"You can't be serious. You mean to tell me that rick punk Kaiba's throwing his own exclusive tournament." Joey said.
"Yep," Yugi told him.
"And the whole thing kicks off in less than a week?" Tristan said.
"I can't believe money bags didn't invite me. I was the runner up in Duellist Kingdom. Where's the respect!" he clenched his fists.
"Here a news flash got you. Kaiba doesn't like you," Tristan said.
"But he doesn't like Mana, and she got an invite. So, I'll give him something not to like –"
"You know this is exactly how he wants you to react." Tristan raised his eyebrow.
"You got a good point there Tristan, maybe I don't need to enter Kaiba's snooty tournament."
"I'm gunna pick up the free disc then I'm not going to compete." I crossed my arms leaning against the wall.
"What about you Yugi, are you going to enter?" Joey turned his head to face Yugi.
"I have to, I found out entering Kaiba's tournament is the only way to achieve my destiny." Yugi said.
"Your destiny?" Joey said. "What you talking about?"
"Our destiny," I said rolling my eyes. "You know, the Pharaoh, Yugi and I. Kind of have to save the world again. Apparently, it starts to unravel with this tournament. The Pharaoh and Yugi have to enter."
"Yeah I know that," Joey scowled. "I meant how?"
"Sure you did," Tristan snorted.
"It's a long story," Yugi said. I scowled at Tristan warningly, he put his hands up in surrender.
"I got nowhere to be," Joey said.
"There is some evil force, I'm guessing it's to do with the fire, and the guy who possessed Keith. So they must be entering the tournament to track down the Pharaoh." I said.
"Then I am destined to help, and I got just the card. Red Eyes Black Dragon!
"So your saying that –"
"Tristan, leave him alone he's being sweet," I scolded.
"Thanks Mana," Joey grinned at me. "So what are we waiting for, let's go!"
"Maybe we should go home and change first." Téa said, gesturing to our uniforms.
"Meet by the giant clock at half past?" I checked my watch.
"Sounds good to me," Tristan pushed off the wall, we made our way down the stairs and out of the school.
Yugi and I rushed home, I grabbed a pair of jeans and a fluffy lilac jumper. I knocked on the wall and we headed back out to meet everyone.
"Oh hey, looks like the registration office is over there,"
"Battle City here I come!" Joey said as he and Tristan ran.
"'Suce us," I could hear Tristan as they rushed past people.
"Do you think they'll let Joey sign up for the tournament," Yugi said looking at the blonde fondly.
"I dunno, but I gutta say that boy is determined," Téa said.
"Yeah tell me about it," Yugi laughed, I went ahead to keep them two in check.
"I'm just gunna play dumb." Joey said as I got close.
"Play dumb." Tristan snorted, as they walked into the shop.
"May I help you?" the man said. I took a step back, a chill ran down my side. I did not like this guy.
"Yeah, we'd like to register for the battle city tournament, and get our duel discs." Joey said leaning against the bench.
"Then my young friends you have entered the right place. Your fortunate since I have three duel discs left on my shelf, but first I have to make sure you qualify to register."
"Ok, I'm Yugi Muto," Yugi said, the man's keyboard clicked.
"All right Yugi Muto, not bad you have five stars that's the highest rank."
"Where does this information come from." Yugi asked.
"Kaiba corporation performed extensive research in duellist around the world, and complied the results into a database. This has your skill level and rarest cards you have ever played in a duel. To ensure only the best duellist enter Mr Kaiba has gone to great lengths to learn everything about you and your decks."
We all gasped.
"Everything, knowing every kind of card in our decks gives an unfair advantage to Kaiba."
"That's not cool," Tristan said.
"But it sounds about right." I sighed. "Mana Muto,"
"Yes, you have four stars and Wingweaver is your rarest card. Here you go my dear." He said handing me the large box.
"I'd like to regester too, Joey Whealer's the name."
"Let me see Joey Wheeler. Hmm sorry you've only got one star, your ranking is much too low to enter."
"That can't be Kaiba fixed those results. I came in second at Duellist Kingdom." He raised his fist, and Tristan grabbed him.
"Joey, calm down, quit having a cow."
"It is weird that he doesn't qualify."
"He's gunna burst a blood vessel." Tristan grunted trying to keep Joey calm.
"Relax Joey," Yugi put a hand on Joey's arm.
"I can't believe he did this." Joey yelled.
"I'm sorry Joey, it appears my hard drive was malfunctioning, you actually have four stars. Congratulation's, you qualify." He said, Joey deflated for a second before grinning ear to ear.
"Yeah I knew it. Let me see those beautiful stars."
"I'm gunna wait outside." I said, I could hear Joey talking as I closed the door behind me. I shook my head, smiling in spite myself. Joey was Joey. I looked up at the sky it was a clear day. I closed my eyes and raised my face so the little warmth that was there would hit it. Everyone else were in t-shirts, I was bundled in this jumper. I was defiantly being affected by these dreams. My body becoming use to the heat of the Egyptian sun. Virginia didn't stand a chance.
The door opened, and my felt warmth as I saw the grin on Joey's face, he was clutching his box like a life raft. I loved our little group.
"Ok so we are all signed up to help save the world," Tristan said, shaking his head.
"So do we think that this foe has been brought back too? Or a new threat or?" Téa frowned.
"I think it's the same evil, but I imagine it will be using other people." I said, trying to search my old memories for a clue.
"Whoever they are we will battle it together," Yugi said, the Pharaoh smiled beside him. Joey checked his phone.
"Guys I got to get going. Serenity's operation's tomorrow, but I told her I'd stay in the hospital tonight."
"All right, wish Serenity luck from me Joey, I'm sure everything is going to be fine."
"Thanks a lot Yugi, later guys." He waved as he walked away, before running through an alley.
"I hope he's alright," Tristan said. "Going to the hospital isn't an easy thing for him to do."
"Huh?" we all looked at Tristan with raised eyebrows.
"Joey's mother is going to be at the hospital too guys. She was the one who separated Joey and Serenity when they were kids. He hasn't spoken to her since."
"No way, but that means Joey hasn't spoken to his mother in seven years!"
"Yeas, but I'll make sure the Wheeler family units once again." Tristan pushed his shoulder back, lifting his head higher. I smirked at him, he looked like a peacock.
"Aren't you getting a little carried away there Tristan." Téa taking a small step away from him.
"Not unless he's trying to impress Serenity." Yugi smirked.
We laughed at him.
"Says the guys with the ancient spirit who wants to knock up his sister, living inside him."
Téa and I smacked him, Yugi blushed crimson. The Pharaoh glared at Tristan, then Yugi's head turned to him so I guessed they were talking in their heads. I hated it when they did that.
"On that note, we should probably head home, Dad is going to be leaving again soon." I said, checking my own phone.
"Where is he going this time?" Téa asked.
"Europe, I think." I looked at Yugi for conformation.
"Netherlands, Norway and place I think," Yugi agreed. "It's good in a way, we don't have to explain everything to him now. He began to play with the puzzle in his hands. I sighed, it was hard keeping this secret from Dad; even if it was for his safety.
The door dinged as we walked in, Dad's face appeared from behind the back door.
"You all signed up?" he said grinning.
"Yeah," Yugi showed him the duel disk, as we walked behind the counter.
"Man, I wish I could stay and watch you in person, but I promise I will watch the finals." He said patting Yugi's shoulder as we walked into the sitting room.
"Are you competing too, Mana?"
"Nah, I just got the free duel disk."
He laughed.
"Fair enough, shy kids get nothing. Your Grandpa's almost finished with his food. He's making a feast for my last days with you guys."
I give him a hug.
"I'm really going to miss you Dad," I said, as he wrapped his arms around me. He kissed my crown.
"I'm going to miss you too, Mana," he murmured in my ear. I could smell Yugi as a warm arm, touched my back.
"You two are my world," he said giving us a squeeze. "Don't ever forget that."
Laughter, dancing, clapping. My hands where high in the air as the music flowed through my veins. Warm arms around my waist, a chin on my shoulder. I leaned into the prince, kissing his temple. He twirled me around and kissed me. When we broke apart he stroked the side of my face.
"I love you," he murmured, somehow I heard him above the noise. My body felt warmer than it had.
"I love you too," I kissed him.
Ring! Ring!
"We will be forever for eternity," he murmured.
Ring! Ring!
Why was it suddenly so cold? The arms where gone. Yami? Where are you?
I was panting, upright in my bed.
"Hello…" Yugi answered his voice a little hoarse, I whirled my head in the direction of the voice behind the curtain. Huddling deeper into my blankets. "Hello Mrs Wheeler," I frowned getting out of bed. Why was she ringing Yugi? "What? Joey never made it to the hospital!"
"What," I cried pulling back the curtain to see what was happening. Yugi had the phone to his ear, his expression stunned, but then he looked determined.
"Don't worry Mrs Wheeler we'll figure this out," he said before putting the phone down.
"I'll go get dressed, ring the others." I said, yanking the curtains back and hunting for clean underwear…
"Yugi! Mana!"
"Téa,"
"Any sign of Joey?" Téa, Tristan stopped on his bike.
"Nothing, this isn't like him. I'm getting worried." Yugi said.
"I can't see him anywhere, and I've checked all of his usual spots. There must be somewhere I'm not thinking off."
"Why don't you check downtown on your bike,"
"That's not a bad idea at all Téa. We should split up and search every corner of the city."
"Maybe we should call the police after that." I said.
"Yeah, I agree." Yugi said. "This isn't like Joey at all. Missing his sisters operation. Something must of happened to him."
"All right, you guys check here, and I'll head downtown." Tristan said putting his helmet on and roaring his engine as his bike shot off down the road.
"I could try a locator spell," I said. "I haven't done one yet, but it's worth a shot."
"Good idea," Yugi smiled. "Me and Téa will keep looking on the streets."
"Call me if you find him." I said running back to the house, I flew past Grandpa and took the stair two at a time. Throwing myself onto the floor, I unlocked my Chest and began to flick through the first spell book. An hour later I found what I was looking for I close my eyes and took a deep breath.
Ring! Ring! Ri –
I pressed the green button.
"Have you found him?" I demanded.
"Yeah, he and Tristan are on their way to the hospital."
"I'll head over there now."
"No, you should stay at home and keep Grandpa company, I'll let you know what happens. You can visit tomorrow. I called Mrs Wheeler and she says she doesn't want too many people there."
"Oh ok, then I guess I will see you when you get home." I said, feeling a heavy jolt in my stomach. Why didn't Mrs Wheeler – thought I suppose Serenity didn't know any of us so that would be though on her.
"Ok I'll make him call you, when I get there."
"Thanks," I smiled as I hung up the phone.
I paced until Joey called me back, he answered all of my demanding questions, before telling me he wanted to talk to Serenity again before she went under. I told him to tell her good luck, before the line cut. I threw my phone on the bed and grabbed my towel. What a stressful day.
I rubbed my hair down to see Yugi was home.
"Joey called while you were in the shower, he was ambushed his red eyes stolen and was beat up by guys in purple robes."
"Robes?" my eyes widened, wrapping my hair in the towel. "This has to be to do with the Prophecy."
"That's what I thought," the Pharaoh was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed.
"Poor Joey," I sighed.
"I know, he and everyone else are going to get caught in the middle," Yugi said.
"We will just have to do our best to protect them." Yugi looked determined. I grinned at him.
"Dark times are coming," Yami said. "I only hope we can defeat this evil."
"We've done it before, we can do it again. You know once we remember how."
Yugi laughed, even Yami gave a chuckle. We'd be ok as long as we faced it together.
Hope you guys enjoyed this one. I have a question for you all; would you rather I completed this story and made Battle City a separate fiction? Or just make this one story really really long?
Thanks and Enjoy xxx