all general disclaimers apply

Author's Note: this chapter is in honor of Funny Cide, a NY horse that won the second leg of the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby and now Preakness) shortly before I completed this chapter and thus gave me the idea of which game Yami would first attempt in this chapter. On June 9th, 2003 at his home track, Belmont, Funny Cide will go for the third and final in the Triple Crown. No horse has attained the Triple Crown since 1978 and no gelding has EVER won it. Congrats Funny Cide! You may not have your family 'jewels' but you now have two historical and financial ones. I'll be rooting for ya in the Belmont where you could attain the third jewel and horse immortality!

Aww, Craps! Part 11

The sounds of Yugi's grandfather snoring as he slept was a cue to Yugi to slip out of the safety of the bathroom. Quietly, Yugi peered out the doorway and tiptoed towards his bed. He was within reach when he tripped over his own suitcase and yelped. He fell to the ground and dragged himself under the bed. Yugi's grandfather moaned and rolled over but did not wake.

//Yugi, what are you doing?//

/Hiding./

//Why?//

/I don't want to wake granpa. He'll grill me about my date with Tea./

//And he won't in the morning?//

/Nope. I have a plan./

//Why do I suspect it has me in it?//

/Because you're an overly paranoid ancient ruler?/

//Not funny Yugi.//

/Relax. Sleep. We'll deal with morning when it arrives./

//We? Yugi!?//

Yugi replied with silence. Yami could do no more. All he could do is sleep and await the next day.

In another room, Joey returned.

"Yo Tris, I have a midnight snack for us!"

Tristan had been half asleep in a chair watching television when he friend entered baring food. The smell of a fresh, hot pizza with nearly everything on it reached his nose at lightspeed. He snapped fully awake. "Hey Joey! How was your date?"

"Fine, but heheh, I have news as juicy as this pizza."

"You popped Mai the big question?"

"Big question? What is that? Nevermind. It doesn't have to do with me, but it DOES have to do with a couple of our other friends."

"Gee, who could it be...could it be Yugi and Tea?"

"Yup, you guessed 'em. Wow, you're a great guesser!"

"So, what news?"

"Oh you'll like this."

"Then tell me already!"

"Well, you see, after you left, Mai and I went for a walk. We ended up at the walkway at Ceasar's Palace. And guess who was also there?"

"Hmmm...could it be...YUGI and TEA?"

"Wow, two for two! Anyway, they were sitting on a bench. They didn't see us of course."

"Of course. And--"

"They were being all mushy with each other."

"How mushy?"

"I'm gettin' to that. Well, they were being all mushy like gazing into the starry sky and stuff. Y'know, like the covers of those romance novels Tea reads. Anyway, they leaned in to kiss!"

"And did they?"

"Yes and no."

"Which is it?"

"Yugi wussed out. He gave her a peck on the cheek."

"That was it!? I thought you were going to give me some JUICY news!"

"That was juicy. Yugi and Tea were makin' out on the bench."

"They weren't makin' out.A peck on the cheek isn't makin' out. "

"For Yugi, that WAS makin' out. They were also holdin' hands."

"Well, you didn't say that before."

"You didn't give me a chance."

The two growled at each other before the smell of hot pizza reminded them that it was time to chow down. With a flip of the box lid, the two went into a feeding frenzy.

The next morning Yugi awoke. He smacked his head against the bottom of the bed. "OOOOWWwww..."

//Did you forget where you were partner?//

/And good morning to you too Yami. Geesh. What's gotten into you lately?/

//Bad mood Yugi?//

/You don't help much y'know. Now where's granpa?/

//Still asleep.//

/Good./ Yugi replied inwardly as he began to crawl out from under the bed and slinked back into the bathroom. Closing the door, he breathed a sigh of relief.

//You can't hide from him forever. He will ask eventually.//

/But it's not gonna be now Yami. Now, it's time for you to take over. You've got a whole day of gaming ahead of you./

//But Yugi!? And what about Tea?//

/What about her?/

//Well for starters, you should at least give her a decent kiss sometime today. She deserves at least that much.//

/You can do it. I bet you're a better kisser than I'll ever be./

//Before I even consider switching places Yugi, I'm going to teach you the basics of kissing.//

/I know how to kiss Yami./

//Like I said. Now, what can we use for a prop...hmm, I suppose the mirror will suffice. One must like themselves before than can like another.//

/I'm NOT kissing the mirror Yami!/ Yugi protested as he felt embarrassed about the whole ordeal.

//Then grab that roll of toilet tissue.//

/I'm not kissing something that's used to wipe butts!/

//You're making excuses Yugi. I'm not going to recite the transformation incantation until you do.//

/You're mean./

//No I'm not. I'm trying to help. Unless you wish to practice romantic endeavors in the Shadow Realm with some creature?//

/That's sick Yami./

//But within my abilities.//

Yugi groaned. It was obvious he wasn't going to win the debate with the ancient ruler. "Fine." Yugi muttered as he braced the counter and leaned forward towards the mirror.

//When you feel close enough, tilt your head to the left. A lady will usually tilt right. As you tilt, close your eyes and allow your senses to feel the moment. Your body will take over the rest, as will hers.//

Yugi did as instructed though very awkwardly. Having to balance himself on the counter didn't help matters either. As he was getting the feel of kissing the cool smooth mirror, his grandfather opened the bathroom door. "Yugi, I need to use the--" he started as his eyes took in the view before him.

Spooked, Yugi spun backward, lost his balance and fell onto his rear on the bathroom floor. He stared up blankly at his also stunned grandfather.

"I don't even want to know. And I don't want to hear about the pharaoh being behind this either. You two work it out on your own." Yugi's grandfather said as he shook his head, helped his grandson up and scooted him out of the bathroom before Yugi could even utter a single word.

/Thanks a lot Yami. I must've looked really stupid and now granpa thinks we have a thing goin' between us./

//A thing?//

/Yeah, you know, that maybe I'm falling for you, but it's really me. And watch, now he's going to give me a talk about homosexuality and self love./

//Self love?// Yami asked with a curious hitch to his tone.

/I'm NOT going there with you Yami. I know you know what that means. Let's just drop the subject and transform okay? Tea's expecting you and we've taken enough time already./

Yami said nothing as he began to concentrate on the transformation process. Within a moment, Yugi was now safely within the puzzle as Yami took over in body and appearance.

Yugi's grandfather exited the bathroom yawning and scratching himself. Yami gave him a curious look and cleared his throat to get the older man's attention. Grandpa suddenly realized he was in the presence of the King of Games and his actions were rather low rate when in the presence of such a regal entity.

"Sometimes it just has a mind of its own and one has to shift y'know." Granpa joked in hopes that the ancient ruler understood a typical male issue.

Yami raised an eyebrow then nodded and dove into his suitcase for his day's wardrobe. He understood and didn't pursue the issue any further. Naturally one such as himself would never be caught doing such a thing in front of another, but perhaps that was the difference between one's status. Once he found the choice of clothing, he returned to the bathroom to shower and get dressed. He chose a familiar attire- black muscle shirt with black leather pants. He added gold wristbands, a black studded collar, and black leather arm band on his right arm. His final accessory was a pair of gold ear cuffs that dangled a small golden ankh on each. The mix of gold and black, past and present attire for the once pharaoh blended with his deep skin tones and entrancing eyes. Like Marik, jewelry enhanced the appearance and stature of the young man who wore it.

Grandpa was fully dressed once Yami exited the bathroom. Yami nodded in acknowledgement of his presence.

"This is the last full day here. Please be sure you enjoy yourself. " Grandpa said with a wink.

Yami replied with a nod and small grin before departing. He went one door over and knocked lightly. Tea answered. She too was fully dressed and ready to go.

"Well good morning Yami. "

"Good morning Tea. My apologies for my lack of punctuality. Yugi and I had an agenda to go over."

"An agenda eh?" Tea inquired with a curious wink.

Yami chuckled lightly. "We are like brothers. We do have disagreements from time to time."

"What was it this time...the earrings, the leather, or choice of breakfast?" Tea teased.

"Heheh, none of the above, though I suppose they are the usual. Anyway, will be as a duo or will Joey and Tristan be joining us?"

"Tristan and Joey were up most of the night. I doubt they'll be awake until noon when their stomachs start to growl again. Where are we headed first today?"

"The simulcast room. I want to test my skill at betting the horse races. I feel a natural bond with horses. I suppose it could be a connection with the past I can't remember. Afterall, it was a primary mode of transport back then besides camels and foot."

"I like horses too. There's just something about the grace, beauty, and raw power these animals have."

"Well, let's see if I'm as good at guessing winning horses as I am at dueling."

Once in the elevator and alone, Yami spoke. "I haven't forgotten."

"Forgotten what?"

"I owe you one." Yami replied softly with a sly smirk and wink. It sent shivers down Tea's spine and she wasn't sure if they were of fear or of peaking curiousity. Maybe her mind was bias when with Yami, but the way he said it almost sounded sexual and seductive. But again, maybe it was just her brain wanting it to sound that way. She said nothing. It was best to let it play out. Besides, saying anything now would merely be taken as a challenge by the King of Games. And if he was allowed into this mode, then there was no chance in hell an opponent would win.

Within a few moments they had reached the main floor and once again, found it easy to enter the gaming area. Yami sought out the racing simulcast area and entered. In the front of the room was a huge screen, split into many squares, each square showing a live race. Facing the screen were many cubbies. Each cubby hole had a seat, phone, and computer screen that displayed various races, odds, and other vital stats. The phone would call in a bet to any given track. Yami selected a cubby and Tea pulled a chair beside him. She couldn't legally gamble, but she found just observing him put his gaming skills to work fascinating enough.

With an expression of seriousness, Yami looked over several races, the horse lists and stats, and the odds on the horses. With an air of disgust he turned the info off. "I do not need these things. One must see the horses themselves to choose a winner. The winner will have the look in his eye and the feel in his bones. He will carry himself with pride and dignity." Yami muttered as he turned to the viewing screen. "Ah, that is better." It only took mere seconds for Yami to select horses and phone in his bets on a couple of races. As the races were run, it was obvious, Yami knew horses very well. He tripled his money in a short span of fifteen minutes and three races.

"Perhaps we should try another game now Yami." Tea suggested as she noticed the casino monitors eyeing them suspiciuosly. If one wins too often in a casino, they are in danger of being banned or thrown out.

"What shall I try next?" Yami asked as he grabbed his winning vouchers and followed Tea back onto the main casino floor. After walking for a moment, he noticed another room set aside from the main casino. It was a billards hall. "Hmm, that looks interesting." he said as he meandered over to the pool hall.

"That's pool Yami. It's a betting game often seen and played in bar rooms throughout this nation."

Yami watched a game intensely. As Tea watched him observe the game, she noticed how he was actually learning and mastering the game in his head! His intense stare was likely bringing information to his genius brain and his brain going over the various mathematics and physics involved in the game. "Tea, I can play this game." Yami said excitedly as he entered the pool hall.

"Uhh, okay, but uh, those guys look pretty tough and may have had a bit too much to drink." Tea muttered as she noticed the burly bear-like men with thick tattooed arms and loud obnoxious voices. Whether or not Yami heard her mattered not. He had already entered and was approaching one of the men. They had just completed their game.

"I shall duel the victor of this contest." Yami said.

"Oh you will little boy? Where's your mommy. Boys need to be accompanied by an adult in this place."

"Don't let my appearance deceive your ignorant eyes. I will speak your language then." Yami replied seriously as he slammed down a couple of hundred dollar bills onto the table.

"Is that your allowance for the year? Well, prepare to lose it punk and perhaps your pretty little girl over there." the burly guy said as he waved off his other opponent and matched Yami's bet.

Yami said nothing, but the small smirk upon his lips revealed his intentions. Calmly, he walked over to the wall and grabbed a pool stick. He looked it over briefly, noting its shape, weight, and how it worked with this game. He then chalked its tip. The chalk acted as friction when stick and cue contacted. Different levels of friction, hitting strength, and angle upon the cue ball made all the difference in this game.

"Little brat, you may have the honor of breaking. The game is eight ball."

Yami nodded as he racked the balls and placed the cue ball on the opposite end of the table. He leaned forward and prepared his shot upon the cue ball. His intense eyes met the pyramid of balls laid out before the cue. He paid particular attention to the eight ball. It had to be the last ball standing to win this game. With a quick flex of his arm, he released the cue ball on its way. It smacked into the pyramid of balls, shattering its formation and sending balls in various directions, several of which made their way into the corner pockets. The eight ball was sent safely across the table to stand alone.

The big burly man let out a gruff growl. "Luck boy. That's all that was."

Yami glanced over a Tea with a wink as he walked around the table for his next shot. He pointed the stick at his intended target and then the pocket he'd shoot it into. He did this over and over until only the eight ball remained. With one final shot, it too, entered a pocket and gave Yami the win. The big guy never even had an opportunity to shoot. Yami cleared the table without a single miss.

Without a word, Yami snagged the money on the table. "A pleasure dueling you mister." he said as he tossed the stunned guy the pool stick and led Tea out of the pool hall.

"That was amazing Yami! It was as if you had played the game all your life!"

"The game is fairly simple actually, once one realizes the physics involved in the game. Shadow duels are much more challenging. If he had threatened you again, I was going to challenge him to a game on my own terms and teach him a lesson in manners."

Tea knew he meant a Shadow Game. It was the one thing that prevented Yami from being as good natured as she wanted him to be. Yami was still willing to punish and if need be, kill, all in the manner of the Shadow Realm. But to Tea, maybe that was yet another thing that attracted Tea to him. He had no fear and confronted any issue head on even if the odds were stacked against him. Yugi was learning this from Yami, but he still had much hesitation and self-doubt. Yami had no such boundries. He was as defiant as a bull and as stubborn as an ass. Perhaps Yami and Kaiba did have some things in common. And perhaps it was these things that drove them to constantly compete against one another, destined to always ruffle the opportunity at friendship between them.

Suddenly Yami noticed a card table with a few people seated at it. He noticed from the way game play was occurring that the game in play was poker. He looked like a dog licking his chops in anticipation of a good meal. Poker was yet another game that would show the King of Games at his best. "Now this is more like it. " he said as he led Tea towards the card table. With Yami's impassive expressions and cunning thought processes, there was no doubt in Tea's mind that the other players were in for some trouble now. Yami laid his betting chips down and was dealt a hand. Standing behind him, Tea could view Yami's hand. There was just something about cards that favored the once pharaoh. It was time for the Game King to work his magic once again.

to be continued...