Happy Christmas and sorry about the lack of updates. I think i'm used up most of my excuses so I'm just going to give you all this as my present for putting up with me.
NOTES: I'm using Grandpa's secret name from the Japanese version, just because it was easier to remember than the other.
Same old same old. Airi mine, others not. battousaisgirl16 is the best for reading this over during the holidays.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 56
Dark. No air. Scream. No sound.
Yugi jerked awake to find himself in the Hawkin's trailer. Cold sweat dripped down his face and hair matted against his face. He pushed his bangs out of his face. That was too realistic. Looking around, no one else was awake. Leaning back he stared up at the shadowing ceiling taking deep breaths to calm himself. He'd been having nightmares for several nights now. The first time he'd woke the others with his screams. Since then it was just the jerk awake out of breath.
The shadows seemed to close in on him, too much to like his dream. Shuddering, he got up. Slipping outside he walked down the side of the lake. It was a familiar walk. Being out in the country away from the city and the recent events of world destruction should be relaxing. But it wasn't.
The last few days had been filled with his friends being relaxed and cheerful, even though they were practically stranded in the States. Joey and Tristan joked about ways to get back and they mainly seemed to act like them normal selves. Rebecca hardly let him out of her sight which was stifling at times. Even Tea kept tabs on him near constantly. Airi acted normal, except for her continued checking his location, but she had been doing that for years. Even Yami seemed tense.
Sitting down at the shore he put his feet in the water. The cold felt soothing and made him feel more awake. Watching the moon light reflected water was calming. He focused on the lights on the water to distract him from the darkness surrounding him. If only the darkness was easy to ignore in his nightmare.
Yugi shuttered, pulling his feet out of the water and hugging his knees to his chest. Why did memories of the time in the stone prison by Dartz continued to haunt his mind? Sleepless nights were beginning to show and was worrying Yami and Airi. He wanted this to be over. Being the hero. Going into danger. Making people worry. Afraid of shadows.
He lowered his head, and felt the cold metal of the puzzle against his cheek. He wanted to take it off and throw it. Let someone else wear it.
"Yugi, you alright?"
Remembering who he shared the puzzle with he lifted his head with a jerk.
"Just thinking." he said. "Sorry to bother you." Last thing he needed was Yami feeling more guilt. Yami seemed to accept the excuse and didn't press the matter.
In the moon light the gold puzzle seemed to shine. There was more room inside and Yami was allowed to leave, but this was still where he was trapped until Yugi could help him.
Lying back on the grass, Yugi stared up at the sky. He took a deep breath of the fresh air. If he could give Yami a chance to move on from his puzzle, then he would help him. Yugi just hoped he could hold out to the end.
Early the next morning found Airi making breakfast. The others were still sleeping, and she liked it that way. It was easier to prepare things without the boys or love sick girls running around the propane burners. She wasn't alone. Yami kept her company. Talking through the mind link he helped her with some of the preparations. She waited for someone to come out and notice plates and eggs floating on there own. Even after their last adventure the others were still not very open to interacting with Yami when he wasn't sharing forms with Yugi. Tea was more accepting than the rest, but she was still awkward around him.
Airi watched Yami attempting to mimic her actions of breaking eggs. He insisted on learning, even if pharaohs probably wouldn't need this skill in the after life. His concentration was amusing and she found herself smiling. The face was so different than the intimidating stare when he was dueling. In fact it was different than when he was with Yugi. This one was him;not a combination, not Yugi, just him. Then she'd see the slight outline through his transparent face. That still didn't make their situation any better.
The sound of things crashing inside the trailer shook her out of her thoughts. Yami put down the bowl. A few moments later the door opened and Rebecca nearly fell out of the door soon followed by Joey.
"Yugi!" Rebecca called. "Where are you?"
"Calm down, Pigtails." Joey said. "He's just gone out on a walk again."
Airi stiffened. She'd forgotten to check for Yugi when she got up this morning. He was missing again! Before she could freak out Yami put a hand on her shoulder.
"He's ok. Another nightmare."
This didn't do much to help Airi feel better, but she let her muscles relax. Rebecca was already disappearing towards the water with Tea running after her while lecturing about bothering people.
"Crazy girls." Joey said. "How breakfast?"
Airi pulled the plate of food out of his reach. "Aren't you going to make sure Yugi's OK?"
Joey paused and looked her over. "You're not freaking out. So I guess he's doing ok."
Airi signed. "You have a point, but still, Yugi might need back up."
Tristan showed up to hear this part. "Yeah, come on Joey." he dragged his friend off after the girls.
When they returned breakfast went on soon after. The Professor proposed ways for the group to get home while most of the group gulped down their food and random discussions from the others. Airi noticed Yugi was must more interested in the Professor's suggestions than he had before.
"Has anyone heard from Pegasus?" Yugi asked.
"Nothing yet." the Professor said. "It's been a while. I can try to send out another communication."
"No thanks." Yugi moved his eggs around the plate. "If he's not answered by now he's not going to."
"Ungrateful jerk." Joey said. "Seriously, we help save his hide and he won't give us a lift home."
Suddenly the familiar sound of wing blades beating the air caught everyone's attention. The KaibaCorp helicopter came over the horizon. The group moved toward the open field where the chopper landed. The moment it touched down Mokuba jumped out of the helicopter and ran to over to where the others stood.
"Long time no see." Tristan said. "It's been like less than a month."
"Ha ha, very funny." Mokuba said.
Joining them at the table Mokuba revealed why he was there. It turned out that KaibaCorp was opening an amusement park and Mokuba was here to tell them about it.
"Seto promised me when we were kids that he would create a theme park when we grew up. Remember Airi?"
Airi nodded. It had been one of of Seto's goals he'd told her about before he'd been adopted.
"It's finally complete. KaibaLand. You're all invited to the opening."
"Where is it?"
"Domino."
"Sorry, but we have no money for the airfare. We've tried to contact Pegasus to see if he'd fly us back, but he won't call back. Ungrateful git. And we helped save his fancy butt too."
"Joey."
"Well if you're worried about a ride. We can give you a ride."
"Well that's nice."
"Then why are you here and not sending us a note or calling."
"There is a catch, and it's the real reason I'm here." Mokuba pulled some envelopes out of his vest pockets. "Seto is holding a Dueling Grande Prix."
"So Yugi has to duel to get us a ride?"
"No,"
"No?" Everyone was shocked at this news.
"The winner of the Grand Prix will win the honor of facing Yugi for the chance to become the new King of Games."
"Just like Kaiba." Joey said. "Hold a tournament without asking if Yugi wants to just so he can get a shot at his title."
"Will you let me finish?" Mokuba snapped. "This is to help restore the reputation of KaibaCorp. Seto's not competing because he's got too much to worry since the Dartz incident. So he's not competing and neither will Yugi until the end. I'm here to deliver the invitations." he went over to Rebecca and handed her one of the envelopes.
"I get to duel for the honor of proving myself to my Yugi."
Airi was surprised to find Mokuba standing in front of her. He held out the envelope.
"Wait, I'm invited?"
"What's so odd about that?" Mokuba said. "You were included in Battle City."
Airi looked at the envelope. "Sorry, but I don't duel competently anymore."
"Come on Airi. It took forever to get Seto to include you n the duels."
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in dueling competitively any more. Besides, if Yugi's not going to be until the end of the Prix then I'd rather spend more time with Yugi than facing opponents."
Mokuba seemed to understand, but he still looked disappointed. "Seto said you'd say something like that." he pulled out another envelope from his vest and went over to Joey.
"What I'm second choice?" Joey snatched it away from Mokuba. "I'll show MoneyBags I am a great duelist. I'm going to win this thing."
Mokuba turned to Yugi. "I supposed I should ask you properly. Will you please participate in my brothers tournament?"
"Well, Kaiba did help us out with Dartz."
"That's not a reason."
"But then we do need a ride back home." Yugi reasoned. "Sure I'll do it."
Mokuba smiled. "Good.
KaibaLand was impressive. Duel monster themed buildings and attractions all over. It looked like a larger and more impressive version of the KaibaCorp Ice Sculptures the last Christmas. Large statues of duel monsters appeared all over the room. A Dark Magician Girl, looking almost exactly like the original, passed out Kuriboh shaped balloons.
Even with the travel lag, Airi could see the hard work Kaiba had put into it.
Yugi's eyes were wide in awe.
Rebecca appeared and latched on to Yugi.
"Isn't is wonderful Yugi." she giggled. "I hope there is a tunnel of love."
Tea shot them spiteful look.
"Don'tworry." Airi muttered to her. "Seto was never into those."
Airi left the others to go back to the game shop to get some fresh clothes for her and Yugi. She wasn't going to appear in front of the press and other duelists without fresh clothes. Mokuba did a few phone calls and summoned one of the privet limousines to drive her home and to take her to the hotel.
The limousine pulled up in front of the game shop. It seemed like ages since she'd been home. Some reason the shop was already closed. It wasn't a holiday. Then again KaibaCorp was basically the number one attraction in Dominio. Opening a dueling theme park would put normal life on hold. Climbing up the back stairs into the apartment.
"Grandpa?"
No answer. Looking around, she noticed a piece of paper on the counter. She picked it up and recognized grandpa's handwriting.
Airi and Yugi, I'm going out of town for a few days. Sorry I couldn't be here to welcome you all back. I'll see you after the tournament. Grandpa.
Airi frowned. Where could he have gone? She just hoped he wasn't getting into trouble.
Packing up some fresh clothes from the rooms she returned to the limo.
The park had it's own hotel near the KaibaDome. Checking in at the lobby Airi was escorted up to the upper level to one of the duelist suites. It was really nice and thankfully didn't have too many references to Kaiba's deck in the interior design. Separate beds for the Muto siblings and living room and bathroom. Very nice suit. Kings of Games really do get the star treatment.
A knock on the door made her look up. Looking through the peep hole her jaw dropped. What was Seto doing there?
She opened the door. "Can I help you?"
Kaiba was in his white suit. Surprising these days. She had to admit she could take him more serious than in his over starched coats. He continued to stand there without talking. A strange thing for him.
Airi started getting annoyed. "Well? Have I done something wrong or were you just in the neighborhood?"
"It's my hotel. I can go where I please." Seto snapped.
"And this right now is my room, so do you want to come in or not?"
"No, I just . . ." He seemed flustered, which was starting to make Airi worry. What in the world was going on. Realizing he was sounding unprofessional, Seto cleared his throat and became his old self again. "I'm rather disappointed you didn't accept my invitation. You won't get many opportunities to duel if you keep turning down offers."
Annoyance returned to Airi. Why was everyone making such a big deal about her dueling career. It was over and she wasn't very interested in bringing it back.
"You weren't participating, so there wasn't anyone I wanted to defeat."
"Really?" Seto seemed a bit to interested in her response.
"Sure, then I remembered that's Yugi's job these days."
Kaiba's frown deepened. "Your sarcasm isn't called for."
Airi shrugged. "Too bad, it seemed like the official dialect around here these days. Anyway, I need to unpack, was there anything else you're disappointed in?"
Kaiba started to speak, but was interrupted by a ring-tone from his pocket. He pulled a device out of his suit and frowned out it. "Could you keep an eye on your brother?"
"What does that mean?"
"Test run of my dueling simulation and your brother shows up and it defaults. There's trouble at the KaibaDome. Your brother's involved."
Chills ran down Airi's spine. "I'm coming with you."
Kaiba didn't protest and led the way out of the building. A KaibaCorp park vehicle was waiting outside of them. Kaiba climbed into the front seat and again didn't protest when she climbed into the passenger seat. Kaiba proved to be a crazy driver and Airi had to hold on to the seat to keep from shifting at the curbs.
They arrived at the giant Blue-Eyes Dragon head shaped building. Groups of people were already leaving the building. Airi spotted the group on the front steps on the building. Pulling up by the front of the building steps, everyone seemed to still be in one piece. But then she realized Yami was in control of the body and the worry returned.
"Nice to see you showing up when the trouble is already resolved Kaiba." Joey said.
"I should have expected some underdogs like you to mess up my machines."
Joey spluttered some kind of response while Airi jumped out to join the others. Quick glances around reassured her no one was hurt or mind controlled.
"What happened?" Airi demanded.
"Just some machines going out of control and a hostage situation." Yami stated.
"Just that?" Airi's rant were interrupted by the sound the KaibaCorp vehicle pulling away with both Kaibas in them.
"What's with him?" Duke said. "You'd think we'd committed murder or something."
"It is the opening of a new theme park and tournament." Tristan pointed out.
"Speaking of which we've got to hurry." Tea said. "We don't have much time before the pening ceremonies."
They started back, the others catching Airi up on what just happened.
"Hey, Yuge." Joey suddenly said. "You said that underdog card reminded you of someone."
"I did." Yami look confused, but then glanced over at transparent Yugi walking next to Airi. "Oh, right."
Suddenly Airi found the two of them switched.
"What, or no you didn't. Not funny, Yami."
Joey pulled Yugi into a head lock and demanded to find out what was going on.
"You're mean." Airi said.
Yami shrugged, sneaky smile twitching his lips.
Back in their room, after hearing about the possessed duel simulator, Airi finally let her anxiety show.
"I can't leave you alone for a moment." Airi shuffled the clothes out of the back out of the bag. "We get back and you get in a duel."
"What do you expect from a duel themed amusement park." Yami said.
Airi ignored him. "And not just a dueling machine, but a taken over by evil duel machine."
Yugi picked up the shirt. "It's not our fault."
"Like it makes a difference in this family." Airi tossed a shirt over to her brother. "Change before we go to the opening ceremony." She grabbed her own clothes and comendeered the bathroom.
She didn't like over messing with her appearance, but Airi found herself in front of the mirror checking every detail of her outfit, hair, anything the press could attack. This, she didn't miss from her old life. When she was sure everything was in place, she went over one last time staring at herself for any speck of dirt on her face.
"Well, that's as good as it's going to get." she finally told her reflection.
Opening the door she nearly ran in to Yami leaning against the door frame.
"What the heck were you doing?" she snapped.
"Sorry, but I didn't think checking on you while in the bathroom was a good idea."
"You're right about that." Airi snapped. "What were you checking on? I wasn't dying."
Yami raised an eyebrow. Airi inwardly groaned as she remembered the emotional link. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"OK, so I'm nervous. Doesn't mean I need a body guard."
Straightening, Yami inspected her and from top to bottom. "Perfect."
Airi's cheeks warmed and she managed a smile. "Thanks."
Yugi was standing on the balcony.
"Airi, what are all these people? Why are there so many duelists here?"
Airi joined him and looked down at the groups of people arriving in groups. "Most of those are reporters."
"What?" Yugi turned pale.
Yami joined them. "Huh, so that's what the flashing lights were."
"What am I supposed to do?" Yugi said. "I haven't dealt with reporters."
"Just act confident" Airi said. "Just smile, and act like you haven't heard them if they ask questions when passing. If they ask for interviews during the reception give short answers or no comment."
"Wow, how did you stand it before?"
"I'm wondering that myself."
It was like deja vu. Entering the room with flashing lights from the cameras, the crowds of duelists. It was like nothing else changed. Only Airi's nerves under her pleasant smile had changed. It was like the first time she'd done this. Only back then she'd had Seto beside her. The lobby was intimidating with everyone crowding around asking Yugi questions. They got separated and Airi was separated from the others. Yugi did his best to act brave and get through the different questions and flashing lights. Once they got inside the room the photographers weren't allowed in until the announcement of the duelists.
Yugi slumped in relief. "How did you survive dealing with that all the time?"
"Practice I guess."
"Am I going to need practice?"
"If you stay King of Games probably."
"Can't I just stay behind the scenes and be King of Games."
"We'll figure that out after this tournament."
Airi had mixed feeling when she entered the large ball room. The fluttering excitement of her being back in the company of high class professional duels competed with the dread of what seeing her old dueling acquaintances. During Battle City she thought this fear was conquered, but that was in an environment where the only reason to speak to another duelist was during a duel. Now she was in a large room packed with duelists. Most of them she hadn't spoken too since she'd been with Seto.
The room was already really crowded. Some familiar faces of duelists surrounded by reporters. So far there only seemed like only two options; walk around or go to the buffet table. Joey and Tristan had already chosen the last one.
"I guess we should do something."
Sounds of raised girls voices came from the direction of the buffet table. They sounded familiar.
"Really?" Airi said. "Can we go a moment without your girlfriends fighting."
Yugi gave her a look, but didn't disagree. "Come on."
Making their way through the crowed Tea and Rebecca in the middle of an argument with a woman in a Chinese style dress and black hair in buns. Airi recognized her at once. Vivian Wong. Airi thought she'd stopped dueling. She'd spent all her time between duels getting up and personal with other duelists. She'd even tried to get Seto a few times while he and Airi were still a thing.
Vivian stopped arguing with Rebecca the moment she spotted Yugi. Nearly knocking the other girls' over.
"Yugi Moto! I've wanted to meet you for so long. You can call me Viv."
"Ah, hi." Yugi said. "Nice to met you."
Yami stayed close, ready to intervene if it got out of hand. Before it got to that point Vivian noticed Airi.
"Nice to have you back Airi." Vivian smiled pure insincerity. "Missed your boyfriend and company."
Keeping her smile, Airi stepped in front of her brother. "Vivian, it's been so long. Still single I see."
Vivian's face flushed.
"Keep away from my Yugi." Rebecca said.
"Your Yugi?" Vivian snapped. "Shouldn't you still be playing with dolls like the little kid you are."
"What!"
Airi glanced at her brother. "This is the part where you sneak away."
Yugi didn't need prompting and vanished into the crowd. Yami followed, clearing trying to hold back a smirk. Airi left in the opposite direction. Two Mutos in the same room would be a sitting target for reporters. Unfortunately the hair wasn't going to help them blend in. Airi also disappeared.
Navigating the crowded room space was a challenge. Avoiding a pair of chatting duelists she back into someone.
"Sorry my bad." she turned as she apologized.
The young man she collided with smiled. He took her hand and bowed over it, long pink hair sliding off his shoulder.
"I should be apologizing." His voice was charming but had the slick pompous tone of breeding and arrogance which gave her unpleasant flashbacks to most of the villains they'd met. There was a sinister familiarity with him she couldn't place. Maybe she was being paranoid, but she was sure she'd seen him some place.
Airi pulled her hand out of grip. "Please excused me. I need to find my brother."
An amused twitch appeared at his smile. "Ah yes. You and Mr Kaiba have that in common."
A little shaken she still managed to keep her pleasant expression.
Pink hair bowed again. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Miss Muto."
"Thank you." Airi forced a smile while she tried to think where she'd seen him before.
He left and Airi followed his retreating back. Where did she know him from? She'd had to memorize all of KaibaCorps associates while she was still with Kaiba so she could act all knowing at social functions. But he hadn't been one on the main list. Oh well, it would come to her.
Reaching the drink table, why it was on the other side of the room she didn't know, she picked up a glass of clear liquid. Turning around she found a young boy in a blazer jacket.
"Excuse me." the boy said. "Are you Airi Muto?"
"Yes."
The boys face lit up. "I thought so, you look just like your pictures."
"Sorry, but have we met before?"
"Oh, no I just really wanted to meet you." he held out a hand. "I'm Leon."
Airi took it. "Nice to meet you."
"Wow, this is really amazing." Leon rambled. "I didn't think I would get to meet you. Especially at a duel tournament."
"Yeah, kinda of a surprise for me too."
Leon suddenly became awkward. "Miss Airi, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"Is it true you stopped dueling because you couldn't take the pressure anymore?"
Airi sighed. She should have expected a question like this. "It's really complicated."
"I'm sorry to bother you about this."
"No, it's just a long and multi-layered reasons. My brother was in trouble, and the circumstances I had put myself in made me choose between dueling and my family."
She expected a different reaction, but Leon's expression was complete awe.
"Amazing." he said. "I want to be able to help my family like that."
Airi managed a smile. "I hope you don't have to ruin your reputation to do it."
Sounds at the front of the room heralded the announcing of the tournament members.
"I've got to go." Leon said. "Thank you so much for talking to me." he disappeared into the crowd
Airi found her way towards the front where Yugi's friends stood listening to the announcement of the contestants.
"First off we have the new young prodigy Leon Wilson."
the boy Airi just met stepped forward. He was one of the duelists? That shouldn't be surprising, she was in a room full of duelists. He was a nice kid, she hoped he did well.
"Hey, that kid was at the arcade earlier." Tea said. "I didn't know he was a duelist."
The next few duelists were a few new faces and some Airi knew. Fortune Salim, Shane Jordan, Sergei Ivanoff, Detective Paul McGregor, Abe the Moneky Man, she'd faced a couple times in her beginging dueling days. Dr. Richard Goat with his two nurses flanking him as usual. Balfry Ginger, Totani Lalos, Ethan Shark she didn't recognize. It seemed the trend of dressing like your deck was still popular. Jafar Shin. Vivian Wong and Rebecca were placed next to each other and continued to give each other dirty looks through there introductions. Airi shouldn't be surprised fights over her brother's affection would be taken onto the dueling field.
"Fourteenth, Joey Wheeler, the underdog."
"Oh, come on." they heard him say over the welcoming applause.
"Fifteenth, Mask the Rock."
An older man in overalls and a bandana covering over a part of his face stepped forward. Airi frowned. There was something about him that looked really familiar. Could it? She looked at the others. None of the other members of the group seemed to notice the similarities to Grandpa. Yugi kept glancing back towards Mask the Rock, also seeming confused towards his appearance. At least she wasn't the only one.
"Sixteenth, Siegfried Lloyd."
The pink haired man from earlier came on with admiring gasps from some of the female audience members.
She suddenly remembered. Siegfried. But the last name didn't seem right. Did she forget his name? She did forget the person. She should have remembered him. He and Kaiba had a row at a patent office about plans for virtual entertainment systems. But then why was he here? From the way Seto had talked about him the two would sooner kill each other than be in the same room. Then again, Seto had offered her an invitation to this tournament. Maybe he's run out of contestants.
"Finally, our world champion, the King of Games, Yugi Muto." Roland said. "Who ever wins the elimination rounds will have the honor of facing Yugi in the final round and be crowned the International Dueling Champion."
"More titles." Airi said. "I guess Seto is trying to start his own tournament franchise."
"Makes sense, I guess." Tea said. "But wouldn't they get the King of Games title?"
"No, because Kaiba isn't in this one. Later, it might change."
"Looks like a challenging group of duelists" Tristan said.
"As long as none of them turn out to be dueling to destroy the world, I'm fine." Airi said.
"To ensure fair play, the duels will be selected at random by the computer." Roland said. "We will be announcing the duelists the next morning."
Looking over the group on the stage, Airi could tell this was going to be an interesting tournament. As long as it didn't turn into the last few they'd experienced, maybe she could live with that. Maybe.
The morning events started in the KaibaDome. The group were led to the seats next to the duel stage. Bleachers surrounded them on all sides which were packed. The sixteen competitors were already lined up on the stage. Joey seemed to be trying to intimidate the competition with some kind of chicken dance.
"I need some female friends." Tea muttered, watching Joey changing to scary faces.
Airi nodded. "I hear ya."
"Welcome to the KaibaCorp Grand Championship!" Roland's voice came over the speakers.
The roof of the arena opened and showed smoke letters spelled out KC Grand Championship in the blue sky.
"Got to give MoneyBags credit." Tristan said "He knows how to put on a show."
Roland continued, "Welcome our master of ceremonies, Mokuba Kaiba."
Mokuba came onto the stage grinning and waving and acknowledging members of the audience.
"What not Kaiba?"
"Nope." Tristan said "that would mean him having to charismatic."
Airi couldn't argue with that. Mokuba was much more excited and was clearly owning his role as master of ceremonies. At least Seto could see how good his brother was at being the public relations and spokes person.
"Welcome one and all." Mokuba said. "Now lets get the greatest tournament ever organized started. Are you ready to get your duel on!"
Cheers seemed to rock the dome.
"Before this week is through we may have new international dueling champion. But lets not forget our current King of Games, Yugi Muto!" Mokuba motioned to the front row were the group was seated. Airi joined the crowed in applauding her brother. The applause changed to changing.
"Yugi. Yugi. Yugi."
"What do I do?" Yugi sounded panicked.
"Stand and wave." Airi answered. "That's it."
Yugi didn't get a chance to reply as he suddenly was pushed off his seat. Suddenly standing in front of everyone Yugi went bright red and awkwardly waving at the cheering crowd.
Airi glanced at the empty chair to see Yami sitting there.
She smiled."You jerk."
Grinning, Yami vanished before Yugi returned to his seat, still blushing.
"Now lets get this started." Mokuba motioned to the giant screens above them. "Our first two duelists." the screens changed from the KaibaCorp logo to a picture of Joey. "Our first pairing up is between Joey Wheeler and Mask the Rock." The second picture showed bandana masked man.
"Airi, does this guy seem familiar to you." Yami asked.
"He does but I can't put my-" Airi stopped and stared at the man rearranging the bandana on his head showing some grey bangs.
"Grandpa?" she and Yugi said together. They looked at each other to realize they made the same conclusion. What in the heck is going on?
The announcements of duels continued. "Leon Wilson vs Dr Richard Goat."
"Go Leon!" Tea called. Airi joined the others in waving to the Leon. He waved back, turning pink.
"Those our a first duels. Before we start, Yugi, come up onto the stage."
"What!" Yugi said.
More cheering and encouraging from the crowd.
"Yami you do this."
"No, it's you they want."
"They can't tell."
"Go on." Airi said.
Face alternating between pale and embarrassed red, Yugi headed towards the stage.
Yami again appeared in the chair next to Airi.
"You could help him out." Airi said.
"He won't have me around forever."
Airi glanced at him but didn't respond.
Yugi was spared from public speaking with the sound of roaring engines over head. Standing out against the sky appeared the Blue-Eyes Jet. A figure appeared out of the aircraft and hurtled towards them with a rocket buster pack. The projection screens showed it was Kaiba.
"Finally he shows up." Tristan said.
Kaiba landed on the stage and shrugged off the jetpack like it was a coat. He accepted the microphone from Mokuba and addressed the crowd.
"This is not a show. This is battle for survival. This is war and the duel field is a battlefield. May the best duelist.
"Dramatic much?" Airi muttered. If this group wanted battlegrounds they should try taking Yugi's place. Then again, looking at the group, most of them probably couldn't take the heat.
A/N: Next part coming soon. Really sorry about the typos. I tried to get them all but my computor is going nuts again and not letting me changethings without doing error signs. oh well.
Please review if you have time this holiday season. Be safe, and God bless.
