This is a Non-profit, fan fic. Yu-Gi-Oh belongs to Kazuki Takahashi, Konami, etc. This is all for fun. I only own the OC's in this story. The Puppet Chess cards used for Reikou Kitamori's Puppet Chess deck in this chapter belongs to BatMed on DeviantArt. He has many other card designs as well as his own effects for said cards that you all should go check out.

There were three days left until the Battle City tournament; Lucas was sitting in his room, prepping his deck. He held a card in each hand going back and forth in his thoughts. First he looked at the copy of Rescue Cat he held in left hand.

"I do need more lower level monsters to use Rescue Cat's effect," Lucas looked at the card on his right, "But if I added this monster, I increase the chances of drawing a dead card."

Well, why don't you use a different Beast? Jackal asked, looking over Lucas's shoulder.

"Because all of my other Beast monsters could als risk a dead draw in the middle of the duel. If I were to draw into this monter," Lucas placed the card on his right down and picked up a Normal Beast monster from his desk, "I would not be able to create a turn-around if I were to be put in a tight situation."

I do not understand why you are adding me into your deck, Yubel stated. I could also risk losing synergy in your deck considering the fact that I am not a Beast type monster.

"But until we find your friend, it's only fair to include you into my deck so that you're not just watching from the sidelines. I do need to test the Tribute Summoning factor of this deck due to the new rules. Therefore, adding you into the deck would be a great opportunity to see how well I've made the Tributing factor of this deck," Lucas turned to the floating Yubel spirit. "Not to mention I would love to see you in action."

There was a knock at the door; The door propped open and Drew walked in. "Who are you talking to?" Drew asked his precious brother.

"Just myself," Lucas responded quickly. He never told Drew what had happened at the warehouse. On the day Lucas got home from the hospital, Drew told him that there was no need for an explanation. All that mattered was that he was safe. "I am trying to wrap my head around what cards to add into my deck." Drew walked over to Lucas. He glanced over Lucas's desk and noticed the green Deck Box. He couldn't help but smile a bit.

"I do wish you would grow out of this obsession of this silly card game." Lucas stood and looked his brother in the eye.

"I love this game," Lucas responded and turned to look at his desk. "I would have hoped you would be more suppor-" Lucas was quickly interrupted by an embrace from behind. Lucas raised his arm to feel Drew's arm around his neck. It wasn't too tight, but Drew held tight enough to show how much Lucas meant to him.

"I am so proud that you are dedicating yourself to something you love," Drew said. "All I ask of you now is to be careful." Drew let go of his precious brother. Lucas turned to Drew. "I also needed to talk to you about something. I will be going on a business trip for the next couple of days. I may not be back when you are about to start. But I am going to try and get back in time before you finish."

"Industrial Illusions having more issues with the Duelist Kingdom incident?" Lucas asked.

"Oh no," Drew responded, "This business trip has a different matter that needs attending to. I just wanted you to know that I will be leaving sometime today. Good Luck with all your deck prepping." Drew started to walk out of the room when he was then stopped by a surprise embrace from his younger brother.

Drew smiled and headed out. He popped his head back into the room for he forgot to mention one more thing. "Oh. I almost forgot. Jaden is going to be staying with us over the weekend. So even though you will be in the middle of your tournament, you have to watch him. I am leaving money for you two to buy food if you do not feel like cooking this weekend."

"Don't you worry about it, bro. He'll love to watch these intense duels that will be going on this weekend. He will be with me throughout the whole tournament. See ya in a couple of days". Drew went back to his room to prepared for his trip…

Who's this Jaden? Yubel asked in curiosity.

"Jaden is our younger cousin," stated Lucas, "He's 5 but he's also a passionate kid who loves Duel Monsters".

I suppose he got that from you didn't he? Jackal responded.

"You give me too much credit, partner," Lucas said grinning.

Lucas grabbed his deck and headed out of the house and towards the game shop. He needed to see if he could find any Beast-type monsters that could help with his Rescue Cat situation. His phone suddenly ranged from his right pocket.

"Hello?" said Lucas.

"Hello? Is this Lucas? It's Reikou, we met at the game shop the other day?" Lucas could feel his face blending with his eyes.

"H-Hey Reikou. H-How you doing?" How you doing? At Least try to use proper grammar, Lucas! thought Lucas to himself.

"I'm doing well. I was calling to see if you had time today to show me how to play Duel Monsters".

"Oh Yes! I mean, yeah, sure, I can show you today. How about we meet at the game shop where we exchanged numbers the other day".

"O-Okay. What time shall we meet?"

"I'm heading over there right now and I might be there till 6 or 7. Do you want to meet in like half an hour?" You're making it pushy. Don't be pushy!

"Alright. I will see you in half an hour".

"Sounds great. I mean good, I-I mean. See ya later!" Lucas quickly hangs up his phone and hits his forehead with it. Really, Lucas?! Could I have made it anymore embarrassing?!

I do not understand, Lucas, said Jackal. If you are attracted to the young lady. Why don't you make a bride of her? Start a family and-

Jackal shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Thought Lucas.

Or at least express your feelings to her. Yubel continued. Take her by the hand, look her in the eyes and say-

"Both of you! Shut up!" shouted Lucas, as a mother hurried her kid away from the red-eyed creep. The two spirit floated behind Lucas with a pleasant smirk on their faces. They felt a tad bit guilty but they also felt a bit pleasant with teasing Lucas.

…

"Why is it difficult for us to track down Jackal," stated Horus furiously, "We are gods, and we shouldn't have this much trouble looking for him".

"It appears that something is preventing us from locating both Jackal and the human. Jellal said that the young man had jet black hair and red eyes, correct?"

"Yes Nephthys, that is what he said. He also said that the boy wore black clothing".

"Maybe we should consider summoning Jellal, since he is the only one who had seen the mortal".

"And have him fail again? I refuse. We will retrieve the Jackal spirit ourselves!"

Both Horus and Nephthys turned a corner walking further and further away from a young boy with a scarlet vest who walked into a shop from the opposite direction.

...

"Hmmm," Lucas was analyzing his new cards from a pack he bought. From the looks of it, a majority of the cards might help Lucas with his 'Rescue Cat' issue.

"Alright," stated Lucas, "These will do great in my deck". As Lucas was making the final touches to his deck, a young girl had walked into the shop and headed towards Lucas. Lucas saw the girl walk towards him and stood up abruptly. The two stared at each other, Lucas being able to see Reikou's calming energy emitting the same as it did when he first saw her in the park. Although Lucas noticed the Duel Energy emitting from the young girl, he seemed to have lost himself in her eyes. After a moment, Reikou broke the silent and spoke.

"Hello? Lucas? Are you alright?"

"What? Oh yea. I'm fine," said Lucas, stuttering a bit, "So," Lucas cleared his throat, "You wanted to learn how to duel, right?"

"Y-yes," said Reikou looking just as nervous as Lucas.

" Alright," Lucas grabbed a deck from the table, "I was able to make a deck that was similar to your chess-playing style. This way, it will be as if you are playing both Chess and Duel Monsters at once."

Reikou looked through her brand new deck and was intrigued by the designs of the cards. There were numerous cards that were chess themed, a Pawn, a Bishop, a Knight, a Rook, a Queen and even a King. There were a mixture of cards that were not chess theme; quite possibly to make the deck run smoothly. After reading each card, Reikou noticed that these cards were different from what Jacob recommended when they first met.

"Why are we not using the Chess Archfiends your friend mentioned?" Reikou asked curiously, "Were they not 'good' cards?"

"They are great cards actually," Lucas stated. "However, these 'Puppet Chess' monsters are the newest card types to be released. As a new duelist, I feel that it would be better for you to use the newest cards of the game so that you are not behind with the latest rules, formats, etc. Not to mention Chess Archfiends are a bit difficult to control. If you're not careful, you could easily give your opponent the match".

"Oh ok," said Reikou.

"With that being said," said Lucas as he walked over to a table where he had placed a beginner's play mat, "Lets get started".

…

After a while, Lucas and Reikou finished the main lessons. Suddenly, an angry Jacob barged into the store, not giving the clerk any time to welcome him, and rushed towards Lucas and Reikou.

"Why didn't you tell me you two were doing the Duel Monster lessons today?!" A couple of minutes ago, Jacob had called Lucas wondering if he wanted to do some preparations for the tournament together. Lucas casually told Jacob of his duel lessons with Reikou today and quickly hanged up as they were in the middle of talking about the difference between a Normal Summon and a Special Summon. Oof.

"It just slipped my mind".

"That's a lie," stated Jacob, "I bet you just wanted t-" Lucas kicked Jacob's shin. "Ouch!"

"Are you okay, Jacob?" Reikou asked.

"Oh don't worry, Miss Reikou," Jacob responded and glared at Lucas, Lucas glared back, "I just hit my shin on a chair. So how's the class going?"

"It's going well. Lucas is a great teacher and was very considerate with the deck he made for me. I feel as though I am learning a new way to play chess." Lucas blushed a bit when he heard great teacher. He quickly looked away before Jacob could see him blush. Too late.

"Say Reikou. How about I become your first opponent". Lucas looked at Jacob. It seemed as though Lucas's eyes flared a scarlet flame when Jacob challenged Reikou.

"I'm sorry, Jacob, but I wanted Lucas to be my opponent," both Lucas and Jacob looked at her with shock. "Since Lucas is the one who is teaching me how to play, I feel as though it would probably be best if he was my first opponent".

"You wouldn't want Jacob to be your first opponent? Afterall, I do have a better understanding of how your deck works". Not that Lucas wasn't happy at the thought of Reikou picking him over Jacob.

"Well," Reikou looked into Lucas's eyes, he froze for a moment. Both their eyes sparkled. Jacob shoved Lucas so that he came back to Earth.

"Hey Lucas. Are you in there?" said Jacob

"Are you alright, Lucas?" asked Reikou with concern.

"Oh yea, sorry. I was just thinking about something". Lucas pulled his deck out of his deck box and began shuffling his deck.

I believe he will make this young girl his bride. Jackal stated

Well I hope he does. Yubel responded. But if he doesn't actually try something, there won't be a wedding.

Lucas muttered to the two spirits by his side, "You're not helping".

…

A golden eyed stranger was peering through the gameshop's window from the outside, gritting his teeth. He was paying close attention to Lucas's and Reikou's duel. Jacob was standing over the two, he noticed a figure from the corner of his eye, and walked away from the group.

"That little brat," said the stranger. "I swear the second he walks out-"

"What will you do, exactly?" Jacob yelled at the stranger.

The stranger turned to look at Jacob, who was leaning against the edge of the door way with his arms crossed, and a bag by his legs. Jacob was surprised with what he saw. Gold eyes? Jacob thought to himself.

"Leave me be," said the stranger, Jellal(If you haven't figured it out yet). "This does not concern you".

"On the contrary," Jacob picked up his bag and walked out of the shop's door, closing it behind him. "It is my duty to ensure my best friend's safety from any of his stalkers with bad intentions".

"Stalker?!" Jellal yelled. He faced Jacob revealing a Duel Disk he had on his left arm. "Know your place, human!" Jacob reached into his bag to pull out his Duel Disk. and attached it to his arm.

"Now we're talking," Jacob grinned with excitement.

"DUEL!"

…

We panel away from Jacob and Jellal and return to Reikou and Lucas. The shop clerk just told them that he would be back from his break for a bit. No one else was in the shop, and he trusted Lucas well enough to keep watch.

"DUEL!" Lucas shouted.

"D-duel!?" Reikou said nervously. Gah I'm stupid!. Lucas thought to himself. She must think that I am a total weirdo now.

Maybe she is impressed with your pride. Jackal stated.

(Round 1: Lucas 4000 Reikou 4000)

"So I will go first so that you understand how to perform the phases". Lucas stated.

"Okay," Reikou responded.

"I begin the turn with my draw phase. Therefore, I draw my card from the Deck," Lucas placed the card he drew into his hand. "Standby Phase. For the moment, if a card effect does not specify the Standby Phase, then we may proceed to Main Phase 1" He picked out another card and placed it on the table. "Main Phase 1. I summon Giant Rat". He placed his card with the rat on it on the board vertically. "Since I went first, I cannot attack. End Phase. It's your turn".

(Round 2: Lucas 4000 Reikou 4000)

"I draw," Reikou placed her card into her hand. She takes her time reading the cards in her hand. She is still not used to the effects of her cards. Lucas is extremely tense.

Why are you nervous, Lucas. Jackal asked.

I'm not nervous, Jackal. Lucas told Jackal. A bit tense, yes. Her deck can create combos that can intimidate her opponents. Considering how well she is at strategizing in Chess, and I built the deck so that it will feel as though she is playing chess, then hopefully she will be able to bring out the full potential of the deck. If anything, I am excited to see how well she will do.

So it is a good thing that she is able to use her deck properly. Yubel responded.

I see. Jackal responded.

How do you think your brother felt when he first taught you how to play?

"Alright," Reikou picked a card and placed in Face-Up Attack Position. "I summon Puppet Pawn in Attack Mode. With his effect, I can add one Puppet Warrior type Monster from my deck to my hand. I will add Puppet Rook". She shuffles her deck a bit. "I will then activate the spell card, Upstart Goblin". She looks over the card to verify its effect. "So I am allowed to draw one additional card. But you will gain 1000 life points". She draws her new card. She places it in her hand. She then place two cards from her hand onto the field. "I will set two cards Face-Down I will also activate my Spell Card; BattleField Tragedy." She looks over the card effect and explains the effect. "Now whenever any one of us declares an attack, we must send 5 cards from the top of our decks to the graveyard. I end my turn".

(Round 3: Lucas 5000 Reikou 4000)

"I draw my card," Lucas picks another monster from his hand and places it in Face-Down Defense Position. "I set a monster Face-Down. I attack your Pawn with my Giant Rat".

"Now you discard the top 5 cards from your deck to the Graveyard, right?" Reikou asked.

Lucas froze a second. He had a feeling go down his spine.

"Yes, I do". Lucas sends his 5 cards to the Graveyard. "But that does not prevent the Attack".

"When it's your turn, I can activate a Trap Card," Reikou flipped over one of her set cards. "I activate Waboku. So now I take zero points of damage, and my monster cannot be destroyed by battle".

"Nice one," Lucas praised Reikou. She was flattered. "I will end my turn".

(Round 4: Lucas 5000 Reikou 4000)

"I draw my card," she takes a moment to read the card she drew. She places it in her hand and picks a different card to summon. "I summon Puppet Rook, in Attack Mode".

There it is. Lucas stated, Now if she has the other two monsters…

"I then remove the Puppet Pawn on my field from play in order to summon Puppet Queen". She places her new Queen onto the field in Attack Mode. She reveals her Bishop monster from her hand. "I can Special Summon Puppet Bishop from my hand. When I do, his ability activates. This will force you to add one card from the top of your deck to your hand". Lucas picks up his card. "I use the effect of Rook. When you add a card from your deck to your hand besides by drawing, I can destroy one set card on your field. I destroy your Face-Down monster".

She really is getting the hang of this, thought Lucas as he sends his Face Down Nimble Momonga from his field to the graveyard.

"At the same time, Puppet Queen's effect activates. When you add a card from your deck to your hand except by drawing, I can discard one random card from your hand to the graveyard". Lucas mixed the cards in his hand and spread them like a fan. He held it up to Reikou, who then picked a random card(Beast Fangs), which Lucas then sent to the Graveyard.

"I end my turn".

….