Hi, I'm back. Thank you, Princess Atina, for reviewing; everyone else, please review! Let me know you're there! If there's nobody else…well, it doesn't matter, because my muses will insist I post chapters anyway. *sigh* Why do I let you two control my life?
Lily: Because I'm cute and funny.
Nina: Because you know I can torment you if you don't.
Both: Because no matter how inconvenient we can be, you still love us!
^_^; oh, yeah…
Anyway, more explanations: I forgot to mention, this fic is also going to involve a different kind of card game, one that I like to play, called Magic: The Gathering. Wizards of the Coast owns it and all the cards associated with it unless I specifically state otherwise. Also, I will be posting quotes and song lyrics which I associate with each chapter at the beginning. Often, I hear a few lines of a song that I think are just *so* perfect…but then the rest of the song doesn't match, or it would be too difficult to put into a songfic. This is my solution. Some will be cute, some will be serious, some will be nonexistent, depending on my mood.
On with the show!
Oh, and I've figured out how to apply underlines and italics, so from now on, this is thoughts and this is emphasis. Mind-speech is //this//.
And I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Chapter 2: A Place to Stay
"There's no place like home…" –D. Gale
Yugi and Yami sat stunned when Laurel had finished her story. After a moment, Yugi spoke. "H-how long ago was that?" he asked hesitantly.
"Two years," she replied softly, not looking up. Yugi's eyes widened in shock; he seemed unable to reply.
Yami remained silent, his expression unreadable to most. Only someone who knew him well would have noted the slight differences in the set of his lips and the tightness around his eyes, that betrayed his cold fury at how the girl had been treated. The thought of one so young living in such constant fear was appalling. And today, she had nearly been caught. If she had ducked into some other store, or tried to keep running, she would have been found, sooner or later. He was suddenly very glad that the men had chased her here. He studied her face. She seemed young, a little older than Yugi; perhaps around Yami's physical age. Her hair, a dishwater-blonde color, was grimy and tangled; the tears falling from her stormy blue eyes left streaks in the dirt on her face. She was the very picture of misery, and Yami wanted very much to help her. "You could stay here with us," he found himself suggesting, much to the surprise of both himself and Yugi. Once Yugi had gotten over the initial shock, he grinned.
"That's a great idea, Yami! We can help her! And I'm sure Grandpa will let her stay." He looked to Laurel for her response.
She seemed touched, but uncertain. Yami realized that most people were probably unwilling to take someone in who was being hunted by such a merciless killer. She'd probably had to beg most folks to let her stay just one night. It was understandable, but he felt a flare of anger anyway. Laurel dissipated it a moment later by speaking.
"I…I appreciate the offer. You guys are really sweet…" she began. Yami seemed a little taken aback; 'sweet' was not high on the list of adjectives usually used to describe him. Not noticing, Laurel continued, "But I don't want to put you in danger. I'm sure you'd do your best to protect me, but the guy with the cougar isn't the only one trying to get me. One place I was staying, this vampire dude came out of the computer and tried to grab me. Called himself 'Myo'-something. Then there's the creepy old guy in the shimmery white robes, and the one with olive skin, red hair, and a gigantic nose. And there's this guy in a black cloak, he's really scary. He's got some kind of birth defect or something; no nose at all, just a couple of slits –looked kind of like that American rock star Michael Jackson –and red eyes. That one was waving a stick around, and weird stuff kept happening…anyway, you see that I can't stay. I know you'd try, but I don't think there's anyone who could stand up to them. They've all got weird powers, and unless you had some too, or a magic army stashed away somewhere," she eyed them, "unlikely, they'd simply be too much for you." She looked at them apologetically, "I wish I could stay put somewhere…but I just can't."
Yugi looked at his 'brother', "You think we should tell her?"
"I don't think we have a lot of choice, if we want to convince her to stay." He paused for a moment, trying to decide on the best choice of words. How can I say this without frightening her off? "I'm not exactly normal myself…" he started. Laurel suddenly grew edgy and suspicious again.
"What do you mean? Don't tell me you want my medallion, too!" She clutched it protectively.
"No, no, that's not it at all. I…hmm. Let's try it this way. Didn't you think I looked a little young to be one of the world's leading experts on ancient Egypt?"
"A little…I just figured you're older than you look…" She sounded uncertain.
He snorted gently. "You could say that. About 5,000 years older, as a matter of fact."
Laurel stared in disbelief. She stood and faced him, looking indignant. "I can't believe this! You think I'm making it up?! There are people chasing me!" She rounded on Yugi, "Yugi, you saw that guy's minions. You believe me, right?!"
Yugi nodded quickly, "I believe you…I believe both of you, as a matter of fact." He smiled a little, "I know it seems crazy. I wouldn't believe the story myself if I hadn't lived it, but…let me explain how we met." He related to her the story of how Yami had been trapped inside the Millennium Puzzle, until Yugi had freed him, and the adventures they'd had since, including how Yami had finally figured out enough of how to use the Puzzle's magic that he could form his own body to inhabit, rather than having to borrow Yugi's. When he was done, it was Laurel's turn to be stunned into silence.
"Okay…" she said finally, in a small voice, "maybe you can help me." She turned to Yami, "I'm sorry I didn't believe you…it was a bit much to swallow."
He waved off the apology, "I understand completely."
She smiled gratefully, and then changed the subject. "So, what does this medallion do, exactly, that makes people want it so badly?"
"The Medallion of Bastet has the power to take its bearer between different planes, or dimensions, as I believe they are now called," Yami said by way of explanation. When the others looked blank, he sweatdropped. "You do know about other dimensions, right?" They both shook their heads. Yami sighed. "Well, the first example that comes to mind is the Shadow Realm, of course. Each dimension is a different world, but not one which can be reached by traveling any distance. I don't know how it works, so please don't ask. The number of dimensions is infinite, as is the variety. There are some in which humans are not the only intelligent species; they coexist with peoples considered in this world to be mythological. In another, people capture animals and train them to fight. There is one dimension entirely made of myths and stories from others; it is sort of a connection station to all the others in this group of worlds. At any rate, they are all connected in thousands of little ways; if the balance between good and evil is thrown off in one of them, it affects all of the others nearby. There are many ways to travel through dimensions; however, most require a special item, a lot of power or a lot of risk, and those that don't require any of these can only be found by accident. Therefore, the items which allow such travel are highly coveted, and pursued whenever they appear." He looked at Laurel, "It is possible that some or all of your foes are from other worlds."
She shivered, "That would explain why the snake-dude, the one in black, was waving a stick around. And the guy in the white robe, I've never seen material that shimmered that way, like cloth made from a rainbow."
"It would indeed explain many things. So will you stay here?"
"Yes. Definitely. If it's all right with your grandpa, that is. In which case," she stood and stretched, "it's been a while since I've had a chance to clean up. Any possibility of my getting a bath?"
"Oh, sure. It's over this way, in here," Yugi said, leading her down the hall to the bathroom.
"I don't suppose you have anything in the line of conditioner or detangler…" she said as she pushed the door open. Her eyes widened as she saw that the counter was crammed with hair care products. "Or I could be mistaken." She glanced at Yugi, who was grinning sheepishly. "Of course. With hair like that, you'd have to have this stuff." She looked around, found everything to her satisfaction, and primly waved Yugi out. Once he was gone, she plugged the bathtub, turned the water on, and began peeling off layers of clothing. Rain gear, polar fleece, everyday clothes, long underwear…whew! Oh, it feels good to be rid of that stuff. (A/N: this is approximately what I wear when I go hiking.) Standing in her underwear, she tested the water. Just right. Removing her final layer, she sank gratefully into the hot water and let it begin loosening the layers of grime. She needed time to think.
Clearly, she had found friends, friends who were both willing and able to help her. She said a quick prayer of thanks to whatever instinct it was that had told her to duck into the Kame Game Shop. But…now what would she do? Just hide here, depending on her friends and their powers in order to survive, hoping against hope that her pursuers would give up the chase? Not much of a life. But what else could she do? Maybe Yami would have some ideas.
Yami…now he was interesting. Yugi seemed pretty straightforward; sweet, innocent, and courageous all the way through. Yami was different, though. He had the same courage, but he added a confidence and majesty to it that Yugi didn't have. He had seen more of the darkness, it showed in every word he spoke, every expression on his face. He'd be a dangerous enemy, that's for sure. He understands the darkness, in a way that the darkness will never understand the light. She found herself wanting to get to know him better.
Whoa, where did all that come from? she wondered suddenly, Get a grip, Laurel! First of all, you only just met him, how do you know what he's like? Next, he's a 5,000 year old Pharaoh, and you're some girl they pulled in off of the street! So don't even start going down that road, it's just gonna be more trouble than it's worth. Besides…if he ever found out what happened to me while I was on the street…She shook her head to clear it of the memory. But still…She sighed.
No! No, no, absolutely not! Besides, what if something happened? I can't afford to get too close. I have to stay cool, and not let a pair of purple eyes ruin my shield.
No matter how gorgeous they may be, said the back of her mind impishly.
Gyaah! Stop it! She shouted mentally, as her treacherous libido snickered. Shaking her head vigorously, she drained the tub and took a shower to rinse off and wash her hair, shampooing twice just to make sure. She let the conditioner sink in an extra-long time, then rinsed her hair and got out. Damn, should have asked where the towels were. She found them under the sink and dried off. After putting back on what most people would consider everyday clothing, she brushed her hair, gathered the rest of her clothing, and strode back out into the hall.
"Oh! That feels better," she announced. "Hey, what should I do with the rest of my clothes?"
Yugi poked his head out of what Laurel assumed was his room. "Oh, the laundry room's right next to the bathroom, just put them in the washer." He pointed to the laundry room.
After dumping her clothes into the washer, Laurel decided to go to the kitchen and see what she could find to eat. She went through the living room on her way there. Yami was sitting on the couch, watching the news. She wandered over and leaned on the back of the couch.
"So, what's up in the world?" she asked him.
"There's a new serial killer around. He's been attacking people in the next city over. They say he has a rare psychological condition which makes him believe he is a vampire, because he drains his victims' blood," Yami replied without turning his head.
She shuddered. "That must be the guy who came out of the computer, that Myo-something dude. He's still looking, though; he hasn't found me yet."
Yami turned to her, intending to say something reassuring, but the words caught in his throat. The girl Yugi had rescued seemed to have disappeared, washed away with the grime. The thick, layered clothing of before had hidden an attractive figure, and her hair shone almost golden. Her eyes had lost some of the dullness they had held at first, and now sparkled with a slightly mischievous light, though they still held uncertainty. He spent a moment taking in the change, then remembered to blink. "You look…refreshed."
She grinned. "It's amazing, the effect a hot bath can have. Anyway, I'm hungry. Want me to get you something?" she asked as she headed for the kitchen. As she bent to examine the contents of the fridge, Yami could see that she looked a little gaunt. An inexplicable annoyance rose in him, and he quickly squelched it.
"No, thank you. I'm fine," he replied.
"Suit y'self. God, it's been so long since I've had so much variety! I like hamburgers and junk food, but it gets old after a while." She grabbed an apple and some carrots, then made herself a cheese sandwich. Putting them on a plate and pouring herself a glass of milk, she came out and sat down next to Yami, and started wolfing down her lunch.
He looked sidelong at her. "You seem to be making yourself right at home."
She swallowed, then grinned cheekily. "Street kid's habit, I'm afraid. Get what you can 'afore you hafta get out. Old instincts die hard." Her tone was light, but there was a hint of bitterness to her voice. She took another bite, then swallowed again. "B'sides, I haven't eaten since yesterday," she said, as if it was an ordinary occurrence; and for her, Yami realized, it probably was. She turned her full attention back to her sandwich, and Yami watched her for a moment longer, then turned his face to the television once more. He couldn't seem to focus his attention on it, though.
His thoughts kept turning back to the girl who sat beside him, the girl who, by her own admission, had spent two years fleeing terrors through the slums of Japan and living on the streets; and the girl who, somehow, had managed to retain at least a semblance of lively spirit. Some of it was probably real; perhaps even most of it. The rest, he could see, was masking painful memories. She had undoubtedly seen many disturbing things in those two years, if he knew anything about human nature. He hoped she would open up about them, once she knew her hosts a little better.
Just then, they heard the door open downstairs. "Yugi? Yami? I'm home!" Solomon Moto called out. Laurel swallowed with a gulp, looking for all the world as if she'd been caught doing something she shouldn't. Then, seeming to remember her situation, she relaxed. I actually have permission to be here, she reminded herself.
"We're up here Grandpa," Yami called back, "And we have a guest."
"Really? Who is it, Yami?" An old man arrived at the top of the stairs. Shorter than Yugi, his hair and beard were gray. His hair took the same peculiar shape as Yugi and Yami's, and had undoubtedly been the same color in his youth. He held several bags of groceries. Yami was instantly at his side, taking some of the load. "Thank you." He spotted Laurel, "Ah, and you must be the guest. I'm Solomon Moto. Pleased to meet you." He extended a hand, and she shook it firmly. Yami went to put the bags in the kitchen.
"I'm Laurel Arbor, Mr. Moto. The pleasure is mine."
"Oh, no need to be so formal. Just call me Grandpa, or Solomon; all the other kids do," he said with a smile.
She smiled back, a little uncertainly. "Okay…Grandpa."
"Laurel needs a place to stay for a while, Grandpa," Yami said, returning for the next load, "I've sort of invited her to stay with us…if that's all right."
"Oh, certainly. I'm always willing to help out a friend in need," Solomon replied as they followed Yami into the kitchen to put away the groceries. Once they had finished, he cleared his throat. "I don't know if this would interest you, Laurel, but I know Yami and Yugi will want to know about it." He turned to Yami, "Industrial Illusions has come out with a new expansion set."
"New expansion set?" three voices chorused simultaneously – one curious, one excited, and one confused. Yugi had come out of his room at just that moment. "Hi, Grandpa."
"Hello, Yugi. Yes, a new expansion set. It's called "Worldsheaf", and it looks to have some interesting new cards."
"Cards? What kind of cards are we talking about, Magic: The Gathering? I used to have a decent deck for that…" Laurel mused.
"No, Duel Monsters. It's what we do," Yami said matter-of-factly.
"Oh, I don't know much about that. And I haven't seen my deck since I ran out the door with nothing but my backpack and my little sister, two years ago. My 'Mirri, Cat Warrior' is just gathering dust." She shuddered, "Not that I would go back for it, or anything."
Solomon looked at her oddly. "Young lady, just why did you need a place to stay?"
Yugi cut in, "She's being chased, Grandpa. By a creepy guy with a trained cougar, and a bunch of others, too. She ducked into the shop to hide from his minions, and I helped her."
"Why were they chasing you?" the old man asked her.
"For this." Laurel held up the medallion.
Solomon reached forward hesitantly. "May I?"
She paused a moment, then took it off and handed it to him. "Just don't hurt it."
"Heaven forbid I should damage such an artifact. This is an object of great power…held by the High Priestess of Bastet in ancient times." He glanced at Yami, "But of course, you already knew that."
He nodded, "I did. Some of those chasing her are from other planes; all seek to control the multiverse." He looked at Laurel, "It seemed a wise thing to protect her."
"Indeed," Solomon nodded, "Now, about the new expansion. I've pulled out a few cards which I found interesting. I think you should have a look at them, especially now that the medallion has come to light." He reached into a pocket and pulled out a small box. Opening it, he took out a few cards and spread them out on the kitchen counter.
Yugi picked up the first one. It had a picture of a sword whose blade seemed to shimmer with an unearthly light. "'Blade of Evil's Bane'," he read, "This one would be good with Celtic Guardian."
"It would," Yami said, looking over Yugi's shoulder. "Yugi…may I see that? There's something odd about it." Yugi handed it to him. His eyes narrowed. "This is not from the Shadow Games. But it has magic…strong magic. It's connected to another world." He glanced at the other cards, "All of them are."
"The same world?" Yugi asked. Yami shook his head.
"No…no two cards connect to the same plane. And none of them connect to the Shadow Realm."
Laurel wasn't paying any attention. She had picked up a creature card called 'Psyclone', and was studying it. "I like this one," she said, "It almost looks like a cat, sort of." The creature was purple and white, and its eyes were filled with a solid blue glow. It stood on its hind legs, had a tail that bulged at the end, and, other than the general shape of its head, really looked very little like a cat. Nevertheless, there was something catlike in its pose, and in its…feel.
Yami looked through the rest of the cards. All of them were creatures. "Digital Guardian…" a card with an image of a young man in a cream-colored cloak, "Ancient Wizard," an old man in white robes, holding a staff. His expression was determined, but compassionate, and his white hair flowed down over his shoulders to mingle with an equally white beard. Despite his apparent age, he exuded calm strength. "Barmy Old Codger," another old man. He wore purple robes and a matching pointed hat. Where the other's expression was serious, this card was smiling, and had a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He, too, had long white beard and hair, and he wore half-moon glasses perched on a long, crooked nose. "All connected to different worlds. Curious."
His musings were interrupted by a scratching sound at the door downstairs. "Eh?" Solomon said, "What could that be?" He went down to check it out. A moment later, they heard a cry of "Oh!", and a ginger tabby cat raced up the stairs, making a beeline for Laurel. It twined around the surprised teen's ankles and meowed imperiously. She picked it up and quickly checked the gender – it was a female – as Solomon rejoined them. "It just dashed right in," he explained, slightly perplexed, "Rather unusual behavior for a stray."
"It certainly is," Laurel agreed. "What's your name, kitty?" She felt the cat's neck gently for a collar, but found none. "But she doesn't have any tags." She looked into a pair of wide hazel eyes, "You're certainly a pretty girl, aren't you?" she cooed. The cat purred, then licked Laurel's nose. She wiped it off with a giggle.
Yugi laughed, "I think you've been adopted."
"So it would seem," Solomon agreed, with an odd glint in his eye. "Well, I think we can afford to keep a cat, as long as no one's allergic. I certainly don't want to throw her back out into the cold; and she seems to have made herself quite at home." Laurel grinned; the cat was now curled snugly in her arms, purring like a chainsaw.
"You hear that, kitty?" she told it, "We're both gonna get to stay here." She looked the feline over, "What should we call you?"
"How about Cinnamon?" Yugi piped up, "Her fur's swirled like a cinnamon roll."
Laurel grinned, "Perfect." She cuddled the cat more tightly, making her purr still louder. "Come on, Cinnamon, let's find you something to eat."
As the others departed from the kitchen, Yami shook his head, as if to clear it. Yugi noticed. "You okay, Yami?"
"Fine. It's just…You know my memory still has a lot of holes. She's triggered something…It didn't happen until I saw her with a cat in her arms, but I think she was there somewhere."
"Yeah, she does seem to have a thing for cats," Yugi observed with a smile.
Yami returned the smile. "That she does, aibou."
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So, what do you think? Good, bad, ugly? Greenwood Dancer, thanks for the review, I didn't get it until I had already started writing this chapter. I'm glad you like the story; it'll never measure up to some of yours.
Anyone who wants to tell me who's chasing Laurel, and/or who's on the cards, feel free to take a guess. Oh, and I don't precisely own Cinnamon; she's based off of my owner, Ginger, who matches the description given except that he's male.
Next chapter: Meet the Gang.
Read and review!