a/n: Here we go. I know, I know, my author's notes suck right? Well, if you don't like them, SKIP THEM!! You don't /have/ to read them. But, if you really have nothing else to do, I guess you can read them if you /really/ want.

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"Where is she?" Elaine asked. Kai had been gone for a while now.

"Maybe one of us should go find her," Tea said.

"She's probably faking it," Joey whispered to Elaine, who was sitting next to him. "So you won't tell Carlos about her and Yugi."

Elaine considered that possibility. It was plausible. Kai did do that sometimes. She was probably hiding now that she was out of the room, so that in case Elaine said something, she wouldn't be there for people to see her blush.

Yami was thinking along the same turns, only he thought she was going to that spot in the woods she had shown him earlier. It wasn't a bad idea and he was considering doing that himself. The last thing he needed was Joey to see him go red in the face when Elaine told her brother what she thought had gone on. He'd try to defend himself if he only knew how. How would he do it without telling everyone Kai had a secret hideout?

He had moved to the couch in Kai's seat and he wasn't pleased to see Joey whispering to Elaine.

The more he thought of it, the better escaping this place sounded. Finally, when he saw Elaine start to open her mouth, he said, "I think I know where she is. I'll go see." There were a few snickers around the room as he stood up, but he pretended not to hear.

He went to the back door and opened it, but something stopped it. He looked around the door, confused.

"Kai!" he yelled, dropping to his knees beside her. She wasn't moving. He pushed her onto her back and her head rolled to the side.

Carlos and Elaine stared at each other when they heard Yami's cry. Then, all at the same time, the friends jumped up and ran to the back door.

"What happened?" Tea cried, trying to get outside. "Kai!" she exclaimed when she saw her friend.

Carlos pushed through and shoved Yami to the side when he saw her. "Oh, no," he moaned. He lifted her in his arms and everyone moved aside so he could get through the doorway. Yami got off the ground and followed Carlos inside. He wasn't even mad at him. Not yet anyway.

Carlos laid Kai on the couch and felt her pulse. "It's normal," he informed everyone.

"She must have slipped and hit her head or something," Joey said, leaning over the back of the couch.

What /had/ happened? Yami sat down in the chair and stared at Kai. Had she really fallen, or had it been something else? She seemed to be in more pain from her "headache" then normal. Could she have been lying?

A few minutes later, her eyes fluttered open.

"Kai! Are you okay?" Carlos asked, helping her sit up.

"Aside from this nail in my head, I'm fine," Kai said, placing a hand on her forehead.

"What happened?" Tea asked.

Kai thought for a minute. "I... don't know. I must have tripped or something. I don't remember."

"That's what I thought," Joey said. "Are you okay now?"

Kai nodded. "Yeah. Do you have any Advil?"

"I gave you some just before you left," Elaine said, looking at her friend with a strange expression.

"Oh. Yeah. That's right," Kai said, remembering. Just before she had left because of her headache. The pain must have been so great that she passed out. But why? She had never had a headache that bad before. She wasn't aware that they even existed.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Carlos asked.

Kai nodded. "Yeah. I just have a major headache still. It's annoying, really."

"They always are," Carlos agreed with a grin.

"What time is it?" Kai asked.

"Four thirty," Elaine replied.

"What?" Kai asked, snapping her head up. "I'll be late!" She jumped up and headed for the door, her headache forgotten.

"Late for what?" Joey asked.

"What are you talking about?" Tea asked.

"D.C.I.S. Kai, are you sure you want to go?" Carlos asked, nearly tripping over the couch in his hurry to intercept her.

"What?" Tristan and Joey asked in unison.

"I'm fine," Kai said. "There's a competition tonight! I can't be late!" She darted out the door and set off at a run to her house. She had a half hour to change, and then get to the club. She had never been late for it and she wasn't anxious to be this time.

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"What's D.C.I.S.?" Tea asked Carlos when he plopped back down on the couch.

Carlos sighed. "Dancing Club of Island Springs. Kai and I started it a few years ago. It's really popular. We meet every Saturday night and dance. And we hold competitions every month. Kai has absolutely never been late. I don't think she's ever been late for anything, ever!"

"A dancing club? Is she well enough to do that?" Tea asked.

"I don't think so. But when Kai wants to do something, she does it, no matter what. There's no stopping her. I've tried," Carlos replied with a glum expression. "I'm going to go over and walk her there." He stood up and so did the rest of them.

"We're coming too," Tea declared.

"To the house, yes," Carlos said, opening the door. Having Yami at the club was the last thing Carlos wanted.

"And to the club. It sounds like fun," Tea said, walking beside him.

"Besides, the more people to watch after Kai, the better," Bakura said.

Carlos glared ahead, but he knew they were right. If Kai was going to do this, it would be best to have as many friends there as possible in case something went wrong.

They arrived at Kai's house a few minutes later. Elaine opened the door and led everyone inside. Kai came out of her room a few minutes later in a black tee shirt with "Dancing Queen" on it in red lettering, a red jacket and black pants.

"Oh, hi. Are you guys coming?" she asked, checking her watch and groaning.

"Yeah," Tea said as Kai dashed by her and out the door. "Hey, wait!"

"I can't be late! I have a reputation to uphold!" Kai said, running down the road.

The others ran after her until Kai had to stop to catch her breath. Her head still hurt, but she ignored it.

"You have time," Carlos said. "It's four fifty. It won't take us ten minutes to get there."

"Oh, good," Kai said, sighing in relief. She started again, this time at a much slower pace.

"So what's this whole thing about?" Tea asked.

"How much did Carlos tell you?" she asked.

"Only that there was a competition tonight."

"Oh. Okay. Well, there's a girls' division and a boys' division for the competition. Each one has a winner. I'm the all time champion from the girls' group and swizzle stick over here is the champ of the boys'," Kai said, indicating Carlos. She got a number of laughs and even Carlos grinned. He was used to Kai's jokes.

"Both the winners from the groups dance together before the night is over. Sort of like King and Queen of the prom," Kai explained.

"And you're always the winner?" Tea asked, getting excited. Kai nodded proudly.

"And me," Carlos said. They didn't /have/ to give Kai all the credit.

"If you go to this club, do you /have/ to compete?" Joey asked.

"Of course not. Just go to have fun," Kai said.

"Can I compete?" Tea asked.

"Uh, sure," Kai said.

"You're in for some tough competition," Carlos said.

"That's okay," Tea replied.

Yami had seen Tea's dancing once before at a different club. She had beaten the champion there, and he had been cheating! Personally, he thought Kai was the one in for some tough competition. Though he sort of hoped Kai would win. She had a lot more riding on this than Tea. She had a reputation there. If Tea lost, no one would care.

They arrived at the club a minute before five, much to Kai's delight. Carlos held the door for her and she nodded graciously. He allowed Tea, Joey, Tristan and Bakura to walk through as well, but let the door swing shut in Yami's face.

Yami stood there for a few seconds in surprise, then let himself in. What was wrong with Carlos? He hadn't been too friendly toward him lately. What was his problem? Yami hadn't done anything to him.

When he caught sight of Kai, she was already dancing with Carlos to the fast tune that the band was playing. Pushing through the crowd, he stopped next to Joey and his other friends.

"Hey! Where'd you go?" Joey asked. Yami just shrugged as a man called everyone's attention.

"Now, for the moment we've all been waiting for all month, the Island Springs Dance Competition! As we all know, the contestants will be judged on their performance and presence, etc. etc. Well, ladies first! Line up!" he said.

A number of girls pushed through the crowd and lined up at the edge of the stage. Kai gave Yami a thumbs up and Carlos a wink before she made her way to the end of the line. Tea went and stood behind her.

"Our first contestant. Elaine Trevino!"

Elaine jumped onto the stage and punched the air for emphasis. She got a bunch of cheers, her brother included.

A few seconds later, the music started up and Elaine launched into her dance. She was fairly good, Yami assessed. But she didn't have a prayer against Tea.

A number of other girls he didn't know came after her. Each one had a different thing they did before starting their dance. He guessed that was just something to catch everyone's attention.

Finally, it was Kai's turn. Yami could see that she was itching to get up there.

"And now, the all time champion, Kai-Tara Lee!"

Yami, Carlos and his friends weren't the only ones cheering for her. It seemed everyone in the room thought she was great as she did a few spins into the center of the stage as her entrance.

"All right Kai! Come on! Knock 'em dead!" Carlos was saying. "That last dance is ours!"

The music started and Yami could see immediately that Kai deserved her title. She was far better than the girls that came before her. She looked like she was having tons of fun up there and he was enjoying watching her. The song was fast and he was amazed that she could keep up with it. From what he could remember of Tea's dancing, Kai was just as good.

When she finished there were lots of cheers and whoops. She beamed as she got off the stage.

"All right! You were awesome like always," Carlos exclaimed, putting one arm around her and messing with her hair when she came over.

"Hey!" she laughed and pushed him away.

"You were excellent!" Yami said as the announcer called Tea's name.

"Tea's up!" Tristan said.

"Come on Tea!" Joey exclaimed.

Yami could see that she was a little nervous from Kai's earlier performance, but she recovered quickly. Her song was slower than Kai's, but still upbeat. When she finished, Yami couldn't begin to decide who was better.

"Tea, you were terrific!" Joey said, when she came over.

"Yeah!" Tristan said.

"Thanks," she beamed.

- She really was, - Kai thought nervously. - What if she wins? -

"I can't believe they're going to make us wait until /after/ the boys before they tell us the winner," Kai complained.

"I think you'll live," Carlos said, grinning.

"That was terrific! I think our champ is going to have a run for her money with that last contestant. Let's give the girls a last round of applause," the announcer said and the room erupted with cheers and claps.

Kai beamed as Carlos put an arm around her. Tea grinned at the fact that she was as good as Kai. Maybe she'd actually win!

"Now, for the boys!" called the announcer.

"Yeah! All right Carlos! Come on!" Kai exclaimed as her friend went to line up.

"Show everyone what a real dancer's like!" Elaine called.

When the first guy started, Yami found he was a bit bored. He looked over at Carlos. He was standing at the end of the line, arms folded with a look on his face like he owned the place. Yami saw him glance at Kai, who gave him a thumbs up.

The pain behind Kai's temples was still there, but it wasn't getting worse, so she ignored it. She still had that dance with Carlos later. Then a new worry came to her. What if Tea won? That would be the end of her streak. She no longer would be the best. Dancing was the only thing she was the best at. She had to have that last dance. Tea just couldn't win.

Yami could see that Kai was nervous. - She really wants to win this thing. What if she doesn't? What if she loses? - He hoped that wouldn't happen.

"And now, the champion from the boys' division, Carlos Trevino!"

Carlos came onto the stage punching the air, and the room exploded. Yami noticed that the girls especially were cheering. He and Joey exchanged looks as Carlos' music started. Yami thought Carlos looked kind of stupid, but Kai was watching her friend with a huge smile.

- Carlos will win the boys' division for sure! I have to be the one to dance with him! Tea can't win! -

Tea wanted to be the one to go up and dance with Carlos, but it wasn't mandatory for her. If she lost, it wouldn't be any big thing. It was fun just to get up and dance again.

"Well done, Carlos," the announcer said when he had finished. "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... well, continue to wait. We'll tell you the winners in a few minutes. In the meantime, enjoy a few dances!"

The band started up playing a fast tune as Carlos came over.

"Carlos you were great!" Kai exclaimed.

"Yeah! That dance is yours for certain!" Elaine said.

"And Kai's," Carlos said and Kai grinned.

"We don't know that yet. Tea might win," Joey said. Kai's grin faded slightly at that.

- That's right Joey, - Yami thought darkly.

"Well, if she does, that's okay," Kai said, trying to make her face agree with her words. Tea grinned, embarrassed.

"Come, on. Dance with me. It'll be practice for when we're up on stage. Not that we need any of course," Carlos said, pulling Kai over.

"Kai was better than me. She's going to win," Tea said, watching Carlos and Kai move to the beat. She didn't really care, but Tristan didn't help.

"She wasn't /that/ much better," he said.

- Another smooth talker, - Yami thought. Though his tune was a little lighter about Tea. The glare she gave Tristan said it all.

The song ended soon after and a slower, but still upbeat one began to play.

"I'll be back in a few minutes, okay?" Kai said to Carlos, and ran over to the gang. Carlos stared after her, confused.

"Hey!" Kai said, pulling on Yami's arm. "Dance with me!"

"What?" Yami asked. "No, I -"

"Come on!" Kai pulled him toward the dance floor.

Yami didn't know what to do. He didn't know how to dance! What was he supposed to do? "No, I don't dance," he said.

"That's ridiculous. It's easy! Come on! Please?"

"I can't!" Yami tried. - Joey's never going to let me hear the end of this. -

"Sure you can," Kai said, tugging on his arm.

He looked over his shoulder at his friends and they were nearly falling on the floor, they were laughing so hard. He scowled, knowing they wouldn't be any help.

"Look, Kai, I don't dance," he said, standing in front of her on the floor. She folded her arms and looked at him.

"Aww. Why not?"

"Because I can't. I've never done it before." That should set her straight.

"But it's easy! It's so easy! You can do it, come on," She grabbed his wrist as the song ended. She immediately dropped it and turned to the stage along with everyone else to see if the announcer was coming on. Instead, the band struck up a slow song. She was disappointed only for a second though. She turned back to Yami who was trying desperately to back away.

"If you don't know how to dance, this is perfect for you to learn!" she said, going over and wrapping her arms around his neck.

Yami stared at her in shock. What now?

"Come on, you have to know this much. Like this." Kai put his hands on her waist and he felt himself go slightly red.

She started to guide him and he stumbled a bit. She gave a small laugh and smiled at him. He gave a small smile despite himself. Slowly he got the hang of it. It really was pretty easy. And for those few minutes, all thoughts of Joey's endless teasing were driven from his mind.

Carlos stood a ways away and watched Yami end the dance by giving Kai a turn. He scowled, then looked up at the stage to see the announcer come up.

"Are you ready?" he asked. A few people called out "Yeah." "I can't hear you!" he called.

"Yeah!" the crowd cried, Kai and Carlos included.

"All right! Let's see," the announcer said, opening the envelope. "The winner of the boys' division is..."

Carlos had walked over to Kai and he was now standing next to her, trying not too look to anxious.

"Carlos Trevino! He's still got it! Come on up here Carlos!"

"Yeah!" Carlos exclaimed as he started to the stage.

"All right Carlos!" Kai cried.

"Oh yeah!" Elaine said, punching the air.

People were cheering as Carlos stood on stage next to the announcer. He looked as though he had just been crowned King of the world.

"And the winner of the girls' division is..."

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a/n: Tune in next time to see who the winner is! Of course, you have to review first...