Wolfie: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, all I own is my oc, my oc's parents, and the words/actions all three of them do during the story. I also own whatever alterations I make to the plots of the episodes in order to include my oc. Viewer discretion is also advised since this book will contain profanity and possibly triggering events, you have been warned.

"Yugi" means someone is talking, default language is Japanese unless stated otherwise.

'Yugi' means someone is thinking something.

"Yugi" means that it is either a note or a text message, and will specify what it is when it happens.

"Yugi" means that Yami is speaking to Yugi whilst he is spirit walking outside of the Millennium Puzzle.

"YUGI!" all caps means someone is yelling.

"Yugi" means that Salem is using sign language, the default sign language will be Japanese unless stated otherwise.

Anything bold outside quotation marks will be life points for the duel monster duels.

Chapter 1

Salem itched at his bandages slightly out of nervousness as he looks up at the high school that he was about to walk into. The plum haired boy didn't want to be pessimistic since this is supposed to be a fresh start for him according to his mother. However he just knew that as soon as he stepped into that classroom and they saw the bandages on his pale alabaster skin that they would just bombard him with questions. His mom and dad moved them here from America to Domino city Japan shortly after he was caught in a terrible accident. They did this not because their son was getting harassed. They did this because they wanted to save him from any harassment that might possibly happen when he was supposed to return to school in America. Salem's parents, Mary and Louis Johnson, chose Domino high school as their son's new school over all of the other schools because they seem to have a zero tolerance for bullying.

However that only works if the bullying is reported to the principal by the person who is being bullied. Silently gulping to himself at that little trip down memory lane as to why he is here at this school he slowly and hesitantly pushed open the door. Walking into the thankfully empty hallways of the high school as he heads towards the principles office to pick up his class schedule. That way he'll at least know where he is going to an extent, then all he has to do is worry about not getting lost in the process. Salem was so glad that the office for the principle wasn't very far from where he had come in. He's only been here five minutes and already he feels like he was walking around in a maze since. There were so many twists and turns as well as so many hallways that just took the young American around in a circle. That is till he finally found someone to ask directions from.

That alone was a project on its own given his condition but he got it done as he walked in. Deadpanning slightly at his own stupidity when he realized that he had been going in the right direction all along. Despite the few hallways that had made him go in circles for a good two out of the five minutes that he had been searching for this place. To think it was just another two hallways away from where he had been whilst going around in circles. The secretary was nice enough when it came to handing over the class schedule to Salem. Though she just seemed to give off the vibe that she doesn't necessarily want to be there. Him just nodding in thanks in regards to her giving him his schedule rather than actually saying thank you seemed to add fuel to that vibe. He heard her mumble "Entitled little asshole, thinks he's too good to say thank you" under her breath as he leaves the office. That caused the injured seventeen year old to flinch ever so slightly as he now began to look for the home room number that was provided for him on the paper.

It's not like he meant to come off as snobby or entitled he just doesn't have the ability to speak at the moment. This was due to one of his more severe injuries that required surgery in order to fix the damage that has been done to him. Surgery can only get someone so far though because the pain, trauma, and the feeling of helplessness run deeper than the scars that the injuries will leave behind. No one will understand that feeling, no one aside from people who have gone through that experience at some point in time during their lives as well. Taking a deep breath to calm his nervous when he reached the door Salem hesitated slightly before he knocked on the door. As it opened he came face to face with a kind looking elderly woman who he assumed was the teacher. Said woman gave the nervous plum haired boy a kind smile which helped ease his nervous and his fears. Her smile meant she may be more kind and understanding about the current condition he's in.

"Why hello dear, you must be the new student that I am receiving. You may refer to me as Suzuki-San or Suzuki-Sensei, though since you are American I would assume you would be more comfortable calling me Mrs. Suzuki which I will allow since I want you to feel comfortable here in my class." Suzuki-Sensei said sweetly in English as she continued to smile at him, making it clear she wants him to have a choice in what happens.

Salem managed a small smile as he handed over a note to the kind Sensei and the note, which was written in perfect Japanese, said "Hello my name is Salem Johnson. I was in a bad accident so until a doctor possibly gives me the all clear I will be unable to use my voice to speak, I also have to take medication during the day and I have a doctor's note to verify that. I can also read, write, understand, and speak Japanese so no need to have things translated for me".

"Oh you poor boy, alright just wait here and I shall bring you in once the class knows that we have a new student." Suzuki-Sensei said in English one last time, impressed that this boy that was supposedly from America already knew the native language of what is now his new home country.

Salem quietly nodded as he waited outside holding onto the strap of his school bag so tightly that his knuckles were beginning to turn white. He was once again nervous of what would happen once he steps inside that class room and everyone finally sees him for the first time. So many questions were running through his brain, for example one reoccurring question always was "Will they belittle me or will they make me an outcast?". He heard his name get called which was the signal to come in. Taking another deep breath he walked in with his head slightly hung low, standing next to Suzuki-Sensei as he heard gasps. The class seems to murmur to themselves and to each other about that mute males appearance which causes him to hang his head low even more. He tried his best not to begin to shake slightly, he knew something like this would happen as he just stood there listening to them murmur about his appearance.

The boy with plum colored hair stood about 5'2" with slightly shaggy hair that stops at his shoulders. His eyes were an unnatural dark almost purple blue, with a petite figure that any girl would kill to have. Aside from the bandages around his neck, arms, and a few band-aids on his cheeks and fingers that hide the more obvious injuries. His alabaster skin is relatively clear and unblemished and free of scaring, for now. So all in all he wasn't bad looking, the poor boy just had gained major self-esteem issues after the accident. The fact that everyone seems to always stare at him with sadness, pity, and occasionally disgust at his injuries doesn't exactly help with how sad and terrible he already feels. He can't even do the things that used to make him feel happy due to said things possibly putting a strain on his injuries according to the doctor.

"Settle down children, now I know you have questions for Salem. But I encourage you to not question him on anything regarding what may have happened to him recently. Salem, how about you take the free seat next to Yugi Muto, Yugi raise your hand please to show who you are." Suzuki-Sensei said as a short boy with tri colored hair in the shape of a star with wide amethyst eyes raises his hand to show who he is.

Nodding slightly Salem walks down the path that is between the desks and slowly takes his seat as he sets his bag down by his feet. Glancing out of the corner of his eye to see Yugi giving him a friendly smile alongside a brunette female, a blond male, and a brunette male. He managed to smile slightly back at them as Suzuki-Sensei finished up the morning announcements and then told everyone they could talk till the bell rings. Thinking that no one would want to talk to him the mute boy pulled a book out of his bag and was about to open it to read it. Though when he saw the people move to sit around him and one person turning to face him. Looking up as he noticed it was Yugi and the three people from before whom were all giving him friendly smiles when he sat down.

Slowly setting his unopened book down on the table Salem waited for the inevitable questions or harassment that would come from the four people. He sits there quietly as he scratches at his bandages nervously again, which seemed to be a nervous habit that he had gained. That alongside fidgeting with random objects whenever he can possibly get his hands on said objects. Yugi, whom seemed to notice how nervous the slightly taller boy was, tried to ease the nerves that possibly come with having those types of injuries. Alongside the nerves that most definitely comes with being a new student. Offering out his hand for a handshake which was not something the plum haired boy was expecting to happen.

"Hello I'm Yugi Muto, though you already know that thanks to Suzuki-Sensei. And these are my friends Joey, Tristan, and Tea." Yugi said whilst pointing at each person as he lists off their names to let Salem know who is who.

"Sup, ya know I used to be an exchange student too." Joey said as there seemed to be a Brooklyn accent to his voice which proves that he is not originally from Domino Japan.

"Hi there, I know things might be scary now but it'll get better soon." Tea said with a smile that seemed to be on her face all the time which was a little creepy to Salem. He would never consider saying that out loud even if he had the ability to do so though.

"Yeah Tea's right man, besides if anyone messes with you we've got your back." Tristan said which shocked Salem just as much as the fact that they were all being so nice to him.

"Um hi... If you don't mind me asking, why are you all being so nice to me?" Salem signed his question to them all and then shook the offered hand, so glad he knew both Japanese and English sign language. For a second all four of his new classmates didn't seem to understand what he did until Yugi's eyes widened in realization at what he was doing.

"Oh, well we figured that since you're new here that you could use a friend or in this case four friends. After all moving to a new city, let alone a new country, must be very scary. Besides you seem like a really nice guy Salem, so it'd be mean to just ignore you and possibly make you feel like an outcast." Yugi said with a smile that was honestly very contagious and was very innocent to say the least.

"Oh, are you sure you want to be friends with someone like me? People may make fun of you and your friends for taking pity on a weirdo from America that has to use sign language to speak..." Salem signed as he avoided eye contact, he didn't want Yugi, Joey, Tristan, and Tea to go through unneeded harassment because of him.

"Do you have any idea what he's saying?" Joey whispered to Tea and Tristan as all three of them watched Yugi talk to Salem as their short friend seemed to understand what the hand symbols that the silent boy was making meant.

"No, do you Tristan?" Tea whispered as she looked at the boy next to her who was watching this happen with a confused look on his face.

"I don't understand what's going on either Tea, but Yugi seems to know what's going on and I'm sure he'll explain everything to us later. Now shush!" Tristan whispered as he kept his eyes on Yugi and Salem since what was happening was interesting to say the least.

"Hey it's okay, we wanna be your friends. Right guys?" Yugi asked as he looked at his friends who nodded in order to confirm what their friend said was true, "See? We don't care if you can or can't speak, and like Tristan said we've got your back if anyone messes with you." He added as he gave the other boy a closed eye smile that seemed to make him look even more innocent.

"Okay, if you say so Yugi..." Salem signed but he was still a little hesitant to believe that he was getting four friends after only being in the room for about twenty minutes now.

For the rest of the class Yugi, Tea, Joey, and Tristan just talked to Salem and even introduced the silent boy to Duel Monsters. Telling him that they could help him make his own deck if he wanted to have one when they noticed how his dark purplish blue eyes seemed to gain a sort of sparkle to them. One that they didn't have in them a few minutes ago when he looked at cards such as Dark Magician, Kuriboh, and Dark Magician Girl. That made the silent boy extremely excited about something as simple as playing cards. The fact that Yugi lived above a game shop that his grandpa owns honestly made the plum haired boy want to get up and head for the game shop right away. Sadly the bell that signals that class is over reminded the injured boy that he had to deal with his first day of school before he can do anything else. As Salem put his book back into his school bag he looked down at his schedule to see where he needs to go. Having expected Yugi and the others to have left to go to their classes as well. However much to his surprise the amethyst eyed boy was waiting patiently for him to finish getting all of his stuff. A reassuring smile coming to the shorter boys face when he saw how confused his new friend is at him still being there. Slinging his bag over his shoulder he approaches his new friend, raising an eyebrow in question as to why he is still here. Since he can't physically sign his question to the shorter boy due to the fact that his one hand is occupied with making sure his bag doesn't fall off his shoulder.

"I just wanted to check your schedule, you know to see if there are any classes near mine so I could possibly show you where they are." Yugi said which made Salem nod in understanding as he handed over his schedule to the star shaped tri colored haired boy who looked it over. "Whoa, you and I have the same classes. C'mon, next class is math." He added as he gave back the schedule and led the other boy to the class.

That is how the entire day went as Yugi brought Salem to every class, showing him how to get around the school easily. Even helped him find his locker so that the injured boy didn't needed to carry all of the heavy textbooks around with him all day long. Which was a relief since the silent boy didn't think his arms would be able to handle that kind of weight. Now that school was over the plum haired boy was practically begging his shorter friend. Or as close to begging as he could get with using sign language, to take him to his grandfather's game shop. So he could then get started on making his own deck so he could learn to play Duel Monsters because a part of him felt like if he had a hobby like this. Then maybe just maybe he won't feel so depressed at the fact that he can no longer do the activities that he once loved to do. Joey, Tea, and Tristan couldn't help but watch on in amusement as Salem gave Yugi the puppy dog eyes look. Which further solidified the fact that the amethyst eyed boy was already going to uphold his offer to bring his silent friend to the game shop to create his own Duel Monsters deck. Though the bearer of the Millennium Puzzle had to admit that despite the fact that the slightly taller male was injured. It didn't take away from the fact that he was extremely cute, and the puppy eye look only added onto the cuteness factor.

Chuckling slightly, Yugi couldn't help but smile at Salem since he hasn't seen this much enthusiasm for Duel Monsters. Not since he told Joey he'd help him make a deck as well and his tall blond friend almost crushed him to death with an extremely tight hug since he was so excited. It was honestly refreshing to see that he had yet another friend that was taking a liking to the idea of playing Duel Monsters. He could never get tired of the idea of bonding over duels and sharing the same values of the heart of the cards with someone just like his grandpa and him do. When Yugi pretended to finally agree, after all he was already planning to take his new friend there anyways. He was crushed into a hug by Salem that could rival all of the hugs that Joey has ever given to the amethyst eyed dueling protege. The plum haired boy then realized what he was doing as he pulled back releasing the shorter boy from his hold as he blushed in embarrassment. Signing an apology for suddenly hugging the shorter boy and said apology was accepted much to the silent boy's relief. A part of Salem honestly didn't think he'd be able stand it if he accidentally upset one of his new friends. Though to any normal person it may seem stupid to think that a hug would piss someone off but the mute boy has alot of insecurities.

Ones that came from the events prior to the accident he was in and one of those many insecurities he gained was the insecurity when it comes to showing affection. The kind that friends, especially male friends, normally don't share with each other. Last he checked people who have just become friends normally do not hug each other especially after only knowing each other for less than a day. Hence why he was nervous that he possibly over stepped a boundary that Yugi may have when it comes to new kids and his personal space. The shorter boy, having noticed that Salem was still nervous that he might be mad about the hug. Tried to reassure the silent boy but he was also curious. What could have happened that would scare the slightly taller boy into thinking that someone would get mad over something as simple as a hug?

"Salem no need to be nervous, I really didn't mind the hug." Yugi said as he started walking in the direction of the game shop as Salem walked alongside him.

"Are you sure? I honestly didn't mean to suddenly hug you, I was just so excited because ever since my... Accident, I haven't been able to do the things I used to do as hobbies. So the idea of being able to do something like Duel Monsters has brought some happiness and excitement back into my life." Salem signed giving Yugi a brief explanation as to why he was so excited about getting his own Duel Monsters deck which made the shorter boy nod in understanding.

"I'm sorry to hear that Salem, what kind of hobbies did you used to have? You know, before your accident." Yugi said since he wanted to know more about the other male, after all how could he possibly be a good friend if he knows nothing about one of his friends?

"I used to play soccer, but the accident hurt my legs and tore some important muscles that I needed for that sport. Also dabbled a bit in drama club, but you need to be able to speak in order to do that." Salem signed with a sad bitter sweet smile on his face as he remembered how much fun he had in soccer and drama club.

"Really? That's cool, before I met Tea, Tristan, and Joey all I could ever do was work on the Millennium Puzzle cause everyone else thought I was too much of a runt to do anything." Yugi said as he found that it was very easy to talk to Salem, he felt like he could tell him anything.

"Millennium Puzzle?" Salem signed in question, wondering what Yugi was talking about.

Yugi smiled as he held up the upside-down golden pyramid with a strange eye on the front that was hanging down from a leather strap around his neck, "This is the Millennium Puzzle, Grandpa gave it to me when he came home from a dig in Egypt. Though back then it was just a bunch of puzzle pieces." Yugi said as he looked down at the puzzle like it was the most precious thing in the world.

"Wow. Could I maybe, hold it for a minute?" Salem signed his question with a hopeful look on his face, something about the puzzle was just calling out to him.

"Sure I don't see why not, be careful not to drop it though." Yugi said as he slipped the strap that held the puzzle off of his neck as they both stopped walking as Salem nodded slightly.

When Salem took hold of the puzzle not only did his and Yugi's fingers brush against each other's fingers. Which caused them both to blush but the puzzle seemed to pulsate and radiate a heat at the fact that they were both touching a smooth gold of the puzzle. It wasn't a burning type of heat it was a comforting warmth that honestly made the mute male feel so relaxed and safe. It made him feel like nothing could possibly harm him. Deep within the puzzle the spirit that looked like a taller more mature version of Yugi felt the version of the puzzle that was around his neck pulsate. Then radiate the same warmth that both of the boys that were currently holding the puzzle were feeling as well. Though the nameless spirit didn't know what was going on outside of the ancient relic he was trapped in. However every fiber of his being was telling him that two people from his past that he loved very deeply were both currently holding the puzzle. It gave him hope that not only would he see the ones he loved once again but it also gave him hope that he will recover his name. Gave him hope that he will find out why he has been trapped inside this place with no escape until recently. So maybe, just maybe, these people that he feels like he was once in a relationship with could be the key to him finally returning to them.

Or at least help him return to a version of them because if he is trapped here needing to use the holder of the puzzle a host body. That can only mean that he is dead and has been dead for quite some time. Back with Yugi and Salem the latter looked at the puzzle in shock since it felt so warm against his hands which were chilled because of the cold Autumn air of Japan. Judging by the look on the amethyst eyed boys face he wasn't the only that was shocked at the heat coming from the cold pyramid. Said pyramid in all technicality should be just as cold as the outside weather itself. Letting out a shaky breath he slowly lets go of the Millennium Puzzle, his hands already missing the sudden warmth that had been coming from the gold. Shoving his hands into his uniform pants pockets he was still shocked at the fact that what should just be a simple necklace reacted to his touch in that sort of way. Yugi snapped out of his own shocked state when Salem let go of the puzzle. Said object slowly losing its sudden warmth as if saddened at the fact that the mute male stopped touching it. He then slipped the leather strap back over his neck as the puzzle is now back around his neck where it belongs.

'Weird, the puzzle has never done that before. Could it have something to do with Salem?' Yugi thought to himself as he looked between the puzzle and Salem curiously.

'Did I imagine that? The puzzle was warm, and it made me feel safe and relaxed. Almost like there was someone inside the puzzle trying to reassure me that things would be okay…' Salem thought to himself as he looked at the puzzle in curiosity.

A little ways away from Yugi and Salem were Tea, Tristan, and Joey as they watch the two boys out of concern and curiosity. Cause they did just witness them both hold the puzzle for five minutes whilst looking extremely shocked. Possibly at something that only they could feel in regards to them both holding the puzzle. What made them even more concerned was that their short friend and their new friend seemed to be in deep thought as they both look at the puzzle curiously. Said object was back around the amethyst eyed boys neck where its always been since it was finished less than two months ago. Which was when their friendships with Yugi had all officially started. None of the three teens were superstitious, but it seemed like as soon as Yugi completed the puzzle they all slowly became friends.

When half a year prior to this Joey and Tristan used to harass the shorter boy and Tea only really said hello to Yugi and that was about it. Now they all are the best of friends and didn't really know how it all happened. Almost like that puzzle was magic and it was fulfilling an unspoken wish that the young Muto child had and that wish was to have friends. Though it sounds crazy to think that an upside-down pyramid made a wish come true as if it were magical or as if it contained some kind of mystical genie. Just considering something like that sounded crazy, after all magic doesn't really exist. Therefore it was just a coincidence that Yugi had started to become their friend as soon as the Millennium Puzzle was finished being put together. So it was just an old relic that in any normal situation should really be in a museum rather than hanging from a sixteen year old's neck.

"Do you think they're okay?" Tea asked as she continued to look at the two boys that were a few feet away from them in worry.

"Of course they are Tea, they probably were just vibing over the puzzle or something like that." Joey said, trying to reassure his female friend that Yugi and Salem were okay.

"Are you okay Salem?" Yugi asked once he fully snapped out of his shocked stupor, completely oblivious to the conversation that Joey and Tea were having a few feet away from them.

"Yea, I'm okay. Um, did you feel that warmth coming from the puzzle when we both touched it?" Salem signed his question wanting to know if Yugi felt it to or if he was going insane.

"Yeah, I felt it too. It's weird because until now the puzzle has never done that.." Yugi said which reassured Salem that he's not the only one who felt the warmth coming from the puzzle.

"Do you, do you think it has something to do with me touching it?" Salem was hesitant as he signed his question since he felt like maybe he pissed off the old relic, for some reason he didn't like the idea of having the puzzle be mad at him as crazy as that sounds.

"Maybe, let's not think too much into it for now okay?" Yugi asked since he didn't want Salem to worry over something that could be nothing.

"Okay Yugi." Salem signed in agreement, after all maybe he was just overreacting to something that could really be nothing.

"Good, now c'mon. I know Grandpa has some cards that would be perfect for your deck." Yugi said as he started walking again, motioning for Salem to follow his lead and continue walking.

Salem smiled slightly to himself as he follows after Yugi. At first he thought his first day at Domino high school would be full of harassment but Yugi and his friends managed to be his lights in the darkness. Which made him hopeful that life in Domino City wouldn't be so bad as he originally thought it would be. Who knows maybe life in Japan was exactly what the doctor ordered. Jogging slightly to catch up with his smaller friend. Or as well as he can with a limp due to his injured legs, he was honestly surprised that someone with such short legs could be able to walk so fast. Though he also understood why he was walking so fast since it is fall after all so it's cold outside and no one really wants to be outside longer than they have to be. After catching up to Yugi he pulls his phone out of his pocket, sending a text to his mom to let her know that he would be hanging out with some friends for a little while. When Mary saw her son's text she was thrilled to see that he had already made some friends. She told Salem he could hang out with his friends for as long as he wants he just has to be home in time to have dinner and take his night time medication. He was glad that his mom said he could hang out with his new friends for as long as he wants to. After all who knows how long it will take for him to make his very first Duel Monsters deck. He just hopes he has enough money to pay for whatever cards he ends up getting because he doesn't want to steal money from his friend and his grandfather.

TBC.