Author's Notes: I'm deeply sorry that I kept you all waiting for such a long time (about 7 months!). I've been so busy with schoolwork/homework/job work/family obligations that I had little time to work on this. At first I didn't want to update because I was afraid this story would be removed due to the new rules in effect on But I've seen that a lot of people are getting away with it, so hopefully the same will hold true for this story. Well enough of my excuses…
The official Internet Slang Key can be found in Chapter 2, if you're finding you need it for reference.
Story History Note: I forgot to mention this, but in this story, Jonouchi dated Ryou for a period of a few months in seventh grade. I'll give you more info on that when the subject comes up.
Thank you to all of you who reviewed last chapter. I appreciate your input and encouragement.
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If You Still Believe
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Chapter III
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Ryou's Point of View
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I've mulled over what Isis said to me for a whole two days. I mean, who is actually going to stop me if I want to go meet her? My father isn't exactly around enough to what the bloody hell is going on in my life.
Though Yugi may pose to be a threat. He's been badgering me about this Internet issue ever since he found out. I should've known he would act all worried and try to stop me. And when he starts losing the control he thinks he has on me, he sends Yami out to "talk some sense" into me.
I found out yesterday that Isis actually lives right here in Domino. However, she attends another school because she lives on the eastern side of town.
It was Friday, and we had the whole weekend to look forward to. I couldn't wait to get home from school, so I could talk to Isis and Marik on the Palace. I can even call Isis now; she gave me her phone number.
During eighth period lunch I was daydreaming about Isis while the rest of my friends were chatting about their new classes. But then Yugi just had to interrupt my train of thought.
"So, Ryou…" he commented, "you've been online a lot lately."
How tactless. "I suppose," I replied nonchalantly.
Yugi sighed, as if he finally figured out he wouldn't obtain any information by beating around the bush.
"Are you all right, Yugi?" I asked him.
Yami took over. Obviously Yugi cannot handle any emotional stress. "Of course I'm worried! You're talking to people you don't know online. And now you're talking to them on the telephone. Are you nuts?! Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? This person could be an axe murderer, a pedophile, a rapist…she could even try to kill you!"
"Don't worry, Yugi. I've talked to her, and she seems really nice."
"Yeah--seems nice."
"Like I said earlier," I told him, "it's nothing to write home about."
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Yugi's Point of View
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I just don't understand it. What in the name of Ra is Ryou thinking?! I never imagined he would go and talk to people online, never mind, talk to them on the phone. This person could be a hacker, even, and 'she' could destroy Ryou's live with any information 'she' has.
I've talked to my friends about it, but none of them seem all that worried. Why am I the only one having these fears?
I've got a terrible feeling about this situation, and I've learned to always trust my instincts.
Even Jonouchi, whom I've always held in high esteem, doesn't seem to be taking action. He doesn't think that Ryou is making a horrible mistake. And if he does, he doesn't act like it.
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Ryou's Point of View
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Yugi's an idiot if he thinks he can control me.
He thinks that if he pathetically begs me enough, he can influence my decisions.
He thinks that if he sends Yami out to order me to stop talking to my friends online, that it will make a difference.
But the truth is that his opinion has no effect on me whatsoever.
I talked to Isis this afternoon on the Palace. I'm going to meet her and Marik in the Domino Museum next weekend.
I can't wait.
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Story History Notes: I've changed some of the details to make the story flow a little better. In actuality, my friend (Ryou in this story) was dating my other friend (Jonouchi) when she met this guy online (Isis in this story), who she "fell in love with." However, in this story, Ryou and Jonouchi have already broken up, but I'm trying to portray that Jonouchi still has feelings for Ryou and cares deeply about him.
Stylistic Notes: I know I had Ryou address Yami as 'Yami,' but from now on, I will have him address Yami as, 'Yugi.' However, the monologue will indicate who is in control of Yugi's body.
Author's Notes: I know it was another short chapter, but I felt terrible about leaving you people hanging so long. Please Review!
Preview: I think I'll have Ryou finally meet Isis and Marik in person in the next one or two chapters…Isis finds herself in an identity crisis…and maybe I'll get in a little of Jou's POV.