Chapter 5

A few days had passed since Alex's last run in with Kaiba. Since that confrontation, Alex decided to ignore Kaiba, pretending that he didn't exist. Although Joey wanted to tell the others what had happened, Alex asked him not to. She didn't want anyone to feel sorry for her, so Joey respected her wishes and kept quiet although he would keep giving Kaiba death glares at every opportunity.

It was now a Saturday morning, and Alex was waiting for Joey and the others to show her around the city. As she waited, she remembered the conversation she had with Cas a few nights ago.

Alex asked, "Cas, what does Kaiba know about Andy? I know you put out info about me."

Cas replied, "Wait, Alex. What happened?"

Alex told Cas about how Kaiba had confronted her after school. After Cas understood, she replied,

"Oh, Alex, I'm sorry. I promise I didn't give out the truth about Andy's disappearance. It would have been too crazy to believe. I just put out that Andy was caught in a building fire, but his body was never recovered. That's it."

Alex replied, "I see. It's good that Kaiba doesn't know the actual truth, but he crossed a line. But I guess that'll make eliminating him that much easier."

"Alex! Hey, Alex!"

Alex snapped out of her thoughts, turning towards the direction of the voice who called out to her. She smiled at who was approaching her and replied,

"Hey, Joey."

Joey ran towards Alex and finally stopped in front of her, looking out of breath. He smiled and said,

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting, and you look great."

Alex was wearing a light blue dress with short sleeves and a skirt that went down to the knees as well as leggings and light blue shoes with a slight heel. Also, she was wearing her usual bracelet. She blushed a bit and replied,

"Thanks. You look great, too."

Joey grinned and replied, "Heh, I just threw this on. Let's get going, ok?"

Alex replied, "But what about the others?"

Joey replied, "Yeah, about that. They called me before I left."

Joey recalled the numerous phone conversations he had that morning. Tea called to say that Yugi's grandpa needed help at the shop, so Yugi had to stay and help and Tea offered to help out. Then Tristan called to say that Duke's shop had some sort of special promotion going on, so Duke had to take care of that and Tristan was helping him. Finally, Bakura called to say that something personal had come up, so he couldn't make it, either. After Joey told all this to Alex, Alex said,

"I see. Well, I suppose these things happen."

Joey replied, "Yeah, but I'm here and I'd never bail on ya."

Alex smiled and replied, "Thanks. Since it's just us two, we should get going. I want to see as much of the city as possible."

Joey nodded and he led the way, showing Alex some shops and such in Domino City. As the two of them walked, he asked,

"You don't need to see Kaiba Corp, do you?"

Alex shook her head and replied, "Nah, Mokuba showed it to me the other day. And since it's the weekend, I won't see you-know-who's face. It'll be nice to have a moron-free weekend."

Joey laughed and replied, "You said it."

The two of them continued to walk, and a little later, Alex noticed the duel disk that Joey was carrying on his left arm. She pointed to it and asked,

"Hey, Joey. What's that?"

Of course, Alex knew that it was a duel disk, but she thought it would sound natural to ask and feign ignorance since during this time, duel disks were still a new item. Joey replied,

"Oh, this? It's a duel disk. I got it during Battle City. You might have heard about it?"

Alex nodded and replied, "Yup, of course. It was a really big deal, even back home. I heard that you were one of the finalists? You must be a really awesome duelist."

Joey grinned and replied, "Yeah. Yugi says I'm getting better. But…"

The smile faded from Joey's face. Alex looked concerned and replied, "But what?"

Joey replied, "There's still someone I have to beat. Forget it."

Alex replied, "Who?"

Then it suddenly occurred to her, and Alex added,

"Ahh, you mean he-who-must-not-be-named?"

Joey gave a small smile and replied, "Yeah, him."

Alex looked thoughtful and replied, "I understand. You know, there is a way to defeat him. I mean, Yugi has done it, right?"

Joey replied, "True, but Yugi is a special case. It's hard to explain."

Alex replied, "Perhaps, but I've learned that everyone has a weakness. So I'm sure you can find his as well. I can help if you want."

Joey cheered up and replied, "I'd like that. But let's stop talking about him. Today is all about you."

Alex smiled and replied, "Ok. Let's make the most of today."

Joey grinned and feeling better, he took Alex's hand and showed her around the city. They went to various places, and they stopped by Duke's shop. Alex noticed the group of cheerleaders who were promoting the shop and couldn't help raising an eyebrow. She looked to Joey and asked,

"Is this kind of promotion normal around here?"

Joey shrugged and replied, "It's Duke's thing. But they just fawn all over him."

Alex replied, "Well, they're more eye candy than anything else. But I have a feeling you prefer someone of substance over style."

Joey blushed and replied, "Yeah, that's true."

He looked deeply at Alex for a few moments, and Alex couldn't help blushing. The two of them quickly looked away and then entered the shop to say hello to Duke and Tristan. However, as the shop was busy, neither of them could talk long, so Alex and Joey left the shop soon afterwards.

Once they were outside and away from the crowds, Alex said,

"It was good to see Duke and Tristan, but I'm glad to be out of there."

Joey replied, "Same here."

The two of them continued the tour, and soon, it was about time for lunch. As Joey was about to suggest a place they could eat, suddenly, they heard a voice call out to them,

"Joey! Alex!"

Alex and Joey turned towards the direction of the voice and saw Mokuba running towards them. Alex noticed as well that Kaiba was a few steps behind Mokuba, not eager to meet up with them. Joey noticed Kaiba as well although he chose not to comment. He smiled at Mokuba and said,

"Hey, Mokuba. What are you doing here?"

Mokuba replied, "Seto and I had some things to take care of… Wait, are you two on a date?"

Mokuba couldn't help teasing Alex and Joey, and immediately, at the same time, Alex and Joey replied,

"No!"

The two of them looked at each other and let out a laugh. Alex replied,

"I know it looks like it, but everyone else bailed on us. Go figure."

Joey added, "Yeah, that's right. I'm just showing Alex around."

Mokuba replied, "Ahh ok. Oh, I have an idea. Seto and I were about to have lunch. How about you two join us?"

Neither Alex nor Joey liked the idea, and they looked at each other, silently in agreement. Alex turned to Mokuba and said,

"That's really nice of you, Mokuba, but it's not a good idea."

Mokuba replied, "Why? Maybe you and Seto-"

Alex interrupted, "That's exactly why. I like you, but I really don't want anything to do with your brother. Oh, I almost forgot."

She opened up her purse, took a small notepad and pen, and wrote something on it. Then she handed a piece of paper to Mokuba and said,

"Listen. You're your own person and you can make your own decisions without anyone's interference. It's just a suggestion, but if you'd like, I'd be happy to give you self-defense lessons. You can freely walk about on your own and all."

Alex had given Mokuba her phone number and email address. Looking at it, Mokuba said,

"Thanks, Alex. I'll think about it."

Alex smiled and replied, "Ok. You don't need to have lessons from me, but I think you should have someone teach you these things. That's just my two cents."

Joey commented, "Alex is wise, smart, and beautiful."

Alex playfully replied, "Stop, you. Anyway, we should get going."

Joey replied, "True. See you, Mokuba."

Joey and Alex waved goodbye to Mokuba, and then the two set off again. Mokuba then hurried back to Kaiba and said,

"Seto, what did you do to Alex?"

Kaiba replied, "What makes you think I did anything?"

Kaiba had been far enough away from the others that he could make out their conversation although he decided not to intervene. Mokuba replied,

"I may not be as smart as you, but I'm your brother. You must have done something."

Alex and Joey were just about to be out of vision, and Kaiba walked quickly, as to not lose sight of the two. Hurrying after Kaiba, Mokuba asked,

"Seto, what are you doing? We're supposed to go the other way."

Kaiba continued to walk after Alex and Joey but far enough so that neither of them would spot him. Alex and Joey then entered a fast food place, and that's when Kaiba stopped walking. Mokuba caught up to him and said,

"Are you following them?"

Kaiba grabbed Mokuba's hand and quickly entered a secluded bookshop that was just opposite of where the fast food place was. As there weren't any customers around and the owner was nowhere to be seen, it was an ideal place to have a private conversation. Mokuba faced Kaiba and said,

"Seto, what's going on? And you didn't answer my question."

Kaiba replied, "You want to know what I did to Alex, right?"

He then told Mokuba about confronting Alex the other day. Mokuba listened and was a little sad to hear what happened. Mokuba replied,

"I get it. But how do you know about Alex's brother?"

Kaiba replied, "I had someone run a background check on her."

Mokuba looked shocked and replied, "What? You were that suspicious of her?"

Kaiba replied, "I was. But you were right."

Kaiba recalled what Detective Amaro had told him.

Sir, I finished running my background check on Ms. Lawrence. There really is nothing suspect about her. Truthfully, her story is tragic. She lost her parents years ago and then lost her brother in that fire. As I said, it's a little unusual that she has no social media, but her guardian must be strict about that. She's completely clean.

Mokuba said, "Alex is a good person. I knew it."

Kaiba sighed and replied, "That really was just a dream."

Although Kaiba continued to have dreams about Alex, they were no longer of her killing him. They changed to more unusual ones, and Kaiba had no idea what to make of them.

Mokuba nodded and replied, "I know you feel bad. But knowing you, you won't admit it. I think you should apologize to Alex, especially since you attacked her using her brother."

Kaiba replied, "You're right."

Mokuba looked surprised and replied, "What? You're agreeing with me?"

Kaiba replied, "I can admit when I'm wrong. But I don't think Alex wants anything to do with me anymore. She pretends that I don't exist."

Mokuba frowned and replied, "I'll think of something."

Alex and Joey left the fast food place and headed out again. Kaiba noticed them and immediately said,

"Hurry. We can't lose them."

Mokuba replied, "Wait, Seto."

He hurried, following Kaiba, who was following Alex and Joey although he kept his distance. Alex and Joey ended up in front of a movie theater, and Joey bought two tickets for them to see an action flick. After the two entered the movie theater, Kaiba turned to Mokuba and said,

"Get two tickets for that movie."

Mokuba sighed and replied, "Seto, you do realize that this is stalking, right?"

Kaiba replied, "Please just do it, Mokuba."

Mokuba nodded and approached the ticket seller, buying two tickets to the same movie that Alex and Joey were about to watch. After getting the tickets, he returned to Kaiba and said,

"Got them."

Kaiba nodded and the two of them entered the movie theater. Once they entered the room where the movie was showing, Kaiba picked seats a few rows behind where Alex and Joey were sitting.

Meanwhile, Alex and Joey were watching the movie, sharing a bucket of popcorn. Alex's eyes would light up every once in a while over a car explosion or fight scene, and Joey would cast occasional glances at Alex, his eyes full of amazement.

After the movie ended, they left the theater, but as Kaiba and Mokuba had left just before the movie ended, neither Alex nor Joey saw them. However, they weren't aware that the brothers were nearby but hiding so that they couldn't be seen. As Alex and Joey headed towards their next destination, which was Yugi's grandpa's card shop, Joey grinned and said,

"Nothing about you should surprise me by now. But man, I never thought you'd choose an action flick."

Alex teasingly replied, "Oh, were you expecting a more romantic comedy?"

Joey replied, "That's what Tea would have picked. But you're Alex and I much prefer you."

Alex blushed and replied, "You know how to flatter a girl, Joey. But thanks. I prefer action movies. I guess that comes as a surprise to a lot of guys. Does that make me unattractive?"

Joey shook his head and replied, "Nah. You're just amazing, but I'm sure lots of guys back in America say that."

Alex shook her head and replied, "Not really. Guys back home tend to prefer girly girls. I'm considered a freak."

Joey replied, "Those guys are idiots. Any guy would be lucky to be with you."

Joey gazed meaningfully into Alex's eyes, and Alex blushed deeply. Meanwhile, Kaiba and Mokuba were close enough that they could overhear their conversation. Kaiba's hands were balled in fists, and there was this feeling inside him that he couldn't explain. Mokuba noticed and although he had a guess, he chose not to say anything.

Alex and Joey continued their walk, and Alex commented,

"I hope Yugi's grandpa's shop isn't too busy. I don't want to deal with crowds again."

Joey replied, "Not a fan of them, huh?"

Alex replied, "Sort of. I kind of had a near death experience with one years ago. Oh, nothing to do with what he brought up the other day."

Joey replied, "I understand. Gramps' shop does well enough, but it never gets crowded. He doesn't run special promotions or anything like that."

Alex smiled and replied, "That's good. I can't wait to see Yugi and Tea."

Joey nodded happily, and the two of them walked towards the card shop. They arrived at the shop and upon entering, they saw Yugi's grandpa behind the counter, and Yugi and Tea looked to be busy cleaning and organizing inventory. Joey waved and said,

"Hey, Gramps, Yugi, Tea."

Solomon Muto looked at Alex and Joey and said, "Welcome, and who is this lovely lady?"

Yugi said, "This is Alex. I mentioned about her to you the other day."

Solomon nodded and replied, "Ahh yes, the exchange student." He looked at Alex and smiling, he said,

"Welcome to my shop, Alex. I'm Yugi's grandpa."

Alex replied, "Hello, Mr. Muto. It's a pleasure to meet you. You have a really cool shop here."

Solomon smiled and replied, "Thanks, and call me Gramps. Do you like duel monsters, Alex?"

Alex replied, "They're cool. I understand the game well enough, anyway."

Solomon nodded and replied, "I'll leave you kids to it then. I have some things to take care of in the back. Oh, and Alex, if there's anything you'd like to buy, let Yugi know."

Alex replied, "Thanks, Gramps."

After Solomon went towards the back of the shop, the others were left alone. Tea looked towards Alex and Joey and asked,

"So how have you enjoyed the city?"

Alex replied, "It's been great. Joey's a wonderful guide."

Joey grinned and replied, "Only because I have such a wonderful girl with me."

Tea was about to making a comment when Yugi suddenly shouted,

"Hey, Kaiba!"

He waved in a friendly manner to where he saw Kaiba and Mokuba standing right outside the door. Alex turned to them and for a moment, she narrowed her eyes. She thought to herself,

Please don't tell me he's been following us this entire time.

Mokuba looked uncomfortable at having been caught, giving Alex and Joey an apologetic look. Joey said,

"What are you doing here, moneybags?"

Kaiba kept his composure and replied, "Not that it's any of your business, but I'm here to challenge Yugi to a duel."

Although Alex was skeptical, she couldn't help but roll her eyes over such a petty request. She looked at Tea and whispered,

"Is he always like this?"

Tea whispered, "When it comes to challenging Yugi, or rather, the other one."

Alex looked confused and replied, "Huh?"

Yugi replied, "Kaiba, I'm busy. I have no time to duel you."

Kaiba scoffed and replied, "Oh, so you're going to be a coward and refuse? You know he would accept."

Yugi was about to reply when Tea said,

"It's ok. I can look after the shop while you duel Kaiba. It probably won't take that long?"

Yugi replied, "You sure?"

Tea nodded and replied, "Yup."

Yugi sighed and replied, "Ok, let's go outside." He then grabbed his duel disk and deck and followed Kaiba outside, and Mokuba followed the two of them. Joey then turned to Alex and said,

"I want to watch them, but I get it if you'd rather stay here."

Alex shook her head and replied, "I'll watch with you. I must admit that I'm curious. I've never seen a live duel." She turned to Tea and said,

"I guess we'll be going then. Please say bye to Gramps for us, and it was nice to meet him."

Tea replied, "No problem. See you at school."

Alex then followed Joey outside, where Kaiba and Yugi were about ready to duel. Alex noticed that Yugi looked different and guessed that this Yugi must be the pharaoh. Still, to feign ignorance, Alex turned to Joey and said,

"Is it just me or does Yugi look different?"

Joey replied, "It isn't Yugi. Well, it is, but it isn't. It's complicated, but I'll explain later."

Alex nodded and replied, "Ok."

The two of them and Mokuba watched as Yugi and Kaiba began their duel. There were a few onlookers as well, who were recording the duel on their phones. Alex watched with interest, as she learned about how Yugi and Kaiba dueled. Joey muttered,

"I'd love to put him in his place."

Alex overheard the comment and replied, "You can, and I know you weren't talking about Yugi just now. It would be weird to make such a comment about a friend."

Joey laughed a bit in embarrassment and replied, "That's true. But did you really mean that just now? About me putting him in his place?"

Alex replied, "Of course. As I said, everyone has a weakness, and he's no exception. Let's watch the duel and take notes."

Joey nodded, and he and Alex watched the duel. Yugi, or rather, the pharaoh defeated Kaiba, using his signature dark magician along with dark magician girl and a few spell cards. Alex thought it was amazing to watch, considering that Kaiba had his blue eyes white dragon, which should have technically defeated dark magician.

After the duel ended, Kaiba turned to Mokuba and said, "Let's go, Mokuba. I still have some work to do."

Mokuba nodded and replied, "Ok." He waved goodbye to the others before following Kaiba.

Joey ran up to Yugi and said, "Congrats, Yug."

Yugi replied, "Thanks, Joey."

Alex noticed that Yugi's voice was now a little deeper, which confirmed in her mind that it was the pharaoh who had taken over Yugi's body. Alex commented,

"Yeah, that duel was awesome."

The pharaoh smiled and that's when he noticed Alex's bracelet. He looked a little surprised and asked,

"May I ask where you got that bracelet?"

Alex looked curiously at the bracelet on her wrist and replied, "My guardian gave it to me, just before I left home. She said it would protect me. She's a bit into the supernatural."

She laughed a bit, and the pharaoh replied, "I see."

Joey replied, "It's getting late, so I'll walk you back to your place."

Alex replied, "I'd like that."

The pharaoh replied, "See you around."

Yugi then turned back into his usual self, returning to the shop. Meanwhile, Alex and Joey walked together, heading towards Alex's apartment. Joey commented,

"I wish this day didn't have to end. It's been fun."

Alex replied, "I've had a lot of fun, too. Oh, I just had a brilliant idea!"

She looked excited, and Joey couldn't help but be curious. He asked, "What is it?"

Alex replied, "As my way of thanking you for today, how about I cook dinner for you? At the same time, I figured out how you can defeat Kaiba."

Joey looked interested and replied, "Really? I don't need to go home right away, and if you have an idea…"

Alex grinned and replied, "I do. I mean, you'll have to trust me and all."

Joey replied, "I do. I trust you completely."

Alex happily replied, "Then let's do it."

She and Joey then headed back to Alex's apartment to have dinner and to begin formulating a strategy.