"They've been helping me search for, Chibiusa,' Makoto explained of the blonde and brunette, "this is Jounouchi and Kaiba," she introduced.
"I'm Rei, this is Minako, Ami and Usagi," the long, dark haired one returned. All four girls couldn't be much younger than them. There expressions were grave and distressed as they looked on helplessly.
"Please, we hate to bother you, but we don't know this area," Rei continued, "is there anything else we can do?"
"What is your goddaughter, if that's who she really is, doing here anyway?" Jounouchi questioned, suspicious now. "I'm no stranger to magic. I know it's not always as friendly as it seems."
"Please, we mean no harm!" Usagi, spoke up now, eyes pleading, "she's precious too me, please.."
"Chibiusa's been very distraught about Hotaru passing away, and this is probably where she ended up when Makoto tried to stop her from using the Space-Time Key," Ami offered.
"Please, we just want to get her back and we'll be out of your hair," Minako pleaded.
"That's enough. I run a gaming company. Not a charity. And we need to get back to testing our latest dueling system," Kaiba said, gesturing to the one on his arm, "we can't help you anymore."
Jounouchi stepped forward, about to speak up in protest, when Ami's voice rose above the rest, "yes you will, because I challenge you to a duel, and if I win, you'll offer us what help you can!"
Kaiba smirked, "you've never even played the game."
"Ami's brilliant." Rei retorted, "you're going to regret challenging her!"
"You don't know who you're speaking to. I'm second to the King of Games himself," Kaiba explained unphased.
"Well in my dimension, Kaiba, I'm top of my class, and understanding a game of duel monsters should be no trouble."
Kaiba smiled, wolfishly. "Very well."
Kaiba opened his briefcase then, and produced a second duel disk identical to the one on his arm. "I'll even offer you a selection of my best cards," he turned the briefcase, setting it on a planter's edge and allowed her to take her time assembling her deck.
"Kaiba, you can offer to help, without having to crush them first," Jounouchi said.
"Yes, but where's the fun in that?" Kaiba replied. "Besides, I've been itching for a challenge."
"You really are an ass sometimes," Jounouchi responded, "fine, have it your way. I'm sure Mokuba will be pleased." Jounouchi continued sarcastically.
"Who knows, maybe I'll be in a better mood after our duel, plus it'll be the ultimate test for my new dueling system," Kaiba offered.
"Alright, I'm ready," Ami announced.
"I'll let you go first," Kaiba said, "only seems fair."
So, their duel commenced.
Ami was not kidding around, she was a strong opponent, having picked up the rules of the game easily.
"I set two cards face down, and end my turn!" Ami called out, stance, uncharacteristically combative.
Kaiba had since dropped his smugness somewhat and seemed to truly be wondering at this girl who had come out of nowhere and was able to make him uneasy in his victory.
"You go, Ami!" her friends called from the sidelines, "we believe in you!"
And Ami seemed strengthened by their cheers, as her stance straightened, expression growing in confidence.
"Look, it's your new friends, Jounouchi," Kaiba commented half sarcastically on the cheering girls. "Seems they have the same ideas of friendship as you."
"Quit stalling, Kaiba," Jounouchi huffed, "I see you shaking."
"We'll see about that," Kaiba retorted
"I attack your face down card!" Kaiba called out, and a monster disappeared from Ami's side of the field.
"You're doing great, Ami!" Jounouchi called, "don't let him get to you, he's not as tough as he looks," smiling, "believe me I know."
"Quit mouthing off, Jounouchi," Kaiba growled.
"Just telling it like it is," Jounouchi smirked, "don't worry, you'll still be number two in Domino," Jounouchi offered.
"I'm not afraid of you!" Ami assured, "I'm doing this for Chibiusa!"
"I can admire that, but don't think I'm going easy on you because of it," Kaiba responded, smiling mischievously.
"My turn!" Ami called out. And with a steadying breath, she drew her next card.
