Okay hey I'm back and ready to rock, I'll do my best to keep updating. I'm working at it but I would luv some reviews. Thanks =^.^=
Chapter 2: New friends and new duels
I woke up at the sound of my alarm clock it was going insane. I hit the snooze button and sat up. My nightmares hadn't been helping me any, so I was exhausted.
I got up out of bed and threw on the stupid uniform I had to wear to my new school. A blue skirt and a pink jacket over a white shirt and I'm hating it and dreading to be seen in it.
I pulled my hair into pig-tails and put contacts in; I couldn't stand being seen without them during the week. I felt so lame with my glasses on and I didn't like it.
I heard my mom yell up the stairs for me to come down. I yelled back and said I was almost done. I fixed my pendant and took one more look in the mirror. I sulked about my appearance for a moment, then looked at the clock and took off.
"Hi mom" I remarked as I grabbed my bag. "Gotta go, I'll see you later." I grabbed a muffin and sprinted out the door.
I ran as fast as I could and nearly tripped. I rounded the corner and collided with someone. I was knocked on my butt and dropped all my stuff. I rubbed my head and shyly looked up.
I saw Yugi looking at me, a blush crossing his face. I felt my face turn red; I turned head away from his and stammered "Ohhh I'm sorry, my mistake."
"NO, I-I'm sorry it was my fault. Here let me help you up." He reached out and shook my head.
"Oh I'm alright, thanks anyway." I mumbled as I stood up.
He bent down and started picking up my books and my glasses fell out of my bag. He instantly recognized the glasses by how he looked at me.
"Hey, you're that girl from the bench!" Yugi exclaimed. I looked away and said quietly
"Nope, sorry, wrong girl. I've never seen you before in my life." His face fell when I denied knowing him.
"Are you sure? I swear I know you." He insisted, I smiled and grabbed the rest of the books and stood up.
I leaned in and whispered, "I'm sure Yugi." I winked and walked away.
-Yugi's P.O.V.-
What was that about Yugi? Yami asked confused,
I'm not entirely sure; she is interesting Yugi commented via their mind link. Yugi began walking to school.
He ran into his friends and they walked with him on his way to school.
"Whatcha thinking about Yug?" Joey asked, worried about his friend.
"Yeah Yugi, are you ok?" Tea asked, sharing Joey's concern.
"Yeah I just ran into that girl we met, the one with the glasses." Yugi revealed without thinking. Everyone gawked at me; I could see a million questions in their eyes.
"Really Yugi, you did? Are you sure?" Tristan insisted full of doubt. Tea looked at him with an irritated face while Tristan was quieter after that. I answered quickly,
"Yeah, I saw her on my way here. But she denied it completely and said I had the wrong girl. But also said my name, so I think it was her." I explained nervously, they continued walking towards school. They continued to question me about the mysterious girl.
They were in front of the school and Tea stopped to ask one final question "Did you at least find out her name?" Yugi shook his head.
They went to class and took their seats as the bell rang. The teacher walked in and told everyone to listen up. "We have a new student joining us, her name is Tara Reynolds, let's make her feel welcome." Just then she walked in, the girl they had met on Saturday, and the girl I had seen earlier that day.
-Tara's P.O.V.-
I looked at them shyly without a word to speak. I just stood there looking at them, and I could feel their eyes sta ring me down and sizing me up. I felt my heart racing uncontrollably, but I had to remain in complete control of my body. I was scared, what if they don't like me at all I looked around and spotted Joey and Tristan, Tea, and Yugi. Well what do you know, all in the same class. A smile spread across my face, but only momentarily.
"Uh, hi." That was all I could force past my lips, and I saw the teacher look at me impatiently, I looked down so as to avoid other faces.
"Hello my name is Tara Reynolds; it's very nice to meet you." I never let my head up. The teacher seemed satisfied and answered "Good you can take the seat next to Yugi." I smiled and walked over to him instantly without any direction.
I took my seat and put my head in my book instantly, not even bothering to look up. The teacher noticed and said "Tara, would you like to answer this problem for us." I looked up for a mere second and retorted
"6+y=X over 48" When I answered the teacher looked down to check and he sounded shocked when he said, "Yes that's correct, well done. I guess I wasn't misled by your former teacher." I smiled and returned to my book.
I earned several gasps from the other students, but class went by fairly quickly. It was lunchtime and we could leave afterwards because of some Japanese thing.
I skipped right by the cafeteria and went straight for the outdoors. It was a nice day and I felt like being alone, not that I would be for long. I was right because moments later the entire group, Yugi included had followed me.
Joey popped out from behind the tree to see that only my stuff were there. He looked confused for a moment, but he heard a rustle and looked up, only to be surprised by me jumping out of the tree and pining him to the ground.
The rest looked at me strangely, but I ignored them, "You know it's not very polite to sneak up on people," I proclaimed in a calm voice. He tried to struggle but I had him pinned to well.
He tried to look up and retorted angrily "Yes because it's much nicer to hide in a tree and pin someone to the ground." I smiled and countered, "I guess you're right." I got off him carefully and reached out to help him up; he took my hand, but surprised me but dragging me down first. I laughed at him and joked, "Wow, I usually see these kinda things coming." He smiled until I flipped him. "Anyway, hello there," I looked over to the gang who were still laughing at Joey's tussle and me. I took my way back to under the tree, and I sat down.
"Hi there Tara," said Yugi who still had laughing issues. I smiled; Joey had gotten off the ground and sat next to me. "Tara, you should have told me you were so strong and smart." I smiled shyly as a blush covered my cheeks. "Well, I did learn a little mixed martial arts" I said somewhat silently.
"You guys want to sit down with me and Joey" I motioned for the others to sit next to Joey and me. They did join us, but they surrounded me instead. I reached into my bag and pulled out an apple. I turned around and realized that they were staring at me with questioning eyes.
"Uhhh, is there something wrong?" I begged and I set it of
"Where did you move from?"
"How do you like it here?"
"Have you ever dueled before?"
"Do you remember us from before?"
"Why did you move here?"
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
I looked at Joey with Awkward eyes. I smiled shyly because I didn't like being the center of attention. But I took a deep breath and thought before I spoke. "Uh, the Texas U.s, Yeah its fine here, Yeah but I'm not a frequent dueler, yeah I remember you, My mom got a job transfer, and No" I bit my apple and enjoyed the sweet juices while they thought about my answers. I turned and they were still starring at me; they were freaking me out. "Do y'all have a problem? Y'all keep starring at me and its weirding me out a little." I demanded
They looked flustered and nervous and they immediately retreated. I laughed at them as they attempted to give me space.
"Sorry, we didn't mean to bother you." Tea said flustered. I shook my head, "Don't worry about it; I just thought there was something wrong with me, that's all, and I'm really not that interesting" I smiled.
They shook their heads repeatedly; Yugi spoke shyly "We just wanted to get to know you that's all."
I continued to chomp on my apple and waited for anyone to say something to me. "You know y'all can talk too, it's not all about me." I smiled and they took their opportunity, they reintroduced themselves to me. "It's nice to meet you." I said as my friends were talking something about duel monsters. I half listened because I don't duel much, mostly because I'm not very good at it.
"Hey Tara." Someone said that brought me back to the world. "Huh?" I said with a smile while somewhat confused.
"Were heading to Yugi's, you want to come." Joey asked hopefully, whileYugi continued "Hey yeah, that sounds fun. Do you want to come Tara?"
I looked down not sure what to say, I hadn't been invited anywhere before. I looked back up at everyone and answered,"Uh, sure just let me tell my mom." Everyone looked at me with grins painted on their faces.
I pulled out my green Razor phone and texted my mom, she messaged back with an 'ok'. I shrugged and got up with everyone else, we began walking down the street a couple miles. We arrived at the Game shop; we went inside and saw an old man behind the counter.
"Hi gramps, I'm back." Yugi chirped cheerfully, the others greeted the man also. He looked shorter than Yugi, actually a little like yugi might look like when he gets older.
"Why hello Yugi, how is everybody?"
"Were good, this is our new friend Tara, she just moved here from America."Yugi boasted as if that was something special. Everyone turned around to look at me, but I was cowering in the back hoping I would be forgotten.
Unfortunately, they all moved so yet again I was the center of attention. I waved slightly and gave him a measly "Hello, it's nice to meet you Mr. Mutou"
"Call me Grandpa, everyone else does." He smiled, I could only half smile because I was still nervous and yet again my "gift' was rearing its extremely ugly head.
Everyone looked up and saw the clock spinning uncontrollably. All three hands were spinning in different directions. I tried to relax, but I was just too nervous.
"What is up with clock grandpa?" Yugi inquired majorly confused. Grandpa just shrugged because he wasn't sure either.
Yugi walked over and stood on the counter right beneath the clock. He reached up and opened the door to the clock face. He tried to stop the hands by winding the clock. But, it didn't work, he grabbed one of the hands in order to stop it, but it broke off instead.
Everyone was shocked at the clocks behavior, but Tea saved the day, for me anyway.
"Yugi, were going upstairs so you can figure that out." She said as she hastily pushed us upstairs. I was right behind Joey and Tristan.
'Yugi will be joining us very soon, stupid gift!' I mentally cursed myself.
I should be able to control it without any problems. I berated myself as I sat down on the couch. For some reason I really like the left side, just like at the bench.
Hmmmm, what are we watching. I wasn't really paying attention; I was too busy tracing the design on my pendant. Originally, it was a locket, but I could never get it open. Nothing would get it to open, so I just called it a pendant.
It had a strange flower carved onto the front of it I thought it was pretty. I also could feel the back of a carving that was on the inside. I couldn't quite figure out what it was, all I know was that it was circular.
I heard a weird thumping sound coming up the stairs; I twisted around to see who it was. It was Yugi who had come upstairs with a weird look on his face. I wasn't the only one who noticed.
"What's wrong Yugi?" Tea asked confused.
He spoke "It's the weirdest thing. The clock just stopped spinning." He said still sounding confused.
"What do you mean?" I questioned hoping he wasn't observant enough to notice the fact that as soon as we came up here it stopped.
"It just stopped moving, it was really weird." I sighed in relief, I was alright for now.
Joey continued "Hmmmm, oh well, come watch the dueling tournament with us Yugi." Yugi nodded and plopped down next to me. I smiled as we watched some tournament championship.
It was between two duelists, Rex something or other, and Weevil Underwood I think.
"Dinosaurs vs. Bugs, Rex have it in the bag." Joey exclaimed
"Not quite Joey, Rex may have the strength in his monsters, but Weevil has magic cards to power his monsters up to match even beat Rex." Yugi said in a matter-of-fact tone.
I pretty much phased out of the conversation, my hand clutching my pendant tightly. Joey turned around and saw what I was doing and questioned me. "Hey Tara, what's with that necklace you got there?" I focused back on the conversation and realized what he asked "Ohhh, this is just my pendant; my mom got it while she visited Egypt about four years back and she said some lady gave it to her, and so she gave it to me. I've had it ever since. I didn't ask questions, I'm not really one to remember too" I giggled.
Joey smirked "That's cool, wait why didn't your mom keep it."
"She said it cramped her style." As I burst out laughing
Everyone turned their attention back to the tournament. I blocked out the tournament; I wasn't paying very much attention. TV wasn't something I spent a lot of my life on.
I looked at my pendant again, trying to pry open the locket part, but it was being stubborn. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard the applause on the TV.
I guess Weevil won, Yugi was right. I looked over to Yugi and for a moment thought, I was going crazy. There was a second Yugi sitting next to Yugi, except he looked older and taller and translucent. I took a double take and he was gone, I heard thumps on the stairs and saw Grandpa coming upstairs with a Box.
"Yugi, this came for you." He said cheerfully, yet with a hint of interest.
"Who's it from?" Yugi asked cautiously
"It doesn't have a name on the return label, it just says Industrial Illusions (Or some variation of that, I can't remember)"He added questionably.
"I wonder what's inside." I Questioned, I was curious of this box. Usually I would be cautious of mysterious Items. But as they would say, I'm a cat and curiosity is going to be the death of me.
Yugi began to open the box when a silent alarm in my head went bezerk. I felt worried and something was telling me he shouldn't even be looking at that box.
The TV shut off and turned on endlessly, Damn, I just can't get a hold of myself. I don't want to raise suspicion anymore than I already have.
I realized something that might relieve my freak-out session; I pinched as hard as I could on my arm. Seconds later the TV stopped spazing out, and everyone returned their attention to the box.
He had already opened the box and we were marveling at the sight, the box contained a maroon glove with star shaped holes in the base, a video tape, and a case with two star chips.
"Maybe the explanation is on the video?" Joey deducedholding the video up. He handed it to Yugi and yugi put it in the video player.
We waited for it to start with anticipation building up luckily the pinching was working. I was relaxed and awaiting, finally the snow had gone away and the tape had begun.
On the video was a message from some dude with silver hair, Hey isn't that really rich dude who presented the prize for the tournament we were watching. I think his name was Pegasus, yeah it is him.
"Hello Yugi-boy!" The video beamed, we all jumped a little. "This is a video letter for Yugi-boy so don't be surprised." He boasted with a creepy cheerful disposition.
"In fact, I want to challenge Yugi to a duel monsters duel." We all gasped, how is that possible?
Grandpa demanded, "How can a video tape duel a person?"
"Don't worry just set up your deck in front of the TV." Pegasus instructed, as if he were actually answering Grandpa.
Yugi did exactly that and sat waiting to see what would happen. "Alright I'll start with the Koumori Dragon." Yugi said with assertiveness.
"Hmmm, the Koumori Dragon, okay let me see." Pegasus murmured as he picked through his cards.
Again, we continued with the gasps, how did he know Yugi's card?
"How can he know Yugi's card through a TV screen?" Joey inquired in anger, I didn't say anything out of curiosity. I wanted to see what would happen.
"I knew you would pick that card Yugi and I'll stop it with my dragon capture jar." Pegasus chuckled and the picture vanished into the TV.
-Yugi's P.O.V. –
The cards picture vanished into the TV; this must be a shadow game! Yugi thought in alarm.
There was a blinding light and Yugi grew taller and older.
"I'll be your opponent now Pegasus." Yami said in confidence, Pegasus smiled, as if this was what he has been waiting for.
The duel continued like that, Pegasus somehow knowing what card I picked, he create a strategy to defeat every card I set out to battle. I soon figured out the beginning of his tricks only to be caught off guard by another, one I couldn't quite figure out.
"Well, since this tape is almost out of film let's add a time limit. You get fifteen minutes and whoever has the highest life-points wins, and the loser has a penalty game."
"You're on Pegasus; I summon the Dark Magician to attack the Koumori Dragon."
The Koumori Dragon was destroyed and Pegasus's life points dropped to 300.
"I've got you now Pegasus." I said in confidence, Pegasus had a dramatic moment when he drew his card.
"Oh my gosh, yess!" Pegasus said in excitement, I raised his eyebrow in curiosity.
"I summon the Illusionist Faceless Mage." He said. I could hear the cheers of my friends behind me, all except for Tara.
I turned around to look at her and she looked off into space again. Her eyes were blank as she watched. I saw her arm twitch and I looked down to see she was clutching her necklace. I looked closer and saw it was twinkling slightly.
I realized I was wasting time and turned back to the duel.
"I'll add eye of deception to my faceless mage and use black magic." He attacked my magician.
Everyone looked closer to see who won
But it was a draw, summoned my Celtic guardian and attacked his faceless mage. He was stopped from attacking; it seemed that my dark magician was being controlled.
Could it be, He's under the control of theFaceless Mage and his Eye of Deception.
We were all shocked at this. What could Pegasus see the future? But, that is just plain loony, but if that is the case what am I going to do?
My life points were down to 200 and his were at 300, all I have to do is take the last of his life points down.
"Tick tock yugi, times almost up." Pegasus said with glee
I looked over to the clock and my heart nearly stopped, I only had thirteen seconds left.
"I summon my Summoned Skull, and Demon Trumps Illusionist. Blow him away Summoned Skull. Use demon lightning!" I said with haste.
The attack nearly reached his mage, but it didn't beat the timer, it hit 0 and Pegasus was ecstatic.
-Tara's P.O.V.-
Oh no, Yugi lost. I mean it doesn't feel like Yugi, he is so different. Yet, he seems so familiar, but I don't know where from. But he seemed so good, what happens now?
I watched Yugi lower his head in shame. He was shaking like a leaf. I feel so bad for him, for some reason I don't even remember the whole duel.
"Hahaha not bad Yugi boy, but It's time for the penalty game." His hair that had been covering the right side of his face had moved and he showed a funky looking Eye!
There was a strong flash that everyone and I shielded our eyes. When the blinding light disappeared, I looked over to make sure everyone was alright.
Grandpa had passed out on the floor. We looked at Yugi who was still in shock. I looked to the TV next and saw Pegasus laughing at the looks on our faces.
I growled at him, and even if no one else could see it, he knew I was and he enjoyed it. I could feel my anger slowly boiling to the top that methodical creep he makes my skin crawl.
"Well, well, well, seems I found more than one treasure here. Come to Duelist Kingdom to rescue your Grandpa." He said looking at me, and I knew he was because the smirk on his face was making my blood boil even more. Everyone was too busy worrying over Grandpa to notice the rest of what Pegasus was saying.
I growled at him even more and I felt the light on my Pendant sparkle as well. I sense nothing but pain and desperation from him, which made me calm down, not enough to stop my gift and I had forgotten about pinching.
"Tara, Yugi, see you at duelist kingdom." Before he could say anything else, my gift fried the tape.
The snow on the TV returned and we sat in silence, I looked at Grandpa and then at Yugi and all my anger had subsided.
Yugi had returned to being his usual self, his head had dropped and sorrow was pretty much fuming off him. I was so heartbroken for him, that I stood up, walked behind him, and gave him a hug.
"Don't worry, we'll get him back. I'm sure of it." I said in high hopes of cheering him up.
Everyone decided to chime in to help cheer him up.
"Definitely, Yug, we won't rest until we rescue your gramps." Joey said all chipper.
Tea had also come to give yugi a hug. I smiled; at least he has such close friends.
"Come on, let's take Gramps to the hospital" Tea pulled out a cell phone and dialed for an ambulance. When it arrived, we all rode in it to the hospital. No one could tear their eyes away from Yugi's grandpa, we were relieved to know he was still alive, but that didn't cease how sad we all were for Yugi.
When we finally showed up at the hospital, we split up. Joey and Tristan hurried to the cafeteria and Tea chased after them to make sure they stayed out of trouble. That left me and Yugi alone with Grandpa; the awkward silence was driving me crazy, which caused me to resume pinching.
I tried to think of something to say, but I was at a loss for words. I wasn't sure how much more silence I could take before, another mishap.
Luckily, Yugi read my mind and broke the silence. "Thanks for coming with us Tara, I know you don't know us very well, and yet here you are." I waved him off with a small hand gesture.
"It's really nothing, you're my new friend and I wanted to help." I replied, I suddenly realized how much trouble I was in. "Oh shoot!" I exclaimed, reaching into my bag for my phone.
"What's wrong?" yugi asked concerned.
"I forgot about my mom, she is not going to be happy. I really should get going before my mom kills me." I said getting ready to rush out, but Yugi stopped me.
"Tara are you sure? It's getting pretty dark out to be walking alone." I smiled, and shook my head "No worried I can take care of myself fairly well."
"Well, one more thing before you go" He paused "Yeah" I said mildly confused. "Do you know why Pegasus addressed you, you know at the very end when he was saying goodbye. He said Tara and Yugi" there was no mistaking the emphasis in his voice.
I shook my head, "No, and I'm not sure I want to know." I proclaimed_ I turned to leave as Tea stopped me in the hallway.
"Tara, where are you going?" She asked, I kept my eyes forward, slightly irritated "Home" I mumbled. "Well here's my number, so we can talk and stuff." She handed me a slip of paper with a number written on it, I took it from her hands and quietly said "Goodbye"
Soon enough I was outside and walking in the cool night time, I rounded corners as if I had been doing it since I was born.
-Yugi's P.O.V.-
I starred at grandpa, lost in my thoughts. What's troubling you Yugi? Yami asked, I smirked besides the obvious? You know what I meant; there is something else in your mind. I sighed, he was right; there was something else on my mind. Tara, she had been acting weird. I agree something is off about her; I'm just not sure it's something bad. In fact there is something oddly familiar about her, you know. She reminds me of someone, I agree with you, and I think it's weird that Pegasus addressed both of us, me and her. What do you think it means? I don't know, but it can't be good.
I was falling slightly asleep when Tea comes in with a tired looking Joey and Tristan. I laughed at my friends, they could be crazy.
"Yug, I think we ought to head out, we can all stay at your place, if you want." Joey suggested_ all three nodded in agreement. "That is if you want Yugi."
I nodded, for I hated the thought of being alone in me home. They all smiled, but then Joey started looking around. "Hey where did Tara go?" Joey asked.
Before Yugi could say anything tea interrupted "Oh, she went home." Joey shrugged "Alright, whatever you say. Let's get going, I'm tired."
I nodded and we headed for my house.
-Tara's P.O.V.-
I arrived at my three story house and starred at it questionably. There weren't any lights on except for a flashing light on the second floor. I would have thought there would have at least been the kitchen lights on.
Suddenly that mini alarm in my head went off again, it was basically telling me to stay away from that house. I got the same vibe as I did from the stupid box that was not a good sign.
Reluctantly I approached the house and stepped onto the concrete porch. I put my key into the lock and turned it slightly unlocking the door. I cautiously opened the door and stepped inside. The house was silent, another very bad sign, I should have headed for the hills. But that damn curiosity really just might kill me.
"Mom." I called out, expecting an answer so that I could pin-point her location. But, instead of being greeted by her angry and worry filled voice, silence was surrounding me, and I was suffocating in it.
Again I shouted out to my mother "Momma, are you there?"
Nothing, it was pure silence
I wandered into the kitchen and flipped on the light switch, I had to shield my eyes until they adjusted, and when they finally did, I looked around.
My eyes went wide with fear, when I saw what was sitting on the counter; there was a cardboard box with my name scribbled on the front. I looked at the return address, hoping it wasn't what I thought it was; unfortunately fate didn't see it my way.
I read the return label out loud, "Industrial Illusions Inc." My heart stopped and my blood went cold as those hazardous words passed my lips.
MOM! I screamed in my head.
OK I know it's kinda looking like a yugi romance thing, but that is just because I haven't gotten quite to the romance, teehee, I'm working hard on my chapters, so be nice and review politely. Thanks, and I want to thank Jory for helping me. =^.^=