Small Note

Sakura: I'm back! It wasn't supposed to take two weeks and I'm sorry that it did. I had the chapter ready, but stupid internet people couldn't get there stuff right, plus between moving and unpacking there just wasn't time. Well all that mess is behind me and hopefully I'll be able to update once a week again.

Chapter 9

The Gathering

It simply took only one week and the young couple was all moved into their new house. The place definitely looked lived in after adding their own touches here and there along with moving the furniture how they wanted it to be. They didn't have to do much as Yami had already made sure most of it would be how they would like it before they moved in. It only took a day with the help of their friends to move Yugi out of the game shop and Yami out of his apartment. Joey and Tristan liked the idea of extra space plus Tristan was now allowed to have his own dog, Blanket at the apartment. Mrs. Mutou had taken it a little hard watching her son move out, but Yugi still worked at the Game shop with his grandfather so he would be around to visit nearly every day. There was no way Yugi was going to let Yami pay for everything when they both had jobs.

Although Yami's job did not require him as much since it was only working with his brother on certain projects and currently he had no projects of his own at the time giving him a relaxing week at home with the dogs. On that particularly Sunday while Yugi was with his grandfather at the game store, Shadow and Yuki were lounging around downstairs in the den trying to stay cool from the hot day.

While Yami, who had been napping on the couch for the past few hours had hurried upstairs to take a quick shower and get dressed to meet up with his partner. Before Yugi had left for work that morning, he and Yami had made plans for after he got off, but since Yami fell asleep on the couch and forgot to set his alarm… well that left him with trying to hurry up and get ready so Yugi would not be waiting long.

'What's the rush…? I'm sure Yugi will understand,' The other Yami informed his host as he watched Yami struggle got get the white polo shirt over his head. Once again Yami forgot to unbutton the few buttons at the top, 'The buttons…'

Yami paused realizing the mistake that was just pointed out to him and undid them so the shirt easily sipped over his head. After his head was free did he address the spirit, "I just hate making Yugi wait." He admitted as he threw on his sneakers after slipping on his tan shorts. Looking in the mirror he noticed his hair looked a mess from the fight with the shirt.

As Yami went about fixing his hair the spirit looked around the room at the mess. The bed was unmade from that morning and the place was covered in clothes as Yami went about trying to find the outfit he had planned to wear. It had been hiding in the back of his closet when Yami swore he had moved it to the front the night before.

Only after Yami was satisfied with the way he looked did he turned toward the spirit, "Hey I hate to ask this, but do you think you could kind of hide back. It's been a while since Yugi and I have had a real date and I just want it to be the two of us."

'There's nothing wrong with that,' The spirit told him although he did get kind of lonely in the puzzle, but he would allow Yami his space. The couple deserved the day to themselves after all they went through, 'You know what to do if you need me.'

Yami nodded and just like that the spirit disappeared going dormant letting Yami know he was not watching or listening to what was going on around them. This wasn't just a day for Yugi and Yami, but the two planned something for the spirit since lately Yami had taken notice to him being down about having no memories. He seemed to act fine, but Yami knew ever since Yugi bought up that whole maybe he was a king thing, that it had started to bug the spirit more. They hadn't had a chance to go to the museum where that new exhibit was being held so a long overdue trip was in order for that day. Hopefully there would be some clues to tell them more about the puzzle or at least lead them in a new direction.

Yugi stood outside the game shop a little bit after one waiting on Yami to arrive. He had gotten a ride that morning from Joey since his friend did not work far from the Game shop and they both had to go into work early that morning meaning Yami did not have to get up as early. Honestly Yugi knew he needed to get his own vehicle soon, but since he refused to let Yami get him one it was taking a little time. The house was enough and Yugi knew it would not be much longer before he could go shopping for a good one. When he was simply going from the university to home or Yami's apartment the bus was fine, but now that he lived farther out a car was definitely in order.

Checking his watch and seeing the time Yugi sighed, "I so bet he lost track of time."

"Who lost track of time?"

The new voice made Yugi jump as he whipped around to see his partner standing just behind him. Yami lifted up his shades and winked at him making Yugi blush.

"I thought you forgot…"

"I didn't forget, I fell asleep," Yami admitted with a blush of his own causing Yugi to laugh. At least that was better than him forgetting.

Yugi walked up to Yami and took the hand that was offered to him as he led them back to the side of the game store where Yami had parked, "Where do you want to go first?"

Yami shrugged, "Doesn't matter to me, have you had lunch yet?"

"A snack that's about it…"

Yami opened the passenger door like a gentleman allowing Yugi to get inside first, "Then lunch comes first…" He gently closed Yugi's door before going back to the driver side and getting in, "It might have just been better if you took my car this morning."

"No, sports car are not my thing," Yugi flat out said as he went about turning the radio to a station he liked. It was nice yes but too much power and he just wanted something simple to get him from home and work.

Yami could understand that but he wished Yugi would just let him get him a car. "You sure you don't want me to get you a car."

"I'm sure believe it or not I do have some money saved up for one just thought I never need it." Since they were not married yet Yugi and Yami agreed to keep their financials separate. They were not trying to keep secrets from each other but they also didn't go about every day talking about money. They both had their own money and used it how they needed and how they liked. As long as the bills were paid it was not a problem.

Finally finding a station he liked Yugi sat back and just enjoyed the ride.

Knowing his partner like the back of his hand Yami didn't even have to ask where Yugi would like to go for lunch. Burger World was the number one choice and thankfully there wasn't a large crowd. They were able to order and easily find a table to sit down.

"Does he know?" Yugi asked as he took a sip from his milkshake waiting for their food to come.

Yami shook his head crossing his arms as he sat back in his chair, "Not as far as I know. He's been quiet these past few days and I asked him to let me have full control today so I know he's not listening in on us."

Yugi nodded as they nearly fell into another silence but he spoke back up, "So where else did you want to go?" It would be kind of boring if they used the beautiful afternoon to only go to the museum.

"Where ever you want to go…."

"I don't know…"

They looked at each other, before they both broke out into smiles and chuckles. It seemed they planned this day with really nowhere in mind of where to go. The waitress came over at that point to give them their food and she had this big smile on her face as she sat the tray down. However that wasn't the only thing she placed on the table. A folded piece of paper was slipped over to Yugi along with a wink.

She walked away without another word leaving Yugi to unfold the paper and see a number written inside with the words 'Call Me'. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Surprisingly it happened to both he and Yami almost every time they went out to eat anywhere with both waiters and waitress. It was nothing new and looking over to see the young lady was behind the counter chatting with her coworker and sending subtle looks his way. Well Yugi knew how to handle this…

"Hey Yami…" Yugi leaned across the table reaching to touch the side of Yami's face, pulling him closer to him.

Yami could already guess what the paper might have had on it as he met Yugi halfway. Not caring that people were watching as he let Yugi kiss him. It was brief but would get the point across. But just in case Yugi peaked back over at the counter to see the girl had wide eyes and the killer was when Yugi flashed his engagement ring. After that she disappeared into the back and more than likely they wouldn't see her again.

"I bet even when were married things like this won't change," Yami figured. Their relationship wasn't a secret from the public but those who did not know would most likely still try. Even if they wanted to keep it quiet it would be hard.

Yugi smiled, "Doesn't matter if it does because the only one going home with you every night will be me."

"Same here," Yami agreed as he went right back to his meal. One day they would be married and it would be a day to remember.

As the hours flew by all seriousness of their real agenda was forgotten for a while as Yugi and Yami made the most of their day. But before long they couldn't put their trip to the museum off any longer if they wanted to help the other Yami. So before it got too late they drove to Domino's museum wanting to see all the new Egyptian exhibit had to offer.

When they arrived at the front it was no surprise to find the place deserted on a Sunday. Plus it was nearing supper time meaning a lot of others were headed home to eat. Going into the museum it was nice and quiet so they could look around in peace. They didn't worry about any other exhibit as they walked the halls until they got to the new one. The Egyptian exhibit was a hallway full of all kinds of artifacts that actually made Yami sort of miss Egypt. But there was no time for him to reflect on his own past as he reached into the back of his mind to wake up his other self.

It did not take long to awaken the other who was curious as to what was going on. He could look through Yami's eyes and see they were at the museum, 'What's going on?'

"There's something I'd like you to see," Yami informed him letting him take over his body. The switch came a lot easier to him now.

Yugi paused in front of a stone tablet turning toward his boyfriend, "There's got to be something in here that might help us." He took notice that it was no longer Yami he was talking to as the other Yami looked around as if he was really confused on where he was. "Oh…You've switched on me."

"Sorry, Yami said there was something I should see. But why are we here I thought the two of you had a date?"

Yugi smiled as he said, "We were on a date, but we also had a surprise for you." He motioned to the place they were in, "The Egyptian exhibit might hold something in here to help you remember your past. Or at least I hope it might, I mean the puzzle was from Egypt after all."

"That is true but…" His words died in his throat as he caught sight of what was behind Yugi. He surprised the other as he moved forward placing a hand on Yugi's shoulder to silently ask him to move aside.

Yugi did and he turned around to see what had the other's attention. That is until his eyes settled on what had been behind him. Never before had he thought he would see duel monsters craved into a stone tablet and as his eyes traveled downward he let out a small gasp of shock. Below what could have been the dark magician was a craving that looked so much like his boyfriend. Reading the small plate beside it told the visitors that this was an ancient duel between a mighty pharaoh and one of his priest. It couldn't have been this easy to find the answers….However it seemed it was as the small duelist saw something else that surprised him.

"He has the millennium puzzle!" Yugi stated in shock when he noticed what was around the pharaoh's neck. If this figure looked so much like his boyfriend and had the millennium puzzle then that meant…

"The soul of the lost king of ancient Egypt trapped in the millennium puzzle for thousands of years. That is who I am." The other Yami said not looking the least bit shocked by it all. He actually looked kind of relaxed about it. "After all this time it's no wonder I've forgotten everything."

"Does this bring back any memories?" Yugi dared to ask since they felt like they were already so close.

The other Yami shook his head, "I see this and it seemed to explain it all, but there are still questions left to be answered. Why was my soul inside the puzzle? Why were my memories so important they were sealed away in the millennium items?" He sighed since this tablet only seemed to only leave him with questions than answers, "Plus there's the other duelist…"

"Other duelist…"Yugi wondered looking back at the tablet to the other figure. His eyes widen as he stepped closer to get a better look, "Wait a minute is that Seto." They looked eerily alike just like Yami did to the pharaoh.

"It appears Yami is not the only one with ties to the ancient past." The other Yami mentioned as he stood staring at the tablet. If only he had his lost memories all of this would seem more clear.

While they were so focused on the tablet they never heard as someone else approached them until she spoke up, "We've been waiting for you Yami…"

The two turned at the new voice, the other Yami keeping Yugi slightly behind him not knowing who this person was or why she knew Yami's name, "Who are you?" However Yugi did recognize her from her photo in the newspaper so he placed a hand on the other Yami's arm to keep him calm.

"I am Ishizu Ishtar," Ishizu introduced herself to the two, "For a thousand years I have protected a piece of the pharaoh's memories…"

Both their eyes took notice of the millennium item she was wearing meaning she wasn't lying about holding a piece. This was yet another millennium item but no clear clue of if she was friend or foe.

"The millennium necklace grants the power to see into the near future. I knew you would visit…" She informed them as she saw they had noticed her necklace, "…and I know a great battle will soon be waged in this town. I can see it."

"A great battle..?" Yugi questioned not sure what to make of that.

However Ishizu paid no heed to Yugi's question as she continued on and said, "You came here yourself, you chose your fate… a fate of fighting. In order for you to regain your memory you must gather all seven millennium items."

It appeared the other Yami did not like where this strange conversation was going as he bluntly asked, "Tell me one thing first. You have a millennium item, are you my enemy?" He was not about to let someone else try and hurt his host and Yugi over their millennium puzzle. If she was here to cause trouble he would stop her before it even could happen. Memories or no memories their safety came before everything else.

"Some millennium items have an evil intelligence inside them but my millennium item is no enemy of yours." Ishizu filled them in as she also added, "The enemy who will soon appear before you is the one who possesses the last millennium item."

'The last millennium item…' Yugi thought with a bit of confusion. So far they had only come to see five out of the seven millennium items which was the ring that Ryou owned, the key and scales that Shadi held, his own millennium puzzle and now Ishizu's item. That left two unaccounted for making him wonder why Ishizu would say they were about to meet the last one.

There was no time to question her on that as she turned to walk away but not before giving them one last piece of information, "And that battle I spoke of will be a battle to regain the pharaoh's memories." With those words she walked away as if she was only there to give them a clue.

After their strange encounter Yugi figured they call it a day to try and figure out what that had been all about. He and the other Yami walked out of the museum where for some odd reason crowds of people had begun to form. There was no telling what they were in for so the two kept to themselves as they started to make their way to the parking lot.

"Do you think it's true what she said?" Yugi asked curious about it. It's just something he couldn't let go since Ishizu truly did have a millennium item. They had trouble with the items before and just when things seem to be normal something else was being thrown at them.

The other Yami sighed as he stopped walking, "I don't know Yugi, but it's nice to know there has to be a reason for my memory lost. However I don't know what will happen when I regain my memories… will I have to leave?" He kind of liked how things were despite being tied to the millennium item and having to live through Yami. He felt in a way that he belonged there.

Just the thought of losing someone did not sit right with Yugi. He honestly did not want to dwell on it now as he changed the subject, "Kind of cool though to be meeting an ancient pharaoh." He stated with a grin trying to keep the negative out.

"I'm not a pharaoh anymore Yugi…"

"Still, you were a pharaoh at one time and that's still pretty neat." As he said that a thought stuck him as he had a great idea, "Hey we can call you pharaoh until we discover your real name."

The idea was not a bad one but the other Yami had to asked, "Why pharaoh?"

Yugi smiled up at him, "Well you were one at one point and it's much better than referring you as the other Yami. It's just until we figure out what your real name was and I think it suits you."

The other Yami, now known as pharaoh, couldn't stop the smile that came to his face. "If you think it suits me, then I'm alright with that."

Now that, that was taken care of Yugi took the other's hand in his and asked, "Well we still have some time is there somewhere you would like to go?" He was sure Yami wouldn't mind letting the pharaoh keep control of his body for a little bit longer. There was still time to let him explore and let him get used to their world.

Before the pharaoh could speak someone else called out to Yugi. They both turned to see a tall blond wearing a leather mini skirt and a corset top with a leather vest come running up to them.

"Mai!" Yugi stated in shock as he moved from the pharaoh's side and met her halfway.

"It's been a while how've you been?" Mai asked as she pulled Yugi into a hug.

The hug caused a bit of jealousy to course through Yami's body and it was a second later that the pharaoh was once again taking a back seat as Yami took back over. He had no idea who this woman was or why she was touching Yugi. Most of all he couldn't understand why Yugi knew someone who dressed like that.

Mai released Yugi and looked up at Yami when she had the feeling she was being glared at. Having a feeling of what was going on, Mai developed a grin as she asked, "Oh my is little Yugi on a date…"

Yugi blushed under the attention as he moved back over to Yami side and put his hand in his to keep him calm. "Kind of, this is Yami he's actually my fiancé."

"Wow, I thought I recognized you. Aren't you Seto Kaiba's brother?" Mai asked of Yami.

Yami relaxed a bit with Yugi back by his side. It seemed this Mai was okay for now. "I am and you are?"

"Mai Valentine," Mai properly introduced herself putting a hand out to which Yami shook and then let go, "Yugi and I met during duelist Kingdom where he kicked my butt in the finals." She said with wink to Yugi.

"You were still a pretty tough opponent," Yugi reminded her.

"Still it wasn't enough to beat you," She stated before looking between the two, "So how long have you been together?" She recalled Yugi having his friends there to cheer him on, but she hadn't seen a boyfriend during the tournament. There was never any indentation that he was seeing someone.

"We went to high school together, but didn't official start dating til after the tournament." Yugi filled her in, "It was just a week ago that we got engaged."

Mai nodded glad to see Yugi happy with someone, "Well congratulations to both of you. You've certainly snag yourself a good man Yugi." She did not know all that much about Yami except what was in magazines about the Kaiba brothers, but Yugi looked happy with him. Plus she couldn't be one to judge since she didn't know Yugi that well only for that brief time during the Duelist Kingdom tournament.

Another blush developed on Yugi face as he looked up at Yami. He certainly did luck out when it came to his lover. Wanting the attention off of him he turned back to his friend and asked, "So what bring you to Domino Mai?"

"Wait a minute… didn't you get the info? Don't tell me you're just here by accident."

"Info?" Yugi questioned not sure what she was talking about.

"No way! It's really just a coincidence?" Mai's eyes widen when she realized Yugi wasn't joking around, "Yugi, I'm sure you've had to have felt it already…"

"You're talking about the presence of duelists," Yami spoke up causing both to look at him. He wasn't much of a duelist himself but he had felt the strange looks being pointed their way ever since they left the museum. He just didn't want to worry about it unless something happened. Yugi was the King of Games after all and there were always duelist in Domino looking to take his title. But so many in one area was a bit strange.

"Yeah the people here are duelist from all over the country," Mai filled them in, "A few days ago this weird invitation or more like a clue was circulated in card magazines and online. 'Come to the place where the ancient duelists and their cards slumber in the stones' Plus a date and time… and now today they're supposed to announce a huge duel monsters tournament. It's Japan's biggest duelist gathering ever."

Yugi hadn't noticed it before but now that he looked around he could see other faces he recognized from Duelist Kingdom. Everyone around them was a duelist and he had never seen so many in one area before. It was a little intimating since he was the King of Games and he did not leave the house this morning to duel. Hell his duel deck was at home because he didn't think he need it.

"Who is hosting this tournament?" Yugi asked not knowing that in just a few seconds his question would be answered.

A limo pulled up in front of the museum causing all eyes to turn as the driver quickly got out opening the back door. Honestly Yugi and Yami were not at all surprised when Seto Kaiba and his younger brother Mokuba stepped out to the awaiting crowd.

Yami felt like slapping himself in the face for not realizing it sooner. Kind of explained the secret project his brother had been working on and pretty much explained why Seto did not talk about his own trip to the museum. Ishizu had not been lying when she said a battle was soon to take place but he didn't think a dueling tournament.

"The rumor is he spread the information…" Mai told them.

"I'm not surprised, he would pull something like this," Yami replied back.

Mai looked at him, "You didn't know about it?"

Yami shook his head and turned his attention back as his brother began to speak addressing the large gathering. "Listen carefully duelists…" A hush developed over the area so that everyone could hear what he had to say, "In this town, two days from now a duel monsters tournament will begin!"

That defiantly had the crowd rile up, but only briefly as Seto continued to speak, "There are two conditions to enter. Number one you must have a forty card deck with at least one rare card and number two you must own this next generation duel disk." He placed something on his arm that Mokuba had handed him before showing it to the crowd.

It had been a while since Yami had seen the duel disk his brother had been working on. He had known development to the second generation duel disk was almost complete but never did he think his brother was done. The first generation duel disk never even made it into stores because the design had been all off or so Yami told his brother. In a way he was glad Seto had this new one up and running plus he should have known his brother would hold a tournament to show it off. However in the back of his mind he just felt like there was more to this.

And he was right as Seto threw another curve ball at all the duelist before him, "Also all duels must be played with an ante. The loser must give the winner their rarest card. In other words the champion will acquire the rarest cards out of everyone here."

Now that had everyone's attention as word spread fast throughout the large crowd, duelist already getting pumped for the new tournament to start. However there was one question that still was left unanswered. Where would this new tournament take place?

Seto Kaiba never left anything half done so of course he already had everything planned out. And he let them know as he stated for all those around to hear, "The stage is all of Domino City and in two days' time this town will become battle city!" Those were also his parting words as he turned back to his ride. Kaiba Corp employees in suits who had arrived in other vehicles stayed behind to handle the duelists and give them the information they would need so they could register for the tournament.

Yami kissed his partner and said, "I'll be right back." He left Yugi with Mai as he easily by passed his brother's goons to get into the same vehicle his brothers had gotten into.

Mai watched him walk away and asked, "What's that about?"

"Probably find out why his brother didn't tell him about the tournament." Yugi guessed knowing it wouldn't be long before Yami returned.

Of course Yugi was right because as soon as he got in the vehicle coming face to face with his brothers the first thing he asked was, "Why didn't you tell me about this?"

"It's not like we meant to leave you out, but you've been so busy is all," Mokuba said always trying to place peacemaker between the twins.

Yami highly doubt that, he wasn't so busy that they couldn't at least talk to him about it. He looked to Seto wanting some real answers, "All this time you've been working to get that new duel disk system up and running. Now out of the blue you want to start this tournament. I know you Seto and there's something more going on."

"It's just as you said I've been working on getting the new duel disk system running and I have." Seto informed him while also adding, "What perfect way to display it then to hold a tournament that will out do Duelist Kingdom."

"That's not the only reason you would pull something like this," Yami couldn't figure it out and sure he and Seto weren't as close as they were when they were younger, but he had thought they were getting better. But it appeared the duelist in Seto would always be pushing his brother away. "Why do this now, you know that Yugi just got out of the hospital a week ago. I don't like the idea of him being in a tournament so quickly."

"I believe that would be he's own choice."

"Damnit Seto! Listen to me…"

"Stop it!" They both hushed up as Mokuba shouted at them not likely how this was turning out. He reached into his brother's briefcase and pulled out a piece of paper with info about the tournament. Passing it to Yami he explained, "We had no idea you two would be here. We were going to come by later tonight and talk to Yugi about the tournament." Mokuba looked at his brother with those puppy dogs' eyes and said, "Talk to Yugi about it before trying to make decisions for him."

Yami took the piece of paper and leveled Seto with a glare as he said, "We're not done here." He opened the door and got back out of the vehicle slamming it behind him. He watched as the car drove off after that. Sometimes his brother could get on his last nerve.

Yugi hurried to him after he got out of the vehicle and could tell that Yami wasn't happy, "What happened?"

Yami sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair, "Nothing just more family drama…" He passed the paper over to Yugi, "They were going to come by tonight to tell us about the tournament but we ended up saving them the trouble."

Yugi took the paper but didn't read it yet. "Any clue why he's holding this new tournament..?"

"Apparently it's for the new duel disk system, but I think there's something more going on that he is not telling me. Honestly I'm as much in the dark as you are." Yami let him know of what Seto told him and what he thought of it. He looked to his partner and asked, "Are you going to take part in the tournament?"

"Well I've never backed out of a challenge before and I am the King of Games it wouldn't be right if I didn't enter a big tournament such as this. Some might think I'm a coward afraid to lose my title…." Yugi could see the look Yami was giving him and knew this wasn't the place to talk about it, "Let's go home and talk about this more. All these duelists are starting to give me the creeps."

Yami was fine with that as they walked away and headed to where Yami parked his car. They had a lot to discuss about this new tournament, but Yami couldn't stop the haunting feeling that this was only the start of something big. Looking back one more time at the museum, it made him wonder if what they had seen and heard at the museum was somehow tied to it all.

Sakura: I tried my best to not make Yami seem like he's trying to control Yugi, he's just worried about Yugi and being a little protective. He also has some minor trust issues with Seto at the moment. The poor guy has a lot on his plate at the moment and there is more to come.

Yumi: Please Review!