Author's Note: Hey everyone! ^^ How's it going? Holy crap, did you guys see the Stanley Cup Finals? Boston trampled the Canucks! o.o That was crazy. The Vancouver team died! X'D Though I was cheering for the Canucks, I believe the better team won this year. Congratulations Boston Bruins! ^o^ Canucks? Better luck next year. X'D

I'm back with another chapter everyone! ^^' I hope you like it! I can't believe summer is almost here! ^o^' I'm so stoked! After my exams, I've got loads of time. By then, I will have been done well into Battle City. Hopefully. ^^' Wish me luck! lol.

In this chapter, Sarah...er...couldn't find herself a reason for her coming acts. ^^' She wonders, but then is faced with another problem. She's tall, dark, and has fierce eyes. Sarah's Problem is a girl. And she's come after her locator card. Though the newcomer seems nice, why does she seem eerily familiar to Sarah? Does she even? You'll have to keep reading to figure it out.

Disclaimer of Yu-Gi-Oh!. Fan fiction, and I am getting NO money out of it either. Thanks. ^^

Battle City-New Evil Emerges, Old Friends Reunite Chapter 22

Yami and I were walking down a sidewalk next to one of the many roads of Battle City. Duelists were all over the place, dueling with their new Duel Disks, battling on for locator cards and a chance to go to the top. Speaking of those clear glass cards, Yami was just pocketing his newly won locator card into the card sheathe around his waist. He kept it there with the other, the default one from the Duel Disk's package, and not in his pockets to allow the hard glass corners poke him uncomfortably. I glanced down to my own sheathe still strapped around my right leg. The Pharaoh's got two now and I have one. Joey also has one, unless he's in a duel already.

Hopefully, we're getting closer to what we came here for. One locator card at a time and one duel at a time as well.

For convenience, I had also kept my one default locator card in my thigh sheathe. It was right next to the card I was supposed to give Yami. The one Ishizu had sent me before everything started.

I still have no idea of its objective. What is it for? Will I really not be able to help the Pharaoh at one time in the near future? Ishizu must have seen something from her Millennium Necklace to have made her create this precaution. What could cause me to disappear during a time when a part of my soul within this card will help the Pharaoh instead?

Oh no...that's so terrifying. I never want to leave his side!

Ishizu's Millennium Necklace must have shown her something. Otherwise, there wouldn't have been such measures taken. Never would I have even thought of leaving the Pharaoh's side, abandoning my post as Guarding him for more than a second. What could possibly make Ishizu create the card and then ask me to transfer a portion of my soul into it?

What tragic event will cause me to depart my Guard?

I felt my heart race with worry.

I can't leave the Pharaoh... I thought anxiously, frightened by the thought of not being able to help the Pharaoh during the point the card will be needed. Before I had entered the tournament, this speculation was what I thought. I just...can't! I won't!

"Um...Sarah?" called a familiar voice. I snapped out of my thoughts and turned to meet Yami's gaze. His crimson eyes held slight concern apart from the natural assertiveness. "Is something wrong?"

I blinked. "Why would you ask?" I said, slightly troubled as to why he would suddenly ask me such a random question. Was it really random, out of curiosity? Because in my mind, thoughts of the mysterious card were almost killing me.

I can't simply start thinking that I won't be able to help. I thought, disapprovingly. Ishizu could have sent it as extra help. Yeah... Why am I getting so worked over about it? It isn't anything to think about yet, so why bother? I mean...it hasn't come into much use so far. Maybe later or something...

But the unmistakable determination I felt from willing myself not to worry, gave me strength. I tightened my hands by my side purposefully. I have a job to do. And that is to Guard. I can't let my thinking about minor details set me off. If this card really did need to come into play I'm pretty sure I would understand how and when...

Suddenly, I felt something in my left hand. My thinking stopped for a moment only to be filled with the warmth of confusion. That was odd. I don't remember holding anything... And my right hand is empty. So what...

My eyes fell onto my left hand, wondering why there was a comfortable and warm sensation seeping through my skin and into my bones. My racing heart now stopped in its tracks, frozen in the sudden shock I felt.

It was Yami's hand. I was holding Yami's hand.

I blinked even more, and felt the brightest of blushes flood my entire face.

"Oh, Ra! I'm sorry, Yami," I said, quickly letting go. My hand began to feel cold again. "I have no idea how that happened!" How did that happen? Was I thinking so hard about not leaving the Pharaoh that I decided to go and grab his hand? He must think of me as a total fool!

The Pharaoh said nothing about it, but merely kept his gaze glued on me the entire time. "Is something troubling you?" he finally asked. "We were only walking when all of a sudden I felt your hand encase my own..."

Both of our faces flushed.

I couldn't turn any of my thoughts into words. From suddenly finding the Pharaoh's hand in mine I could not process anything. It was just so unexpected. Did I really do that? "N-No! Nothing is troubling me!" I said in a rush, trying to cover my tracks but failing miserably. My heart started beating up again, but this time, it sent a wave of confusion throughout my body every two seconds. "I-I was just...um..." Quick! Think of something!

Yami looked at me once more, this time more carefully. His vivid crimson eyes bore into my scarlet ones with slight concern, searching for an answer. I could easily tell he was worried for me; what with my sudden behaviour of grabbing his hand and the time I almost collapsed during his duel. He wanted to know what was wrong. But how could I tell him if I don't know myself!

My cheeks and neck burned like never before, all because of how embarrassed I felt. And with the Pharaoh of Egypt no less! I can't just go about taking his hand! Jeez... It's so awkward and creepy.

I decided to change the subject, away from the awkwardness I've put the both of us in. "S-So...we know who's behind the Rare Hunters now... Does this mean I'll have to sharpen Asima in case the same two Hunters attack us again?"

Yami showed the smallest of smiles on his face, amused by my remark. "I don't think bloodshed is necessary," he said. "All we have to do is keep searching for our answers and stop Marik from obtaining the power he thinks he deserves."

I glared down at the moving sidewalk beneath my feet, remembering everything Marik had said. Through one of his Rare Hunters anyway, by controlling his mind and body. "He had the nerve to challenge you," I glowered. "What did he say again? That he wanted the power of the Pharaoh and he'll get it using the Millennium Rod?"

The ancient Pharaoh nodded, making the sun's rays glint beautifully in his eyes. "Marik had also wanted to use the power of the Egyptian Gods," he said. "Tell me, Sarah; are they really cards?"

I shook my head, just as mystified by the whole encounter. "I have no idea if what he said is true or not," I admitted. "I've never heard of something like that before. The Egyptian Gods are incredibly powerful. I have no idea how they could be cards. Pegasus must have created them into cards somehow, though how he managed to do it without getting killed is beyond my imagining. No one can match the Gods powers and no one can replicate them. It was a risk Pegasus had taken if he really did make them into Duel Monsters cards."

"Up until today though, we've never even heard about these God cards," said Yami thoughtfully. "I wonder if what Marik had said was true, when he said that they actually existed."

I nodded, just as confounded. "They will definitely be dangerous," I said. "If all their power is put into cards..."

"I'm sure with what we learn here in Battle City the answers will become clear," said Yami determinedly. "Now that we've found each other, we can fight as a team once again."

The way he said it just made me want to blush all over again. I have no idea why. If someone were to ask, I'd most likely start remembering why I was blushing in the first place and begin to blush even more. "Right," I said, forcing the hotness away from my face and trying to put on a mask of pure confidence. It held. For now. "Just like 5,000 years ago. I suppose this means that the Prophecy is in motion."

Yami glanced my way. "The one displayed on the carving in the museum?" he asked.

I nodded. "It doesn't mention anything to do with Bakura, but it depicts what you and Kaiba have; rivalry. It's a part of the Prophecy."

"I can't imagine why. The defeat I handed him has made him come after me for...I'm not sure. I've lost count."

I shrugged helplessly. "I know what you mean," I said. "He's really determined to beat you. But...because the winner's name was erased from the carving, we have no idea who won, and who will win. So we'll have to do what you just said; see where this Battle City tournament will take us. Hopefully, we will get our answers. Because I've been confused about some things...and it's not getting me anywhere."

"Does it have something to do with you holding my hand?" asked Yami, a little expectantly, gazing at me intently, as if eager to hear my answer.

I blinked at him curiously, finding it odd to have him start teasing me all of a sudden. Though it felt like we were almost back to normal. Sure it'll feel a little odd between us because of the huge time span we haven't seen each other, not to mention Yami's loss of memory, but...I get the feeling that we'll soon be our regular selves.

As if we were the friends no one could separate back in Ancient Egypt.

That thin wire still connecting the both of us...I could feel it grow with each passing second as the Pharaoh and I spend more and more time together.

Could he feel it too?

I remembered his question and found myself blushing all over again. "Well...I didn't mean to..." I muttered, ashamed at my previous actions. "I said I was sorry. And...I don't know...maybe?" Of course it has something to do with me taking your hand! I don't want you to get hurt...

"I just think this tournament will be giving us more than our answers."

Yami looked at me curiously. "What makes you say that?"

"Remember the moment in your duel when I almost collapsed?" I asked him, wondering if he recalled or not. If he didn't, well, I'd have to explain it to him. It was something very important, regarding the power of the Pharaoh.

Yami nodded, some concern returning to his vivid crimson eyes. "Yes, I do," he said. "What happened?"

I scratched my head, trying to distract myself from the small bit of pain still inside. From trying to remember the meaning behind the flying images of Yugi's first duel with a Rare Hunter, I pressured my brain too much. It's what happens when I try to remember memories. Gosh...what a dilemma... I have so many memories of different things that it's hard to remember what I want to when I want to. Bleh...is that even possible?

"Um...I was just commemorating the time Yugi had to duel Keith in that warehouse," I said thoughtfully. "Remember? You were in the Puzzle when it happened. That was what made me almost collapse. I was trying to think about the reason why Marik would want the Millennium Puzzle. When we had no knowledge of the Rare Hunters, I had only speculated that Keith's mind controller was after all the Millennium Items..."

"But he's after my power."

I blinked, recalling something familiar to do with just that; his power. "That's it!" I suddenly exclaimed. Yami glanced at me carefully. "The power Ishizu had spoke of. It's the power of the Pharaoh! We have to keep it under guard at all times. It's dangerous in the wrong hands."

"But, if Marik isn't trying to collect the Millennium Items, then why does he want the Millennium Puzzle?"

"Right...In the duel in the warehouse, he had it pinned up and ready for the winner of that duel." That was the very thought haunting me. It was the sole purpose of me trying to remember what I could about this dilemma, for I know where it was going. "He wants the Millennium Puzzle because it's the source of the Pharaoh's power. In order for Marik to get it, he needs the Puzzle."

Yami's eyes held realization. "So that's why..."

I nodded, feeling the pain disappear from my head. Finally, it's off my shoulders. I don't need to try and pressure my brain any further. Unless I decided to remember something else the same way... Hah. This will be so fun. xD

"That's why he's so keen at dueling you," I said, just as Yami and I were turning around the corner of the block. A row of alleys were to our right while the crowded street was to our left. Duelists walked about with their friends or dueled each other. It looked like an innocent tournament; just for fun and games...

But it's almost like our death bed.

Only if the power of the Pharaoh goes into the wrong hands. Marik's for that matter.

"In order for anyone to legally obtain a Millennium Item, there must be a fight. The winner of the duel will get the Millennium Item. While the other...suffered severe consequences, whatever both had wagered.

"He wanted to duel you and win the Millennium Puzzle. So he can get the power of the Pharaoh."

"It makes sense," agreed Yami. His once vivid crimson eyes darkened slightly, but it was from thought. "I knew I sensed another presence in that warehouse. That was half the reason why I didn't switch with Yugi for the duel. I shouldn't have left him to deal with that mind controlled Keith all alone..."

I patted his shoulder meaningfully. "You weren't very far," I offered. "Even Yugi knows your Faith was with him."

Yami rose a brow at me curiously. "Have you two spoken of this before?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No..." I answered. "Yugi is Yugi. He never lets a bad situation get the worst of him. He fights it with the power of his friends in his heart. He knows he has his friends nearby, that's why he didn't give up in that duel."

Yami smiled down at the Millennium Puzzle hanging around his neck. "Aibou...I really can't do anything without you..."

I couldn't help but smile. I'm so grateful for our new friends... I guess Yami and I couldn't have gone through the Prophecy without them.

"Now...about this Marik guy—,"

"Wait, Sarah," said Yami, cutting me off. I blinked at him curiously. "Marik only mentioned the power of the Pharaoh. What about yours?"

My face grew hot; not from anger though. From disbelief and shame. "I don't understand why I would have any!" I cried. "I'm merely a servant. It doesn't make any sense... Ishizu must have made a mistake mentioning it..."

Yami shook his head in disbelief. "Do you honestly think there is no power within you?" he asked me.

Holding my chin in my hand like how a professor would, I thought. Turning to him, I replied with a, "Yup."

"What about the magic you learned?" asked Yami. "Surely controlling the elements is a rare talent and not anyone can learn it, like you have."

I opened my mouth to object, but it quickly closed. I didn't know what to say. He was right. "Um...well...there was this one person—oh, but he quit before he could even start..."

Yami blinked at me disbelievingly as I tried to recall everyone who tried to learn the same magic I have. He was definitely right, though. Controlling the four magic elements on this planet takes a lot of hard work and time. I learned my magic in a couple of months to a couple of years. I worked hard those days than I have ever worked in my whole life. Too few people even tried.

It was tough work. Not everyone can control the elements.

"Well... I remember my Teacher telling me something about a man trying to learn the same magic as me," I said, tapping the side of my face thoughtfully. Thank Gods my brain didn't hurt now. "He didn't mention a name or anything, but that this man tried and tried and could not get the right way to handle all four elements. He was a hard worker, but he just...couldn't get it. He went on to become a merchant and quit using magic."

"Who did he work as in the Palace?" asked Yami.

"I know where you're going with that," I said, mildly impressed on how fast he figured it out. Then again...it was only mildly because the Pharaoh was naturally really fast at piecing things together. "Of course not just anyone could learn magic if they wanted to. Only members of the Palace or high name could gain that kind of power. The man my Master told me about was the Palace Librarian, who took great care of all the important documents and scrolls in the Palace Library. He thought that if he controlled the elements he could save the scrolls from natural disasters, like a fire. With a swish of his hand he could have easily removed harm."

"Was the difficulty of the spells what drove him away?" asked Yami.

I shook my head. "Apparently not," I said. "Master said he tried long and hard, but was still unsuccessful. He just...couldn't get the elements under his control. He said himself that, "It wasn't my Destiny." after he tried for the last time. So, he quit his job and went to be a merchant instead."

"He thought being the Palace Librarian without magic to save the scrolls would be pointless," concluded Yami.

I nodded. "Someone else took his place instead, I suppose, if he quit and all."

"So...learning how to control the four major elements of this world is a large deal. That's your power."

I face-palmed. "No..." I groaned. "I'm telling you; I'm merely a Guardian. I can not have powers. It's ridiculous! The magic I have learned couldn't be that important..."

Yami shook his head and sighed. "Can a servant not have the ability to hold a power?"

His words left me speechless.

Could he be right?

My heart raced. If he was right, then it means that I'll have to be careful with my magic and make sure it does not get into anyone's hands. If someone inexperienced, first of all, tried controlling the power, then there will be catastrophe. And if someone bad got a hold on it...

We're all doomed.

"I'll be more careful if it makes you feel better," I sighed, thinking that it couldn't hurt. "We'll both have to be extra careful. This tournament isn't like anything we've faced before."

Yami nodded agreeably. "Definitely," he said. "Er...sharpening Asima isn't a bad idea. It is, Asima, right?"

I smiled at his remark and nodded. "Yup. The blade I made myself."

Yami's eyes widened slightly, impressed. "You made it?" he asked.

I nodded with a small blush. "That's right!" I said. "I was really glad I did some solid metalwork too. It was fun."

Yami raised a brow at me skeptically. "Making a sword? Fun?" he asked.

"...Okay, fine. So what if my hands slipped a few times? And I accidentally hammered my thumb once? Oh...and nearly burned my eyebrows off? Other than those little mishaps, or near-to-mishaps, making a sword I can honestly call my own was awesome!"

Yami shook his head, entertained by my supposed 'fun'. I laughed quietly at his expression.

Suddenly, I felt something vibrate in my pocket, causing me to nearly jump a foot into the air. Then I heard the fast beat of a song begin to play. With confusion first etched onto my face, I dug my hand into the depths of my shorts' pocket. As soon as my hands encased a familiar device, realization struck me and I pulled out my LG phone. I read the song name on the screen, next to the name of the person calling me. It was Stage Fright by Blake McGrath. I wonder if this phone plays random music to get my attention—and scare me to death.

"Hey, it's Téa!" I cried excitedly, reading what the Caller ID displayed. "May I have a moment?" Yami gave me a smile and nodded. I pressed the talk button on the phone and held it up to my ear.

"Hey there, Téa!" I greeted happily into the phone. "I haven't talked to you in forever!"

I heard a playful scoff from the other end. "It's only been a day," she said.

I pouted, and though Téa couldn't see it, Yami could. He had to hold back a smile. "Yes, but I needs you!" I pressed. That's right...I said, "I needs you.". xD

"I like your baby voice, Sarah," teased Téa, making me pout even more. "You needs me? Why does you need me?"

"You know why," I grumbled. "Now I can honestly say what it's like to be the only girl in a group of boys, like how you've been. I'll turn into one of them!"

I heard Téa's laughter ring melodically through the line. Soon, I felt this eery shiver go down my spine and I had to turn around to see if anyone was spilling ice water down my shirt. Instead, I found Yami dark crimson eyes directed at me. With his arms crossed, he did not look amused.

I blinked. "Oh..." I thought stupidly. "Um...Téa? Yeah, the Pharaoh heard what I said... I didn't mean to say it!"

There was silence. All that was left was Yami staring at me darkly and Téa's silent breathing on the other end. I held my breath and tried not to run.

"...I'd tell you to run for your life, Sarah, but you know the Pharaoh isn't going to do anything."

I fell to my knees, exhausted from holding my breath and resisting the urge to run. A huge sweat drop was on the side of my head. "R-right..." I replied, but was so convinced of Yami's glare that I thought it to be untrue.

"So, why'd you call?"

"I wanted to apologize," said Téa.

I blinked. "Apologize?" I asked in confusion, looking over to Yami when I said it. He stopped glaring to watch me with concern. "Apologize for what, Téa? What happened?"

"...I couldn't meet up with you, Yugi, or Joey this morning," replied the brunette. "I slept in by mistake; I'm sorry."

I anime fell.

Yami merely released a concerned breath he was holding to make it one of relief.

"Way to almost scare me!" I nearly yelled into the phone, but knew she didn't mean to. "You love dramatic scenarios, don't you?"

I heard Téa's soft laugh once again. "Yup! I'm sorry, I was only expanding it. But, I really am sorry to have slept in on the first day of the tournament."

"Oh, Téa, it's alright!" I said, waving it away. "Now that you're up, you should come join us! Where are you?"

"Well... I'm a street away from Domino Square at the moment."

"Cool! You're close then. You can find Yugi and me to the right, and Joey to the left. We only just left a little while ago. I'm sure you'll be able to catch up to one group or the other."

"Since you and Yugi are already one group, I'll try and find Joey," she said.

I nodded. "Sounds good. Call me again if you want to know where Yugi and I are headed."

"Alright. Thanks again. I'll see you two later!"

"Okay. Bye-byes. Yami, Téa says hi." With that, I hung up the phone and stood back up, pocketing the LG into my pocket once again. Then I turned to the Pharaoh who was staring at me expectantly.

"...Okay, alright!" I admitted sadly. "I was only kidding about what I said before. Please don't hurt me..."

The darkness in his crimson eyes disappeared and his face soon held a small smile. "As you were teasing, so was I," he said, ruffling my hair kindheartedly. I pouted, trying to put my bangs back to where they were.

"Oh...you're good. Really good..."

Yami smirked. "Who said I wasn't?"

I considered this. "...Yeah...you're right. No one did."

"Exactly."

I smiled. We were almost back to normal. That uneasiness between us when we first knew of each other's presence was beginning to disappear. The comfortable air we used to have back in Ancient Egypt was starting to emerge once again.

It was about time for old friends to have been reunited.

This was my dream.

And it's so close to being completely true.

I've missed him so much... I thought, gazing at said Pharaoh with a small smile. The way his handsome face shone strikingly under the sun's rays reminded me of how he looked like back in Ancient Egypt. His determined and brave walk hasn't changed in five millennia; strong strides talking him just about anywhere he wanted to go. I tried matching it with my own, but the strides were too long and I had to run to catch up sometimes.

Then there was the assertive stance he always has whenever he's just standing. The way his arms stay by his side, slightly bent, and the way one foot always stayed ahead of the other, making a sort of "L" shape. He stands straight and tall, with his chin held high, and his mysterious and exotic crimson eyes looking off into the distance in deep thought, thinking of strategies or anything else that's on his mind. He always holds an aura of confidence and challenge, like he wouldn't let anything tear him down. He challenges his enemies with only the intensity in his red eyes, while they have to challenge him with every nerve in their body.

He inspired me.

When I had first become Guardian, I knew I had to be incredibly formal to him and his Court. I also knew that I had to stay focused on my job. The first moment I laid eyes on the Pharaoh... changed my life. I was on my guard more than I thought I had to. Instead of trying to Guard him, I just did. His mighty aura told me I had to be strong for this Pharaoh. He inspired me to become stronger.

There are a lot of things he's done for me. He just doesn't know it.

In a way...he's saved my life. When I lost my family, I thought Isis and I would be heartbroken forever from their death. But when I met the Pharaoh...he gave me a reason to live.

Now that I think about it, Guarding him is the least I can do to repay him for saving my life.

" Pardon me," said Yami, breaking me out of my reverie. "I didn't quite catch what you said. You were too quiet."

I blinked at him on confusion. Did I say that last sentence out loud?

"Oh, um...I was just saying that I missed you," I said, feeling a small blush creep its way onto my cheeks. Damn...now what's with the blushing again? Then I felt something in my stomach. Did I just swallow a butterfly? What's going on with me? I didn't miss the Pharaoh THAT much...did I?

Yami gave me a small smile. It was kind, and one I haven't seen before all too much. "If only I had memories of you," he said. "Then I'm sure I would be saying the same thing."

I felt myself blush again, but happily returned the smile.

So close...

So close to becoming the good friends we used to be back in Ancient Egypt...

As we kept walking down the sidewalk, we looked around for other duelists. They were everywhere, but we needed to find one we could duel. Locator cards weren't magically going to just fly into our hands, we had to fight for them.

"Okay! Alright! I'm going! You know what? You don't need to push me..."

The new voice was coming from one of the alleyways to our right. All of them looked the same; darkened with shadows and full of some sort of mystery, dirty or scary. It's hard to think how small spaces between buildings can be so...spooky.

Some scuffling noises later, a girl appeared from within the shadows, glaring a little angrily over her shoulder into the alley she just left. I guess she just got out of an argument with a friend.

The girl was pretty. She had long emerald-green hair that went down to her waist, and though her dark blue eyes were currently angry, she didn't seem like the type to stay that way for very long. She was as tall as me, and she wore a black corset and black skirt, with knee high black boots. On her arm was a Duel Disk. She seemed almost goth...and yet her complexion showed me a passion through her strong glare.

When she finally saw us glancing her way, only from seeing someone walk of the alley unexpectedly, she forced away her glare and smiled. "S-Sorry you had to see that," she said with a sweat drop. "Um...my friend was daring me to go out and duel again for more locator cards..."

"That's okay," I said with smile. "I can relate. My friend and I were just looking for duels ourselves."

"Oh, so you're duelists too?" asked the girl. Then she saw the Duel Disks on our arms and her eyes widened. "Of course...that would explain the Disks on your arms. I'm sorry, that was stupid of me."

I shook my head and smiled kindheartedly. "People make mistakes, it's okay," I said.

She seemed nice enough... But I felt a familiar burning sensation on my collar bone. My Millennium Locket was glowing.

That doesn't make any sense. Were there Rare Hunters nearby? I picked up the scent of those cowards from our last encounters, and now I can sense them whenever they are near. I quickly glanced around, but could not find anything out of the ordinary.

All except for the girl.

But...she's not wearing the cloak. I thought confusedly. And she doesn't seem like the type to want me to die. She seems like any other girl out here...

Can I sense a darkness from her?

I tried to pinpoint the location of any, but couldn't find it. There was no darkness to this girl.

Ah, that was close. I thought she was a Rare Hunter in disguise for a second.

I need to breathe more calmly... And drop some of the stress Yugi was talking about!

"My name's Salex," said the girl, holding out a hand.

I smiled and held it. "Nice to meet you," I said. "My name's Sarah, and this is my friend Yugi."

Salex's eyes immediately widened. "Oh! The Dueling Legend and The King of Games!" she exclaimed excitedly. "What an honour to meet you guys!"

I sweat dropped. At least I'm used to it now. Otherwise, I'd be like, "What's a Dueling Legend?" xD

"Thank you, Salex," said Yami. "Say...where'd your friend go?"

Salex blinked before quickly turning back around to see where her friend had gone. "Aw, man! I think he ditched me."

I gave Yami a glance. He merely glanced back.

I think we were being a little too cautious. But who could blame us?

"Maybe he'll meet up with you later," I suggested. "But he shouldn't have left you all of a sudden..."

Salex turned back around with a grin. "That's alright, he does it often," she said. "But we were going to meet up at the coffee shop later, so it's all good.

"So, Sarah, do you want to duel?"

I blinked. Her question suddenly seemed very eager. Almost like she wanted to just come out and say it.

Am I really being too cautious?

But then why did my Locket glow?

I glanced back at Yami. I didn't know what I was looking for.

"Well...I guess it would be a good idea," I said a little hesitantly.

Salex jumped up and clapped her hands excitedly. "Awesome! This is going to be so cool! I'm going to duel the Dueling Legend!"

Yami playfully nudged me in the back. "Looks like you have a fan," he said with a teasing smile. When I looked back at him, his eyes held something else.

Caution.

Ah...so he sensed it too.

"This will be my first duel," I whispered to him. "Of the whole tournament."

"I know," he said. "You'll have to win, or you can't go any farther into the tournament with me."

With me... I can't even think about losing!

"If I lose my one and only locator card, I'm out of the tournament," I realized, finding the meaning behind his words. I gazed determinedly back at him. "I'll win," I said confidently. "I'm not going to let you go through this tournament alone."

Salex was in the middle of the street now, readying her Duel Disk with the holographic projectors already on two corners of the playing field. Yami gave me an encouraging nod and I raced away to the other side of the field.

"I have two locator cards so far," said Salex. "And since you're the Dueling Legend, I'm not going to put up both. I'll put up one for this duel, seeing as how there's a large chance I'll lose from a pro."

I nodded. "Sounds good to me, seeing as how I only have one at the moment to wager."

"You only have one?" blinked Salex. "I thought you'd be close to three or four by now."

"The tournament just started. I'm not a super human."

Salex sweat dropped. "Right, well...I was just saying," she said. Her eyes narrowed and the smile on her face told me she was ready to duel. "Alright, are you ready?"

I looked down at my Duel Disk still folded neatly into place. "Oh yeah, I guess activating the Duel Disk would help me in this duel, huh..."

Salex laughed kindheartedly, finding my delay amusing. "It's fine," she said care freely. "People make mistakes, right?"

I smiled, thinking that maybe she won't be too bad, even though just a bit mysterious. "Right," I said. Then I looked back at Yami and nodded. He returned the gesture. "Okay, Salex, Let's get dueling! Oh, by the way... I like your name."

The emerald haired girl smiled. "Thanks!"

I took a deep breath and looked down at the Duel Disk around my left arm. This was my first duel. There is no room for any mistakes. Like Yami said, if I lose, I won't be able to help him in the rest of the tournament.

I have to win this duel.

Get ready, Sarah... It's time to duel!

I unstrapped my thigh sheathe and took out my deck, leaving Isis' card and the locator card inside, and slid my deck of cards into the deck recognizer. Then I pressed a button that was underneath the Duel Disk and held up my arm, making room for the folded pieces to click into place. The holographic projectors flew out of their base and landed far from my side, opening their screens and shimmering a rainbow of colours just like Salex's. The life point counter set to 4000.

Wow...I feel like a pro.

Is this what it's like to have a DiaDhank?

I almost feel as though I am.

Ah...the DiaDhank. The ancient version of Duel Disks...

As Guardian, I've never had one. Why would I need a way to summon monsters when I've got a sword? And plus, they were given only to the Pharaohs, Priests, and Priestesses. I had my way of fighting through enemies.

For the first time, it feels as though I'm actually wearing one. An actual DiaDhank. But, I know it's not the authentic one. It's only the modern version. Even so, it's still cool. I felt nearly excited from wanting to try it out.

"Ready, Sarah?"

I looked up and put on my game smirk, which Salex had matched. "No, the real question is if you're ready Salex!"

"Let's duel!"

We drew our five cards and the duel was set.

This is it. If I win this duel, I will be one step closer to helping the Pharaoh.

LP: Salex: 4000/Sarah: 4000

Others noticed the new duel about to take place and decided to watch. Yami was among them, standing with the composed stance again and his arms crossed. It's so classic, and so him, that I could not see anyone in that sort of stance at all.

"Alright, Salex, since you challenged me, I'll let you go first."

Salex smiled and drew her first card. "Bad idea, Sarah," she said, making me blink. "I have to warn you; when someone let's me get a head start, I don't let my opponent go ahead of me."

I blinked at her incredulously. She sounds competitive. "We'll just see about that," I replied. "Make your first move and let's see what you've got!"

She smirked. "You shouldn't have asked~" she said in a sing-song voice. "I play Petit Dragon! In defence mode!"

A cute little yellow dragon with big blue eyes appeared onto the field in a brilliant show of white lights. Half the crowd went wide eyed and awed, mostly the little girls watching the tournament with their parents or friends.

I blinked at the little guy staring up at me with it's large and unbelievably cute eyes. I had to hold down my squeal.

"...it's so cute that, if it was real, I'd hug it to death..." I said, blinking at the dragon curiously before looking up at Salex. Why would she use that card as her opening move? Is she luring me into an attack?

Sarah...you're being way too cautious...

But should I blame myself and not? This tournament is dangerous! Marik is behind the Rare Hunters and Bakura could be anywhere...

Just the thought of those two lunatics and their quests for power sicken me. My guard never crash down. Instead, they shoot up.

Just like the moment right now.

I'm not going to drop my guard down just for one normal duel.

Because usually nothing is normal when you're around me or the Pharaoh.

"I know right?" she said smiling. "I knew I'd get the same reaction with you that I get whenever I see him. Petit Dragon is my favourite."

"You have right reason," I said. "I want to pet it now."

"Okay, okay. Now let's see what you've got."

In a hurry, are we? I wanted to say, but thought against it. She must want to go meet her friend at the coffee shop. "I know your dragon is adorable and all, but it'll have to go. It's blocking my view of your life points."

"I'll play one more card face down and then end my turn," Salex said, completing her turn. "Let's see what you can do. I dare you."

Hm...she was warm and inviting at first, but now she's a little demanding... Odd? I don't know, maybe... I drew my first card of my first turn of my first duel. Wow...first for everything in this tournament. I took a look at my newly acquired card and smirked.

"Oh no...you're little dragon is going to pay the price for your mistake," I said confidently. I slipped one card into the magic and trap card slots. "I play one card face down to start off my move," I said. Then I placed a monster card onto the top slide of the Duel Disk, lighting it up into a million different colours. "And now, I summon Banisher of the Radiance! Say hello to a member of my Different Dimension deck!"

A large robotic and fairy type monster appeared onto my side of the field in a huge shower of impressive sparks. Its red wings were folded neatly behind him, and his attack power is 1600, while Salex's Petit Dragon only has 700 defence points.

"I can wipe out your little dragon," I said with a smirk. "Prepare to see your favourite card off! Banisher, attack!"

The Banisher lunged in for the attack, hurling a massive ball of flame towards the Petit dragon, causing it to burst into a ball of free sparks. If only the dragon was in attack mode. I could have done some damage to Salex's life points.

"You can trigger your trap card now."

Salex gave me an incredulous look. "You knew I had a trap?" she asked surprised.

I smirked. "You didn't honestly think I would have attacked without first knowing, did you?" I asked her. "It was pretty obvious that you put a weak monster in defence mode and then expected me to attack it, all so you could spring your trap card. I'm not going to be attacking mindlessly, so you can forget about taking me by surprise.

"What are you waiting for? Are you going to activate your trap, or not? Scared that I'll counter it already?"

Salex glared at me. "Bluffing will get you nowhere," she said. "So what if you figured out it's a trap? It's not like you can actually counter it."

She pressed one of the buttons on the round part of the Duel Disk to flip over the digital face down card on the field. "I activate my trap! Defence Revenge! Because you sent one of my defensive monsters to the Graveyard, you're going to lose life points! The life points are determined by the defence points of the monster you just destroyed, but times two. So, my Petit Dragon had 700 defence points. Times 700 by two and it's 1400. You lose 1400 life points, Sarah!"

A digital arrow with the Petit Dragon riding it shot over the duel field and straight at me. The arrow reminded me of the time I got hit with one back in Ancient Egypt, in the Battle of the Nile. I didn't have time to cover myself up then, but now I do.

"I use my counter trap card!" I cried, pressing the same kind of button on my own Duel Disk. The card I placed face down activated and flipped up to reveal an illustration of a pocket knife, opened and ready to use. "I play Seven Tools of the Bandit! This trap card negates the activation of a trap card as long as I give up 1000 of my life points!"

The arrow started to dissolve into the air as it kept streaming at me. The white sparkles it made up from the holographic projector merely brushed over me in a quiet wave. I felt the wind rush through my hair as it's impact was only that; air. I wish the arrow could have disappeared that day as well...I wouldn't have been so close to dying...

LP: Salex: 4000/Sarah: 3000

Salex shrugged, unimpressed. "So you saved 400 of your life points..." she said, waving it off, as if it were nothing. "Big deal. That wasn't my best anyway."

"You're lucky I put that card down," I said. "I knew you were luring me into a trap so I decided to play one of my own. No matter what your trap could have been, I was ready."

Salex smirked. "Oh yeah? You're prepared, aren't you? But now, you're going to learn the hard way that you can't mess with me. I haven't come into this tournament for no reason at all. There's no way you're going to beat me as easily as you might think."

I blinked. "You have a reason?" I asked.

Salex merely returned the blink, and then, realizing what she just said, sweat dropped. "Oh, never mind!" she said quickly, laughing nervously. "Ahem, of course I have a reason! It's to have fun! Isn't it what this tournament is all about?"

I considered her words carefully. Was that a cover up? Or did she really mean it?

"Um...of course!" I said, playing along. If that's even what this girl is trying to do. I don't know... "This tournament Kaiba put up is to do just that; have fun. Now let's keep having fun in our duel, okay?"

Salex went back to being competitive. Her smirk returned to her face. "Sounds good to me," she said. "Now then, was that your turn?"

I nodded. "That was it, let's see what else you have in store for me."

Salex smirked. "My pleasure."

"Good job, Sarah!" said Yami. I gave him a thumbs up.

Salex drew her next card, and all of a sudden, her smirk intensified. What is she up to?

"Aw man! This is awesome! I just drew the card that'll be your demise! And on the second turn too; what a record!"

I raised a brow at the emerald haired girl with confusion. "Whatchya draw?" I asked.

Salex smirked and immediately put the newly drawn card onto her Duel Disk. A shower of sparks flew up on her side of the field. "Like I said; the card of your demise! Meet my ultimate creature! Allure Queen Level 3!"

A beautiful woman dressed in an elegant black and red dress materialized onto the field. She held a golden staff by her side and her hair was rolled up. She was a level three monster with only 500 attack and defence points, and she doesn't match up to my Banisher of the Radiance.

So why would she play such a weak card?

"Now, this card isn't like normal cards," said Salex, almost malevolently. "Though my Queen lacks in attack points, she makes up for with her effect. Now, once per turn, during my Main Phase, I can select one of your level three or lower monsters and equip it to my Queen. In a way, your card is brought to my side of the field, and attacking my Queen results in attacking the monster I equip her with!"

"What? Oh no! Banisher is a level three monster!"

Salex smirked. "Exactly. So for this turn, I'll equip your Banisher to my Queen! Have fun getting out of this one! Because it's a continuous effect!"

In one swift flip, Banisher was standing right next to the Queen, hovering beside her like a shield. The Queen smirked, but I'm pretty sure that's just how she was drawn onto the card.

I gritted my teeth. This was familiar. "You're using my monster as a shield?" I exclaimed. "That's not right!"

"Not too talkative now, are you?" taunted Salex. "I've got the strongest monster in play right now. You can't do anything about it."

I glared and drew my next card. "We'll see about that," I murmured, looking over my cards. But...damn! The thought of seeing this act somewhere was distracting me from thinking properly.

Suddenly, someone called. "Sarah!" said Yami. I turned to face him, and I saw slight concern in his eyes. He's seen this somewhere too. "This tactic was what Pegasus used in our duel. The monster he had was Relinquished. Now, in this duel, it's the Queen. You have to be careful!"

"I thought I saw it before," I gasped. "But...how do I beat it now? I don't have Magician of Black Chaos or any of the cards you used..."

"Think of a new strategy," he said. "You can do it, Sarah! Just think carefully!"

With a hesitant nod, I turned back to my hand of cards and looked through them. Among them were only magic cards. I have no monsters!

"From the look on your face, I'm guessing that you haven't drawn something you wanted or needed," said Salex with a confident smirk.

"I have some moves I can make this turn," I said almost scathingly. This "fan" is sure competitive... Too competitive to be exact. "I'll play the magic card Graceful Charity to draw three cards as long as I discard two." I did just that...and found no difference in my hand. ...Oh damn... I drew more magic cards...

I moved one card to the back of my hand and found a monster card right underneath. Hey... It wasn't a bad card either. I could use it to defend my life points.

"You know what Salex? I think my monster will surprise you."

Salex blinked, slightly fazed. "Why do you say that?" she asked me.

I smirked. "You were right," I said. "I did react the same way you do when you see a Petit Dragon. I love the card so much as well..."

Salex's eyes shone. "You have one, don't you?"

I nodded. "That's right! I summon my own Petit Dragon in defence mode! Now you can't touch my life points as fast! And I also place one card face down! That ends my turn."

She wasn't expecting me to have a Petit Dragon in my deck. Salex looked at the cute little creature on my side of the field with awe. "I can't believe you have one too! It's so cute!"

I sweat dropped. "It looks the same as yours..."

"Yeah, but they're awesome!"

I smirked. Now she's back to being funny and care free... Is everything an act of some sort to throw me off my game?

Well...it's not going to work.

"Just because you've got a monster to defend you doesn't mean that you'll be able to stay safe for very long," said Salex, drawing her next card. "It's too bad I can only equip one monster at a time to my Queen, otherwise, I'd take your Petit Dragon too."

I glared challengingly.

"Ah, but this turn, I'll have to get rid of it, unfortunately. Allure Queen Level 3 and Banisher of Radiance, attack the Petit Dragon!"

The Queen directed a ball of fire from Banisher's power to the little dragon. Its blue eyes widened before it disappeared into a cloud of sparkles as it was hit. He was in defence mode, so my life points are safe. But if I keep drawing magic cards and not monster cards...I'm doomed.

"Now you've got nothing to defend yourself," said Salex. "And even if you do summon a monster with enough attack points, you'll still be aiming for your Banisher and not my Queen. She won't ever be gone. You're trapped!"

No! I can't believe that to be true! If I lose here...how am I going to help the Pharaoh? This can't be my first and last duel of the whole tournament... That's crazy!

"Salex, you may think you're going to win, but this duel isn't over yet. Finish your move so I can draw!"

Salex smirked. "Alrighty," she said and complied by slipping another card into the magic and trap card zones. "I place one card face down and end my turn. Think of something good for next turn, Sarah! Or I'm going to win!"

"Keep dreaming!" I said. With hesitant fingers, I held onto the edge of my deck, getting ready to draw. But I faltered, thinking that I won't be able to draw what I need next turn.

"Sarah, don't lose the Faith you always keep!" said Yami. "You give me your Faith in my duels, now I'm going to give you mine for yours. Draw, and, win!"

The Pharaoh's voice gave me some sort of strength. A strength I haven't felt since my last duel, which seemed so far away... It's warmth filled me whole, and my hands weren't as shaken as before. They were strong, and they stayed that way while I drew my card.

Thank you, Yami.

I drew the card.

And took a look.

My heart nearly skipped a beat in excitement.

Salex smirked. "You didn't get a good monster, didn't you?" she said, thinking the look on my face was of horror and not of surprise. "Yes! If you really don't have a monster, then I get to attack you directly next turn! Your life points will go down lower than the halfway point!"

I gave Yami a smile. He understood it and merely returned the thumbs up I did a while ago.

"Salex," I said with a smirk. "You haven't won yet. The duel just started."

Author's Note: And, I'll leave you guys here! XDDD lol. I'm sorry, I know; it was a bad part to stop at, BUT, I need to post this part up before my exam for math class. I have an English one tomorrow morning. -.- It's gonna be interesting. Wish me luck! LOL. That is, if you want to. ^^' So...I give my English exam tomorrow morning, and then ask for math help right after, all so I can study on what I don't understand and be ready for the exam on Tuesday. And then...I'll have time and time again for more chapters! ~o~ Ah, happy days these summer months! XDD lol.

Thanks for reading everyone!

I like the name "Salex"... What do you guys think?

OH! And did you know that in our world, meaning not the story world xD, it was Sarah's birthday just yesterday? lol. I found it incredibly funny for some reason. Maybe because I wasn't expecting it to hit me. X'D The feeling was pretty cool. And I bet Sarah was excited. XD lmao. Just a tidbit of info... xD

It was also the longest day of the year... o.o xD

I hope you guys liked this chapter! It turned out pree-long. XD Longer than what I thought. I apologize for that. ^^' Thanks for reading everyone! And I'll speak to you guys after my exams! Thanks again! ^o^ I really appreciate everything you guys have done for me! :)

I apologize for any grammatical and/or spelling errors.