The evening sky was darkening slightly, yet the weather was strangely perfect. Alexis was thinking hard about thoughts about her personal relations and what just happened recently. Alexis finally sighed, her mind made up. She tapped Atticus' shoulder while they were approaching the car.

"What is it?" Atticus asked turning around to face his sister. Alexis tried hard not to avoid his gaze, she tried hard not to make her face seem so obvious in what she was thinking.

"I need to do something, Atti. You can go home without me. I probably won't be home until night…" Her voice trailed off as Atticus raised an eyebrow. Then suddenly, his face split into a mischievous grin. (Thought I was going to make Atticus always so serious, eh?)

"I knew it!" He poked accusingly at Alexis' forehead. "You and Zane are going to have crazy sex, right?" He said a little too loud. Alexis immediately turned red and punched him in the face.

"What the hell makes you think that!? Yeah sure! Maybe I AM GOING TO VISIT ZANE!" She roared, brandishing her fist threateningly. Atticus rubbed the lump that formed on his cheek. "Okay, okay fine!" He said, really meaning, "please don't hit me!" "But how're you going to get home?"

"I'll walk."

"No you're not."

"I'll be fine, Atticus. I can defend myself. You know that. I think you're being a little overprotective."

Atticus was silent, thinking. "Fine…" He gave in a little unwillingly. "You better be careful."

Alexis gave him a hug before stepping back. "Thanks, Atti' I'll be fine."

With that he stepped in his car, and started the engine. She watched the car drive away for a minute before turning around only to be barely an inch away from Zane's chest. Being this close, she noticed how much different he looked in a white flannel shirt and khaki business coat.

She jumped back in surprise. "Er, hello, Zane! Were you standing behind me this whole time?" She said awkwardly, looking up at her friend she hadn't properly talked to in months. Zane blinked, a little surprised too. "'Hello Zane?' Who would say that? Well to answer your question, not really, I heard my name being mentioned. I don't normally do this but you know…"

Alexis regained her nerves. "Sorry, it's just been a really long time… Yeah, darn Atticus…" Zane put his arm around her waist affectionately. "Yeah, it has. How about we find a nice café and talk about things there?"

Alexis nodded and walked besides Zane, leaning a little closer to his body.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"One medium coffee," Alexis ordered over the counter. The cashier nodded, typing in the price. "That would be $4.95, thank you," said when Zane handed over the money. "I was going to pay…" Alexis muttered, withdrawing her hand from her pocket. Zane only chuckled and led her to a nearby table, next to a window.

"So how's your brother?" Zane asked. He seemed to be interested in the pleasantries. Alexis knew he was only approaching… That.

Alexis thanked the waitress who laid down the steaming coffee. When she walked away did Alexis answer.

"What kind of question is that? Don't act that pathetic Zane, you guys are best friends. I'm sure you've been staying in touch."

Zane sighed. "Well you've definitely gotten a little more observant. We can't talk about you-know-what in public. To be honest I need a little break from answering phone calls, signing paperwork, dueling, the pro life overall. For a few hours, let's just act like normal people, okay?"

Alexis shrugged. "Sure, so how many duels have you won so far? I have been staying tuned in but you know, it's hard to keep track."

So the two were engaged in an hour-long conversation on how Zane was able to whip the living crap out of all his opponents.

When Alexis threw away her coffee cup she turned to Zane. "Do you mind if we can go browsing the mall like normal people?"

Zane blinked nervously. For some reason, it seemed like it was going to more than just browsing.

Oh hell right it was.

The two, well actually only one of them enjoyed picking out a new fashion for Zane. It seemed to them that "Zane's style" was either blazers or business attires much to Alexis' dismay. She managed to force Zane into a silver-black tee with dark cargo pants.

Zane's eye twitched slightly in front of the mirror, Alexis right beside him. "I think this is overkill, Alexis…" He started.

"Overkill? How?"
"Well… I think I'm a little old for this…"
"Don't be so dull. Youth lasts forever in the inside so stop sulking!"

By then they had paid, decided to take another round around the packed mall, It was pretty late. Alexis requested to go home now, Zane offered a ride like he always would. Alexis refused saying she would rather walk. The truth was that she needed time alone to think about the Data Keys and responsibility dumped onto their shoulders. Reluctantly, Zane agreed.

Alexis made a very big mistake.

It was when she was walking down the street walk when it happened. Too bad she didn't notice how a lot of the lights were out. She thought the bright moon was enough for her; well let's guess she was wrong.

"So you're one of them huh?" A drawling voice said from the shadows. Alexis froze in her tracks, her eyes widened. Someone stepped in front of her but his face was hidden in the darkness. Alexis, alarmed, took a couple steps back. She was struck by an unnatural fear.

"W-what do you mean?" She said, her words faltering, unable to control her slight shaking. Memories of her meeting with Kaiba flashed in her mind. The figure laughed and a chill ran through Alexis.

"Don't play dumb with me, I know you have one of those keys." He said. Alexis noticed a duel disk on his arm.

Alexis took another step backwards. "I… don't know what you're talking about!" The figure stepped closer. Kaiba's advice rung in her ears, "avoid conflict". The next thing that happened was that fear completely took control. She turned and ran. Gasps of panic kept on escaping from her mouth.

What's wrong with me?

In a blur of shadow, the mysterious person appeared in front of her. "What do you want?" Alexis cried, stepping back.

"I want a duel with you. Don't try denying or running. I know everything!" He kicked a duel disk towards her. "Ready you deck."

Alexis managed to control her trembling, but she was still sweating. She picked up the duel disk and inserted her deck.

"Duel!" They both shouted under the moonlight.

Alexis didn't know what to do, she fought hard, yet these strange monsters she had never seen cut down her monsters. Point after point, energy was drained from her. When her life points reached zero did she fall to the floor on her knees.

The nameless card she had received earlier fell from her hand and somehow flipped over. The strange figure towered above her. Finally, Alexis could see his face. It was covered in a black mask, red holes covered his eyes.

No, no I couldn't of lost! Not now! Panic rushed through her mind.

"How pathetic," he sneered. His foot stepped on the edge of the card. "I could just take your soul, and you're Data Key, but it would be totally useless if this card isn't activated." He turned away. "So then I'll spare you for now, but remember this, I will come for you and your weak friends later on." With that he disappeared. Alexis blinked as the fear and pain vanished. She gathered up her cards and forced herself up.

I can't believe I was just attacked and I lost! Who are these people? How can they be so strong? I didn't stand a chance. But still, I can't tell anyone or they'd worry. But can I handle this task? I just almost lost my Data Key! And why was I so afraid? I couldn't think. There is something seriously wrong with all of this…

But what?

-X-

So… I wrote this late at night, I'm really tired. So yeah, review.