Disclaimer; I do not own Yugioh or the characters from this show

Staffel.3; More than that

Chapter.2: among us...

It was the first Sunday of the long vacation and that meant we could finally start enjoying it with no frills. Four days had already passed, but this was different. They helped their Yamis as much as they could while they got on with their own project on the side and that always takes up a lot of time so they didn't have much free time in those few days. But for now they had promised to put work on hold and spend time with their friends. When there was a message from Joey about 12 hours ago saying that if you agreed to come over it would pique your interest, which would mean he would burst if you declined but Joey knew all too well that asking you never no say do. Not even Malik! Yes, that meant they didn't say no, but they hadn't agreed yet either! The news caught them by surprise in the evening while most were asleep and at the time, although they were alert, they really didn't want to talk!

It was around 7:30 am when Malik woke up and wanted to check his messages, which he had been getting since last night when he had his phone on the charger and muted it. He then realized that he had seen the message before but dismissed it as not important but in his defense he just couldn't take it sometimes. The good thing this was is that Yugi would get on with it as he can't be forced and wants to understand. Since he didn't need this, he shrugged his shoulders in his sleeping clothes and went down the somewhat large staircase in the direction of the kitchen to prepare a capuchino to-go there. He didn't miss the few minutes and in those three minutes he also walked past the newly arranged bookshelf, reaching for one that just appealed to him. He looked at the cover. It was Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic. Well why not he thought. It wasn't exactly his favourite, but he had to say that it sometimes reminded him of his homeland in Egypt, which he sometimes, admittedly, misses. Also, he likes the story and characters behind it all. Sometimes it also reminds him of the movie Aladdin, but he wouldn't be surprised. He also suspects that much of it was copied, but it was only made with more imagination and inspiration. It didn't let his imagination sound as softy as some other manga, but it was enough for him to feel the fascination behind it. In itself he raves about a lot and main bases are in the department mystery and historical. The only thing he often thought about lately was whether his Yami prefers the same things as he does since they are still one and the same person and not like Yami and Bakura are to Yugi and Ryou. Since the two of them could still be considered more like twins in their own right, be it looks or personality. You could, since you could look at them as such... but only almost... but that doesn't matter at the moment. Speaking of Yami... Oh crap, my coffee! Full of thoughts, he almost forgot his drink and went around the corner with the manga and took his drink. He had to realize that it was close. At least he didn't want a cold drink and if he did, he would have preferred to get one of Ryou's teas. Finally, after a quarter of an hour, he had everything he needed to have a bath done and there to read the next 4 chapters of the next volume while enjoying his coffee, he was already very excited. And not only that, of course it also serves to take advantage of the peace and quiet for how long.

Malik made his way through the kitchen and the dining room in the direction of the entrance hallway because there on the right side to the entrance and exit there is a relatively comfortable bathroom and it is ideal to treat yourself to a rest in the bathroom. The bathroom on the other side is also used, but there it is only equipped with toilets. He entered, closed the door, put the book on a shelf at the edge of the bath with his coffee and had the basin filled with hot water. Of course it would take a while to get high enough so in the meantime he undressed and put towels within reach and on the floor for bathing to spill to clean himself. He also placed his mobile phone on the wash edge in front of the entrance and secured the door again. After etr gave his okay he was ready to endspannen. He left his sandy blonde hair loose because it was only shoulder length and only the tips could easily get wet. If it was worse than him, Ryou was as his pure white hair was waist-deep, which often causes him to pull his hair back into a ponytail. And Yugi's tri-colored star-shaped hair was just about handy when it came to bathing, but it was a little more annoying for showers, or at least his jagged bangs, they were always straightened and he didn't like that. He climbed in and lowered himself into a sitting-lying position that he felt was optimal for relaxing. Even before he started the break, he stopped the flow of water, added foam with a nice-smelling shampoo and began to reach for his book in the slightly dimmed light and enjoy the time. He devotes the break to what is yet to happen and the chaos he assumes that everything may follow. It doesn't matter which Yami's are thrown in pairs, there will always be trouble inevitable, under certain circumstances even all three at once make you puke. And since he knew that the three of them will be out of the house for a while, he's feeling really good now. He would say the same thing to his with Hikari's if they were up but they aren't. 'Why not! I wouldn't do any harm if I slept longer!' Yes, that was true of their respective Yamis, especially today, even before Malik got up, but only to enter the realm of ancient knowledge, one of the greatest sources of information in the world: the museum! He knew that best from the lights since it was Malik who should ask his sister Ishizu for Bakura, Marik and Yami if it would be okay to receive the 'guests' once she got here. 'Good luck my dark self, Tomb Robber and Pharaoh!'

In the whole 30 minutes that Malik needed to get there, something had happened in the rooms of the house above. That something wasn't anything special, it was just that Yugi and Ryou were also struggling to get the day started, who were just as drained as their fellow Egyptian Hikari and friend. While Malik then had his relaxed calm in the bathroom and had switched off his alarm bells, otherwise there would be no troublemaker. He thought he heard a thump of china from upstairs, but brushed it off, "I guess they both woke up upstairs, hmp."

Above the bedrooms, the white-haired boy was doing his hair because his mane likes to turn into an animal overnight and he looked a little more like his own Yami. He loved to sing a tune to himself while brushing his hair. It distracted him while also enjoying softening his hair which he ended up coating with a hair oil. He was already dressed since he never needed much sleep, so he's taken to sleeping in his striped t-shirt and boxer shorts, most of the time anyway! He looked at himself in the mirror in front of him and smiled. He looked ready to start the day. He now put his utensils aside and then cleaned them up so that his room looked tidy again. Ryou checked his watch and quickly determined he was getting younger so he finished walking from his room next door to Yugi's room to check if he wanted something. Ryou stood in front of Yugi's room and wanted to knock, but the sound of china clinked again causing him to turn around. He screamed, but not for long before he calmed down. "Ahhhhhhhhhhh! *pants* Marik you scared me, don't ever do that again!" The sandy blonde Yami in front of him laughs amused that the little one was so easily startled, which quickly turned into an amused giggle, which he showed in a harsh but also playful way when he saw Ryou pout. "I don't see what's so funny about that, you baka!" "Sorry Fluffy's Hikari I couldn't help it since it was just offered to me! Oh and little Hikari maybe you've seen my light too I wanted to say good morning to him before I leave to get the others!?" said Marik with a mischievous grin. Before Ryou answered, however, he heard the canary of a door, and apparently so did Marik. Ryou just had to turn around a little, behind him and Marik had only to tilt his head to the left and look down a bit to see the tricolore Hikari wearily opening his room door. "hmmmm?" he rubbed out one of his eyes. "Ryou, Marik? What's the matter, what noise are you two making?" Marik then approached the smallest of them all to ruffle his head with a smile, repeating his previous question of where his light was.

As Yugi let the two in, he answered the larger one he asked. The Yami decided to be a bit considerate towards the shy two and decided in the meantime to live with the two and to fulfill his duty as a Yami which is to protect the lights and to make sure nothing happens to them. Now that he knew where his better self was, he didn't want to take his time away from him. But he had to hurry if he wanted to meet the other Yamis at the museum to surprise Ishizu. So he made sure that the chicks got ready to drop them off at Joey's in the end, as he found out. Besides, he and his colleagues didn't want to leave her there alone, just to be on the safe side. The only thing missing was the two of them and getting his light to not be so stubborn. Not being from yesterday he was so scratched and borrowed Ryou's cell phone that was just lying there on a table. He had to do it intelligently, do the right thing at the right time with the right bait. But before he started he would have to call the blond boy there again to pretend to be Ryou and or if it doesn't work try it his way. After that he would have to take care of his stubborn Malik as soon as he was done with the bath and then came the last step...taking him there without any ulterior motive. He doesn't know why, but since he can control his own actions without the involvement of his other half of his former hate, he finds that day by day it affects him more and more. He had noticed it for a long time, but so far he hadn't bothered, the only bad thing was his new feelings that he experienced without Malik, who usually took care of it for him. And sometimes he thought that it made him softer, but for his conclusion he believed that this was normal for the beginning. And after all, he was born to serve as Malik's shadow, as Yami. Which will show up in the course of the process. But he himself believed that he already had this feeling of what makes a Yami, in addition to the darkness, the feeling of protecting the light souls. Especially his own!

He walked out of where he was and into the living room to make the call on Ryou's cell phone. Meanwhile, Malik was finishing his bath time and getting himself and the room tidy. As he walked out and headed for the kitchen, the smell of pancakes and bacon was delicious on the way. He smelled it and looked who was cooking and it was Yugi who gave a smile and a greeting as soon as he noticed him. "Good morning Yugi! It's a change to see you at the stove than usual Ryou!" "Thanks, I'm trying my best too. Ryou's upstairs but he should be there soon! Sit down we'll be driving soon too" he smiled. "Okay, I don't need that long anyway! But Yugi ... our car is still rewritten to Kaiba, how are we supposed to deal with it without authorization if something happens?" Concern could be heard from Malik's words, but when he was grabbed from behind at the waist and or hugged, he squeaked in surprise "Don't worry, I'm driving! Shinpaishinaide my light, I've got everything sorted. So hurry up, we're driving in 10 minutes!" it was his other self, Marik, that he thought he had since gone. The Yami turned and then smiled at his light. But just seconds later, Marik was gone, chasing after his Hikari while the other two at the table began to aces.

"Hikari wait!" he shouted while chasing his light.

At his discretion he managed to catch up with Malik and in his stubborn mode grab and then manage to grab him so he could deliver all three to Joey and his friends without having to worry about the three of them.

That, and actually a lot more, happened as soon as Yami and Bakura left the house. And from then on, when Marik decided to move on the way to the museum, he had to leave the house with the three of them at 8.10 a.m. because he arrived 10 minutes later at the blond boy's. Everything has to work for him, otherwise that's it. After all, he wanted to appear a little more social with his sister, so as not to screw up his life on earth with Malik. and if it's true what he's moisturizing then he may have to deal willy-nilly with Malik's siblings, which of course made things difficult thanks to what he had done before. even with Odion, he wasn't sure how he would react when he saw his 'master' and 'brother' he loyally served standing before him back in his own body. This will be interesting!'

Marik had actually delivered the three lights to Joey in time, as he had planned. He then just waited for the bell to ring, the door to open and show Joey and for the three smaller ones to disappear into the house leaving him alone outside which means he got back in to continue and finally to the other two Yami's.

Inside, the three of them walked around the house with Joey, who invited them to inspect their new home and ended up being very surprised when they saw everything. It was straight forward that the apartment was three times the size of Joey's old home in that only he and his father lived before and yet everything was very small for both of them. And now they lived together again only instead of his father his sister lived with him. It was also nice to find more than just Joey there. Besides Joey, Mai, Shizuka, Tristan and Otogie were also sitting in the living room. The 4 of you sat down and slowly started getting into conversations with everyone. The biggest aspect was the exchange of information, as the first week of vacation had been for everyone.

Everyone got their turn, Joey had talked about how he keeps arguing, arguing and fighting with Kaiba and how it happened that he had the opportunity to get a bigger booth with other help. Besides that, of course, he also had to protect Shizuka, his younger sister, from the two hollow pears, which often ended in violence. Tristan and Otogie's story, on the other hand, was very similar. secondly, it didn't contain much variety since both of them paid most of their attention to Shizuka over, in flashback, and now as well. They both talked about how they wanted to do something nice for her but mostly there will be conflicts over who has the privilege of what, either nobody does or Joey just interferes. Shizuka then goes on to talk about funny and thoughtful gestures from them that she really appreciated, right down to the phone call from her and Joey's mother and what the traditional holiday visit was like. There was always a reason to laugh along with their stories, even the silliest things that exist, and yet it at least makes you smile. Except for a certain brunette with cold blue eyes. On the other hand, Mai's conversations were more interesting and varied, precisely because she had already seen a lot of the world and had planned to do a lot to make it happen. Yugi, Ryou and Malik were very interested as she told them what she had seen in the world outside of Domino and Egypt in the short two weeks since they last saw each other. And now she is here and is already looking forward to the days here in Domino, which she can spend with everyone and of course attend the big events that are an annual tradition. Ryou, who is not Japanese by birth, asked which ones they were as he still has to catch up on a few things culturally as European and Asian traditions are quite different. He mentioned that he wanted to do something nice for their other selves together and that such a party would be ideal for it, but he had to admit that he didn't get around to it or didn't find anything suitable for it.

Mai pondered something and then opened the memory of the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival. "Hmm well if I were you I'd personally suggest taking advantage of the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival. After all, it's very beautiful to look at and traditionally very popular with young and old alike!" Yugi beamed when Mai said that. But he was a bit embarrassed because the native Japanese almost forgot the annual festival tradition he loved so much. Still, it didn't lower his spirits. That's a great idea he hadn't even thought of. "May I completely forgot about that because I was thinking so much and I also think that they might like it very much because the three are Egyptians and have never experienced anything like it, not even when they were here as ghosts." "Because the benefit we get is that they have a soft spot for history, even for ours. That's perfect, thanks Mai!" Ryou said, beaming as did Yugi. Malik was the only one in this room who looked a bit lost, because after all he wasn't from here either but lived the same way, except for a few visits to Japan who are only on business, which is why he spoke Arabic as well as their language, too in Egypt. So that meant that he didn't know it, which meant that she had to show and explain everything to him for the first time about the topic. "Ummmm...guys I know this is a dumb question but what is this Sumidawa festival anyway?" Because now they realize they forgot that point, that just as Malik has been culturally pushed back as the three Yamis are. Ryou is a different case. "I guess I almost forgot about that, Malik! I guess we owe that an explanation!" said Yugi. Everyone agreed with a nod of approval, which made the young Egyptian happy.

Yugi started turning in his direction so he could start explaining Malik. "The tradition of the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival began after the famine in Kyōhō in 1732. At that time, fireworks were set off there as part of festivals of the dead. The country was in an economic crisis at the time, and people were suffering more than usual under famine and , the rituals and celebrations in which the fireworks took part played multiple were memorial services for the dead as well as celebrations of life and entertainment for the poverty-stricken has since become a part of Japanese culture yelling "Tamaya" while watching fireworks. And as a performance of preserving our history, this tradition is continued every year, which always takes place on the last Saturday in July." After Yugi, together with Mai, Malik, gave further historical details about Sumidawa or today's Hanabi, and Ryou know a little more about it increased by listening with interest, he decided to create a plan for the two of them to make the day meaningful and instructive to gain a better insight. Yugi came up with some ideas that he could show them and do together, after all it would be theirs first time to see this beauty of a party and that's when it should be something special. And also for Yugi himself this will be his real first Hanabi because this time he won't spend it alone, alone in his room or just him and his Jii- chan, but with his friends. He admitted to himself that it sounded really nice and the first spot wasn't far either from Joey's place to get started.

They didn't stay with them too long until the first one, named Mai, was about to leave as she was just stopping by to check on everyone. Unexpectedly and quite spontaneously, Shizuka then suggested that we take a tour around the house and have a nice holiday season and at the end if it suits us to go to a restaurant, because it would be lunchtime in a few hours anyway and nobody had anything real to eat yet . Then at the mere word of eating, Joey's mouth opened and beamed like a dog, which meant that he was very excited and excited for food and made everything clear-shift so that he pushed everyone out the door with a jerk so that everything ran faster. If Kaiba would see him like that, he would have been exactly right this time with the nickname puppy, which he didn't give him enough and luckily he wasn't either. And then everything happened very quickly without really realizing that time was passing so quickly. Joey had herded her around in no time, but also made sure that his sister Shizuka and Mai got their walk.

In order to do it justice for the men and women, they left it at that to go to the restaurant, where you can also sit outside with pleasure. This was perfect for Joey to already stuff his stomach while letting Shizuka date Mai, who in turn would be shadowed by Otogie and Tristan out of infatuation with Shizuka. The meal went quite nice and enjoyable as always and at the end the Hikari's even took something for their darks. This time when most of them really decided to go home, which consisted of Tristan, Otogie, Shizuka and of course Joey, who had to go in the right direction, so Yugi, Ryou and Malik took the left side together with Mai, who also had to go down the path. So only the three and Mai remained. On the way, the three talked about different things and also made plans for the festival. Especially everything that was needed about the Hanabi and its preparation and other traditional things.

Yugi explained that the time there is used to spend with family and loved ones and that "The event is also more memorable, especially among young couples with their blossoming romance because it is the time when many profess their love to their partners. About In addition, it is also an opportunity for families to get together, have a good time, experience the wonderful colors of the night sky and enjoy exquisite fireworks displays are usually held in large places such as parks, large stadiums, bridges, and also on river banks in large cities like Tokyo. The most popular place for hanabi is on the Sumida River in the Asakusa area. However, one is also held here in Domin every year, which is quite busy for a small place." Ryou and Malik listened intently and Ryou remembered something from before. "I seem to remember that on the day of the festival all the festival grounds were packed." Yugi nodded in agreement " Yes, then if we want to get out of the crowd and see the fireworks in a special place, I recommend the houseboat 'Yakata'. There we can order a luxurious dinner on the boat. Some boats even have a skydeck, from from which we can even see the whole sky full of fireworks. This is said to be beautiful. It is almost like a 360-degree view of the fireworks. Of course, you need to reserve in advance at a "Yakata" boat agency, but it would be worth it. But this would have to happen early, otherwise everything is sold out." "wow, that all sounds great, I'm already a friend of it. I'm also looking forward to seeing that, don't you think Malik?!" Ryou asked her Hikari friend. "Yes, Ryou, I'm really excited as much as I'm excited to see our Yami's react to the news." They giggled at each other third."Besides, what do you actually wear to something traditionally Japanese like this? I know there are things like yukatas and kimonos but I don't understand their meaning and what occasion you should wear something for, what kind or what exactly do you wear?!" Malik asked completely clueless and still he understood the rest to some extent.

"Now that's also a great aspect of the festival and it was the design and procurement of our robes!" threw Mai in this time. "Every year I am happy to see the creative ideas of everyone who invests in their garments!" "Yes, that's really exciting and we will of course do our best to represent ourselves!" said Ryou. "You know, Malik..." said boy turned to the blond lady "to answer your question, one wears a yukata instead of a kimono for such celebrations as these are traditional attire worn by both men and women during the festival is preferred due to the hot weather in 's also one of the highlights that showcases Japanese to be honest, it's not easy for most to tell a kimono from a yukata, which I am don't blame anyone, so don't worry about that."

Yugi nodded and happily agreed. "Yes, Mai is right, and besides, once we've gotten that far, it'll be a lot easier for you to distinguish on your own." Ryou nodded to him too, but he still had to push the matter forward after all, it was clear to him that they still needed something and maybe, if they found something good, it would be possible to bring something for their Yami's as well. "So guys, a little side question...what other edible stuff do you want to have at home?"

The shopping time went by quickly until they left the supermarket with the stuff they had. When they finished shopping, packed up and got ready to go home, Mai offered to take them there in a hired car, which they appreciated and happily accepted. Then they would be nice enough to invite Mai to dinner as a thank you, which of course she initially declined, but then accepted for the sake of decency. It was around 2am when the car dropped them off at home and at almost 3pm Ryou started preparing their lunch which he had bought fresh for everyone. The food was kept simple and nice as they dined, gossiping lightly about their friends. Of course, they were quickly cleaning up the dish because they had already eaten before, but they hadn't eaten as much as Joey because they knew that something delicious was still waiting for them. Everyone participated in the clean up. Mai helped Malik do the dishes while Yugi and Ryou helped clear the table. It didn't take them long at all until they were almost done and Yugi exchanged Mai for saying goodbye with a thank you to them and getting back into her car. Ryou, who had accompanied Mai to the door, wanted to go towards the bathroom to do his business there, but the house phone rang in the meantime. And to his knowledge it was almost clear who it could be, but only almost. After all, not so many knew their home phone number. Ryou had to say goodbye to his moment and get through it. He answered and yes, it was the Yami's or rather one of the Yami's since it's only possible that someone answers and talks, unless they know how to put it on loudspeakers.

He picked up and started the phone call "Mochi Mochi! Denwa de Bakura Ryou!"

"Ryou?" came the baritone voice from the other line.

"Oh! Hey Yami, what's up, you're okay!"

"Hai, everything is fine with us, I...or rather we just wanted to let you know that we'll be there in about an hour if nothing comes between us."

"Ehh...don't see a problem!"

"Okay, see you later then!"

"Hai ... oh before I forget, bring your hunger with you, I left something delicious for you!"

"Hey, that wouldn't be necessary, but thanks for that Ryou, that's nice of you...Ah, I'm supposed to tell the thief that it's supposed to be steaks, and I bet that if it wasn't, TombRobber would go nuts!" Yami remained polite and understanding, but his ass hurt when he was annoyed by the presence in the background, who chattered about what to say to the white-haired Hikari.

"Hehe, of course, that's just my typical Yami, Bakura! Well then, see you later!"

"yes well!"

They both hung up and when Ryou put the house phone down he sighed and finally headed towards the bathroom to do his business before telling the other two who were probably done with the rest of the kitchen chores already. And it was true even since Malik and Yugi had made themselves comfortable in the living room and were now sitting on the big couch watching TV. He joined them until Ryou came out of the bathroom, whereupon he waited until the next break to tell them about the call.

Time passed very quickly for them and without them noticing it, the clock struck the next hour. They had spent the time laughing and joking so much that they didn't even realize the front door clicked and two figures entered the hallway. Only when Ryou faintly heard the familiar voice of the whining person did he look in that direction. His sense had not deceived him, it was his Yami and Yugi's Yami, as he knew. Then he looked at the clock to be told it was already five o'clock.

He smiled and greeted her followed by Yugi who checked it just as quickly and finally Malik followed. But Malik asks about Marik's absence because it seems strange to him, whereupon Yami simply replied that he would come later. He didn't let it go, but he couldn't take anything against this statement. Ryou let them arrive for the first time since they weren't there half the day before escorting them to the kitchen where they then burst and he, Ryou, served them the rest of the food. After the first ten minutes he asked how they liked it and to his surprise Bakura answered very nicely and nothing constructive like he usually does and with Yami he knew that the answer was always very polite, especially to the three of them. Both sides did one thing but not to ask each other how their day was and what they were doing.

When night slowly fell and he made sure that he smeared the shadows on the walls from where everything was written. They were in two pairs on the couch, luckily they owned two pieces which in themselves offered more than enough space for everyone. But apart from that Malik on a chair that could easily accommodate another person. But Malik could wait a long time, he didn't want to admit it but it felt strange to see the two lights with their darkness. He hated to admit it, but he had an empty feeling about himself and missed the presence of the other, which he could never reveal. What he and the others later didn't notice was that Marik arrived at around 8 o'clock and when he cleverly entered the living room and saw this, it conjured up a somewhat indefinable feeling of warmth in him. When he saw the two Yami's with their Hikari's he started making his own and went to hug his which made him happy given the state of the situation and he still found this odd. Marik knew from his feelings that Malik radiated fear and confusion in the subconscious and therefore probably showed it outside unconsciously. In the end, however, the bronze couple fell asleep together, as did the other two couples. Yugi and Yami snuggled up next to each other, smiling happily. Bakura, who was sitting on the other couch, sits up straight while his light lay across and his head rested peacefully on Bakura's lap. The two ended up sitting, with a little help from Marik's power, lap to lap with Marik being the one sitting on the bottom and Malik the one dozing on top of him asleep. His light was still fastened in an embrace that is fast asleep and he, too, who closely followed suit. A happy and sincere smile formed on his face, letting him revel in the warmth of its light. So calm returned to the house and they stayed like that until the next day. We wish you a nice holiday time.