Hey, after this chapter, it should be a hell of a whole lot easier to update, for chapters 4 and up are actually on my computer and done. So, yeah, enjoy the story. And Thank you for the reviews that I've gotten from writing this story. Five so far, and I'm hopin to get more. So R&R. Okay, also I'm thinking I need to work with my character a bit. I've been trying to develop her off the computer for sometime now. But, I guess, She needs work. I'm trying to make her interesting, but not make her a Mary-Sue either. GOD NO! Can't stand those stories, no offense. But, I still love her personality. So, I'll keep that. But, here's the thing: Give me a good time when you think Joey and Elisa should get together. It could be next chapter, end of the season, middle of the season, or not even til the end of all of my fics (Please no.) But, you guy's honest opinions really mean a lot to me. That's why I write. But, all I ask for, is not to completely bash my characters. Thank you. ^-^

Joey: Stop blathering and get on with the chapter.

Me: I'll go whenever I'm good and ready, Wheeler.

Joey: xXPeaceBabesXx doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Me: What was that? -_-"

Joey: You forgot the disclaimer last chapter, I'm just making up for it.

Me: Thanks! Hope you guys love it.

I walked up the steps to my house, to see an envelope sticking out from the crack between the door and the wall. I set my bag down and grabbed the paper, "Who's this from?" I opened it and saw the five cards, "Hmph, knowing how he is, I would bet my own soul that it was Pegasus." I took a card out and glared at it, "I was right, it's an invitation to The Duelist Kingdom." I glared at all five cards and stormed inside, slamming the door behind me, I didn't particularly want to be here, and only because I found my mother unconscious on the couch when I came home a couple days ago. And that emotional breakdown I had at Yugi's place…I shook my head; I felt so messed up. But, I promised Yugi that I'd go with him and rescue his grandpa, along with my mom.

"I promise." I whispered.

"God! I'm late, again!" I growled, at this point I was running to my first class, barely making it in time. "My alarm clock hates me, I know it!" I ran into the classroom and saw the others gathered around Yugi's desk, "Guys, I'm sorry. My alarm clock didn't go off, and tonight it dies."

Yugi smiled and gazed at me, full of apologies, "It's okay, we were just talking about the tournament."

"Yeah, I got the official tournament invitation, yesterday." I replied.

"The boat is leaving in two days." Yugi picked up the card with a ship on it.

"I'm going too." I murmured, 'no matter how dangerous it is.'

"But you can't go! It could be dangerous!" Tea blinked and exclaimed.

"I have to. It's the only clue I've got to rescue my Grandpa and Elisa's mom." Yugi frowned at the brown haired girl.

"I still can't believe it. Pegasus uses some kind of weird spell to nab your grandpa's soul and," Tristan's gaze met mine, "Your mom's too. And now he's toying with you. Forcing you to duel in his Tournament."

Joey's eyebrows pulled together, "And without invitations, we can't even go there with you. I wish we could help ya guys."

"This is bad." Tea murmured.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her, "I know." I whispered and stared at the cards.

"Hey, Yugi!" Tristan picked up a couple of the cards, "Check this out, according to this card, the tournament winner takes the grand prize of three million dollars."

'That's a lot of money.' I thought. 'If I wasn't going to rescue my mother, I'd totally go after it.'

"Three mil?" I heard Joey whisper.

"So what Tristan? Who cares about money at a time like this?" Yugi said.

"Hey, gimmie that!" Joey grabbed the card from his friend, "Hah, three million."

"I would bet three million, that Joey does." A smiled appeared on my face, it felt awkward, but I finally relaxed.

Joey grinned, "Three million, in cold hard cash."

Yugi POV

I walked to the roof and the first thing I saw, was Joey sitting near the far wall. "Joey? What are you doing up here?"

He turned his head, "hmm?"

"What's with you?" I asked, Joey seemed kind of...distant. Which was unlike him. The same with Elisa, ever since what happened with Pegasus, she hasn't really smiled.

"Ah nothin'. I'm just thinking about a whole lot of stuff. Yugi, you do know I care about your gramps right? I mean he taught me about the heart of the cards!" Joey smiled.

"Of course I know."

"I mean it! One way or another, I'll help you beat Pegasus!" He insisted.

I nodded and sat down next to him, "That means a lot to me, Joey. I'm glad we're friends."

"Remember when we first met?" Joey asked.

"I'll never forget it." I looked down at my Puzzle, "It was all because of the Millennium Puzzle. The way Grandpa explained it to me, the puzzle was originally found in some ancient ruins. My Grandpa then, dared me to solve it. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen, as soon as I touched it, I knew it was special. I made a wish on the puzzle, I asked it to give me a real friend. And i think the puzzle came through for me. That was when I met up with you and Tristan," I chuckled, "Although, you sure didn't act like my friends at first." I smiled as I remembered.

"Hah, you mean when we were playing 'keep away' with the Millennium Puzzle?" Joey's eyes softened, "It was for you, man. We just wanted to toughen you up for the real bullies, we were only teasing."

"Teasing? You took a piece of the Millennium Puzzle and threw it out the window! And I was the one who tried to help you guys when you were picked on by that bully!"

~Flashback~ Third Person POV

"What do we do?" Tristan murmured, both he and Joey were on the ground while a bully towered over them.

"Shh..." Joey warned him.

"Well, look who just showed up! It's little Yugi, just in time to watch me wipe the floor with these guys!" The bully smirked.

Yugi rushed out to stand in front of Joey and Tristan, "Get back! Leave them alone!" He shouted.

"Who's gonna stop me? A little shrimp like you? I don't think so. Get lost!"

"I won't let you, these guys are my friends!"

The bully started to laugh, "Okay tough guy. You've jumped to the front of the line!" And with that, he started to beat Yugi up. Causing him to cringe and flinch in pain.

'You stood up for us, Yugi. I'll never forget that. Because of you, we got that moron expelled. And Tristan and I learned what it was like to have a true friend.'

'Well, at least you retrieved the lost puzzle piece. If you hadn't done that. I never would have solved the Millennium Puzzle.'

"I wanna apologize, Yugi. I've been acting like a real jerk." Joey smiled.

"Oh, were you acting?" Yugi grinned.

Joey laughed, "I guess I deserve that one. If ya ask me, I think Tristan and I underestimated you. You know Yugi, you're a tougher kid than I ever gave you credit for. Maybe we should hang out more often. What do ya say?"

Yugi nodded.

Yugi POV

"Truth is, you're the best friend I've ever had." Joey said truthfully.

"Yeah." I looked down, "It's too bad that you can't come with Elisa and I to rescue them."

"Don't worry. Somehow, someway, I promise we'll do it together."

I grinned, "Together?"

Joey chuckled, "Heh, you bet. We're a team, Yugi."

I blinked in realization, "But how can you go without an invitation?"

"Hmm..."

Elisa POV

I sat on the steps leading up to my house, watching the sun go down in the horizon. "I guess I should go and get something to eat." I sighed. I got to my feet and grabbed my school bag.

"Elisa?"

I turned to Joey jog his way to me, "Oh, hey Joey." I smiled a little.

He finally caught up to me, "Hey, are ya okay?"

"I'm fine, I guess. I was just gonna get something to eat, wanna come?"

Joey smiled, "Sure, we could spend some quality time together."

I laughed, "Yeah, and maybe I can kick your butt in a match of Duel Monsters' too."

Joey carelessly threw his one arm around my shoulder, "Yeah, but you know I've gotten better. So you won't beat me just as easily."

Heat rose to my cheeks, "You sure about that?"

He gazed down at me, his smile warm, "Oh, I dunno."

I sat across from Joey in the fast food restaurant. He was trying his best to make me laugh by freaking out about the tournament.

"Joey, if ya don't calm down, you'll pop a blood vessel." I grinned and took a sip from my soda.

"But 'Lisa! I'm tryin' to help ya out here!" He exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air.

"And how is that exactly?" I raised an eyebrow.

"By givin' ya the support that you need!" A faint rose colored blush appeared onto his features.

"Well, thank you, Joey." I smiled softly and abstinently played with the straw. I sighed and looked outside.

"Are you okay?" Joey asked for the second time this evening.

"Well, I don't know how I'm gonna win. Yugi, heh, I could see win. But my mom is the only family I have left, and I need to save her. So, I need to win." I frowned.

"Elisa, your mom ain't the only family you have. You have all of us. Me, Yugi, Tristan. We're your family too. So, don't worry. In fact, I promised Yugi, that I'd help you and him in the tournament." Joey replied.

I looked back and smiled. It was quiet for a short moment while we gazed at each other. Heat flooded my cheeks and I glanced away in chagrin. 'What's going on? Why am I acting like this around my friend, Joey. That's all we are, right? I don't know.'

~~Next Night

Yugi and I were at Domino Pier, getting ready to board the ship to Duelist Kingdom. But, I was still trying to figure out why I've been feeling the way I have. Besides, even if I did like Joey, I wouldn't date him. What if we broke up, then that would be putting a strain on our friendship.

You have all of us. We're your family too.

"Hey, Elisa?" Yugi caught my attention.

"Yeah, Yugi?" I blinked and looked down at my friend.

"Something's up between you and Joey. Do you care to tell me what that is?" Yugi grinned.

I flushed in embarrassment, "Nothing!" I think.

Yugi just chuckled and shook his head.

"Attention all Duelists', welcome to this even sponsored by Industrial Illusions. You received with you, the invitation and star chips that will grant you entry into the contest. You are all elite, and invited by us after close observations of your past Duel Monster contests. You each have a fair chance to win. It all comes down to how well you've chosen your cards and how well you play. Now then duelists, cross the ocean, and enter the Duelist Kingdom!" The man with tall hair called out over the crowd.

"It looks like that man has hair with a mind of it's own." I chuckled and whispered to Yugi.

"Like mine?"

I laughed, "No, your hair is reasonable. That guy's has just one part just sticking straight up. I doubt it grows that way."

"Let's get in line." Yugi suggested.

"Right." I nodded and followed him to the end of the line, surprisingly it was moving quickly for how many people were around.

"Hey you! Get outta here! Only official contestants are allowed on board!"

"How do you know I'm not official?" I heard a familiar voice, we looked out of the line to see...Joey!

"Joey?" What's he doing here?

"Because the official contestants are not trying to sneak on board through the lower hatches." The one guard retorted. They were dragging him away, Yugi and I exchanged glances before running to them.

"Stop your struggling, we're gonna have to throw you out!"

Joey scowled, "No way! I came here to duel, and I'm gonna duel!"

"Leave him alone!" Yugi demanded.

"If this is how you treat people you don't know, I'd hate to see how you treat your friends." I crossed my arms.

"Hey Yugi, Elisa." Joey grinned.

"Joey." I said.

"What are you doing here, Joey?" Yugi asked.

"Did ya really think I was gonna let you guys do this on your own. Come on, help me out." Joey smiled.

"He's with us, you gotta let him on." Yugi insisted.

"Only people with a star-chip can get on board. There are no exceptions."

Yugi and I nodded at each other.

"But Joey has a star-chip, didn't he tell you?" I smirked.

"I do?" Joey blinked in confusion.

"See." Yugi held out his hand and placed something in Joey's. It was one of his own star-chips. Of course, I wished I was the one to do that, so Yugi wouldn't be at such a disadvantage.

"What's this?"

"According to this card, a star-chip's proof that one's a duelist." I fished the one card out of my pocket. And by doing that, I almost dropped my deck. Man, that would have been a disaster.

"That may be, but all participants are given two star chips, you'll be at a disadvantage."

"Maybe. But I'd rather take that risk than be without my friend. I need him." And the look that Yugi shared with me for a brief moment almost said And She does too. I flushed again and glanced away in chagrin.

'Thanks Yugi, I think.' I thought.

"Yugi." Joey murmured in surprise.

The guards turned to each other, "What do we do?"

The other guard pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number, "Mr. Pegasus, we've got a problem, sir."

"I'm glad they let you on, Joey." I stood next to him. I was still unsure about how my feelings for Joey were changing. 'No! I can't like him. I refuse to. He's my friend!' I shook my head slightly.

Joey glanced at me, "Only because Yugi sacrificed one of his star-chips for me. But if any of the other duelists find out we only have one star-chip each, they could really take advantage of us."

"Then keep quiet about it." Yugi grinned.

"Yeah, I'm sure they've missed it back home." I smirked.

"Kinda exciting, isn't it guys?" Joey asked, he rested his arms on the railings.

"It is." I said. I gazed out over the dark ocean and not meeting Joey's gaze, which, by the way, I could feel on me. I felt myself flush. Dammit, even if I did like Wheeler, I wasn't doing a good show in hidin' it.

"Yeah." Yugi agreed.

"Well, what do we have here?" A smooth female voice said from behind. I turned and my eyes widened before narrowing.

'Oh, great.'

"Wow!" Joey's brown eyes widened.

"Keep your eyes in your head, Wheeler." I growled.

"So, you're the Yugi kid everybody's talking about." The woman smiled.

"Whoo-ho! Check it out!" Joey exclaimed

So this is what jealously felt like. Have to say, I don't like it. And I don't like her.

"But I'm amazed that a squirt like you, could beat Kaiba." She continued, "You're famous, ya know."

Yugi wasn't sure on what to say. "Thanks very much, I think."

"Hey miss, I'm a really good friend of the master duelist, in fact-" Joey was interrupted.

"Look, you're either a champ or a chump. Cut these two loose. the one's fashion challenged and deserves to be crushed in the game." She turned and walked away.

'She's so arrogant!' My eyes twitched.

"Please, crush me!" Both the guys had stricken looks on their faces.

"I'll crush you all eventually, the name's Mai." She left.

"Argh, let's go inside now. I think I've had too much ocean air." I grabbed Joey and Yugi's hands and stalked inside the ship. They were still stunned and sudden movement didn't help.

"Hey, what's the rush, 'Lisa?" joey was finally starting to act like himself again.

I let go of them and shrugged, "Nothin'. It was getting a little too windy out there. Plus, we need to find a place to get some sleep for tomorrow."

"Oh, right. C'mon guys." Joey walked off and we followed.

"Hey, is this a joke or what?" Joey demanded when he saw the sleeping area.

'Here we go again.' I sweat-dropped.

"This is a luxury cruiser. I know you got better rooms somewhere." he continued.

"You again?" Guards grabbed Joey and he yelped in surprise. "We cut you a break and you cause more trouble?"

"You wanna get thrown outta here?"

"Yugi, if anyone's still counting, that's the second or third time he's been grabbed in one day." I smiled at Yugi.

"Hey, aren't you that Yugi kid?" A boy asked.

We turned, "Yeah, and you are..."

"Weevil! And Rex the Dino duelist." Joey grinned.

"Heh, you're wasting your time with those two. The private rooms only go to those who placed in the last tournament, like us." Rex smirked.

All three of us walked over to them. "Yeah, we heard." I smiled. I saw both Rex and Weevil blush in surprise, which was answered by an irritated grunt for Joey. 'Heh, yes!'

"Congrats on winning the regionals, Weevil." Yugi said.

"It was nothing."

"Yeah, but I went easy on him." Rex smirked.

"Yeah, but Yugi, Elisa, and I are gonna take the tournament, right guys?" Joey grinned.

"To tell you the truth, wining that tournament didn't feel like that much of an achievement. I guess I can't call myself a champion unless I beat the duelist that defeated Kaiba. But I'm sure I'll end up battling you in the tournament, Yugi. Frankly, I look forward to it." Weevil smirked.

Yugi smiled, oblivious, "I look forward to it too."

"I'm looking forward to some dino demolition." Rex smiled at me.

'Oh crap.' I blinked and backed up until I was sure that Joey was right behind me.

"Let me tell you a secret. It's something that none of the other players know about the game yet." Weevil whispered.

"Oh, isn't that cheating?"

"The other duelists will find out soon enough. But there are new rule on the island that require more strategy." Weevil explained.

"Rules are for wimps. In dueling you either smash your opponent, or get smashed yourself." Rex grumbled, "It's one or the other."

"Strength is good, but you also need to combine your cards with other types of cards." Joey added.

"Who asked you? Stay outta my way, or I'll stomp you. Like everyone else." Rex turned and walked away.

"We'll see who stomps who, when we get to the island." Joey growled.

"Don't let him get to you." I whispered.

"Ignore him, let's go scope out the competition."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Check out those chumps, they're already trading over there. Players here are swapping cards and strengthening their decks, getting ready for the tournament. it's also a great way to get a feel for someone else's cards." Weevil said.

"I guess." I crossed my arms, "Joey,-?" I turned to see that he disappeared.

"Whoa, strong card. hey, wanna trade?" How about you? Anybody? Help me out here!" Joey was really enthusiastic.

"I guess Joey's trading." Yugi said.

"That boy!" I laughed.

"If you've come all this way and you're still trying to improve your deck, you've got to be pretty desperate." Weevil turned, "Catch you on the flip side!" He walked away.

"Yea! Thank you for trading." Joey jumped around some more.

"Yugi, I'll meet you back onto the balcony once he's done. I have to...do something." I said.

"Sure, see ya in a few minutes." Yugi smiled and walked back out of the room.

"Yo, Wheeler!" I called, I grabbed my deck out of my pocket and pulled a card out.

"What's up, Elisa?" Joey bounced over.

"Here, you might need this card." I handed it to him.

"Baby Dragon?"

"Yeah, I want you to have it. It's a good card, but I don't want anything in return." I blushed slightly. "Besides, there are some good combos out there that you could use with that card."

Joey caught me off guard by hugging me. "Hey, thanks!"

I smiled, 'Great, I like him. Now what do I do?'

"Yugi! I got some good card trading in." Joey showed his friend all the cards that he got.

"Hey! let me see them! Salamandra, a Kunai with Chain, Baby Dragon, and Shield and Sword! Great! With these new magic cards combined with your monsters, you'll have a really strong deck!" Yugi said.

"All right! So now, I'm ready to win every duel I play!" Joey grinned.

"I think it's a whole lot more complicated than that." I shook my head.

Yugi opened his box, "Here." he took a card out and gave it to Joey, "Add this to your deck. It can be helpful in a tight spot."

Joey took it, "Thanks, I can't get over how much you guys are always helping me out."

"Ah, we meet again, Yugi,"

"Weevil!"

Weevil was standing against the railing, "Ah, the evening winds feel so nice." he turned around, "So, did you trade for any good cards, Yugi?"

"Naw, I'm gonna duel with the cards I brought with me." Yugi replied.

"I thought as much."

I turned to Joey slightly, "Something doesn't feel right." I whispered.

"I know, I feel it too." Suspicion was evident in his eyes.

"You used the Exodia cards in your duel with Kaiba, right? Those are the strongest cards."

Yugi smiled, "And really rare, too."

"Could I? Possibly? See those legendary cards?"

"I don't see why not, just be careful with them." Yugi took out the five Exodia cards and handed them to Weevil.

I shifted my weight nervously, "I really don't trust him."

"Yuge shouldn't do that."

"So these are the cards to summon Exodia. For a long time I've been trying to come up with some type of strategy to finally beat these cards. But I couldn't come up with anything. Until just this moment." Weevil turned away and walked to the railing, "Say goodbye to Exodia!" Weevil shouted as he threw the cards off board.

"No!" Yugi cried, the cards fell into the night darkened ocean.

"Now there's no one who can challenge me!" Weevil cackled as he walked away.

"Grr..." I growled.

"Why you!" Joey flared up.

"My cards, those are the Exodia cards my Grandpa gave me!" Yugi shouted.

Joey grabbed the railing, "I got 'em!" He threw himself over the edge.

"Joey! No!" I cried. I watched him disappear under the waves.

"Joey, where are you?"

I scanned the ocean waters until I saw blonde hair bob above the waves, "There he is, Yugi!" I pointed him out.

"Joey, they're not worth drowning over!"

"Don't worry, Yugi!" I heard his faint call.

"How are we gonna get him back up?" I asked worriedly, "Joey! Swim back to the ship!" I saw how he was struggling against the waves, "Yugi, how well can you swim?"

"I can, you?"

"I used to be on the swim team, back in Sacramento. I wasn't the best, but at least I'm a strong swimmer." I took off my jacket. A wave drug Joey under, "Yugi! Now!" We both dove into the cold water. It felt like a million needles were stabbing me endlessly. Yugi and I swam over to him.

"Joey, hold on!" Yugi shouted.

"Keep fighting the current!" I demanded.

"Just three more." Joey panted before he sank. Yugi and I dove down to bring him back up. he had no fight in him left.

"We need to get back on board." I panted; Joey was heavy! Man, what did this kid eat?

"Yugi! Elisa!" Tea's voice called.

"Are you guys okay?" Tristan chimed in, a ladder was sent down.

"Grab a hold!"

"Tea!" I smiled wearily.

"Tristan!" Yugi grinned.

"That was close! I'm sure glad you two showed up." Yugi said.

I had a hold onto Joey, until he had enough strength. "Yeah, without you guys, we would have been shark bait."

"We're a team. We all stick together." Tea said.

"We'll always watch your back." Tristan replied.

Yugi and I smiled at each other before looking at out friends, "Thanks a lot you guys!"

"I'm sorry, Yugi." Joey said suddenly.

"Huh?" Yugi turned to his friend.

"I failed, I only got two of your cards." Joey held up the two remaining Exodia cards.

"it's okay, Joey."

"it's not okay." Joey disagreed. "It's always this way with me. I'm never been able to help anybody. Not even my own sister, Serenity." He closed his eyes.

"Really? You have a sister?" I asked.

"Our parents divorced years ago, when we were kids. She lives far away now, with my mother. my sister's had really bad eyes ever since she was born." He looked up, "Eventually, she'll go blind!"

"I'm sorry."

I hated seeing him like this, "Joey." I whispered.

"Thank's Yuge. She sent me a message." And he proceeded to tell us what his sister said to him, "The doctors told her the time has come. Soon her eyes will become impossible to repair, even with surgery. But there are specialists who could preform the operation now before it's too late. They could save her eyesight. But, there's no way i could pay for the operation. I have to win, for her! Winning in the Duelist Kingdom, and getting the prize money." Tears filled his eyes, "Is the only way I could help Serenity!"

I hugged him, "I promise you Joey, we'll all be there for you."

The sun lifted over the horizon, "We'll all do our best, Joey. You for your sister, Elisa for her mother, and me for my grandpa." Yugi said.

I stood there quietly, waiting for the challenges to begin.

"That's right. We'll all do it together." Tea said.

"Look, the island!" Tristan pointed.

"That's the Duelist Kingdom. That's it, we're almost there!"

Well, this was a fun chapter. Actually my favorite so far. Don't forget to vote on my profile page. Please review. Thanks! ^-^