The Quirks of Love

Part Three: The Magic Touch

Rebecca had never dreaded a morning more than the one she was forced to face the next day. After hours of tossing and turning without successfully succumbing to sleep she dragged herself out of bed, got dressed, and headed into the hotel room's tiny kitchen.

"Morning grandpa." she greeted him groggily.

Normally Arthur would be questioning Rebecca about her tired appearance and sickly condition but it was something that he'd reluctantly grown accustomed to. "Good morning dear, hurry and eat your breakfast. I've called Solomon and he and Yugi are probably waiting for us downstairs in the lobby by now."

"Great," she rolled her eyes and shoved a piece of toast in her mouth before heading out.

******

Okay, she doesn't like the direct approach so that's out. Maybe if I just let her warm up to me first she'd-

What are you doing? Yami's voice questioned from inside Yugi's mind.

Yugi sighed and answered, I'm trying to figure out the best way to get Rebecca to open up to me about her secret. I want her to trust me. She's my friend after all.

I thought she was your opponent? Yami grinned, She didn't seem much like a friend the last time you two were together.

That was eight years ago! Yugi insisted, She's different now. We've both changed. No more petty grudges or misunderstandings. We're just…friends.

Whatever you say Yugi. the spirit seemed to laugh.

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open to reveal a very sullen blonde with weary emerald eyes. Both Yugi and Yami fell silent.

"Ah Arthur," Solomon smiled, "we were beginning to think that the two of you were never going to make it downstairs."

"Well you know how teenagers are," Arthur teased, "I only hope she'll grow out of her tardiness someday."

"They never do," Solomon laughed and pointed over his shoulder at Yugi.

"Grandpa…" both Yugi and Rebecca muttered.

Don't look at me, Yami scoffed, it's not MY fault your grandson's always late.

YAMI!

"Now how about we go for that walk?" Solomon said, "It's a lovely morning but the sun will heat things up quickly so we'd better get a move on."

"We'll see you kids after dinner." Arthur waved good-bye to the two youngsters as he and Solomon headed out the glass doors.

"Kids?" Rebecca huffed, "I'll bet he calls me that till I'm twenty-five!"

Charming as always, Yami was snickering.

Yugi rolled his eyes, You know you're not always this easy going?

I'm in a good mood today, Yami replied, enjoy it while it lasts.

"So," Rebecca clasped her gloved hands together in front of her and dropped her eyes to the floor, "where to first?"

"Oh, um…first I thought we might go by the arcade and meet some friends of mine." Yugi answered.

Perfect, that's all I need. A crowd to see me spill my guts to Yugi and his strange alter ego. "Fine by me." Rebecca answered.

******

They reached the arcade and walked inside. Tea had her arms draped over Tristan's shoulders, cheering him on as he versed Joey in a game of virtual Duel Monsters IV. Mai was by Joey's side encouraging him to play his strongest cards in a combo with some magic card that had just appeared on the board.

Duel Monsters had certainly come a long way since the last time Rebecca had played. It was even a video arcade game now.

"Wow," she sighed, "I AM out of practice."

"You could always get back in practice you know?" Yugi offered, "I could duel you right now if you'd like."

"Yeah right," Rebecca turned away, "I know what you're up to Yugi Mutou and you can just forget it! I'm not dueling you now or any day so just back off."

Is this your idea of gaining her trust? Yami seemed to be very amused by Yugi's efforts to be nice to the impossible teenager.

At least I'm trying to help!

"Hey Yugi!" Tea turned around and spotted her friend walking in with…now why did that young woman seem so familiar?

"Yugi alright!" Joey turned around and gave his pal a thumb's up. "Just in time to see me mop the floor with Tristan's sorry hide!"

"JOEY!" Mai scolded, "What would your sister say if she knew you were talking like that?!"

"Aw relax hon," Joey smirked, "Serenity's with Kaiba right now and if it goes anything like their other dates he'll take her out to an early movie and then to the skating rink or something to hang out and chat for hours!"

"Wish I'd get treated like that sometimes." Mai murmured.

"HEY!" Joey snapped, "I take you places all the time! Like that shopping spree last Saturday where you played 'Pile as many packages as you can into Joey's arms before they break!'"

"Uh guys…" Yugi interrupted, "This is-"

"Whoa ho!" Tristan grinned, "So the Yug Man's finally got himself a girlfriend!"

"WHAT?!" Rebecca and Yugi burst out.

Yami was ready to explode with laughter, he hadn't seen something this funny in---centuries!

"She's not my girlfriend you guys, this is Rebecca Hawkins! Arthur Hawkins granddaughter, remember?!" Yugi explained.

"You mean that blonde little squirt that accused your grandpa of being a thief?" Joey remarked, "What's she doing back here?"

"For your information my grandfather dragged me here!" Rebecca shouted, "I didn't want to come and I certainly didn't want to see your arrogant face again!"

"The nerve of some people," Joey replied carelessly.

"It's nice to see you again Rebecca," Tea smiled and offered the young woman her hand.

"Same here kid," Mai added, "there are entirely too many males hanging in this crew."

"It's nice to see you again too." Rebecca said politely as she backed away from their outstretched hands.

"What's with the gloves?" Joey observed.

"They make a nice fashion statement." Mai complimented, "Tan is so your color."

"I have to wear them." Rebecca answered.

"You got some kind of skin condition?" Joey asked, backing away.

"JOEY!" Mai slapped him on the shoulder and sent him falling forward, "Get a clue! You don't ask someone something like that!"

"It's okay," Rebecca spoke, "I never go anywhere without my gloves on. There are certain things that--well--I just can't touch."

"Why not?" Tristan inquired.

"Something will happen." Rebecca responded.

"Like???" Joey prompted, dodging another blow from his girlfriend.

Sighing Rebecca turned to face Yugi, Yep, he's staring at me. Oh well, may as well get this over with.

"This way." Rebecca motioned for them to follow her outside.

Once they were alone in an alleyway Rebecca pulled a small book out of her backpack. It resembled a diary with a string of two keys hanging around it's lock. Carefully, Rebecca inserted one of the keys into the lock and turned it.

The others gasped as she opened the lid and revealed…

"Duel Monsters' cards?" Tea exclaimed, "But why? Why keep them locked up?"

"You'll see." Rebecca answered as she took the two top cards out and unfastened the band around one of her gloves.

She placed the cards on a cardboard box with her gloved hand and took her bare hand and gently placed it before them. Taking a deep breath she slowly brought the tips of her fingers down on top of the cards.

Everyone, including Yami, watched in awe as the cards started to glow and the alley was consumed by the bright light.

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*Whoa! Beginning to understand why Rebecca needs those gloves? Review and let me know if you like this chapter, okay? Thanks to everyone for the reviews and emails! ^_^*