fyi – whenever there's a mind-link conversation between characters, the yami speaks like this, and the hikari like this.

otherwise, lemme know if anything gets too confusing to follow...

Part 1 (Chapter 3) – Changes...and the Unexpected

"Ryou!" Yugi hurried to catch up as class let out for the day.

"What is it?" Ryou asked grumpily.

Yugi started briefly, but decided to ignore the sudden attitude change. "A bunch of us are gonna go hang out for a while. You want to come?"

Ryou hesitated, some emotion flickered over his otherwise dark expression, but then he regained his composure. "No thanks. I have...things to do."

"Oh," Yugi tried to hide his disappointment. "I just thought I'd ask. You left rather suddenly at lunch..." his voice faded off.

Ryou studied his friend for a moment, waiting. Finally, Yugi spoke again, trying to be cheerful. "You never answered my question earlier." He grinned, "So do you like the new girl?"

Ryou snorted, "Hardly in the way you think. I'm not a silly boy with girlish ideas of romance." Yugi shuffled his feet, embarrassed. Ryou softened slightly. "I suppose you could consider her decent-looking. But that's not what concerns me. There's something in her eyes that makes me...uneasy. I think I've met her somewhere before." Before Yugi could comment, the other boy turned and walked off.

Oh well, at least he talked to me, Yugi told himself. It's better than nothing. However, before he could get too lost in thought, a new voice broke in.

"Yugi!" Kira came running up, her backpack swinging at her side. "You said to find you after school. Are we ready to go?"

Yugi pushed away his frustration with Ryou and turned his attention to the girl before him. "I am, and I think everybody else is outside." He looked up into her eyes and bit his lip in surprise. Now that I think about it, there is something strangely familiar about her. Not that I've ever seen her before, but there is a sort of feeling about her.

I feel it too. Yugi's yami spoke within his head.

What does it mean? Yugi asked back.

I do not know yet. But it's possible...

What is?

But the dark spirit cut him off. With a sigh of exasperation, Yugi turned to lead Kira out.

Ryou threw his backpack into the corner of his room rather half-heartedly, then slumped against the wall. He stuck the heel of his hand into his eye and rubbed, trying to get rid of any tears before they started. I'm sorry, my friend. I never meant to hurt you. When I first slipped this cursed ring around my neck, I never dreamed of the trouble it would cause. I'd give up in an instant all the power it's brought me just for a chance to say I'm sorry.

If only I could. I dream about the day I'll be free, but I doubt that day will ever become a reality. Maybe it isn't my destiny. If I had some hope of a future, perhaps I could be more brave in facing all my days. But I have lost all my hope.

You were given a pharaoh, a king. True, I know he is used to winning, to having things his own way. But he is honest and just, and he gives you a wisdom beyond your years. Why was I cursed with nothing more than a criminal? A tomb robber is one who steals from others, and he has now stolen my life, my dreams. Anything I might have been, he has taken, leaving me nothing but pain in return.

I cannot even tell you, yet I see that you understand. The things I do, the things I say, are not my own. He controls even that. But he will never have my heart. I treasure that alone. None can take it away save the one to whom I give it. You have a piece in your keeping, though you do not know. Maybe someday, you will find the friendship I have given.

"Grandpa, I'm home!" Yugi stepped through the door of the game shop his grandfather owned and where the two of them lived.

A short, grey-haired man stepped up behind the counter. "Yugi! How was school?"

"Fine. You remember my friends?" Yugi motioned to the group behind him. Joey and Tristan had joined them soon after school had gotten out, but Mai and Seto both claimed busy schedules. "Personally," Tea had told him when they left, "I think they're both still too worried about their reputations in hanging out with us. But they'll come around eventually. You'll see." Tea had probably been right, but either way, Yugi meant to show Kira a good time.

Yugi's grandpa nodded. "I remember Tea, Joey, and Tristan, but who's this?"

"My name's Kira," the other girl introduced herself with a slight bow, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"She's from America," Yugi supplied. "An exchange student this year."

"Then it is an honor," Grandpa bowed back.

"Do you like Duel Monsters?" Joey wanted to know.

Kira shrugged, "I've heard of the game, but I don't suppose it's a big where I come from as it is here."

"Oh," Joey seemed disappointed.

"I guess we'll have to teach you a thing or two about that sometime," Yugi suggested with a grin.

"That would be great," Kira nodded.

"What sort of games to you like to play?" Grandpa asked.

"Video games mostly, I guess," Kira looked around the room in admiration. "You must have hundreds."

"I never could figure them out," Tea admitted.

"Most of us play cards," Joey agreed. "Yugi's the best at video games."

"Yugi's the best at any games," Tristan bragged, much to Yugi's embarrassment.

"Really?" Kira said, half surprised, half challenging.

"You could go try out Yugi's playstation inside," Grandpa motioned over his shoulder.

"Why not?" Yugi shrugged. "C'mon. Let's give it a try."

Soon, all five of them were locked in an intense fighting tournament of sorts. One by one, each was eliminated. The final round was Kira vs. Yugi. The battle was intense with some strong attacks being thrown and some sensational maneuvers - as much as the game could handle. When the championship finally ended, all were amazed to see that Kira had tied Yugi on her very first try and only lost on default.

Yugi swallowed his astonishment and Yami's rage. "Good game. You've got a lot of skill."

"Nah," Kira shook her head, "That was mostly luck. You're an awesome opponent."

The King of Games was the closest he had ever been to being beaten. Yugi felt that his very soul had been shaken. But there was no way Kira could have known what it meant. To her, the game was nothing more than it seemed. But to Yami, it was and always had been, a way of life.

"What do you say we go make a run for ice cream?" Yugi forced the words out.

If Kira noticed his struggle, she pretended to ignore. "That sounds great."

"I'm always up for ice cream," Joey agreed.

"Good. Let's go," Yugi led the way back outside.

What happened?

What do you mean?

With the game? How could you nearly lose like that?

I wish I knew. I tried my hardest, but she's good.

Keep an eye on her. She's too good. It could endanger her very soul.

Yugi shivered at the thought.

What are these thoughts I see? An angered voice echoed through the boy's mind.

Ryou did not answer. A solitary tear fell from his eyes, starring the ground.

You weak fool! Ryou bit his lip, waiting for the pain to start. His yami continued to rant, Unfortunately, I happen to be stuck with you! You are hardly worth my time, but I seem to have no one better to depend on. You must discover the truth of the girl in your class...

Ryou jerked his head up, Why?

Why else, idiot?! Because I command it! A brief spasm of pain burned through Ryou's limbs. The boy gasped in surprise, but his curiosity had been baited. He dared another question. And why should she matter? He had barely got the question through, then he felt a strength constricting his throat. Ryou fought for air.

Again you question me?! Do you wish to see another day or don't you?! She may be nothing; she may be more important that you realize. Either way, I need to know who she is and what possible powers she might possess. The sooner you find out, the sooner I destroy her. The yami released it's hold on Ryou. Now go!