"Mana, what are you wearing?" Dad said as I walked into the shop.
'My school uniform,' I said slowly, looking down. Had I forgotten to put my bow on? Or my skirt? Nope. He laughed.
"Is that really the High school uniform? Thank god you can pull anything off," he said ruffling my hair. I laughed nudging him. Yugi laughed too.
"Now go on you two, I'll help the old man. Where is he?" he asked looking around.
"He'll be sweeping outside before he opens," I said smiling as I grabbed my back pack.
"Dad, how long are you staying for?" Yugi asked, as we all walked towards the front door.
"Er, I don't have to leave again until the summer so I can celebrate you two finishing your exams."
Stepping onto the pavement I saw a familiar pair of green overalls.
"Ok, we're going to be late for school we've got to go." Yugi said. Grandpa sighed. Oh no what had happened now?
"Good morning Yugi, Mana," I heard Téa yell as she walked towards us.
"How's it going Téa?" Yugi said.
"You late too, huh?" I said.
"Mr Muto, good morning," she said.
"Huh, for you maybe," he said, still not turning around as he swept the side.
"What's bugging your Grandfather?" Téa whispered to us. "I've never seen him like this before. Is he sick?"
Yugi whispered something in her ear.
"But why?" I heard Téa say.
"Ok I'm going to tell you," Grandpa appeared behind us. I felt my heart thump.
"Grandpa." I gasped trying to calm my heart.
"I have endured many things in my life. I've been trapped in an ancient pyramid, stung by scorpions,. Attacked by Tibetan wolves, but nothing compares to this. A new game shop." He pointed at the new building a few blocks away.
"Grandpa I think you are being a bit over dramatic there, I mean A new game shop worse than all the things you've dealt with over the years," I said wanting to roll my eyes at him, I loved the man, but he could be a bit eccentric.
"They think they can drive me out of business selling their trendy new trash, but they have no respect for the gaming traditions, the true classics because they sell only to the fans of today."
"Wow a new game store, I better go check out the competition and see what we're up against."
"Don't you even think about," Grandpa said furiously. Oh boy.
"Come on Yug, we are going to be late for school." I said hooking his arm and dragging him. "See you after school Grandpa, have a great day," I said pulling Yugi along till we were about of sight. "You knew what would rile him up more why…" I said frowning at my brother.
"Let's go check it out," he said rushing in the direction of the new store.
"Wait!" Téa called rushing after him, I sighed following her.
It didn't take long to get to the shop. Yugi stood in amazement.
"Yugi, if your Grandfather finds out we've been here, you two are going to be so grounded." Téa said trying to convince him to move.
"No way I am getting grounded, I didn't want to come." I scowled. He loved games too much.
"Ah, what's the harm in a little window shopping." He said as a woman handed him a leaflet.
"Here," she said.
"What is it?"
"Dungeon Dice Monsters," she said.
"Wow this looks like a pretty cool game, but I wonder how you play it…"
Téa and I shared a look and each linked one of our arms in his, and began to walk dragging him backwards towards the school.
"You're going to make me miss my first class again. If I get detention for this you're doing my homework for a week."
"Mine too," I said dragging him a little quicker, I had a feeling someone was watching us.
"Whoa be still my beating heart. You sure there is a new game shop?" Joey said.
"Yeah, my Grandpa's pretty worried about it." Yugi said, I nodded.
"You should have heard him this morning."
"It just opened, they've got the lastest and greatest games." Téa said. "They were really trying to hype up this new one, something about dice or dungeons."
"You saying they got that Dungeon and Dice monsters." Joey.
"Hey how did you become a total expert all of a sudden," Tristan said.
"A little thing called the newspaper. Ever heard of it, genius?" Joey mocked.
"What?" Téa half laughed. "You never read the newspaper."
"I read um when I'm out deliverin' um ok." Joey snapped.
"Why are you delivering newspapers?"
"Listen, Téa. I don't get one of them big fat allowances; I just need a little extra spending money that's all."
"Relax Joe, the money we have will be enough for Serenity's operation." I smiled at him.
"How is Serenity doing?" Tristan said.
"Great, the eyes doctor says she's going to see good as new and the first thing she is going to see is my beautiful mug."
"Wow, Joey, that's awesome news." Yugi said.
"Just a shame it's your face she'll see first." I smirked.
Squealing erupted from next door. Heading over to investigate, it was a sea of girls.
"Who is this guy?" Joey asked. "Hey do you two kids know who that dice guys is over there?"
I tried to see on my tiptoes, but it was useless.
"Yeah that's Duke Devlin, he owns the new game shop that's just opened up." He said. I caught a glimpse of him through the crowd. Wow he was hot! Those eyes were a beautiful green, his hair…
Dark Egyptian eyes burned into my skull.
It was an older version of the Prince in my dreams, the Pharaoh living in Yugi's puzzle. I zoned back into the real world trying to shake those possessive eyes.
Duke was strutting over to us.
"I don't wish to intrude, but I couldn't help overhearing that you dabble in the game of Duel Monsters," he said. Wow, he was hot. "And who is this beautiful lady?" I heard him say. Looks like Téa has another admirer. I looked at Téa for her answer.
"Your name?" he asked again, going warm a realised he was looking at me.
"I'm Mana," I said blushing.
"Ah yes, I've heard of you King of Games's sister. I heard your quite the player yourself." He winked at me making my face burn.
"Hey Dices, what have you heard about me. Joey Wheeler." Joey cut in. Thank goodness.
"Nothing at all, but why don't we play a little game and show these lovely ladies just what your made off." He winked at me again. The Pharaoh's eyes burned in the back of my mind again. They looked angry. I glanced at Yugi to see his expression was anxious as he looked down at the puzzle. He seemed to snap out of the day dream and look at the others.
"Joey, no! It's a trick!" he yelled as Joey lifted a cup. What had just happened?
"It's still there," Joey said confused, as Duke then picked up the dice under the cup. Oh, that's what.
"I'll take that. I moved the dice into my right hand, and I never had to move the cup. That makes me the winner."
All the girls started cheering. That was a bit excessive. I frowned at Duke Devlin, there was something off about him. Like a cloud that was blocking his judgment.
Huh? Why did I suddenly have more insight to people's actions and motives? Was it to do with the Shadow Realm and my magic kind of coming back? Yes, cause that was a normal sentence.
"Of course you're all invited, I wouldn't want you to miss your friends finest hour." I heard a voice say as something warm touched my hand. Snapping out of my daydream I turned crimson as Duke kissed my hand. He walked away smirking, the flock of girls whirling after him like a hurricane.
I spent the rest of school worrying about what would happen. I watched as Joey strutted like a Peacock, and thought about the way the Pharaoh's eyes had pierced me… Did I have feelings for the Pharaoh? What if we had been dating in ancient Egypt! That would explain the way I felt drawn to him. Oh I hoped I was just being paranoid. What if I had just had a crush on him… What if I ruined the friendship that the two kids running around playing had by trying to complicate it and neither of us remembered yet?
"Are you ok, Mana?"
I jumped whizzing round to see Yugi looking at me anxiously.
"You haven't said much all day?"
"Sorry," I said sheepishly. "I've just had a lot on my mind, between everything we've learnt over Easter break, I'm trying to wrap my head around these foreign yet homely memories."
I looked up to see that we were at the game shop.
"What are we doing here I thought? Wait where is everyone."
Had I really been that out of it not to notice this?
"We said we'd get changed and head there for four." Yugi said frowning at me.
"Right well we best get ready," I rushed inside trying to mask my confusion, pulling the curtain across I began to get ready.
Yugi's POV
I looked at the curtain in concern. My sister was going through so much right now. She had enough drama without this mess with Joey and Duke Devlin. I glanced over to the Pharaoh who was also staring at the curtain in concern. He'd been distant with me all day too.
\What was with you today?\ I asked him mentally. He seemed to snap out of a train of thought.
/What do you mean Yugi?/ he asked me. I unbuttoned my school shirt.
\You were angry when Duke was flirting with Mana – I mean, I didn't like it. But you seamed really mad.\
/I feel very protective of her./ he said uncrossing his arms. /We have known each other for over 5000 years, though our memories have faded, the bond we share remains./
\You sure that's all it is?\ I thought pulling my shirt on.
/What do you mean Yugi?/ he frowned.
\Well… it almost felt like you were… jealous.\
/Jealous/ he scoffed, re-crossing his arms. /I do not think so Yugi./
\You are!\ I said standing up. \I've never felt you be nervous before. You like Mana!\
/Yugi!/
\You like my sister…\ I thought. I started laughing.
/This isn't funny!/
\So you admit it!\ I smirked, he blinked.
/No I – /
"What's so funny?" Mana spoke. "You decent?"
"Yeah," I said pulling on my shoes. She pulled back the curtain frowning at me, then her eyes flickered around the room. They actually landed on the Pharaoh.
"What was so funny?" she asked sitting on my bed, crossing her now jean clad legs.
"Oh nothing," I said. "The Pharaoh keeps telling me to wear bracelets."
She laughed; I felt the Pharaoh's emotion warm, I glanced to see his face melt into a smile. I snorted, he glared at me.
"Come on," she said pushing herself up. "Let's go before Grandpa asks us where we are going."
"We'll be fine," I said as we went downstairs. To battle a more normal foe. .
Mana POV
"I can't believe that dice guy owns this place," Joey said as we stood outside. "Looks like he's spent some major molar; too bad he's going to be closing it down." He laughed before heading forwards. We all sighed bowing our heads.
"Joey's hearts in the right place it's his head I'm worried about." Téa.
"Yeah if it gets any bigger he's gunna get it stuck in the door. Besides I don't trust this Devlin he seems to like Mana a bit too much."
I blushed trying to pretend I hadn't heard what Tristan had said.
"We should probably catch up with him." I said as I noticed a Weevil like guy had started talking to Joey. As we walked through the grand shop full of figurines and posters, we made it to the lift.
Duke was inside with a big box by his feet.
"Ah you showed up," Duke said.
"The Duelling ring is on sub level 6 your chariot awaits." He creepy guy said.
"Hello again Mana," Duke winked at me, I looked down at the box.
"Go ahead Mr Wheeler, choose your packs carefully." He said.
"We'll build our own decks from these new cards."
"Come to papa," Joey said crouching down to look.
"Did you get any good cards?" Yugi asked.
"Don't worry about it, this match is in the bag."
Ding.
The doors opened and… argh Maddi, Lara and Joyce were in cheerleader outfits. Give me a break.
The area was huge, grander than even Pegasus's.
My gaze flickered to the cameras. This was not a good sign.
"This place is huge," Joey said.
"Actually this is one of the smallest rings in the place, but it has all the bells and whistles." Duke said.
"That's excessive, compensating much," I heard Tristan grumble. I smirked.
"Duke! Duke! He's our man if he can't do it nobody can! Goooooooooo Duke!"
Argh.
"Camera one in position." A voice said. Oh this was not good.
"TV cameras?" Joey said spotting them for the first time.
"Yeah, I have a little theory. The bigger the audience the bigger the performance. That's why I've decided to broadcast this match live to the entire world. I know my fans will enjoy watching me beat the second best duellist. I just hope you really are second best not second rate."
"Second rate," Joey sneered. "Second rate, your gunna need a second life, cause when I'm through with you Dukey there won't be anything left."
The cheerleaders began to quiver. Oh for the love of all things duel monsters.
"Don't worry," Duke said to them. "I've never disappointed my loyal fans yet."
They cheered.
"Claim up!" Joey yelled, before running to the ring. "Let's get this show on the road come on tough guy let the duel begin."
"Anyone else want to ram those pomp pomps down their throats," I muttered.
"I'll hold them down," Téa grumbled back.
"Let's duel!"
It didn't take long thought Joey did surprise him you could tell by the shock as his life points went down after a few twists that Joey put in. However, Joey still was the one who slumped towards us.
"It's ok Joey." Yugi said as I ran and hugged him.
"You still have your cheerleaders," I whispered.
Duke clicked his fingers and Maddi walked over to Joey with a dog suit.
"Put it on," she said.
"I hope you're a man of your word. Joey boy."
Argh that sounded like Pegasus.
"I look forward to having an obedient dog for the next week."
"Hey knock it off, just because you won doesn't mean you can put Joey down."
"Yugi," Joey said. "A promise is a promise. And I gutta keep it. Even to a creep like Devlin."
He flicked a dice at Joey.
"Argh!" Joey clutched his head.
"Are you ok?" we all asked.
"Shut your yap you mongrel, you will not speak unless your master commands you to," Duke said making my blood boil.
"Come on, Joey, lets get out of here," Tristan said glaring at Duke.
"Sorry guys, I gave my word." He said, Duke flicked two dice at him.
"You're a dog now Joey. You don't say ouch you say woof woof." He tossed the dice in his hand.
"Knock it off," I growled at him.
"Joey put it on and bark," Duke said ignoring me. The girls started taunting.
"Shut it or I will have all your hair off in your sleep." I snarled at them. They whimpered, clutching each other. Argh they were so pathetic.
"The dog suit fits you perfectly Joey. Now give us your best bark."
"Leave him alone Devlin." I said standing in front of Joey.
"Sorry darling, a deals a deal." He said sweetly.
"Woof woof." I turned to see Joey had gone on all fours. Téa looked away.
"Joey you don't have to do this," I said, turning back round to Devlin. "Tell him to take it off and to stop and the deals off. Now." I threatened.
"Fine," he said coolly. "If you go out with me for the week instead." He said smirking at me.
"You'll leave him alone," I said frowning at him.
"Mana no," Joey cried.
"Bad dog," Duke snapped he threw the dice, I put my hand in the way.
"Fine," I crossed my arms. I felt magic behind me, I turned to see the Pharaoh had taken over Yugi's body. Wow he really looked good in that outfit – Mana stop!
"Your little stunt has gone on long enough. I challenge you to a duel, and when I have defeated you. You will declare Joey a free man again."
"I prefer this deal I got with Mana actually, but maybe your right. I have to earn such a prize. So I'll duel you, but we'll play a game of my own choosing, we will battle to the finish with a game called Dungeon Dice Monsters. When you are the loser you will give your title of King of Games to me, and swear on your Grandfathers life never to play Duel Monsters again. Oh, and I date Mana for a month."
"I am not some prize to be one or lost!" I shrieked. The Pharaoh turned and looked at me. I could see him asking permission in his eyes, and his determination to win. It sent shivers down my spine. Stop. No. Bad Mana. I gave a small nod.
"I accept your conditions I will not let you destroy the dignity of my friend. We will do battle in the game of your choosing. My terms are, I win this and you let Joey go. No more dog suit no more demands. You never ever make Mana feel like she has to do anything she doesn't want to. Or use her in a bet or wager in or out of the game."
Duke cheated throughout the game, and when he told us he was the creator and told the Pharaoh things after they were relevant and were too late to change. His constant taunting towards me and the occasional insight to the game were maddening.
In true King of Games style he began to get the hang of it. We soon learnt the whole reason behind this contest was because he believed that the Pharaoh had cheated against Pegasus and that he was going to prove it on TV to show the world. Duke blamed him for Pegasus not getting back in touch with him over his game.
As Duke's last heart point fell, I sank to my knees in relief. There was some close calls.
I could hear the guys celebrating but I looked back at the Pharaoh who smiled at me. I smiled back.
Hey sorry it's so late, final year at uni, psycho mother and moving out to get away from later. The next chapter will be later on this month after essays etc. Hope you guys enjoy!