Chapter 9

After having seen that strange boy and had that feeling, I quickly broke the stare with a blush. I couldn't help it. It had taken everything I had to turn away and it did not help that he had actually been cute! I got up as fast as I could and tossed my trash on my way to the door before anyone could catch me for questions. I have things to do today. I don't have time to get stopped now anyhow.

'Do you think that that boy noticed that strange energy that we felt? He did seem startled by something. Could it just be a coincidence that he looked our way at that moment?' I speak to Nadeshiko hoping she may have some insight.

'I cant really say. I don't think anything is coincidence anymore but without more information I'm at a loss for answers.'

I hear Nadeshiko sigh her answer. She must be getting tired of all the questions that keep popping up. Our puzzle does seem to grow stranger each day.

I changed the subject a bit to lighten things as we walked.

' Did you see his eyes though! They were so expressive and deep. Like kind but stern. I don't even know how to explain them but wow. Just wow.' I couldn't help but to let my inner teenager free in my thoughts. I can only reign her in so much but I was glad to know she at least accomplished what I had hoped. I heard Nadeshiko chuckle. Some of the sadness had lifted for now and i was glad to have helped. I was surprised when i heard her speak.

'I did notice his eyes but not exactly for the same reasons as you. They seemed somewhat familiar to me somehow. I can't place how I know them but I feel as if I do.'

I couldn't help my overwhelming curiosity then. I had so many questions about her and I have never had much of a chance to ask. Now seemed as good a time as any.. All we are doing is shopping anyway.

'I cant help but to wonder. What do you remember Nadeshiko? I mean If you don't mind me asking. I just think I should at least know what you know. I have questions too. Like if you were from Egypt why couldn't you read the carvings in the photos?' I couldn't help rambling off the questions as they came. I had opened the flood gates and now I have to reign myself back in. She can't answer anyway if I don't shut up.

'Are you done"

'...'

'Good. I don't know why I cant read them. I don't even know if I ever did know how. I was born royalty. I was a princess from lower Egypt. My position in society meant that I was given many responsibilities at a very young age . I did not have much time for my self and did not have many friends either. I did not have time. The only friend I can remember clearly was one of my servants. She was mine from a young age and we would play games and such with what little time I could find even then. I did enjoy reading and I knew most languages..

This is why it confuses me that I could not read those inscriptions.'

'It seems like you have more of your memory than I had first thought. I thought you were like a blank slate or something. Not that that would make this any easier. I think you having partial memory is even more confusing. It raises the question, in my mind at least, as to what could have been so important from your last years that you had to forgot practically every little detail that leads to whats missing? It is possible as far as the writings in your tomb go, at least, that you may not know that language very well because of your own cultures habits.'

'I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that statement. You mean I may just not have been taught that language? But why?'

'Well I'm not comfortable calling it fact 100 percent but I have read about some countries only teaching certain writings to the scribes who did all the works. Egypt I am fairly certain was one of those countries. They may have only taught the language of the Hieroglyphs to their tomb carvers or scribes. It would at least explain why you had trouble with those writings. But you also seem like the inquisitive type. You may have found your own way around societies limitations. ' I laugh a little as I explain what my theories may be. 'It does seem, though, almost as if you were made to forget anything you did know about it. Don't worry. We will figure it out. I am sure we will be able to find someone who can help us read those writings eventually. I have faith that the professor will pull through for us with at least some answers. He has already been such a massive help. We just have to be patient and give it time.'

While the spirit and I were having our conversation, I had walked to the nearest grocery store. I decided that I would make a special dinner tonight to celebrate my new home and running into my oldest friend. I pulled out my phone to check the time . 'Tea said she gets out of work at 6 and right now it is 2:44. So I need to hurry home by 4 to get dinner in the oven.' I think as I hurry myself along. I arrived home an hour later. I set my bags on the porch as I wiped the sweat off my brow and reached into my pocket for my key. I picked my bags up after I opened the door and quickly pushed it shut with my foot as I pass the threshold and head straight into the kitchen with my groceries. I begin to prep our dinner for tonight as I hum softly. 'I will call Tea once I get dinner into the oven. Then I can take a quick shower.' I thought to myself as I continue prepping. I was making a casserole that my grandma taught me to make and it was a two step process. It took some time and it quickly became 6 o'clock as I rushed around the kitchen. I had finished cleaning up quickly before I reached for my phone to call Tea. I waited as it rang three times before she answered.

"Wow, Shiko! You have perfect timing.I just left work. So what's the plan?" She asks with a smile in her voice.

"Well I figured if you wanted to come hang out at my place tonight , we could have dinner and if you want you can help me unpack some stuff. I apologize if that seems kinda boring but all my things are still packed. Well you know, I did just get in today. " I laugh, "I don't even have my t.v. Set up yet. I would appreciate the help. Besides I decided to make my grandma's pizza casserole for dinner and I don't think I can eat it all myself." I hear her laugh.

"That sounds great actually! I think it would be fun to just hang out and catch up. Plus I would be glad to help out." Tea spoke excitedly, "I was actually wondering if you would like to meet my friends.. I guess I made them curious about you and you seemed to catch their eyes before you left today. They told me they saw someone in the corner. I know, it sounds strange because we see people we don't know all the time but he had pointed to where you were sitting, so I told them about bumping into you. Anyway, would you mind meeting them? I could bring them with me tonight if that is all right?" As she mentioned that he had seen me, I knew exactly who she must have been referring to and it caused a blush to form on my cheeks as I remembered the feeling from earlier. I respond to her question quickly. Almost to quickly, " Of course! It could be fun. I hope they like dinner. I made enough for an army!" I laugh to hide my sudden nervousness. "Dinner will be ready around 7:30. I'm gonna take a shower and i should be ready by 7. I will see you all soon." I say as i get read to end the call.

"Yep. See ya soon, Shiko! " Tea said then hangs up the phone. It wasn't a second later the i start to go into panic mode. 'What should I wear? I don't want to come off strange or anything. Oh! She said he was coming over. The one I saw. Hes so cute.' I sigh as i rush to my room to gather my things. I really have much time and now I have to make a first impression I was not prepared for.

'Shiko! Calm Down. Just dress as you did today. Be yourself. I'm sure Teas friends will like you. Just breath.'

I here Nadeshiko yell to get my attention as I listen to her advice. I feel myself start to calm.

'You're right. I'm being silly. I just get so nervous around new people.'

'Things will be fine. Now stop wasting time.' Nadeshiko laughs as I feel her give me a mental nudge. I grab my things and head to the shower.

'RING' 'RING' 'RING'

Yugi runs down the stairs to grab the phone.

"hello, Kame Game Shop."

"hey Yugi, It's Tea. I just got off the phone with Shiko. She said she would love to meet you guys tonight and that 7 would be a good time to meet at her place. Should I call Joey to let him know?" She asks.

" No, you don't need to. He is here. I will let him know."

"Oh Ok. Well then i will be there in 20 minutes. Shiko texted me her address."

Ok. See ya soon Tea." Yugi was having trouble hiding his excitement as he hung up the phone and went back to his room to get ready. Joey was snoring on the couch in the living room as Yugi went upstairs.

'Why do you seem so excited?' Yami asks as he observes he friends mood shift.

'I'm not sure exactly but I feel as if we might actually get some answers soon, to at least one of our questions.' Yugi tries to explain him. He was trying his best to hide his other motives. After all, Shiko was cute and the feeling would not go away from that moment. He couldn't shake it.

'I see. It would be nice to know if and how she maybe connected to that feeling from earlier' Yami spoke. His words almost mirroring Yugi's thoughts. 'I also still find it strange how different you have become when earlier today I could feel... Well I don't even really know how to describe it that well and I still feel it.'

'You must meant the loneliness?' Yugi knew the feeling he was referring too. It was, after all, all he had been feeling since he had returned from Duelist Kingdom. 'That feeling hasn't gone away. I know you feel it too. Its strong. Almost like a call.' Yugi explains himself the best he can as he blushes at how easily the spirit can read him. 'but my excitement for tonight isn't all about that either. This is almost something normal. Hanging out with friends. Meeting new people. And after all the crazy we have just been through and probably will continue to face, I have happy to have normal. That and Shiko was kinda cute. So I get to spend the evening in t he presence of two pretty girls.' Yugi blushed deep at his confession... He hadn't meant to let that bit slip out of his private thoughts. Yami just chuckled at his embarrassment. ' well you better hurry then. Tea will be here shortly and you still need to wake Joey.'

Yugi felt as Yami faded to give him some privacy as he finished getting ready. He then went downstairs and called to Joey as he approached him. With no response, Yugi started to shake him but he continued to snore. Yugi gave him one more good shake as her heard the doorbell ring. The combination was just what he had needed. ' maybe a bit to much.' he thought as he watched Joey jump up and quickly fall to the floor.

"Awww Yuge! What did ya do that for. " he heard him groan as he stood and rubbed he backside.

"Sorry Joey. I didn't mean to startle you but Tea is here and we are going to Shiko's tonight. Remember?'

Joey sat up and rubbed his eyes as he let out a yawn. " Oh, ya that's right. " he said groggily, "Wha.." He started stifling another yawn. "What time is it anyway, Yuge?'

"It's a quarter to 7. We are supposed to be at Shiko's place around 7." Yugi informs Joey.

"Oh, Ok. I'm ready when you are." Joey said with another yawn as his stomach let out a loud growl. "So, uh, whats for dinner?" he asks just as Tea came into the room.

"I hadn't even thought about that." Yugi said just as his stomach decided to let out a loud growl of its own.

"Don't worry guys.' Tea laughed at the blush on Yugi's face. "I forgot to tell you that Shiko is making dinner for all of us. She always loved watching her Grandma cook. She was actually able to cook at a young age." Tea told the boys with a cheery smile.

"That is awful nice of her Tea. She didn't have to go to all that trouble for us." Yugi blushed again. It was starting to seem that he caught himself doing that a lot when Shiko is involved.

"I'm sure it was no trouble for her at all. Like I said. She loves cooking. Plus, she actually sounded excited to have company." Tea reassured Yugi.

"Well then, what are we waitin for!" Joey said as he jumped up off the floor and practically ran out of the room drooling at the thought of food. Tea just shook her head with a laugh. Yugi was right behind Joey almost as fast as he followed him out the front of the shop.

"Grandpa, I'm going to a friends house for dinner tonight. I will be back later." Yugi informs his grandfather who is standing just behind the front counter.

"Don;t worry about me Yugi. I am actually going to meet up with an old friend myself."

"Oh, alright. See ya later then Grandpa."

"Later Yugi." Yugi waves to his grandpa as the trio then walk out the front door and into the street.

"How far exactly is Shiko's house from here?" Yugi asked out of curiosity as Tea began to the lead the way.

"Not far actually. She is like literally on the next block. In that small subdivision up ahead." Tea points straight ahead as they continue on their walk.

"So, what can you tell us about Shiko anyway?" Joey asked . Yugi had wanted to ask the same question and couldn't help the relief he felt at having the question asked for him. He couldn't help his curiosity and apparently neither could Joey.

"Well, when we knew each other in the past, we were still very little so I am sure that some things have changed but I do know that she always seemed very smart for her age. She never really had a lot of luck making friends. She was very shy and quiet. She was always reading something. Fiction, Non fiction, sometimes it seemed as if it didn't matter which. She did always have a strong attraction to ancient civilizations and animals too. Umm... What else can I tell you guys?" Tea was trying to remember back to those days. She Kept coming back to the memory of when they first became friends but couldn't really explain anymore. Her memories had grown fuzzy over the years. Luckily she was spared further questioning as they approached their destination.

"Hey guys. I think that is her place. 413 Hemlock St." she read the address that Shiko had texted to her.

'Hopefully we can get some answers tonight.' Yugi heard Yami say as they approached the front step.

'I hope so. Just try to keep your presence hidden for now. I don't want to freak her out or anything, Ok?' Yugi thinks to Yami.

'I will stay within the puzzle unless I hear you call for me. I hope you enjoy your night. You need some normal and so do the others. I think they are still trying to process our last adventure.' Yami says before returning to his chamber within the puzzle.

'I have a feeling that tonight might just be the calm before the storm.' Yugi thinks to himself as Tea rings the doorbell and they wait for the door to open.