Joy: Hi, everyone! Ready for the next chapter? Chapter 28 is here for your reading enjoyment. I know you guys are getting anxious, so I'm uploading the chapters faster. Now for reviewer responses! There were a lot this time! Arigatou to everyone that reviewed! (bows)

Sakura: Sure thing!

Sapphire: I don't want to give too much away, but Ryou will have a nice sized part to play in the next story, and you'll know why by the end of this story.

Dark mage of sea 13: Heh…too bad Torru can't tell, but you'll find out sooner or later.

Silver Moon Phoenix: You're right, but for now it is a mystery as to what is going on.

Midnights: Heh, Joy did, too. Arigatou!

Winged Dreams: One of the best? Really? (blushes) Arigatou! I'm flattered. I try to update quickly so as to not leave you guys hanging for too long. And yes, there is a package during this chapter, though she doesn't remember it right away.

Well, this chapter is short for a reason. The reason will be known at the end. Now I won't keep you guys hanging on my words anymore. Read on!

The Package From Home

Joy sped down the road back to her grandmother's home. As she did so, she tried once again to contact Katilli. No luck. Gods, I hope she's okay. I know she's got our monsters and all, but still…And now I'm getting this weird feeling that I'm being watched. Not good. I'm the only one without a dark to protect me at the moment. Paranoia raced through Joy's mind as she finally pulled up to her grandma's house. She got out of the car, narrowing her eyes and looking around with an air of suspicion. Then she went inside.

"Obaasan! I'm home!" she called as she came through the door. She sat down her bags and looked around. "Obaasan?" Beginning to get worried, she searched all the rooms, calling out to her. Then she came upon a note by the hall phone.

Ohayo, dear!

Welcome back! I hope your trip went well. I'm so very sorry I'm not able to be there to greet you, but I had to step out for the day on some errands. I'll be back later this evening! See you soon!

Love, Obaasan

Joy breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness she left a note. I would have gone insane with worry. Joy decided to watch some TV in the TV room. She sat down in her favorite chair – an oversized black leather recliner. She started to watch a movie. She had seen it a few times and it was a favorite of hers, but the day's events made her mind wander off the show.

I wish we could have just captured Smith. How did that complete baka manage to escape jail. I wish we could send him to the Shadow Realm like we did his master. Did Vargon help him? That must be it, but how and why? And how can we stop those two once and for all?

Joy still had this creepy feeling of being watched. It was unsettling and it made her nervous. It also made her think about Vargon and what had happened since he had shown up. Especially the abduction of Yugi.

Vargon is after the Puzzle, that was obvious when we first met him, and Sorcerer thinks he wants all the other Items as well. None of the Item holders are safe. I wish we could reach them somehow. And what about Yugi? Maybe I should call him. If I am being watched, he might be as well. I can talk to Yami and have him talk to Sorcerer.

She reached over and picked up the phone near her chair, dialing Yugi's number.

Ring…ring…ring…

"Moshi, moshi."

"Yugi? Good. It's me, Joy."

"Oh, hi, Joy! What's up?"

"Well…you are going to think it's silly, but as I was driving home, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I still think I am, even though I am inside."

"Really? Do you want to come stay with us? Yami and I would love to have you over," Yugi said, his voice showing his concern.

"No, I don't want to leave obaasan alone. She's not here right now. She left for the day. I don't want to risk leaving and her being alone. I'll be fine," Joy said, trying to sound confident.

"Well, okay. I understand. Do you want to talk to Yami about this?"

"Yeah, just for a minute." Actually, Joy was hoping that Yugi would ask her that. Yami was the next best thing to talking to Katilli. There was a short pause on the other line, then Yami's deep voice sounded into the receiver.

"Joy? Are you all right?" His voice was laced with apprehension and concern for the girl.

"Yep. Just nervous. Listen, though. Have you felt anything strange since we got back?"

"As a matter of fact, I have. I am sensing the presence of another Millennium Item, though it is very weak, meaning the item is not in Domino. Though it is most likely in Japan."

"Mmm…well, keep me informed. I still can't get a hold of Katilli. I think Vargon is somehow weakening our link. I don't know…I just hope everything is okay," Joy said, worry clear in her emotions.

"As do I. Let me know when you hear from her. She may well be back as soon as she notices the link being intercepted. And if you see anything, call."

"Right. Let Sorcerer know what's been going on for me, okay. And whatever you do, don't let Yugi hide the Puzzle again." Joy paused. "So, are you ready for the tournament?" she added, trying to lighten things up a little.

"Do not worry. I am not about to let him do anything like that, and I think Yugi more than agrees this time. And as for the tournament, Yugi and I are going to refine our decks tonight before bed."

"Me too. I'll probably do it when obaasan gets back. She said she wanted to hear all about Egypt. Though I'm not sure what to tell her. I mean, I can't tell her about going into the past, and that's where most of the trip was spent."

"Indeed. I suppose you could tell her about exploring and the pyramid. Those happened in this time period."

"Good point. And she also mentioned a nice girl's day out when I got back. I guess that would be tomorrow, since there won't be any chance of it happening today."

"Sounds nice. I want to ask you something, Joy."

"Go ahead."

"You mentioned to Yugi that you felt that you were being watched. Do you think that it is Vargon? If so, your life might be in danger, and with Katilli not there…"

"Don't worry. Like you said, Katilli could be back real soon and somehow I don't think it is Vargon. I'm not sure how to explain it, but I feel that it is someone else."

"Mmm…perhaps, but I would still feel better if my sister were there."

"Yeah, it's a real fine time for her and me to have an argument, huh?"

"Fate works in mysterious ways, ne? At any rate, keep trying to contact her and when you are successful, tell her what is going on. And if you run into trouble, you and your grandmother can come here."

"Right. I'll remember. I gotta go. I'm going to lay down and relax until obaasan gets back. I'll see you later."

"Count on it. And remember what I said. Goodbye. Oh, and Yugi said goodbye as well."

"Tell him I said bye and that I'll talk to him later. Goodbye."

After Joy hung up, she turned off the TV and went to her room to lay down and read. It had been a long day, and she needed something to calm her nerves. Then she spotted something on her bed. A package, wrapped in brown paper.

Where did – Oh! I remember! Daddy said someone sent me a package, and he sent it here for me. I wonder who its from and what it is.

She slowly opened the package…

Joy: And I'll end it here. (evil laughter) CLIFFHANGER! MUAHAHAHA! Ahem. So…yeah. That is why the chapter is so short this time. I wanted the cliffy at the end. I'm so evil.

In the next chapter you'll find out what it is. I think I will purposely leave the title a secret, just to be extra evil. =D Don't worry though, the update will come soon.

Countdown time, people! Two more chapters! The story ends at thirty!

Till next time, review!