Hey y'all! Sorry it took me so long to post an update. The last time I updated was the day before grad, so I've just been relaxing at home ever since. Then inspiration struck me and I had to start on my newest fic, Illusory Deception. Anyway, this is sort of a transition chapter, but still a good one in my opinion. Plus we get to find out why Bakura wanted Tea to dance for him (well, sort of anyway…). By the way, I just have to comment on how funny (not funny 'ha ha', but funny strange) it is that whenever I write out a new chapter to this fic, the chapters are always 4 pages longer than the last. Weird ne? I don't do it on purpose; it just comes out that way. ::shrug:: Whatever. Here are a couple review responses then I'll get on with the fic.

Cerulean no Hime: Please don't hang yourself for this, but I'm sorry to say that there will be a bit of Seto/Serenity (Seto/Shizuka) romance. SORRY!!! I'm not a huge fan of that couple, but I think it works if there's no Seto/Tea going on. It fits the fic and that's how I've had it planned. I hope you'll still read despite that fact ::bows::

Crystal Koneko: You'll find out what's up with Baku-chan this chapter. Seriously though, I had NO IDEA what I was doing when I wrote that. It just came into my head while my friends were watching me write from over my shoulder in drama class. After I posted it I was like, "What the hell?!" That became a MAJOR roadblock for me because I had to figure out how to put him back in character. I hope this chapter begins to do the idea some justice. Enjoy!

Gothic Chibi: LOL. No need for puppy eyes. ::puts hand over heart:: I solemnly swear to never give up on this fic and continue to update whenever possible. Scouts honour (even though I've never been in Scouts, or Girl Guides, or Brownies, or…)

Verose: Glad you like.

Princess-Perfect: LOL. Sorry if the Yu-Gi-Oh stuff confuses you, but I appreciate that you read it anyway! Thanks!

Treads on Silent Ground: Thanks for the comments Kat!

The Yu-Gi-Oh Dance Competition
By: Fire Maiden Kiya
2004/08/25

Genre: Humour/Romance
Part three: How are we gonna get there now that the tickets are crap?

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Come Saturday afternoon, Malik was a little more than irritable. Having gotten next to no sleep the previous night, he started the day in a sour mood. If that wasn't enough, his morning wasn't a box of chocolates wither. Now that he thought about it, tricking Yami Malik the night before wasn't the brightest idea, and practically saying that he was 'trilled' about the idea was just fanning the flame.

When Yami Malik had walked through the door at around 10 o'clock last night demanding food, Malik had thought the moment to be the perfect opportunity to call Tea as she had requested. Giving his dark half some line about 'Billy's Pizza Shack' being the only fast food place open to late night deliveries, Yami Malik had dialed the numbers given to him under the impression that he would receive his meal shortly afterwards. Man, that had not been an intelligent plan. Not at all.

When Tea answered the phone just as Malik had expected her to, Yami Malik went off. Malik was nearly whacked upside the head with a piece of 2 x 4, and that was followed by much yelling and complaining. Various curses were liberally sprinkled throughout the tirade, but the worst part of the verbal (which sometimes turned physical) attack had been when Malik had made the brilliant plan to… bait the bull you could say.

Oh Ra! That was the most idiotic move Malik had ever made. For about twenty seconds after he had assured Tea that Yami Malik would be joining them, there was absolute silence in the background. The reason Malik said it in the first place was partly to get in Tea's good graces, but for the most part it was an attempt to piss off his yami. When he received no enraged reaction, Malik had become a little scared, and as he turned around, he saw Yami Malik approaching from the direction of the kitchen with a large meat cleaver in hand. Malik had demanded to know what the hell he was doing, because everyone knew he was the only one allowed to touch those knifes! They were his prize cooking utensils after all, and a great pastry chef never let's others use his tools… (O.o)

When Yami Malik didn't answer and just kept walking forward, that's when Malik had begun to become a little worried. He'd never seen such a faraway yet calm look in his dark's eyes. Just when he was sure Yami Malik was going to walk right passed him (that or either pass out from the lack of oxygen he seemed to be taking in), Yami Malik raised his weapon and lunged.

It all turned into a slow motion battle. Malik shouted, "Crap!" and tossed the phone to Ra knows where. Quickly ducking out of the way, he evaded harm. But, Yami Malik wasn't finished, and charged again while he yelled, "Die!" Malik had to think fast, so just before the cleaver severed his head, he jumped and did a backflip, Matrix style, as the knife went over his head and sliced only air.

That was the moment Isis came in and demanded an explanation. Both her brother and his counterpart told their separate stories with much exaggeration and whining involved. Finally, when the older sibling had grasped the gist of the situation, she sent the two squabbling idiots to separate rooms for the night.

One might think that Isis' solution to their childish behaviour would solve everything, but she had obviously forgotten about their mind link, hence Malik's lack of sleep. In the morning it hadn't gotten any better wither. Before she left for work at the museum, Isis told the boys to apologize, and that it had all better have been resolved by the time she got back during the hour. Oh yeah. Like that was going to work out.

When she left the apartment, Yami Malik had walked into their room while his light was locking the door, and snatched the rod. When Malik realized his yami was no longer standing by the kitchen where he was during his sister's departure, he went to check the room. As soon as he walked through the door, he was immediately frozen on the spot. His body wouldn't move, though try as he might he remained paralyzed. Looking up, he saw Yami Malik standing there with the rod in one hand, something behind his back in the other, and a malicious smirk across his face.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" he had asked.

"Getting my revenge," his yami replied.

"What the--? Release this spell and give me back the millenium rod RIGHT NOW!"

"Oh, I think not. I have other plans," Yami Malik responded, bringing the mystery item behind his back into view.

"Aw HELL NO! You-you wouldn't d-dare!" Malik had stuttered.

At that point Yami Malik transformed the rod into a dagger and begun sawing off the arms of the small animal -- stuffed that is.

"Dear Ra!" Malik had cried. "Anything but 'Tickle-Me-Elmo!'" Unfortunately, his pleas had fallen upon deaf ears, and as Yami Malik continued to decapitate the treasured toy, Malik stood there, frozen, watching in horror.

When Isis had gotten home, Malik had been released, and stormed out the door to vent out his anger, which brings us to the present – Malik walking around Domino Park silently fuming. Just thinking about what happened brought forth incredible amounts of anger. Malik suddenly sniffed, feeling the brimming of tears at poor Elmo's untimely demise. Yami Malik had gone too far.

"The bastard..." he grumbled as he walked on.

Streets of Domino – 4:32 p.m.

"I can't believe I'm going through with this," Bakura muttered to himself as he walked to the community centre that housed the public gym and dance studio. He and Tea had agreed to meet there for her little "performance". The time was to be quarter to five, because that was the only time the space would be available for personal usage. Bakura was early though. He needed time to set up so that all would go according to plan. He scoffed, "Yes, what a brilliant stroke of genius," just as he opened the door and walked into the spacious room.

Author: Hey! Bakura! Wait a sec!

Bakura: What do you want mortal? I don't have time for your foolish blabbering.

Author: Jeez… No need to be snippy. Anyway, I kinda think everyone wants to know why you're doing this.

Bakura: It is none of their business. Leave now.

Author: Actually, it is, considering we're telling this story. And since I have my trusty portable TV/VCR with me, let's say we pop in this handy security video from last night and let everyone watch shall we?

Bakura: No.

Author: ::sigh:: I'm sorry I had to resort to this Baku-chan. But, if you can't be reasonable… ::pulls out envelope labeled 'Drinking Contest Last X-Mas'.::

Bakura: Don't even think about showing those pictures! ::grabs for envelope::

Author: No problem. As long as I get to sow the video ::smirk::

Bakura: ::grumble:: Fine.

Author: Yay! Now, everyone, say it with me.

Everyone: FLAHBACK!!!!

Scaring Duke with those scissors at the game shop had been fun, but it had turned out to be much more amusing frightening the street kids with Yami Malik. Although neither of the former spirits any longer possessed the ability to trap souls in the depths of the shadow realm, they could still conjure up the ominous darkness of said abyss. It was quite ironic how those gang members took pleasure in harassing the innocent passersby of the city, but when faced with two yamis and the evils of the shadow realm, they cowered in fear. Ah yes, it had been fun indeed.

Having had his fill of shadow magic usage for the evening, Bakura made his way back to Ryou's house. When he walked through the door, it was about 9:20, and Ryou was just finishing making dinner.

"Oh, hello Bakura," he said in his smooth English accent. "Would you like something to eat?"

He thought for a moment. He was kind of hungry actually. The last time he had eaten was when they were all at the ice cream parlor after school. Bakura answered, "What is it?"

"Just some craft dinner. Oh! By the way, Tea said to call her as soon as you got in."

"Really now? Why should I?"

Ryou sighed. "Oh come on Bakura. Just give her a quick ring. She just has something to tell you."

"And you know what that something is, correct?" Bakura questioned.

"Yes."

"Then why don't you just tell me whatever it is so I don't have to bother speaking to her?"

"Well," Ryou replied, "I think that she would rather explain it to you herself considering it was her invitation."

Bakura raised a pale eyebrow in question. "Invitation eh? And where, pray tell, does this 'invitation' request my presence?" Bakura attempted to drag the information out of his light.

"No, no Bakura. I know what you're trying to do—"

Damn it!

"—and you won't get anything from me. Call Tea so that she can tell you."

"Is that so," Bakura drawled. He materialized the millenium ring.

"What are you doing?" Ryou asked, beginning to rethink challenging his yami.

Bakura continued, "How easily the weak forget. We may no longer inhabit the same body, but I am still very much capable of locking you in your soul room. Now tell me Ryou, will you tell me what is going on, or will it become necessary for you to remain imprisoned within the walls of the ring?" Bakura gave him a moment to consider his options.

Ryou gulped.

He's serious… Sorry Tea, self-preservation dear friend.

"Alright, I'll tell you," Ryou sighed.

When he finished explaining about the competition, Bakura simply asked, "Who else is going to this thing?"

"Well, everyone I suppose. Joey, Yugi, Tristan, Duke, Serenity, Mai, Yami, Malik and I have already agreed."

"What?! Malik's going?!" Bakura began mumbling to himself, "Stupid idiot's just trying to impress Tea."

"What was that Bakura?"

"I wasn't talking to you and I won't repeat myself."

"But, I could have sworn I heard you say," Ryou deepened his voice to a raspy tone resembling that of Bakura's, "'stupid idiot's just trying to impress Tea.'"

"It's only common observation. I've seen the looks that tomb keeper is always sending the girl. I won't let him have her."

"Why Bakura," Ryou taunted, "I didn't know you could care so much for someone."

Bakura's usually slanted eyes were wide with shock. He hadn't realized he had expressed his thoughts aloud.

"Don't push me Ryou, or I might do something I won't regret."

"Come now, you just admitted that you like her. I heard you, so there's no point denying it now."

The weakling has a point… I might as well take advantage of what little good there is in this situation.

Bakura's eyes hardened, "Fine, but, know that that I've seen the looks you've been giving her as well, so either back off and help me, or I WILL kill you. You're choice."

Ryou audibly gulped.

There go all my chances with her.

"So, you want me to help you with Tea?"

Bakura sneered, "I thought that would be self-explanatory boy."

Ryou raised his hands in a defensive, 'I-mean-no-harm' gesture, "Alright, alright. Let me just think of something."

It was around half an hour later when he had finally come up with something, and when he explained his plan to Bakura, the former spirit shouted out his objection, "There is NO WAY I am going through with that. That is the stupidest plan I've ever heard of."

"Bakura, it's a good plan and it will work. Besides, I know Tea better and have for much longer than you. All you have to do is call her and do everything I said. Trust me."

I trust you just about as far as I can throw you. Wait, that's actually pretty far… Damn.

"Fine, I'll go through with this idiotic scheme of yours. But keep in mind, if this doesn't work all blame belongs to you. Got it?" he said pointing a finger in Ryou's face.

"Ya," Ryou replied.

Everyone: END FLASHBACK!

Author: ::stops tape:: Oh! So this was all Ryou's idea.

Bakura: …

Author: Aw come on. You're not still mad that I interrupted are you? I had to show everyone what happened.

Bakura: Whatever.

Author: That could mean anything, so I'll take it as you've forgiven me and we can get back to the story. ::smiles::

Bakura: ::rolls eyes and continues setting up the room::

Outside Domino Community Centre – 4:43 p.m.

"Well, this is it." Tea sighed. "Either I make this work, or we can't all enter the competition." She sighed once again as she adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder – she very well couldn't dance in her hipster jeans and peasant top.

She walked down the hall passed the front desk and the gym, and entered through the door labeled 'studio'. Sitting in a chair in the corner beside a large stereo system was none other than Bakura. He appeared to be sleeping, but if his slightly breathing was any indication, he was wide awake. Unaware was she that he had been rushing, and had only finished installing the video camera mere seconds before her arrival.

He lifted his head and his eyes locked dead on with hers, "You're late."

"No I'm not! In fact, I'm right on time." She looked indignant; he found it rather cute.

"Don't deny what you know to be true. Besides, I don't have time for your stalling. Now hurry up."

Tea huffed. "Fine. I'm gonna go change, I'll be back in a minute." She said as she headed in the direction of the adjoining locker rooms.

When she returned, she was sporting a form fitting black and white tracksuit, and her hair was in a messy ponytail atop her head. Bakura asked her, "Shouldn't you be wearing one of those frilly, pink skirt things? His tone was mocking.

"For your information, no. These are the outfits we train in. It gives more flexibility and makes movement easier for practice," she replied. "Now, I still have no idea what this is all about, but if it will get you to enter the competition, I'm all for it."

Bakura scoffed, "If you must know, the reason I requested this show of sorts is really quite simple. I refuse to enter this contest only to come out the loser. This is simply a test of your abilities. If the one who is heading this 'team' cannot measure up, what chance is there for winning? I won't lose."

At that point Tea did something very rare to her nature – she smirked. "Then you have nothing to worry about," she said as she popped in a CD and set the device on to an upbeat track. She took her position in the middle of the room while the intro played out, and when it was done she began to dance.

Bakura followed her every one of her moves in silent awe. Everyone thought ballet was a set of slow, feather-light choreographed steps, but what Tea was doing was completely different. Her body moved to the swift rhythm of the song, and every twirl or slight jump was accented by the swish of her hair or clap of her hands. It was as if she was in her own world when she danced, completely unaware or unconcerned with her surroundings.

Bakura was mesmerized, so much so that he didn't notice when she finished and turned off the CD.

"Bakura? You okay?"

He came out of his momentary stupor and responded, "Yes, I'm fine."

"Well…"

"Well what?"

She chuckled slightly, "Well did I pass? Did I surpass your expectations, meet the requirements?"

Absolutely.

Like he would say that out loud. "It was alright I suppose," he answered her.

"So? Will you enter with us?" she asked taking a swig from her water bottle.

"Whatever," came his reply as he took up his coat and walked out.

Tea just shook her head while walking to the locker room as a small smile tugged at her lips.

He couldn't just say 'yes'.

Kame Game Shop -- Yugi & Yami's room – 8:59 p.m. – Sunday night

"Hey Yami," Yugi asked. Yami answered with a preoccupied grunt, so Yugi just continued, "Are you excited about the trip tomorrow? This competition should be a lot of fun, don't you think?"

"Hn."

"Yami?" Yugi pressed again, but he received no reply. Turning around from his position on the bed, he saw Yami gazing wistfully out the window. "Not again," Yugi whispered to himself as he walked over to his dark half and tapped him on the shoulder.

Yami came out of his daze, "Huh?"

Yugi sighed. "You've got to stop pining over her."

"I can't," Yami responded.

"Can't or won't? You know, it's not right to go after the girl your best friend is madly in love with."

"Joey is your best friend Yugi, not mine. And besides, who's to say that Mai even likes him?"

"Maybe it's because she blushes every times she's close to him?"

Yami sweatdropped. "Stop bringing me down Yugi."

The shorter of the two boys in the room simply sighed once more and went back to packing for the two-week trip while Yami drifted back to his thoughts.

I don't care what anybody says. I know I can get Mai. This trip will be the perfect chance to win her over.

Domino Airport -– NYC-TJ Airways -– Gate 47 -– 9:10 a.m. – Monday

"What do you mean our tickets are invalid?!" Duke shouted to the man at the gate checking their boarding passes.

"I'm sorry Sir, but these tickets are not authentic. See this little flap her?" Duke and the others leaned in to see, and then nodded. "Well…" the ticket dude said, and began to tug at the flap, revealing the ticket to be no more than a sticker. Underneath that was a three-year-old coupon for free pizza at Billy's Pizza Shack.

"Aw hell no! This is unbelievable!" Malik shouted.

Joey leaned over the small counter separating the ticketer from the would-be travellers, and slammed his hands down on its surface. "So you're telling me that first of all our tickets are fake, and then that there's absolutely no way for us to get on this flight?" His voice was a little calm for the situation.

"Y-yes Sir."

"Oh," came his intelligent reply before Tristan and Mai had to hold him back as he practically lunged at the guy. "You better find a way to get us on that plane!"

"Easy Fido," Seto sneered.

"Lay off Kaiba!" Joey yelled back.

"Guys, this is no time to fight," Yugi said in an attempt to calm everyone.

Ryou turned to Tea and asked, "Can't we just buy real tickets and take a later flight?"

Tea looked back at him and shook her head in the negative. "When I called the Battle of the Ballerinas staff in New York, they said that we had to check in by eleven o'clock tonight or we would be pulled from the competition. Even if we could get a later flight, we wouldn't arrive until tomorrow—"

"—Which would be too late," continued Mai.

"Well, that just works out wonderfully for me now doesn't it. Farewell you losers," Yami Malik said as he prepared to leave.

"Exactly," Bakura added as he began to walk away as well.

"No way! You two aren't going ANYWHERE until we have this sorted out," Tea said as she grabbed the both of them by the backs of their collars.

"This blows," Tristan commented.

"Ya," Serenity looked disappointed, "and I was looking forward to this too."

Seto turned to look in her direction when she said this and he considered his options. He heaved a sigh. He supposed this was the correct choice. "Come on you geeks, follow me," and with that he began walking through the crowds of people. Everyone else just shrugged and went with it as Kaiba led them in the opposite direction of where they just were.

Finally after about 15 minutes of trekking through the airport, Seto stopped in front of an unfamiliar gate and everyone looked out the window they were standing beside. What they saw made all their jaws drop and hit the tiled floor. There, in all its glory, was the Kaiba Corp. jet. Their unanimous thought:This beats first class any day…

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Well, there you have it. Sad to say I don't know how often I'll be able to update anymore, although I promise to not let it drag on for over two months like I did this time. School starts back in two weeks you see –- I want to join extra-curricular stuff, plus I'm starting Japanese lessons on Saturdays too. ::sigh:: I really hope I'll find some extra time besides the weekends so that I can write more. What I want to do is finish Birthday Wishes within the remaining summer time, so hopefully having that off my shoulders will give me the extra push I'll most likely need.

Anyway, enough of my babbling. Review and comment please! I love hearing from you guys. It's all because of you that I go on.

Thanks and ciao!