in my vision? What happened to her and how does she connect to Raya? Or does it? Whatever it is though, this is going to be one interesting adventure.'
~ Author's Note: What is the secret that Yugi's Grandpa is hiding? How does Raya know Yami or does she? And what is the significance of Yugi's vision?
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