Kristy Selean: Hi!! I've actually started to understand what this story
needed.... a thicker plot!! Ok, you'll find out what's going on, but there
might be another cliffhanger soon... read and review please!!! Another
note, if you haven't noticed, this is their SENIOR year!!!!!
You Stay Out of This! Chapter 3
The lights were blaring as seven people stood in a formation that looked just like the imprint of an eye. The eye of Horus to be exact. A golden light shed its beams, raging in every corner of the chamber that the ritual was taking place in. Six priests were lining up and sending their magic to a specific item while the seventh character in the room stood in the midst of them all, giving his soul to a pyramid-shaped puzzle. During this time, the priest who was using his magic for the ring was intercepted by a cave bandit, whose soul became trapped within the item. The others continued to use their magic until the one in the center sighed with relief from his hope of being reincarnated in the future and meeting up with his loved one and disappeared within the puzzle.
*~*
Yami woke up, startled again by his dreams, this time of the millennium items. Yami Yugi went to the mirror and looked at his reflection. He looked awful. Never had he seen a more tired, anxious, and tortured face in his long lifetime. Yami groaned before trying to go back to sleep. However, the more he tossed and turned, the more restless he became.
'Oh Ra. When can I actually sleep without these nightmares? Yugi told me that they had to erase some of my memories of my past in order to keep me from turning evil again, but what significance do these dreams hold that they must keep me up at night?'
A feeble knock on the door interrupted Yami's thoughts. As Yami answered it, he found Yugi still in his bedclothes coming into his room. Yami was puzzled just as much as Yugi was worried about him.
"I heard you in my dream, Yami."
"But, Yugi, how?"
"I guess the telepathy line didn't close down all the way. I end up sensing when you're troubled, and I saw the dream too."
Yami stared at the floor. He didn't know what to say. Had he called upon Yugi while he was dreaming this or was this just because they were counterparts of each other? It was too complicating to make sense.
"This was during the time I created the millennium items, but why is it so important now?"
"The more important question is, why haven't I seen this part of your memory when I was erasing all the bad ones?"
"Yugi, you mean you haven't seen this one before?"
"I saw a part of it, but the rest was blocked off. I saw seven people casting their powers, and Yami Bakura being sucked into the millennium ring, but I never saw the contented look on your face when you entered the puzzle. Do you think you know why?"
Yami shrugged. For once when it came to the millennium items and Duel monsters, he didn't have a clue as to what was going on or how to answer his own questions, let alone Yugi's. Yugi nodded in sympathy and left Yami to his thoughts. After hacking at his memory bank until he could figure out no more logical conclusions, Yami decided to go to sleep. After all, it was going to be a big day for Yugi, and he would need all the help he could get to win over the girl.
*~*
It was three hours after the dream, and Yami and Yugi were having a hard time getting up. Both of them were drowsy in the morning and had some difficulty merging at first. However, after Grandpa gave Yugi and Yami a sip of coffee, they had just enough energy to complete that task and get to school in 30 seconds. It wore off as soon as they got there, but it was, nonetheless, good enough.
"I wonder where Joey, Tristan, Bakura, and Tea are."
The four friends of Yugi were hacking and coughing all the way up to the classroom. Yugi smiled at them, unaware of their predicament, and greeted them in his cheerful way. Tea was on the verge of exploding, Tristan was ready to scream, Joey was ready to shake Yugi, and Bakura was ready to faint.
"Whoa, what happened to you guys?"
"Maybe if you SLOWED DOWN, we wouldn't have to breathe in all the dust you left behind for us."
"Oh, I'm sorry, guys. Grandpa just gave me and Yami a sip of coffee, so we had to lose the energy."
The gang dropped their bags and items that they had in their hands and stared at him in disbelief with sweatdrops running down their heads. The last time Grandpa had given Yugi coffee, it took Yami Yugi five hours of trying to catch him with duel monsters in the shadow realm.
"Oh, did you two merge again?"
"Yeah. Yami wanted to help me out with something."
"Something? Watcha mean something, Yug?"
"Yes, Yugi. What is your secret?"
"Aww, come on Joey, Bakura... It's not funny..."
"Well, there's always that way to get back at Yugi if he tries to pull something on us."
Yugi's friends erupted with laughter until the bell announced the beginning of school. The teacher rapped on his podium as usual and droned on with his boring lecture. Yami was quite fascinated with what their teacher had to say, making Yugi ask more and more questions concerning history. It was especially during the math test that Yami was making it hard on Yugi.
[Aww, come on, Yugi. That's easy.]
[You're not helping...]
[All you've got to do is...]
[Hey! I'm trying to take this test. Don't make me cheat.]
[Ok, ok. But you should still...]
[Yami...]
After what took forever compared to how fast he use to turn in his math tests, Yugi finally finished, no thanks to Yami Yugi who had been whining during the whole thing about how Yugi was handling it. Yugi was too nervous about his next class to think about the whole experience, chemistry...
"Ohayo, class."
"Actually, isn't it the afternoon now?"
"Yes, Joey, it is. If only you would pay attention just as much to my lectures..."
"Well..."
Yugi sighed and yanked Joey back into his seat that was next to his with a big sweatdrop on his head. The rest of the class rolled their eyes at Joey's usual remarks. However, Yugi noticed that Aishana had turned around to watch Yugi yank his best friend back into his seat and giggled at his expression. Yugi's eyes met with hers and he instantly tore his view to his desk, blushing the whole time while Aishana noticed his embarrassed expression and smiled to herself before turning her attention back to the lecture.
[Is that her?]
[Yes, Yami.]
[Ah. Now I see why she caught your attention.]
[Yami... Well, what do you think?]
[I definitely approve. Good looks, smart, and a good heart as well. She does her best in this class and is quite a friendly character. I even think she was flirting with you just now.]
[With me?]
[Why else would she have giggled? She's too good for Joey.]
Yugi smiled to himself at Yami's remark before continuing to take notes on the lecture. Yami basically went to sleep and told Yugi to wake him up when the lecture was over. Yugi smirked knowing that even Yami would fall asleep during the chemistry lecture that made no sense. Then again, the only people that were awake in that class were him and Aishana. He knew he was only awake out of a guilty conscience and he wanted to look good in front of Aishana, but why she would actually stay up for this, he didn't know. He wasn't even sure why she only came into their room for this one class and was not in the same class as him the rest of the day. (A little note, in Asian countries, the students stay in the same room and the teachers come to them, except for music, P.E., and cooking.) Soon, the teacher's lecture was over and they had a few minutes to spare before the next class. Everyone got out of their seats and started to talk once they woke up, and Yugi woke up Yami.
[Okay, Yugi, now's your chance. Go up to her.]
[Right now?]
[Yes. I'll tell you what to say.]
[Ok...]
Yugi walked up to Aishana's desk as she finished writing the last of her notes and put them away. She didn't seem to notice him as she shooed all the other guys away with her excuses of having too much homework to go out on a date with them. After all the guys backed off from her, Yugi made it to her. Aishana smiled at him and he smiled back. Now it was time for Yami to play his part.
[Okay, now tell her this. You are the most wonderful creature in all of Egypt.]
"Aishana, you are the most wonderful creature in all of Egypt."
Yugi suddenly realized his mistake. They were actually currently in Japan. Yugi just wanted to jump out of a window and kill himself or just bash his head against the telephone pole for a few hours. This was absolutely embarrassing. However, the strangest thing is, Aishana seemed slightly shocked and amazed. She was slightly blushing at his compliment but was listening more intently to something else.
"Yugi."
"Um... yes?"
"How did you know I was half Egyptian?"
"Um...."
Yugi was left speechless. A mistake turned out in giving him a part of her identity. Strangely enough, Aishana was actually more open with him now that he "noticed" this trait about her. Yugi thought about how to answer her previous question, and didn't know what to say.
"A lucky guess, I suppose?"
Yugi laughed nervously while Aishana was sparked with interest and the guys behind her were making threats and cursing Yugi with anything they could come up with. Yugi sweatdropped when he saw them, but continued his conversation with Aishana while Yami absorbed in all the information and helped Yugi out once in a while. However, Yugi didn't realize he was being spied on by his friends.
"Hey, Joey, when do think he'll ask her out?"
"With Yugi? Who knows."
"Wow, Tea. Is something troubling you?"
"No, Bakura."
Tea clenched her teeth, glared in Aishana's direction, and clenched her fists. Her friends could obviously tell that something was troubling her big time. Tristan gave a quick thought before laughing while the others stared at him like he just came back from the hospital.
"Gee, Tristan. What is it?"
"Bakura, can't you see? Our wittle Tea still hasn't gotten over wittle Yugi yet."
"Aww, poor wittle Tea."
"Ugh!! I should be over him by now, but it's just so hard to forget."
The three guys sneaked away while Tea was having her little starry moment of the collection of times that she remembered of her and Yugi with a few daydreams in between while Yugi continued to talk to Aishana. The three decided to join up with them instead and asked Aishana if she wanted to come with them to the game shop.
"Yugi's Grandfather's game shop? Okay. It sounds like fun."
*~*
"Just wait till you see all the duel monster cards, Aishana. You'll flip!"
"Really, Joey? It sounds interesting, but... what are duel monsters?"
"Are you kidding me?! You've never heard of duel monsters? Where did you come from, sheesh!"
"Actually, Joey, Aishana studied in China until she came from an expedition in Egypt about a month ago and came here to go to school. Maybe that's why she didn't know."
"But, Yug, you, me, and Yami are always on the news for winning at the Duelist Kingdom against Pegasus! You mean to tell me she hasn't known of that?"
(Author's note: kinda surprising that even though it's their senior year, this thing is still popular, ain't it. ^-^)
"Joey, it is also possible that she heard of it, but did not know how to play it."
"Bakura's right, Joey. Some people in Japan still don't know how to play it, even though they collect the cards. Yami gets really frustrated when they challenge him but don't know how to play. Hey, that gives me an idea! Aishana, how about a free lesson on how to duel with duel monsters from me and Yami?"
"Um... Is it hard?"
"Don't worry. Yami will go easy on you. If not, I'll let you battle Joey. Besides, you can use my deck."
"I guess it would be fun. Sure. Why not?"
*~*
"Grandpa, is the duel room still open?"
"Yep. Everything's set up in there too. Why?"
The rest of Yugi's friends stepped in the room along with a hesitant Aishana. The gang started splitting up and running off toward a different card section, leaving Aishana alone with Yugi and his Grandpa.
"Ah, and who's your new friend?"
"Grandpa, this is Aishana. She came from an expedition in Egypt about a month ago."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Did you want to teach her how to play duel monsters?"
"Yeah. Aishana, go to the room and wait for me. I'll go bring Yami."
Yugi went to another room that Yami would normally work in while Aishana went to the room that Yugi pointed out to her. It was a small room with a table set for a card game. About four people could fit in it, but if there were anymore people, it wouldn't be as roomy as they would like it. There was a space for each player to put their cards, a playing mat, and some sort of arena shaped structure in between the playing mats. Aishana decided to sit there and wait until her tutors would come to teach her.
*~*
"Okay, nobody's looking right? Ok. All clear."
Yugi closed the door to the room and turned off the lights. Yugi and Yami reflected their psywaves against each other to separate themselves from each other, leaving two people behind. Yugi turned on the lights in the room and the two alter egos walked out of the room.
*~*
"We hope you didn't wait too long."
Aishana turned around to see Yugi and Yami walk into the room. She stared at them in shock as though she were seeing double, considering that Yugi was taller than his original form when he was younger. Yami and Yugi smiled at each other after seeing her expression knowing that there was going to be another explanation sooner or later.
"We're not related. Now what was your name, Miss?"
"My name is Aishana. I'm sorry. It's just that you looked really similar to each other. Almost identical."
"Almost, Miss Aishana?"
"Well, I can tell you apart by your eyes, and Yugi is a little bit shorter."
"How charmed. You could already tell the difference."
[Yeah, Yami. Just take her away from me.]
[Oh, sorry, Yugi. I forgot I got separated from you.]
"Well, let's start the game, shall we? Yugi can teach you while I get my deck."
Yami went back to the room to find his deck, leaving the two alone in the room. Aishana took Yugi's deck out of the deckholder and handed it to him. Yugi smiled and took it from her and began his explanation. He took the first card, the Winged Dragon, and started explaining this to her.
"Okay, Aishana. When there is a picture of a creature, that's called a monster card. If you have one on your field, which is these five spaces, you can use it to attack or defend. The number of stars indicate how powerful it is. The symbol in the corner is what type of monster it is. A monster card can be used by attacking, defending, or using effects. ATK tells how much damage you can do, DFD tells how much attack can be inflicted on it while in defense mode, and effects tell you the extra things you can do with that card. You can only attack when you are in attack mode, but if you're in defense mode, no damage goes to your life points. You get 2000 life points and the object of the game is to take out your opponent's life points before yours goes out. We'll play this round without magic and trap cards, okay?"
"Okay. Besides, the monsters are confusing enough."
Yugi laughed while Aishana looked through the cards when Yami came in with his customized deck with what he could afford from working for Grandpa. They made it up to 20 monster cards only and started dueling.
"Let's see. Um, I'll put this face down in defense."
"Good move, Aishana."
"Hm... you're making me curious. Let me put this one down in defense."
"Okay, then I'll put this one face down and flip this one over to have Summon Skull in attack mode and attack the face down card."
Yami flipped over his Hitotsumi Giant and put it in the graveyard while the miniature arena in between them acted out the attack with holographic figures. It was the newest thing in technology instead of having to go to Kaiba land every time to see the monsters come alive.
"They really don't have that many cute monsters, do they."
"Um... not really. They kinda focus on power nowadays."
"I see."
"Well, there are some that are cute and others that look really cool, but there are those cards that can make you feel sick by looking at them."
"What is your favorite card, Yugi?"
"Mine is the Dark Magician. It should be in the deck somewhere."
"How about you, Yami?"
"I really have no particular card that is a favorite. Each card has its own power that helps the duelist with strategies that they could use in battle."
"Well, it looks like I found a good card. I haven't decided which one is my favorite yet, but this should help. I'll put this card in defense mode."
"Then that is the one I will attack with Curse of Dragon."
"Yugi, what happens if the card I have has a higher defense then the attack points of the attacking card?"
"Then the opponent loses life points."
Aishana flipped over the Gaia the Fierce Knight card and Yami had to subtract a few life points. They continued dueling with Yugi helping Aishana in making decisions. Yami smiled at them, seeing Aishana and Yugi having to lean closely to examine the cards. Yugi didn't realize it because he was so absorbed in the game. Neither did Aishana because she was focusing on what to do.
'They make such a cute couple.'
[I heard that.]
[So? Are you objecting?]
[....]
[I didn't think so.]
Yami smirked at Yugi while Yugi just stuck his tongue out and then went back to Aishana who was staring at them completely puzzled at what was going on. She wasn't sure if it was concerning the game or if they were reading each other's thoughts or something. Then again, she had a duel to finish.
"I flip Kuriboh in attack mode and put this card face down to end my turn."
'Hm... what is she up to?'
Yami looked at the situation. It was too risky for her to do that to her life points. Did she have a plan? Maybe she's just intimidating him and trying to scare him. They didn't have magic or trap cards. Then again, what if she put in a card of her own? Then what will he do? Yami stared at the predicament.
'Well, she didn't even know what duel monsters were, so I might as well. I doubt she'll have a plan already.'
"I attack Kuriboh with Dark Chimera."
"My life points may go down and Kuriboh may be in the graveyard, but there's something you didn't count on, Yami. I still have a single life point, Summoned Skull, and two monsters in face down defense mode. Now I'll flip one of them. This card is called the Justice Lady card. It makes me switch my life points with my opponent's, and we both sacrifice our strongest card. Now, you have no cards on the field, and I attack with Feral Imp."
"Wow. That was an interesting battle. I've never heard of such a card, though."
"Grandpa just got it. He wanted me to be the first to have it, but I think I'll give it to you, Aishana."
"But, Yugi, this card means too much for you! It's the first one of its kind in Japan, and your grandfather gave it to you. You should keep it. Besides, what am I going to do with a single card anyway?"
"I want you to have it and remember this day that you had fun being with us. That's why I wanted to give it to you. Will you accept it?"
Aishana felt guilty for taking the card, but she knew that it would make Yugi happy so she accepted it. Yugi then started teaching her about magic and trap cards and teaching her some basic strategies while Yami started working with the customers.
"So to use them, you would put them here. Got it?"
"I think so."
When the two looked at each other, they instantly blushed and turned away after realizing how close their faces were. Aishana buried her face in the cards and Yugi instinctively looked up at the top of the door. Just then, the door opened and their friends came bouncing in.
"Hey, Yugi. Hey, Aishana!"
"So, watcha doin' here? All alone might I add?"
"Just teaching her how to play duel monsters."
"Which version? Dueling or pretending and making out later?"
"Tristan... We were only dueling."
"Sure, Yugi."
"I'm serious!"
The group laughed when Yugi's voice squeaked, but after the fun and games was over, it was time they did their homework and left for home. Everyone went into the bigger room and started to do their homework. The seating order was Yugi, Bakura, Tea, Joey, Tristan, and Aishana on a circular table. Yugi was watching to see what kinds of books that Aishana was going to take out. To his surprise, she took out just as many books as the others, and there was only one that was different.
"Aishana, you're taking AP Calculus?"
"Well, yeah. I got delayed on my math because of the trip, but I guess it'll be okay."
"Are you kiddin' me? You must be like a super genius or something!"
"Joey, that's because you failed Geometry before."
"Shut up, Tristan! I'm not the only one!"
At this remark, Tristan opened his mouth to fight back, but couldn't find any words to say. The others shook their heads at him while he racked through his brain for a good comeback.
"Well... Tea did it too!"
Tea raised an eyebrow at him while the others looked at him like he's either crazy enough to even mention Tea in this or he was desperate enough to try anything to get attention away from him. Luckily for them, Tea was in a giving up mood today because of Yugi's new situation.
"I admit, I'm not good at math, but it doesn't matter. I'm gonna be a dancer and I doubt I'll need to know the Pythagorean theorem for that."
"That is true."
"So, Tristan's actually giving up?"
"Hey, watch your mouth, Joey, or I'll tell Serenity about the time in the Duelist Kingdom where you..."
Here, Joey muffled Tristan's mouth for fear that he would remind everybody about an incident at the little island where they dueled. It won't be revealed for the sake of Joey's reputation. Anyway, the others who were listening to their argument tilted their heads to the side in slight confusion and curiosity, but decided to return to their homework. They turned some music on to distract them from frustration in case there was going to be some hard things to do. They also had banged up Pokemon plushies in case they needed to take their anger out on something. Bakura saw Yugi glance over at Aishana a few times, obviously wanting to ask her something.
"Yugi, if there is something you want to know, ask."
"But, Bakura, what if... I can't get the answer?"
"It never hurt to try."
"Okay."
Everyone except Aishana lifted their heads at the strange conversation. After a few random thoughts floating about their minds, they returned to their homework and continued while Yugi decisively closed his book and walked over to Aishana. Aishana noticed that he was stepping out of his chair and tapping her on the shoulder.
"Yes, Yugi?"
"Aishana, could I speak to you outside for a sec?"
"Um... sure."
Aishana put down her pencil and followed Yugi outside while the others stared at them part from the group. Bakura smiled, Tea frowned, Tristan had an evil glint in his eye, and Joey started clapping and cheering from behind.
"Go, Yugi!"
Yugi sweatdropped as Aishana tilted her head in confusion. (Quite naive, isn't she?) After they were outside where Grandpa's eyes had long left them alone, they found a place to sit and talk, unaware of Yami Yugi hiding out on the roof to watch them.
"Um... Aishana?"
"Yes?"
Her response was small, quiet, and shy as if the wind wanted control over Yugi through this girl. Yugi fell into her eyes as the wind played with her hair. Her image beckoned him closer while the stray strands of her long ebony hair barely touched his face. Aishana stroked her hair back behind her ears while Yugi stared at her the whole time. Her movement, her image, her voice, everything about her was just yanking on Yugi who was helplessly bound to them. After a long moment of silence, Yugi sighed.
"Never mind. It's not important."
"Yugi, all of my friends' responses are important to me."
*~*
'Yugi, don't ask something big here. It's much too early. However, what really puzzles me is something about her that doesn't feel normal...'
(hehe... puzzles... what a pun! ok... sorry... back to Yami now..) Yami continued to watch for what Yugi would do as the conversation continued.
*~*
"Well, I guess there's no harm in asking. Um, Aishana, why is it that you're only in our chemistry class?"
Aishana looked at him for a few seconds before laughing at Yugi's question. Yugi didn't cringe or turn away because he knew that this wasn't a laugh of ridicule, but a laugh of an expression such as, of course, I needed to explain that to you. Her laughing was like music to his ears just as her eyes were gems and her hair, silk.
"It's just because they haven't transferred me into a class yet. Because I have AP Calculus and Chemistry, they're trying to fit my schedule in the right class. They are going to announce it tomorrow, I think. I'll either be in your class or the class with my fellow AP Calculus friends."
"I hope you'll be in our class. I want a chance to get to know you better."
Yugi flushed slightly at his own remark while Aishana smiled at him.
*~*
'So do I, Yugi. So do I.'
*to be continued...*
Kristy Selean: Whoo!! Done with another chapter! Okie dokies... now I know everybody hates this part, but please, I would really appreciate reviews!!! I mean, it was on Thanksgiving that I typed this, vacuumed the entire house, had to cook and everything else in between such as homework and projects and an irritating sister, so please let me have a review for all my hard work!! Pretty please??? In case you were wondering, I'm 15, so yeah... It's a lot of work when there's going to be 5 FAMILIES OVER IN ONE HOUSE!!! Oh, about that coffee scene... my mom reminded me of the time I had coffee and I couldn't sleep for two days... That's about it. ^-^ Yes, the plot is coming, so don't you worry! Also, please give me ideas for PAIRINGS!!!!!!!!
You Stay Out of This! Chapter 3
The lights were blaring as seven people stood in a formation that looked just like the imprint of an eye. The eye of Horus to be exact. A golden light shed its beams, raging in every corner of the chamber that the ritual was taking place in. Six priests were lining up and sending their magic to a specific item while the seventh character in the room stood in the midst of them all, giving his soul to a pyramid-shaped puzzle. During this time, the priest who was using his magic for the ring was intercepted by a cave bandit, whose soul became trapped within the item. The others continued to use their magic until the one in the center sighed with relief from his hope of being reincarnated in the future and meeting up with his loved one and disappeared within the puzzle.
*~*
Yami woke up, startled again by his dreams, this time of the millennium items. Yami Yugi went to the mirror and looked at his reflection. He looked awful. Never had he seen a more tired, anxious, and tortured face in his long lifetime. Yami groaned before trying to go back to sleep. However, the more he tossed and turned, the more restless he became.
'Oh Ra. When can I actually sleep without these nightmares? Yugi told me that they had to erase some of my memories of my past in order to keep me from turning evil again, but what significance do these dreams hold that they must keep me up at night?'
A feeble knock on the door interrupted Yami's thoughts. As Yami answered it, he found Yugi still in his bedclothes coming into his room. Yami was puzzled just as much as Yugi was worried about him.
"I heard you in my dream, Yami."
"But, Yugi, how?"
"I guess the telepathy line didn't close down all the way. I end up sensing when you're troubled, and I saw the dream too."
Yami stared at the floor. He didn't know what to say. Had he called upon Yugi while he was dreaming this or was this just because they were counterparts of each other? It was too complicating to make sense.
"This was during the time I created the millennium items, but why is it so important now?"
"The more important question is, why haven't I seen this part of your memory when I was erasing all the bad ones?"
"Yugi, you mean you haven't seen this one before?"
"I saw a part of it, but the rest was blocked off. I saw seven people casting their powers, and Yami Bakura being sucked into the millennium ring, but I never saw the contented look on your face when you entered the puzzle. Do you think you know why?"
Yami shrugged. For once when it came to the millennium items and Duel monsters, he didn't have a clue as to what was going on or how to answer his own questions, let alone Yugi's. Yugi nodded in sympathy and left Yami to his thoughts. After hacking at his memory bank until he could figure out no more logical conclusions, Yami decided to go to sleep. After all, it was going to be a big day for Yugi, and he would need all the help he could get to win over the girl.
*~*
It was three hours after the dream, and Yami and Yugi were having a hard time getting up. Both of them were drowsy in the morning and had some difficulty merging at first. However, after Grandpa gave Yugi and Yami a sip of coffee, they had just enough energy to complete that task and get to school in 30 seconds. It wore off as soon as they got there, but it was, nonetheless, good enough.
"I wonder where Joey, Tristan, Bakura, and Tea are."
The four friends of Yugi were hacking and coughing all the way up to the classroom. Yugi smiled at them, unaware of their predicament, and greeted them in his cheerful way. Tea was on the verge of exploding, Tristan was ready to scream, Joey was ready to shake Yugi, and Bakura was ready to faint.
"Whoa, what happened to you guys?"
"Maybe if you SLOWED DOWN, we wouldn't have to breathe in all the dust you left behind for us."
"Oh, I'm sorry, guys. Grandpa just gave me and Yami a sip of coffee, so we had to lose the energy."
The gang dropped their bags and items that they had in their hands and stared at him in disbelief with sweatdrops running down their heads. The last time Grandpa had given Yugi coffee, it took Yami Yugi five hours of trying to catch him with duel monsters in the shadow realm.
"Oh, did you two merge again?"
"Yeah. Yami wanted to help me out with something."
"Something? Watcha mean something, Yug?"
"Yes, Yugi. What is your secret?"
"Aww, come on Joey, Bakura... It's not funny..."
"Well, there's always that way to get back at Yugi if he tries to pull something on us."
Yugi's friends erupted with laughter until the bell announced the beginning of school. The teacher rapped on his podium as usual and droned on with his boring lecture. Yami was quite fascinated with what their teacher had to say, making Yugi ask more and more questions concerning history. It was especially during the math test that Yami was making it hard on Yugi.
[Aww, come on, Yugi. That's easy.]
[You're not helping...]
[All you've got to do is...]
[Hey! I'm trying to take this test. Don't make me cheat.]
[Ok, ok. But you should still...]
[Yami...]
After what took forever compared to how fast he use to turn in his math tests, Yugi finally finished, no thanks to Yami Yugi who had been whining during the whole thing about how Yugi was handling it. Yugi was too nervous about his next class to think about the whole experience, chemistry...
"Ohayo, class."
"Actually, isn't it the afternoon now?"
"Yes, Joey, it is. If only you would pay attention just as much to my lectures..."
"Well..."
Yugi sighed and yanked Joey back into his seat that was next to his with a big sweatdrop on his head. The rest of the class rolled their eyes at Joey's usual remarks. However, Yugi noticed that Aishana had turned around to watch Yugi yank his best friend back into his seat and giggled at his expression. Yugi's eyes met with hers and he instantly tore his view to his desk, blushing the whole time while Aishana noticed his embarrassed expression and smiled to herself before turning her attention back to the lecture.
[Is that her?]
[Yes, Yami.]
[Ah. Now I see why she caught your attention.]
[Yami... Well, what do you think?]
[I definitely approve. Good looks, smart, and a good heart as well. She does her best in this class and is quite a friendly character. I even think she was flirting with you just now.]
[With me?]
[Why else would she have giggled? She's too good for Joey.]
Yugi smiled to himself at Yami's remark before continuing to take notes on the lecture. Yami basically went to sleep and told Yugi to wake him up when the lecture was over. Yugi smirked knowing that even Yami would fall asleep during the chemistry lecture that made no sense. Then again, the only people that were awake in that class were him and Aishana. He knew he was only awake out of a guilty conscience and he wanted to look good in front of Aishana, but why she would actually stay up for this, he didn't know. He wasn't even sure why she only came into their room for this one class and was not in the same class as him the rest of the day. (A little note, in Asian countries, the students stay in the same room and the teachers come to them, except for music, P.E., and cooking.) Soon, the teacher's lecture was over and they had a few minutes to spare before the next class. Everyone got out of their seats and started to talk once they woke up, and Yugi woke up Yami.
[Okay, Yugi, now's your chance. Go up to her.]
[Right now?]
[Yes. I'll tell you what to say.]
[Ok...]
Yugi walked up to Aishana's desk as she finished writing the last of her notes and put them away. She didn't seem to notice him as she shooed all the other guys away with her excuses of having too much homework to go out on a date with them. After all the guys backed off from her, Yugi made it to her. Aishana smiled at him and he smiled back. Now it was time for Yami to play his part.
[Okay, now tell her this. You are the most wonderful creature in all of Egypt.]
"Aishana, you are the most wonderful creature in all of Egypt."
Yugi suddenly realized his mistake. They were actually currently in Japan. Yugi just wanted to jump out of a window and kill himself or just bash his head against the telephone pole for a few hours. This was absolutely embarrassing. However, the strangest thing is, Aishana seemed slightly shocked and amazed. She was slightly blushing at his compliment but was listening more intently to something else.
"Yugi."
"Um... yes?"
"How did you know I was half Egyptian?"
"Um...."
Yugi was left speechless. A mistake turned out in giving him a part of her identity. Strangely enough, Aishana was actually more open with him now that he "noticed" this trait about her. Yugi thought about how to answer her previous question, and didn't know what to say.
"A lucky guess, I suppose?"
Yugi laughed nervously while Aishana was sparked with interest and the guys behind her were making threats and cursing Yugi with anything they could come up with. Yugi sweatdropped when he saw them, but continued his conversation with Aishana while Yami absorbed in all the information and helped Yugi out once in a while. However, Yugi didn't realize he was being spied on by his friends.
"Hey, Joey, when do think he'll ask her out?"
"With Yugi? Who knows."
"Wow, Tea. Is something troubling you?"
"No, Bakura."
Tea clenched her teeth, glared in Aishana's direction, and clenched her fists. Her friends could obviously tell that something was troubling her big time. Tristan gave a quick thought before laughing while the others stared at him like he just came back from the hospital.
"Gee, Tristan. What is it?"
"Bakura, can't you see? Our wittle Tea still hasn't gotten over wittle Yugi yet."
"Aww, poor wittle Tea."
"Ugh!! I should be over him by now, but it's just so hard to forget."
The three guys sneaked away while Tea was having her little starry moment of the collection of times that she remembered of her and Yugi with a few daydreams in between while Yugi continued to talk to Aishana. The three decided to join up with them instead and asked Aishana if she wanted to come with them to the game shop.
"Yugi's Grandfather's game shop? Okay. It sounds like fun."
*~*
"Just wait till you see all the duel monster cards, Aishana. You'll flip!"
"Really, Joey? It sounds interesting, but... what are duel monsters?"
"Are you kidding me?! You've never heard of duel monsters? Where did you come from, sheesh!"
"Actually, Joey, Aishana studied in China until she came from an expedition in Egypt about a month ago and came here to go to school. Maybe that's why she didn't know."
"But, Yug, you, me, and Yami are always on the news for winning at the Duelist Kingdom against Pegasus! You mean to tell me she hasn't known of that?"
(Author's note: kinda surprising that even though it's their senior year, this thing is still popular, ain't it. ^-^)
"Joey, it is also possible that she heard of it, but did not know how to play it."
"Bakura's right, Joey. Some people in Japan still don't know how to play it, even though they collect the cards. Yami gets really frustrated when they challenge him but don't know how to play. Hey, that gives me an idea! Aishana, how about a free lesson on how to duel with duel monsters from me and Yami?"
"Um... Is it hard?"
"Don't worry. Yami will go easy on you. If not, I'll let you battle Joey. Besides, you can use my deck."
"I guess it would be fun. Sure. Why not?"
*~*
"Grandpa, is the duel room still open?"
"Yep. Everything's set up in there too. Why?"
The rest of Yugi's friends stepped in the room along with a hesitant Aishana. The gang started splitting up and running off toward a different card section, leaving Aishana alone with Yugi and his Grandpa.
"Ah, and who's your new friend?"
"Grandpa, this is Aishana. She came from an expedition in Egypt about a month ago."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Did you want to teach her how to play duel monsters?"
"Yeah. Aishana, go to the room and wait for me. I'll go bring Yami."
Yugi went to another room that Yami would normally work in while Aishana went to the room that Yugi pointed out to her. It was a small room with a table set for a card game. About four people could fit in it, but if there were anymore people, it wouldn't be as roomy as they would like it. There was a space for each player to put their cards, a playing mat, and some sort of arena shaped structure in between the playing mats. Aishana decided to sit there and wait until her tutors would come to teach her.
*~*
"Okay, nobody's looking right? Ok. All clear."
Yugi closed the door to the room and turned off the lights. Yugi and Yami reflected their psywaves against each other to separate themselves from each other, leaving two people behind. Yugi turned on the lights in the room and the two alter egos walked out of the room.
*~*
"We hope you didn't wait too long."
Aishana turned around to see Yugi and Yami walk into the room. She stared at them in shock as though she were seeing double, considering that Yugi was taller than his original form when he was younger. Yami and Yugi smiled at each other after seeing her expression knowing that there was going to be another explanation sooner or later.
"We're not related. Now what was your name, Miss?"
"My name is Aishana. I'm sorry. It's just that you looked really similar to each other. Almost identical."
"Almost, Miss Aishana?"
"Well, I can tell you apart by your eyes, and Yugi is a little bit shorter."
"How charmed. You could already tell the difference."
[Yeah, Yami. Just take her away from me.]
[Oh, sorry, Yugi. I forgot I got separated from you.]
"Well, let's start the game, shall we? Yugi can teach you while I get my deck."
Yami went back to the room to find his deck, leaving the two alone in the room. Aishana took Yugi's deck out of the deckholder and handed it to him. Yugi smiled and took it from her and began his explanation. He took the first card, the Winged Dragon, and started explaining this to her.
"Okay, Aishana. When there is a picture of a creature, that's called a monster card. If you have one on your field, which is these five spaces, you can use it to attack or defend. The number of stars indicate how powerful it is. The symbol in the corner is what type of monster it is. A monster card can be used by attacking, defending, or using effects. ATK tells how much damage you can do, DFD tells how much attack can be inflicted on it while in defense mode, and effects tell you the extra things you can do with that card. You can only attack when you are in attack mode, but if you're in defense mode, no damage goes to your life points. You get 2000 life points and the object of the game is to take out your opponent's life points before yours goes out. We'll play this round without magic and trap cards, okay?"
"Okay. Besides, the monsters are confusing enough."
Yugi laughed while Aishana looked through the cards when Yami came in with his customized deck with what he could afford from working for Grandpa. They made it up to 20 monster cards only and started dueling.
"Let's see. Um, I'll put this face down in defense."
"Good move, Aishana."
"Hm... you're making me curious. Let me put this one down in defense."
"Okay, then I'll put this one face down and flip this one over to have Summon Skull in attack mode and attack the face down card."
Yami flipped over his Hitotsumi Giant and put it in the graveyard while the miniature arena in between them acted out the attack with holographic figures. It was the newest thing in technology instead of having to go to Kaiba land every time to see the monsters come alive.
"They really don't have that many cute monsters, do they."
"Um... not really. They kinda focus on power nowadays."
"I see."
"Well, there are some that are cute and others that look really cool, but there are those cards that can make you feel sick by looking at them."
"What is your favorite card, Yugi?"
"Mine is the Dark Magician. It should be in the deck somewhere."
"How about you, Yami?"
"I really have no particular card that is a favorite. Each card has its own power that helps the duelist with strategies that they could use in battle."
"Well, it looks like I found a good card. I haven't decided which one is my favorite yet, but this should help. I'll put this card in defense mode."
"Then that is the one I will attack with Curse of Dragon."
"Yugi, what happens if the card I have has a higher defense then the attack points of the attacking card?"
"Then the opponent loses life points."
Aishana flipped over the Gaia the Fierce Knight card and Yami had to subtract a few life points. They continued dueling with Yugi helping Aishana in making decisions. Yami smiled at them, seeing Aishana and Yugi having to lean closely to examine the cards. Yugi didn't realize it because he was so absorbed in the game. Neither did Aishana because she was focusing on what to do.
'They make such a cute couple.'
[I heard that.]
[So? Are you objecting?]
[....]
[I didn't think so.]
Yami smirked at Yugi while Yugi just stuck his tongue out and then went back to Aishana who was staring at them completely puzzled at what was going on. She wasn't sure if it was concerning the game or if they were reading each other's thoughts or something. Then again, she had a duel to finish.
"I flip Kuriboh in attack mode and put this card face down to end my turn."
'Hm... what is she up to?'
Yami looked at the situation. It was too risky for her to do that to her life points. Did she have a plan? Maybe she's just intimidating him and trying to scare him. They didn't have magic or trap cards. Then again, what if she put in a card of her own? Then what will he do? Yami stared at the predicament.
'Well, she didn't even know what duel monsters were, so I might as well. I doubt she'll have a plan already.'
"I attack Kuriboh with Dark Chimera."
"My life points may go down and Kuriboh may be in the graveyard, but there's something you didn't count on, Yami. I still have a single life point, Summoned Skull, and two monsters in face down defense mode. Now I'll flip one of them. This card is called the Justice Lady card. It makes me switch my life points with my opponent's, and we both sacrifice our strongest card. Now, you have no cards on the field, and I attack with Feral Imp."
"Wow. That was an interesting battle. I've never heard of such a card, though."
"Grandpa just got it. He wanted me to be the first to have it, but I think I'll give it to you, Aishana."
"But, Yugi, this card means too much for you! It's the first one of its kind in Japan, and your grandfather gave it to you. You should keep it. Besides, what am I going to do with a single card anyway?"
"I want you to have it and remember this day that you had fun being with us. That's why I wanted to give it to you. Will you accept it?"
Aishana felt guilty for taking the card, but she knew that it would make Yugi happy so she accepted it. Yugi then started teaching her about magic and trap cards and teaching her some basic strategies while Yami started working with the customers.
"So to use them, you would put them here. Got it?"
"I think so."
When the two looked at each other, they instantly blushed and turned away after realizing how close their faces were. Aishana buried her face in the cards and Yugi instinctively looked up at the top of the door. Just then, the door opened and their friends came bouncing in.
"Hey, Yugi. Hey, Aishana!"
"So, watcha doin' here? All alone might I add?"
"Just teaching her how to play duel monsters."
"Which version? Dueling or pretending and making out later?"
"Tristan... We were only dueling."
"Sure, Yugi."
"I'm serious!"
The group laughed when Yugi's voice squeaked, but after the fun and games was over, it was time they did their homework and left for home. Everyone went into the bigger room and started to do their homework. The seating order was Yugi, Bakura, Tea, Joey, Tristan, and Aishana on a circular table. Yugi was watching to see what kinds of books that Aishana was going to take out. To his surprise, she took out just as many books as the others, and there was only one that was different.
"Aishana, you're taking AP Calculus?"
"Well, yeah. I got delayed on my math because of the trip, but I guess it'll be okay."
"Are you kiddin' me? You must be like a super genius or something!"
"Joey, that's because you failed Geometry before."
"Shut up, Tristan! I'm not the only one!"
At this remark, Tristan opened his mouth to fight back, but couldn't find any words to say. The others shook their heads at him while he racked through his brain for a good comeback.
"Well... Tea did it too!"
Tea raised an eyebrow at him while the others looked at him like he's either crazy enough to even mention Tea in this or he was desperate enough to try anything to get attention away from him. Luckily for them, Tea was in a giving up mood today because of Yugi's new situation.
"I admit, I'm not good at math, but it doesn't matter. I'm gonna be a dancer and I doubt I'll need to know the Pythagorean theorem for that."
"That is true."
"So, Tristan's actually giving up?"
"Hey, watch your mouth, Joey, or I'll tell Serenity about the time in the Duelist Kingdom where you..."
Here, Joey muffled Tristan's mouth for fear that he would remind everybody about an incident at the little island where they dueled. It won't be revealed for the sake of Joey's reputation. Anyway, the others who were listening to their argument tilted their heads to the side in slight confusion and curiosity, but decided to return to their homework. They turned some music on to distract them from frustration in case there was going to be some hard things to do. They also had banged up Pokemon plushies in case they needed to take their anger out on something. Bakura saw Yugi glance over at Aishana a few times, obviously wanting to ask her something.
"Yugi, if there is something you want to know, ask."
"But, Bakura, what if... I can't get the answer?"
"It never hurt to try."
"Okay."
Everyone except Aishana lifted their heads at the strange conversation. After a few random thoughts floating about their minds, they returned to their homework and continued while Yugi decisively closed his book and walked over to Aishana. Aishana noticed that he was stepping out of his chair and tapping her on the shoulder.
"Yes, Yugi?"
"Aishana, could I speak to you outside for a sec?"
"Um... sure."
Aishana put down her pencil and followed Yugi outside while the others stared at them part from the group. Bakura smiled, Tea frowned, Tristan had an evil glint in his eye, and Joey started clapping and cheering from behind.
"Go, Yugi!"
Yugi sweatdropped as Aishana tilted her head in confusion. (Quite naive, isn't she?) After they were outside where Grandpa's eyes had long left them alone, they found a place to sit and talk, unaware of Yami Yugi hiding out on the roof to watch them.
"Um... Aishana?"
"Yes?"
Her response was small, quiet, and shy as if the wind wanted control over Yugi through this girl. Yugi fell into her eyes as the wind played with her hair. Her image beckoned him closer while the stray strands of her long ebony hair barely touched his face. Aishana stroked her hair back behind her ears while Yugi stared at her the whole time. Her movement, her image, her voice, everything about her was just yanking on Yugi who was helplessly bound to them. After a long moment of silence, Yugi sighed.
"Never mind. It's not important."
"Yugi, all of my friends' responses are important to me."
*~*
'Yugi, don't ask something big here. It's much too early. However, what really puzzles me is something about her that doesn't feel normal...'
(hehe... puzzles... what a pun! ok... sorry... back to Yami now..) Yami continued to watch for what Yugi would do as the conversation continued.
*~*
"Well, I guess there's no harm in asking. Um, Aishana, why is it that you're only in our chemistry class?"
Aishana looked at him for a few seconds before laughing at Yugi's question. Yugi didn't cringe or turn away because he knew that this wasn't a laugh of ridicule, but a laugh of an expression such as, of course, I needed to explain that to you. Her laughing was like music to his ears just as her eyes were gems and her hair, silk.
"It's just because they haven't transferred me into a class yet. Because I have AP Calculus and Chemistry, they're trying to fit my schedule in the right class. They are going to announce it tomorrow, I think. I'll either be in your class or the class with my fellow AP Calculus friends."
"I hope you'll be in our class. I want a chance to get to know you better."
Yugi flushed slightly at his own remark while Aishana smiled at him.
*~*
'So do I, Yugi. So do I.'
*to be continued...*
Kristy Selean: Whoo!! Done with another chapter! Okie dokies... now I know everybody hates this part, but please, I would really appreciate reviews!!! I mean, it was on Thanksgiving that I typed this, vacuumed the entire house, had to cook and everything else in between such as homework and projects and an irritating sister, so please let me have a review for all my hard work!! Pretty please??? In case you were wondering, I'm 15, so yeah... It's a lot of work when there's going to be 5 FAMILIES OVER IN ONE HOUSE!!! Oh, about that coffee scene... my mom reminded me of the time I had coffee and I couldn't sleep for two days... That's about it. ^-^ Yes, the plot is coming, so don't you worry! Also, please give me ideas for PAIRINGS!!!!!!!!