A/N: Hello, hello, my loyal readers! Thanks for putting up with more of my mindless babbling, and here's a quick mailbag session:

LadyPhoenix99: LOL…cliffhangers are great! Anyways, thanks for checking out not only this fic, but Test of Friendship as well. Thanks also for the rave reviews of both! Enjoy the chapter!

The Broken Bow: True story here. A couple of friends of mine were sitting around watching Monday night football, and one team calls for a time-out. This was the John Madden quote, as close as I could get to the actual thing he said:

"Uh, Well you see, Al, they called a time-out there to save time for the offense."

We had been pointing out some of the painfully obvious things he says sometimes before this statement, and we all looked around at each other and laughed our butts off. I love Madden, but sometimes he says the silliest things. Enough rambling, glad you enjoyed the chapter!

Well...let's press on, eh? Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter Nine: Departure

Domino City, Japan

Yugi tapped his foot nervously, the airport's PA system droning on in the background.

Attention all passengers, the flight for Starlight City will be leaving in 20 minutes, thank you.

"Where the heck is Joey?" Tea said, adjusting her medium length skirt on her hips. "He said he would be here and HOUR ago!"

"Heck if I know, he's probably watching a porno or something at his house." Tristan put in, sitting down in a nearby chair.

"Yeah, I saw his stash...he's a real hentai." Duke said, shaking his head. Ryou blushed a little, but otherwise kept silent about the issue.

"Well...if it isn't the Geek Patrol."

For about three seconds, no one spoke. They didn't even have to turn and see whom that voice belonged to. They knew about the trenchcoat. The money. The little brother who follows him around everywhere he goes. The Blue Eyes White Dragon cards. The hair. Everything.

"And good morning to you too...Mr. Kaiba." Tea spat out, her voice full of sarcasm.

"Shut your hole, Gardener. Yugi...I have something to say to you.When we arrive in Starlight City, and this third-rate tournament begins...I'll be looking for you. I'm going to hunt you down like the little animal you are. And I will take the Egyptian Gods from your hands...Remember that as you and your little pack of losers huddle up to keep yourselves warm in Coach."

For a moment, Kaiba and Yugi glared at each other, knowing in their minds that, all things considered, they would meet yet again in a Duel Monsters tournament.

"Heh...I thought ya had your own jet, moneybags." A blonde approached the two, then stood by the spiky-haired Yugi.

"As a matter of fact, I do, mutt. It will be landing here shortly...anyway, when will you realize that you are nothing but Yugi's little tag-along? Nothing more. Stay out of my way, or I'll put you in your proper place...again." With that little rant, Kaiba walked off, leaving Joey (who had to be restrained by Tristan, Ryou, and Duke) and Yugi wondering about events to come.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

A young man, with medium length auburn hair, loaded up his father's minivan, preparing for the long trip.

"You sure you have everything you need in there, Gabe?"

"Yes, sir. Everything's in here."

"Well...you take care now...you got a long trip ahead of you."

His blue eyes, pale and haunting, sparkled slightly. "I know, dad. Thanks...for everything."

"You're welcome, son. Now...get to Starlight City and duel your 'Bama ass off!"

With that, Gabe pulled out of the driveway, his destination hundreds of miles away. In the end, he hoped it would be worth it.

Madrid, Spain

Mai Valentine boarded the plane with reservations in her heart. Can I still do this? Can I continue to play with Joey's heart like this...can I keep playing this game with myself?I mean...what if he doesn't feel the same way I do? What if he thinks I'm gross for asking out someone his age? What...what if he found someone who makes him happy?

Worries and all, Mai took her seat on board the 747. She was going to take her shot at Joey's heart...win or lose.

Cairo, Egypt

Marik looked over at his older sister, who was sleeping silently in the seat beside him. They'll accept my sister...but not me. Heh...I don't think I would want to be around someone who plotted to take over the world either. I really hope that somehow, someway, they give me a chance to show them that I've changed.

Marik, tired from the day's traveling, let sleep take hold of him. He would worry about Yugi and his friends when he saw them.

Somewhere in the Northern USA

Quincy speeded down the highway, his Harley-Davidson motorcycle humming along as he went. It won't be long now...I will finally humble that those two fools! Then, everyone will see. Everyone will finally here the truth...that truth being that I'm the strongest duelist on this planet. They will learn to NEVER overlook me again! Hahahahahaha!

Angel Island...somewhere in the Carribean

"You guys got us our own jet?" Kat wandered around the plane in astonishment.

"Yes we did, Miss Kitty. Go ahead, look inside." Pegasus encouraged her, a smile on his face.

Bo was speechless, as usual, but did look around at the jet, as if he was pleased with it. It was a pretty enough plane, it's white exterior and medium size aside. On the inside, Kat found a cache of weapons, books, snacks, even a PS2. It appeared that the plane had everything.

"You did this for us, Mr. Pegasus?" Kat asked as she ran back out of the plane.

"Yes...Cathernine...you three have a flight to catch, so I better be leaving."

"Wait...before you do...thank you, Pegasus." Alex extended his hand to the millionaire, as did his friend Bo. Kat...she grabbed him into a tight bear hug.

"You're all welcome. The pilot is all ready to take off, so you three should join miss Rika on board. Good luck..."

"Well...you two ready?" Kat teased as she raced up the steps of the ramp."

"Hey...does this thing have a damn bathroom?" Bo asked as he took to the ramp as well.

Alex stood there for a moment, realizing how much his life had changed. After his mother died, and no immediate family to speak of, he basically became homeless, doing whatever was necessary for his survival. He had been caught smuggling drugs into various parts of New York City, and eventually was caught. Instead of going to prison...he was blessed with a chance like this. He hoped to make the most of it.

Starlight City, USA

Ivan watched the surveilance cameras of his huge corporate complex. It was not only where he, his wife and daughter lived, but it was also where he conducted buisness, and where most of his secrets were kept. As he watched the surveilance, he saw that she was digging through one of his most top-secret files.

Karin...you should know better than try to betray me this way.I taught you everything you know. Oh well...have your little fun. Throw your pathetic little party...but know this. When the game ends...so will you!

That's all my brain will allow in this chapter. Next chapter, our heroes and villans gather for what should be an interesting prelude to the tournament! What secrets is Ivan holding, and what plans does he have for his daughter? See you all later, I'm out.

BDB...out