A few notes before I begin: Sorry this took so long. I hope it hasn't lost its appeal now that RotK is out. Actually, I was surprised (but happy!) about its appeal. I had no idea so many people were interested in this thread : )

Thank you to Firelien for pointing out my error in having spoilers. It was very inconsiderate of me to write those without a warning, and I'm glad you told me. I honestly wouldn't have noticed otherwise.

About Yami having a body. yes, that is a plot hole. I don't know how they managed it, but all the yamis in the story will have bodies. After all, it's hard to dress up while existing as a spirit. My other stories don't have this plot hole.

Sorry about the lack of Merik and Bakura. They will come soon.

One last thing! I accidentally had Yami tell Joey that he had 'four centuries of literature to catch up on.' I think I meant millenniums. Hey, has anyone noticed what crown Yami is wearing when he is shown in hieroglyphics: upper, lower, both, or none?

On with the story!

* * *

Tristen often walked home with Joey, his blond friend's house being en route with his. Today was no different, and the two boys talked about school, friends, and duel monsters. School was the same as ever. None of their friends had been kidnapped lately, and there were no major tournaments playing. The topics of conversation soon ran dry, and the boys fell into a comfortable silence.

As they turned on to Joey's street, Tristen spoke up. "So," he said casually. "How's Serenity doing?"

Joey rolled his eyes. He liked it that his sister got along with his friends. Really, he did. He just didn't like how well some of his friends got along with her. It just felt wrong. Joey knew Serenity was only a few years younger than himself, but to him she would always be his baby sis. The thought of her and Tristen. . . it was wrong. But what could he do?

Huh. What could he do?

"Serenity's okay. Ya know, she's really excited about that party coming up. Turns out she's always loved the Lord of the Rings; she says the books inspire her. She even knows some Elvish."

"Really?" Tristen had never heard Serenity talk about Lord of the Rings, but then again, they rarely had long, deep discussions about books.

"Yeah. She told me that Elvish is the most romantic language she's heard. It gets her down that no one here can speak it to her."

They had reached Joey's house. Tristen turned to face his friend. "Romantic?" He stuttered.

Joey shrugged nonchalantly. "Yep. Romantic. Well, see ya tomorrow." And he ducked quickly into his home.

"Hey, Joey, is that you?" Serenity walked into the room, carrying with her a large bowl of cereal. Joey smiled. Despite the fact that she was a petite girl, she ate like a teenage boy. It must be in the Wheeler's genes, Joey figured as he headed towards the kitchen, dumping his backpack along the way. His sister trailed behind him, munching happily.

After they had exchanged stories about their school day and finished their snack, Serenity began her homework at the kitchen table. Joey sat for a while, uncharacteristically quiet as he studied the moment of domestic happiness.

"So, sis," he broke the silence. "Do you know any Elvish?"

Serenity was confused. "Um, no."

Joey nodded, satisfied. "I didn't think so."

* * *

Mokuba was sprawled on the floor doing his homework when Seto came home. "Hey big brother," he greeted cheerfully as he stood up and stretched. "Where have you been?"

Seto ignored the question. "What have I told you about proper studying habits? You should sit at a desk; Lord knows we have plenty of them."

For the length the reprimand, Mokuba had been eyeing the bags in Seto's hand with curiosity. Seto rarely bought anything himself. He despised the hordes of people found at markets and malls. Catching his little brother's gaze, Seto flashed a Cheshire smile and reached into a bag. There was a metallic glint as he pulled out a ring on a silver chain and held it to the light.

"The One Ring!" Mokuba started to take the offered ring, but Seto held the small trinket out of his reach. "Please, big brother? I won't lose it," he pleaded.

"Oh, that's not what I'm worried about."

"Then what are you-" Mokuba paused, his eyes narrowing. "You're not trying to get out of the party again!"

Seto sighed. "No, I already agreed to go, so I'll go. But I will not sit with those children at the theater."

Mokuba was instantly downcast. "But I wanted to sit with my big brother and my friends," he said, inflicting the sentence with enough sorrow for a Shakespearean tragedy.

Seto could feel his will slipping. Damn it, not again! Holding his brother in a stern gaze, Seto held the One Ring in a tantalizing manner. "I will not sit next to anyone who makes snide comments during the battle scenes."

"Fine, I won't seat you next to Joey."

"I refuse to listen to anyone turn the movie into a giant friendship lecture."

"All right, Tea won't sit next to you."

"I will destroy anyone who throws popcorn at me."

Mokuba tilted his head to one side, frowning. "You won't sit near . . . yami Bakura?"

With a satisfied nod, Seto conceded and dropped the golden band into Mokuba's hand, the chain pooling in his small palm. "It's made to react to body heat," Seto told him.

Mokuba held the ring near his mouth and blew warm breath onto it. Slowly, red scrolling letters appeared. Mokuba broke into a dazzling grin. "Wow, thank you, Seto!" Curiosity once again won him over. "What else did you buy?"

Seto showed his brother his new sword, holding it reverently in his hands. Mokuba admired the beautiful weapon. He glanced up at Seto, humor in his eyes. "Now you have a blue-eyes, white dragon sword!"