YAY that didn't take as long as i thought.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REVIEWS! it was amazing opening my e-mail the day after and seeing all the alerts, thank you. :) you guys are amazing.

Special thanks this week goes to my new Beta, Noel Ardnek, who is a great help with ideas and gramer. Also thanks to all of you who gave me suggestions on the Marik and Noa question. they were very helpful.

I do not own Yugioh, really wish i did though, and don't own Charlotte, who belongs to one of my friends who also knows were i live so i better give her the credit.

ok, so lets get started.

Chapter 18

"Who are you?" Yami said wary of this stranger.

Ishizu entered the room, walking so gracefully it was like she was gliding. She stopped a few feet in front of Yami, her eyes never leaving his face.

"I am Ishizu." she said, inclining her head slightly.

"What do you want with me?" Yami said.

"My family has been waiting for the coming of the spirit of the pharaoh for over a thousand years." the necklace flashed, making Yami's eyes widen. "As you can see I, like your host, posses a Millennium Item. With it I have seen some of the paths you must take as you compete the mission you were sent into this modern age to accomplish."

"You will have to explain, I fear I have no memory of what you speak."

Ishizu didn't look surprised by this new, in fact she nodded as if it was expected.

"Over a thousand years ago Ancient Egyptian magicians played a game of great power. In the process they almost destroyed the world. When the most evil power of all was released, only one pharaoh was able to confront this evil and save man kind."

"Why are you telling me this?" Yami's voice sounded calm, but he held Airi's hand a little tighter.

"The one who defeated the evil before was you, Yami."

There was a slight paused.

"If I am this Pharaoh of which you speak." Yami said slowly. "And if I was successful in saving the world 5,000 years ago, why have I been trapped inside the Millennium Puzzle?"

"The Pharaohs after you were able to keep the powers in check. But dark forces with the knowledge of the shadows are using Duel Monsters to channel the same energies to destroy the world."

"People are trying to destroy the world again?" Tea said, her voice sounding a little higher then usual.

"History is starting to repeat, and unless it is stopped now I fear they might succeed. However, it is written, the spirit of the Pharaoh and the King of Games united may be able to keep the destruction of the world from happening.

Yami wasn't sure how he was supposed to take this. Going from knowing nothing about himself to having a destiny to fulfill was rather intimidating.

"This is going to be quite a challenge for us isn't it?" Yugi said.

"Us?"

"I am the King of Games aren't I. Besides, don't you even think about doing this by yourself."

"How do we stop this evil?" Airi said to Ishizu."

"We?" Yugi and Yami said together. Airi ignored their outburst.

"When you return to your home you will find a invitation to a duel monsters tournament. Entering and winning will be the way for you to fulfill your destiny." She turned to go. "may the gods look favorably on you all. Good luck." with that, she was gone.

There was a long moment of silence while they all reflected on what had been reveled. Finally Tea broke the silence.

"Yami? Is that your name?"

Airi looked at her, eyebrows raised. Didn't she think of asking during their time together?

Yami didn't seem bothered by Tea's comment. He turned back to the tablet, letting go of Airi's hand. Airi felt herself go a little red. In the shock of the revelation she had forgotten she had still been holding it.

Yami again studded the carvings. It was badly damaged but still there were still clear images of . . . Suddenly his eyes widened.

"What is it?" Airi said.

"My opponent looks just like Kaiba." he said.

"You sure?" Tea said, also looking at the carved figure across.

It was a bit of a stretch in Airi's opinion, but the resemblance was there. The figure did have similar narrow eyes, and the dragon above him did look like Blue-Eyes.

"Thank heavens he doesn't wear a turban in real life." Airi muttered.

"But what is he doing on this?" Tea said.

"Who knows. Some how Yugi looks like Yami. Maybe they run out of different kinds of faces so they have to reuse some every couple thousand years."

"Kaiba doesn't have a spirit inside him does he?" Tea said.

"Seto having a spirit, he wouldn't stand for it. He likes being a one man team to much."

"You're taking this rather lightly." Yami commented.

"I'm stressing out, and when that happens I get sarcastic. So yeah everything is fine." Seeing the look Yami was giving her she looked at the floor. "ok, I'm worried. You two have faced creeps before but destruction of the world is different. I'm having trouble getting all this into my head. You're a Pharaoh, Yugi is supposed to help you save the world again, I've nearly lost you both several times. What else am I suppose to do?"

"Make sure we make it." the request was so soft, she had to look at him to see if she had heard him right.

"I'll always be here. I promise." she told him.

"Don't you think we should go back you your place?" Tea said. "Ishizu said there would be a invitation there."


The house was empty when they got back. A note told them Gramps had stepped out for some reason and wouldn't be back 'til late. Hesitantly, Airi checked the mail box. She pulled out a official looking envelope with Muto on the front. She carried it into the kitchen where Yami and Tea were waiting.

"Would you like me to open it?" Tea said, seeing the grave looks on both Yami and Airi's faces.

"No I will." with a deep breath, Airi ripped it open. She stared at its contents, then pulled out a single piece of paper. Silently she handed it to Yami.

To Yugi Muto

You have been invited to participate in the privet tournament known as

Battle City Tournament

Be at Domino City Center at 9:00pm tonight for further instructions.

"No name." Airi said thoughtfully, still looking at the envelope.

"It looks like we have to be at the City Center tonight 9:00." Yami said.

"That's soon. We better get going." Tea said, looking at the clock.

Airi slipped the envelope into her bag and they headed out. All of them were silent as they made their way to the center of the city. The city center was like every other city except it consisted of several large television screens placed on the tall buildings surrounding the square. There was already a large crowd assembled, Duelist were everywhere - Some familiar, some completely strangers. Whoever was throwing this tournament sure like variety.

"Yami," Tea said, bringing them all to a stop. She looked like she had been holding in something for long enough. "Just promise me you and Yugi will be careful." Her face was set, showing how worried she really was.

"Believe me Tea, I can assure you we will. When Yugi and I work together there is nothing we can't overcome."

Airi smiled, hoping Yugi was listening.

"Well I hope you both know you have your friends with you."

"We are part of this, your not by yourself." Airi said.

Yami smiled, but suddenly he stiffened. He had heard a evil sounding laugh inside of his head.

"What was that?" Yugi said.

"I don't know, but it sounded like the person after the Millennium Puzzle."

"I was afraid so."

"Are you ok?" Tea said, seeing him scanning the clouded square.

"Yami what is it?" Airi said sharply.

"Its nothing, I thought I heard something."

Airi didn't look convinced, but was prevented from asking anything more by the sound of someone calling out to them. Turning they saw Mai Valentine coming towards them waving furiously and grinning. Airi hurried over to great her friend. Yami nodded in acknowledgment, while Tea smiled slightly humorlessly, not really pleased to see the purple clad blond.

"I though I would find you here Yugi." Mai said. "Boy you look snazzy Tea, is this a date?"

"What date?" Charlotte said from behind Airi making the other girl jump. "Oh, sorry about that. Forgive me Tea if I interrupted something, I don't like to intrude on dates."

"We're just friends." Tea said, face going red.

"Sure hun." Mai said, pulling Tea into a head lock like embrace.

"I don't think we've met." Charlotte said, holding out a hand to Mai. "I'm Charlotte."

"Mai." she said, thankfully letting go of Tea before causing the other girl to suffocate.

"I suppose you two got invitations as well." Yami said, not seeming ruffled by the comments about the 'date'.

"Why else would I be hanging 'round here." Charlotte said, looking round at the other gathered around the square.

"Do any of you know who is supposed to be hosting this tournament?" Mai said. "I've been asking around and so far no one has a clue. Though there have been rumors have been circulating saying that it is someone with a lot of money and a big ego."

"Oh, I wonder who that can be." Charlotte said, sarcasm dripping from her words.

"Kaiba." Tea said coldly.

Mai nodded.

Yami stiffened. With all he had just found out, Kaiba being in charge of this tournament seemed more then just a coincident.

"I should have guessed it." Airi muttered. "Who else."

"What are you mumbling about?" Mai said, eying her friends glum expression.

Airi shrugged, smiling.

"I guess we should just be happy it's not Pegasus again." she said.

"Speaking of Pegasus, this is starting to look a lot like duelist kingdom all over again." Yami said, looking around at the assembly of duelists.

"Ugh, your right." Tea said, looking around too. "There's Rex and Weevil."

"Joy." Airi said, not looking.

"Least you guys have more verity." Charlotte said, watching Maiko Tzunami eating fish with interest. "In the states we just have a bunch of thugs like who's ego's can rival Kaiba's, if that's even possible." she looked past Maiko and groaned. "Oh great, there's Espa Roba. I've heard he used psychic powers."

"Sound fun, should be a challenge." Mai said.

Airi didn't say anything. She had her expressionless mask on, but her eyes were looking over the duelist with what Yami could only call unease. It was almost like all the people around them were staring at her, though no one was giving their groups a second glance.

"Airi are you ok?" Yami said softly so no one could hear.

Before Airi could answer the television screens in the square canceled their boring news reports and switch to a all to familiar face.

"Kaiba" Yami said.

"Greetings duelist." Kaiba drawled. "Welcome to the town of Domino. I see all of you got my invitation to my exclusive duel monsters tournament. You all have been chosen for your skills as duelist. You should congratulate yourselves for being here tonight. This is my tournament so there is going to be so rules you won't have had before. First all of you will be required to duel with KaibaCorps new standard issue duel-disks." a picture appeared on the screen of the devise. Exclamations of wonder could be heard around the assembled crowd.

"We're supposed to duel with card table on our arm?" Charlotte said.

"Shh." Airi hissed. Kaiba had come back on.

"In addition before all duel, each duelists will wager their rarest cards on the match. The loser will have to give up their card to the winner."

"I don't like the sound of that." Charlotte said.

"Just losing one card will ruin my whole deck." Mai said.

"I'm not going to lose my Dark Magician." Yugi said. Yami nodded in agreement.

"Guess we are all going to have to duel our best then." Airi said, not sounding happy with arrangement either.

"We?" Yami said turning to her.

Airi pulled the envelope out of her purse. She pulled out the second invitation she hadn't shown him earlier.

"Cool Airi, your going to be dueling with us this time." Mai said.

"But your a washout." Tea said, but quickly added. "Sorry it came out like that Airi, but why would Kaiba want you in his tournament?"

"Ego." Airi spat, shoving the invitation back in her bag. "If he's going to take a crack at Yugi, why not make a complete job and finishing me off too."

"Speak of the devil." Charlotte said, pointing up.

A KaibaCorp helicopter had just appeared above them. Hanging out of the doors, long white coat blowing around in the wind, was Kaiba.

"Registers and pick up you duel-disks. May the best duelist win." Kaiba said, voice booming over the sound of the propellers. A cheer rose form the group of duelists, screaming their agreement.

Kaiba looked right at Yami, eyes narrowing. Yami glared back, not about to be stared down. Destiny or not, Yami knew Kaiba would be after him to get the title of King of Games. Yami and Yugi's main focus would be saving the world, but that didn't mean they wouldn't find other challenges besides ruthless rare hunters.

Kaiba finally looked away, shifting his gaze to Airi. A slight sneer could be recognized on his face. Airi looked back into those eyes seeing only contempt. She could tell that even though she had been invited, in was obvious Seto was only interested in beating her. To think she had almost become like him made her fists clench. Nevertheless she wasn't going to let show any weakness to Seto, no here, not ever.

Finally the helicopter departed. The crowd started to disperse, talking excitedly about the upcoming tournament.

"Why was Kaiba looking so hostile?" Mai said. "I know he looks like sour lemons on a regular basis, but he was looking down right ticked."

"Airi, are you ok?" Tea said, quietly, seeing the older teens fists shaking slightly.

"He probably thinks I should be thanking him on bended knee for letting me in." Airi muttered, holding back the tears. finding out about Yami's past, the dangers he and Yugi would be in, and now being invited to compete so that she could be squashed officially was almost to much for her.

Yami put his arm around her, glaring after the retreating helicopter. Kaiba would be after him he knew, but if he wanted to mess with Airi, he would have to get through him first. Yugi appeared on his sisters other side, looking worried. He had hoped time would have made Airi's scares fade a little, but it seemed he was wrong.

"Don't let him get to you Airi." Mai said firmly. "Yugi, one of us is going to have to wipe that smirk off his face."

"Charlotte, what are you looking at?" Tea said, noticing that the other girl wasn't paying attention to the conversation.

Charlotte had been gazing off in the direction of Kaiba's helicopter a strange look on her face. She jumped, face turning slightly pink.

"I was just imagining Kaiba falling out of the copter." she said nonchalantly. "Sadly, it didn't happen."


"This is almost like Duelist Kingdom." Yugi said, back in control, pacing up and down the living room. The others had gone home and the siblings were alone, except for Yami who was sitting on the couch next to Airi.

"The people throwing it have some similar qualities." Airi said, glaring at the invitation laying on the coffee table. "I'm not sure about the out come. With the whole giving rarest cards to the winner, when the tournament is over the champion will have one of the most powerful decks in the world."

"Lets just hope the holder of that deck doesn't abuse it." Yami stated.

"A supper deck would be the ultimate prize." Yugi said. "But I put my heart into my deck. I don't want to give up any of my cards, especially my Dark Magician."

"Besides that, the carvings on that stone seem to imply that a major battle is to take place between us and Kaiba." Yami said.

"You'll have to get to the finals first." Airi said, finally looking up from the table. "Seto will be there, trust me. The more powerful cards he can get, the happier he will be."

Yugi nodded, but then his eyes widened as he saw something behind Airi. Instantly she and Yami were on their feet.

A man stood behind them, as if he had appeared out of thin air. He wore a long tan robe and a white turban. Around his neck was a gold key in the shape of a ankh. Airi's first reaction would have been to scream,but for some reason she didn't feel threatened. She guessed this must be that weird guy Yugi had told her about from Duelist Kingdom.

"Shadi." Yugi greeted. Even Yami, though still a little wary, nodded in welcome, though Shadi apparently couldn't see him.

"Again we meet, Yugioh." Shadi said, inclining his head slightly to Yugi. Yugi blinked, not really sure what to make of this title.

"Umm, yeah. So why do we have the pleasure if seeing you again?"

"I understand you have spoken with Ishizu." Shadi said. "She had told you about the spirits past and the importance in this tournament which will shortly come to pass?"

Yugi nodded.

"Is there something else we need to know?"

"Those of us who are guardians are forbidden to give any more information at this time. I however am here to give something to your sister." Shadi turned to Airi.

"Me?"

"Just as the Yugioh was to receive the Millennium Puzzle and Pegasus the Millennium Eye, you are distend to have this." Shadi produced from his robe a object wrapped in linen. He held it out to Airi. Hesitantly, Airi walked forward and accepted it.

The parcel wasn't large, though a little heavy. Carefully she unwrapped it and inside was something she could only describe as the most beautiful headband she had ever seen. It was a gold crescent with green and purple stones inlaid on its front in a lotus flower pattern. Lightly engraved in the center petal of the middle flower was a small gold ankh. Airi lightly ran her fingers over the small gold 't' shaped symbol.

"What is it?" she breathed.

"It has no official title, but is known as the Millennium Diadem." Shadi said.

Airi was completely taken with it, but suddenly Shadi's mention of Pegasus make her look up sharply.

"Its not going to make me evil is it?"

If Shadi was ever capable of smiling Airi was sure he would have.

"Only a person's heart makes them evil. I do not sense any evil from you. Wear it, you are intended to have it."

"But . . ." Airi blinked. Shadi was gone. "Can this evening get any weirder?"

"It is magnificent." Yugi said, coming closer to get a closer look.

Airi looked closer at the gold band. It was beautiful, and she couldn't feel anything bad coming from it, but still she wasn't sure. She held it out to Yami.

"You live in a millennium item, what do you make of it?"

Yami studied it closely. He still had no memory so he knew nothing about what this item was supposed to be. It had no evil aura, nor did it seem as powerful as his puzzle. But still it contained power there was no question about that.

"It seems to be some sort of charm against evil. The power it contains seems to be more of defense. There is also something else, though I can't discern what it might be."

"It doesn't have anyone living in it does it? Airi said. "Knowing one spirit is bad enough."

Yami chuckled, handing it to Yugi.

"No, there are no spirits." he said.

"It is beautiful." Yugi said, tracing the flowers with his fingers. "It doesn't feel like a millennium item, but then I'm not a expert."

Airi frowned at the band.

"Why would I be destined to have it?"

"Maybe its because of all the crazy things that have been happening." Yugi said gravely.

"Yugi's right." Yami said, seeing the meaning behind the younger boy's words. "Because you are so close to Yugi those wanting to hurt us might try to use you."

Airi gulped.

"Then I'm glad to have it, whatever its really for." Slowly, she put it on. Nothing happened. "I guess that's a good sign." she said, sighing in relief. "I think we've had enough excitement for one night."


In his room, Yugi lay awake, staring up at the ceiling. Today had been one interesting day. They had finally found out who Yami was and were going have a new adventure. He wasn't sure if he was suppose to be excited or scared out of his wits. At least he didn't have to face this enemy alone.

"Yugi." Yami appeared on the foot of his bed.

"What is it?" Yugi propped himself up on one elbow.

"I wanted to thank you for your planing the day for me and Tea. It was a interesting experience, though I really wish you would just tell me instead of tricking me into awkward situations."

"Your welcome,and I am sorry I had to trick you. Tea is fun to be with, isn't she?"

"She is. You should try . . . how do you say it . . . oh yes, you should ask her out after the tournament."

"I don't think so, Yami. Tea is too amazing. I'm sure she thinks of me as only a friend." Yugi said, yawning.

Yami shook his head. Yugi could be exasperating some times.

"Though I do have to say, you did look rather funny yelling at the puzzle in front of the whole station." Yugi commented.

"You saw that!" Yami was shocked. He was sure Yugi had already left the puzzle by that point.

"Well not all of it, but I was there for the first part." Yugi said sheepishly.

"Yugi." Yami's eyes narrowed.

"Alright, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. But it was funny. Airi almost fell off the bed she was laughing so hard."

"You didn't tell her." Yami knew Airi would never let him hear the end of it if she knew he had been yelling at a puzzle in a public place in front of Tea no less.

"No, I forgot to bring it up. She was rather scared with feeling your panic I forgot all about it."

"I didn't scare her too badly, did I?"

"No, she was rather upset with me for making her freak out. But I think she thought it was too funny to be mad at you."

The was a pause.

"Yugi, how bad was Airi's break up with Kaiba?" Yami said.

Yugi rested his head back down on the pillow, staring unseeingly at the ceiling.

"Personally I don't think it was the break up which was bad. It was more of what being a professional duelist along with Kaiba's girlfriend turned her into."

"What did he do to her?" Yami's voice was dangerous. Kaiba wasn't as bad as some of the villains he and Yugi had faced in the past, but he still wasn't very fond of him.

Yugi looked at Yami, seeing the anger in his friend's eyes.

"Kaiba didn't do anything to her." Yugi's soft eyes got unnaturally hard. "Trust me if he did Gramps and I would have made him pay." he sighed. "but it was nothing like that." he looked back at the ceiling. "Airi and Kaiba were friends for a long time, even when they were in school. Suddenly he was no longer there. Airi said something about his stepfather wanted him closer to home so his education would be the best. Because of how smart Airi is she was able to still see with Kaiba by becoming a study partner, saying something about how competition makes people work harder. She started spending more and more time over there. It seemed to be ok. She was exceeding her study level so much she started was able to test out of high school all together. By that time she was well known in dueling circles, she and Kaiba." Yugi paused. "everything seemed fine. I mean she seemed to have it all. She was in college, a nationally acclaimed duelist, and was in a relationship with the youngest CEO in the world. But during that year she was different. I started seeing less and less of her. She would come back long after I had gone to bed and be gone before I was up. If I was lucky enough to see her, it would more like a wave as she went out the door. She also worrer her game face around the house, even to me. In a way she was a shell of herself."

Yami stared at the floor. This was almost as unnerving as learning he had been a pharaoh.

"What happened?" he said, quietly.

Yugi shook his head.

"I'm not one you should be asking."

"I can't." Yami said. If wasn't sure how she would react if he asked her directly, but judging by the look on Yugi's face he was sure it would hurt her.

Yugi pushed himself so he was sitting up, looking his friend right in the eye.

"Airi has only told me a little bit, and I'm sure there is more. But I know she needs to talk to someone who isn't me. You can't see it, but you are the closest thing to a best friend she has. I'm sure you can help her." Yugi lay back down. "and if she is going to duel in this tournament, she has to let some of whatever she is holding on to out." Yugi looked at the glowing form of the spirit, worry reflected in his eyes. "If you can, please have her talk about it."

"I promise." Yami said.

Finally Yugi closed his eyes, and was soon asleep.

Yami stood up, and walked to the door. He stopped at the foot of the attic steps, looking down the dark hall way. Airi's light was still on. He didn't go down, however, but returned to his puzzle. He would talk to her, but not tonight. They had all had enough revelations for one day. Maybe over a thousand years worth.


A/N: so there is the next part, and introduction of the Millennium Diadem. If someone esle has used a Item like this before, this is not like yours so i am not stealing your idea.

Well you guys won and Airi is going to duel. if there is a card you think she would have please tell me, her deck needs some work. and if you think Kaiba is becoming to much of a jerk please tell me how, i just don't like him so i might make him worse then he really is.

PLEASE REVIEW! and make my life brighter. if you have any preference in what gets revield in the next chapter, please say so.

Thank you all again for reading.