Chapter 2. Dead Duelist
The woman smiled and said, It might not be direct, but as we speak, I am rendering you a great service. She nodded to something over his shoulder. As Yugi stared at the back of her head, she turned it slightly, but didn't stop walking.
Excuse me, He said suddenly, causing the girl to halt. But are you a duelist? You seem to have a duel disk, but you aren't wearing it. She turned her body to face him and answered in a faint, sweet and almost scared voice, Oh... it's awfully heavy, so I take it off when I'm not dueling... I don't like having a weight on one hand, it makes me feel unbalanced. Téa bit her lip. Yugi and everyone else just deals with it. The girl blinked. Yugi? Yugi Muto? The Yugi who came in first in duelist kingdom?
That's right. What's your name?
I'm Neko Mikiko. I was at duelist kingdom, too. I'm surprised we never run into each other there. Neko was wearing a black crepe peasant top and skirt, which had a slit up it that, in Téa's opinion, went up far too far.
I'm going to be late for the competition. We're going to be late for the competition.
Oh, I'm sorry to keep you, Téa, why don't you just go without me, I wasn't really interested anyway, have a good time, and good luck.
Good luck? My squad didn't make it to competition!
They didn't? Why are you going to watch the people who beat you cheer people who aren't there? Asked Yugi distractedly, between queries about Neko's dueling career.
You're not? That's great! I was about to get a frap. Won't you join me?
No, I've got to... see how Joey and Tristan are doing.
Oh. Okay. See you later. Said Yugi, sounding slightly surprised.
Well, Yugi, will you join me then?
Um, if you don't mind too much, Téa. Of course I mind! She thought angerily, but then put on a mayterly face and answered, If you really want to...
Thanks, Téa. See you later!
Now, who are Joey and Tristan? As they separated, Téa's mind flooded with questions about this Neko character and why she was so... innocently interested in everything. And, thought Téa, quickening her pace. Naive Yugi, who would probably answer every little innocent question.
The voice was cocky, joyful and had a bit of city accent. More than a bit. Joey came back to the ground with a resounding thunk and grinned wildly. Yeah, he thought, watching his would-be opponent dash away. Yeah, watch yourself! He cried happily at the boy's retreating back.
Are you done? Asked a very cynical voice.
Tristan! Wassup? NOT- He put his friend into a Nelson, My sister, I hope?
I wouldn't try anything with her, you'd find out before she did and I'd be dead!
Dat's right, hot shot!
Hey guys! Called Téa, running to the grappling pair. Having fun?
Muttered Tristan around Joey's elbow.
Dueling random people? But Battle city's over. You've got no excuse anymore.
Sure I do!
What is your excuse, praytell? And you better return the duel disk soon, Kaiba'll throw a fit. And THAT'S not pretty.
Téa, look around you. How many people still have their disks? We have till Monday!
It's Sunday, Joey.
Well, that means one more day of free holographic duels, courtesy of a one Shithead Kaiba.
Joey, be nice. You can't say that here.
Why not? She pointed to a three-year old with a sucker and a tee-shirt that said: censor. Wat's a sheet ed, mith ter Joey? Asked the censor. Joey grumbled and turned back to Téa.
Well, I think it's about time for the gratuitous duel for today!
**Kittywitch =^-,-^= writing duels is not my strong point.... I'll work on it. X-P Let's just let it be known that Joey's dueling.
Meanwhile, back at the fort...
So... the real reason that I agreed to come with you, not that your experiences in Battle City and Duelist Kingdom aren't interesting... Yugi began.
I know. Neko sighed gently. She pulled the comb out of her hair and put it on the table between their fraps. Her hair fell into her face, blocking her petal-patterned magenta eyes from view.
It does look old. He muttered, nudging the comb with his straw.
My father found it in a market while we where in Egypt. He got a good price because the man who sold him it said it was cursed and killed two people in the twenties. Of course, daddy scoffed and bought it for me. That's when I started playing duel monsters. Yugi nodded, though confused. It looked very much like a millennium item, with that distinctive eye and powerful aura it. A wicked aura.
It's staring at me. He squeaked. Neko laughed nervously, as if she expected someone to leap out and ask her why she dare do such a thing.
So, you came in first in the last two tournaments you where in? She asked, playing with her straw.
Yep. But neither time it was entirely for the joy of dueling. In fact, both times I found that I had no choice but to win, for the sake of others. He laughed. I must sound crazy.
No, you don't. I don't think you could say anything that would weird me out. I've seen alot.
My grandfather was trapped in a card.
That sucks. It happened to me once.
When I duel, I hear a voice in my head... and sometimes he doesn't wait for me to start dueling.
So do I, except she rarely waits for me to start dueling. I barely duel in the first place.
He saved the world.
Her voice wavered. ...Did very bad things.
He's five inches taller than me.
She's two cups larger than me. Yugi slowly closed his eyes.
Neko... this is generally referred to as oversharing.
Oh, you started it.
I believe you did.
I said I was hard to weird out. I never asked you to try. Yugi shook his head and took a sip of his drink.
So, do you have any hobbies? She asked.
Well, I duel, and... um.. I duel.
What a variety. She answered with a smirk.
And you?
Well, I play duel monsters of course, and... well, I danced for a while.
Really? I have another friend who's a dancer! I think you saw her, I think she was wearing a yellow shirt and black stockings?
The brunette? Aren't you dating her or something?
He said, sounding almost surprised by this question. I'm not dating Téa.
Oh, are we talking about dating? What is up with that?
Well, uh, Neko... what kind of dancing do you do?
I DID some traditional stuff, with the kimonos and the fans when I was younger. But mostly I've been dueling recently.
Really? That's cool. Just about everyone I know has a deck. Most of them are themed, too.
Do they? Is your deck themed?
Well, it's mostly magicians and magic. Is yours?
Cats and women. One of my favorites, of course, is the Lady Panther, but my favorite has got to be the mystical elf. Or maybe the Dark Magician Girl.
Mystical Elf and Dark Magician Girl? I have those cards in my deck, too!
Do you? I think that women and cats are very much alike, how some can be meek and quavering at the edge of shadows while some stride proudly in the darkness, sleek and stupple. He smiled.
And which are you?
If you haven't figured that out yet, you aren't going to. She scooped up the comb and for a moment he thought she was going to leave but she slipped it into her hair and continued, Well, there, you found my little passion. Why doesn't anyone well-adjusted play this game?
I resent that! He shot with a smirk. She laughed and slipped her straw absently into her glass, to find she had finished her soda.
We should duel sometime. What time is it?
That'd be fun, it's--crap. The child in a propeller beanie leapt up in his seat. Wassa crat' mither Oogi? Crap was what just walked in. As his friends filed in, Neko layed down her straw and watched them side over to their table.
Hey, Yug. Where've you been? Asked Tristan.
Um... here, I guess. Hi guys.
Hi, Yugi. Why don't you introduce us? Asked Joey, flashing his eyes towards Neko.
Well, this is Neko. Uh..
You must be his friends. He talks about you alot. I've heard wonderful things about you all.
Muttered Tristan to Joey.
You're Téa, of course, I think I've met you...
I've had the pleasure. Muttered Téa darkly. She still was brooding about how suddenly the two had gone off together.
And you'd be Tristan... and Joey. She asked, indicating the incorrect ones as she spoke.
I don't think I've ever been more insulted. Muttered Joey.
I think you have. Stupid doggy. Replied Tristan. Joey growled and gave Tristan a very sour look. His arms where still sore from that nelson.
Are they always like this? Asked Neko quietly.
No, they are unusually non-violent. Answered Yugi.
And I assure you that's a first. Added Téa.
So the only one who isn't here seems to be Bakura. Said Neko, looking around.
Now that you mention it, I haven't seen him all day. Tristan realized out loud.
That ain't good. Whispered Yugi.
We should find him. Before he causes... trouble.
Yeah, we'll start looking. C'mon Yugi.
Actually guys... He began quietly, I'm kinda in the middle of something here. Téa looked sourly at Neko.
It's okay, Yugi. Said Neko, pulling out a pen. Find your friend, I'd like to meet him sometime. And here's- She wrote something on the corner of a napkin, -my number. I'd love to duel you sometime. She handed it to him and left.
Mocked Tristan. And they say duelists don't get groupies.
You mean you haven't seen the posters for the Seto Kaiba fan club?
Damn! If I'd known that you could impress girls by dueling, I'd have started long ago! Joked Tristan.
What are you talking about? Asked a oblivious, confused Yugi. She just wants to duel me. Tristan and Joey smirked at each other, both thinking about different stresses on the word .
She wants to duel him.
You'd think she'd want to see his deck first.
Oh, grow up! Screamed Téa suddenly. Lay off the innuendoes! I don't think she's even capable of what you are insinuating, and even if she was, you wouldn't be discussing it if you didn't want to think about it! They did and winced.
Sorry, Téa.
Look, Yugi... She whispered, taking him aside, Why is it you went off with her?
Well, because she had a millennium item. The comb.
Téa sighed, What are the millennium items?
Uh, the puzzle, the ring, the eye, the key, the necklace, the rod, and the scales Shadi told us about.
Right. And how many is that?
Um, seven.
And how many total did it mention on the tablet?
Right. So does the millennium comb come from?
She grabbed her face and shook her head.
No. There are seven items, and none of them is the comb.
What exactly are you saying?
Well, I think the comb is NOT a millennium item.
Then what is it?
A piece of metal. I think she's just saying it is.
Why would she do that?
...well, Yugi... you're sweet, you're famous, and you're really cute...
Téa, is this really the time?
...the point is, Yugi, I think she was lying about it being a millennium item to impress you. Yugi was beginning to get the feeling that he no longer wanted to be part of this conversation.
So guys, He said, breaking away, You said you couldn't find Bakura?
Yeah, we where starting to get worried about him. Said Tristan. Joey laughed lightheartedly.
What's the worst thing that he could be doing?
Bakura walked innocently past the shops and rows of what was once battle city. Like a good dooby, he had immediately returned his duel disk, although there was another reason he did so, not as sinister as one may think.
Damn thing was giving me a rash, anyway. He muttered, rubbing his wrist. He smoothed back one unruly white lock and leaned against a wall.
Hey, kid! Get offa there!
Oh, I'm sorry. He said meekly, straightening. Walking on, he pulled his deck out of his pocket and started thumbing though it. Chain Energy, he thought as he walked, Man-Eater Bug... Change of Heart-
Cards were flying everywhere. Not looking up, Bakura had managed to walk into someone else who was also looking at cards.
I'm sorry, Said Neko meekly, I wasn't watching where I was going.
Well, that's alright. He returned, Neither was I. Both of them managed to fall on their bums when they knocked heads.
Goodness. Cards everywhere. Well, this one's mine, and that's mine... Began Bakura, gathering cards.
Let's see, Waboku... Gyakutenno Megami, Ancient Elf... She began, naming each card as she picked it up. They both reached for Chain Energy and bumped hands.
Oh, I'm sorry.
No, it's alright, that one must be yours, then that would be mine over there. Said Neko meekly. They each picked up a card and examined it.
No, this must be yours, I only have- They began together. White hole. Finished Neko. Black hole. said Bakura at the exact same time. They handed each other their cards and picked up the rest.
Said Bakura, getting up, Let me help you. He offered her a hand.
He helped her up and she took a step back.
Second duelist I've run into' today, so to speak.
Well, I doubt it'll be the last. They're still lingering after Battle City.
So how many do you think will be in the next one?
Excuse me? What next one?
Dead Duelist. I just saw the poster for it over there, and that's why I was looking at my deck.
Dead Duelist'? He asked.
Yeah, it's being held in this huge below surface goth club. What a weird place for a Duel Monsters Tournament, don't you think?
Well, it better than the duelists bringing the goth club with them like what practically happened before.
Hmm, now how many gothy duelists do you know?
Well, there's one standing right in front of me.
Now what makes you say that? She asked innocently.
I think it's the eyeliner.
You are no one to say anything about eyeliner. She said sweetly, placing one finger underneath his eye and flicking it up, tracing his.
Oh, great, you smeared it!
I'm sorry, I didn't think I did...
Okay, maybe you didn't. Who are you anyway?
My name is Neko. And yours?
Oh, I think somebody mentioned you to me just now!
Really? Who?
Do you know Yugi Muto?
Yes, he's a school friend, but we haven't talked nearly enough since the last tournament.
Battle City or Duelist Kingdom?
Duelist Kingdom. Speaking of tournaments, do you know who's holding Dead Duelist?
No, but the poster's right there if you want to see it. Neko ran her finger down the facts and whispered them under her breath as she read them.
Dead Duelist... to be held in The Giza, a large club an hour from Battle City... here it is...writing's tiny, though... They squinted at the name.
No way. Whispered Bakura.
That IS surprising.. I thought he was missing...
That's surprising... I thought I'd killed him.
Ooo... got her number and everything...
Shut up! Sighed Yugi exasperatedly.
Solomon Muto was muttering cryptically to himself, paying no attention to the young woman with black and white hair perusing though his wares and rendering him the same service. She had a small golden ring around her neck on a ribbon, and was dressed rather froofully. In precession, Yugi and the others, minus Bakura and Neko, entered his grandfather's shop.
Hi, Grandpa. Said Yugi lightly, swinging himself onto a counter.
Hello, Yugi. Replied Mr. Muto vacantly, taking some boxes of cards out of a shipment box. You seem to be in a good mood.
He should be. Said Tristan. He just got a girl's phone number.
Mr. Muto cried as packs of cards slid across the floor.
Shut up! Hissed Yugi in a completely different tone. No, Tristan's just being a- no, no, it's nothing grandpa... no it's not like it's a girl's phone number, it's just a number that happens to be that of a girl... I mean... He fell off the counter under his grandpa's glare but didn't seem to notice. If she was a guy, I'd be just as willing to--that's not what I meant... he's just jealous! He thinks she's pretty! Um, I mean...
Let me see- Mr. Muto rumbled in a most thunderstorm-like way, The number. Yugi took the corner of napkin out of his pocket and handed it to his grandfather.
You had better pray- He growled, picking up the phone, That this is not her number, and she just wanted to jerk your leg, not- His eyes gleamed in a way Yugi had never seen, Something else.
Thought you'd what...? Began Neko, but she was cut off by a most unusual sound.
Be-beep! Beep beep beep be be beep beep beep beep... Be-beep! Beep beep beep be be beep beep beep beee-ep! Be-ee-ep! Be-ee-ep! Which no one but perhaps a duelette would recognize as Your Move, a song about dueling in areas. (Available on Yu*Gi*Oh! soundtrack) She pulled her cell phone, which was black with cat ears, one of which was a cleverly disguised antenna.
Hello, is this Neko Mikiko?
Yes, who is this?
This is...Yugi.
Oh no. Muttered Yugi.
Hi, honey snhookums wovey pussy cat! Neko gave Bakura a very confused glance and replied, I can ALMOST understand pussycat', but the rest of that was completely...
This cannot be happening... Moaned Yugi.
Okay, I think we have a bad connection... I am hearing voices in the background... Neko said into a speaker. And you don't sound at all like yourself.. in fact, one of the voices in the background sounds more like you than you do. The others are laughing.
Yeah, I think we do. Goodbye! And he hung up.
Well, that went well. Said Angelie Cerifine, the girl who was examining cards, snidely.
I think I just met Yugi's parent. Muttered Neko, programming the number into her phone.
That's very clever of you. Said Bakura.
What, do you think this my first time giving a guy my number?
Well, no, I mean, of course not.
Well, it was.