Ok here is the part with Rebecca, and i forgot how annoying she was. in this version Grandpa and Pro. Hawkins have known eachother a little longer then she show made it look.

Thanks to EB for the suggestions which helped me get through this chapter.

Chapter 9

Grandpa was released from the hospital the next morning. The doctors were amazed he had made such quick recovery. All of Yugi's friends were there to see the united family home. The day was brights and beautiful. Yugi walked along besides grandpa, not letting the old man out of his sight. Airi walk on his other side. When they got to the game shop, Grandpa didn't feel like staying at home.

"I've been stuck inside for to long." he protested, when Yugi told him that he needed to rest.

"Doubt there are any real places ta walk around inside one of those cards of Pega-creeps." Joey pointed out.

"This shop isn't going to run its self."Airi said, looking at Gramps meaningfully.

"Don't you two start ganging up on me."

"Alright how about this." Airi suggested. "The rest of you go and do something and I'll open the shop."

"But you wont have any fun with us." Yugi didn't like the idea of her working while he had fun.

"I spent four days looking after this old coot, it's your turn."

"Who are you calling an old coot?" Grandpa said, while the other teens tried to hind there sniggers. "I'll have you know I feel just like I did when I was young fool like all of you."

"Sure you do." Airi humored him, winking at Yugi, who couldn't help smiling.

"Are you sure you don't mind." Yugi asked, still looking guilty.

"You guys go have some fun. Goodness know you all deserve it. I wont be much fun unless I relax a little."

"You do look like you need a rest." Tea said, giving Airi some back up support

Yugi finally gave in, seeing how the past few days had taken a toll on his sister. He had had Yami and his friends plus the distraction of dueling to get him through the last few days while Airi hadn't had any of that. She deserved to just sit back, even if running a shop didn't sound relaxing to some.

"Just make sure non of you exert yourself." Airi called after them as the group left the shop, giving Yugi and Grandpa a meaningful look.

"You listen to her kids." grandpa told the others, completely ignoring the fact that it had been directed at him. Yugi waved, before disappearing out the door.

Airi sighed. The stress of the last few days had been exhausting, even if she was just sitting around waiting. She wasn't going to tell Yugi this, he would just feel even more guilty. Being alone maybe just the thing for her nerves right now. She could call Tea's cellphone if she wanted to meet up with the group later. Besides she shop needed at least a few hours open.

Airi went to the back of the shop. There had been some boxes she hadn't felt like dealing with the last few days. She had only been trough one of them when she heard the shop door tinkle.

"It's just me, Airi." came Yugi's voice. "I just forgot something."

"Ok." she called back, still going through the box.

Yami stood detached behind Yugi arms folded and eyebrows raised, as he quietly opened the cabinet where the ripped Blue-eyes card was kept. He didn't like this business of this girl Rebecca who had shown up in front of the shop and challenge grandpa for the Blue-eyes card. There must be some misunderstanding, but the girl was not listening to reason. Yugi had come in the get the card before they went to Kaiba Land.

"Are you sure your shouldn't tell Airi?" Yami said through the mind link, seeing how carefully Yugi closed the cabinet door so Airi couldn't hear.

"She said she wanted to rest. I'll be there for grandpa if needed. Besides," he gave Yami a sneaky smile. "If Airi found out she would want to duel Rebecca, and child prodigy or not, I don't think she would be up for Airi when she's mad."

Yami smiled. Even if that little girl with the thing called a 'Teddy' was annoying, it seem cruel to let her go against a angered Airi.

"Ok, see you later." Yugi called before he left.

"Bye." Airi called back distracted. The boxes hadn't been well marked and who ever had package them had thrown the decks in random boxes so she had to sort through them all. She dumped the jumbled packs on the floor and started trowing them back in different boxes; Beginner in the left, rare cards in the middle, unknown in the right. She started to see how many she could get in a box without missing. She had gotten up to 25 before the shop door open and she had to see who it was.

Standing looking around the shop, as an older man with a mustache waring a cream colored suit and a red bow tie. He was caring a overnight case in one hand. He was looking around the shop with great interest.

"Done a lot with the place I must say." he said to himself, sounding impressed. His British accent confirmed that he wasn't from around Domino.

"May I help you?" Airi said, having an odd feeling she knew him from some ware.

"Oh, yes. Pardon my gaping but it has been awhile since I have seen this place. Solomon Muto would happen to be around would he?"

"I'm sorry, but Gramps is out at the moment."

"Ah, so you must be Airi." the stranger came to the counter hand out stretched. Airi shook it, still clueless.

"Your probably don't remember me." the man observed, interpreting the polite blank look on her face.

"Sorry, but I don't."

"I'm not surprised, you were quite young last time I was in Domino. I'm Professor Hawkins, I'm an old friend of your grandfather's."

"Oh, now I remember." Airi smiled, finally recognizing him. He had been at both of her parents funerals. "It's nice to see you again."

"I've been rather bad about visiting friends. But that's what I get for being out in the field to long."

"What brings you here now?'"

"Well it is rather embarrassing actually. It seems that my granddaughter Rebecca has got this notion that my Blue-eyes White Dragon card was stolen. I guess my son messed up the facts again, he never really forgave me for giving it away. Well anyway, Rebecca came out here to get it back from the 'thieves'. She has a habit of not thinking things through before she acts, she is quite independent for an 8 year old."

"So, your granddaughter came all the way out here to challenge my grandfather for his most treasured card?"

"Well put." the Professor said.

"Well I don't think she will be very happy if she does get it back." Airi looked at the floor, not wanting to see the expression on the professors face when she told him. "Almost a month ago, grandpa was challenged for the card. He lost and the winner of the card . . . ripped it in half."

There was a moment of silence.

"I am very sorry to hear that. I gave your grandfather that card as a token of our friendship. May I ask what happened to the pieces?"

"Gramps kept them, taped together of course. If that card meant so much to the two of you, he would never throw it away. He values his friends too much."

"Your quite right." Pro. Hawkins agreed. "I must have been away much too long if I even considered such a thought. Do you know when Solomon will be back?"

"No I don't, sorry."

"I'm surprised that Rebecca hadn't arrived yet."

"Maybe she got lost or ran into them on the way here." Airi's face fell. "I really hope it's not the last one."

"I don't understand."

"Grandpa just got released from the hospital today. If Rebecca is after the card then she will want to duel him."

"Oh, that would be quite a tole if he just left the hospital." Pro. Hawkins looked worried. "Neither one of us is as young as we used to be."

"You actually admit it?" Airi stared at the professor.

He laughed.

"Why not, it will happen if I like it or not. If I admit it then I can get on with enjoying the rest of my life."

"Well spoken." Airi joined in the laughing. Suddenly froze as she felt a jolt. Not a bad one like she had when Yugi and Yami were in a danger. This jolt was more of more of excitement, and a little frustration. What was going on?

"Is something the matter?" Pro. Hawkins had seen her expression suddenly change.

"I have this odd ability to sense emotions from my brother, don't ask why." she wasn't sure how he would react if she said ancient magic.

"Is something wrong?"

"I don't think so. But something is going on. Usually Yugi never feels this much excitement unless. . ." she trailed off, a light-bauble seemed to go off in her head. ". . . unless he's dueling."

"You two must be close." Pro. Hawkins said, but Airi wasn't listening. She had gone right to the cabinet where the Blue-eyes was kept. Of course it was gone.

"Yugi you little sneak." she muttered. Gramps was in no condition, but Yugi would step in if needed.

"I think I know where your granddaughter is." she said standing up.


"So what kind of duelist is your granddaughter?" Airi said, as she and Pro. Hawkins hurried down the road.

"She is what you might say a child prodigy."

"So she has experience in the arenas."

"I should say she does."

"Then we are going to the right place."

The two of them finally came in sight of Kaiba land. It wasn't so impressive in those days. Only a few building dedicated to dueling and some statures of duel monsters. Airi knew Seto wanted to make a more impressive version which would be a full out theme park dedicated to the game. But since she and Seto weren't exactly on speaking terms she didn't know how far along the plans were.

The two of them hurried as fast as they could through the crowd. A news stand near by made Airi stop short. The headlines took up most of the front page.

King of Games: Yugi Muto Wins Duelist Kingdom.

She grabbed the paper and looked over it. The media didn't waist any time. The article was all about the tournament, except the part about the soul snatching, and the even listed Joey Wheeler as the second place winner. They weren't going to hear the end of it form Joey when he found out he made the news.

"Haven't you seen that yet?" Pro. Hawkins said, slightly amused by her expression. "I read that article in the cab. Amazing feet, defeating Pegasus."

"Good thing they still haven't managed to get a picture of him yet." Airi said, "Yugi's ears would would catch fire from all this praise."

"Wait, are you saying that this Yugi Muto, the King of Games is the same little boy who wouldn't let go of your hand at your parents funerals?" the professor sounded shocked.

"How many Yugi Muto's do you think there are in this city? Did you think he would stay small forever?" Airi couldn't help laughing. "If I got older it's only fair he did too."

"I must get out of the field and back to humanity more often." the professor shook his head. "Archeology is my passion, but living people are more important."

"That's what you do." Airi said excited. "I want to be an Archeologist. Where have . . ." but she was cut off by the sight of a black haired boy running towards them.

"Airi!" he said as he plowed into her.

"Mokuba? Boy you've grown. "Airi managed to say, having some of the wind knocked out of her. "I think you should let go, Seto wont be happy if he see's you hugging me."

"Oh, he wont." Mokuba said, letting go. "My big brother's too busy trying to track down The Big Five. They all seemed to have taken sick leave for a week and forgot to leave a forwarding address." he didn't seem convinced. "I think they are just scared of what Seto will do to them."

"Well I just don't want you to get yelled at for acknowledging my existence." Airi said.

Mokuba shrugged, still grinning. He like Airi, even if she had walked out on his brother. She was nice and he didn't think if was fair for Seto to completely deny her existence. Anyway, her brother had saved him and Seto so they should at least be somewhat more civil then they had.

"So, what you doing around here?" he asked.

"I'm looking for Yugi and my Grandfather."

"You came to the right place. I set Yugi and his friends up in one of are privet arenas. It looked pretty serious. They were with this little blond girl who was really demanding."

"That would be my granddaughter, Rebecca." Pro. Hawkins said, looking a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry if she was a problem."

Mokuba looked at him, a little startled.

"That girl is your granddaughter." he looked like he was about to say "poor you" but Airi cut him off.

"Can you take us there please."

"Sure thing." Mokuba lead the two of them into the main building. Down a few passages until they came to a privet arena.

"Thanks Mokuba, we can take it from here." Airi said, giving his shoulder a friendly squeeze. Mokuba beamed at her and hurried off.

"Lets be quiet so not to disturb the Duel." Pro. Hawkins said. Airi nodded and softly opened the door.

"YOU THEIVES! LIARS! THAT CARD IS MINE AND I'M GOING TO WIN IT BACK!" the shrill voice of a girl was yelling. Airi glanced over the the Professor. He nodded. That was Rebecca.

"Liston to me Rebecca. My grandfather is no thief." Yugi's voice could be heard as Airi and Pro. Hawkins walking under the arch on the opposite side of the arena from Yugi's friends and Grandpa. The duel was in full swing. Rebecca, who looked younger then Airi expected due to the pigtails and the teddy bear, seemed to have the advantage. Yugi was standing on his platform, looking like Rebecca's accusations were starting to give him a headache. Airi almost chucked, it wasn't often Yugi had his patients tested.

"I can't believe it." Pro. Hawkins whispered, looking at the playing field. "This is exactly like the duel that me and you grandfather played years ago."

"Grandpa already told us." Yami was suddenly standing on Airi's other side, almost making her jump.

"Yami, don't do that." she hissed at him.

"Sorry?" Pro. Hawkins said, turning to her.

"Oh, nothing." she said, turning slightly red. It hadn't really occurred to her Yami could only be seen by her and Yugi. Stupid of her really.

"Use a mind link, that way you wont look like your talking to yourself." Yami suggested. Yugi, Airi and Yami had discovered the mind link the night before.

"Why aren't you dueling?" Airi asked him.

"Yugi asked to do this alone. Besides he can handle it. Prodigy or not, she is no match for Yugi."

"Does she think that grandpa stole that card."

"Didn't you hear her?"

Airi smiled at him. "She does seem opinionated, doesn't she."

"Amazing." Pro. Hawkins was still stunned as he watched each play. "Card for card, this duel is like a repeat of mine and Solomon's duel."

"Shouldn't we let the others know we're here?" Airi and the Professor were still hidden by the shadows of the entry way.

"Not yet. I want to see if your brother will end this duel the same way Solomon did."

"So grandpa won that duel?"

"Didn't he ever tell you of this duel?"

"He might of, doesn't mean I remember at this moment."

Pro. Hawkins chuckled. "wait and see."

The duel continued. Rebecca alternated between taunting Yugi and talking to her teddy. From the looks on Joey, Tristan, and Tea's faces across the room, they were getting just as annoyed with her as Airi was.

"It's probably a good thing that isn't me dueling." she told Yami, who was still standing next to her. "I would have squashed her before this."

Yami looked at her, a amused smile slightly visible.

"Ok not squish, but I would have snapped long before this."

"That is possibly the reason Yugi didn't tell you."

"I'm still a little ticked at you two for not telling me."

"Yugi seems more calm now." Yami changed the subject.

It was true. After taking a deep breath to clear his mind, Yugi wasn't being affected by Rebecca's rantings as much as he had.

"For claiming to be such a great duelist, she has little respect for her cards." Yami observed, frowning slightly in disapproval.

"Prodigy doesn't mean experienced. She is still carrying a toy bear. Even if she is good at winning it doesn't mean she knows how to play her cards." Airi said. She had to agree with Yami. Rebecca had been tossing cards to the grave yard right and left. It became apparent why when she brought her Shadow Ghoul to the field, powered by cards in the grave yard. But still that was no way to treat her cards.

It was getting down to the final moves. Yugi paused after drawing his card. Airi and the others watched as he looked at it, glanced at Rebecca, then looked at grandpa. Airi suddenly realized what he was going to do. Why? But then suddenly she remembered what happened in the original duel. She grinned, Yami looked at her in surprise.

"What?"

"Just watch."

"I surrender." Yugi said, putting his hand over his deck.

The majority of those watching, Yami included, were shocked.

"Ya can't just give up." Joey said.

"You mean I won!" Rebecca practically crowed.

"Yes, you win Rebecca." Yugi said, calmly and firmly.

"YAY!" Rebecca was dancing around with her teddy as her Shadow Ghoul and Yugi's Dark Magician faded from the field. No one saw Airi and Pro. Hawkins step out of the shadows. Pro. Hawkins walked quietly towards the group. Airi, with Yami walking beside her, went over to where Yugi was getting off his platform. Yugi jumped when she poked his arm.

"You could have told me you were going to be dueling." she said softly.

"Airi, what are you doing here?"

Airi didn't get a chance to say anything because of Rebecca's screaming about the ripped Blue-eye card.

"First you steel it, then you lie, then you ruin it. YOU MEAN MEAN MAN!"

"Rebecca." Pro. Hawkins finally spoke, making Rebecca jump. Yugi's friends practically jumped out of their skins, not having noticed the elder man walking towards them.

"Arthur is that really you?" Grandpa said.

"It has been far to long Solomon." both men clasped hands, beaming at each other.

"Far to long my dear, old friend."

"I'm hope my precocious granddaughter hasn't caused you too much trouble." Joey and Tristan looked like they were going to comment on that, but Tea nudged them both. "Can you forgive her?" Pro. Hawkins continued.

"For what?" Rebecca demanded

"Rebecca," her grandfather started to walk towards where Yugi and Airi, and Yami, were still standing. "Did you know that Yugi was actually the winner of you duel."

"No he wasn't. I was." she said, catching up with him.

Pro. Hawkins stopped in front of Yugi.

"It has been a long time since I saw you last." he commented. "You've grown up into quite the young man. Your just like your Grandfather and a little bit of your father as well. You got both of their generosity and have become a fine duelist."

Yugi went pink. It was hard sometimes for him to hear praise directed towards him. Rebecca had caught up with them, and was sizing Airi up.

"Wait, I've heard of you." she said, pointing at Airi, her already high emotions causing her to talk without thinking, as usual. "Your Airi Muto, the washout duelist."

"Rebecca!" Pro. Hawkins said sharply. Everyone was shocked at how bold this girl could be. Yugi stiffened slightly and Yami's eyes narrowed. Airi couldn't help smiling slightly. Seto had apparently hadn't succeeded in completely erasing her.

"It's ok Yugi." she said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. She turned to Rebecca. "Yes I'm Airi Muto, Yugi's sister. I'm flattered you know me." she said, her voice managing to sound pleasant. "Who might you be?"

That didn't sit to well with Rebecca.

"For your information I'm the youngest professional duelist in the world, beating your record. I also am the one who beat your brother in out duel."

"I already told you Rebecca, Yugi was the real winner of this duel." Professor Hawkins told her as he walked over to Yugi's cards and picking one up. "Just as I thought." he said.

"What?" Rebecca demanded, not liking her Grandfathers tone of voice.

"Look at this card." Pro. Hawkins held it up for all to see. "This card is called Soul Release. Do you know what it does, Rebecca?"

"It releases cards from either players grave yard." Rebecca's eyes widens as she realized what that meant. With out the power of cards in the grave yard then her Shadow Ghoul would have lost enough points to make him weaker that Yugi's Dark Magician. Joey and Tristan were looking like deer in the headlights;Yugi could have crushed her.

"Yugi didn't have to surrender?" Tea finally spoke what everyone else realized.

"Why did you do it?" Rebecca yelled at Yugi. Airi glared at the little girl. Didn't she have any other volumes. Yugi looked at the ground, turning pinker, still not answering.

"Yugi wanted to show you that there is more to dueling then just winning and losing." Pro. Hawkins said "He wanted to show you the power in believing in the heart of the cards is what is in your own heart. In our duel, Solomon surrendered his right to water to save my life."

Everyone except Airi and Grandpa looked shocked. Yugi looked up at his sister surprised. How did she know?

"He saved my life, Rebecca." the Professor continued, crouching down so that he was eye to eye with her. "Another thing, it's true that I sent many monsters to my grave yard to give the Shadow Ghoul his power. But I honored everyone of those monsters for their sacrifice. They are just as important as my more powerful monster."

Yami and Airi exchanged a look, nodding slightly in approval.

Rebecca was looking at the floor, looking rather bashful; a first.

"And most importantly my dear, a duelist must always respect their opponent. In Solomon's case I felt such respect and gratitude that I gave him my Blue-eyes White Dragon card."

Rebecca's eyes flashed again.

"Yeah, and he show his respect by ripping it."

Grandpa looked down at the card in his hand. Even though the tape was clear it couldn't hind the fact that it had been damaged.

"I'm sorry Arthur." Grandpa said, not looking up.

"It doesn't matter Solomon. Airi told me what happened. I'm honored that despite its being damaged you kept it as a token of our friendship, something much more valuable then life points or power."

Grandpa nodded, smiling at his old friend.

"Now do you understand Rebecca? Great duels are about heart. They can be the beginning of great and lasting friendships because they are all about heart."

"My heart?" she said.

"The heart of every duelist and the heart of the cards, that is what Yugi was trying to show you." Pro. Hawkins gave his granddaughter a meaningful look.

Rebecca turned to Yugi and Airi, looking rather ashamed.

"Oh Yugi, I'm so sorry." she said, small tears forming in her eyes.

"It's ok, Rebecca." Yugi said, smiling warmly at her. That was Yugi, always quick to forgive.

"You mean it?" she said, brightening up. She could be quite pleasant when she wasn't yelling.

"Sure. Here." Yugi pulled out a card from his pocket and handed it to her. Airi's was taken aback. It was the card he had gotten from Pegasus after winning the tournament.

"The Ties of Friendship?" Rebecca read out the name. From be hind her, Joey looked like he was going protest, but Tea elbowed him.

"Don't ruin it." she hissed.

"I'd like you to have it."

"Thank you, Yugi."

"Is there anything else you would like to say?" Pro. Hawkins asked.

"Oh, yeah." Rebecca turned to grandpa. "I'm really sorry I called you all those nasty names." then she turned sheepishly to Airi. "I guess I shouldn't have called you a washout. I'm sorry."

"It's ok, Rebecca. No hard feelings." Grandpa said.

"It's alright." Airi said, shrugging. Wouldn't be the last time she was sure.

"Well done Yugi." Yami said.

"Hey, that's what friends are for." Yugi said, quietly so that only Yami and Airi could hear.

With another approving nod, Yami faded back into the puzzle.

Airi squeezed his shoulder, smiling proudly.

"You know Solomon, it's been a long time since we've dueled."

"Is that a challenge I hear, Arthur?"

"Grandpa, you just got out of the hospital." Airi said sharply.

"Oh, come on." Joey cut in. "how often do we get ta see two grandpa's dueling?" no one had a chance to answer, because Joey's stomach gave an exceptional loud rumble.

"Over ruled." Tristan announced.

Everyone burst out laughing.


The old friends didn't get a chance to duel, which was alright. Seeing each other after all this years was good enough for them. After Joey's stomach had made the first suggestion everyone else realized how hungry they were. Lunch was spent at a diner close by. Joey and Tristan didn't talk much, their mouths being to full. Airi was listening intently to Pro. Hawkins and Grandpa reminisce about old time out on digs. Yugi would liked to have listened more closely, he found their talk of ancient ruins and close shaves fascinating, but his attention was being sought after by Rebecca. Now that they had been classified as friends, she had reached a new level of talkative. This didn't go without Tea noticing. Even though Rebecca was a lot younger, Tea couldn't help feeling a little jealous. Her slight scowl wasn't lost on Airi.

After the food Professor Hawkins announced that he had made reservations on a flight later that afternoon. Everyone escorted them to the airport. Rebecca made a point on give everyone a hug before leaving, even if Joey, Tristan, and Tea didn't look to thrilled. Pro. Hawkins shook hands all around, telling all how much of a pleasure it was to meet them.

"It was good to see you again, old friend." Grandpa said, as he and Pro. Hawkins shook hands. "and it was nice to meet your granddaughter."

"Same here. You should be proud Solomon. You've raised some remarkable grandchildren."

"Don't worry, I know." Grandpa said, proudly. "Take care, and try not to be a stranger."

After the Hawkins had left the group returned. Joey spent the majority of the time commenting loudly on the article about the winners of Duelist Kingdom; Pro. Hawkins had let him have his paper.

"Couldn't even get a shot of this handsome mug." he was saying. "Not even Yugi gets a picture and he's the freaking King of Games."

"It's not that important." Yugi said, going pink again. His name was all over, at least most people didn't have a face to go with it.

"It's probably just as well." Tristan said. "Joey's face would crack their cameras."

"Very funny Tristan." Joey glowered while everyone else laughed.

After a long day, the group finally said goodbye outside the game shop. Even though Gramps said he was fine, he was warn out by all that had happened.

"Good to be back home." he said, stretching as he sat on the couch.

"So much for taking it easy." Airi said.

"Here grandpa." Yugi held out his deck. "This belongs to you."

Grandpa looked at the deck.

"No Yugi. These cards are yours now."

"What?" Airi and Yugi were shocked.

"But this is your deck." Yugi said

"It was. But I've see you duel with these cards Yugi. Those cards have your heart in them now. From what I saw this morning, your connection is stronger then mine, and that's saying something." grandpa put Yugi's other hand on top of the deck and covered both hands with his own. "Take them Yugi. It's the least I can do for all that you've done."

Yugi's eyes filed with tears as he tacked grandpa in a giant hug. Airi watched until her own vision started to blur.


That night Yugi came into Airi's room. She was at her computer, seeing what work she had to do the next week.

"Still up?" he said.

"Just making sure homework isn't going to sneak up on me."

"Airi, may I ask you something?"

"What's up?"

"During my duel with Rebecca. You didn't look at all surprised by what happened."

"I figured it out."

"But only grandpa and Pro. Hawkins knew about how that duel was won."

"I heard that story a long time ago. You did too, but I suppose you fell asleep near the end."

"Who told us?"

Airi looked out the window at the dark sky.

"Dad."

Yugi sat on the bed, near the head so that he was close to the desk where she was sitting.

"When did he tell that one? I can't remember."

"I think it was month before he died. There was huge rain storm. I remember the drops were so big they didn't need the thunder and lightning to be scary. The pounding of the drops were enough to scare you out of you wits."

"I was five." Yugi pointed out. "You weren't exactly sleeping well either."

"Point taken." Airi acknowledged, still looking out the window. "anyway we both practically ran dad over in his own bed we were so scared. I'm sure we thought monsters were coming to get us. Dad let us stay in the bed with him until the wind blew the clouds away. Even then we couldn't fall asleep. Dad did the one thing that would calm us at that time. He told us a story; the duel between grandpa and Pro. Hawkins."

Both sat in silence. Yugi was looking at the floor. Airi was still staring out the window, quietly remembering.


Because of how small their apartment was both kids had to share a room. Dad was sitting on the end of Airi's bed, finishing telling the story. His gravity defying hair even more unkempt from sleep. Yugi was on his lap, eyes drooping. Though he was putting up a good fight in staying awake, there was only so much resistance a sleepy kid can put up. Airi was sitting up in bed, holding her chin in her hands, looking a little perplexed. She didn't get this story at all.

"and because Grandpa cared so much for his friends well being they were both able to get out of there alive. In gratitude Pro. Hawkins gave your grandpa the Blue-eyes card." Jiro Muto said. He glanced down at Yugi, smiling to see that his son was sleeping peacefully. "Well it seems my voice still puts people to sleep. Maybe I should be in politics." he quietly laughed at his own joke.

"Daddy."

"Yes Princess."

"Why did grandpa lose?"

"Because he saw that his friend needed the water."

"But he lost."

"Yes he did." Jiro tried to think of a way to put for her to understand. "Sometime winning isn't always the best course of action. Sometimes there is a way we can get to our goal with out having to have someone lose."

"But why would some one want to lose." Airi didn't think her dad knew what he was talking about.

Seeing this wasn't getting through to her, Jiro tried again.

"Airi, when Yugi wants to play with one of your toys, do you let him?

"Some times."

"Why do let him play with it?"

"He would be sad if I didn't."

"But then you can't play with it."

"We can play together."

"So you lose having the toy all to yourself, so that both of you could have fun."

"I guess so."

"So both of you win, even if you lost having it all to yourself. Winning isn't everything. Do you understand now?"

Airi shrugged. Her father chucked.

"Well you better get some sleep." Dad stood up, still holding sleeping Yugi. Airi snugged down under the covers while dad put Yugi in his bed.

"Are we going to see mommy tomorrow?" she asked when leaned over to kiss her goodnight.

"It's tomorrow already."

"No its still dark. The sun has to be out for it to be tomorrow."

"Alright you win, smarty."

"So are we?"

"Grandpa is going to take you, I'll be there after work."

"Ok. Night daddy. Love you."

"I love you, too, Princess."


"I guess I didn't hear all of it." Yugi finally said. "that's why I didn't know I won the same way grandpa did."

"You must have heard something, or you wouldn't have ended it like you did."

"I think I ended the duel with Rebecca the same way because it was the right thing to do."

Silence again.

"I didn't understand why back then." Airi said, mostly to herself.

"Didn't understand what?"

"Why Grandpa didn't win. I knew that it was a good thing because the story ended happily. But I didn't understand why he surrendered." she looked down at her hands. "Maybe if I understood why it wouldn't have taken me so long to figure out what being obsessed with winning was doing to me."

Yugi placed a hand on her shoulder, making her look up.

"You figured it out eventually, even if took you awhile. Plus when you did mess up you had the courage to fix it. I think dad would have been proud."

"Thanks Yugi." she said, smiling.

Yugi smiled back, then yawned.

"I saw that. You better get some sleep."

Yugi didn't bother hiding the second yawn.

"Good night, sis." he headed for the door.

"Yugi."

"Yeah?" he paused and looked back.

"I think Dad would have been proud of the way you dueled today. Mom too."

Yugi seemed to stand a little taller.

"Thanks Airi."


A/N so there it is. now both parents have a flash back. maybe i should write one where Yugi is awake.

Ok big favor to ask all who are reading. next part is when the gang to to save Seto in his vertural world. Do you want Airi to go in with them? for those who want to please give me suggestions, writing Seto/Airi encounters is hard enough, now i have to rewrite the whole vertual world. if you want her to have some action you will need to tell me or i may deside to skip.

Anyway, i hope you like this chapter. PLEASE REVIEW!