Chapter 11

"Dark Magician! Attack his life points directly!"

The purple Magician leapt high into the sky and held his staff high. The tip of the staff lit up and magic burst from the circular orb which then rushed towards the boy, who held his duel disk in front of his face to shield him. The boy's life points hit zero. Cheers erupted around them as Yugi stood victorious. Looking around he grinned at his friends on the sidelines who were celebrating. Joey and Tristan were doing their classic victory dance, much to the amusement of people around them. Tea was cheering, a huge grin on her face. Atem was probably the most dignified in his celebration of Yugi's success. He was simply clapping, smiling broadly at Yugi. Their eyes met and Yugi grinned at him before moving forwards to shake hands with his opponent. Drawing level with the boy who was moving towards him he held out his hand. The boy shook his hand although he looked disappointed. Yugi smiled at him.

"Don't look disappointed you fought really well. You should be proud of yourself and your deck."

The boy smiled sadly, "I thought I'd make it all the way to the final before I fought you."

"You never know, this won't be the only tournament so keep it up and maybe one day we will face each other in the finals."

The boy didn't look too convinced.

"Hey, I mean it. You really did have me on my toes throughout the duel." Yugi pressed, "You had a great strategy there and its only luck that I managed to work out what you were trying to do. Believe me when I say that you're on your way to becoming a champion."

Meeting Yugi's eyes the boy smiled before shaking Yugi's hand again and walking away. Yugi smiled after the boy, waved to the crowd who were still cheering before making his way over to his friends. Joey immediately leapt on Yugi putting him in a head lock.

"I knew you could do it Yugi." He said, "Never had any doubt."

"And this means you're in the semi-finals." Tea said, excitably.

Joey, who had released Yugi, grabbed Tristan and began round two of their victory dance song. Yugi straightened himself and grinned at his friends as Atem came over and put a hand to his shoulder.

"That was well fought Yugi, well done."

"Thanks! He was a good duellist though, I hope he doesn't let this knock him too much."

Atem shook his head, "I would suspect this will drive him to continue improving."

Yugi nodded in agreement. The group moved away and towards the city centre with Joey and Tristan in the lead still singing about Yugi's victory and the other three behind them, looking amused and slightly embarrassed. The tournament had moved so quickly just as Atem had said it would, they were already nearing the semi-finals. The first few rounds had been quite easy for Yugi to get through, not that he'd admit that aloud. His opponents hadn't been as familiar with the game as he was. That was not the say they weren't good players they were but Yugi had easily figured out their strategies and defeated them. But as the rounds had gone on the opponents became more skilled, the duel he just won had been the hardest so far. He'd meant it when he'd told the boy that he'd had him on his toes it was the complete truth, and it was true that his victory had come down to him figuring out what the boy had planned. With this victory Yugi was through to the semi-finals along with Kaiba, but as of yet it seemed as though the two would not be against each other in the next round. Kaiba was due to face the victor of the next duel which was between Joey and a boy named Cameron. A duel which was due to take place in a couple of hours' time. To say that Joey was excited about this upcoming duel was an understatement, he was pumped and couldn't stop going on about how after his next victory he'd be one step closer to facing Yugi in the final, assuming they both got there. Making their way to the square they could see many people there all excitably talking about Yugi's recent victory and the upcoming duel. Huge screens had been erected within the square to allow people to watch the duels. Yugi's duel had clearly been broadcast here as on screen now were two reporters discussing the duel and wondering about who would face the King of Games next. As they entered the square intent on finding somewhere to sit and relax before the next duel. However, people immediately spotted the King of Games and a crowd of people came running over, his friends barely had time to get out the way before he was surrounded.

As Yugi was inundated with requests for pictures, autographs and even the odd challenge, Joey stood nearby with the others and looked at the crowd. The tournament had shown him that he had fans as well as Yugi but then he couldn't compete with the King of Games. But right now, with his duel approaching he thought he'd get in on the action with the fans. Standing on top of a nearby table he addressed the crowd.

"Hey! Anyone want a picture with me? The soon to be semi-finalist Joey Wheeler!"

It was almost possible to hear a penny drop as the crowd when silent. All eyes turned to Joey but no one spoke, no one moved. Standing near to the table Tristan mimicked the sound of a rocket falling from the sky and crashing. Atem, who was standing next to him, couldn't stop a smile from making its way onto his face. The silence stretched for a few moments longer. Atem covered his eyes, he couldn't watch any longer.

"Me!" A voice suddenly cried, "I want a picture with you!"

Pushing his way through the crowd a young boy stood in front of Joey, who'd jumped down from the table. He grinned up at Joey, his eyes looked truly star struck. Holding out his phone he took a photo with Joey with a truly enormous grin on his face before hurrying away. The rest of the crowd turned back to Yugi and Joey returned to his friends with a grin on his face.

"Well, it's nice to know the Joey fan club is actually real." Tristan said, clapping Joey on the back.

"Did you ever doubt it was?" Joey asked.

"No never." Tristan said, grinning.

Atem, who'd been watching the two converse, suddenly looked round as something caught his attention. He looked off into the crowd, but not the crowd still around Yugi, but the crowd surrounding one of the huge screens. There was someone moving around the edge of the crowd then away. The person left the square without looking back so he was unable to get a look at his face but there was something about him which had gotten his attention. Why did he have the feeling that that person was known to him? He frowned, sucking his lips slightly without realising it. There was something there but he could not figure it out.

"What is it Atem?" Tea asked, she'd noticed his facial expression, "What's wrong?"

Tearing his eyes away from the spot where the person had vanished, he tried to give her a reassuring smile.

"Nothing, I'm sorry."

Tea looked at him, she clearly wasn't buying something. She wanted to question him but was stopped from doing so when Joey leapt at Atem catching him in a similar headlock that he did to Yugi. Although Atem caught his arm just in time so Joey did not quite have a full hold on him but for the moment he still couldn't escape.

"He's just trying to wiggle his way out of joining in with the victory dance when I win my duel."

"No of course not, I cannot see a reason why I'd want to stay out of that." Atem replied, sarcastically.

He successfully managed to get out of Joey's hold by turning away from him which forced him to release his hold on him. But no sooner had he straightened up then Tristan bounded over and grabbed him in the same way.

"Oh come on Atem, you've seen us do it from the sidelines, I know that you're just itching to do it yourself."

"I'd rather leave it to the experts." Atem grunted as he wiggled his way out of Tristan's hold and took a couple of steps back.

There was a moment where the three boys looked at each other, daring each other to make a move but then Joey and Tristan laughed while Atem let out an exasperated sigh shaking his head. As he rejoined the group Joey patted him, rather hard, on the back. Rolling his shoulder Atem exchanged a look with Tea, who looked bemused and their attention turned back to Yugi. He was still in the mist of his fans who seemed intent on not letting him out of their sight.

His friends watched him patiently for a while longer, sniggering at his feeble attempts to tell the crowd he'd sign some more things later. But soon Joey began to get twitchy, his duel was fast approaching, and it was high time he began to make his way towards it. The duel was to take place where Yugi had fought against a possessed Joey, it was bound to bring back memories for all of them but this time the fate of the world wasn't on their shoulders. This time the duel held no higher stake then who would advance into the semi-finals. Joey began hopping slightly from foot to foot which caught the attention of Tristan, who was standing next to him.

"Do you need a wee or something?" Tristan asked, looking rather bemused at his friend's actions.

"No! I just… I should really start heading towards the docks."

Atem looked between Joey and Yugi, "You go Joey and I'll bring Yugi. You shouldn't be late for this."

"You sure man, I really want us all to go together but I can't risk being late."

Atem nodded to him, "You all go and we'll join as soon as I can get Yugi."

With one last look at Yugi, Joey headed away with Tea and Tristan following him. Once the others had moved out of sight Atem turned his attention to the big screens. The reporters on screen started to discuss the two duellists which, in turn, started to grab the attention of the fans still surrounding Yugi. Yugi was also able to look up and realise what was going on.

"Sorry guys, you'll have to excuse me!" He said, "My friend is duelling, and it would not be right if I was not there to cheer him on."

The crowd didn't try to stop him as he made his way over to Atem, who was still waiting for him although he was still looking towards the screens. Looking around Yugi didn't see any of the others nearby.

"Did they others head off with Joey?" He asked.

But Atem didn't respond, he was still staring over in the direction of the screens. Yugi noted the careful expression on his face and knew that something wasn't right.

"Atem? What's wrong?"

Again, Atem didn't answer. Placing a hand on his arm Yugi moved in front of him.

"Pharaoh, what is it?"

Atem finally moved, tearing his eyes away from whatever he'd spotted and looked at him. He smiled although Yugi wasn't fooled, he was hiding something.

"I'm alright, sorry Yugi." He said quickly, "The others left with Joey. We should catch up with them."

Yugi frowned, he wasn't fooled by the other's careful expression. He knew the former Pharaoh too well to be fooled. There was something bothering him, and he needed to find out what it was but they did also have to be there for Joey. They headed towards the docks as quickly as they could. A lot of people were heading towards the docks as well, eager to see the next match. A few people in the crowd called out to Yugi, who waved at them in response. There wasn't time to stop this time, he'd never forgive himself if he wasn't there for the duration of Joey's duel. As they arrived at the docks Yugi was quick to hurry down the steps but turning he saw Atem had once again paused, his eyes focused on something Yugi couldn't see.

"Atem?"

This time Atem heard him the first time and was quick to follow Yugi. Having spotted Tristan and Tea at the front of the crowd Yugi squeezed his way through with the once King right behind him. Joey was already standing on the pitch with a determined look on his face. Yugi was sure that he recognised this place. It looked exactly the same, nothing since their duel here had changed. The wooden structure still bore the exact same look and feel as it had a few years ago. The wooden planks formed a square with the sea right beneath them and the anchor was hanging as it had done the first time they duelled there, but thankfully it looked to be solidly held in place this time. No chains linked the duellists to it, there was no time limit which once expired would pull them under.

"You made it." Tea said, as the two look-a-likes joined them, "I was starting to think you'd miss the beginning."

"Never." Yugi replied, smiling at her, "There's no way I'd be late for this. Have we missed much?"

"Nope." Tristan shook his head, "Joey's been having a staring contest with this guy for the last few minutes."

"I think you'll find that's a look of determination Tristan." Tea scolded, "I know Joey's going to win this duel no problem."

Joey, who had indeed been staring down his opponent, took a glance around the crowd and spotting Yugi gave him a wide grin. In response Yugi gave him an encouraging look before Joey turned back to face his opponent. Stealing a glance at the person standing next to him Yugi took in the former Pharaoh's expression. He's expression to anyone else looked as though he was absolutely fine but Yugi knew the look in his eyes. From that look it was clear that he was lost in thought, and this thought was unsettling for him. He went to speak to him but the announcer called for quiet as the duel began, Joey would make the opening move. Joey rolled his shoulders and activated his duel disk, drawing his hand. He scanned through the cards before making his move.

"For my first move I set two cards face down and summon Knight of Landstar in attack mode."

The cards appeared on the field and the small knight burst from the card waving his sword around menacingly. Joey stood confidently and watched his opponent make his move. In the crowd Yugi and the others were watching the duel carefully. Tea had her fingers crossed, Yugi and Tristan were watching every move closely.

Atem tried to keep his attention on the duel but his eyes kept focusing on the warehouse to their right. His eyes were drawn to the three boys standing by the doors. He'd seen one of them back in the square and now here he was with the other two. He couldn't tell Yugi, not yet at least, but upon seeing the first boy here after seeing him back in the square it had been as though someone had turned the light in his mind on. He suddenly remembered those boys and what had happened the night he'd been attacked. They'd attacked him thinking he was Yugi and warned him that he better not take part in the tournament. Of course, they thought they'd warned Yugi but they hadn't. Atem knew that they wanted Yugi's title but just what they had planned he did not know. He'd been right about something bad being around the corner because here it was. These boys had something bad planned for Yugi, although he could not exactly be sure what. He couldn't know what they were planning but he had to stop it.

"Excuse me Yugi, I'll be back in a minute." He said, turning to work his way back through the crowd.

Yugi grabbed his arm, "What? You can't go now, Joey needs us."

Atem looked at him, "I'll be a minute and be right back."

Yugi wasn't buying this, "Atem, what is going on? I know you, what aren't you telling me?"

"I'll explain everything once I return."

Yugi gave him a disbelieving look as Atem gently pulled his arm out of Yugi's grip and disappeared into the crowd. It wasn't that he was angry at him, he just didn't understand why Atem was hiding something from him. He wanted to go after him but he couldn't just leave Joey during this duel. Turning back to the duel he saw Joey's opponent attempt to destroy his monster and Joey activate a trap card. Amongst the cheers from the crowd, Tea leant into him.

"Where's Atem gone?"

Yugi shook his head, "I don't know. He's acting strange."

"He was the same in the square earlier. I can't tell you what it was but he did seem worried about something."

"Really?" Yugi asked, craning his neck to try and spot the once King.

But Atem had expertly disappeared into the crowd. He managed to make his way to the warehouse whilst staying hidden within the crowd. The last thing he wanted just at this moment was for Yugi to see where he was going.

The warehouse came into view and he carefully moved out of the crowd and his gaze found the three boys waiting by the doors. The boys spotted Atem and with smirks on their faces slipped back into the warehouse. Without a moment's hesitation Atem followed, casting a glance over his shoulder to make sure no one saw him enter. The warehouse was empty apart from himself and the three boys ahead of him. Here and there were broken boats or what must have been part of broken boats at some point. But apart from that the warehouse was basically empty. Approaching the boys carefully he eyed them.

"Who are you?" He asked, folding his arms.

The boy in the middle laughed, "You don't need to know that but I see you remember us even after what we did to you."

"Fine," Atem replied, firmly, "Keep your identities secret but then I won't waste time asking questions. I am not unfamiliar with this situation so tell me what you want. I suspect it has something to do with Yugi."

"You're correct. See we didn't actually intend to attack you, let's call that a case of mistaken identity. Your fault really, you shouldn't look so much like him."

Atem scowled at the boy, "Let me guess, you want to force him to give you his title. You see I believe I saw you before that night. You were at the registration and were rejected from the tournament."

The boy smirked, "Clever boy."

Atem shrugged, "People like you are all the same. Your plan will never work so I would suggest you give this up and leave before I expose you."

The boy looked round to his friends and gave another laugh, although it was more of a bark. He moved towards Atem.

"No, you see after that night and I worked out who you are I found that there's an easier way to get Yugi to do what I want him to do." He pulled something from his pocket, "I find that given the right encouragement anyone can be forced into doing what they say they won't."

Atem held his ground as the boys advanced. He knew what the boy was holding. A blade.

"See you're going to bring Yugi to us here otherwise, well… I don't think you'd want to find out."

Atem didn't hesitate in his response, "No I won't, I have a better proposal for you."

"Oh?"

"I will come with you willingly." Atem stated, he still hadn't moved, "Once he knows you have me then well, he might be open to doing what you want."

It was a lie. Yugi would never give himself over to them but his thought was to delay these guys and keep them from hurting Yugi. The rest he'd figure out later. Protect Yugi, that was most important. The boys considered him.

"You would come with us willingly. No catch?"

"Oh," Atem scoffed slightly, "I left out one detail. If you take me, you don't lay a finger on him. You leave him alone then I will, as they say, come quietly. If you touch him... well I won't be quiet about this then."

The boys eyed each other before the one in the middle nodded in agreement, he strode forwards and grabbed Atem by the scruff of the neck. Leading the way the boy made his way out of the opposite side of the warehouse and away from the crowds. No one saw them go. And for now, nobody knew it had happened.