Yu-Gi-Oh and the Soul Liberation part 2 :
Friends or foes ?
Yugi packed up some boxes and put them in a corner. He was thinking of Yumi again. and of Zakaresh ! When he called at Yumi's place, Zakaresh answered the phone. Did that mean they were living together ? He understood that she needed money. What if she was. to Zakaresh and. No ! no, no, no. Yugi wouldn't beleive such a storie. Sure Yumi was cute but there was no way she would get that far to find money ! Anyway, he had a discussion with Yami and decided to keep a eye on her. Yami thought she may posseses a millenium item and so, she could represent a form of danger for them. Yugi had learn that the people wich had posesses an item have always tried to take over the world with the help of the shadow games. The way Brian fell in the coma after their duel was the first sign of an evil spirit in her. But he didn't think she knew that. He had to learn more about her.
« She said she would be here in ten minutes. Thought Yugi. She most be on her way. »
At this precise moment, the bell on the store's door rang. Yugi went to welcome the customer. But instead, it was Yumi who was standing in the entrance. She was wearing a short red dress and her normal jewelry : a necklace with a purple pendent, a friendship ring and those big, antiques like, earings. In a word : she was totally gorgeous ! Yugi blank a few times. She came to him with a smile.
« Hi, Yugi ! Good morning Mr. Muto ! she said to both of them. Hope I'm not too late to help. » « Of course not, replied Grandpa with a perverted smile as he looked at her long naked legs. I need your help to decorate this old place. Can you do that ? » « With pleasure ! » she answered in joy.
Soon, the place was full of decoration and banners of all kind for the Grand sell. Yugi had placed all the new toys in the store and Grandpa have done the paper work. After everything was finish, they sat in a corner and talked together. Yugi tried to learn more about the girl.
« So, Yumi ? You. you and Zakaresh are living together ? » he asked. « Yes. We are very close friend. As long as I can remember, he's been with me. » « But. you sleep in different beds, don't you ? » he asked , blushing. « hehehe. Of course ! We both have our own room. We each have our intimity and our world. » she replied, laughing. « What do you mean by your own world. » said Yugi, hoping she wasn't talking about the shadow round. « You see, we each have our past. Mine was interrumpted by. I mean. » she hesitated. « I can't say the last years have been very fun. Sometimes, we need to empty our mind and meditate on our actions. »
They stayed quiet for a few seconds. Then Yumi restarted the conversation.
« I was wondering. » she started. « What is that around your neck ? » « That ? » he replied looking down at his puzzle. « It's an old puzzle found in Egypt. My grandpa gave it to me eight years ago. It was very hard to complete but I finally got to make it a couple of month ago. » he explained with ethousiasm. « Wow ! ancient Egypt ? It sounds magical. » she said. « You know, it's cool to have things from all over the world. For myself, I got my earings ! » « Where do they come from ? » asked Yugi « Finally, we'll be settle on that ! » he though. « They come from an ancient civilizasion. I found them in a Maya temple in South America. I told you I've travelled the world. » « Maya temple ? ! » shouted the boy. « That's a relef ! » « Howcome ? » « Wha. Oh nothing ! really. » he quickly replied. « Have you visited Egypt ? »
Yumi's face suddenly got a lot more serious. Her eyes changed again. A dark memory passed through her mind. She replied of a slow and mysterious voice :
« No. I've never travelled there. But one day I'll get there. I'll return there. » « . ? »
She came back to normal.
« Do you have ever felt that something in you changes. » she suddenly asked. « Like if there was several spirit in the same body. I once read something about that. Oh and forget about that, it's silly. You're gonna think I'm crazy. » « I don't think it's silly. Actually, I find that very interesting. » « Really ? ! » « Yep ! » « You're sweet, Yugi. » she replied as he blushed.
The door's bell rang again. Yugi went to see who it was.
« Zakaresh ! ? ! » he shouted seeing the boy in the entrance. « Yugi. » groanned the boy.
He was wearing a long coat and a blue sweater. He was looking kinda cool, thought but he also looked angry at the seek of Yugi. He reminded him of Kaiba.
« What are you doing here ? » he asked. « I. I live here. » Yugi replied. « What can I do for you ? » « I'm here to see Yumi. » he coldly said. « Hi, Zaky ! » said Yumi, getting out of the back store. « Yumi ! » he shouted, blushing. « Don't call me that ! » « Ok Zaky. I mean Zakaresh. » she replied.
Yugi tried not to laugh but couldn't really resist. Zakaresh noticed it and groanned blushing even more.
« So dear friend, she asked. What do you want from me. » « I wanted to talk to you. » He said. « We didn't have the time this morning. » « Sure ! We're finish, anyway ! Is it ok, Yugi ? » « Sure. Thank you for your help, we've done a lot more things then the other years. When it's just me and my grandpa, we can't put banners everywhere like this : We're too short ! » he said showing a duel tournement sign. The K tournement.
Zakaresh looked more carefully at the sign. He read the different rules and prizes that were written on it. He suddenly smiled.
« Yumi ! did you see that ? » he said. « The first prize of the tournement is 15 000 000$ ! ! ! » « For real ? » she replied « You know what that means ? » « What ? » asked Yugi. « That means I'm in ! » « What ? ! ? » « So am I ! » added Zakaresh « What ? ! ! ! ? » « What about you Yugi ? » asked Yumi. « You wanted us to duel some time. This is the perfect occasion ! » « But it's a tournement ! It's not even sure that we would face each other. You can be discalifie at the first turn ! » « Are you saying we don't stand a chance ? » asked Zakaresh. « You don't think we're good enough ? Well let me tell you something : I'm gonna win this damn tournement and win the prize money ! »
Yugi didn't know what to say. He didn't mean they were not good but there are very good duelist in such tournement. Maybe even Seto Kaiba ! He was the toughest and until now, the only ones who had defented him were Pegasus and Yugi. If there was a tournement, you could be sure that Kaiba would do his best to prove that he was still the best.
« So ? Are you going to sign up ? » asked Yumi. « . humm. well, why not ? » he answered. « Great ! » she said. « And let the best may win ! » « What's going on, here ? » asked Grandpa entering the room. « We were just talking about the tournement, grandpa. We're gonna sign up. » Yugi answered. « The tournement, huh ? » he said thoughful. « I've heard some strange things about it. » « Like what ? » « Like it was organized by a young girl. Her familly is very rich but, personnaly, I think she's offering too much money for that one. It's like if she was trying to trap someone in particular. But if you're gonna sign in, I'm proud of you all. by the way. » he stoped and looked at Zakaresh. « Who are you ? » « I ? I'm. I'm a friend of Yumi. How about you old man ? » replied Zakaresh. « First, I'm Salamon Muto, Yugi's Grand father and the owner of this shop. Second, I'M NOT OLD ! ! ! ! » he yelled. « Ok, ok, ok, ok ! Anyway ! you coming, Yumi ? » « Right behind you, my dear. » she replied following him to the exit door. « Bye Mr. Muto ! Bye Yugi ! »
There they were, leaving the store. Yugi then realized that Zakaresh haven't reacted so badly to his call. What a releive ! ! !
The next Monday, Yugi walked to school as usual. Only today, while walking, he talked to his other self once angain.
« Hello my friend. » said Yami. « Did you found out anything about that girl ? » « Yep ! Her earings come from South America, not Egypt. Actually, she never went there. That means she can't have a millenium item ! » « Maybe. » « What do you mean ? » « I mean she could have another item. It's may not be the earings but I feel something strange about her. » « Then, maybe you should talk to her. I don't think she got anything to do with the items. » « That's not a bad idea ! » « Fine then, you take over ! » « And have to go to class all day long ? ! Are you nut ? I'll talk to her when I see her. » he replied with a smile.
Yugi started laughing. People looked at him with a What-The-Heck-Is-He- Laughing-About look. The day went on normally. Yugi joined the gang and they hang out together for a while. Once, he saw Yumi entering her class but the bell was about to ring so he didn't have the time to talk to her. But at diner time, there were no more excuses. He left his friends and went to search for Yumi. He found her alone in the corridor. Perfect ! Yami took over.
« Yumi ! » he shouted. « Yugi ! How's it going ? » she asked turning back.
Yami had a flash like a big evidence : He knew her ! He knew her presence. He reconnized her like you can reconize a parfum without being able to know exactly wich one it is.
« Yugi ? » she said worried to see him staring at her like that. « You feeling ok ? » « hum.. yeah. » he replied. « I. I wanted to talk to you. »
Suddenly, her eyes got bigger and her skin paler. It was like if she had seen a gosht. Tears appeared in her eyes and she cried :
« I' m sorry. I'm not feeling very good. » she turned back and ran away. « Forgive me ! »
Yami blinked a few times. What was with her ? ! Did he have bad breath or something ? he followed her. For a second, he though he lost her but then she turned the corner in the direction of the stairs. As he got closer, he heard a murmur coming from under the stairs. He called :
« Yumi ? Is that you ? » « How. . be ? ! It can't be. It can't be. not him. my god. »
Yugi looked under the stairs and found a terrorized Yumi. Her pupil were small and she was breathing very fast. It seemed she haven't notice him yet. She was very pale and murmured word Yugi couldn't really understand.
« He was there. I was there. Why did I felt like running away. I know him. But it was not him ! It was someone else. My God ! What's wrong with me ? ! ? What am I talking about ? ! I don't know who it was. but I know him ! Ooooooh.. My head. It hurts so much. » « Yumi. ? » sotfly called Yugi.
But if he had yelled it, it would have had the same effect. She turned to him, suprised and screamed.
« Yugi ! ! ! » « Yumi ? What's wrong ? » « Don't get any closer ! I'm hurt. please help.go away ! » she yelled holding her head
She looked like she was fighting inside herself. Yugi found it very weird but more then everything. he was scared. He suddenly had an idea :
« Yumi. I'm gonna go get Zakaresh, ok ? Do you want me to get him ? » « Yugi. Zakaresh ! No ! I'm ok ! I'm hurt. please help me ! »
She suddenly got up, hitting her head on the roof under the stairs. She rushed to him. He tried to step back but her hand got around his neck and she pulled him to her. To Yami's surprise, her lips touched his. He could hardly breath. But she quickly pull him off and looked at him, embarased. She touched her lips and blushed. Yugi was standing in front of her, blinking. For the second time, she ran away but this time, he didn't followed her. He stared at the wall and touched his lips too. Did he dreamed what just happen ? He came back to his normal self.
Mean while, Yumi ran in the corridor, looking for the nursery. The world was spinning and her head hurted very badly. She started to see the darkness around her. She heard the voice again. The one who kept her awake all night long. She dompt into someone and stopped there. She needed help to find her way now.
« Please. help. Nursery. »
A voice answered her request. It was the one of a girl. She looked concerned.
« Dear ! are you ok ? Come with me. I'm gonna get you to the nursery. Do you see me ? » « I. no. I'm scared ! Please help ! »
She felt someone taking her hand and pulling her toward.
« Trust me. You're gonna be fine, now. » she heard.
Soon, she was in a bed at the nursery and her head felt better. She started to see again. She realized that the the girl was still there.
« I can't. I can't thank you enough. I'm sorry for the trouble. » she said « It's ok. You just rest now. » the girl replied with a releaved smile. « But can you tell me what happen ? You really scared me back there ! » « I don't know. He was there and he was different. I got a funny feeling and. oh my god ! I kissed him ! ! ! » she yelled sitting in the bed. The world started spinning again and she had to lay back. « Who ? » « Yami. » Yumi said with a mysterious look in her eyes. Then, she looked up at her friend and asked « I don't even know who you are. » « I ? I'm Kaori Rowen. »
Now, Yumi could see the girl perfectly : She had red hair green deep eyes. She also reconized her for being in some of her classes. She was also there when she dueled Brian.
« I'm Yumi Roshi. I thank you very much, Kaori. » « I have to go to class now but I'm gonna come back right away, ok ? The nurse of the school will take care of you.» « Thank you. » she replied closing her eyes and falling into a deep sleep.
Kaori went out of the room. Then a grin appeared on her face.
« Yami, huh ? This could be interesting. » she said walking away, laughing.
Mean while, Yugi got out of his transe and when to find the others. Thea looked at him concerned.
« Yugi ? are you feeling ok ? You look weird. » she asked. « Huh ? » said Yugi, looking up at her. « oh.. I'm fine ! I'm just worry about Yumi. » he added, blushing. « Yumi ? » asked Tristan. « You mean the new girl ? » « Don't tell me my best bud has a crush on a girly ! » laught Joey. « Joey ! » shouted Thea, hitting him in the stomach. « What's going on, Yugi ? » « She... » he hesitated. He wasn't sure he should talk about Yumi's kiss. « It's just that my other self wanted to talk to her. but she ran away, scared. It was like if she had seen a gosh or something. » « She's weird. » said Joey. But Thea step on his feet. He cried his pain out. « Why would she run away ? Did you say anything to offend her ? »she continued. « I don't see how ! I haven't got the time to say anything ! » he said looking down at his feets. « I'm worry. I don't know where she is and I don't think she was feeling very good. She kept saying her head hurted. » « When did she say that ? I thought you didn't talk. » asked Joey still holding his hurted feet. « Huh ? ! ? » jumped Yugi. « Oh. yeah she did run away but I followed her and. She. I don't think she likes me a lot : She runs away all the time ! » « I think she's just very shy ! No big deal Yug ! » Said Joey but Thea gave him a death glare and he shut up.
The bell rang. The gang looked at their schedual to know what class they were going into. It was English class. He realized Yumi was in that class as well. He felt strange. What would he say to her ? When he entered the class, she looked around to see if Yumi was there. she wasn't. He saw Zakaresh enter the class. He was alone. He looked kind of preoccupied. The class started and still no sigh of her. The teacher called up the students but when it was Yumi's turn.
« Yumi Roshi ? Do anyone know where Miss Roshi is ? » « She's at the nursery. » answered a girl. « What ? ! ? » both yelled Yugi and Zakaresh, getting up in surprise. « What is she doing at the nursery ? ! ? » asked Zakaresh in fear. « She wasn't feeling very well. » answered the girl. « Thank you miss Rowen. » the teacher said to the girl. « Now boys, sit down. You will be able to see your friend after class. »
The boys sat down. Yugi felt very bad for her. What if it was his fault she felt bad and ended up at the nursery. he looked at Zakaresh. He looked even more concerned. He was holding his head in his hands and he didn't move all class long. But when the bell rang, he was the first out. Yugi almost didn't have the time to see him go. The gang took the direction of the nursery. Yugi thought about what he had heard Zakaresh say about her condition. that she was getting weaker with every moving. He wondered what was wrong with her.
They entered the nursery. They found Yumi and Zakaresh at her side. She was looking a bit weak but she smiled when she saw the gang. Even when she saw Yugi, she smiled at him a bit more red then usual.
« Goodness ! I should be sick more often ! It's nice of you all to come and see me here ! » she said with a happy smile. « What happen ? » asked Thea.
Yugi blushed and looked down.
« I started feeling funny. I think I've lost it for a while. My head hurted very bad and I couldn't see anything. » then she looked at Yugi and added. « I don't remember much of what happen before I got here. » « Yugi told us he tried to talk to you but. » Joey started but Yugi gave him a Don't-Insist ! glare and he shut up.
Yumi smile and then looked at her friend.
« Zakaresh ? I would like to talk to Yugi one on one. Can you do that for me ? » she asked him.
He nodded and got up. He headed for the door, followed by Yugi's friends. Yugi stayed quiet. Yumi sat in her bed.
« You wanted to talk to me ? well. what is it ? » she calmly said. « . ! » Yugi blinked a few times. He didn't know what to say. « Yugi. I want to apologize for back there. I don't what got in me. » « You mean. you do remember ? » « I'm affraid you're gonna hate me now. I was kinda weird and I can't even explain why. » « Yumi. » Yugi said a lot more serious. « I want to tell you something. I. » « Don't have to. I know about the other you. I knew it when I saw you. him. I don't who he is but he scared me like hell and that too, I can't explain. I'd rather not talk to him. » « It's ok. But at least, can I tell him about you ? He's worry about you too. He says he thinks he know you somehow. He is a part of me and whatever he feels, I feel it too. » « . so you felt that kiss too. » « . » he looked down, blushing. « . forgive me. »
They stayed quiet for a few minutes. Then Yumi stood up and got out of bed. Yugi looked at her, worry.
« Are you sure you're ok ? Maybe you should rest a bit longer. » he asked « I'll be just fine. » she answered with a smile.
They got out of the nursery together. The rest of the group was waiting outside. There was still one more class to go to after what, they would be free. They each went to their respectives class room. After school, the group went at Yugi's place. There, Grandpa was waiting for Yugi to show up.
« Yugi ! Finally ! Yumi callled a couple of minutes ago. She says she won't be able to come to work for a few days. She mentionned something about getting prepared for the K tournement. Aren't you going to get ready ? the tournement is in five days ! » « The tournement ! I forgot all about it ! » he shouted. « The tournement ? » asked Joey. « What tournement ? » « This one ! » said Thea showing him the sign. « You mean you didn't know about it ? » « . ! » Joey blinked. « I didn't ! I wanna sign in ! » « Too late, Joey. The incriptions closed yesterday. » replied Grandpa.
Joey's face turned to white. He fell down on the floor with a big « Boom ! ».
« It's ok, Joey ! You can always watch ! » said Tristan. « Plus if Yugi's in, you don't stand a chance. » « And I heard Kaiba had signed in too ! » added Thea. « You wouldn't want to be humiliated again ? »
Joey groanned.
For the next days, Yumi and Zakaresh didn't show up at school. When he tried to call them, nobody answered the phone. The week passed without seeing them once. He was starting to think they had move again. But Friday after noon, the day before the tournement, as Yugi was at home preparing for the big day, the bell rang in the store. He went to check it out.
« Yumi ! Zakaresh ! » he shouted seeing the two at the door. « Where were you ? » « It's not exactly of your bussiness, Yugi. » replied the boy. « Zaky ! Don't be so rude ! can't you see we missed him ? » « Boy yes ! I was starting to think you had move again ! » said Yugi, releved. « We would never do that ! Specialy with that tournement coming tomorrow ! » said Yumi.
After talking a little, they left. They too wanted to get prepared for the next day. Yugi was so happy to see them again. He had forgotten about the incident with Yumi. She had as well.
Soon, the time arrived. The whole gang got to the special arena that was built specialy for the occasion. It was so big there was five three dimensionnal platform. Five arena in one. The stade could contain thousands of people. Yugi left his friend and waited in the back room where the contestant were still preparing. He found Yumi and Zakaresh sat on a purple coach. They looked a bit nevous. They talked together for a while 'till a powerfull voice came out in the stadium.
« Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the first edition of the K Duel Tournement where only the best will survive ! »
The crowd applauded very loud.
« I'll explain the rule now : The games will be played out of 2000 Life points and only one attack by turn. Luckly, the participant will be able to use all the Magic and Trap card they want. Now for the order of the duels. Each participant will pick a number. The numbers will determine the order. Now good luck to everyone and may the best win ! ! ! ! ! »
To be continued.
The tournement is about to start. Who will Yugi have to face first ? What about Zakaresh and Yumi ? And where were they all week long ? Some of the answers in the next chapters of Yu-Gi-Oh and the Soul Liberation part 3 !
Friends or foes ?
Yugi packed up some boxes and put them in a corner. He was thinking of Yumi again. and of Zakaresh ! When he called at Yumi's place, Zakaresh answered the phone. Did that mean they were living together ? He understood that she needed money. What if she was. to Zakaresh and. No ! no, no, no. Yugi wouldn't beleive such a storie. Sure Yumi was cute but there was no way she would get that far to find money ! Anyway, he had a discussion with Yami and decided to keep a eye on her. Yami thought she may posseses a millenium item and so, she could represent a form of danger for them. Yugi had learn that the people wich had posesses an item have always tried to take over the world with the help of the shadow games. The way Brian fell in the coma after their duel was the first sign of an evil spirit in her. But he didn't think she knew that. He had to learn more about her.
« She said she would be here in ten minutes. Thought Yugi. She most be on her way. »
At this precise moment, the bell on the store's door rang. Yugi went to welcome the customer. But instead, it was Yumi who was standing in the entrance. She was wearing a short red dress and her normal jewelry : a necklace with a purple pendent, a friendship ring and those big, antiques like, earings. In a word : she was totally gorgeous ! Yugi blank a few times. She came to him with a smile.
« Hi, Yugi ! Good morning Mr. Muto ! she said to both of them. Hope I'm not too late to help. » « Of course not, replied Grandpa with a perverted smile as he looked at her long naked legs. I need your help to decorate this old place. Can you do that ? » « With pleasure ! » she answered in joy.
Soon, the place was full of decoration and banners of all kind for the Grand sell. Yugi had placed all the new toys in the store and Grandpa have done the paper work. After everything was finish, they sat in a corner and talked together. Yugi tried to learn more about the girl.
« So, Yumi ? You. you and Zakaresh are living together ? » he asked. « Yes. We are very close friend. As long as I can remember, he's been with me. » « But. you sleep in different beds, don't you ? » he asked , blushing. « hehehe. Of course ! We both have our own room. We each have our intimity and our world. » she replied, laughing. « What do you mean by your own world. » said Yugi, hoping she wasn't talking about the shadow round. « You see, we each have our past. Mine was interrumpted by. I mean. » she hesitated. « I can't say the last years have been very fun. Sometimes, we need to empty our mind and meditate on our actions. »
They stayed quiet for a few seconds. Then Yumi restarted the conversation.
« I was wondering. » she started. « What is that around your neck ? » « That ? » he replied looking down at his puzzle. « It's an old puzzle found in Egypt. My grandpa gave it to me eight years ago. It was very hard to complete but I finally got to make it a couple of month ago. » he explained with ethousiasm. « Wow ! ancient Egypt ? It sounds magical. » she said. « You know, it's cool to have things from all over the world. For myself, I got my earings ! » « Where do they come from ? » asked Yugi « Finally, we'll be settle on that ! » he though. « They come from an ancient civilizasion. I found them in a Maya temple in South America. I told you I've travelled the world. » « Maya temple ? ! » shouted the boy. « That's a relef ! » « Howcome ? » « Wha. Oh nothing ! really. » he quickly replied. « Have you visited Egypt ? »
Yumi's face suddenly got a lot more serious. Her eyes changed again. A dark memory passed through her mind. She replied of a slow and mysterious voice :
« No. I've never travelled there. But one day I'll get there. I'll return there. » « . ? »
She came back to normal.
« Do you have ever felt that something in you changes. » she suddenly asked. « Like if there was several spirit in the same body. I once read something about that. Oh and forget about that, it's silly. You're gonna think I'm crazy. » « I don't think it's silly. Actually, I find that very interesting. » « Really ? ! » « Yep ! » « You're sweet, Yugi. » she replied as he blushed.
The door's bell rang again. Yugi went to see who it was.
« Zakaresh ! ? ! » he shouted seeing the boy in the entrance. « Yugi. » groanned the boy.
He was wearing a long coat and a blue sweater. He was looking kinda cool, thought but he also looked angry at the seek of Yugi. He reminded him of Kaiba.
« What are you doing here ? » he asked. « I. I live here. » Yugi replied. « What can I do for you ? » « I'm here to see Yumi. » he coldly said. « Hi, Zaky ! » said Yumi, getting out of the back store. « Yumi ! » he shouted, blushing. « Don't call me that ! » « Ok Zaky. I mean Zakaresh. » she replied.
Yugi tried not to laugh but couldn't really resist. Zakaresh noticed it and groanned blushing even more.
« So dear friend, she asked. What do you want from me. » « I wanted to talk to you. » He said. « We didn't have the time this morning. » « Sure ! We're finish, anyway ! Is it ok, Yugi ? » « Sure. Thank you for your help, we've done a lot more things then the other years. When it's just me and my grandpa, we can't put banners everywhere like this : We're too short ! » he said showing a duel tournement sign. The K tournement.
Zakaresh looked more carefully at the sign. He read the different rules and prizes that were written on it. He suddenly smiled.
« Yumi ! did you see that ? » he said. « The first prize of the tournement is 15 000 000$ ! ! ! » « For real ? » she replied « You know what that means ? » « What ? » asked Yugi. « That means I'm in ! » « What ? ! ? » « So am I ! » added Zakaresh « What ? ! ! ! ? » « What about you Yugi ? » asked Yumi. « You wanted us to duel some time. This is the perfect occasion ! » « But it's a tournement ! It's not even sure that we would face each other. You can be discalifie at the first turn ! » « Are you saying we don't stand a chance ? » asked Zakaresh. « You don't think we're good enough ? Well let me tell you something : I'm gonna win this damn tournement and win the prize money ! »
Yugi didn't know what to say. He didn't mean they were not good but there are very good duelist in such tournement. Maybe even Seto Kaiba ! He was the toughest and until now, the only ones who had defented him were Pegasus and Yugi. If there was a tournement, you could be sure that Kaiba would do his best to prove that he was still the best.
« So ? Are you going to sign up ? » asked Yumi. « . humm. well, why not ? » he answered. « Great ! » she said. « And let the best may win ! » « What's going on, here ? » asked Grandpa entering the room. « We were just talking about the tournement, grandpa. We're gonna sign up. » Yugi answered. « The tournement, huh ? » he said thoughful. « I've heard some strange things about it. » « Like what ? » « Like it was organized by a young girl. Her familly is very rich but, personnaly, I think she's offering too much money for that one. It's like if she was trying to trap someone in particular. But if you're gonna sign in, I'm proud of you all. by the way. » he stoped and looked at Zakaresh. « Who are you ? » « I ? I'm. I'm a friend of Yumi. How about you old man ? » replied Zakaresh. « First, I'm Salamon Muto, Yugi's Grand father and the owner of this shop. Second, I'M NOT OLD ! ! ! ! » he yelled. « Ok, ok, ok, ok ! Anyway ! you coming, Yumi ? » « Right behind you, my dear. » she replied following him to the exit door. « Bye Mr. Muto ! Bye Yugi ! »
There they were, leaving the store. Yugi then realized that Zakaresh haven't reacted so badly to his call. What a releive ! ! !
The next Monday, Yugi walked to school as usual. Only today, while walking, he talked to his other self once angain.
« Hello my friend. » said Yami. « Did you found out anything about that girl ? » « Yep ! Her earings come from South America, not Egypt. Actually, she never went there. That means she can't have a millenium item ! » « Maybe. » « What do you mean ? » « I mean she could have another item. It's may not be the earings but I feel something strange about her. » « Then, maybe you should talk to her. I don't think she got anything to do with the items. » « That's not a bad idea ! » « Fine then, you take over ! » « And have to go to class all day long ? ! Are you nut ? I'll talk to her when I see her. » he replied with a smile.
Yugi started laughing. People looked at him with a What-The-Heck-Is-He- Laughing-About look. The day went on normally. Yugi joined the gang and they hang out together for a while. Once, he saw Yumi entering her class but the bell was about to ring so he didn't have the time to talk to her. But at diner time, there were no more excuses. He left his friends and went to search for Yumi. He found her alone in the corridor. Perfect ! Yami took over.
« Yumi ! » he shouted. « Yugi ! How's it going ? » she asked turning back.
Yami had a flash like a big evidence : He knew her ! He knew her presence. He reconnized her like you can reconize a parfum without being able to know exactly wich one it is.
« Yugi ? » she said worried to see him staring at her like that. « You feeling ok ? » « hum.. yeah. » he replied. « I. I wanted to talk to you. »
Suddenly, her eyes got bigger and her skin paler. It was like if she had seen a gosht. Tears appeared in her eyes and she cried :
« I' m sorry. I'm not feeling very good. » she turned back and ran away. « Forgive me ! »
Yami blinked a few times. What was with her ? ! Did he have bad breath or something ? he followed her. For a second, he though he lost her but then she turned the corner in the direction of the stairs. As he got closer, he heard a murmur coming from under the stairs. He called :
« Yumi ? Is that you ? » « How. . be ? ! It can't be. It can't be. not him. my god. »
Yugi looked under the stairs and found a terrorized Yumi. Her pupil were small and she was breathing very fast. It seemed she haven't notice him yet. She was very pale and murmured word Yugi couldn't really understand.
« He was there. I was there. Why did I felt like running away. I know him. But it was not him ! It was someone else. My God ! What's wrong with me ? ! ? What am I talking about ? ! I don't know who it was. but I know him ! Ooooooh.. My head. It hurts so much. » « Yumi. ? » sotfly called Yugi.
But if he had yelled it, it would have had the same effect. She turned to him, suprised and screamed.
« Yugi ! ! ! » « Yumi ? What's wrong ? » « Don't get any closer ! I'm hurt. please help.go away ! » she yelled holding her head
She looked like she was fighting inside herself. Yugi found it very weird but more then everything. he was scared. He suddenly had an idea :
« Yumi. I'm gonna go get Zakaresh, ok ? Do you want me to get him ? » « Yugi. Zakaresh ! No ! I'm ok ! I'm hurt. please help me ! »
She suddenly got up, hitting her head on the roof under the stairs. She rushed to him. He tried to step back but her hand got around his neck and she pulled him to her. To Yami's surprise, her lips touched his. He could hardly breath. But she quickly pull him off and looked at him, embarased. She touched her lips and blushed. Yugi was standing in front of her, blinking. For the second time, she ran away but this time, he didn't followed her. He stared at the wall and touched his lips too. Did he dreamed what just happen ? He came back to his normal self.
Mean while, Yumi ran in the corridor, looking for the nursery. The world was spinning and her head hurted very badly. She started to see the darkness around her. She heard the voice again. The one who kept her awake all night long. She dompt into someone and stopped there. She needed help to find her way now.
« Please. help. Nursery. »
A voice answered her request. It was the one of a girl. She looked concerned.
« Dear ! are you ok ? Come with me. I'm gonna get you to the nursery. Do you see me ? » « I. no. I'm scared ! Please help ! »
She felt someone taking her hand and pulling her toward.
« Trust me. You're gonna be fine, now. » she heard.
Soon, she was in a bed at the nursery and her head felt better. She started to see again. She realized that the the girl was still there.
« I can't. I can't thank you enough. I'm sorry for the trouble. » she said « It's ok. You just rest now. » the girl replied with a releaved smile. « But can you tell me what happen ? You really scared me back there ! » « I don't know. He was there and he was different. I got a funny feeling and. oh my god ! I kissed him ! ! ! » she yelled sitting in the bed. The world started spinning again and she had to lay back. « Who ? » « Yami. » Yumi said with a mysterious look in her eyes. Then, she looked up at her friend and asked « I don't even know who you are. » « I ? I'm Kaori Rowen. »
Now, Yumi could see the girl perfectly : She had red hair green deep eyes. She also reconized her for being in some of her classes. She was also there when she dueled Brian.
« I'm Yumi Roshi. I thank you very much, Kaori. » « I have to go to class now but I'm gonna come back right away, ok ? The nurse of the school will take care of you.» « Thank you. » she replied closing her eyes and falling into a deep sleep.
Kaori went out of the room. Then a grin appeared on her face.
« Yami, huh ? This could be interesting. » she said walking away, laughing.
Mean while, Yugi got out of his transe and when to find the others. Thea looked at him concerned.
« Yugi ? are you feeling ok ? You look weird. » she asked. « Huh ? » said Yugi, looking up at her. « oh.. I'm fine ! I'm just worry about Yumi. » he added, blushing. « Yumi ? » asked Tristan. « You mean the new girl ? » « Don't tell me my best bud has a crush on a girly ! » laught Joey. « Joey ! » shouted Thea, hitting him in the stomach. « What's going on, Yugi ? » « She... » he hesitated. He wasn't sure he should talk about Yumi's kiss. « It's just that my other self wanted to talk to her. but she ran away, scared. It was like if she had seen a gosh or something. » « She's weird. » said Joey. But Thea step on his feet. He cried his pain out. « Why would she run away ? Did you say anything to offend her ? »she continued. « I don't see how ! I haven't got the time to say anything ! » he said looking down at his feets. « I'm worry. I don't know where she is and I don't think she was feeling very good. She kept saying her head hurted. » « When did she say that ? I thought you didn't talk. » asked Joey still holding his hurted feet. « Huh ? ! ? » jumped Yugi. « Oh. yeah she did run away but I followed her and. She. I don't think she likes me a lot : She runs away all the time ! » « I think she's just very shy ! No big deal Yug ! » Said Joey but Thea gave him a death glare and he shut up.
The bell rang. The gang looked at their schedual to know what class they were going into. It was English class. He realized Yumi was in that class as well. He felt strange. What would he say to her ? When he entered the class, she looked around to see if Yumi was there. she wasn't. He saw Zakaresh enter the class. He was alone. He looked kind of preoccupied. The class started and still no sigh of her. The teacher called up the students but when it was Yumi's turn.
« Yumi Roshi ? Do anyone know where Miss Roshi is ? » « She's at the nursery. » answered a girl. « What ? ! ? » both yelled Yugi and Zakaresh, getting up in surprise. « What is she doing at the nursery ? ! ? » asked Zakaresh in fear. « She wasn't feeling very well. » answered the girl. « Thank you miss Rowen. » the teacher said to the girl. « Now boys, sit down. You will be able to see your friend after class. »
The boys sat down. Yugi felt very bad for her. What if it was his fault she felt bad and ended up at the nursery. he looked at Zakaresh. He looked even more concerned. He was holding his head in his hands and he didn't move all class long. But when the bell rang, he was the first out. Yugi almost didn't have the time to see him go. The gang took the direction of the nursery. Yugi thought about what he had heard Zakaresh say about her condition. that she was getting weaker with every moving. He wondered what was wrong with her.
They entered the nursery. They found Yumi and Zakaresh at her side. She was looking a bit weak but she smiled when she saw the gang. Even when she saw Yugi, she smiled at him a bit more red then usual.
« Goodness ! I should be sick more often ! It's nice of you all to come and see me here ! » she said with a happy smile. « What happen ? » asked Thea.
Yugi blushed and looked down.
« I started feeling funny. I think I've lost it for a while. My head hurted very bad and I couldn't see anything. » then she looked at Yugi and added. « I don't remember much of what happen before I got here. » « Yugi told us he tried to talk to you but. » Joey started but Yugi gave him a Don't-Insist ! glare and he shut up.
Yumi smile and then looked at her friend.
« Zakaresh ? I would like to talk to Yugi one on one. Can you do that for me ? » she asked him.
He nodded and got up. He headed for the door, followed by Yugi's friends. Yugi stayed quiet. Yumi sat in her bed.
« You wanted to talk to me ? well. what is it ? » she calmly said. « . ! » Yugi blinked a few times. He didn't know what to say. « Yugi. I want to apologize for back there. I don't what got in me. » « You mean. you do remember ? » « I'm affraid you're gonna hate me now. I was kinda weird and I can't even explain why. » « Yumi. » Yugi said a lot more serious. « I want to tell you something. I. » « Don't have to. I know about the other you. I knew it when I saw you. him. I don't who he is but he scared me like hell and that too, I can't explain. I'd rather not talk to him. » « It's ok. But at least, can I tell him about you ? He's worry about you too. He says he thinks he know you somehow. He is a part of me and whatever he feels, I feel it too. » « . so you felt that kiss too. » « . » he looked down, blushing. « . forgive me. »
They stayed quiet for a few minutes. Then Yumi stood up and got out of bed. Yugi looked at her, worry.
« Are you sure you're ok ? Maybe you should rest a bit longer. » he asked « I'll be just fine. » she answered with a smile.
They got out of the nursery together. The rest of the group was waiting outside. There was still one more class to go to after what, they would be free. They each went to their respectives class room. After school, the group went at Yugi's place. There, Grandpa was waiting for Yugi to show up.
« Yugi ! Finally ! Yumi callled a couple of minutes ago. She says she won't be able to come to work for a few days. She mentionned something about getting prepared for the K tournement. Aren't you going to get ready ? the tournement is in five days ! » « The tournement ! I forgot all about it ! » he shouted. « The tournement ? » asked Joey. « What tournement ? » « This one ! » said Thea showing him the sign. « You mean you didn't know about it ? » « . ! » Joey blinked. « I didn't ! I wanna sign in ! » « Too late, Joey. The incriptions closed yesterday. » replied Grandpa.
Joey's face turned to white. He fell down on the floor with a big « Boom ! ».
« It's ok, Joey ! You can always watch ! » said Tristan. « Plus if Yugi's in, you don't stand a chance. » « And I heard Kaiba had signed in too ! » added Thea. « You wouldn't want to be humiliated again ? »
Joey groanned.
For the next days, Yumi and Zakaresh didn't show up at school. When he tried to call them, nobody answered the phone. The week passed without seeing them once. He was starting to think they had move again. But Friday after noon, the day before the tournement, as Yugi was at home preparing for the big day, the bell rang in the store. He went to check it out.
« Yumi ! Zakaresh ! » he shouted seeing the two at the door. « Where were you ? » « It's not exactly of your bussiness, Yugi. » replied the boy. « Zaky ! Don't be so rude ! can't you see we missed him ? » « Boy yes ! I was starting to think you had move again ! » said Yugi, releved. « We would never do that ! Specialy with that tournement coming tomorrow ! » said Yumi.
After talking a little, they left. They too wanted to get prepared for the next day. Yugi was so happy to see them again. He had forgotten about the incident with Yumi. She had as well.
Soon, the time arrived. The whole gang got to the special arena that was built specialy for the occasion. It was so big there was five three dimensionnal platform. Five arena in one. The stade could contain thousands of people. Yugi left his friend and waited in the back room where the contestant were still preparing. He found Yumi and Zakaresh sat on a purple coach. They looked a bit nevous. They talked together for a while 'till a powerfull voice came out in the stadium.
« Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the first edition of the K Duel Tournement where only the best will survive ! »
The crowd applauded very loud.
« I'll explain the rule now : The games will be played out of 2000 Life points and only one attack by turn. Luckly, the participant will be able to use all the Magic and Trap card they want. Now for the order of the duels. Each participant will pick a number. The numbers will determine the order. Now good luck to everyone and may the best win ! ! ! ! ! »
To be continued.
The tournement is about to start. Who will Yugi have to face first ? What about Zakaresh and Yumi ? And where were they all week long ? Some of the answers in the next chapters of Yu-Gi-Oh and the Soul Liberation part 3 !